Cabinet freezer and cabinet freezer operation method

Abstract

The invention relates to a cabinet freezer which comprises a freezing box body, a first evaporator and a second evaporator. The freezing box body comprises a freezing box door, and the first evaporator and the second evaporator are both arranged in the freezing box body. And when the refrigerator door is opened, the first evaporator is closed, and the second evaporator is operated. In addition, the invention also discloses a cabinet freezer operation method.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application was filed on September 19, 2019; the original application number was 201910884236.9; and the original invention title was: Freezer and Freezer Operation Method. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a freezer and its operating method. More particularly, it relates to a vehicle-mounted freezer and its operating method. Background Technology

[0003] With the improvement of living standards, refrigerated transport has become an indispensable mode of transportation for fresh goods. In traditional refrigerated transport, the refrigeration air conditioner uses a controller to detect the temperature of the refrigerated compartment inside the vehicle. When the temperature is high, the solenoid valve is energized to transmit engine power to the compressor, which in turn drives the compressor to pressurize the high-temperature refrigerant and transfer it to the condenser. Through the condenser fan, outside air is blown towards the condenser to remove the heat.

[0004] The internal refrigerant cools down and becomes liquid. After passing through a capillary tube or expansion valve, the pressure decreases, the refrigerant becomes low temperature, and flows into the evaporator. The evaporator fan blows the high temperature inside the equipment to the low temperature evaporator, so that the air blown into the cabinet maintains the low temperature to achieve the cooling of the freezer. At the same time, the evaporator absorbs the high temperature, causing the refrigerant to vaporize at high temperature and then flow back to the compressor.

[0005] However, when the refrigerated truck is driven to a store and needs to be opened to pick up or unload goods, the high temperature and humidity outside the cabinet will quickly flow into the cabinet. Furthermore, due to the extremely low temperature of the evaporator inside the cabinet, ice will easily form on the aluminum fins of the evaporator, which will block the air gaps between adjacent aluminum fins, preventing air from flowing through the evaporator, thus reducing cooling efficiency and even affecting the preservation of cold-cold fresh products.

[0006] Therefore, traditionally, when drivers find that the evaporator fins are iced over or the freezer temperature is insufficient, they heat the evaporator to melt the ice. Only after the ice has melted is the evaporator restarted for freezing operation. However, during the evaporator defrosting process, it is difficult to maintain the freezer at a low temperature, which affects the preservation of fresh produce. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a freezer and a freezer operation method to avoid clogging of the evaporator heat dissipation fins, thereby improving the freezing efficiency and quality of the freezer.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a freezer comprising:

[0009] A freezer enclosure, the freezer enclosure including a freezer door;

[0010] A first evaporator is disposed within the freezer enclosure; and

[0011] A second evaporator is disposed in the freezer body, wherein when the freezer door is opened, the first evaporator is closed and the second evaporator is operated. The first evaporator has a first heat dissipation fin, and the second evaporator has no heat dissipation fin or has a second heat dissipation fin, wherein the density of the second heat dissipation fin is less than that of the first heat dissipation fin.

[0012] The evaporator fan, the first evaporator, the second evaporator, and the freezer door are arranged in sequence.

[0013] Specifically, the first evaporator operates when the freezer door is closed; the second evaporator shuts down after the freezer door is closed; and the second evaporator operates when the freezer door is opened or when an opening action of the freezer door is detected.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the freezer door is closed, the first evaporator operates for a first predetermined time, and the second evaporator shuts off for a second predetermined time, wherein the first predetermined time is less than the second predetermined time.

[0015] In some embodiments, the freezer further includes a controller for shutting down the first evaporator and operating the second evaporator.

[0016] In some embodiments, the freezer also includes at least one sensor to detect the opening and closing of the freezer door, wherein the sensor includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an infrared motion sensor, or a door position sensor.

[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a freezer comprising:

[0018] A freezer enclosure, the freezer enclosure including a freezer door, and the freezer door being provided with a door handle;

[0019] A first evaporator is disposed within the freezer enclosure; and

[0020] A second evaporator is disposed within the freezer compartment. When the door handle is operated, the first evaporator is closed and the second evaporator is activated. The first evaporator has a first heat dissipation fin, and the second evaporator either has no heat dissipation fin or has a second heat dissipation fin, wherein the density of the second heat dissipation fin is less than that of the first heat dissipation fin. The first evaporator is activated when the freezer door is closed, and the second evaporator is deactivated after the freezer door is closed.

