Refrigerator control method and refrigerator

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator control method and a refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises a heat dissipation fan, and the heat dissipation fan operates when the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode so as to form a heat dissipation air path flowing through a condenser of the refrigerator. The refrigerator further comprises a purification device arranged on the air outlet side of the cooling fan. The control method comprises the steps that the duration when the purification device is in a running stop state and the running state of the refrigerator are obtained, and the running state is used for representing that the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode or a non-refrigeration mode; controlling the purification device to start according to the duration; and when the refrigerator is in the non-refrigeration mode, the cooling fan and the purification device are controlled to be started synchronously. The purification function is achieved through cooperation of the original cooling fan of the refrigerator and the newly-added purification device, it is not needed to control operation of an independent fan for achieving the purification function when the refrigerator is in a refrigeration mode, and energy consumption is saved. And the starting time of the purification device is determined according to the duration of the operation stopping state of the purification device, so that unnecessary operation of the purification device is reduced, and energy consumption is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and more particularly to a control method for a refrigerator and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, refrigerators have become an indispensable appliance in daily life, primarily serving the function of food preservation and storage, but generally not performing other functions. Related technologies offer a refrigerator capable of purifying the air in its surrounding space, comprising a cabinet and a detachable air purification device mounted on the cabinet. This air purification device has a housing independent of the cabinet, a fan, a filter, and a controller for controlling the fan and filter. The filter and fan work together to purify the air in the refrigerator's space, thus enabling the refrigerator to perform both storage and air purification functions. However, the refrigerator in this related technology is merely a simple mechanical connection; the refrigeration and air purification functions operate completely independently, without any synergistic effect, and therefore do not contribute to saving overall energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a refrigerator control method and a refrigerator that achieves energy savings while simultaneously performing both cooling and air purification functions. It enhances the synergistic effect of the refrigerator's cooling and air purification functions.

[0004] This application provides a control method for a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cooling fan that operates when the refrigerator is in cooling mode to form a cooling airflow path through the refrigerator's condenser. The refrigerator also includes a purification device disposed on the air outlet side of the cooling fan. The control method includes: obtaining the duration for which the purification device is in a stopped state, and the refrigerator's operating state, which indicates whether the refrigerator is in cooling mode or non-cooling mode; controlling the purification device to start based on the duration; and controlling the cooling fan and purification device to start synchronously when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode.

[0005] In some embodiments, controlling the start-up of the purification device based on the duration includes: controlling the purification device to start operation when the duration is greater than or equal to a duration threshold.

[0006] In some embodiments, controlling the purification device to start operation when the duration is greater than or equal to a duration threshold includes: obtaining the concentration of pollutant gas in the space where the refrigerator is currently located when the duration is greater than or equal to the duration threshold; and controlling the purification device to start operation when the concentration of pollutant gas is greater than or equal to a concentration upper limit threshold.

[0007] In some embodiments, controlling the start of the purification device based on the duration includes: controlling the start of the purification device based on the duration and the operating status of the refrigerator.

[0008] In some embodiments, controlling the purification device to start operation based on the duration and the operating state of the refrigerator includes: when the refrigerator is in cooling mode, controlling the purification device to start if the duration is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold; when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, controlling the purification device to start if the duration is greater than or equal to a second duration threshold; wherein the first duration threshold is less than the second duration threshold.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to a second duration threshold, the purification device is activated, including: when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, obtaining the concentration of pollutant gas in the space where the refrigerator is currently located; if the duration is greater than or equal to the second duration threshold and the concentration of pollutant gas is greater than or equal to a first concentration upper limit threshold, the purification device is activated.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to a second duration threshold, the purification device is activated, including: when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to the second duration threshold, obtaining the interval between the current time and the time when the refrigerator enters cooling mode; and if the interval duration is greater than the interval duration threshold, activating the purification device.

[0011] In some embodiments, obtaining the duration of the purification device being in a stopped state includes: obtaining the operation information of the purification device; and, if the operation information of the purification device includes historical start-up and stop times, determining the duration of the purification device being in a stopped state based on the current time and the historical start-up and stop times.

