Fault detection method for refrigerator and refrigerator

Abstract

The invention discloses a refrigerator fault detection method and a refrigerator, and the method comprises the steps: enabling the refrigerator to operate in a first working mode, obtaining a first temperature of a storage chamber in the mode, calculating the drop temperature of the first temperature relative to the environment temperature, and obtaining a first difference value, and when the first difference value is below the lower limit value of a first preset range, determining that the storage chamber fails; determining that the connection problem exists or all capillary tubes are blocked if the temperature drop is small; when the first difference value is within the first preset range, it is considered that temperature drop is normal, but it still cannot be judged that the refrigerator has no fault, and further detection is needed, so that when the first difference value is within the first preset range or it is judged that the connection problem exists, the refrigerator operates in the second working mode, and the second temperature of the storage chamber in the mode is obtained; and calculating the drop temperature of the second temperature relative to the environment temperature to obtain a second difference value, and judging the connection condition of the capillary tube according to the second difference value and the second preset range, so that whether the capillary tube of the refrigeration system has a connection problem can be effectively identified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a fault detection method for a refrigerator and a refrigerator using the fault detection method. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator's refrigeration system typically includes a compressor, condenser, capillary tube, and evaporator. The compressor, condenser, capillary tube, and evaporator are connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circuit for refrigerant circulation.

[0003] With energy efficiency upgrades, single-system refrigerators incorporate multiple capillary tubes in their refrigeration systems. These tubes, connected in parallel with varying refrigerant flow rates, utilize switching mechanisms to selectively open or close certain capillary tubes, thus adjusting the refrigerant flow. However, the more complex the refrigeration system, the more complex the refrigerator's fault detection becomes. Having multiple capillary tubes necessitates checking for connection issues, such as blockages or reversed connections. This undoubtedly places higher demands on the refrigerator's fault detection capabilities.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a fault detection method applicable to refrigerators with multiple capillary tubes in their refrigeration systems, which can effectively identify whether there are connection problems with the capillary tubes in such refrigerators. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to effectively identify whether there is a connection problem in the capillary tubes of a refrigerator with multiple capillary tubes in its refrigeration system, this application provides a fault detection method for a refrigerator and a refrigerator using the fault detection method.

[0006] The first embodiment of this application provides a fault detection method for a refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator includes at least one storage compartment and a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system is used to cool the storage compartment and includes at least two capillary tubes. The at least two capillary tubes are sequentially connected to an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and a switching component to form at least two refrigerant circuits. The refrigerant flow rates of the at least two capillary tubes are different from each other. The switching component is configured to selectively open or close some or all of the at least two capillary tubes to switch the operating mode of the refrigerator.

[0007] The fault detection method includes: controlling the switching component to make the refrigerator run in a first working mode, acquiring a first temperature of the storage compartment and an ambient temperature outside the refrigerator in the first working mode, calculating the temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature to obtain a first difference, and determining that at least two capillary tubes have a connection problem or that all of them are blocked when the first difference is below the lower limit of a first preset range, wherein the first preset range is determined based on the ambient temperature and the working mode of the refrigerator; when it is determined that at least two capillary tubes have a connection problem or that the first difference is within the first preset range, controlling the switching component to make the refrigerator run in a second working mode, acquiring a second temperature of the storage compartment and an ambient temperature outside the refrigerator in the second working mode, calculating the temperature drop of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature to obtain a second difference, and determining the connection status of at least two capillary tubes based on the second difference and a second preset range, wherein the second preset range is determined based on the ambient temperature and the working mode of the refrigerator, and the refrigerant flow rate of the refrigeration system is different in the second working mode and the first working mode.

[0008] The fault detection method provided in the second embodiment of this application, when the first working mode is to connect all capillaries in the at least two capillaries, compares the first difference with a first threshold when the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range. If the first difference is below the first threshold, it is determined that all capillaries in the at least two capillaries are blocked; if the first difference is above the first threshold, it is determined that there is a connection problem in the at least two capillaries. By comparing the first difference with the first threshold, and based on the comparison result, it is determined whether all capillaries in the plurality of capillaries are blocked or whether there is a connection problem other than blockage of all capillaries. The judgment result is highly accurate, the logic is simple, and it is easy to implement.

[0009] The fault detection method provided in the third embodiment of this application, wherein the first threshold is equal to zero, and the step of determining that all capillaries in the at least two capillaries are blocked when the first difference is below the first threshold includes: determining that all capillaries in the at least two capillaries are blocked when the first difference is less than or equal to zero.

[0010] The fault detection method provided in the fourth embodiment of this application further includes: determining that the compressor is faulty when the first difference is above the upper limit of the first preset range; and ending the fault detection procedure when the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range and it is determined that all capillary tubes in the at least two capillary tubes are blocked.

[0011] The fault detection method provided in the fifth embodiment of this application, wherein the at least one storage compartment includes a freezer compartment, and the step of obtaining the first temperature of the storage compartment in the first working mode includes: controlling the refrigerator to cool the freezer compartment separately, and obtaining the first temperature of the freezer compartment in the first working mode; the step of obtaining the second temperature of the storage compartment in the second working mode includes: controlling the refrigerator to cool the freezer compartment separately, and obtaining the second temperature of the freezer compartment in the second working mode.

[0012] The fault detection method provided in the sixth embodiment of this application includes at least two capillary tubes, each comprising a first capillary tube and a second capillary tube. Controlling the switching component to operate the refrigerator in a first working mode includes: controlling the switching component to connect the first capillary tube and block the second capillary tube; or, controlling the switching component to connect both the first and second capillary tubes. Controlling the switching component to operate the refrigerator in a second working mode includes: controlling the switching component to block the first capillary tube and connect the second capillary tube. Wherein, when controlling the switching component to operate the refrigerator in the first working mode includes: controlling the switching component to connect the first capillary tube and block the second capillary tube, and when the first difference is below the lower limit of a first preset range, it is determined that the... The determination that at least two capillary tubes have connection problems or that all of them are blocked includes: when the first difference is below the lower limit of a first preset range, determining that the first capillary tube is blocked; when the switching component is controlled to make the refrigerator run in a first working mode, the determination includes: controlling the switching component to connect the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube; when the first difference is below the lower limit of a first preset range, determining that at least two capillary tubes have connection problems or that all of them are blocked includes: when the first difference is below the lower limit of a first preset range, comparing the first difference with a first threshold; when the first difference is below the first threshold, determining that all of the at least two capillary tubes are blocked; when the first difference is above the first threshold, determining that at least two capillary tubes have connection problems.

