Refrigerator control method, refrigerator and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention belongs to the technology of household appliances, and provides a control method of a refrigerator, the refrigerator and a storage medium. In some embodiments of the invention, the spraying cavity is formed in the humidifying device, so that a gap is formed between the spraying end of the atomizer and the mist outlet, and the mist baffle is arranged in the spraying cavity to shield part of water mist and reduce the water mist sprayed to the side wall of the edge of the mist outlet; the heating part is arranged on the side, facing the atomizing end of the atomizer, of the mist baffle, water drops possibly formed on the mist baffle are evaporated, and the possibility that the water drops gather on the mist baffle is reduced. Furthermore, the water quantity formed by condensation on the fog baffle is determined according to the starting duration, the opening and closing state and the humidifying mode of the atomizer in the non-refrigeration time period, and then the heating power and the heating duration of the heating component are determined, so that the evaporation heat provided by the heating component is matched with the water quantity formed by condensation on the fog baffle, and the heating efficiency is improved while the water is removed. The influence of the heating component on the storage temperature in the refrigerator is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to home appliance technology. More specifically, it relates to a refrigerator control method, a refrigerator, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Frost-free refrigerators are widely used due to their frost-free operation. As fruits, vegetables, and other foods inside the refrigerator wilt and become less fresh over time due to reduced moisture content. Some refrigerators incorporate humidifiers to increase humidity and improve food preservation.

[0003] In related technologies, some humidifiers spray water mist into refrigerators to quickly increase humidity. However, when a large amount of water mist is sprayed from a humidifier, it tends to accumulate on the surface of obstructions, condensing into water droplets and affecting the storage quality of the items. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a refrigerator control method, a refrigerator, and a storage medium, which can reduce the possibility of condensation forming water droplets at the mist outlet of the humidifier.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a refrigerator, which includes:

[0006] The cabinet is constructed to form a cold storage compartment with an opening at the front.

[0007] The door is rotatably mounted on the cabinet to open or close the cold storage compartment;

[0008] Humidification device, including:

[0009] A housing assembly, the housing assembly forming a water storage cavity, and the housing assembly forming a spray cavity and a mist outlet communicating with the spray cavity;

[0010] An atomizer is at least partially installed in the water storage chamber and configured to generate water mist; the spray end of the atomizer and the mist outlet are disposed on opposite sides of the spray chamber.

[0011] A fog deflector is installed inside the spray chamber and located between the spray end of the atomizer and the mist outlet; the fog deflector is provided with a mist outlet hole opposite to the spray end of the atomizer;

[0012] A heating element, at least a portion of which is disposed on the side of the deflector facing the spray end of the atomizer;

[0013] A control device is electrically connected to both the heating element and the atomizer; the control device is configured to:

[0014] The operating parameters of the atomizer during each non-cooling period are obtained; wherein, the operating parameters include start-up duration, on / off status, and humidification mode, and the humidification mode includes continuous humidification and intermittent humidification;

[0015] Based on the operating parameters of the atomizer, the heating parameters of the heating component are determined; wherein, the heating parameters include heating power and heating duration;

[0016] The heating component is controlled to operate according to the heating parameters.

[0017] In this embodiment, a spray chamber is formed within the humidification device, creating a gap between the spray end of the atomizer and the mist outlet, reducing the likelihood of water droplets forming at the mist outlet. A deflector is installed within the spray chamber to block some of the water mist, reducing the amount of water mist sprayed onto the edge of the mist outlet and further reducing the likelihood of water droplets forming at the edge of the mist outlet. A heating element is installed on the side of the deflector facing the spray end of the atomizer to evaporate any water droplets that may form on the deflector, reducing the likelihood of water droplet accumulation on the deflector. Furthermore, the refrigerator in this embodiment comprehensively determines the amount of water condensed on the deflector by considering the atomizer's start-up time, on / off state, and humidification method during non-cooling periods. This allows for the determination of the heating power and heating time of the heating element, ensuring that the evaporative heat provided by the heating element is matched to the amount of water condensed on the deflector, thus reducing the impact of the heating element on the storage temperature inside the refrigerator while removing water.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the control device is configured as follows:

[0019] The heating parameters of the heating component are determined based on the cumulative value of the start-up time of the atomizer performing intermittent humidification within a preset time period.

[0020] This application embodiment utilizes the cumulative value of the atomizer's start-up time during intermittent humidification to dynamically adjust the heating power and heating time of the heating component, ensuring that the heating component starts heating in time when needed to evaporate the water droplets on the defogging plate. It can also reduce unnecessary energy waste and improve energy utilization efficiency.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the control device is configured as follows:

[0022] When the cumulative value of the startup duration is less than or equal to a preset first duration threshold, the heating component is controlled to operate at a first heating power for a first heating duration to provide first heat.

[0023] When the cumulative value of the startup duration is greater than the first duration threshold and less than or equal to the preset second duration threshold, the heating component is controlled to operate at the second heating power for a second heating duration to provide second heat; wherein, the second duration threshold is greater than the first duration threshold, and the second heat is greater than the first heat;

[0024] When the cumulative value of the start-up duration is greater than the second duration threshold, the heating component is controlled to operate at a third heating power for a third heating duration to provide a third heat; wherein the third heat is greater than the second heat.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the cumulative startup time is segmented, and the heating element provides different amounts of heat for each segment. When the cumulative startup time is large, the atomizer operates for a longer total time, resulting in more water droplets being formed, and the heating element provides more heat accordingly. Conversely, when the cumulative startup time is small, the atomizer operates for a shorter total time, resulting in fewer water droplets being formed, and the heating element provides less heat accordingly. This design simplifies the control logic and allows the heat provided by the heating element to be adjusted according to the cumulative startup time, thus evaporating water promptly while improving energy efficiency.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the control device is configured as follows:

[0027] When the atomizer is configured to start during heating of the heating element, the heating element is controlled to shut down, and this is recorded as an interruption.

[0028] When the number of interruptions of the heating element reaches a preset number and the atomizer performs the intermittent humidification, the heating element is controlled to operate at a preset first target power for a target duration; wherein, the first target power is greater than the heating power determined by the heating element based on the cumulative value of the start-up duration.

[0029] In this embodiment, the number of times the heating element is interrupted by the atomizer is recorded to characterize the number of times the heating element fails to provide sufficient evaporation heat; when the number of interruptions of the heating element reaches a preset number, the heating element is controlled to operate at a higher power to quickly evaporate the water droplets condensed on the defogging plate and avoid the accumulation of water droplets.

[0030] In some embodiments of this application, the control device is configured as follows:

[0031] When the heating element is running at the first target power, the interruption count of the heating element is reset.

[0032] In this embodiment, after the heating component operates at the first target power, it indicates that the heating component evaporates the fog deflector, resets the interruption count of the heating component, avoids the continued accumulation of the interruption count, and prevents the heating component from generating excess heat, which helps to reduce power consumption.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, the control device is further configured to:

[0034] After the atomizer finishes continuous humidification, the heating element is controlled to operate at a preset second target power until the subsequent cooling period ends.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, the atomizer continuously humidifies for a long time, resulting in a long mist spraying time. This can easily lead to the formation of more water droplets at the deflector. Therefore, after the atomizer finishes continuous humidification, the heating element is activated and operates at the second target power until the subsequent cooling period ends. This ensures sufficient evaporation at the deflector and prevents water droplet accumulation. Furthermore, controlling the heating element to operate during the cooling period allows for faster airflow in the refrigerator compartment, which can carry away the water vapor generated by the heating element, minimizing its impact on the temperature of the refrigerator compartment.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator further includes a humidity sensor installed in the refrigerator compartment, the humidity sensor being configured to detect the humidity of the refrigerator compartment; the humidity sensor is electrically connected to the control device, and the control device is further configured to:

[0037] The humidity sensor acquires the humidity of the refrigerator compartment during non-cooling periods, and controls the humidification parameters of the atomizer for intermittent humidification based on the humidity of the refrigerator compartment during non-cooling periods. The humidification parameters include the humidification duration and off duration, and the number of cycles within a preset humidification cycle.