[0012] In some embodiments, after obtaining the operating information of the purification device, the control method further includes: if the operating information of the purification device does not include historical start-stop times, controlling the purification device to start according to at least one of the refrigerator's operating status and a start command.

[0013] This application provides a refrigerator, which includes a cooling fan that operates when the refrigerator is in cooling mode to form a cooling air path flowing through the refrigerator's condenser; the refrigerator also includes a purification device disposed on the air outlet side of the cooling fan; and one or more processors for implementing the aforementioned refrigerator control method.

[0014] The refrigerator control method and refrigerator provided in this application control the purification function based on the duration of the purification device's shutdown state and the refrigerator's operating state. On one hand, the refrigerator's existing cooling fan works in conjunction with the newly added purification device to achieve the purification function. Only when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode is the cooling fan and purification device started synchronously; there is no need to control a separate fan to operate when the refrigerator is in cooling mode. This facilitates the synergistic effect of cooling and air purification functions and saves energy. On the other hand, determining the purification device's start-up time based on the duration of its shutdown state ensures that the purification device's operation meets actual purification needs, reducing unnecessary operation when there is no demand, thereby saving energy. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a rear view of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a top view of a portion of the bottom structure of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation airflow of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator control method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator control method provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] 10: Refrigerator; 100: Purification device; 101: Compressor; 102: Condenser; 103: Cooling fan. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Combination Figures 1 to 3As shown, this application embodiment provides a refrigerator 10, including a refrigerant circulation system and a cooling fan 103. The refrigerant circulation system includes a refrigerant circulation loop consisting of a compressor 101, a condenser 102, a throttling device, and an evaporator. The cooling fan 103, when open, forms a cooling airflow path through the condenser 102 of the refrigerator 10, thus dissipating heat from the condenser 102. In some embodiments, the refrigerator 10 is a built-in refrigerator, and the cooling fan 103 is disposed at the bottom of the refrigerator 10, forming a cooling airflow path through the condenser 102. Figure 4 The heat dissipation airflow shown achieves bottom heat dissipation.

[0026] The refrigerator 10 operates in two phases: a cooling phase and a non-cooling phase. During the cooling phase, the compressor 101 of the refrigerator 10 is running, allowing refrigerant to circulate in the refrigerant loop and exchange heat to achieve cooling. The non-cooling phase is the period between two cooling phases when the compressor 101 stops running. The cooling fan 103 is switched on and off according to the changes in the refrigerator 10's operating phase, serving a cooling function when the refrigerator 10 is in the cooling phase.

[0027] The refrigerator 10 also includes a purification device 100, which is located on the air outlet side of the cooling fan 103. Here, "air outlet side" refers to the airflow path of the cooling fan 103, and is not limited to a fixed location. Thus, when both the purification device 100 and the cooling fan 103 are turned on, the air outlet from the cooling fan 103 can be purified, thereby purifying the air in the space where the refrigerator 10 is located.

[0028] In some embodiments, the purification device 100 is a filter for filtering the gas flowing through it. In some embodiments, the purification device 100 is used to release oxidizing active particles in the start-up state, and the purification device 100 is blown into the environment where the refrigerator 10 is located by the air path, thereby achieving a purification effect.

[0029] The refrigerator 10 provided in this application embodiment also includes a processor, which is electrically connected to the compressor 101, the cooling fan 103 and the purification device 100 described above, and is used to execute the refrigerator control method described below.

[0030] Corresponding to the refrigerator mentioned above, combined with Figure 5 As shown, this application provides a refrigerator control method, including steps S11 to S13.

[0031] Step S11: Obtain the duration of the purification device being in a stopped state, and the operating status of the refrigerator. The operating status indicates whether the refrigerator is in cooling mode or non-cooling mode.

[0032] In some embodiments, the process of obtaining the duration of the purification device's shutdown state and the refrigerator's operating status is performed only after responding to the purification mode activation command, thus saving unnecessary data acquisition processes. The purification mode activation command can be input or set by the user via an input device.

[0033] Step S12: Control the purification device to start according to the duration.

[0034] Step S13: When the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, control the cooling fan and the purification device to start synchronously.

