Refrigerator and noise control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator and a noise control method thereof.The noise control method of the refrigerator comprises the steps that when the refrigerator is powered on for the first time, two compressors are controlled to be started and run at the preset initial rotating speed; the two switching valves are controlled to be communicated with the main evaporator or the auxiliary evaporator respectively, and the two chambers are refrigerated at the same time; the rotating speeds of the two compressors are sequentially and alternately increased according to a preset staggered speed increasing strategy, and the condition that the sum of the rotating speeds of the two compressors does not exceed a preset rotating speed threshold value is met till the actual temperature of at least one chamber reaches the target initial temperature; high-rotating-speed operation of a single compressor can be avoided, and larger noise generated by sound superposition of two compressors can be effectively avoided, so that the problem of high noise generated in the operation process of the refrigerator is effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of refrigerators, and more specifically, relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling its noise. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, refrigerators on the market typically use dual-compressor refrigeration systems to achieve independent or combined control of the freezer and refrigerator compartments. However, this design often comes with relatively high noise levels. The noise primarily originates from the operation of the compressor, the heat dissipation of the condenser, and the operation of the fan. High noise not only affects the user experience but can also disturb the home environment. Therefore, providing a technical solution that effectively reduces refrigerator noise is particularly important. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and a noise control method thereof to solve the problem of high noise generated by existing refrigerators during operation.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] This invention provides a noise control method for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising two compartments and a non-cascade refrigeration system; the non-cascade refrigeration system consists of two independent refrigeration systems; each refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a switching valve, a throttling component, a main evaporator, and a secondary evaporator connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circulation loop, and the main evaporator and the secondary evaporator are respectively connected to the two outlet ends of the switching valve; each compartment is equipped with one main evaporator and one secondary evaporator; the noise control method for the refrigerator includes:

[0006] When the refrigerator is powered on for the first time, it controls the two compressors to start running at preset initial speeds.

[0007] Control the two switching valves to connect the main evaporator or the auxiliary evaporator respectively, and cool the two compartments at the same time;

[0008] The two compressors are alternately increased in sequence according to the preset staggered speed-up strategy, and the sum of the speeds of the two compressors does not exceed the preset speed threshold, until the actual temperature of at least one compartment reaches the target initial temperature.

[0009] Furthermore, before controlling the two switching valves to connect the main evaporator or the auxiliary evaporator respectively, the method further includes: determining one of the two compartments as the priority cooling compartment and the other as the secondary cooling compartment according to a preset priority cooling strategy;

[0010] The control system connects the two switching valves to either the main evaporator or the auxiliary evaporator, simultaneously cooling both compartments. Following a preset staggered speed-up strategy, the speeds of the two compressors are alternately increased, ensuring the sum of their speeds does not exceed a preset speed threshold, until the actual temperature of at least one compartment reaches the target initial temperature. Specifically:

[0011] First, control one of the switching valves to connect the main evaporator corresponding to the priority cooling chamber, and control the other switching valve to connect the auxiliary evaporator corresponding to the secondary cooling chamber;

[0012] The speed of the two compressors is alternately increased in turn according to the preset staggered speed increase strategy, and the sum of the speeds of the two compressors does not exceed the preset speed threshold until the actual temperature of the priority cooling room reaches the target initial temperature.

[0013] Then control one of the switching valves to connect the auxiliary evaporator corresponding to the priority cooling compartment, and control the other switching valve to connect the main evaporator corresponding to the secondary cooling compartment;

[0014] The two compressors are alternately increased in sequence according to the preset staggered speed-up strategy, and the sum of the speeds of the two compressors does not exceed the preset speed threshold, until the actual temperature of the secondary cooling chamber reaches the target initial temperature.

[0015] Furthermore, the noise control method for the refrigerator also includes:

[0016] After both compartments reach the target initial temperature, control both compressors to stop running;

[0017] Determine if each room requires cooling;

[0018] If only one room needs cooling, then activate one of the cooling systems to cool only the room that needs cooling.

[0019] If both rooms require cooling, one of the cooling systems will be activated to cool both rooms, or the two cooling systems will be activated alternately according to a preset staggered activation strategy to cool the two rooms.

[0020] Furthermore, the specific step of activating one of the refrigeration systems to cool only the rooms requiring cooling is as follows:

[0021] Select the refrigeration system containing the main evaporator corresponding to the room with cooling needs, control the corresponding compressor to start and run, and control the corresponding switching valve to connect the main evaporator so that cooling is only provided to the room with cooling needs.

[0022] Furthermore, the specific steps of activating one of the refrigeration systems to cool the two rooms are as follows:

[0023] Select one of the refrigeration systems that has been started, control the corresponding switching valve to connect the auxiliary evaporator, and simultaneously refrigerate both compartments.