[0013] The fault detection method provided in the seventh embodiment of this application, wherein the refrigerant flow rate of the first capillary tube is greater than the refrigerant flow rate of the second capillary tube; when the switching component is controlled to make the refrigerator operate in a first working mode, the method includes: controlling the switching component to open the first capillary tube and block the second capillary tube; the method of determining the connection status of the at least two capillary tubes based on the second difference and the second preset range includes: when the second difference is within the second preset range, determining that there is no connection problem between the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube; when the second difference is below the lower limit of the second preset range, determining that the second capillary tube is blocked; when the second difference is above the upper limit of the second preset range, determining that the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube are connected in reverse. When the switching component is controlled to operate the refrigerator in a first working mode, the following steps are taken: controlling the switching component to connect the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube; determining the connection status of the at least two capillary tubes based on the second difference and a second preset range includes: if the second difference is within the second preset range, and the refrigerator is operating in the first working mode, determining that there is a connection problem between the at least two capillary tubes, and determining that the first capillary tube is blocked; otherwise, determining that there is no connection problem between the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube; if the second difference is below the lower limit of the second preset range, determining that the second capillary tube is blocked; if the second difference is above the upper limit of the second preset range, determining that the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube are connected in reverse.

[0014] The fault detection method provided in the eighth embodiment of this application, after obtaining the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator under the first working mode, further includes: determining a first preset range based on the ambient temperature and the working mode of the refrigerator; after obtaining the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator under the second working mode, it further includes: determining a second preset range based on the ambient temperature and the working mode of the refrigerator; wherein, when the first working mode corresponds to the first capillary being open and the second capillary being blocked, and the second working mode corresponds to the first capillary being blocked and the second capillary being open, if 15℃ < ambient temperature is satisfied... For ambient temperatures ≤25℃, the first preset range is 7℃~9℃, and the second preset range is 10℃~12℃. If the ambient temperature is >25℃, the first preset range is 5℃~7℃, and the second preset range is 8℃~10℃. When the first working mode corresponds to connecting the first capillary and the second capillary, and the second working mode corresponds to blocking the first capillary and connecting the second capillary, if the ambient temperature is 15℃<ambient temperature≤25℃, the first preset range is 8℃~10℃, and the second preset range is 11℃~13℃. If the ambient temperature is >25℃, the first preset range is 6℃~8℃, and the second preset range is 9℃~11℃.

[0015] The fault detection method provided in the ninth embodiment of this application further includes a third capillary tube in addition to the at least two capillary tubes; controlling the switching component to make the refrigerator operate in a first working mode includes: controlling the switching component to open the first capillary tube and block the second capillary tube and the third capillary tube; controlling the switching component to make the refrigerator operate in a second working mode includes: controlling the switching component to block the first capillary tube and the third capillary tube and open the second capillary tube; the fault detection method further includes: controlling the switching component to block the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube and open the third capillary tube to make the refrigerator operate in a third working mode; obtaining the third temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator in the third working mode, calculating the temperature drop of the third temperature relative to the ambient temperature to obtain a third difference; and determining the connection status of the third capillary tube based on the third difference and a third preset range.

[0016] The refrigerator in the tenth embodiment of this application includes at least one storage compartment and a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system is used to cool the storage compartment and includes at least two capillary tubes. The at least two capillary tubes are respectively connected to an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and a switching component in sequence to form at least two refrigerant circuits. The refrigerant flow rates of the at least two capillary tubes are different from each other. The switching component is configured to selectively open or close some or all of the at least two capillary tubes to switch the operating mode of the refrigerator.

[0017] The controller is communicatively connected to the switching component and can control the switching component to selectively conduct or block some or all of the capillaries in the at least two capillaries to switch the working mode of the refrigerator and execute the aforementioned fault detection method.

[0018] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0019] The fault detection method in the first embodiment and the refrigerator in the tenth embodiment of this application first control the switching component to make the refrigerator run in a first working mode and obtain the first temperature of the storage compartment in the first working mode. The temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain a first difference. When the first difference is below the lower limit of a first preset range, the temperature drop is considered too small, possibly indicating complete capillary blockage or other connection problems. Therefore, a connection problem or complete capillary blockage is determined. When the first difference is within the first preset range, the temperature drop is considered normal, but it still cannot be determined that the refrigerator is fault-free and further testing is required. Therefore, when the first difference is within the first preset range, or a connection problem is determined, the switching component is controlled to make the refrigerator run in a second working mode and obtain the second temperature of the storage compartment in the second working mode. The temperature drop of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature is then calculated to obtain a second difference. Based on the second difference and the second preset range, the connection status of the capillary is determined, which can effectively identify whether there is a connection problem in the capillary of the refrigeration system.

[0020] The fault detection method in the second embodiment of this application further compares the first difference with a first threshold when the first difference is below the lower limit of a first preset range. Based on the comparison result of the first difference and the first threshold, it determines whether all capillaries in the plurality of capillaries are blocked or there is a connection problem other than all capillaries being blocked. The judgment result is highly accurate, the logic is simple, and it is easy to implement.

[0021] The fault detection method in the fifth embodiment of this application can avoid interference from other storage compartments cooling simultaneously, thus improving the accuracy of capillary tube connection status judgment.

[0022] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0024] Figure 1 A perspective view of the exterior of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A structural diagram of a refrigerator refrigeration system according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 A structural diagram of a refrigerator refrigeration system according to another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 A block diagram illustrating a portion of the refrigerator structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 A flowchart of the fault detection method according to the first embodiment of this application is shown.

[0029] Figure 6 A flowchart of a fault detection method according to a variation of this application is shown.

[0030] Figure 7 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification 2 of this application is shown.

[0031] Figure 8 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification 3 of this application is shown.

[0032] Figure 9 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification 4 of this application is shown.

[0033] Figure 10 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification 5 of this application is shown.

[0034] Figure 11 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification Six of this application is shown.

[0035] Figure 12 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification Seven of this application is shown.

[0036] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0037] 10. Cabinet; 11. Storage compartment; 20. Door; 31. Compressor; 32. Condenser; 33. Evaporator; 34. Switching unit; 35. First capillary tube; 36. Second capillary tube; 37. Third capillary tube; 41. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, implementation methods and advantages of this application clearer, the exemplary implementation methods of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the exemplary embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described exemplary embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0039] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise stated, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meaning.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms “including” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover but not exclusively include, for example, a product or device that includes a series of components is not necessarily limited to those components that are clearly listed, but may include other components that are not clearly listed or that are inherent to such product or device.

[0041] The terms "first," "second," and "third" 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily have to be performed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, while others can be combined or partially combined; therefore, the actual execution order may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0044] For a refrigerator with multiple capillary tubes connected in parallel in a refrigeration system, since there may be connection problems with each capillary tube, such as blockage of one or more capillary tubes, or reversed connection between some capillary tubes, it is necessary to check whether there are connection problems with each capillary tube in the refrigeration system.

[0045] In view of this, the embodiments of this application control the switching component to make the refrigerator run in a set working mode, and obtain the temperature of the storage compartment in the working mode, calculate the temperature drop of the storage compartment relative to the ambient temperature, obtain the temperature difference, and then determine the connection status of the capillary tube based on the relationship between the temperature difference in the working mode and the set temperature difference range, which can effectively identify whether there is a connection problem in the capillary tube of the refrigeration system.

[0046] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] Figure 1 A perspective view of the exterior of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 A structural diagram of a refrigerator refrigeration system according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 3 A structural diagram of a refrigerator refrigeration system according to another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator of this embodiment includes a cabinet 10 and a door 20.

