Refrigerator control method and device, refrigerator and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a control method and device of a refrigerator, the refrigerator and a storage medium, and the method comprises the steps that in the operation process of the refrigerator, whether the temperature of a power module of the refrigerator is too high or not is determined; under the condition that it is determined that the power module has the over-high temperature risk, progressive collaborative refrigeration is conducted on a plurality of chambers included in the refrigerator; wherein according to the progressive collaborative refrigeration characterization, the participation number of compartment refrigeration is sequentially increased in a staged mode with the preset compartment as the starting point. Therefore, the usability and the user experience of the refrigerator equipment can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart refrigerator technology, and in particular to a refrigerator control method, device, refrigerator and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] The core power components (such as IPM (Intelligent Power Module)) in the refrigerator's inverter control system generate heat during operation. When their temperature is too high, it may cause damage to the module and lead to system failure.

[0003] In the prior art, in order to prevent the temperature of the core power components from getting too high, a graded protection strategy is usually adopted: first, the compressor frequency is reduced to reduce the load; if the temperature still remains too high, the compressor is completely shut down.

[0004] However, while this method can protect the IPM module, it is a passive and singular processing method. Under high load operation of the refrigerator, this processing method is prone to causing the compressor to start and stop repeatedly or stop for a long time, making the refrigerator unable to complete the normal cooling task, which seriously affects the reliability of the equipment and the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a control method, device, refrigerator, and storage medium for a refrigerator, to solve the technical problem that the existing method of cooling the core power components by reducing the frequency and stopping the refrigerator compressor can easily lead to repeated start-stop or long-term shutdown of the refrigerator compressor, making it unable to complete the normal cooling task and seriously affecting the availability of the equipment and the user experience.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a method for controlling a refrigerator, the method comprising: During the operation of the refrigerator, determine whether there is a risk of overheating in the refrigerator's power module; If it is determined that the power module has a risk of overheating, progressive coordinated cooling is performed on the multiple compartments of the refrigerator; wherein, the progressive coordinated cooling is characterized by starting with a preset compartment and increasing the number of compartments participating in cooling in stages and sequentially.

[0007] As an optional implementation, determining whether the power module of the refrigerator is at risk of overheating includes: Monitor the temperature status of the power module over a preset time period; If the temperature value of the power module, which represents the temperature state, is greater than a preset initial temperature threshold within the preset time period, it is determined that the power module has a risk of overheating.

[0008] As an optional implementation, determining whether the power module of the refrigerator is at risk of overheating includes: Determine whether the fault status indicator of the refrigerator is a first preset value; wherein, the first preset value is used to characterize that the temperature value of the power module exceeds a preset first temperature threshold during the historical operation of the refrigerator in this operation. If the fault status is determined to be the first preset value, it is determined that the power module is at risk of overheating. If the fault status is determined to be the second preset value, it is determined that the power module does not have a risk of overheating.

[0009] As an optional implementation, if the fault state identifier is determined to be a second preset value, the method further includes: Obtain the temperature value of the power module of the refrigerator, and determine whether the temperature value is greater than the first temperature threshold. If it is determined that the temperature value is greater than the first temperature threshold, a first duration for which the temperature value is greater than the first temperature threshold is determined; If the first duration exceeds a preset first duration threshold, the refrigerator compressor is controlled to stop running, and the fault status identifier is updated to the first preset value; then the process returns to the step of determining whether there is a risk of overheating in the refrigerator's power module.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the method further includes: If it is determined that the temperature value is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold and greater than the second temperature threshold, a second duration for which the temperature value is greater than the second temperature threshold is determined; the second temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold. If the second duration exceeds a preset second duration threshold, determine whether the refrigerator's compressor and fan are both at their minimum speed settings; If it is determined that the compressor is not in the minimum speed setting, the compressor is controlled to run at the speed corresponding to the lower speed setting of the current setting; And / or, If it is determined that the fan is not at the minimum speed setting, the fan is controlled to run at the speed corresponding to the next lower setting of the current setting; Return to the step of determining whether there is a risk of overheating in the power module of the refrigerator.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the progressive and coordinated cooling of the multiple compartments included in the refrigerator includes: Determine the priority of each room; The multiple compartments are subjected to progressive and coordinated cooling in descending order of priority.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the refrigerator includes at least three types of compartments, with at least one compartment of each type; The progressive and coordinated cooling of multiple compartments according to the priority order from high to low includes: Determine whether the first individual cooling time of the first room has reached the preset first cooling time; wherein, the first room has the highest priority among the multiple room types; If it is determined that the first individual cooling time has not been reached, the first compartment is individually cooled, and the process returns to the step of obtaining the temperature value of the power module of the refrigerator. If it is determined that the first individual cooling time has reached the first cooling time, the first room and the second room are controlled to cool simultaneously according to the preset second cooling time; the priority of the second room is lower than that of the first room and higher than that of other types of rooms; After controlling the first and second compartments to cool simultaneously for the second cooling duration, control the first compartment, the second compartment, and other compartments to cool simultaneously.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the process of simultaneously cooling all rooms also includes: If it is determined that any room has met the corresponding cooling requirements, the cooling of that room shall be stopped; If the room meets the preset cooling conditions, continue to cool the room; If it is determined that all compartments have reached their respective preset shutdown temperatures during the cooling process, the fault status identifier is updated to the second preset value.