[0024] Furthermore, the two compartments are respectively the first compartment and the second compartment, and the step of alternately activating the two refrigeration systems to refrigerate the two compartments according to a preset staggered start-up strategy specifically involves:

[0025] First, select the refrigeration system where the main evaporator corresponding to the first compartment is located, control the corresponding compressor to start running, and control the corresponding switching valve to connect the auxiliary evaporator, so as to cool both compartments at the same time;

[0026] When the first room no longer needs cooling but the second room still needs cooling, shut down the refrigeration system where the main evaporator corresponding to the first room is located, select the refrigeration system where the main evaporator corresponding to the second room is located, control the corresponding compressor to start running, and control the corresponding switching valve to connect the main evaporator, so that only the second room is cooled;

[0027] When the second compartment still needs cooling and the first compartment needs cooling again, the refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator of the second compartment is selected, and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the auxiliary evaporator, so that both compartments are cooled at the same time.

[0028] When the second compartment no longer needs cooling but the first compartment still needs cooling, the refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator of the second compartment is shut down, the refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator of the first compartment is selected, the corresponding compressor is started and started, and the corresponding switching valve is connected to the auxiliary evaporator to cool both compartments at the same time.

[0029] This process continues until neither room requires cooling.

[0030] Furthermore, if the first room has a specific refrigeration requirement, both refrigeration systems will be activated simultaneously to refrigerate the first room.

[0031] When the sum of the speeds of the two compressors does not exceed the preset speed threshold, the speeds of the two compressors are continuously increased until the actual temperature of the first compartment reaches the target freezing temperature.

[0032] Furthermore, when the sum of the speeds of the two compressors exceeds a preset speed threshold, the refrigeration system containing the main evaporator corresponding to the second compartment is shut down, and the refrigeration system containing the main evaporator corresponding to the first compartment is selected. The corresponding switching valve is controlled to continue operating at the preset maximum speed until the actual temperature of the first compartment reaches the target freezing temperature.

[0033] Furthermore, activating both refrigeration systems simultaneously to cool the first room involves the following steps:

[0034] Select the refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator in the first compartment, start the corresponding compressor and control the corresponding switching valve to connect the main evaporator; at the same time, select the refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator in the second compartment, start the corresponding compressor and control the corresponding switching valve to connect the auxiliary evaporator.

[0035] The present invention also provides a refrigerator comprising two compartments and a non-cascade refrigeration system; the non-cascade refrigeration system comprises two independent refrigeration systems; each refrigeration system comprises a compressor, a condenser, a switching valve, a throttling component, a main evaporator, and a secondary evaporator connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circulation loop, and the main evaporator and the secondary evaporator are respectively connected to the two outlet ends of the switching valve; each compartment is equipped with a main evaporator and a secondary evaporator; characterized in that the refrigerator's controller is configured to implement the noise control method of the refrigerator as described above.

[0036] Compared with existing technologies, the refrigerator and its noise control method provided by this invention have the following advantages: This invention addresses the initial cooling phase of the refrigerator when both compartments require cooling. First, it controls the two compressors to start running at preset initial speeds. Then, it employs a preset staggered speed-up strategy to alternately increase the speeds of the two compressors, ensuring that the sum of their speeds does not exceed a preset speed threshold. This invention not only avoids high-speed operation of a single compressor but also effectively prevents the combined noise from the two compressors, thus effectively solving the problem of high noise levels during refrigerator operation. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the non-cascade refrigeration system of the refrigerator in this invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the noise control method for the refrigerator during its first power-on in this invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the noise control method for the refrigerator during non-first power-on in this invention;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the noise control method for a refrigerator under specific freezing requirements in this invention;

[0042] The main markings in the attached figures are as follows:

[0043] C1, the first room; C2, the second room;

[0044] 11. First compressor; 12. Second compressor;

[0045] 21. First condenser; 22. Second condenser;

[0046] 31. First dryer filter; 32. Second dryer filter;

[0047] 41. First switching valve; 42. Second switching valve;

[0048] 51. First throttling component; 52. Second throttling component; 53. Third throttling component; 54. Fourth throttling component;

[0049] 61. First main evaporator; 62. Second auxiliary evaporator; 63. Third main evaporator; 64. Fourth auxiliary evaporator. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0051] To facilitate understanding, the following will first explain the specific structure of the refrigerator in detail, and then introduce the methods for controlling the refrigerator's noise.