[0049] The cabinet 10 is constructed with a storage compartment 11 having an access port, through which food and other items can be retrieved and placed. For example, there may be one or more storage compartments 11, and the multiple storage compartments 11 may be divided into refrigerator compartments or freezer compartments.

[0050] The door 20 is movable relative to the housing 10, used to open or close the access port of the storage compartment 11. Exemplarily, the door 20 is hinged to the housing 10 and can rotate relative to the housing 10. Exemplarily, there can be multiple doors 20. Each storage compartment 11 can have one corresponding door 20, or multiple storage compartments 11 can have one corresponding door 20; this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0051] The refrigerator in this embodiment may further include a refrigeration system installed inside the cabinet 10 for cooling the storage compartment 11. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the refrigeration system includes a compressor 31, a condenser 32, an evaporator 33, multiple capillary tubes, a switching component 34, etc. The multiple capillary tubes are arranged in parallel. The compressor 31 is loaded with refrigerant. The compressor 31, condenser 32, switching component 34, capillary tubes, and evaporator 33 are connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circuit for refrigerant circulation.

[0052] Compressor 31 is the power source of the refrigeration system, driving the refrigerant to transfer heat and exchange heat. Low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in compressor 31 and then discharged into condenser 32. The high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas then dissipates heat through condenser 32, its temperature continuously decreasing until it is gradually cooled into high-temperature, high-pressure saturated vapor, and further cooled into saturated liquid. The saturated liquid flows into a capillary tube, where it undergoes throttling and pressure reduction, transforming the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. This low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas begins to absorb heat and vaporize in evaporator 33, lowering the temperature of evaporator 33 and its surroundings, causing evaporator 33 to produce low-temperature cold air, and also transforming the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant exiting evaporator 33 returns to compressor 31, repeating the above process to transfer heat from storage compartment 11 to the air outside the casing 10, thereby achieving cooling of storage compartment 11.

[0053] The refrigerant flow rates of the multiple capillary tubes are different. When different capillary tubes are connected, the refrigerant flow rate through the refrigerant circuit is different, thereby adjusting the amount of cold air supplied by the refrigeration system to the refrigerator's storage compartment 11.

[0054] The refrigeration system includes multiple capillary tubes, or it may include two capillary tubes, for example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the refrigeration system includes a first capillary tube 35 and a second capillary tube 36, which are respectively connected between the switching component 34 and the evaporator 33. The compressor 31, condenser 32, switching component 34, first capillary tube 35, and evaporator 33 are sequentially connected to form a refrigerant circuit. When the switching component 34 selectively activates the first capillary tube 35, the refrigerant circuit formed by the sequential connection of the compressor 31, condenser 32, switching component 34, first capillary tube 35, and evaporator 33 is activated. At this time, the refrigerant can flow sequentially through the condenser 32, switching component 34, first capillary tube 35, and evaporator 33, returning to the compressor 31. When the switching component 34 selectively connects the second capillary tube 36, the refrigerant circuit formed by the sequential connection of the compressor 31, condenser 32, switching component 34, second capillary tube 36, and evaporator 33 is connected. At this time, the refrigerant can flow sequentially through the condenser 32, switching component 34, second capillary tube 36, and evaporator 33, and return to the compressor 31.

[0055] The refrigeration system includes multiple capillary tubes, and may include three capillary tubes, for example, as shown below. Figure 3As shown, the refrigeration system includes a first capillary tube 35, a second capillary tube 36, and a third capillary tube 37, which are respectively connected between the switching component 34 and the evaporator 33. The compressor 31, condenser 32, switching component 34, first capillary tube 35, and evaporator 33 are sequentially connected to form a refrigerant circuit. When the switching component 34 selectively activates the first capillary tube 35, the refrigerant circuit formed by the sequential connection of the compressor 31, condenser 32, switching component 34, first capillary tube 36, and evaporator 33 is activated. At this time, the refrigerant can flow sequentially through the condenser 32, switching component 34, first capillary tube 35, and evaporator 33, returning to the compressor 31. When the switching component 34 selectively activates the second capillary tube 36, the refrigerant circuit formed by the sequential connection of the compressor 31, condenser 32, switching component 34, second capillary tube 36, and evaporator 33 is activated. At this time, the refrigerant can flow sequentially through the condenser 32, switching component 34, second capillary tube 36, and evaporator 33, returning to the compressor 31. When the switching component 34 selectively activates the third capillary tube 37, the refrigerant circuit formed by the sequential connection of the compressor 31, condenser 32, switching component 34, third capillary tube 37, and evaporator 33 is activated. At this time, the refrigerant can flow sequentially through the condenser 32, switching component 34, third capillary tube 37, and evaporator 33, returning to the compressor 31.

[0056] The refrigeration system includes multiple capillary tubes, or it may include four or more capillary tubes. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0057] The capillary tube can be connected to the switching component 34 and the evaporator 33 by welding. When the capillary tube is welded to the switching component 34 and the evaporator 33, this application detects whether there are connection problems with the capillary tube in the refrigeration system, that is, whether there are welding problems between the capillary tube and the switching component 34 and the evaporator 33. For example, excessive solder may cause the capillary tube to become blocked during welding, or some capillary tubes may be welded backwards when welding multiple capillary tubes to the switching component 34 and the evaporator 33 separately. Of course, the capillary tube can also be connected to the switching component 34 and the evaporator 33 by other means.

[0058] The switching component 34 switches the refrigerant flow path, thereby switching the refrigerator's operating mode. For Figure 2The refrigeration system shown can be configured such that the switching component 34 can switch the refrigerant flow path to allow simultaneous flow through both the first capillary tube 35 and the second capillary tube 36; or, switch the refrigerant flow path to allow either the first capillary tube 35 or the second capillary tube 36 to flow through only one path; or, switch the refrigerant flow path to allow both the first capillary tube 35 and the second capillary tube 36 to be shut off simultaneously. For Figure 3 The refrigeration system shown can be configured such that the switching component 34 can switch the refrigerant flow path to three simultaneous flows through the first capillary tube 35, the second capillary tube 36, and the third capillary tube 37; or, switch the refrigerant flow path to a single flow through the first capillary tube 35, the second capillary tube 36, or the third capillary tube 37; or, switch the refrigerant flow path to two of the first capillary tube 35, the second capillary tube 36, and the third capillary tube 37, with one of them shut off; or, switch the refrigerant flow path to all three simultaneous shut-offs.

[0059] The switching component 34 is configured to selectively open or close some or all of the multiple capillaries to switch the refrigerator's operating mode. For example, for... Figure 2 The refrigeration system shown, in a certain operating mode, switches 34 connects the first capillary tube 35 and the second capillary tube 36; in another operating mode, switches 34 connects the second capillary tube 36 and blocks the first capillary tube 35. For example, for... Figure 3 The refrigeration system shown in the diagram, in a certain operating mode, the switching component 34 connects the first capillary tube 35 and blocks the second capillary tube 36 and the third capillary tube 37; in a certain operating mode, the switching component 34 connects the second capillary tube 36 and blocks the first capillary tube 35 and the third capillary tube 37; in a certain operating mode, the switching component 34 connects the third capillary tube 37 and blocks the first capillary tube 35 and the second capillary tube 36.