[0014] As an optional implementation, the process of simultaneously cooling all rooms also includes: Return to the step of obtaining the temperature value of the power module of the refrigerator.

[0015] Secondly, this application provides a control device for a refrigerator, the device comprising: The risk assessment module is used to determine whether there is a risk of overheating in the power module of the refrigerator during the operation of the refrigerator. The compartment cooling module is used to perform progressive coordinated cooling on multiple compartments of the refrigerator when it is determined that the power module has a risk of overheating; wherein, the progressive coordinated cooling is characterized by increasing the number of compartments participating in cooling in stages and sequentially, starting from a preset compartment.

[0016] Thirdly, this application provides a refrigerator, including: multiple compartments, a processor, a communication interface, a memory, and a communication bus, wherein the processor, the communication interface, and the memory communicate with each other through the communication bus; the memory is used to store a computer program; the processor is used to implement the control method of the refrigerator according to any one of the first aspects when executing the computer program.

[0017] Fourthly, this application provides a storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method of the refrigerator described in any of the first aspects.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned technical solution provided in this application embodiment has the following advantages: The method provided in this application embodiment identifies the risk of excessively high temperature of the power module and triggers a progressive collaborative cooling mode that starts from a preset compartment and increases the number of compartments participating in cooling in stages. It can dynamically disperse and reduce the system heat load without excessively sacrificing the overall cooling capacity of the refrigerator, thereby effectively avoiding frequent shutdowns or functional interruptions caused by overheating of the power module. This ensures the continuity of critical cooling tasks and improves the operational reliability and user experience of the refrigerator, thereby improving the availability and user experience of the refrigerator equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0022] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a refrigerator control method provided in this application; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of another refrigerator control method provided in this application; Figure 3A flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a refrigerator control method provided in this application; Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a refrigerator control method provided in this application; Figure 5 A block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a refrigerator control device provided in this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, 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, 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.

[0024] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0025] To address the technical problem that existing methods of cooling core power components by reducing the compressor frequency and shutting it down in refrigerators often lead to repeated compressor start-stops or prolonged shutdowns, preventing the refrigerator from completing normal cooling tasks and severely impacting equipment availability and user experience, this application provides a refrigerator control method. By identifying the risk of overheating in the power module and triggering a progressive collaborative cooling mode that starts with a preset compartment and gradually increases the number of compartments participating in cooling, this method can dynamically distribute and reduce the system's heat load without excessively sacrificing the overall cooling capacity of the refrigerator. This effectively avoids frequent shutdowns or functional interruptions caused by overheating of the power module, ensuring the continuity of critical cooling tasks and improving the refrigerator's operational reliability and user experience. As a result, the availability and user experience of the refrigerator equipment can be improved.

[0026] The refrigerator control method provided in this application will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application.

[0027] See Figure 1This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a refrigerator control method provided in this application. Figure 1 As shown, the process may include the following steps: Step 101: During the operation of the refrigerator, determine whether there is a risk of overheating in the refrigerator's power module.

[0028] The aforementioned power module refers to the core component in the refrigerator's internal control system responsible for power conversion and driving. It is usually an intelligent power module (such as an IPM), which integrates power switching devices (such as IGBTs) and drive protection circuits to drive the inverter compressor and fan motor.

[0029] The aforementioned risk of excessive temperature refers to the possibility that the power module, due to its own power consumption and heat generation, may rise to a state that could affect its reliable operation, trigger protection mechanisms, or even cause damage. This risk may not only refer to the current absolute temperature being too high, but also to potential overheating trends inferred from the system's historical operating status.

[0030] In this step, the execution subject of this application embodiment can be a refrigerator, and further, it can be a control module inside the refrigerator, such as the refrigerator's CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0031] In one embodiment, during the operation of the refrigerator, in order to prevent the refrigerator's power module from being damaged due to excessively high temperature, thereby causing the refrigerator's cooling function to fail, the executing subject of this application embodiment can determine whether there is a risk of excessively high temperature in the refrigerator's power module.

[0032] As an optional implementation, the execution entity of this application embodiment can determine whether the power module is at risk of overheating based on the temperature state of the power module during operation.

[0033] As an exemplary implementation, the executing entity of this application embodiment can monitor the temperature status of the power module within a preset time period, and determine that the power module has a risk of overheating if the temperature value of the power module is greater than a preset initial temperature threshold throughout the preset time period. The aforementioned initial temperature threshold can be a preset, relatively high temperature value that satisfies the warning condition, such as 75°C.