[0052] The refrigerator proposed in this invention comprises two compartments and a non-cascade refrigeration system; the non-cascade refrigeration system consists of two independent refrigeration systems; each refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a switching valve, a throttling component, a main evaporator and a secondary evaporator connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circulation loop, and the main evaporator and the secondary evaporator are respectively connected to the two outlet ends of the switching valve; each compartment is equipped with a main evaporator and a secondary evaporator.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the two compartments are compartment 1 (C1) and compartment 2 (C2), which are the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, respectively. The two refrigeration systems are the first refrigeration system and the second refrigeration system, respectively.

[0054] The first refrigeration system includes a first compressor 11, a first condenser 21, a first switching valve 41, a first throttling assembly, a first main evaporator 61, and a second auxiliary evaporator 62. The first main evaporator 61 corresponds to the first compartment C1, while the second auxiliary evaporator 62 corresponds to the second compartment C2. A first dryer filter 31 is connected in series between the first condenser 21 and the first switching valve 41. In the first throttling assembly, a first throttling element 51 is connected in series on the inlet side of the first main evaporator 61, and a second throttling element 52 is connected in series on the inlet side of the second auxiliary evaporator 62. In a preferred embodiment, both the first throttling element 51 and the second throttling element 52 are capillary tubes. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the first throttling element 51 and the second throttling element 52 may also be electronic expansion valves.

[0055] The first outlet of the first switching valve 41 is connected to the inlet side of the first main evaporator 61, and the second outlet of the second switching valve 42 is connected to the inlet side of the second auxiliary evaporator 62. The first switching valve 41 can switch between the first outlet and the second outlet.

[0056] There are two possible refrigerant flow paths in the first refrigeration system, as detailed below:

[0057] When the first switching valve 41 switches to the first outlet end, it connects the first main evaporator 61. Only the first main evaporator 61 participates in the refrigerant cycle, while the second auxiliary evaporator 62 does not. At this time, the refrigerant flows from the exhaust port of the first compressor to the first condenser 21, then to the first dryer filter 31, the first switching valve 41, the first throttling element 51, the first main evaporator 61, and the suction port of the first compressor 11, cooling only the first compartment C1.

[0058] When the first switching valve 41 switches to the second outlet, it connects the second auxiliary evaporator 62, and both the first main evaporator 61 and the second auxiliary evaporator 62 participate in the refrigerant cycle. At this time, the refrigerant flows from the exhaust port of the first compressor 11 to the first condenser 21, the first dryer filter 31, the first switching valve 41, the second throttling element 52, the second auxiliary evaporator 62, the first main evaporator 61, and the suction port of the first compressor 11, simultaneously cooling both compartments.

[0059] Similarly, the second refrigeration system includes a second compressor 12, a second condenser 22, a second switching valve 42, a second throttling assembly, a third main evaporator 63, and a fourth auxiliary evaporator 64. The third main evaporator 63 corresponds to the second compartment C2, while the fourth auxiliary evaporator 64 corresponds to the first compartment C1. A second dryer filter 32 is connected in series between the second condenser 22 and the second switching valve 42. In the first throttling assembly, a third throttling element 53 is connected in series on the inlet side of the third main evaporator 63, and a fourth throttling element 54 is connected in series on the inlet side of the second auxiliary evaporator 62. In a preferred embodiment, both the third throttling element 53 and the fourth throttling element 54 are capillary tubes. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the third throttling element 53 and the fourth throttling element 54 may also be electronic expansion valves.

[0060] The third outlet of the second switching valve 42 is connected to the inlet side of the third main evaporator 63, and the fourth outlet of the second switching valve 42 is connected to the inlet side of the fourth auxiliary evaporator 64. The second switching valve 42 can switch between the third outlet and the fourth outlet.

[0061] There are two possible refrigerant flow paths in the second refrigeration system, as detailed below:

[0062] When the second switching valve 42 switches to the third outlet, it connects the third main evaporator 63. Only the third main evaporator 63 participates in the refrigerant cycle, while the fourth auxiliary evaporator 64 does not. At this time, the refrigerant flows as follows: discharge port of the second compressor 12 → second condenser 22 → second dryer filter 32 → second switching valve 42 → third throttling element 53 → third main evaporator 63 → suction port of the second compressor 12, cooling only the second compartment C2.

[0063] When the second switching valve 42 switches to the fourth outlet, it connects the fourth auxiliary evaporator 64, and both the third main evaporator 63 and the fourth auxiliary evaporator 64 participate in the refrigerant cycle. At this time, the refrigerant flows as follows: discharge port of the second compressor 12 → second condenser 22 → second dryer filter 32 → second switching valve 42 → fourth throttling element 54 → fourth auxiliary evaporator 64 → third main evaporator 63 → suction port of the second compressor 12, simultaneously cooling both compartments.