[0038] This embodiment of the application monitors the humidity of the refrigerator compartment and precisely controls the opening and closing of the atomizer, thereby ensuring that the humidity of the refrigerator compartment remains within a set range. This helps to extend the shelf life of food and reduce the possibility of dryness or excessive moisture. Furthermore, the atomizer provides intermittent humidification, which not only maintains the humidity of the refrigerator compartment but also avoids condensation problems caused by prolonged humidification.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator further includes a temperature sensor installed in the refrigerator compartment, the temperature sensor being configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerator compartment; the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the control device; the control device is further configured to:

[0040] The temperature sensor periodically acquires the temperature of the cold storage room during non-cooling periods and the corresponding time.

[0041] The humidification start-up temperature is determined based on the temperature of the cold storage compartment and the corresponding time.

[0042] When the temperature in the refrigerated compartment rises to the humidification start temperature during the non-cooling period, the atomizer is controlled to perform continuous humidification for a preset humidification duration, wherein the preset humidification duration is longer than the single humidification duration when the atomizer performs intermittent humidification.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, the humidification start-up temperature is determined by monitoring the temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the corresponding time. When the temperature of the refrigerator compartment rises to the humidification start-up temperature during non-cooling periods, the humidification device is activated. This allows water mist to be sprayed from the atomizer before the cooling period begins, covering the food surface with a water mist film, delaying moisture loss and improving preservation. By monitoring the temperature of the refrigerator compartment, this embodiment better reflects the temperature rise before the cooling period begins, using temperature to determine the atomizer's activation timing, improving the accuracy of the atomizer's activation timing, and ensuring that the water mist film effectively delays moisture loss during the cooling period.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the heating component includes a heating wire, and the heating wire is disposed in the area of ​​the defogging plate below the mist outlet.

[0045] Due to gravity, water droplets are more likely to condense below the mist outlet 341 than above it. Therefore, a heating wire 351 is installed in the area below the mist outlet 341 to facilitate the evaporation of water droplets in the area below the mist outlet 341.

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, the heating component includes a heating wire, and the heating wire is disposed on the area of ​​the defogging plate above the mist outlet.

[0047] Since water mist will also be sprayed onto the deflector plate 340 above the mist outlet 341, a heating wire 351 is provided in the area of ​​the deflector plate 340 above the mist outlet 341 to facilitate the evaporation of water droplets that may form above the mist outlet 341.

[0048] In some embodiments of this application, the heating component includes a heating wire, the heating wire is disposed on the bottom wall of the spray chamber, and the heating wire is located between the fog deflector and the spray end of the atomizer.

[0049] Due to gravity, the condensed water droplets tend to accumulate on the bottom wall of the spray chamber. The above-mentioned arrangement helps to evaporate any water droplets that may drip from the bottom wall of the spray chamber 303.

[0050] Secondly, some embodiments of this application provide a method for controlling a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising:

[0051] The cabinet is constructed to form a cold storage compartment with an opening at the front.

[0052] The door is rotatably mounted on the cabinet to open or close the cold storage compartment;

[0053] Humidification device, including:

[0054] A housing assembly, the housing assembly forming a water storage cavity, and the housing assembly forming a spray cavity and a mist outlet communicating with the spray cavity;

[0055] An atomizer is at least partially installed in the water storage chamber and configured to generate water mist; the spray end of the atomizer and the mist outlet are disposed on opposite sides of the spray chamber.

[0056] A fog deflector is installed inside the spray chamber and located between the spray end of the atomizer and the mist outlet; the fog deflector is provided with a mist outlet hole opposite to the spray end of the atomizer;

[0057] A heating element, at least a portion of which is disposed on the side of the deflector facing the spray end of the atomizer;

[0058] The method includes:

[0059] The operating parameters of the atomizer during each non-cooling period are obtained; wherein, the operating parameters include start-up duration, on / off status, and humidification mode, and the humidification mode includes continuous humidification and intermittent humidification;

[0060] Based on the operating parameters of the atomizer, the heating parameters of the heating component are determined; wherein, the heating parameters include heating power and heating duration;

[0061] The heating component is controlled to operate according to the heating parameters.

[0062] In this embodiment, a spray chamber is formed within the humidification device, creating a gap between the spray end of the atomizer and the mist outlet, reducing the likelihood of water droplets forming at the mist outlet. A deflector is installed within the spray chamber to block some of the water mist, reducing the amount of water mist sprayed onto the edge of the mist outlet and further reducing the likelihood of water droplets forming at the edge of the mist outlet. A heating element is installed on the side of the deflector facing the spray end of the atomizer to evaporate any water droplets that may form on the deflector, reducing the likelihood of water droplet accumulation on the deflector. Furthermore, the refrigerator in this embodiment comprehensively determines the amount of water condensed on the deflector by considering the atomizer's start-up time, on / off state, and humidification method during non-cooling periods. This allows for the determination of the heating power and heating time of the heating element, ensuring that the evaporative heat provided by the heating element is matched to the amount of water condensed on the deflector, thus reducing the impact of the heating element on the storage temperature inside the refrigerator while removing water.

[0063] Thirdly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a computer, are used to implement the method described in the second aspect.

[0064] The computer-readable storage medium provided in this application embodiment can execute the technical solutions in the above method embodiments, and its beneficial effects are similar, so they will not be described again here.

[0065] Fourthly, this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a computer, is used to implement the method described in the second aspect.

[0066] The computer program product provided in this application embodiment can execute the technical solutions in the above method embodiments, and its beneficial effects are similar, so they will not be described again here. Attached Figure Description

[0067] To more clearly illustrate the implementation methods in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0068] Figure 1 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of refrigerators for some embodiments.

[0069] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator door provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0070] Figure 3 Exploded views of humidification devices provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 4 This is a front view of a humidification device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0072] Figure 5 for Figure 4 AA section view in the middle;

[0073] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fog exit path provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0074] Figure 7 Exploded view of the humidification water box of the humidification device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 8 A front view of the humidifying water box provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 9 for Figure 7 BB section view in the middle;

[0077] Figure 10 Front view of a fog deflector and heating wire provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0078] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the temperature change during the cooling cycle and non-cooling period in some embodiments of this application;

[0079] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the time-based sliding window in some embodiments of this application;

[0080] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating a refrigerator control method provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0081] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0082] 100: Container body; 101: Refrigerated compartment; 110: Shelf;

[0083] 200: Door; 210: Shelf;

[0084] 300: Humidifier; 301: Mist outlet; 302: Water storage chamber; 303: Spray chamber; 310: Outer shell assembly; 311: Fixing base; 3111: Mounting chamber; 320: Humidifier water box; 321: Box body; 322: First box cover; 323: Second box cover; 330: Atomizer; 331: Atomizing plate; 332: Drive plate; 340: Fog baffle; 341: Mist outlet hole; 350: Heating component; 351: Heating wire. Detailed Implementation

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” 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 that are explicitly listed, but may include other components that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such product or device.

[0088] Some refrigerators are equipped with humidifiers to increase the humidity in the refrigerator compartment, thereby improving the preservation of fruits, vegetables and other food items.

[0089] There are various types of humidification devices, such as evaporative humidification devices, which use porous or fibrous materials as evaporation media to adsorb water. A fan then blows air through the evaporation media, and water molecules evaporate from the surface of the evaporation media into the air to increase the humidity of the cold storage room.

[0090] For example, ultrasonic water mist humidifiers use ultrasonic technology to convert water into micron-sized droplets to form water mist, thereby increasing the humidity in cold storage rooms.

[0091] Water mist humidification is widely used because it can quickly increase the humidity inside the refrigerator and has little impact on the refrigerator temperature.

[0092] During their research on water mist humidifiers, the developers of this application discovered that water mist condenses or forms visible water droplets when it encounters obstructions. On one hand, water mist sprayed onto food surfaces easily forms condensation; on the other hand, the shape of the mist outlet differs from the cross-sectional shape of the water mist jet, and the area of ​​the mist outlet also differs from the cross-sectional area of ​​the water mist jet. This causes some water mist to be blocked by the sidewalls of the mist outlet, making it prone to condensation at the edges. Condensation dripping not only affects the user experience but also, when it adheres to food, can easily cause mold and spoilage, affecting storage quality.

[0093] So, how can we reduce the formation of condensation? The researchers of this application studied the influencing factors of condensation and visible water droplet formation. Experiments revealed that the formation of condensation or visible water droplets when water mist encounters an obstruction is generally related to the speed and volume of the water mist; the lower the water mist speed and the greater the water mist volume, the easier it is for condensation or visible water droplets to form.