[0034] Specifically, the execution entity in this application embodiment can read the temperature value of the power module in real time or periodically using a temperature sensor (such as an NTC thermistor mounted close to the IPM module). An initial temperature threshold (e.g., 75°C) and a time window (e.g., three consecutive sampling periods) can be preset. When the temperature value is detected to continuously exceed the initial threshold within the preset time period, it is determined that there is a "risk of overheating".

[0035] The above-mentioned method for judging the risk of excessively high temperature is a kind of early warning mechanism. It provides a forward-looking risk warning, which can identify the temperature rise trend in advance before the temperature reaches a higher threshold that may cause hardware protection actions (such as shutdown). This gives the system time and decision-making basis to take gradual adjustment measures (such as coordinated cooling in subsequent steps) and avoids the system from frequently entering an emergency state.

[0036] As another optional implementation, the execution entity of this application embodiment can determine whether there is a risk of overheating in the power module based on the historical temperature status of the power module inside the refrigerator.

[0037] As an exemplary implementation, the system may maintain a "fault status identifier" variable in memory, which may be in two states: a first preset value (such as "1") indicates that "the power module has experienced a serious overheating fault in the past", and a second preset value (such as "0") indicates that "the power module has not experienced a serious overheating fault in the past" or "the fault has been cleared".

[0038] Based on this, the executing entity of this application embodiment can determine whether the refrigerator's fault identifier is the aforementioned first preset value. Optionally, when the fault status identifier is read as the first preset value, it is determined that there is a risk of overheating. The setting condition for the first preset value may be: during the refrigerator's historical operation, the temperature value of the power module exceeds a higher first temperature threshold (e.g., 95°C), or the temperature value exceeds the first temperature threshold for a period of time, triggering the compressor shutdown protection.

[0039] The aforementioned fault status identification method embodies the state-based control concept, which uses a fault status flag to "memorize" the high-temperature conditions the system has experienced. Once the flag is set, regardless of whether the current instantaneous temperature has dropped, the system considers itself to still be in a "recovery period" or "high-risk period" requiring special attention. This effectively prevents the "oscillation" phenomenon caused by immediate full-load restart after an emergency shutdown due to a brief temperature drop, thus ensuring the continuity of protection and the smoothness of system recovery.

[0040] Step 102: If it is determined that there is a risk of overheating in the power module, perform progressive coordinated cooling on the multiple compartments of the refrigerator; wherein, the progressive coordinated cooling is characterized by starting with a preset compartment and increasing the number of compartments participating in cooling in stages and in sequence.

[0041] The aforementioned progressive coordinated cooling refers to an orderly, phased cooling operation strategy. Its core characteristic is not that all rooms operate at full load simultaneously, but rather that cooling begins in a specific room, and then the number of rooms participating in cooling is gradually increased according to a predetermined sequence and time plan, thereby spreading the total heat load of the system over time.

[0042] The aforementioned preset compartments refer to the compartments selected to start cooling first in a progressive synergistic cooling strategy. These compartments are usually determined based on cooling priority (such as the highest requirement for temperature stability or the largest heat load), such as freezer compartments.

[0043] The above-mentioned phased and sequential increase in the number of participants clarifies the execution rules of the strategy. For example, it is divided into three phases: the first phase only presets the cooling of the compartment (freezer compartment); the second phase adds a compartment (such as the refrigerator compartment) to cool together; the third phase cools all compartments (such as the freezer compartment, refrigerator compartment, and variable temperature compartment) together.

[0044] In this step, the heat generated by the power module is directly related to the total load current it drives. The main load of the refrigerator is the compressor and the fans in each compartment. In the traditional mode, all compartments cool simultaneously, resulting in the maximum load on the power module. However, through "progressive coordinated cooling," only a portion of the load can be driven at any given time (e.g., first driving only the compressor and the freezer fan, then adding the refrigerator fan), which physically and systematically reduces the heat generated by the power module per unit time, providing it with a valuable "cooling window."

[0045] Based on this, the executing entity of this application embodiment can perform progressive and coordinated cooling on the multiple compartments of the refrigerator when it is determined that there is a risk of overheating in the power module.

[0046] As for the specifics of how the refrigerator's multiple compartments achieve progressive and coordinated cooling, this will be explained below. Figure 3 The process shown will be explained in detail here.

[0047] Furthermore, in one embodiment, if it is determined that there is no risk of overheating in the refrigerator's power module, the executing entity of this application embodiment can acquire the temperature value of the power module in real time or periodically, and monitor whether the power module has an overheating risk based on the temperature value. For details on how to determine whether the power module has an overheating risk based on the temperature value, please refer to the following text. Figure 2 The process shown will not be detailed here.

[0048] The technical solution provided in this application determines whether there is a risk of overheating in the refrigerator's power module during operation. If such a risk is identified, progressive coordinated cooling is applied to multiple compartments within the refrigerator. This progressive coordinated cooling is characterized by starting with a preset compartment and gradually increasing the number of compartments participating in cooling in stages. This technical solution, by identifying the risk of overheating in the power module and triggering a progressive coordinated cooling mode that starts with a preset compartment and gradually increases the number of compartments participating in cooling, can dynamically distribute and reduce the system's heat load without excessively sacrificing the overall cooling capacity of the refrigerator. This effectively avoids frequent shutdowns or functional interruptions caused by power module overheating, ensuring the continuity of critical cooling tasks and improving the refrigerator's operational reliability and user experience. Therefore, it enhances the availability and user experience of the refrigerator equipment.