[0060] For example, the switching component 34 can be an electric valve. Of course, the switching component 34 can also be other components, such as a ball valve, a butterfly valve, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0061] Switching unit 34 can have two refrigerant channels and can be applied to Figure 2 The cooling system shown includes a refrigerant channel connecting the first capillary tube 35 and the condenser 32, and another refrigerant channel connecting the second capillary tube 36 and the condenser 32. The switching component 34 may also have three refrigerant channels, which can be applied to… Figure 3 The cooling system shown includes a refrigerant channel connecting the first capillary tube 35 and the condenser 32, a refrigerant channel connecting the second capillary tube 36 and the condenser 32, and a refrigerant channel connecting the third capillary tube 37 and the condenser 32.

[0062] Figure 4A block diagram illustrating a portion of the refrigerator structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerator in this embodiment may further include a controller 41. The controller 41 can be communicatively connected to each component of the refrigeration system and can send control signals to each component of the refrigeration system to control each component of the refrigeration system. Exemplarily, the controller 41 can send control signals to the switching component 34 to control the switching component 34 to selectively conduct or block some or all of the multiple capillary tubes, thereby switching the operating mode of the refrigerator.

[0064] The controller 41 is configured to execute a fault detection method. The fault may be a compressor failure, partial or complete blockage of some or all of the multiple capillary tubes, or partial or complete reversal of some or all of the multiple capillary tubes.

[0065] Figure 5 A flowchart of a fault detection method according to a first embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the fault detection method includes at least steps S510 to S560, which are described in detail below:

[0066] In step S510, the control switching component causes the refrigerator to operate in the first working mode.

[0067] In step S520, the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained under the first working mode, and the temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the first difference.

[0068] In step S530, it is determined whether the first difference is within the first preset range. If yes, proceed to step S540b; otherwise, proceed to step S540a.

[0069] The first preset range is determined based on the ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode. This first preset range can be determined by a mapping relationship between the ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode. This mapping relationship can be determined using a mapping table; after obtaining the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator in the first operating mode, the first preset range is obtained by looking up this mapping table.

[0070] In step S540a, it is determined whether the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range. If so, proceed to step S550a.

[0071] In step S550a, it is determined that there is a connection problem with the multiple capillaries or that all of the capillaries are blocked. If it is determined that there is a connection problem with the multiple capillaries, the process proceeds to step S540b.

[0072] In step S540b, the control switching component causes the refrigerator to operate in the second working mode, and then proceeds to step S550b.

[0073] In step S550b, the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained in the second working mode, and the decrease in temperature of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the second difference.

[0074] In step S560, the connection status of the multiple capillaries is determined based on the second difference and the second preset range.

[0075] The second preset range is determined based on the ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode. This determination of the second preset range, based on the ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode, can be a mapping relationship between the second preset range and these two parameters. This mapping relationship can be determined using a mapping table; after obtaining the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator in the second operating mode, the second preset range is obtained by looking up this mapping table.

[0076] In the second operating mode, the refrigerant flow rate of the refrigeration system differs from that in the first operating mode. Figure 2 Taking the cooling system shown as an example, the first working mode can be to open the first capillary tube 35 and the second capillary tube 36, and the second working mode can be to open the second capillary tube 36 and block the first capillary tube 35; the first working mode can also be to open the first capillary tube 35 and block the second capillary tube 36, and the second working mode can also be to open the second capillary tube 36 and block the first capillary tube 35.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the switching component is first controlled to make the refrigerator run in the first working mode, and the first temperature of the storage compartment in the first working mode is obtained. The temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the first difference. When the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range, it is considered that the temperature drop is too small, and there may be blockage of all capillary tubes or other connection problems. It is determined that there is a connection problem or that all capillary tubes are blocked. When the first difference is within the first preset range, it is considered that the temperature drop is normal, but it is still impossible to determine that the refrigerator is not faulty and further testing is required. Therefore, when the first difference is within the first preset range, or it is determined that there is a connection problem, the switching component is controlled to make the refrigerator run in the second working mode, and the second temperature of the storage compartment in the second working mode is obtained. The temperature drop of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature is then calculated to obtain the second difference. The connection status of the capillary tube is determined based on the second difference and the second preset range, which can effectively identify whether there is a connection problem in the capillary tube of the refrigeration system.

[0078] See next. Figure 6 , Figure 6 A flowchart of a fault detection method according to a variation of this application is shown. Figure 6As shown, the fault detection method includes at least steps S610 to S660, which are described in detail below:

[0079] In step S610, the control switching component causes the refrigerator to operate in the first working mode.

[0080] In step S620, the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained in the first working mode, and the temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the first difference.

[0081] In step S630, it is determined whether the first difference is within the first preset range. If yes, proceed to step S640b; otherwise, proceed to step S640a.

[0082] In step S640a, it is determined whether the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range. If so, proceed to step S650a; otherwise, proceed to step S650c.

[0083] In step S650a, it is determined whether there is a connection problem with the multiple capillaries or whether all of them are blocked. If a connection problem is determined, the process proceeds to step S640b. If all of the multiple capillaries are determined to be blocked, the fault detection procedure ends.

[0084] In step S640b, the control switching component causes the refrigerator to operate in the second working mode, and then proceeds to step S650b.

[0085] In step S650b, the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained in the second working mode, and the decrease in temperature of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the second difference.

[0086] In step S650c, a compressor malfunction is determined.

[0087] When the first difference is not within the first preset range and is not below the lower limit of the first preset range, it means that the first difference is above the upper limit of the first preset range. In other words, the first difference is too high, indicating that the refrigeration system is malfunctioning. This may be due to a compressor failure, such as the compressor being installed backwards. In this case, the compressor failure should be identified so that it can be repaired or replaced.

[0088] In step S660, the connection status of the multiple capillaries is determined based on the second difference and the second preset range.

[0089] See next. Figure 7 , Figure 7 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification 2 of this application is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the fault detection method includes at least steps S710 to S760, which are described in detail below:

[0090] In step S710, the control switching component causes the refrigerator to operate in the first working mode.

[0091] In step S720, the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained under the first working mode, and the temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the first difference.

[0092] In step S730, it is determined whether the first difference is within the first preset range. If yes, proceed to step S740b; otherwise, proceed to step S740a.

[0093] In step S740a, it is determined whether the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range. If so, proceed to step S750a; otherwise, proceed to step S750c.

[0094] In step S750a, it is determined whether the first difference is below the first threshold. If so, it is determined that all capillaries in the plurality of capillaries are blocked; otherwise, it is determined that there is a connection problem in the plurality of capillaries. If a connection problem is determined to exist in the plurality of capillaries, the process proceeds to step S740b. If it is determined that all capillaries in the plurality of capillaries are blocked, the fault detection procedure ends.

[0095] Understandably, the connection problem of these multiple capillaries can be any connection problem other than complete capillary blockage, such as partial capillary blockage, partial or complete capillary reversal, etc.