[0094] In some refrigerator products, in order to allow water mist to reach the refrigerator compartment quickly, the atomizer is placed close to the mist outlet to reduce spray resistance.

[0095] However, when a large amount of water mist is sprayed directly onto the surface of food, it condenses and forms small water droplets, which can easily cause the food to mold and spoil, affecting its storage quality.

[0096] Therefore, the researchers of this application took the opposite approach and placed the atomizer inside the humidifier and the mist outlet on the surface of the humidifier, so that there is a certain distance between the atomizer and the mist outlet, thereby reducing the possibility of small water droplets forming on the surface of the food.

[0097] However, due to some water mist being sprayed onto the sidewalls of the mist outlet, coupled with the effect of gravity, there is still a possibility of condensation forming at the mist outlet.

[0098] While reducing the distance between the atomizer and the mist outlet allows the water mist to be sprayed out quickly through the outlet, it reduces the likelihood of condensation forming at the outlet, but increases the likelihood of condensation forming on the food surface, making it counterproductive.

[0099] The amount of water mist produced by a humidifier is typically determined by the humidification conditions inside the refrigerator. When a higher humidification level is required, a larger amount of water mist will be produced to quickly increase the humidity inside the refrigerator. Conversely, when a lower humidification level is needed, a smaller amount of water mist may be produced. Therefore, limiting the amount of water mist to reduce the likelihood of condensation is impractical and can easily affect the humidifier's intended humidification function.

[0100] The researchers continued their investigation and found that, since the water mist is sprayed radially outward from the atomizer, some water mist inevitably sprays onto the sidewalls at the edge of the mist outlet. Since the overall amount of water mist cannot be arbitrarily reduced, could the possibility of condensation forming at the mist outlet be reduced by decreasing the amount of water mist sprayed onto the sidewalls at the edge of the mist outlet?

[0101] The researchers of this application conducted in-depth research and, through structural design, blocked a portion of the water mist before it reached the mist outlet, thereby reducing the amount of water mist sprayed onto the edge wall of the mist outlet. To this end, the researchers of this application installed a baffle with an opening between the atomizer and the mist outlet. Some water mist can be sprayed onto the baffle, reducing the amount of water mist sprayed onto the edge wall of the mist outlet; some water mist can enter the refrigerator interior through the opening in the baffle and the mist outlet.

[0102] However, this leads to a new problem: due to the large amount of water mist sprayed onto the baffle, condensation easily forms on it. Although the condensation is located inside the humidifier and will not affect the food, if the condensation persists for a long time, it can easily breed bacteria, which is detrimental to the preservation of food in the refrigerator.

[0103] How to remove condensation from the baffle? First, because the mist outlet is small, the condensation on the baffle is not easy to wipe off manually. Second, because the humidifier in this embodiment has a compact structure and directly sprays water mist using an atomizer without a separate fan, it is impossible to use a fan to evaporate the condensation on the baffle. Furthermore, fans are typically large, which is not conducive to the compact design of the humidifier.

[0104] The basic function of a refrigerator is to preserve items at low temperatures, so installing a heating structure inside can easily affect the internal temperature. The researchers in this application have creatively incorporated heating wires into a baffle plate, using temperature to evaporate condensation on the baffle and keep it dry.

[0105] Condensation on the baffle is usually minimal. The researchers of this application comprehensively determined the heating power and heating time of the heating wire by considering the start-up time, on / off status of the atomizer, and humidification method. This not only dries any condensation that may form on the baffle in a timely manner but also reduces the impact of the heating wire on the temperature inside the refrigerator.

[0106] 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.

[0107] First, it should be noted that in this embodiment, when the user faces the refrigerator door, the width direction of the refrigerator, i.e., the left-right direction, corresponds to the X-axis direction in the attached drawing; the depth direction of the refrigerator, i.e., the depth direction of the compartment, i.e., the front-back direction, corresponds to the Y-axis direction in the attached drawing; and the height direction of the refrigerator, i.e., the up-down direction, corresponds to the Z-axis direction in the attached drawing.

[0108] The length of the humidifier is along the X-axis, the width is along the Y-axis, and the height is along the Z-axis.

[0109] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator of this embodiment includes a cabinet 100, which is configured to form a storage compartment with a front opening for storing food and other items. One or more storage compartments may be provided. The storage compartments can be divided into a freezer compartment, a refrigerator compartment 101, and a variable temperature compartment, etc., according to different storage temperatures.

[0110] Shelves 110 can be installed in the refrigerator compartment 101 to increase the storage space for items; drawers can be installed in the refrigerator compartment 101 to preserve food in a relatively enclosed manner; they can be pulled out in the depth direction of the refrigerator for convenient classification, storage and retrieval of items.

[0111] The refrigerator in this embodiment includes a door 200, which is rotatably connected to the cabinet 100. For example, the door 200 is rotatably mounted on the cabinet 100 via a hinge assembly to open or close the storage compartment.

[0112] To increase storage space, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 Some cold storage compartments 101 have shelves 210 on their corresponding doors 200, with the openings of the shelves 210 facing upwards, for storing items.

[0113] Typically, multiple shelves 210 are provided, and the multiple shelves 210 are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the door body 200.

[0114] In some embodiments, multiple shelves 210 are arranged at non-uniform intervals along the height direction of the door 200, so that the shelf 210 has different storage heights. The storage height of a shelf 210 is the height interval between its supporting plane and the bottom surface of the shelf above it, and the storage height of the top shelf is the interval between the top shelf and the sealed top of the door 200. This increases the storage space while accommodating items of different heights.

[0115] For example, the door 200 is provided with three shelves 210, the bottom shelf has a greater storage height than the middle shelf, and the middle shelf has a greater storage height than the top shelf.

[0116] like Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator in this embodiment of the application includes a humidifier 300, which has a mist outlet 301. The humidifier 300 sprays water mist into the refrigerator compartment 101 through the mist outlet 301 to increase the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101, which helps to extend the freshness time of fruits, vegetables and other food and improve the storage quality of food.

[0117] The humidifier 300 can be an ultrasonic humidifier, which has high humidification efficiency and low noise. The humidifier 300 can also be a humidifier that uses pressure atomization, such as a spray nozzle or a centrifugal atomizer.

[0118] In some embodiments, the humidifier 300 is an ultrasonic humidifier, which disperses water molecules through high-frequency resonance to form micron-level water mist, thereby achieving rapid humidification of the refrigerator compartment; and the water mist covers the surface of the food to form a protective film, the relative humidity of which can reach 100%RH, thus delaying the loss of water from fruits, vegetables and other food.

[0119] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the humidifier 300 is installed on the door 200, with the mist outlet 301 facing the refrigerator compartment 101. In this way, the humidifier 300 can spray water mist towards the refrigerator compartment 101, which can increase the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101, with a large humidification area; and can also avoid occupying the storage space of the refrigerator compartment 101.

[0120] In some embodiments, the humidifier 300 is installed close to the bottom of the shelf 210. This arrangement places the humidifier 300 on top of the shelf 210 below it, minimizing its impact on the storage space of the shelf 210 below it. Moreover, it facilitates the visual effect of the humidifier 300 and the shelf 210 being integrated, thereby improving the aesthetics of the inside of the door 200.

[0121] For example, the humidifier 300 is installed at the bottom of the intermediate shelf 210, which not only makes it convenient for users to add water to the humidifier 300, but also avoids setting the humidifier 300 too low, which would affect the humidification area.

[0122] Combination Figure 3 In some embodiments of this application, the humidifying device 300 includes a housing assembly 310, which is configured to form a water storage chamber 302, a spray chamber 303, and a mist outlet 301. The spray chamber 303 and the mist outlet 301 are connected so that the water mist in the spray chamber 303 is sprayed out through the mist outlet 301.

[0123] In some embodiments, the housing assembly 310 includes a fixing seat 311, which is fixed to the door body 200. The fixing method includes, but is not limited to, snap-fit, hook-and-loop connection, etc., so as to fix the humidifying device 300 to the door body 200.

[0124] In some embodiments of this application, the fixing seat 311 is configured to form a mounting cavity 3111, and the mounting cavity 3111 is provided with a disassembly port on the side opposite to the door body 200 to facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the internal structure.

[0125] Continue to refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the housing assembly 310 further includes a humidifying water box 320, which is detachably mounted within the mounting cavity 3111. The humidifying water box 320 is configured to form a water storage cavity 302, a spray cavity 303, and a mist outlet 301.