[0049] See Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of another refrigerator control method provided in this application. Figure 2 The process shown is in Figure 1 Based on the illustrated process, this section describes how the fault status indicator is set when a fault status indicator exists within the refrigerator, and the fault status indicator is a second preset value, or when the refrigerator is operating according to a normal process (cooling multiple compartments simultaneously according to the cooling needs of each compartment). For example... Figure 2 As shown, the process may include the following steps: Step 201: Obtain the temperature value of the refrigerator's power module.

[0050] Step 202: Determine whether the above temperature value is greater than the first temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to step 203; otherwise, proceed to step 205.

[0051] Step 203: Determine the first duration for which the temperature value is greater than the first temperature threshold.

[0052] Step 204: If the first duration exceeds the preset first duration threshold, control the refrigerator compressor to stop running, update the fault status indicator to the first preset value, and return to step 101.

[0053] The following provides a unified explanation of steps 201 to 204: The temperature values ​​mentioned above refer to the specific values ​​that characterize the current thermal state of the power module, which are measured and converted in real time by a sensor (such as an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor).

[0054] The aforementioned first temperature threshold refers to a preset high-temperature critical value (e.g., 98°C). When the temperature continues to exceed this threshold, it means that the power module has entered a dangerous operating zone that may jeopardize hardware safety.

[0055] The aforementioned first duration refers to the cumulative time during which the temperature value continuously exceeds the first temperature threshold.

[0056] The aforementioned first duration threshold refers to the minimum duration (e.g., 5 seconds) required to confirm the stable existence of the "severe overheating" state, which is mainly used to filter out sensor noise or transient interference.

[0057] The compressor stopping mentioned above refers to the refrigerator's emergency protection action, which cuts off the drive signal and forces the compressor to stop in order to quickly eliminate the maximum heat source.

[0058] The above fault status identifier is updated to the first preset value: a fault status identifier (flag bit) inside the system is set to a specific value (such as changing from "0" to "1") to permanently record the historical event that "a serious overheating fault has occurred during this operating cycle".

[0059] In this step, the execution entity of this application embodiment can repeatedly execute the temperature monitoring program, that is, obtain the temperature value of the refrigerator's power module in real time or at regular intervals.

[0060] Based on this, it can be determined whether the power module is currently overheating based on the acquired temperature value, and then different control strategies can be implemented to reduce the temperature of the power module.

[0061] As an optional implementation, firstly, it can be determined whether the temperature value is greater than a first temperature threshold; if so, a dedicated timer (used to measure the first duration) is started or incremented. The timer continues to increment as long as the condition is maintained; once the temperature value is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the timer is immediately reset to zero. If not, step 205 can be executed.

[0062] When the cumulative value of the timer, i.e. the temperature value, exceeds the first temperature threshold for a first duration that exceeds the preset first duration threshold (e.g., 5 seconds), it can be determined that the power module is in a state of severe overheating.

[0063] Based on this, in order to reduce the temperature of the power module, the execution subject in this embodiment can control the refrigerator compressor to stop running and update the preset fault status flag to a first preset value (such as "1"). Then return to execution. Figure 1 Step 101 in the process shown is to determine whether there is a risk of overheating in the refrigerator's power module.

[0064] Step 205: Determine whether the temperature value is greater than the second temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to step 206; otherwise, proceed to step 201.

[0065] Step 206: Determine the second duration for which the temperature value is greater than the second temperature threshold; the second temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold.

[0066] Step 207: If the second duration is longer than the preset second duration threshold, determine whether the refrigerator compressor and fan are at the minimum speed setting.

[0067] Step 208: If it is determined that the compressor is not at the minimum speed setting, control the compressor to run at the speed corresponding to the next lower setting of the current setting; and / or, if it is determined that the fan is not at the minimum speed setting, control the fan to run at the speed corresponding to the next lower setting of the current setting, and return to step 101.

[0068] The following provides a unified explanation of steps 205 to 208: The aforementioned second temperature threshold is a pre-set warning temperature value (e.g., 88°C), which can be lower than the first temperature threshold. This indicates that the power module has entered an "overheat warning" state requiring attention.

[0069] The aforementioned second duration refers to the cumulative duration during which the temperature value of the power module continuously exceeds the second temperature threshold.

[0070] The aforementioned second duration threshold refers to the minimum duration (e.g., 5 seconds) required to confirm the stable existence of the "overheat warning" state.

[0071] The aforementioned minimum speed setting refers to the lowest permissible operating speed setting for the compressor or fan motor to ensure basic operational stability.

[0072] In this step, the executing entity of this application embodiment can determine whether the temperature value of the power module is greater than the second temperature threshold if it determines that the temperature value is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold.