[0096] The first threshold is a temperature difference reference value set based on experimental results. When the first difference is below the first threshold, the temperature drop in the storage chamber is considered too small and severe, indicating that all capillary tubes are blocked. When the first temperature reaches or exceeds the first threshold, the temperature drop in the storage chamber is considered too small and slightly less severe, indicating that there are connection problems in the multiple capillary tubes other than complete capillary tube blockage. For example, if the first threshold is zero, when the first difference is less than or equal to zero, it is considered that the temperature of the storage chamber in the first working mode has not decreased relative to the ambient temperature, the refrigeration system has not provided cold air to the storage chamber, and all capillary tubes are blocked. When the first difference is greater than zero, it is considered that there are connection problems in the multiple capillary tubes other than complete capillary tube blockage.

[0097] In step S740b, the control switching component causes the refrigerator to operate in the second working mode, and then proceeds to step S750b.

[0098] In step S750b, the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained in the second working mode, and the decrease in temperature of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the second difference.

[0099] In step S750c, a compressor malfunction is determined.

[0100] In step S760, the connection status of the multiple capillaries is determined based on the second difference and the second preset range.

[0101] In this embodiment, when the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range, the first difference is further compared with the first threshold. Based on the comparison result of the first difference and the first threshold, it is determined whether all capillaries in the plurality of capillaries are blocked or there is a connection problem other than all capillaries being blocked. The judgment result is highly accurate, the logic is simple, and it is easy to implement.

[0102] In some embodiments, one of the refrigerator's storage compartments 11 is a freezer compartment. Obtaining the first temperature of the storage compartment in the first operating mode may include: controlling the refrigerator to cool only the freezer compartment, thereby obtaining the first temperature of the freezer compartment in the first operating mode. Similarly, obtaining the second temperature of the storage compartment in the second operating mode may include: controlling the refrigerator to cool only the freezer compartment, thereby obtaining the second temperature of the freezer compartment in the second operating mode.

[0103] That is, when the refrigerator has multiple storage compartments 11, such as both a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment; in the first working mode and the second working mode, the air dampers of other storage compartments are closed, so that the refrigerator cools the freezer compartment alone, so as to avoid the other storage compartments from cooling at the same time and interfering with the freezer compartment temperature results, and improve the accuracy of the capillary tube connection status judgment.

[0104] In the first operating mode, the refrigerant flow rate of the refrigeration system can be greater than or less than that in the second operating mode. When the refrigerant flow rate in the first operating mode is greater than that in the second operating mode, for... Figure 2 The refrigeration system shown, exemplarily, can have the following operating modes: a first operating mode where both the first capillary tube 35 and the second capillary tube 36 are open; a second operating mode where the second capillary tube 36 is open and the first capillary tube 35 is closed; and a second operating mode where the first capillary tube 35 is open and the second capillary tube 36 is closed. For example, if the refrigerant flow rate of the first capillary tube 35 is greater than the refrigerant flow rate of the second capillary tube 36, the first operating mode can be that the first capillary tube 35 is open and the second capillary tube 36 is closed; the second operating mode can be that the second capillary tube 36 is open and the first capillary tube 35 is closed.

[0105] The following is based on Figure 2 The refrigeration system shown provides a further detailed explanation of the fault detection method of this application.

[0106] See next. Figure 8 , Figure 8 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification 3 of this application is shown. Figure 8As shown, the fault detection method includes at least steps S810 to S860, which are described in detail below:

[0107] In step S810, the control switching component opens the first capillary and blocks the second capillary.

[0108] In step S820, the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained, and the temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the first difference.

[0109] In step S830, it is determined whether the first difference is within the first preset range. If yes, proceed to step S840b; otherwise, proceed to step S840a.

[0110] In step S840a, it is determined whether the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range. If so, proceed to step S850a; otherwise, proceed to step S850c.

[0111] In step S850a, it is determined that the first capillary is blocked.

[0112] In step S840b, the control switching component is turned on to open the second capillary and blocked the first capillary, and then proceeds to step S850b.

[0113] In step S850b, the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained, and the decrease in temperature of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the second difference.

[0114] In step S8 50c, a compressor malfunction is determined.

[0115] In step S860, the connection status of the first capillary and the second capillary is determined based on the second difference and the second preset range.

[0116] In this embodiment, the switching component is first controlled to open the first capillary tube and block the second capillary tube. Based on the relationship between the first difference and the first preset range, it is determined whether the first capillary tube is blocked and whether the compressor is faulty. Then, the switching component is controlled to open the second capillary tube and block the first capillary tube. Based on the second difference and the second preset range, it is further determined whether the second capillary tube is blocked and whether the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube are connected in reverse. This achieves accurate identification of faults such as whether there are connection problems with the capillary tubes and whether the compressor is faulty in the refrigeration system.

[0117] The determination of the connection status of the first capillary and the second capillary based on the second difference and the second preset range may include: determining whether the second difference is within the second preset range; if the second difference is within the second preset range, determining that there is no connection problem between the first capillary and the second capillary; if the second difference is below the lower limit of the second preset range, determining that the second capillary is blocked; if the second difference is above the upper limit of the second preset range, determining that the first capillary and the second capillary are connected in reverse.

[0118] Of course, determining the connection between the first capillary and the second capillary based on the second difference and the second preset range may also include other steps, not limited to the steps mentioned above.

[0119] Figure 9 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification 4 of this application is shown. Figure 9 As shown, the fault detection method includes at least steps S910 to S980, which are described in detail below:

[0120] In step S910, the control switching component opens the first capillary and blocks the second capillary.

[0121] In step S920, the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained, and the temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the first difference.

[0122] In step S930, it is determined whether the first difference is within the first preset range. If yes, proceed to step S940b; otherwise, proceed to step S940a.

[0123] In step S940a, it is determined whether the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range. If so, proceed to step S950a; otherwise, proceed to step S950c.

[0124] In step S9 50a, it is determined that the first capillary is blocked.

[0125] In step S940b, the control switching component is turned on to open the second capillary and blocked the first capillary, and then proceeds to step S950b.

[0126] In step S950b, the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained, and the decrease in temperature of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the second difference.

[0127] In step S9 50c, a compressor malfunction is determined.

[0128] In step S960, it is determined whether the second difference is within the second preset range. If yes, proceed to step S970a; otherwise, proceed to step S970b.

[0129] In step S970a, it is determined that there is no connection problem between the first capillary and the second capillary.

[0130] In step S970b, it is determined whether the second difference is above the upper limit of the second preset range. If so, proceed to step S980a; otherwise, proceed to step S980b.

[0131] In step S980a, it is determined that the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube are connected in reverse.

[0132] In step S980b, it is determined that the second capillary is blocked.

[0133] It should be noted that, after obtaining the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator in the first working mode, the fault detection method of this application further includes: determining a first preset range based on the ambient temperature and the working mode of the refrigerator; after obtaining the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator in the second working mode, the fault detection method of this application further includes: determining a second preset range based on the ambient temperature and the working mode of the refrigerator.