[0064] Based on the specific structure of the refrigerator described above, the noise control method for the refrigerator includes the following steps:

[0065] When the refrigerator is first powered on, it controls the two compressors to start running at preset initial speeds.

[0066] Control the two switching valves to connect the main evaporator or the auxiliary evaporator respectively, so that the two compartments are cooled at the same time;

[0067] The two compressors are alternately increased in sequence according to the preset staggered speed-up strategy, and the sum of the speeds of the two compressors does not exceed the preset speed threshold, until the actual temperature of at least one compartment reaches the target initial temperature.

[0068] It should be noted that the preset initial speed is a low speed or the lowest speed; the preset staggered speed-up strategy is: after one compressor increases its speed, after m minutes, the other compressor will increase its speed; and so on, increasing the speed sequentially.

[0069] This invention addresses the issue of both compartments requiring cooling during the initial power-on operation of a refrigerator. First, it controls the two compressors to start operating at preset initial speeds. Then, using a preset staggered speed-up strategy, the speeds of the two compressors are alternately increased, ensuring that the sum of their speeds does not exceed a preset speed threshold. This design not only avoids high-speed operation of a single compressor but also effectively prevents the combined noise from the two compressors, thus effectively solving the problem of high noise levels during refrigerator operation.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, before controlling the two switching valves to connect the main evaporator or the auxiliary evaporator respectively, the method further includes: determining one of the two compartments as the priority cooling compartment and the other as the secondary cooling compartment according to a preset priority cooling strategy. It should be noted that the preset priority cooling strategy is as follows: by comparing the temperature difference between the two compartments and their respective target initial temperatures, the compartment with the larger temperature difference is selected as the priority cooling compartment, while the compartment with the smaller temperature difference is selected as the priority cooling compartment.

[0071] The aforementioned control valves connect the main evaporator or the auxiliary evaporator respectively, simultaneously cooling both compartments; the speeds of the two compressors are alternately increased according to a preset staggered speed-up strategy, ensuring that the sum of the speeds of the two compressors does not exceed a preset speed threshold, until the actual temperature of at least one compartment reaches the target initial temperature. Specifically:

[0072] First, control one of the switching valves to connect the main evaporator corresponding to the priority cooling chamber, and control the other switching valve to connect the auxiliary evaporator corresponding to the secondary cooling chamber;

[0073] The speed of the two compressors is alternately increased in turn according to the preset staggered speed increase strategy, and the sum of the speeds of the two compressors does not exceed the preset speed threshold until the actual temperature of the priority cooling room reaches the target initial temperature.

[0074] Then control one of the switching valves to connect the auxiliary evaporator corresponding to the priority cooling compartment, and control the other switching valve to connect the main evaporator corresponding to the secondary cooling compartment;

[0075] The two compressors are alternately increased in sequence according to the preset staggered speed-up strategy, and the sum of the speeds of the two compressors does not exceed the preset speed threshold, until the actual temperature of the secondary cooling chamber reaches the target initial temperature.

[0076] Furthermore, after both compartments reach the target initial temperature, the two compressors are stopped, completing the refrigerator's initial power-on operation phase. Subsequently, the refrigerator enters the non-initial power-on operation phase.

[0077] This invention addresses the initial power-on operation phase of a refrigerator by identifying a priority cooling compartment and a secondary cooling compartment. Under the premise that the sum of the rotational speeds of the two compressors does not exceed a preset speed threshold, the two refrigeration systems work together to cool the priority cooling compartment. Once the actual temperature of the priority cooling compartment reaches the target initial temperature, the two refrigeration systems then work together to cool the secondary cooling compartment. This design not only effectively avoids high noise levels during refrigerator operation but also meets the need for personalized temperature control in multiple compartments, thereby significantly improving the overall performance of the refrigerator.

[0078] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, when the refrigerator is first powered on, the target initial temperature Tset1 for the first compartment C1 and the target initial temperature Tset2 for the second compartment C2 are set. The first compressor 11 and the second compressor 12 start running at preset minimum speeds, respectively, and monitor the actual temperature Tact1 of the first compartment C1 and the actual temperature Tact2 of the second compartment C2 in real time. The temperature difference ΔT1 (ΔT1=|Tset1-Tact1|) between the actual temperature of the first compartment C1 and the target initial temperature, and the temperature difference ΔT2 (ΔT2=|Tset2-Tact2|) between the actual temperature of the second compartment C2 and the target initial temperature are calculated respectively. By comparing the magnitude of the temperature differences, the priority cooling compartment and the secondary cooling compartment are determined.