[0073] As an optional implementation, in order to accurately determine whether the current temperature value of the power module is stable when it is determined to be greater than the second temperature threshold, the execution subject of this application embodiment may start another timer to accumulate the second duration for which the temperature exceeds the second temperature threshold. Optionally, if the second duration is determined to be greater than a preset second duration threshold, the warning can be confirmed. Subsequently, in order to reduce the temperature of the power module, the execution entity of this application embodiment can check the current status of two key loads: query the compressor speed control register to determine whether it is already at the preset lowest speed setting (e.g., 2580 rpm); and at the same time query the fan drive status to determine whether each relevant fan is already at the lowest fan speed setting.

[0074] As an example implementation, if the compressor is not in the lowest setting, its speed is reduced by one level by adjusting the parameters of the control signal, that is, the compressor is controlled to run at the speed corresponding to the lower level of the current setting.

[0075] As another exemplary implementation, the fan that is not in the lowest setting is reduced to a lower speed, that is, the fan is controlled to run at the speed corresponding to the next lower setting.

[0076] As another exemplary implementation, if the compressor is not in the lowest setting, its speed is reduced by one level by adjusting the parameters of the control signal, that is, the compressor is controlled to run at the speed corresponding to the next lower setting. At the same time, the fan that is not in the lowest setting can also be reduced by one level, that is, the fan is controlled to run at the speed corresponding to the next lower setting.

[0077] After completing the above adjustments, you can return to the main monitoring loop, that is, execute... Figure 1 Step 101 in the process shown.

[0078] The technical solution provided in this application, by setting differentiated temperature thresholds (first temperature threshold, second temperature threshold) and a delay judgment mechanism, enables the system to reliably distinguish between "severe overheating" and "overheating warning" states and execute distinctly different optimized responses. For the warning state, the system proactively reduces the compressor or fan speed to flexibly adjust the load, thereby maintaining cooling functionality while suppressing temperature rise at its source. For confirmed severe overheating, the system decisively shuts down to protect the hardware and sets a fault flag, providing a decision-making basis for the subsequent system switch to a protective operating mode. This process fundamentally upgrades the control strategy from a passive "shutdown upon overheating" to an intelligent, proactive management approach of "adjustment upon warning, protection and recording upon exceeding limits." This maximizes the avoidance of unnecessary shutdowns, ensures user experience and functional continuity, and achieves an optimal balance between hardware safety protection and system energy efficiency through a tiered response mechanism.

[0079] See Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a refrigerator control method provided in this application. Figure 3 The process shown is in Figure 2Based on the illustrated process, the specific method of progressive and coordinated cooling of the multiple compartments within the refrigerator is described. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the process may include the following steps: Step 301: Determine the priority of each room.

[0080] The aforementioned priority refers to the order in which each compartment obtains cooling authority under the current overheat protection operation mode. This is a logical sequence defined by the control system, which determines the starting point and evolution path of the progressive collaborative cooling process.

[0081] The aforementioned compartments refer to areas inside the refrigerator where the temperature can be independently controlled, such as the refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment, and variable temperature compartment.

[0082] In this step, in order to ensure that the functions of the compartments that are most sensitive to temperature or most important to the user are prioritized when system resources (cooling capacity, power load) are limited, the execution subject of this application embodiment can determine the priority of each compartment in the refrigerator.

[0083] In one embodiment, the priority of each compartment can be preset. The implementing entity of this application embodiment can preset a fixed priority list based on the inherent functional importance of each compartment. For example, among all compartments, the freezer compartment is given the highest priority due to its long-term preservation requirements for stored food and its strict requirement for minimum temperature; the refrigerator compartment, as the most frequently used preservation area, is given the second highest priority; while functional compartments such as variable temperature compartments and ice-making compartments are given relatively lower priorities according to their preset modes (such as soft freezing and zero-degree preservation). This method is simple to implement and logically stable, ensuring that in overheat protection mode, the refrigerator always prioritizes its most core and uninterrupted cooling function.

[0084] Based on this, the executing entity of this application embodiment can directly obtain the aforementioned pre-stored priority list and determine the priority of each compartment of the refrigerator according to the priority list.

[0085] As an optional implementation, the refrigerator may include at least three types of compartments (such as a freezer compartment, a refrigerator compartment, and a variable temperature compartment), and there may be more than one compartment of each type. Based on this, the implementing entity of this application embodiment may determine that the freezer compartment (first compartment) has the highest priority because it needs to maintain the lowest temperature and has the largest heat load; the refrigerator compartment (second compartment) is next; and the variable temperature compartment (third compartment) or other compartments have relatively lower priority.

[0086] In another embodiment, the executing entity of this application embodiment can dynamically calculate the priority of each room.

[0087] As an optional implementation method, the current temperature of each room can be collected, and the absolute value deviation between the temperature and the set target temperature can be calculated.

[0088] Then, the priority of each room can be determined based on the absolute value deviation mentioned above.