[0021] The density of the heat dissipation fins of the first evaporator is greater than that of the heat dissipation fins of the second evaporator, and the evaporator fan, the first evaporator, the second evaporator and the freezer door are arranged in sequence.

[0022] Specifically, the second evaporator is activated when the freezer door is opened or when an action to open the freezer door is detected.

[0023] In some embodiments, when the freezer door is closed, the first evaporator operates for a first predetermined time, and the second evaporator shuts off for a second predetermined time, wherein the first predetermined time is less than the second predetermined time.

[0024] In some embodiments, the freezer further includes a controller for shutting down the first evaporator and operating the second evaporator.

[0025] In some embodiments, the freezer also includes at least one sensor to detect the movement of the door handle, wherein the sensor includes a pressure sensor, a door handle position sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or an infrared motion sensor.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a freezer operation method is disclosed, applicable to a freezer body having a freezer door, a first evaporator, and a second evaporator, comprising:

[0027] Open the freezer door; and

[0028] The first evaporator is turned off, and the second evaporator is operated. The first evaporator has a first heat dissipation fin, and the second evaporator has no heat dissipation fin or has a second heat dissipation fin, wherein the density of the second heat dissipation fin is less than that of the first heat dissipation fin. When the freezer door is closed, the first evaporator operates for a first predetermined time, and the second evaporator is turned off for a second predetermined time, wherein the first predetermined time is less than the second predetermined time.

[0029] The evaporator fan, the first evaporator, the second evaporator, and the freezer door are arranged in sequence.

[0030] Specifically, the second evaporator is activated when the freezer door is opened or when an action to open the freezer door is detected.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first evaporator is shut down and the second evaporator is operated using a controller.

[0032] Therefore, the freezer and its operation method can convert all energy into refrigeration capacity without the need for heating to defrost and defrost, and continuously provide low-temperature freezing capacity, which helps to improve the quality of frozen and refrigerated transportation, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of low-temperature transportation. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a freezer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2A This is a partial schematic diagram of the evaporator of a freezer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2B This is a partial schematic diagram of the evaporator of a freezer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a freezer operation method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operation method of a freezer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure Labels

[0039] 100: Freezer

[0040] 110: Freezer

[0041] 120: Refrigeration unit

[0042] 122: First Evaporator

[0043] 124: Second Evaporator

[0044] 126: Evaporator Fan

[0045] 130: Controller

[0046] 140: Route

[0047] 150: Freezer door

[0048] 155: Door handle

[0049] 160: Sensor

[0050] 210: First Evaporator

[0051] 212: Heat dissipation fins

[0052] 214: Refrigerant pipe

[0053] 220: Second Evaporator

[0054] 224: Refrigerant pipe

[0055] 230: Second Evaporator

[0056] 232: Heat dissipation fins

[0057] 234: Refrigerant pipe

[0058] 312: First evaporator control valve

[0059] 314: Second Evaporator Control Valve

[0060] 322: First Evaporator

[0061] 324: Second Evaporator

[0062] 326: Evaporator Fan

[0063] 330: Controller

[0064] 360: Sensors

[0065] 370: Expansion valve

[0066] 380: Compressor

[0067] 390: Condenser

[0068] 395: Condenser Fan

[0069] 400: Freezer Operation Method

[0070] 410, 420, 430, 440: Steps

[0071] 442, 444, 446: Steps Detailed Implementation

[0072] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. However, the provided embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and the description of the structure's operation is not intended to limit the order of its execution. Any structure resulting from the recombination of elements and producing a device with equivalent functionality is within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to their original dimensions. For ease of understanding, the same or similar elements will be designated with the same symbols in the following description.

[0073] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terminology used in this specification generally has its ordinary meaning in the context of the art, the disclosure herein, and the specific content. Certain terms used to describe the invention will be discussed below or elsewhere in this specification to provide additional guidance to those skilled in the art in describing the invention.

[0074] In this implementation, unless otherwise specified in the text, "a" and "the" may refer to one or more. The numbers used in the steps are only for indicating the steps for ease of explanation, and are not used to limit the order or implementation method.

[0075] Secondly, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” etc., used in this article are all open-ended terms, meaning that they include but are not limited to.