[0134] Determining the first and second preset ranges based on the ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode helps to make the judgment of the refrigerator's temperature drop more reasonable, thereby obtaining more accurate fault detection results.

[0135] The ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode can be mapped to a first preset range and a second preset range, and this mapping can be determined based on a mapping table. The first preset range can be determined by looking up the mapping table; similarly, the second preset range can be determined by looking up the mapping table.

[0136] For example, if the ambient temperature is 15℃ < 25℃, the first preset range is 7℃~9℃ and the second preset range is 10℃~12℃; if the ambient temperature is > 25℃, the first preset range is 5℃~7℃ and the second preset range is 8℃~10℃.

[0137] See next. Figure 10 , Figure 10 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification 5 of this application is shown. Figure 10 As shown, the fault detection method includes at least steps S1010 to S1060, which are described in detail below:

[0138] In step S1010, the control switching component connects the first capillary and the second capillary.

[0139] In step S1020, the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained, and the temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the first difference.

[0140] In step S1030, it is determined whether the first difference is within the first preset range. If yes, proceed to step S1040b; otherwise, proceed to step S1040a.

[0141] In step S1040a, it is determined whether the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range. If so, proceed to step S1050a; otherwise, proceed to step S1050c.

[0142] In step S1050a, it is determined whether the first difference is below the first threshold. If so, it is determined that both the first capillary and the second capillary are blocked, and the fault detection program ends; otherwise, it is determined that there is a connection problem between the first capillary and the second capillary, and the process proceeds to step S1040b.

[0143] In step S1040b, the control switching component is turned on to open the second capillary and block the first capillary, and then proceeds to step S1050b.

[0144] In step S1050b, the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained, and the decrease in temperature of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the second difference.

[0145] In step S1050c, a compressor malfunction is determined.

[0146] In step S1060, the connection status of the first capillary and the second capillary is determined based on the second difference and the second preset range.

[0147] In this embodiment, the switching component is first controlled to connect the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube. Based on the relationship between the first difference and the first preset range, it is determined whether both the first and second capillary tubes are blocked and whether the compressor is faulty. Then, the switching component is controlled to connect the second capillary tube and block the first capillary tube. Based on the second difference and the second preset range, it is further determined whether the first and second capillary tubes are blocked and whether the first and second capillary tubes are connected in reverse. This achieves accurate identification of faults such as whether there are connection problems with the capillary tubes and whether the compressor is faulty in the refrigeration system.

[0148] The determination of the connection status of the first capillary and the second capillary based on the second difference and the second preset range may include: determining whether the second difference is within the second preset range; if the second difference is within the second preset range, and if the first difference is determined to be within the first preset range in step S1030, it is determined that there is no connection problem between the first capillary and the second capillary; if the first difference is determined to be outside the first preset range in step S1030, it is determined that the first capillary is blocked; if the second difference is above the upper limit of the second preset range, it is determined that the first capillary and the second capillary are connected in reverse; if the second difference is below the lower limit of the second preset range, it is determined that the second capillary is blocked.

[0149] Of course, determining the connection between the first capillary and the second capillary based on the second difference and the second preset range may also include other steps, not limited to the steps mentioned above.

[0150] Figure 11 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification Six of this application is shown. Figure 11 As shown, the fault detection method includes at least steps S1110 to S1180, which are described in detail below:

[0151] In step S1110, the control switching component connects the first capillary and the second capillary.

[0152] In step S1120, the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained, and the temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the first difference.

[0153] In step S1130, it is determined whether the first difference is within the first preset range. If yes, proceed to step S1140b; otherwise, proceed to step S1140a.

[0154] In step S1140a, it is determined whether the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range. If so, proceed to step S1150a; otherwise, proceed to step S1150c.

[0155] In step S1150a, it is determined whether the first difference is below the first threshold. If so, it is determined that both the first capillary and the second capillary are blocked, and the fault detection program ends; otherwise, it is determined that there is a connection problem in the first capillary and the second capillary.

[0156] In step S1140b, the control switching component is turned on to open the second capillary and blocked the first capillary, and then proceeds to step S1150b.

[0157] In step S11S0b, the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained, and the decrease in temperature of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the second difference.

[0158] In step S1150c, a compressor malfunction is determined.

[0159] In step S1160, it is determined whether the second difference is within the second preset range. If yes, proceed to step S1170a; otherwise, proceed to step S1170b.

[0160] In step S1170a, it is determined that there is no connection problem between the first capillary and the second capillary.

[0161] It should be noted that when step S11S0a determines that there is a connection problem between the first capillary and the second capillary, and proceeds to step S1140b, if the second difference is within the second preset range, and if step S1130 determines that the first difference is within the first preset range, it is determined that there is no connection problem between the first capillary and the second capillary. If step S1130 determines that the first difference is not within the first preset range, it is determined that the first capillary is blocked.

[0162] In step S1170b, it is determined whether the second difference is above the upper limit of the second preset range. If so, proceed to step S1180a; otherwise, proceed to step S1180b.

[0163] In step S1180a, it is determined that the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube are connected in reverse.

[0164] In step S1180b, it is determined that the second capillary is blocked.

[0165] As described above, after obtaining the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator in the first working mode, the fault detection method of this application further includes: determining a first preset range based on the ambient temperature and the working mode of the refrigerator; after obtaining the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator in the second working mode, the fault detection method of this application further includes: determining a second preset range based on the ambient temperature and the working mode of the refrigerator.

[0166] For example, if the ambient temperature is 15℃ < 25℃, the first preset range is 8℃~10℃ and the second preset range is 11℃~13℃; if the ambient temperature is > 25℃, the first preset range is 6℃~8℃ and the second preset range is 9℃~11℃.

[0167] It should be noted that the above Figures 8 to 11 The embodiments shown all illustrate the fault detection method of this application by taking the example that the refrigerant flow rate of the refrigeration system in the first operating mode is greater than that in the second operating mode. Of course, in other embodiments, the refrigerant flow rate of the refrigeration system in the first operating mode may be less than that in the second operating mode. In this case, the control of the blockage of the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube is related to... Figures 8 to 11The embodiments shown are the opposite, and some condition settings are changed accordingly, which will not be described in detail here.

[0168] When the refrigerant flow rate of the refrigeration system in the first operating mode is greater than that in the second operating mode, for Figure 3 In the illustrated refrigeration system, exemplarily, the refrigerant flow rate of the first capillary tube 35 is greater than that of the second capillary tube 36, and the refrigerant flow rate of the third capillary tube 37 is greater than that of the first capillary tube 35. Exemplarily, a first operating mode may be that the first capillary tube 35 is open, and the second capillary tube 36 and the third capillary tube 37 are closed; a second operating mode may be that the second capillary tube 36 is open, and the first capillary tube 35 and the third capillary tube 37 are closed; a third operating mode may be that the third capillary tube 37 is open, and the first capillary tube 35 and the second capillary tube 36 are closed. Exemplarily, the first operating mode may also be that the first capillary tube 35 and the second capillary tube 36 are open, and the third capillary tube 37 is closed; the second operating mode may be that the second capillary tube 36 is open, and the first capillary tube 35 and the third capillary tube 37 are closed; and the third operating mode may be that the first capillary tube 35 is open, and the second capillary tube 36 and the third capillary tube 37 are closed.