[0089] Optionally, the greater the deviation, the higher the urgency for cooling in a given compartment, and therefore it is dynamically assigned a higher immediate priority. In other words, a compartment's priority is positively correlated with its corresponding absolute deviation. For example, if the actual temperature of the variable temperature compartment is significantly higher than its set value at a given moment, while the freezer temperature is close to reaching the target, the variable temperature compartment may receive a higher temporary priority than the freezer. This method achieves adaptive load scheduling, allowing cooling capacity to be more precisely directed to the compartments that most urgently need cooling. This results in more efficient use of limited system resources to accelerate the overall cooling process, helping the IPM module to recover from overheating risks more quickly.

[0090] Step 302: Perform progressive and coordinated cooling on multiple compartments in order of priority from high to low.

[0091] The aforementioned progressive coordinated cooling refers to a phased and controlled cooling operation strategy. Its core characteristic is that the cooling load (participating compartments) is not started all at once, but is added in stages and in a time sequence according to priority.

[0092] The number of participants mentioned above refers to the number of rooms simultaneously in a cooling state at any given stage. This number starts from 1 and gradually increases as the process progresses.

[0093] In this step, when performing progressive coordinated cooling on the multiple compartments of the refrigerator, the multiple compartments can be progressively coordinated cooled in descending order of priority of each compartment.

[0094] In one embodiment, the executing entity of this application embodiment can prioritize the cooling operation of the highest priority room, and after a preset running time, add the next priority room for synchronous cooling, and so on, until all rooms are simultaneously cooled.

[0095] In another embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least three types of compartments (e.g., a freezer compartment with the highest priority, a refrigerator compartment with the next highest priority, and a variable temperature compartment with the lowest priority), and the number of each type of compartment is at least one.

[0096] Based on this, multiple compartments can be controlled for progressive and coordinated cooling in the following ways: Phase 1 (Highest Priority Compartment Cooling Alone): The system first checks whether the cumulative cooling time (hereinafter referred to as "first individual cooling time") of the first compartment (the highest priority compartment, such as the freezer) has reached the preset first cooling time (e.g., 45 minutes). If not, the system controls cooling only for that compartment (opening its dampers and fans, and the compressor operates as needed), while forcibly shutting down the dampers and fans of all other compartments. This phase continues to run and periodically returns to the temperature value of the monitoring power module until the cumulative time reaches the first cooling time.

[0097] The second stage (incorporating secondary priority compartment co-cooling): After the first individual cooling duration reaches the aforementioned first cooling duration, the executing entity in this embodiment can, while continuing to cool the first compartment, activate the dampers and fans for cooling the second compartment (a secondary priority compartment, i.e., a compartment with a priority lower than the first priority but higher than other compartments, such as a refrigerator compartment), so that both compartments are cooled simultaneously. This stage lasts for a preset second cooling duration (e.g., 45 minutes).

[0098] The third stage (coordinated cooling of all compartments): After the second cooling period ends, the execution subject of this application embodiment can simultaneously cool all compartments (including variable temperature compartments, etc.), that is, open the dampers and fans of all compartments and enter a near-full-function but monitored cooling state.

[0099] Furthermore, during the process of simultaneously cooling all rooms, the executing entity of this application embodiment can continuously determine whether each room meets the corresponding cooling requirements.

[0100] Optionally, if it is determined that any room has reached the corresponding cooling requirement, cooling for that room can be stopped, and if it is determined that the room meets the preset cooling conditions, cooling for that room can be resumed.

[0101] As an optional implementation, the execution entity in this application embodiment can continuously monitor the temperature of each compartment. When any compartment reaches its set temperature, it is determined that the compartment meets the corresponding cooling requirements, and the damper and fan of that compartment can be closed to throttle the airflow; when its temperature rises back to the start-up point, it is restarted.

[0102] Optionally, if it is determined that all compartments have reached their respective preset shutdown temperatures during the cooling process, it indicates that the overall load of the refrigerator has been adequately managed. Therefore, the fault status indicator can be updated to the second preset value, thereby indicating that the overheat protection operation mode has been completely exited and the normal control logic has been restored.

[0103] Furthermore, during the simultaneous cooling of all compartments, the executing entity in this embodiment can continuously monitor the temperature of each compartment through step 201, and through...Figure 2 The process shown monitors the temperature status of the power module inside the refrigerator.

[0104] The technical solution provided in this application determines the priority of each compartment and performs progressive coordinated cooling on multiple compartments in descending order of priority. This technical solution constructs an intelligent and dynamic load scheduling system by implementing progressive coordinated cooling based on priority ranking: First, the cooling priority of each compartment is determined according to preset rules (such as functional importance) or real-time status (such as temperature deviation). Then, the cooling load is unlocked in stages and in a time sequence (such as freezing first, then refrigeration, and then temperature change) strictly in descending order of priority. This ensures that the total operating current of the system and the heat load of the power module are kept at the lowest level at any given time. This strategy not only creates a continuous cooling window for the power module from the root, avoiding the functional interruption caused by the traditional "overheating shutdown", but more importantly, while protecting the hardware, it always prioritizes the user's most core cooling needs (such as freezing function). Through adaptive closed-loop control combining "time conditions" and "temperature conditions", it realizes intelligent recovery and smooth exit of the system in a safe state, thereby comprehensively improving the refrigerator's operational reliability, energy efficiency, and user experience.