[0076] See Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a freezer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a partial schematic diagram of the evaporator of a freezer. Figure 3 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of how the freezer operates, while Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of how the freezer operates.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, the freezer 100 includes a freezer body 110, a first evaporator 122 and a second evaporator 124.

[0078] The freezer compartment 110 includes a freezer door 150 with a door handle 155. Both the first evaporator 122 and the second evaporator 124 are located within the freezer compartment 110. When the freezer door 150 is opened, the first evaporator 122 shuts off, and the second evaporator 124 operates at a low temperature. This maintains the temperature inside the freezer compartment 100 even after the freezer door 150 is opened, effectively preventing frost buildup on the first evaporator 122. Preferably, the first evaporator 122 shuts off at the moment the freezer door 150 is opened, but it can also be shut off before the freezer door 150 is opened, as long as it is already closed when the freezer door 150 is opened. Similarly, the second evaporator 124 preferably operates at the moment the freezer door 150 is opened, but it can also be operated before the freezer door 150 is opened, as long as it is already running when the freezer door 150 is opened.

[0079] In some embodiments, the freezer 100 further includes a controller 130, an evaporator fan 126, and at least one sensor 160. The sensor 160 is connected to the controller 130 via a line 140 to transmit a sensing signal to the controller 130 for determining whether the freezer door 150 is about to be opened or has already been opened. The first evaporator 122, the second evaporator 124, and the evaporator fan 126 constitute the freezing unit 120, which also includes components such as a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve, without departing from the concept and scope of the present invention.

[0080] The sensor 160 may be a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an infrared motion sensor, a door position sensor, a pressure sensor, a door handle position sensor, or a fingerprint sensor, all of which are within the scope and concept of this invention.

[0081] In some embodiments, when the sensor 160 is a temperature sensor, when the temperature sensor detects a temperature change, for example, when the temperature changes by 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% within a specific time period, the controller 130 determines that the freezer door 150 has been opened.

[0082] In some embodiments, when the sensor 160 is a humidity sensor, when the humidity sensor detects a change in humidity, for example, when the humidity changes by 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% within a specific time period, the controller 130 determines that the freezer door 150 has been opened.

[0083] In some embodiments, when the sensor 160 is a door position sensor, the controller 130 determines whether the freezer door 150 is open or closed when the door position sensor detects a change in the position of the freezer door 150. Alternatively, the door position sensor can be a microswitch.

[0084] In some embodiments, when the sensor 160 is an infrared motion sensor, when the infrared motion sensor detects that the position and posture of a person match the default position or posture, the controller 130 determines that the freezer door 150 will be opened or closed.

[0085] In some embodiments, when the sensor 160 is a pressure sensor, the controller 130 determines that the freezer door 150 will be opened when the pressure sensor is subjected to a preset force.

[0086] In some embodiments, when the sensor 160 is a door handle position sensor, when the door handle position sensor detects that the door handle 155 is rotating or moving, the controller 130 determines that the freezer door 150 will be opened or closed.

[0087] In some embodiments, when the sensor 160 is a fingerprint sensor, the controller 130 determines that the freezer door 150 will be opened or closed when the fingerprint sensor detects a preset fingerprint.

[0088] Although the freezer 100 of the present invention is illustrated with an example of an evaporator fan 126, a first evaporator 122 and a second evaporator 124 arranged in sequence, it can also be configured to have the first evaporator 122, the evaporator fan 126 and the second evaporator 124 arranged as needed.

[0089] See Figure 2A As shown, the first evaporator 210 has a refrigerant pipe 214 and multiple heat dissipation fins 212, while the second evaporator 220 has a refrigerant pipe 224 without heat dissipation fins. In this embodiment, because the refrigerant pipe 224 has no heat dissipation fins, the probability of ice formation on the first evaporator 210 and the second evaporator 220 can be significantly reduced when the freezer door 150 is opened, thereby improving the overall cooling efficiency of the freezer.