[0126] The humidifying water box 320 can be installed in the mounting cavity 3111 through the disassembly port and used to spray water mist into the refrigerator compartment 101; the humidifying water box 320 can also be removed from the mounting cavity 3111 through the disassembly port, so that the user can add water into the water storage cavity 302.

[0127] In some embodiments of this application, the humidifying water box 320 includes a box body 321, which is a shell structure with an open top, and a mist outlet 301 is formed on the front side of the box body 321. In some embodiments, a partition is provided inside the box body 321 to divide the space inside the box body 321 into multiple chambers.

[0128] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 The humidifying water box 320 also includes a first box cover 322, which covers a portion of the box body 321. The first box cover 322 and a portion of the box body 321 together form a water storage cavity 302, which is used to store humidifying water.

[0129] In some embodiments, the humidifying water box 320 further includes a second cover 323, which is disposed above the box body 321 and above the first cover 322. The second cover 323 and the box body 321 together enclose and form a spray chamber 303.

[0130] In some embodiments, the spray chamber 303 is located on the side of the partial water storage chamber 302 facing the mist outlet 301. Thus, the partial water storage chamber 302, the spray chamber 303, and the mist outlet 301 are arranged in a straight line, which helps to reduce the spray resistance of the water mist.

[0131] In some embodiments, the humidifying water box 320 also forms an electrical cavity, which may be located on one side of the water storage cavity 302. The electrical cavity is used to install electrical components of the humidifying device 300, such as the drive board 332 described later, electrical connection structures for powering the humidifying device 300 and for data communication, etc.

[0132] In some embodiments of this application, the humidifying device 300 further includes an atomizer 330, at least a portion of which is installed in the water storage chamber 302 and configured to generate water mist.

[0133] In some embodiments, the atomizer 330 includes an atomizing plate 331 configured to generate water mist. An mounting port is provided on a partition plate between the spray chamber 303 and the water storage chamber 302, and the atomizing plate 331 is sealed and mounted within the mounting port, such that one side of the atomizing plate 331 is located within the water storage chamber 302, and the other side of the atomizing plate 331 is located within the spray chamber 303.

[0134] In some embodiments, the atomizer 330 further includes a drive plate 332, which is electrically connected to the atomizing plate 331. The drive plate 332 provides a vibration signal to the atomizing plate 331, and the atomizing plate 331 vibrates to make the water in the water storage chamber 302 form water mist and spray it out to the spray chamber 303. No additional fan is required, which is beneficial to the compact structural design of the humidification device 300.

[0135] In some embodiments, the atomizing plate 331 is disposed opposite to the mist outlet 301, and is disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the spray chamber 303 along the width direction of the humidifying device 300. The atomizing plate 331 forms the spray end of the atomizer 330.

[0136] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the humidifying device 300 further includes a fog deflector 340 located between the spray end of the atomizer 330 and the mist outlet 301. The fog deflector 340 has a mist outlet through-hole 341 opposite to the spray end of the atomizer 330. Thus, the water mist generated at the spray end of the atomizer 330 can enter the refrigeration compartment 101 through the mist outlet through-hole 341 and the mist outlet 301.

[0137] In this embodiment, a deflector 340 is provided between the spray end of the atomizer 330 and the mist outlet 301 to block part of the water mist, reduce the amount of water mist sprayed onto the edge sidewall of the mist outlet 301, and reduce the possibility of water droplets forming at the edge of the mist outlet 301.

[0138] The water mist ejected through the mist outlet 301 forms a cone shape in space. Figure 6 The middle section is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the water mist sprayed from the mist outlet 301. (Combined with...) Figure 6 When the fog deflector 340 is not installed, the water mist in the range of ∠A is sprayed out through the fog outlet 301; the water mist in the range of ∠B is sprayed onto the edge sidewall of the fog outlet 301. As the spraying time increases, the water mist on the edge sidewall of the fog outlet 301 continues to accumulate, which easily forms water droplets and affects the user experience.

[0139] When a fog deflector 340 is provided, water mist within the range of ∠B1 is sprayed onto the fog deflector 340, and water mist within the range of ∠B2 is sprayed onto the edge sidewall of the spray nozzle 201. By changing the position of the fog deflector 340 and setting the size of the mist outlet 341 along the height direction, ∠B2 can be made smaller than ∠B. Therefore, the amount of water mist sprayed onto the edge sidewall of the mist outlet 301 is reduced, which reduces the possibility of water droplets forming, or even prevents water droplets from forming.

[0140] Combination Figure 7In some embodiments, the humidification device 300 includes a heating element 350, at least a portion of which is disposed on the side of the deflector 340 facing the spray end of the atomizer 330. The heating element 350 is configured to heat the deflector 340, causing water droplets on the deflector 340 to evaporate, thereby reducing the likelihood of condensation forming on the deflector 340.

[0141] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, water droplets tend to condense on the side of the fog deflector 340 facing the atomizing plate 331. Therefore, a heating element 350 is provided on the side of the fog deflector 340 facing the atomizing plate 331 to evaporate the water droplets that may condense on the fog deflector 340.

[0142] In some embodiments, water droplets condensing on the defogging plate 340 may converge onto the bottom wall of the spray chamber 303 under the influence of gravity. Therefore, in some embodiments of this application, a portion of the heating element 350 is disposed on the bottom wall of the spray chamber 303 between the defogging plate 340 and the atomizing plate 331.

[0143] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 10 The heating element 350 includes a heating wire 351, which occupies a small volume during installation.

[0144] In some embodiments, a heating wire 351 is provided in the area below the fog outlet 341 of the fog baffle 340. Due to gravity, water droplets are more likely to condense below the fog outlet 341 than above it. Therefore, the heating wire 351 is provided in the area below the fog outlet 341 to facilitate the evaporation of water droplets in the area below the fog outlet 341.

[0145] In some embodiments, a heating wire 351 is provided on the area of ​​the fog deflector 340 above the fog outlet 341. Since water mist will also be sprayed onto the fog deflector 340 in the area above the fog outlet 341, the heating wire 351 is provided on the area of ​​the fog deflector 340 above the fog outlet 341 to facilitate the evaporation of water droplets that may form above the fog outlet 341.

[0146] In some embodiments, a heating wire 351 is provided on the bottom wall of the spray chamber 303, and the heating wire 351 is located between the fog baffle 340 and the spray end of the atomizer 330. This arrangement is beneficial for evaporating water droplets that may drip from the bottom wall of the spray chamber 303.

[0147] In some embodiments, the heating wire 351 can be arranged in a straight line on the fog deflector 340, which is a simple arrangement.

[0148] In some embodiments, the heating wire 351 may be arranged in a curved manner on the fog deflector 340. For example, the heating wire 351 may be arranged in an S-shape on the fog deflector 340. Increasing the length of the heating wire 351 helps to increase the heating area and thus improve the evaporation efficiency of the water droplets.

[0149] In some embodiments of this application, the heating component 350 further includes a control unit, which may be integrated on the drive board 332. The control unit is electrically connected to the heating wire 351 to control the heating parameters of the heating wire 351.

[0150] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator further includes a control device installed inside the cabinet 100, and the control device is electrically connected to the atomizer 330 and the heating element 350 respectively, and controls the working state of the atomizer 330 and the heating element 350 respectively.

[0151] For example, the control device may be a microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0152] In some embodiments of this application, the control device is configured to:

[0153] The operating parameters of the atomizer 330 during each non-cooling period are obtained. These operating parameters include start-up duration, on / off status, and humidification mode, which includes continuous humidification and intermittent humidification.

[0154] Based on the operating parameters of the atomizer 330, the heating parameters of the heating element 350 are determined; among which, the heating parameters include heating power and heating duration.

[0155] The heating element 350 is controlled to operate according to the heating parameters.

[0156] The time period during which the refrigerator's compressor starts cooling is the refrigerator's cooling period, and the time period between two cooling periods is the non-cooling period.

[0157] When the humidification mode of the atomizer 330 is intermittent humidification, the atomizer 330 operates according to a certain start-stop ratio within the humidification cycle. For example, within a 60-second humidification cycle, the atomizer 330 starts for Z seconds and stops for 60-Z seconds. Intermittent humidification can reduce the possibility of condensation forming in the refrigerator compartment 101.