[0080] If ΔT1 > ΔT2, the first compartment C1 becomes the priority cooling compartment, while the second compartment C2 becomes the secondary cooling compartment. In the first refrigeration system, the first switching valve 41 switches to the first outlet end, meaning the first switching valve 41 connects to the first main evaporator 61, and the refrigerant flows to the first throttling device 51. In the second refrigeration system, the second switching valve 42 switches to the fourth outlet end, meaning the second switching valve 42 connects to the fourth auxiliary evaporator 64, and the refrigerant flows to the fourth throttling device 54. At this time, the two refrigeration systems work together to cool the priority cooling compartment.

[0081] Following a pre-defined staggered acceleration strategy, the speeds of the two compressors are alternately increased sequentially, ensuring that the sum of their speeds (n1 + n2) does not exceed a pre-defined speed threshold (N1) until the actual temperature of the first compartment C1 reaches the target initial temperature. It should be noted that if the sum of the speeds of the two compressors reaches the pre-defined speed threshold, the acceleration of both compressors is stopped.

[0082] If the actual temperature of the first compartment C1 reaches the target initial temperature, but the actual temperature of the second compartment C2 has not yet reached the target initial temperature, in the first refrigeration system, the first switching valve 41 switches to the second outlet end, that is, the first switching valve 41 connects to the second auxiliary evaporator 62, and the refrigerant flows to the second throttling device 52. In the second refrigeration system, the second switching valve 42 switches to the third outlet end, that is, the second switching valve 42 connects to the third main evaporator 63, and the refrigerant flows to the third throttling device 53. At this time, the two refrigeration systems work together to cool the secondary refrigeration compartment.

[0083] Following a pre-defined staggered acceleration strategy, the speeds of the two compressors are alternately increased sequentially, ensuring that the sum of their speeds (n1 + n2) does not exceed a pre-defined speed threshold (N1) until the actual temperature of the second compartment C2 reaches the target initial temperature. Finally, once both compartments have reached the target initial temperature, the two compressors are stopped. It should be noted that if the sum of the two compressor speeds reaches the pre-defined speed threshold, the acceleration of the two compressors is stopped.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present invention, the noise control method for the refrigerator further includes: determining whether each compartment has a cooling demand when the refrigerator is not powered on for the first time;

[0085] If only one room needs cooling, then activate one of the cooling systems to cool only the room that needs cooling.

[0086] If both rooms require cooling, one of the cooling systems will be activated to cool both rooms, or the two cooling systems will be activated alternately according to a preset staggered activation strategy to cool the two rooms.

[0087] This invention addresses the issue of compressor restarting during the non-initial power-on phase of a refrigerator, specifically after both compartments have reached their initial temperature. Regardless of whether one or both compartments require cooling, only one refrigeration system is activated at any given time; that is, only one compressor starts running while the other remains off. This design effectively avoids the noise accumulation caused by both compressors operating simultaneously, thus significantly reducing the noise generated during refrigerator operation.

[0088] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned activation of one of the refrigeration systems to cool only the compartment requiring cooling specifically involves: selecting the refrigeration system containing the main evaporator corresponding to the compartment requiring cooling, controlling the corresponding compressor to start operation, and controlling the corresponding switching valve to connect the main evaporator, thus cooling only the compartment requiring cooling. This design not only effectively reduces the high noise generated during refrigerator operation but also accelerates the cooling process of the compartment requiring cooling, thereby improving the overall performance of the refrigerator.

[0089] In another optional embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned activation of one refrigeration system to cool two compartments specifically involves selecting one already activated refrigeration system, controlling the corresponding switching valve to connect the auxiliary evaporator, and simultaneously cooling both compartments. This design not only effectively reduces the high noise generated during refrigerator operation but also simplifies the control switching process, thereby improving the overall performance of the refrigerator.

[0090] In another optional embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned two compartments are respectively the first compartment and the second compartment. Specifically, the two refrigeration systems are alternately activated sequentially according to a preset staggered start-up strategy to refrigerate the two compartments as follows:

[0091] First, select the refrigeration system where the main evaporator corresponding to the first compartment is located, control the corresponding compressor to start running, and control the corresponding switching valve to connect the auxiliary evaporator, so as to cool both compartments at the same time;

[0092] When the first room no longer needs cooling but the second room still needs cooling, shut down the refrigeration system where the main evaporator corresponding to the first room is located, select the refrigeration system where the main evaporator corresponding to the second room is located, control the corresponding compressor to start running, and control the corresponding switching valve to connect the main evaporator, so that only the second room is cooled;

[0093] When the second compartment still needs cooling and the first compartment needs cooling again, the refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator of the second compartment is selected, and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the auxiliary evaporator, so that both compartments are cooled at the same time.