[0090] See Figure 2B As shown, this embodiment is similar to that of 2A. Figure 2A The difference in the embodiment lies in that the second evaporator 230 includes a refrigerant pipe 234 and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 232, wherein the spacing between adjacent heat dissipation fins 232 is greater than the spacing between adjacent heat dissipation fins 212. Thus, when the freezer door 150 is open, not only is the probability of ice formation on the first evaporator 210 and the second evaporator 230 reduced, but the cooling efficiency of the second evaporator 230 is also improved, thereby improving the overall cooling efficiency of the freezer. Furthermore, the density of the heat dissipation fins 212 of the first evaporator 210 is preferably greater than the density of the heat dissipation fins 232 of the second evaporator 230.

[0091] In some embodiments, when the freezer door 150 is closed, the first evaporator 122 operates, and the second evaporator 124 continues to operate to maintain low-temperature operation. Alternatively, the second evaporator 124 can be shut down as needed after the freezer door 150 is closed.

[0092] In some embodiments, after the freezer door 150 is closed, the first evaporator 122 operates for a first predetermined time, and the second evaporator 124 is shut down for a second predetermined time to maintain low-temperature operation. The first predetermined time is preferably less than or equal to the second predetermined time to more efficiently maintain the temperature inside the freezer 100. However, the invention is not limited to this; the first predetermined time may also be longer than the second predetermined time, in which case frost formation can be effectively avoided.

[0093] In some embodiments, when the freezer door 150 is opened or when it is detected that the freezer door 150 is about to be opened, the second evaporator 124 is operated to maintain the temperature inside the freezer 100 more efficiently.

[0094] See Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a freezer operation method. As shown in the diagram, it is used in conjunction with... Figure 1The freezer compartment 110 includes a freezer door 150, a first evaporator 122, and a second evaporator 124, wherein the density of the heat dissipation fins of the first evaporator 122 is greater than the density of the heat dissipation fins of the second evaporator 124. The freezer operation method 400 includes the following steps: First, step 410, opening the freezer door 150; step 420, closing the first evaporator 122 and operating the second evaporator 124 at a low temperature to maintain the temperature inside the freezer compartment 110; then, step 430, after closing the freezer door 150, the first evaporator 122 operates for a first predetermined time, and the second evaporator 124 closes for a second predetermined time.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first predetermined time is less than or equal to the second predetermined time, which can more effectively reduce the possibility of frost formation on the first evaporator 122 and the second evaporator 124. For example, the first predetermined time may be greater than or equal to 1 second, 2 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes or longer, while the second predetermined time may be greater than or equal to 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes or longer, all without departing from the concept and scope of the present invention.

[0096] See Figure 4 As shown, an example is used for illustration. When the controller 330 determines, based on the signal from the sensor 360, that the freezer door 150 is preparing to open or is in the process of opening, the controller 330 closes the first evaporator control valve 312 and opens the second evaporator control valve 314, causing the first evaporator 322 to shut down and the second evaporator 324 to start operating. At this time, the first cooling cycle loop is activated, wherein the first cooling cycle loop is composed of the compressor 380, condenser 390, expansion valve 370, and second evaporator 324 in sequence. To improve the heat exchange effect, the controller 330 can control the condenser fan 395 to provide airflow to the condenser 390 and the evaporator fan 326 to provide airflow to the second evaporator 324, thereby enhancing the heat exchange effect of the condenser 390 and the second evaporator 324.

[0097] In this case, the first evaporator 322 has multiple heat dissipation fins to provide a high cooling effect, while the second evaporator 324 has no heat dissipation fins or relatively loose heat dissipation fins, wherein the heat dissipation fin density of the second evaporator 324 is lower than that of the first evaporator 322. Therefore, the cooling effect of the first evaporator 322 is higher than that of the second evaporator 324. Because this case uses only the relatively less efficient second evaporator 324 to maintain the low temperature of the freezer 100 when the freezer door 150 is not open, the low temperature of the freezer 100 can be effectively maintained and icing on the first evaporator 322 (main evaporator) can be avoided.

[0098] When the controller 330 determines that the freezer door 150 is closed based on the signal from the sensor 360, the controller 330 will open the first evaporator control valve 312 according to a preset condition, causing the first evaporator 322 to run. At this time, the second cooling cycle loop starts running, wherein the second cooling cycle loop is composed of the compressor 380, condenser 390, expansion valve 370 and first evaporator 322 in sequence.

[0099] When the freezer door 150 is closed, the first cooling cycle loop and the second cooling cycle loop can operate simultaneously, or the first cooling cycle loop can be stopped after a predetermined time. In this example, although the first and second cooling cycle loops share the same compressor 380, condenser 390, and expansion valve 370, this is not a limitation; the first and second cooling cycle loops can also use different compressors, condensers, and expansion valves.