[0158] When the humidification mode of the atomizer 330 is continuous humidification, the atomizer 330 continuously activates humidification for a preset duration, which is longer than the single humidification duration of the atomizer 330 during intermittent humidification. For example, the preset duration of continuous humidification is longer than the duration of intermittent humidification, Z seconds.

[0159] In this embodiment, a spray chamber 303 is formed within the humidification device 300, creating a gap between the spray end of the atomizer 330 and the mist outlet 301, reducing the likelihood of water droplets forming at the mist outlet 301. A deflector 340 is provided within the spray chamber 303 to block some of the water mist, reducing the amount of water mist sprayed onto the edge sidewall of the mist outlet 301, further reducing the likelihood of water droplets forming at the edge of the mist outlet 301. A heating element is provided on the side of the deflector 340 facing the spray end of the atomizer 330 to evaporate any water droplets that may form on the deflector 340, reducing the likelihood of water droplets accumulating on the deflector 340. Furthermore, the refrigerator in this embodiment comprehensively determines the amount of water condensed on the defogging plate 340 by considering the start-up time, on / off state, and humidification method of the atomizer 330 during non-cooling periods. This, in turn, determines the heating power and heating time of the heating component 350, ensuring that the evaporative heat provided by the heating component 350 is matched with the amount of water condensed on the defogging plate 340. This removes water while reducing the impact of the heating component 350 on the storage temperature inside the refrigerator.

[0160] In some embodiments of this application, the control device is configured to:

[0161] The heating parameters of the heating element 350 are determined based on the cumulative value of the start-up time of the atomizer 330 intermittent humidification within a preset time.

[0162] The preset duration is a pre-set duration that is shorter than the duration of the non-cooling period.

[0163] The cumulative value of the startup time is the sum of the humidification times of the atomizer starting more than 330 times within the preset time.

[0164] This embodiment of the application utilizes the cumulative value of the start-up time of the atomizer 330 during intermittent humidification to dynamically adjust the heating power and heating time of the heating component 350, ensuring that the heating component 350 starts heating in time when needed to evaporate the water droplets on the defogging plate 340, and can also reduce unnecessary energy waste and improve energy utilization efficiency.

[0165] In some embodiments, the cumulative value of the start-up time of the atomizer 330 intermittently humidifying within a preset time period is proportional to the evaporative heat provided by the heating element 350. That is, the larger the cumulative value of the start-up time, the greater the possibility of water droplets condensing on the deflector 340, the more water droplets are formed, and therefore more evaporative heat is required.

[0166] In some embodiments, the heating power of the heating element 350 remains constant, and the evaporation heat provided by the heating element 350 is adjusted by changing the heating duration; or, the heating duration of the heating element 350 remains constant, and the evaporation heat provided by the heating element 350 is adjusted by changing the heating power of the heating element 350. Thus, by changing a single variable, the evaporation heat is adjusted, which simplifies the control logic.

[0167] In some embodiments, the heat of evaporation provided by the heating element 350 can be adjusted by simultaneously adjusting the heating power and the heating time. This setting helps to improve the adjustment accuracy and makes the adjustment method more flexible.

[0168] In other embodiments, different heating parameters for the heating element 350 are determined by segmenting the cumulative value of the start-up time.

[0169] In some implementations, the control device is configured as follows:

[0170] When the cumulative value of the start-up time is less than or equal to the preset first time threshold, the heating component 350 is controlled to operate for a first heating time according to the first heating power to provide the first heat.

[0171] When the cumulative value of the start-up time is greater than the first time threshold and less than or equal to the preset second time threshold, the heating component 350 is controlled to operate for a second heating time according to the second heating power to provide the second heat; wherein, the second time threshold is greater than the first time threshold and the second heat is greater than the first heat.

[0172] When the cumulative value of the start-up time is greater than the second time threshold, the heating component 350 is controlled to operate for a third heating time according to the third heating power to provide a third heat; wherein the third heat is greater than the second heat.

[0173] In some embodiments, during the intermittent humidification phase, the heating element 350 operates at a fixed heating power, such as W1, and the required heat output is changed by altering the heating duration. Thus, the first heating power, the second heating power, and the third heating power are all W1, the second heating duration is longer than the first heating duration so that the second heat output is greater than the first heat output, and the third heating duration is longer than the second heating duration so that the third heat output is greater than the second heat output.

[0174] Compared to adjusting the heating power separately, adjusting the heating time separately to regulate the heat not only simplifies the control logic, but also keeps the heating power constant, which helps improve the stability of the heating element 350.

[0175] Of course, the heat can also be adjusted by keeping the heating time constant and adjusting the heating power; or the heat can be adjusted by adjusting both the heating time and the heating power at the same time.

[0176] In this embodiment of the application, the cumulative value of the start-up time is divided into three segments to determine the heat required by the heating element 350. However, this is not a limitation. For example, the cumulative value of the start-up time can also be divided into two segments, four segments, etc., to determine the heat required by the heating element 350.

[0177] In this embodiment, the heating element 350 provides different amounts of heat by segmenting the cumulative startup time. When the cumulative startup time is large, the atomizer 330 operates for a longer total time, easily forming more water droplets, and the heating element 350 provides more heat accordingly. Conversely, when the cumulative startup time is small, the atomizer 330 operates for a shorter total time, forming fewer water droplets, and the heating element 350 provides less heat. This design simplifies the control logic and allows the heat provided by the heating element 350 to be adjusted according to the cumulative startup time, thus evaporating water promptly while improving energy efficiency.

[0178] In some embodiments of this application, the control device is further configured to: reset the accumulated value of the start-up duration after the heating component 350 is started. That is, after the heating component 350 is started, it indicates that the heating component 350 has evaporated the water droplets on the defogging plate 340, and by default there are no water droplets on the defogging plate 340; the accumulated value of the start-up duration is reset to zero, and the next preset duration is re-accumulated.

[0179] In some embodiments of this application, the control device is configured to:

[0180] When the atomizer 330 is configured to start during the heating process of the heating element 350, the heating element 350 is controlled to shut down and recorded as an interruption.

[0181] When the number of interruptions of the heating element 350 reaches a preset number and the atomizer 330 performs intermittent humidification, the heating element 350 is controlled to operate at a preset first target power for a target duration; wherein, the first target power is greater than the heating power determined by the heating element 350 based on the cumulative value of the start-up duration.

[0182] When the humidity in the refrigeration compartment 101 does not meet the requirements, the control device controls the atomizer 330 to start humidification and controls the heating element 350 to stop heating. In other words, the priority of the atomizer 330 starting humidification is higher than the priority of the heating element 350 starting heating.

[0183] If the heating element 350 is interrupted a preset number of times while the atomizer 330 is still in the intermittent humidification phase, it indicates that the heating element 350 has failed to provide sufficient heat, and water droplets may have accumulated on the deflector 340. Therefore, the heating element 350 is controlled to operate at a higher power for a target duration to quickly evaporate the water droplets on the deflector 340.

[0184] The heating element 350 starts heating during the stop phase of the intermittent humidification of the atomizer 330. In other words, the heating element 350 and the atomizer 330 do not start at the same time to avoid the heating element 350 heating the water mist, which would cause the heated water mist to easily condense into water droplets when it encounters cold air in the refrigeration compartment 101.

[0185] In some embodiments, when the heating element 350 is running at the first target power, the atomizer 330 is configured to start intermittent humidification. In this case, the control device is configured to control the heating element 350 to pause heating. When the atomizer 330 stops, the control device is configured to control the heating element 350 to continue running at the first target power until the total duration of the heating element 350 running at the first target power reaches the target duration.

[0186] In some embodiments, when the heating element 350 is operating at a first target power and the atomizer 330 is configured to start continuous humidification, the control device is configured to control the heating element 350 to stop heating. Furthermore, the control device is configured to reset the number of interruptions of the heating element 350 and determine the heating parameters of the heating element 350 based on the continuous humidification of the atomizer 330.

[0187] In some embodiments of this application, the control device is configured to:

[0188] When the heating element 350 is running at the first target power, the interruption count of the heating element 350 is reset. That is, when the heating element 350 is running at the first target power, it indicates that the heating element 350 has evaporated the accumulated water droplets on the fog deflector 340, and by default there are no water droplets on the fog deflector 340; the interruption count of the heating element 350 is reset to zero.