[0094] When the second compartment no longer needs cooling but the first compartment still needs cooling, the refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator of the second compartment is shut down, the refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator of the first compartment is selected, the corresponding compressor is started and started, and the corresponding switching valve is connected to the auxiliary evaporator to cool both compartments at the same time.

[0095] This process continues until neither room requires cooling.

[0096] This design employs a staggered start-up mechanism for the dual compressors, ensuring that they do not start simultaneously. By staggering the start-up of the two compressors, the noise level of a single compressor is significantly lower than the combined noise of both compressors running concurrently, thus significantly reducing the noise level during refrigerator operation. Simultaneously, it improves the cooling efficiency of compartments requiring cooling, thereby significantly enhancing the overall performance of the refrigerator.

[0097] It is important to note that after the initial temperature is reached, when a compartment requires cooling, the compressor restart phase falls into four categories (see table below). Noise control is crucial when both the first and second compartments simultaneously require cooling; therefore, noise reduction methods are particularly critical in this situation. For the other three scenarios, noise reduction measures are relatively easy to implement and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0098] 1 The first room requires cooling. The second room does not require cooling. 2 The first room does not require cooling. The second room requires cooling. 3 The first room requires cooling. The second room requires cooling. 4 The first room does not require cooling. The second room does not require cooling.

[0099] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0100] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, during the non-initial power-on operation phase, at the current time k1, when the first compartment C1 has a cooling demand while the second compartment C2 does not, only the first refrigeration system needs to be started, and the second refrigeration system does not need to be started. At this time, the first compressor 11 in the first refrigeration system starts running, and the first switching valve 41 switches to the first outlet end, that is, the first switching valve 41 connects to the first main evaporator 61, and the refrigerant flows to the first throttling element 51, cooling only the first compartment C1.

[0101] At the current moment k1+M1, the second compartment C2 has a cooling demand. At this time, the first compressor 11 in the first refrigeration system continues to operate, and the first switching valve 41 switches to the second outlet end, that is, the first switching valve 41 connects the second auxiliary evaporator 62, and the refrigerant flows to the second throttling element 52 to achieve simultaneous cooling of the two compartments.

[0102] At the current time k1+M2, the actual temperature of the first compartment C1 has reached the preset target temperature, while the actual temperature of the second compartment C2 has not yet reached the preset target temperature. At this time, the first refrigeration system is shut down, and the first compressor 11 stops running. The second refrigeration system is then started, the second compressor 12 starts running, and the second switching valve 42 switches to the third outlet end, that is, the second switching valve 42 connects to the third main evaporator 63, and the refrigerant flows to the third throttling element 53, cooling only the second compartment C2.

[0103] At the current moment k1+M3, the actual temperature of the second compartment C2 has not yet reached the preset target temperature, while the first compartment C1 has a cooling demand. At this time, the second compressor 12 in the second refrigeration system continues to operate, and the second switching valve 42 switches to the fourth outlet end, that is, the second switching valve 42 connects to the fourth auxiliary evaporator 64, and the refrigerant flows to the fourth throttling element 54, realizing simultaneous cooling of the two compartments.

[0104] In this manner, the two compressors always start and run in staggered shifts until the actual temperature of both compartments reaches the preset target temperature, thus eliminating the need for cooling in either compartment.

[0105] In addition, the present invention also proposes a noise control method applicable to specific freezing requirements (such as deep freezing or quick freezing).

[0106] In some embodiments of the present invention, if the first compartment has a specific refrigeration requirement, two refrigeration systems are activated simultaneously to refrigerate the first compartment.

[0107] When the combined speed of the two compressors does not exceed a preset speed threshold, the speed of both compressors is continuously increased until the actual temperature of the first compartment reaches the target freezing temperature. This design not only avoids high-speed operation of a single compressor but also effectively prevents the combined noise from the two compressors, thus effectively solving the problem of high noise during refrigerator operation.

[0108] When the combined speed of the two compressors exceeds a preset speed threshold, the refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator of the second compartment is shut down, and the refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator of the first compartment is selected. The corresponding switching valve is controlled to continue operating at the preset maximum speed until the actual temperature of the first compartment reaches the target freezing temperature. This design not only meets the specific freezing needs of a single compartment but also allows for timely adjustment to start operation of a single compressor as needed, effectively avoiding excessive operating noise.

[0109] Specifically, the aforementioned activation of two refrigeration systems to simultaneously cool the first room involves:

[0110] The refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator of the first compartment is selected, and the corresponding compressor is started and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the main evaporator. Simultaneously, the refrigeration system corresponding to the main evaporator of the second compartment is selected, and the corresponding compressor is started and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the auxiliary evaporator. This design, through the coordinated operation of the two refrigeration systems, provides combined cooling for a single compartment, effectively improving its cooling rate and ensuring that the specific refrigeration needs of each compartment are met.