[0100] In some embodiments, the condenser fan 395 and the evaporator fan 326 are DC fans; however, the invention is not limited thereto, and they may also be AC ​​fans, axial fans, blowers, or other types of fans, all without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. The controller 330 is, for example, a microprocessor, a linkage controller, a manual controller, or a switch. Furthermore, the controller 330 is used to shut down the first evaporator 322 and even operate the second evaporator 324.

[0101] Therefore, the freezer and its operation method can convert all energy into refrigeration capacity without the need for heating to defrost and defrost, and can continuously provide low-temperature energy efficiency, which helps to improve the quality of frozen and refrigerated transportation and enhance the efficiency and quality of low-temperature transportation.

[0102] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the concept and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A freezer, characterized in that, Include: A freezer enclosure, the freezer enclosure including a freezer door; A first evaporator is disposed within the freezer enclosure; and A second evaporator is disposed in the freezer body. When the freezer door is opened, the first evaporator is turned off and the second evaporator is operated. The first evaporator has a first heat dissipation fin, and the second evaporator has no heat dissipation fin or has a second heat dissipation fin, wherein the density of the second heat dissipation fin is less than that of the first heat dissipation fin. The evaporator fan, the first evaporator, the second evaporator, and the freezer door are arranged in sequence. Specifically, the first evaporator operates when the freezer door is closed; the second evaporator shuts down after the freezer door is closed; and the second evaporator operates when the freezer door is opened or when an opening action of the freezer door is detected.

2. The freezer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the freezer door is closed, the first evaporator operates at a first predetermined time, and the second evaporator shuts off at a second predetermined time, wherein the first predetermined time is less than the second predetermined time.

3. The freezer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a controller for shutting down the first evaporator and operating the second evaporator.

4. The freezer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one sensor to detect the opening and closing of the freezer door, wherein the sensor includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an infrared motion sensor or a door position sensor.

5. A freezer, characterized in that, Include: A freezer enclosure, the freezer enclosure including a freezer door, and the freezer door being provided with a door handle; A first evaporator is disposed within the freezer enclosure; and A second evaporator is disposed within the freezer compartment. When the door handle is operated, the first evaporator is closed and the second evaporator is activated. The first evaporator has a first heat dissipation fin, and the second evaporator either has no heat dissipation fin or has a second heat dissipation fin, wherein the density of the second heat dissipation fin is less than that of the first heat dissipation fin. The first evaporator is activated when the freezer door is closed, and the second evaporator is deactivated after the freezer door is closed. The density of the heat dissipation fins of the first evaporator is greater than that of the heat dissipation fins of the second evaporator, and the evaporator fan, the first evaporator, the second evaporator and the freezer door are arranged in sequence. Specifically, the second evaporator is activated when the freezer door is opened or when an action to open the freezer door is detected.

6. The freezer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, When the freezer door is closed, the first evaporator operates at a first predetermined time, and the second evaporator shuts off at a second predetermined time, wherein the first predetermined time is less than the second predetermined time.

7. The freezer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a controller for shutting down the first evaporator and operating the second evaporator.

8. The freezer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes at least one sensor to detect the movement of the door handle, wherein the sensor includes a pressure sensor, a door handle position sensor, a fingerprint sensor or an infrared motion sensor.

9. A method for operating a freezer, applicable to a freezer housing having a freezer door, a first evaporator, and a second evaporator, characterized in that, Include: Open the freezer door; and The first evaporator is turned off, and the second evaporator is operated. The first evaporator has a first heat dissipation fin, and the second evaporator has no heat dissipation fin or has a second heat dissipation fin, wherein the density of the second heat dissipation fin is less than that of the first heat dissipation fin. When the freezer door is closed, the first evaporator operates for a first predetermined time, and the second evaporator is turned off for a second predetermined time, wherein the first predetermined time is less than the second predetermined time. The evaporator fan, the first evaporator, the second evaporator, and the freezer door are arranged in sequence. Specifically, the second evaporator is activated when the freezer door is opened or when an action to open the freezer door is detected.

10. The freezer operation method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The process of shutting down the first evaporator and starting the second evaporator is accomplished using a controller.

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