[0189] In some embodiments of this application, the control device is further configured to:

[0190] After the atomizer 330 finishes continuous humidification, the heating element 350 is controlled to operate at the preset second target power until the subsequent cooling period ends.

[0191] When the atomizer 330 continuously humidifies, the water mist is sprayed for a long time, which easily leads to the formation of more water droplets at the deflector 340. Therefore, after the atomizer 330 finishes continuous humidification, the heating element 350 is started and operates at the second target power until the subsequent cooling period ends, so as to fully evaporate the water at the deflector 340 and avoid the accumulation of water droplets at the deflector 340. Moreover, when the heating element 350 is operating during the cooling period, the air flow speed in the refrigerator compartment 101 is fast, which can carry away the water vapor generated by the heating element 350, and has little impact on the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101.

[0192] The second target power can be greater than the heating power of the heating component 350 when the atomizer 330 is intermittently humidifying. This setting can fully evaporate the water droplets on the defogging plate 340. Moreover, the power of the heating component 350 is smaller during non-cooling periods, which can reduce the impact on the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101 and reduce the frequency of the refrigerator's cooling system operation.

[0193] During the cooling period, air circulates inside the refrigerator due to the action of the cooling fan. As the air passes over the evaporator, moisture in the air condenses onto the evaporator due to its low temperature, causing a decrease in humidity within the refrigerator compartment 101. Therefore, during the cooling period, the control device is configured to shut off the atomizer 330.

[0194] After the cooling process is completed, the humidity control atomizer 330 is used to intermittently humidify. When the humidity is lower than the set humidity, the atomizer 330 is controlled to start humidifying, and the humidity in the refrigerator compartment 101 rises. When the humidity in the refrigerator compartment 101 rises to the set value, the atomizer 330 stops humidifying.

[0195] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator further includes a humidity sensor installed in the refrigerator compartment 101, the humidity sensor being configured to detect the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101; the humidity sensor is electrically connected to a control device, the control device being further configured to:

[0196] The humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101 during non-cooling periods is obtained by a humidity sensor, and the humidification parameters of the atomizer 330 for intermittent humidification are controlled based on the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101 during non-cooling periods. These humidification parameters include the humidification duration and off duration within a preset humidification cycle, and the number of cycles. The number of cycles refers to the number of cycles within the preset humidification cycle.

[0197] The activation of the atomizer 330 is related to the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101. If the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101 is high, the atomizer 330 needs less water replenishment, and the possibility of condensation forming at the defogging plate 340 is small. If the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101 is low, the atomizer 330 needs more water replenishment, and the possibility of condensation forming at the defogging plate 340 is large.

[0198] This embodiment of the application monitors the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101 and precisely controls the opening and closing of the atomizer 330, thereby ensuring that the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101 is within a set range. This helps to extend the shelf life of food and reduce the possibility of dryness or excessive moisture. Furthermore, the atomizer 330 performs intermittent humidification, which can maintain the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101 and avoid condensation problems caused by prolonged humidification.

[0199] In some specific implementations, the control device is configured as follows:

[0200] When the humidity in the cold storage compartment 101 is less than the first humidity threshold, the atomizer 330 is controlled to run for a first humidification duration within the preset humidification cycle, and then shut down for a first shutdown duration; and the cycle is repeated for the first time; wherein, the sum of the first humidification duration and the second shutdown duration is equal to the duration of the preset humidification cycle;

[0201] When the humidity in the cold storage compartment 101 is greater than or equal to the first humidity threshold and less than the second humidity threshold, the atomizer 330 is controlled to run for a second humidification duration within a preset humidification cycle, then stop for a second shutdown duration, and repeat the cycle for a second time; wherein the second count is less than the first count, and the second humidity threshold is greater than the first humidity threshold.

[0202] When the humidity in the cold storage compartment 101 is greater than or equal to the second humidity threshold, the atomizer 330 is turned off.

[0203] For example, when the humidity in the refrigerator compartment 101 is less than a first humidity threshold, the atomizer 330 is controlled to be on for Z seconds and off for 60-Z seconds; this cycle is repeated 2a times. When the humidity in the refrigerator compartment 101 is greater than or equal to the first humidity threshold and less than a second humidity threshold, the atomizer 330 is controlled to be on for Z seconds and off for 60-Z seconds; this cycle is repeated a times. The preset humidification cycle is 60 seconds.

[0204] In this implementation, the control device is configured to control the number of cycles of intermittent humidification of the atomizer 330 according to the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101. This can ensure that the humidity in the refrigerator compartment 101 is within the set range by humidifying the refrigerator compartment 101 multiple times in a short period of time, and can also avoid the possibility of condensation forming in the refrigerator compartment 101 due to long-term continuous humidification.

[0205] During the refrigeration period, the air humidity in the cold storage compartment 101 drops rapidly, and the moisture on the surface of fruits and vegetables moves into the air, resulting in water loss. Therefore, during the non-refrigeration period before the refrigeration is turned on, covering the surface of fruits and vegetables with a water mist film helps to slow down water loss and improve the preservation effect.

[0206] Therefore, the timing of humidification activation before cooling begins is crucial. If the atomizer 330 is activated too early, the water mist film formed on the surface of fruits and vegetables will decrease over time, resulting in a thin film and poor preservation when cooling begins. If the atomizer 330 is activated too late, the water mist film may not have formed before cooling begins, also leading to poor preservation.

[0207] Since the start time of the refrigerator's cooling cycle is typically determined by the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101, it is not fixed. Furthermore, due to varying operating conditions, the time it takes for the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 101 to rise to the cooling start temperature also differs. When there are many items in the refrigerator compartment 101, the items themselves store a lot of cold air, resulting in a slower temperature rise in the compartment; conversely, when there are few items in the refrigerator compartment 101, the temperature rises quickly. Therefore, the start time of the humidifier 300 cannot be directly determined.

[0208] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator also includes a temperature sensor installed in the refrigerator compartment 101, which is configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerator compartment; of course, in some implementations, a temperature and humidity sensor may also be installed in the refrigerator compartment 101 to detect the humidity and temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101 respectively.

[0209] The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the control device; the control device is also configured to:

[0210] The temperature of the cold storage compartment 101 during non-cooling periods and the corresponding time are periodically obtained by a temperature sensor.

[0211] The humidification start-up temperature is determined based on the temperature of the cold storage compartment 101 and the corresponding time.

[0212] When the temperature in the refrigerated compartment 101 rises to the humidification start temperature during non-cooling periods, the atomizer 330 is controlled to continuously humidify for a preset humidification duration. The preset humidification duration is longer than the single humidification duration when the atomizer 330 performs intermittent humidification. The single humidification duration is the humidification duration of the atomizer in one preset humidification cycle.

[0213] It can be understood that during non-cooling periods, when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101 is lower than the humidification start-up temperature, the control device is configured to control the atomizer 330 to perform intermittent humidification based on the humidity of the refrigerator compartment 101. In other words, during a non-cooling period, the atomizer 330 first performs intermittent humidification and then performs continuous humidification.

[0214] In some embodiments of this application, the humidification start-up temperature is determined by monitoring the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101 and the corresponding time. When the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101 rises to the humidification start-up temperature during non-cooling periods, the humidification device 300 is activated. Thus, before the cooling period begins, the atomizer 330 sprays water mist, covering the surface of the food with a water mist film, delaying water loss and improving preservation. By monitoring the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101, this embodiment of the application better reflects the temperature rise before the cooling period begins, using temperature to determine the activation timing of the atomizer 330, improving the accuracy of the atomizer 330's activation timing, and ensuring that the water mist film effectively delays water loss during the cooling period.

[0215] In some of the possible implementations, the control device is configured as follows:

[0216] Based on the cooling start time of the previous non-cooling period and the preset humidification duration, determine the actual humidification start time of the previous non-cooling period.

[0217] Determine the actual humidification start-up temperature of the previous non-cooling period based on the actual humidification start-up time of the current cooling period;

[0218] Based on the actual humidification start-up temperature, determine the humidification start-up temperature for the next non-cooling period during the current cooling period.

[0219] Specifically, when the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 101 is equal to the preset cooling start temperature, the time corresponding to the cooling start temperature is the cooling start time. For example, when the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 101 is greater than or equal to 8°C, the refrigerator's cooling system starts cooling.