[0105] See Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a refrigerator control method provided in this application. Figure 4 Taking a refrigerator's compartments—freezer, refrigerator, and variable temperature compartment—as an example, and using an IPM module as an example, this section describes how the refrigerator is specifically controlled. Figure 4 As shown, the process may include the following steps: Step 1: Power on the refrigerator and control the cooling according to the normal logic function, then proceed to Step 2.

[0106] Step 2: Read the real-time temperature value TS of the IPM module (i.e., the temperature value of the power module), and then proceed to Step 3.

[0107] Step 3: Determine if the IPM module over-temperature fault flag has been set. If yes, proceed to step 4. If no, freeze, refrigerate, and variable temperature units will all operate normally. Proceed to step 5.

[0108] Step 4: Determine whether the freezer compartment's individual cooling time (i.e., the first individual cooling duration) has reached t3 (i.e., the first cooling duration). Here, t3 is set to 45 minutes. If yes, proceed to step 8. If no, execute individual cooling of the freezer compartment, and close the refrigerator air damper, variable temperature air damper, refrigerator fan, and variable temperature fan. Then proceed to step 5.

[0109] Step 5: Determine if the IPM module temperature TS is greater than the preset first temperature threshold T1 and the first duration reaches the preset time t1 (first duration), where T1 = 98 degrees and t1 = 5 seconds. If yes, report an IPM module overheating fault, shut down the compressor, reset the previously reported IPM module overheating fault, and return to step 2. If no, proceed to step 6.

[0110] Step 6: Reset the t1 (first duration) time to zero, determine whether the IPM module temperature TS is greater than the preset second temperature threshold T2 and the second duration reaches the preset time t2 (second duration), where T2 = 88 degrees and t2 = 5 seconds. If yes, proceed to step 7; otherwise, return to step 2.

[0111] Step 7: Determine if the compressor speed has dropped to the specified minimum level, such as 2580 rpm. If yes, return to step 2. If no, perform compressor downshifting, reset time t2 to zero, and then return to step 2.

[0112] Step 8: Determine if the refrigerator and freezer compartments have been cooling together for the preset second cooling time t4. Here, t4 is set to 45 minutes. If yes, proceed to step 9. If no, open the refrigerator door, turn on the refrigerator fan, and the refrigerator and freezer compartments will cool together. Then proceed to step 5.

[0113] Step 9: Cool the three compartments (refrigeration, variable temperature, and freezer) together, with the dampers and fans all turned on. Then proceed to step 10.

[0114] Step 10: Determine whether all three compartments have reached the stop point. If so, clear the previously set IPM module over-temperature flag and proceed to step 5. If not, proceed to step 5 as well.

[0115] Note: When multiple compartments are cooling simultaneously, if any of the three compartments reaches the shutdown temperature, close the damper and fan of the corresponding compartment; if it reaches the start-up temperature, open the damper and fan of the corresponding compartment.

[0116] The technical solution provided in this application adjusts the control strategy in a timely manner when the refrigerator controller IPM module overheats and shuts down abnormally. This allows each compartment of the refrigerator to cool in turn, and selects an appropriate fan speed during this rotation. This reduces the current load and operating current. The intelligent control of each compartment's independent cooling, fan speed, and compressor level achieves dynamic load reduction and heat source shifting, fundamentally avoiding frequent system shutdowns due to IPM overheating. This strategy ensures the refrigerator continuously provides basic cooling capacity during uninterrupted operation, preventing food from thawing and spoiling. It also significantly reduces compressor start-stop impact and power consumption waste, greatly improving the system's robustness under extreme conditions, the lifespan of core components, and overall energy efficiency. This reduces IPM module temperature rise while ensuring normal refrigerator cooling, enhancing product reliability and user satisfaction, and giving the refrigerator a differentiated intelligent temperature control competitive advantage.

[0117] See Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a refrigerator control device provided in this application. Figure 5 As shown, the device may include: The risk assessment module 51 is used to determine whether there is a risk of overheating in the power module of the refrigerator during the operation of the refrigerator. The compartment cooling module 52 is used to perform progressive coordinated cooling on multiple compartments of the refrigerator when it is determined that there is a risk of excessive temperature in the power module; wherein, the progressive coordinated cooling is characterized by increasing the number of compartments participating in cooling in stages and sequentially, starting from a preset compartment.