[0169] The following is based on Figure 3 The refrigeration system shown provides a further detailed explanation of the fault detection method of this application.

[0170] See next. Figure 12 , Figure 12 A flowchart of the fault detection method of Modification Seven of this application is shown. Figure 12 As shown, the fault detection method includes at least steps S1210 to S1290, which are described in detail below:

[0171] In step S1210, the control switching component is activated to open the first capillary and blocked the second and third capillary tubes.

[0172] In step S1220, the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained, and the temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the first difference.

[0173] In step S1230, it is determined whether the first difference is within the first preset range. If yes, proceed to step S1240b; otherwise, proceed to step S1240a.

[0174] In step S1240a, it is determined whether the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range. If so, proceed to step S1250a; otherwise, proceed to step S1250c.

[0175] In step S1250a, it is determined that the first capillary is blocked.

[0176] In step S1240b, the control switching component blocks the first capillary and the third capillary, opens the second capillary, and proceeds to step S1250b.

[0177] In step S1250b, the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained, and the decrease in temperature of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the second difference.

[0178] In step S1250c, a compressor malfunction is determined.

[0179] In step S1260, the connection status of the second capillary is determined based on the second difference and the second preset range.

[0180] The method for determining the connection status of the second capillary based on the second difference and the second preset range can be found in the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0181] In step S1270, the control switching component blocks the first capillary and the second capillary, opens the third capillary, and proceeds to step S1280.

[0182] In step S1280, the third temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained, and the decrease in temperature of the third temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the third difference.

[0183] In step S1290, the connection status of the third capillary is determined based on the third difference and the third preset range.

[0184] In this embodiment, the switching component is first controlled to sequentially connect the first capillary tube, the second capillary tube, and the third capillary tube. Based on the relationship between the first difference and the first preset range, it is determined whether the first capillary tube is blocked and whether the compressor is faulty. Based on the second difference and the second preset range, it is determined whether the second capillary tube is blocked. Based on the third difference and the third preset range, it is further determined whether the third capillary tube is blocked. This achieves accurate identification of faults such as whether there are connection problems with the capillary tubes and whether the compressor is faulty in the refrigeration system.

[0185] The process of determining the connection status of the third capillary based on the third difference and the third preset range may include: determining whether the third difference is within the third preset range; if the third difference is within the third preset range, determining that the third capillary is not blocked; if the third difference is not within the third preset range, determining that the third capillary is blocked. Of course, determining the connection status of the third capillary based on the third difference and the third preset range may also include other steps.

[0186] It should be noted that, after obtaining the third difference in the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator, the fault detection method of this application further includes: determining a third preset range based on the ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode.

[0187] Determining the third preset range based on the ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode helps to make the judgment of the refrigerator's temperature drop more reasonable, thereby obtaining more accurate fault detection results.

[0188] The ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode can be mapped to the third range, and this mapping can be determined based on a mapping table. The third preset range can be determined by looking up the mapping table.

[0189] For example, if the ambient temperature is 15℃ < 25℃, the third preset range is 13℃ to 15℃; if the ambient temperature is 25℃ < 30℃, the third preset range is 11℃ to 13℃; if the ambient temperature is > 30℃, the third preset range is 11℃ to 12℃.

[0190] In some embodiments, step S1210 can also be replaced by: controlling the switching component to connect the first capillary and the second capillary, and blocking the third capillary. Step S1250a is replaced by: determining that there is a connection problem between the first capillary and the second capillary, and further executing steps S1240b, S1250b, and S1260 of the aforementioned embodiment. When it is determined that there is no blockage problem in the second capillary, it indicates that there may be a connection problem between the first capillary and the third capillary. Further execution is performed by: controlling the switching component to block the third capillary and the second capillary, and connecting the first capillary. That is, replacing step S1270 of the aforementioned embodiment, and executing steps S1280 and S1290 of the aforementioned embodiment, and replacing step S1290 with determining the connection status of the first capillary and the third capillary based on the third difference and the third preset range.

[0191] The process of determining the connection status of the first and third capillaries based on the third difference and the third preset range can include: determining whether the third difference is within the third preset range; if the third difference is within the third preset range, it is determined that the first capillary is not blocked; if the third difference is not within the third preset range, it is determined that the first capillary has a connection problem. Specifically, if the third difference is below the lower limit of the third preset range, the first capillary is determined to be blocked; if the third difference reaches or exceeds the upper limit of the third preset range, the first capillary is determined to be incorrectly connected. Of course, determining the connection status of the first capillary based on the third difference and the third preset range can also include other steps.

[0192] It should be noted that, after obtaining the third temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator, the fault detection method of this application further includes: determining a third preset range based on the ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode.

[0193] Determining the third preset range based on the ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode helps to make the judgment of the refrigerator's temperature drop more reasonable, thereby obtaining more accurate fault detection results.

[0194] The ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode can be mapped to the third range, and this mapping can be determined based on a mapping table. The third preset range can be determined by looking up the mapping table.

[0195] For example, if the ambient temperature is 15℃ < 25℃, the third preset range is 14℃ to 16℃; if the ambient temperature is 25℃ < 30℃, the third preset range is 12℃ to 14℃; if the ambient temperature is > 30℃, the third preset range is 12℃ to 13℃.

[0196] In the foregoing embodiments, the first temperature of the storage compartment under the first operating mode can be acquired after the control switching component has enabled the refrigerator to operate in the first operating mode for a first time, in order to obtain a stable first temperature and improve the accuracy of the detection results. Similarly, the second temperature of the storage compartment under the second operating mode can be acquired after the control switching component has enabled the refrigerator to operate in the second operating mode for a second time, in order to obtain a stable second temperature and improve the accuracy of the detection results. Likewise, the third temperature of the storage compartment under the third operating mode can be acquired after the control switching component has enabled the refrigerator to operate in the third operating mode for a third time, in order to obtain a stable third temperature and improve the accuracy of the detection results.

[0197] The "first time" is a time reference value set based on experience. When the refrigerator continuously runs in the first working mode for the first time, it is considered that the temperature value of the storage compartment has stabilized. For example, the first time is 20 minutes.

[0198] The second time is also a reference value set based on experience. When the refrigerator continues to run in the second working mode for the second time, it is considered that the temperature value of the storage compartment has reached a stable value. For example, the second time is 15 minutes.

[0199] The third time is also a time reference value set based on experience. When the refrigerator continues to run in the third working mode for the third time, it is considered that the temperature value of the storage compartment has reached a stable value. For example, the third time is 15 minutes.

[0200] It should be noted that in the aforementioned embodiments, the refrigerator is in a stopped state before the fault detection method is executed. Of course, the specific implementation is not limited to the refrigerator being in a stopped state.