[0111] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0112] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the first compartment C1 is set to start the deep freeze or quick freeze function, for example, the target freezing temperature is set to -26℃ or -33℃.

[0113] Determine whether the first refrigeration system is running; if the first refrigeration system is running, then determine whether its refrigerant is flowing to the first throttling device 51. If it is flowing to the first throttling device 51, no adjustment is needed; if it is not flowing to the first throttling device 51, control the first switching valve 41 to connect the first main evaporator 61, so that the refrigerant flows to the first throttling device 51, and control the first compressor 11 to continuously increase its speed.

[0114] If the first refrigeration system is in the off state, control the first compressor 11 to start running and continuously increase the speed, while controlling the first switching valve 41 to connect the first main evaporator 61, so that the refrigerant flows to the first throttling element 51.

[0115] Similarly, determine whether the second refrigeration system is running; if the second refrigeration system is running, then determine whether its refrigerant is flowing to the fourth throttling element 54. If it is flowing to the fourth throttling element 54, no adjustment is needed; if it is not flowing to the fourth throttling element 54, control the second switching valve 42 to connect the fourth auxiliary evaporator 64, so that the refrigerant flows to the fourth throttling element 54, and control the second compressor 12 to continuously increase its speed.

[0116] If the second refrigeration system is in the off state, control the second compressor 12 to start running and continuously increase the speed, while controlling the second switching valve 42 to connect the fourth auxiliary evaporator 64, so that the refrigerant flows to the fourth throttling device 54.

[0117] The system monitors in real time whether the sum of the speeds of the two compressors exceeds a preset speed threshold. If it does, the second refrigeration system is shut down, and the first compressor 11 in the first refrigeration system is controlled to continue running at a preset maximum speed until the actual temperature of the first compartment C1 reaches the target freezing temperature. If the speed does not exceed the preset speed threshold, the speeds of the two compressors are continuously increased until the actual temperature of the first compartment C1 reaches the target freezing temperature.

[0118] This invention aims to solve the problem of high noise levels generated during the operation of refrigerators using dual-compressor refrigeration systems. By optimizing the operating strategy of the refrigeration system, noise levels are significantly reduced, thereby improving the user experience, reducing interference with the home environment, and effectively improving the user's quality of life.

[0119] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it may be directly or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0120] Furthermore, the terms "center," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0121] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0122] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0123] 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.

Claims

1. A noise control method for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising two compartments and a non-cascade refrigeration system; the non-cascade refrigeration system is composed of two independent refrigeration systems; each refrigeration system comprises a compressor, a condenser, a switching valve, a throttling assembly, a main evaporator and a sub-evaporator connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circulation loop, and the main evaporator and the sub-evaporator are connected to two outlet ends of the switching valve, respectively; each compartment is equipped with a main evaporator and a sub-evaporator; characterized in that, The noise control method of the refrigerator comprises: The two compressors are controlled to start running at preset initial rotating speeds respectively when the refrigerator is powered on for the first time; The two switching valves are controlled to connect the main evaporator or the auxiliary evaporator respectively, and the two compartments are refrigerated at the same time; The rotating speeds of the two compressors are sequentially and alternately increased according to a preset staggered speed-up strategy, and the sum of the rotating speeds of the two compressors does not exceed a preset rotating speed threshold, until the actual temperature of at least one compartment reaches a target initial temperature.

2. The refrigerator noise control method of claim 1, wherein, Before the two switching valves are controlled to connect the main evaporator or the auxiliary evaporator respectively, the method further comprises: determining one of the two compartments as a priority refrigeration compartment and the other as a secondary refrigeration compartment according to a preset priority refrigeration strategy; The two switching valves are controlled to connect the main evaporator or the auxiliary evaporator respectively, and the two compartments are refrigerated at the same time; the rotating speeds of the two compressors are sequentially and alternately increased according to a preset staggered speed-up strategy, and the sum of the rotating speeds of the two compressors does not exceed a preset rotating speed threshold, until the actual temperature of at least one compartment reaches a target initial temperature, which specifically comprises: One of the switching valves is controlled to connect the main evaporator corresponding to the priority refrigeration compartment, and the other switching valve is controlled to connect the auxiliary evaporator corresponding to the secondary refrigeration compartment; The rotating speeds of the two compressors are sequentially and alternately increased according to a preset staggered speed-up strategy, and the sum of the rotating speeds of the two compressors does not exceed a preset rotating speed threshold, until the actual temperature of the priority refrigeration compartment reaches a target initial temperature; One of the switching valves is controlled to connect the auxiliary evaporator corresponding to the priority refrigeration compartment, and the other switching valve is controlled to connect the main evaporator corresponding to the secondary refrigeration compartment; The rotating speeds of the two compressors are sequentially and alternately increased according to a preset staggered speed-up strategy, and the sum of the rotating speeds of the two compressors does not exceed a preset rotating speed threshold, until the actual temperature of the secondary refrigeration compartment reaches a target initial temperature.