[0035] In refrigerators, the cooling fan is configured to operate according to the refrigerator's status. The cooling fan remains on when the refrigerator is in cooling mode; it remains off when the refrigerator is not in cooling mode. Therefore, when the air purification function is required and the purification device needs to be activated, if the refrigerator is in cooling mode, there is no need to separately activate the cooling fan. If the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, the air purification device needs to be activated separately to perform its air purification function.

[0036] The refrigerator control method provided in this application controls the purification function based on the duration of the purification device's shutdown state and the refrigerator's operating state. On one hand, it utilizes the refrigerator's existing cooling fan and the newly added purification device in tandem to achieve the purification function. Only when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode is the cooling fan and purification device started synchronously; there is no need to control a separate fan to operate when the refrigerator is in cooling mode. This facilitates the synergistic effect of cooling and air purification functions and saves energy. On the other hand, determining the purification device's start-up time based on the duration of its shutdown state ensures that the purification device's operation meets actual purification needs, reducing unnecessary operation when there is no demand, thereby saving energy.

[0037] Specifically, in some embodiments, controlling the start-up of the purification device based on the duration includes: controlling the purification device to start operation when the duration is greater than or equal to a duration threshold. In some embodiments, the duration threshold is determined by: obtaining the area of ​​the space where the refrigerator is located; and determining the duration threshold based on the area. The duration threshold and area are negatively correlated. The larger the area of ​​the space where the refrigerator is located, the higher the demand for air purification. Setting a smaller duration threshold, i.e., controlling the purification device to start operation again when the duration of inactivity is shorter, can meet the higher air purification demand at that time. It should be noted that the space where the refrigerator is located is a cube, and the area of ​​the space where the refrigerator is located is the base area of ​​the cube.

[0038] In some embodiments, controlling the purification device to start operation when the duration is greater than or equal to a duration threshold includes: obtaining the concentration of pollutant gas in the space currently occupied by the refrigerator when the duration is greater than or equal to the duration threshold; and controlling the purification device to start when the concentration of pollutant gas is greater than or equal to a concentration upper limit threshold. Thus, by controlling the purification device's start-up based on the duration of its shutdown state, and then performing a secondary judgment based on the concentration of pollutant gas, the system avoids starting the purification device when the shutdown period is long but there is no actual purification need. This improves the accuracy of the purification device's start-up control and optimizes energy-saving performance.

[0039] In some embodiments, controlling the start-up of the purification device based on the duration of operation includes: controlling the start-up of the purification device based on the duration of operation and the operating state of the refrigerator. When the refrigerator is in cooling mode, the cooling fan is already running, so there is no need to start the cooling fan separately for the purification function, resulting in low energy consumption for the purification function. However, when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, the cooling fan is off, and the energy consumption for the purification function includes both the energy consumed to start the purification device and the energy consumed to maintain the cooling fan's operation. Therefore, the energy consumption for operating the purification function varies depending on the refrigerator's operating state. Combining the duration of the purification device being off and the refrigerator's operating state to achieve the start-up control of the purification device improves the accuracy of the start-up control and thus optimizes energy-saving performance.

[0040] In some embodiments, controlling the purification device to start operation based on the duration and the refrigerator's operating state includes: when the refrigerator is in cooling mode, controlling the purification device to start if the duration is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold; and when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, controlling the purification device to start if the duration is greater than or equal to a second duration threshold. The first duration threshold is less than the second duration threshold. This is combined with... Figure 6 The control logic for starting and running the purification device based on the duration and operating status of the refrigerator is described in general. The control method for this refrigerator includes steps S21 to S26.

[0041] Step S21: Obtain the duration of the purification device being in a stopped state, and the operating state of the refrigerator. The operating state indicates whether the refrigerator is in cooling mode or non-cooling mode.

[0042] Step S22: Determine whether the refrigerator is in cooling mode.

[0043] If it is in cooling mode, proceed to step S23; otherwise, it is in non-cooling mode, proceed to step S25.

[0044] Step S23: Determine whether the duration is greater than or equal to the first duration threshold.

[0045] If the duration is greater than or equal to the first duration threshold, proceed to step S24. If the duration is less than the first duration threshold, continue to step S21.

[0046] Step S24: Start the purification device.