[0220] The preset moisturizing time is pre-set. For example, the moisturizing time of the water mist film is t0. During this time period, the water mist film has a moisturizing effect and can delay the loss of water from the food.

[0221] Combination Figure 11 If we are currently in a cooling period m, we can determine the cooling start time of the previous non-cooling period m based on the temperature monitoring data. For example, if the temperature in the cold storage room 101 is 8°C, the corresponding time is 9:45, then the cooling start time is 9:45. If the humidification duration t0 is 30 minutes, the actual humidification start time of the previous non-cooling period m is 9:15.

[0222] The temperature corresponding to the actual humidification start-up time in the previous non-cooling period m is the actual humidification start-up temperature. This actual humidification start-up temperature characterizes the temperature change under the current operating conditions of the refrigerator compartment 101. Using the actual humidification start-up temperature, the humidification start-up temperature for the next non-cooling period m+1 is determined, and the atomizer 330 is controlled to start, so that the start-up time of the atomizer 330 is more matched with the current operating conditions of the refrigerator compartment 101, so that the water mist film is maintained during the cooling period, which plays a role in delaying the loss of water from fruits, vegetables and other food.

[0223] Combination Figure 11 Assume the cooling start-up temperature is T0 and the humidification time is t0. The temperature change in the refrigerator compartment 101 varies under different operating conditions. When there are many items in the refrigerator compartment 101, the items themselves store a lot of cold air, and the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101 rises slowly, for example, during the non-cooling period m+1; while when there are few items in the refrigerator compartment 101, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 101 rises quickly, for example, during the non-cooling period m.

[0224] During the non-cooling period m, the humidification start-up temperature is Tam. Theoretically, the time required for the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 101 to rise from Tam to T0 is the humidification duration t0. However, due to changes in the storage conditions in the refrigerator compartment 101 and changes in the actual usage of the refrigerator, when entering the cooling period m, the actual humidification start-up time and its corresponding actual humidification start-up temperature Tbm are determined based on the cooling start-up time and the preset humidification duration. The actual humidification start-up temperature Tbm can be greater than the humidification start-up temperature Tam, or it can be less than the humidification start-up temperature Tam, or it can be equal to the humidification start-up temperature Tam.

[0225] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to: determine the actual humidification start-up temperature of the previous non-cooling period of the current cooling period as the humidification start-up temperature of the next non-cooling period of the current cooling period.

[0226] This can be understood as determining the actual humidification start-up temperature Tbm of the previous non-cooling period as the humidification start-up temperature Tam+1 of the next non-humid and cold period.

[0227] This setup utilizes the similarity in the operating conditions of the refrigerator compartment 101 between two adjacent non-cooling periods, where the temperature changes are similar, to determine the humidification start-up temperature. This helps improve the accuracy of the humidification start-up timing of the atomizer 330, ensuring that a water mist film is formed before the cooling period begins, thus providing a moisturizing effect on fruits, vegetables, and other food items during the cooling period.

[0228] In other embodiments, the control device is configured to:

[0229] The actual humidification start-up temperature is periodically acquired for each non-cooling period, and the time sequence number corresponding to the actual humidification start-up temperature is recorded to form a temperature sequence.

[0230] A preset time window is used to slide along the temperature sequence in chronological order, and multiple actual humidification start-up temperatures within the time window are obtained;

[0231] The average of multiple actual humidification start-up temperatures is determined as the humidification start-up temperature for the next non-cooling period during the current cooling period.

[0232] Combination Figure 12 The temperature sequence includes multiple actual humidification start-up temperatures, namely T1, T2, T3...Tn, Tn+1, Tn+2, etc., where n is a positive integer greater than 1. The time sequence is 1, 2, 3...n, n+1, n+2, etc.

[0233] The time window has a step size of n and slides along the temperature sequence in chronological order. Within the time window, there are n humidification start temperatures. The average of these n humidification start temperatures is used as the humidification start temperature for the next non-cooling period before the current cooling period. In other words, the average of the actual humidification start temperatures of the n non-cooling periods preceding the current cooling period is used as the humidification start temperature for the next non-cooling period before the current cooling period.

[0234] This setting not only considers the impact of the refrigerator's current operating conditions on the humidification start-up temperature, but also the impact of the refrigerator's historical operating conditions on the humidification start-up temperature, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the humidification start-up time and thus improving the accuracy of humidification control, ensuring that the water mist film has a moisturizing effect during the cooling period.

[0235] Based on the above refrigerators Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be executed by the refrigerator's control device, such as... Figure 13 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0236] S1301: Obtain the operating parameters of the atomizer during each non-cooling period.

[0237] The operating parameters include startup time, on / off status, and humidification mode, which includes continuous humidification and intermittent humidification.

[0238] S1302: Determine the heating parameters of the heating element based on the operating parameters of the atomizer.

[0239] The heating parameters include heating power and heating time.

[0240] S1303: Controls the heating components to operate according to the heating parameters.

[0241] For the specific implementation of each of the above steps, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0242] In this embodiment, a spray chamber is formed within the humidification device, creating a gap between the spray end of the atomizer and the mist outlet, reducing the likelihood of water droplets forming at the mist outlet. A deflector is installed within the spray chamber to block some of the water mist, reducing the amount of water mist sprayed onto the edge of the mist outlet and further reducing the likelihood of water droplets forming at the edge of the mist outlet. A heating element is installed on the side of the deflector facing the spray end of the atomizer to evaporate any water droplets that may form on the deflector, reducing the likelihood of water droplet accumulation on the deflector. Furthermore, the refrigerator in this embodiment comprehensively determines the amount of water condensed on the deflector by considering the atomizer's start-up time, on / off state, and humidification method during non-cooling periods. This allows for the determination of the heating power and heating time of the heating element, ensuring that the evaporative heat provided by the heating element is matched to the amount of water condensed on the deflector, thus reducing the impact of the heating element on the storage temperature inside the refrigerator while removing water.

[0243] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator control method includes:

[0244] The heating parameters of the heating element are determined based on the cumulative value of the start-up time of the atomizer intermittent humidification within a preset time.

[0245] This application embodiment utilizes the cumulative value of the atomizer's start-up time during intermittent humidification to dynamically adjust the heating power and heating time of the heating component, ensuring that the heating component starts heating in time when needed to evaporate the water droplets on the defogging plate. It can also reduce unnecessary energy waste and improve energy utilization efficiency.

[0246] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator control method includes:

[0247] When the cumulative value of the start-up time is less than or equal to the preset first time threshold, the heating component is controlled to operate at the first heating power for the first heating time to provide the first heat.

[0248] When the cumulative value of the start-up time is greater than the first time threshold and less than or equal to the preset second time threshold, the heating component is controlled to operate for a second heating time according to the second heating power to provide the second heat.

[0249] Among them, the second duration threshold is greater than the first duration threshold, and the second heat is greater than the first heat;

[0250] When the cumulative value of the start-up time exceeds the second time threshold, the heating component is controlled to operate at the third heating power for the third heating time to provide the third heat.

[0251] The third calorie is greater than the second calorie.

[0252] In some embodiments of this application, the cumulative startup time is segmented, and the heating element provides different amounts of heat for each segment. When the cumulative startup time is large, the atomizer operates for a longer total time, resulting in more water droplets being formed, and the heating element provides more heat accordingly. Conversely, when the cumulative startup time is small, the atomizer operates for a shorter total time, resulting in fewer water droplets being formed, and the heating element provides less heat accordingly. This design simplifies the control logic and allows the heat provided by the heating element to be adjusted according to the cumulative startup time, thus evaporating water promptly while improving energy efficiency.

[0253] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator control method includes:

[0254] When the atomizer is configured to start during heating of the heating element, the heating element is controlled to shut down and recorded as an interruption.

[0255] When the number of interruptions of the heating element reaches a preset number and the atomizer performs intermittent humidification, the heating element is controlled to operate at a preset first target power for a target duration; wherein, the first target power is greater than the heating power determined by the heating element based on the cumulative value of the start-up duration.

[0256] In this embodiment, the number of times the heating element is interrupted by the atomizer is recorded to characterize the number of times the heating element fails to provide sufficient evaporation heat; when the number of interruptions of the heating element reaches a preset number, the heating element is controlled to operate at a higher power to quickly evaporate the water droplets condensed on the defogging plate and avoid the accumulation of water droplets.