[0201] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fault detection method for a refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes: At least one storage room; A refrigeration system for cooling the storage compartment includes at least two capillary tubes, which are sequentially connected to an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and a switching component to form at least two refrigerant circuits. The refrigerant flow rates of the at least two capillary tubes are different from each other. The switching component is configured to selectively open or close some or all of the at least two capillary tubes to switch the operating mode of the refrigerator. The fault detection method includes: The switching component is controlled to make the refrigerator run in a first working mode. The first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained in the first working mode. The temperature drop of the first temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain a first difference. When the first difference is below the lower limit of a first preset range, it is determined that there is a connection problem between at least two capillary tubes or that all of the capillary tubes are blocked. The first preset range is determined based on the ambient temperature and the working mode of the refrigerator. When it is determined that there is a connection problem between the at least two capillary tubes or the first difference is within the first preset range, the switching component is controlled to make the refrigerator run in the second working mode. The second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained in the second working mode. The temperature drop of the second temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the second difference. The connection status of the at least two capillary tubes is determined based on the second difference and the second preset range. The second preset range is determined based on the ambient temperature and the working mode of the refrigerator. The refrigerant flow rate of the refrigeration system is different in the second working mode and the first working mode.

2. The fault detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first working mode is to connect all capillaries in the at least two capillaries, when the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range, the first difference is compared with a first threshold. When the first difference is below the first threshold, it is determined that all capillaries in the at least two capillaries are blocked. When the first difference is above the first threshold, it is determined that there is a connection problem in the at least two capillaries.

3. The fault detection method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first threshold is equal to zero. The step of determining that all capillaries in the at least two capillaries are blocked when the first difference is below the first threshold includes: determining that all capillaries in the at least two capillaries are blocked when the first difference is less than or equal to zero.

4. The fault detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When the first difference is above the upper limit of the first preset range, the compressor is determined to be faulty; If the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range, and it is determined that all capillaries in the at least two capillaries are blocked, the fault detection procedure ends.

5. The fault detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one storage compartment includes a freezer compartment. Obtaining the first temperature of the storage compartment in the first operating mode includes: controlling the refrigerator to cool the freezer compartment separately and obtaining the first temperature of the freezer compartment in the first operating mode. Obtaining the second temperature of the storage compartment in the second operating mode includes: controlling the refrigerator to cool the freezer compartment separately and obtaining the second temperature of the freezer compartment in the second operating mode.

6. The fault detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least two capillaries include a first capillary and a second capillary; The control of the switching component to enable the refrigerator to operate in a first working mode includes: controlling the switching component to open the first capillary and block the second capillary; or, controlling the switching component to open both the first capillary and the second capillary. The method of controlling the switching component to enable the refrigerator to operate in a second working mode includes: controlling the switching component to block the first capillary and open the second capillary; Wherein, when the switching component is controlled to make the refrigerator run in the first working mode, the method includes: controlling the switching component to open the first capillary tube and block the second capillary tube; when the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range, the method of determining that at least two capillary tubes have a connection problem or that all of the capillary tubes are blocked includes: when the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range, the method of determining that the first capillary tube is blocked. When the switching component is controlled to make the refrigerator operate in a first working mode, the method includes: controlling the switching component to connect the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube. When the first difference is below the lower limit of a first preset range, the method of determining that there is a connection problem in at least two capillary tubes or that all of the capillary tubes are blocked includes: when the first difference is below the lower limit of the first preset range, comparing the first difference with a first threshold; when the first difference is below the first threshold, determining that all of the at least two capillary tubes are blocked; when the first difference is above the first threshold, determining that there is a connection problem in at least two capillary tubes.

7. The fault detection method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerant flow rate of the first capillary tube is greater than that of the second capillary tube; When the switching component is controlled to operate the refrigerator in a first working mode, the following steps are included: controlling the switching component to open the first capillary tube and block the second capillary tube; determining the connection status of the at least two capillary tubes based on the second difference and a second preset range includes: When the second difference is within the second preset range, it is determined that there is no connection problem between the first capillary and the second capillary. When the second difference is below the lower limit of the second preset range, the second capillary is determined to be blocked; When the second difference is above the upper limit of the second preset range, it is determined that the first capillary and the second capillary are reversed; When the switching component is controlled to operate the refrigerator in a first working mode, the following steps are included: controlling the switching component to connect the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube; determining the connection status of the at least two capillary tubes based on the second difference and a second preset range, including: When the second difference is within the second preset range, if the refrigerator is running in the first working mode, it is determined that there is a connection problem between the at least two capillary tubes, and the first capillary tube is blocked; otherwise, it is determined that there is no connection problem between the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube. When the second difference is below the lower limit of the second preset range, the second capillary is determined to be blocked; When the second difference is above the upper limit of the second preset range, it is determined that the first capillary and the second capillary are connected in reverse.

8. The fault detection method according to claim 7, characterized in that, After obtaining the first temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator in the first operating mode, the method further includes: A first preset range is determined based on the ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode; After obtaining the second temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator in the second operating mode, the method further includes: A second preset range is determined based on the ambient temperature and the refrigerator's operating mode; Wherein, when the first working mode corresponds to opening the first capillary and blocking the second capillary, and the second working mode corresponds to blocking the first capillary and opening the second capillary, if 15℃ < ambient temperature ≤ 25℃ is satisfied, the first preset range is 7℃~9℃, and the second preset range is 10℃~12℃; if the ambient temperature > 25℃ is satisfied, the first preset range is 5℃~7℃, and the second preset range is 8℃~10℃; When the first working mode corresponds to connecting the first capillary and the second capillary, and the second working mode corresponds to blocking the first capillary and connecting the second capillary, if 15℃ < ambient temperature ≤ 25℃ is satisfied, the first preset range is 8℃~10℃, and the second preset range is 11℃~13℃. If the ambient temperature > 25℃ is satisfied, the first preset range is 6℃~8℃, and the second preset range is 9℃~11℃.

9. The fault detection method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The at least two capillaries also include a third capillary; The method of controlling the switching component to make the refrigerator operate in a first working mode includes: controlling the switching component to open the first capillary tube and block the second capillary tube and the third capillary tube; The method of controlling the switching component to enable the refrigerator to operate in a second working mode includes: controlling the switching component to block the first capillary and the third capillary, and to open the second capillary; The fault detection method further includes: The switching component is controlled to block the first capillary and the second capillary, and to open the third capillary, so that the refrigerator can operate in a third working mode; The third temperature of the storage compartment and the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator are obtained in the third working mode. The temperature drop of the third temperature relative to the ambient temperature is calculated to obtain the third difference. The connection status of the third capillary is determined based on the third difference and the third preset range.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes: At least one storage room; A refrigeration system for cooling the storage compartment includes at least two capillary tubes, which are sequentially connected to an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and a switching component to form at least two refrigerant circuits. The refrigerant flow rates of the at least two capillary tubes are different from each other. The switching component is configured to selectively open or close some or all of the at least two capillary tubes to switch the operating mode of the refrigerator. The controller is communicatively connected to the switching component and is capable of controlling the switching component to selectively conduct or block some or all of the capillaries in the at least two capillaries to switch the operating mode of the refrigerator and execute the fault detection method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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