[0047] Step S25: Determine whether the duration is greater than or equal to the second duration threshold.

[0048] If the duration is greater than or equal to the first duration threshold, proceed to step S26; if the duration is less than the first duration, continue to step S21.

[0049] Step S26: Control the purification device to start, and control the cooling fan to start synchronously with the purification device.

[0050] In this way, different duration thresholds are set for different operating states of the refrigerator, thereby influencing the start-up control of the purification device based on the refrigerator's operating state. When the refrigerator is in cooling mode, the purification device starts operating when the period of inactivity reaches a shorter first duration threshold; when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, the purification device starts operating when the period of inactivity reaches a longer second duration threshold. This effectively reduces the frequency of the purification device's start-up in non-cooling mode and increases the frequency of its start-up in cooling mode, thereby reducing the need for the cooling fan to be activated separately to achieve the purification function and optimizing energy saving.

[0051] In some embodiments, when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to a second duration threshold, the purification device is activated. This includes: obtaining the concentration of pollutant gas in the space where the refrigerator is located when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode; and activating the purification device if the duration is greater than or equal to the second duration threshold and the concentration of pollutant gas is greater than or equal to a first concentration upper limit threshold. Corresponding to the activation control of the purification device when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, a process based on the concentration of pollutant gas is added to further determine the necessity of activating the purification device and the cooling fan in non-cooling mode. This helps avoid unnecessary activation of the purification device and the cooling fan, thereby optimizing energy saving. Conversely, when the refrigerator is in cooling mode, the activation control of the purification device can also be further determined based on the concentration of pollutant gas in the space where the refrigerator is located. In some embodiments, when the refrigerator is in cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold, the purification device is activated. This includes: obtaining the concentration of pollutant gas in the space where the refrigerator is located while it is in cooling mode; and activating the purification device if the duration is greater than the first duration threshold and the concentration of pollutant gas is greater than or equal to a second concentration upper limit threshold. Here, the second concentration upper limit threshold is less than the first concentration upper limit threshold.

[0052] In some embodiments, when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to a second duration threshold, the purification device is activated. This includes: when the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to the second duration threshold, obtaining the interval between the current time and the time the refrigerator enters cooling mode; if the interval is greater than the interval duration threshold, the purification device is activated. If the interval is less than or equal to the interval duration threshold, the purification device remains off until the refrigerator enters cooling mode. Thus, based on the duration being greater than or equal to the second duration threshold, the activation control of the purification device is further based on the interval between the current time and the time the refrigerator enters cooling mode. Activating the purification device only when the interval between the current time and the time the refrigerator enters cooling mode is greater than the interval duration threshold, and avoiding activation when the refrigerator is about to enter cooling mode, reduces the need for air purification by activating the purification device and cooling fan in non-cooling mode without significantly affecting the purification effect. This is equivalent to prioritizing activation of the purification device in cooling mode, which helps save overall energy consumption for the refrigerator's cooling and air purification functions.

[0053] The time when the refrigerator enters cooling mode can be determined through the refrigerator's operating information. In some embodiments, this operating information includes the historical duration of non-cooling modes. The duration of the current non-cooling mode is estimated based on the historical duration of multiple non-cooling modes, and the remaining duration of the non-cooling mode is calculated by combining the current duration of the non-cooling mode with its existing duration. This interval is used as the interval between the current time and the time when the refrigerator enters cooling mode. In some embodiments, the operating information includes the current temperature and set temperature inside the refrigerator's cooling compartment. Based on the current temperature and set temperature, the time required for the current temperature inside the refrigerator to rise to the level needed to activate the refrigerator's cooling mode while it is in non-cooling mode is determined. This time is used as the interval between the current time and the time when the refrigerator enters cooling mode. This ensures the accuracy of the interval, thereby improving the accuracy of the purification device's activation control.

[0054] In some embodiments, obtaining the duration of the purification device being in a stopped state includes: obtaining the operation information of the purification device; if the operation information of the purification device includes historical start-up and stop times, determining the duration of the purification device being in a stopped state based on the current time and the historical start-up and stop times. The historical stop time of the purification device closest to the current time is determined based on the historical start-up and stop times, and the time interval between the historical stop time and the current time is the duration of the purification device being in a stopped state.