3. The refrigerator noise control method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The noise control method of the refrigerator further comprises: After the two compartments both reach the target initial temperature, the two compressors are controlled to stop running; It is judged whether each compartment has a refrigeration demand; If only one compartment has a refrigeration demand, one of the refrigeration systems is started to refrigerate only the compartment with the refrigeration demand; If both compartments have a refrigeration demand, one of the refrigeration systems is started to refrigerate both compartments, or two of the refrigeration systems are sequentially and alternately started to refrigerate both compartments according to a preset staggered starting strategy.

4. The refrigerator noise control method of claim 3, wherein, The starting of one of the refrigeration systems to refrigerate only the compartment with the refrigeration demand specifically comprises: The refrigeration system in which the main evaporator corresponding to the compartment with the refrigeration demand is located is selected, the corresponding compressor is controlled to start running, and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the main evaporator to refrigerate only the compartment with the refrigeration demand.

5. The refrigerator noise control method according to claim 3, wherein, The starting of one of the refrigeration systems to refrigerate both compartments specifically comprises: The started refrigeration system is selected, and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the auxiliary evaporator to refrigerate both compartments at the same time.

6. The refrigerator noise control method according to claim 3, wherein, The two compartments are a first compartment and a second compartment, and the sequentially and alternately starting of two of the refrigeration systems to refrigerate both compartments according to a preset staggered starting strategy specifically comprises: First, the refrigeration system in which the main evaporator corresponding to the first compartment is located is selected, the corresponding compressor is controlled to start running, and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the auxiliary evaporator, and the two compartments are refrigerated at the same time; When the first compartment no longer needs refrigeration and the second compartment still needs refrigeration, the refrigeration system in which the main evaporator corresponding to the first compartment is located is turned off, the refrigeration system in which the main evaporator corresponding to the second compartment is located is selected, the corresponding compressor is controlled to start running, and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the main evaporator, and only the second compartment is refrigerated; When the second compartment still needs refrigeration and the first compartment needs refrigeration again, the refrigeration system in which the main evaporator corresponding to the second compartment is located is continuously selected, and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the auxiliary evaporator, and the two compartments are refrigerated at the same time; When the second compartment no longer needs refrigeration and the first compartment still needs refrigeration, the refrigeration system in which the main evaporator corresponding to the second compartment is located is turned off, the refrigeration system in which the main evaporator corresponding to the first compartment is located is selected, the corresponding compressor is controlled to start running, and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the auxiliary evaporator, and the two compartments are refrigerated at the same time; And so on, until both compartments have no refrigeration demand.

7. The refrigerator noise control method according to claim 6, wherein, If the first compartment has a specific freezing demand, two refrigeration systems are started to refrigerate the first compartment at the same time; When the sum of the speeds of the two compressors does not exceed the preset speed threshold, the speeds of the two compressors are continuously increased until the actual temperature of the first compartment reaches the target freezing temperature.

8. The refrigerator noise control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the sum of the speeds of the two compressors exceeds the preset speed threshold, the refrigeration system in which the main evaporator corresponding to the second compartment is located is turned off, the refrigeration system in which the main evaporator corresponding to the first compartment is continuously selected, and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to continue running at the preset maximum speed until the actual temperature of the first compartment reaches the target freezing temperature.

9. The refrigerator noise control method of claim 7, wherein, Starting two refrigeration systems to refrigerate the first compartment at the same time specifically includes: The refrigeration system in which the main evaporator corresponding to the first compartment is selected, the corresponding compressor is started, and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the main evaporator; at the same time, the refrigeration system in which the main evaporator corresponding to the second compartment is selected, the corresponding compressor is started, and the corresponding switching valve is controlled to connect the auxiliary evaporator.

10. A refrigerator comprising two compartments and a non-cascade refrigeration system; the non-cascade refrigeration system is composed of two independent refrigeration systems; each refrigeration system comprises a compressor, a condenser, a switching valve, a throttling assembly, a main evaporator and a sub-evaporator connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circulation loop, and the main evaporator and the sub-evaporator are connected to two outlet ends of the switching valve respectively; each compartment is equipped with a main evaporator and a sub-evaporator; characterized in that, The controller of the refrigerator is configured to implement the noise control method of the refrigerator of any one of claims 1-9.

Images