[0257] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator control method includes:

[0258] When the heating element is running at the first target power, reset the number of interruptions for the heating element.

[0259] In this embodiment, after the heating component operates at the first target power, it indicates that the heating component evaporates the fog deflector, resets the interruption count of the heating component, avoids the continued accumulation of the interruption count, and prevents the heating component from generating excess heat, which helps to reduce power consumption.

[0260] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator control method includes: after the atomizer finishes continuous humidification, controlling the heating component to operate at a preset second target power until the subsequent cooling period ends.

[0261] In some embodiments of this application, the atomizer continuously humidifies for a long time, resulting in a long mist spraying time. This can easily lead to the formation of more water droplets at the deflector. Therefore, after the atomizer finishes continuous humidification, the heating element is activated and operates at the second target power until the subsequent cooling period ends. This ensures sufficient evaporation at the deflector and prevents water droplet accumulation. Furthermore, controlling the heating element to operate during the cooling period allows for faster airflow in the refrigerator compartment, which can carry away the water vapor generated by the heating element, minimizing its impact on the temperature of the refrigerator compartment.

[0262] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator control method further includes:

[0263] The humidity of the cold storage room during non-cooling periods is obtained by a humidity sensor, and the humidification parameters of the atomizer are controlled according to the humidity of the cold storage room during non-cooling periods. The humidification parameters include the humidification duration and off duration and the number of cycles within the preset humidification cycle.

[0264] This embodiment of the application monitors the humidity of the refrigerator compartment and precisely controls the opening and closing of the atomizer, thereby ensuring that the humidity of the refrigerator compartment remains within a set range. This helps to extend the shelf life of food and reduce the possibility of dryness or excessive moisture. Furthermore, the atomizer provides intermittent humidification, which not only maintains the humidity of the refrigerator compartment but also avoids condensation problems caused by prolonged humidification.

[0265] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator control method further includes:

[0266] The temperature of the cold storage room during non-cooling periods and the corresponding time are periodically obtained by temperature sensors;

[0267] The humidification start-up temperature is determined based on the temperature of the cold storage room and the corresponding time.

[0268] When the temperature in the cold storage room rises to the humidification start temperature during non-cooling periods, the atomizer is controlled to continuously humidify for a preset humidification duration, wherein the preset humidification duration is longer than the single humidification duration when the atomizer performs intermittent humidification.

[0269] In some embodiments of this application, the humidification start-up temperature is determined by monitoring the temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the corresponding time. When the temperature of the refrigerator compartment rises to the humidification start-up temperature during non-cooling periods, the humidification device is activated. This allows water mist to be sprayed from the atomizer before the cooling period begins, covering the food surface with a water mist film, delaying moisture loss and improving preservation. By monitoring the temperature of the refrigerator compartment, this embodiment better reflects the temperature rise before the cooling period begins, using temperature to determine the atomizer's activation timing, improving the accuracy of the atomizer's activation timing, and ensuring that the water mist film effectively delays moisture loss during the cooling period.

[0270] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which may include various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a disk, or an optical disk. Specifically, the computer executes instructions, and when the computer executes the instructions, the method described in the above embodiments is implemented.

[0271] Some embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, is used to implement the refrigerator control method provided in the various embodiments described above.

[0272] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0273] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the described embodiments and various different variations of embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The cabinet is constructed to form a cold storage compartment with an opening at the front. The door is rotatably mounted on the cabinet to open or close the cold storage compartment; Humidification device, including: A housing assembly, the housing assembly forming a water storage cavity, and the housing assembly forming a spray cavity and a mist outlet communicating with the spray cavity; An atomizer is at least partially installed in the water storage chamber and configured to generate water mist; the spray end of the atomizer and the mist outlet are disposed on opposite sides of the spray chamber. A fog deflector is installed inside the spray chamber and located between the spray end of the atomizer and the mist outlet; the fog deflector is provided with a mist outlet hole opposite to the spray end of the atomizer; A heating element, at least a portion of which is disposed on the side of the deflector facing the spray end of the atomizer; A control device is electrically connected to both the heating element and the atomizer; the control device is configured to: The operating parameters of the atomizer during each non-cooling period are obtained; wherein, the operating parameters include start-up duration, on / off status, and humidification mode, and the humidification mode includes continuous humidification and intermittent humidification; Based on the operating parameters of the atomizer, the heating parameters of the heating component are determined; wherein, the heating parameters include heating power and heating duration; The heating component is controlled to operate according to the heating parameters.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device is configured to: The heating parameters of the heating component are determined based on the cumulative value of the start-up time of the atomizer performing intermittent humidification within a preset time period.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control device is configured to: When the cumulative value of the startup duration is less than or equal to a preset first duration threshold, the heating component is controlled to operate at a first heating power for a first heating duration to provide first heat. When the cumulative value of the startup duration is greater than the first duration threshold and less than or equal to the preset second duration threshold, the heating component is controlled to operate at the second heating power for a second heating duration to provide second heat; wherein, the second duration threshold is greater than the first duration threshold, and the second heat is greater than the first heat; When the cumulative value of the start-up duration is greater than the second duration threshold, the heating component is controlled to operate at a third heating power for a third heating duration to provide a third heat; wherein the third heat is greater than the second heat.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control device is configured to: When the atomizer is configured to start during heating of the heating element, the heating element is controlled to shut down, and this is recorded as an interruption. When the number of interruptions of the heating element reaches a preset number and the atomizer performs the intermittent humidification, the heating element is controlled to operate at a preset first target power for a target duration; wherein, the first target power is greater than the heating power determined by the heating element based on the cumulative value of the start-up duration.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control device is configured to: When the heating element is running at the first target power, the interruption count of the heating element is reset.

6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The control device is also configured to: After the atomizer finishes continuous humidification, the heating element is controlled to operate at a preset second target power until the subsequent cooling period ends.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes a humidity sensor installed in the refrigerator compartment, the humidity sensor being configured to detect the humidity of the refrigerator compartment; the humidity sensor is electrically connected to the control device, the control device being further configured to: The humidity sensor acquires the humidity of the cold storage room during non-cooling periods, and controls the humidification parameters of the atomizer for intermittent humidification based on the humidity of the cold storage room during non-cooling periods. The humidification parameters include the humidification duration and off duration, and the number of cycles within a preset humidification cycle. And / or, The refrigerator also includes a temperature sensor installed in the refrigerator compartment, the temperature sensor being configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerator compartment; the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the control device; the control device is further configured to: The temperature sensor periodically acquires the temperature of the cold storage room during non-cooling periods and the corresponding time. The humidification start-up temperature is determined based on the temperature of the cold storage compartment and the corresponding time. When the temperature in the refrigerated compartment rises to the humidification start temperature during the non-cooling period, the atomizer is controlled to perform continuous humidification for a preset humidification duration, wherein the preset humidification duration is longer than the single humidification duration when the atomizer performs intermittent humidification.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The heating element includes a heating wire; The heating wire is disposed in the area below the mist outlet hole on the defogging plate; and / or The heating wire is disposed in the area above the mist outlet on the defogging plate; and / or The heating wire is provided on the bottom wall of the spray chamber, and the heating wire is located between the fog baffle and the spray end of the atomizer.

9. A method for controlling a refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes: The cabinet is constructed to form a cold storage compartment with an opening at the front. The door is rotatably mounted on the cabinet to open or close the cold storage compartment; Humidification device, including: A housing assembly, the housing assembly forming a water storage cavity, and the housing assembly forming a spray cavity and a mist outlet communicating with the spray cavity; An atomizer is at least partially installed in the water storage chamber and configured to generate water mist; the spray end of the atomizer and the mist outlet are disposed on opposite sides of the spray chamber. A fog deflector is installed inside the spray chamber and located between the spray end of the atomizer and the mist outlet; the fog deflector is provided with a mist outlet hole opposite to the spray end of the atomizer; A heating element, at least a portion of which is disposed on the side of the deflector facing the spray end of the atomizer; The method includes: The operating parameters of the atomizer during each non-cooling period are obtained; wherein, the operating parameters include start-up duration, on / off status, and humidification mode, and the humidification mode includes continuous humidification and intermittent humidification; Based on the operating parameters of the atomizer, the heating parameters of the heating component are determined; wherein, the heating parameters include heating power and heating duration; The heating component is controlled to operate according to the heating parameters.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method of claim 9.

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