[0055] In some embodiments, after obtaining the operating information of the purification device, the method further includes: if the operating information of the purification device does not include historical start-stop times, controlling the purification device to start based on at least one of the refrigerator's operating status and a start command. In cases such as the first operation of an air conditioner for cooling or the first operation of the purification device, the operating information of the purification device may not include historical start-stop times. In such cases, the purification device is controlled to start based on at least one of the refrigerator's operating status and a start command.

[0056] This can be understood as follows: when the purification device is first run, it is controlled to start based on at least one of the refrigerator's operating status and the start command. In subsequent operation control of the purification device, it is controlled to start based on the duration of the purification device being in a stopped state. Combined with... Figure 7 The control method for the refrigerator includes steps S31 to S34.

[0057] Step S31: Obtain the operating information of the purification device.

[0058] Step S32: Determine whether the operating information of the purification device includes historical start-up and shutdown times. That is, determine whether the purification device is operating for the first time.

[0059] If the operation information of the purification device includes historical start and stop times, then proceed to step S33; if the operation information of the purification device does not include historical start and stop times, then proceed to step S34.

[0060] Step S33: Control the purification device to start according to the duration.

[0061] Step S34: Control the purification device to start based on at least one of the refrigerator's operating status and the start command.

[0062] The control of the purification device's activation based on the refrigerator's operating status includes: activating the purification device when the refrigerator is in cooling mode; activating the purification device upon receiving a start command for the purification mode; and activating the purification device synchronously if the refrigerator is not in cooling mode.

[0063] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a cooling fan, the cooling fan operating when the refrigerator is in cooling mode to form a cooling airflow path through the condenser of the refrigerator; characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes a purification device, which is located on the air outlet side of the cooling fan; The control method includes: The duration of the purification device being in a stopped state is obtained, and the operating state of the refrigerator is obtained, wherein the operating state is used to indicate whether the refrigerator is in cooling mode or non-cooling mode. The purification device is activated according to the duration of the operation. When the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, the cooling fan and the purification device are started synchronously.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the purification device to start according to the duration includes: If the duration is greater than or equal to the duration threshold, the purification device is controlled to start operation.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of controlling the purification device to start operation when the duration is greater than or equal to the duration threshold includes: If the duration is greater than or equal to the duration threshold, the concentration of polluting gas in the space where the refrigerator is located is obtained. When the concentration of the polluted gas is greater than or equal to the upper limit threshold, the purification device is controlled to start operation.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the purification device to start according to the duration includes: The purification device is started and operated according to the duration and the operating status of the refrigerator.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of controlling the purification device to start operation based on the duration and the operating status of the refrigerator includes: When the refrigerator is in cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold, the purification device is activated. When the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to the second duration threshold, the purification device is activated. Wherein, the first duration threshold is less than the second duration threshold.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to a second duration threshold, the purification device is activated, including: When the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, the concentration of polluting gas in the space where the refrigerator is located is obtained; If the duration is greater than or equal to the second duration threshold and the concentration of the pollutant gas is greater than or equal to the first concentration upper limit threshold, then the purification device is activated.

7. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to a second duration threshold, the purification device is activated, including: When the refrigerator is in non-cooling mode, if the duration is greater than or equal to the second duration threshold, the interval between the current time and the time when the refrigerator enters cooling mode is obtained. If the interval duration exceeds the interval duration threshold, the purification device is activated.

8. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The duration for which the purification device remains in a stopped state is obtained, including: Obtain the operating information of the purification device; If the operating information of the purification device includes historical start-up and stop times, the duration for which the purification device is in a stopped state is determined based on the current time and historical start-up and stop times.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After obtaining the operating information of the purification device, the process further includes: If the operating information of the purification device does not include historical start-stop times, the purification device is controlled to start based on at least one of the refrigerator's operating status and the start command.

10. A refrigerator, the refrigerator including a cooling fan, the cooling fan operating when the refrigerator is in cooling mode to form a cooling airflow path through the condenser of the refrigerator; characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: A purification device is installed on the air outlet side of the cooling fan; One or more processors are used to implement the refrigerator control method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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