[0118] like Figure 6 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of this application, including a processor 61, a communication interface 62, a memory 63, a communication bus 64, and multiple compartments 65. The processor 61, communication interface 62, and memory 63 communicate with each other via the communication bus 64. Memory 63 is used to store computer programs; In one embodiment of this application, when the processor 61 executes the program stored in the memory 63, it implements the refrigerator control method provided in any of the foregoing method embodiments, including: During the operation of the refrigerator, determine whether there is a risk of overheating in the refrigerator's power module; If it is determined that the power module has a risk of overheating, progressive coordinated cooling is performed on the multiple compartments of the refrigerator; wherein, the progressive coordinated cooling is characterized by starting with a preset compartment and increasing the number of compartments participating in cooling in stages and sequentially.

[0119] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the refrigerator control method provided in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0120] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0121] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented using software plus a general-purpose hardware platform, or of course, using hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the parts that contribute to the related technology, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments.

[0122] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0123] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a refrigerator, characterized in that, The method includes: During the operation of the refrigerator, determine whether there is a risk of overheating in the refrigerator's power module; If it is determined that the power module has a risk of overheating, progressive coordinated cooling is performed on the multiple compartments of the refrigerator; wherein, the progressive coordinated cooling is characterized by starting with a preset compartment and increasing the number of compartments participating in cooling in stages and sequentially.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining whether the power module of the refrigerator is at risk of overheating includes: Monitor the temperature status of the power module over a preset time period; If the temperature value of the power module, which represents the temperature state, is greater than a preset initial temperature threshold within the preset time period, it is determined that the power module has a risk of overheating.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining whether the power module of the refrigerator is at risk of overheating includes: Determine whether the fault status indicator of the refrigerator is a first preset value; wherein, the first preset value is used to characterize that the temperature value of the power module exceeds a preset first temperature threshold during the historical operation of the refrigerator in this operation. If the fault status is determined to be the first preset value, it is determined that the power module is at risk of overheating. If the fault status is determined to be the second preset value, it is determined that the power module does not have a risk of overheating.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the fault status identifier is determined to be a second preset value, the method further includes: Obtain the temperature value of the power module of the refrigerator, and determine whether the temperature value is greater than the first temperature threshold. If it is determined that the temperature value is greater than the first temperature threshold, a first duration for which the temperature value is greater than the first temperature threshold is determined; If the first duration exceeds a preset first duration threshold, the refrigerator compressor is controlled to stop running, and the fault status identifier is updated to the first preset value; then the process returns to the step of determining whether there is a risk of overheating in the refrigerator's power module.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: If it is determined that the temperature value is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold and greater than the second temperature threshold, a second duration for which the temperature value is greater than the second temperature threshold is determined; the second temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold. If the second duration exceeds a preset second duration threshold, determine whether the refrigerator's compressor and fan are both at their minimum speed settings; If it is determined that the compressor is not in the minimum speed setting, the compressor is controlled to run at the speed corresponding to the lower speed setting of the current setting; And / or, If it is determined that the fan is not at the minimum speed setting, the fan is controlled to run at the speed corresponding to the next lower setting of the current setting; Return to the step of determining whether there is a risk of overheating in the power module of the refrigerator.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The progressive and coordinated cooling of the multiple compartments included in the refrigerator includes: Determine the priority of each room; The multiple compartments are subjected to progressive and coordinated cooling in descending order of priority.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes at least three types of compartments, with at least one compartment of each type. The progressive and coordinated cooling of multiple compartments according to the priority order from high to low includes: Determine whether the first individual cooling time of the first room has reached the preset first cooling time; wherein, the first room has the highest priority among the multiple room types; If it is determined that the first individual cooling time has not been reached, the first compartment is individually cooled, and the process returns to the step of obtaining the temperature value of the power module of the refrigerator. If it is determined that the first individual cooling time has reached the first cooling time, the first room and the second room are controlled to cool simultaneously according to the preset second cooling time; the priority of the second room is lower than that of the first room and higher than that of other types of rooms; After controlling the first and second compartments to cool simultaneously for the second cooling duration, control the first compartment, the second compartment, and other compartments to cool simultaneously.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The process of simultaneously cooling all rooms also includes: If it is determined that any room has met the corresponding cooling requirements, the cooling of that room shall be stopped; If the room meets the preset cooling conditions, continue to cool the room; If it is determined that all compartments have reached their respective preset shutdown temperatures during the cooling process, the fault status identifier is updated to the second preset value.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The process of simultaneously cooling all rooms also includes: Return to the step of obtaining the temperature value of the power module of the refrigerator.

10. A control device for a refrigerator, characterized in that, The device includes: The risk assessment module is used to determine whether there is a risk of overheating in the power module of the refrigerator during the operation of the refrigerator. The compartment cooling module is used to perform progressive coordinated cooling on multiple compartments of the refrigerator when it is determined that the power module has a risk of overheating; wherein, the progressive coordinated cooling is characterized by increasing the number of compartments participating in cooling in stages and sequentially, starting from a preset compartment.

11. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The refrigerator comprises multiple compartments, a processor, a communication interface, a memory, and a communication bus, wherein the processor, the communication interface, and the memory communicate with each other via the communication bus; the memory is used to store computer programs; and the processor is used to execute the computer programs to implement the control method of the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-9.

12. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the control method for the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-9.

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