Refrigerator and refrigeration control method
By incorporating partitions and air inlets in the refrigerator's crisper compartment, combined with a front deflector and refrigeration control methods, the problems of uneven cold air flow and inconsistent temperatures within the crisper compartment are solved, resulting in better preservation and reduced energy consumption.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHANGHONG MEILING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Cold air tends to flow downwards in the refrigerator's crisper compartment, leading to severe odor mixing and uneven temperature distribution. In particular, the upper areas are prone to freezing due to excessively low temperatures. Furthermore, the current refrigerator's air vent design results in poor preservation.
The cold storage room is divided into multiple storage spaces by partitions, each with its own independent air supply and return vents. Combined with the design of the front windshield assembly and return air duct, the cold air can flow independently in each storage space, and the remaining cold capacity can be rationally utilized through refrigeration control methods.
It improved the problem of odor mixing in the cold storage room, enhanced temperature uniformity and preservation effect, reduced energy consumption, and prevented food from freezing.
Smart Images
Figure CN121953584A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to refrigeration equipment technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator and a refrigeration control method. Background Technology
[0002] A refrigerator is an essential household appliance. It typically consists of a cabinet and an inner liner. An insulation structure separates the liner from the cabinet to reduce cold air loss and thus lower energy consumption. The storage space of a refrigerator usually includes a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment; some refrigerators also have a variable temperature compartment. Shelves or drawers can be installed within each storage compartment to divide it into multiple storage areas.
[0003] In a typical refrigerator, the evaporator, refrigeration fan, refrigeration damper, and air vents are located at the back of the refrigerator compartment. When the refrigeration fan is turned on and the refrigeration damper is opened, the cooling energy generated by the evaporator is delivered to the refrigerator compartment through the air vents via airflow.
[0004] Because cold air tends to flow downwards, the air vents in cold storage rooms are usually located in the upper area, where the airflow is also the greatest. The downward flow of cold air from the upper layer leads to a more serious problem of odor mixing within the cold storage room.
[0005] Moreover, technicians discovered during application that when the refrigeration of the cold storage compartment is stopped, the temperature inside the cold storage compartment continues to drop for a considerable period of time, resulting in excessively low temperatures inside the cold storage compartment, especially near the air outlet, where the temperature can be more than 3°C lower than the preset temperature, causing food in that area to freeze easily.
[0006] Furthermore, cold storage compartments typically only have one air vent and one refrigerated air damper, which controls the flow of cold air from the vent into the compartment. Areas closer to the vent are cooler, while areas farther away are warmer, resulting in uneven temperature distribution and poor preservation. Additionally, because hot air rises, the upper areas of the cold storage compartment experience greater temperature fluctuations and more significant temperature changes, which is also detrimental to food preservation. Summary of the Invention
[0007] To address one of the aforementioned technical deficiencies, this application provides a refrigerator and a refrigeration control method.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a refrigerator is provided, including: a cabinet, a refrigerator compartment provided in the cabinet; and a partition provided in the refrigerator compartment to divide the refrigerator compartment into at least two storage spaces, upper and lower. Along the width of the cabinet, at least two air inlets are provided on one side of the refrigerated compartment, with each air inlet corresponding to a storage space; at least two return air inlets are provided on the other side of the refrigerated compartment, with each return air inlet corresponding to a storage space; cold air entering the refrigerated compartment from the air inlets flows within the corresponding storage space and exits from the corresponding return air inlets.
[0009] As described above, the refrigerator has a main return air vent at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment; The cold storage room has a return air duct on one side with a return air vent, and the return air duct is connected to each return air vent; the bottom of the return air duct is connected to the main return air vent.
[0010] The refrigerator as described above also includes: a front windshield assembly detachably connected between the front ends of two adjacent shelves; the width of the front windshield assembly matches the width of the shelves.
[0011] The refrigerator described above includes the following front windshield assembly: The first magnetic attractor is located at the front end of the partition; The second magnetic component can be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic component; Curtain; the top and bottom of the curtain are respectively equipped with second magnetic attachments.
[0012] In the refrigerator described above, the curtain is a flexible waterproof curtain, and the width of the curtain matches the width of the partition.
[0013] In the refrigerator described above, the height of the return air vent in one of the storage compartments is lower than the supply air vent.
[0014] As described above, the refrigerator shelf is a rectangular plate, and the rear end, left end and right end of the shelf are respectively provided with sealing elements, which can be pressed between the shelf and the inner side wall of the refrigerator compartment.
[0015] As described above, in the refrigerator, the sealing element on the same side of the shelf as the return air vent has a through hole that extends along the thickness of the shelf.
[0016] As described above, the refrigerator's seal is a silicone strip that covers the area between the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf edge.
[0017] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a refrigeration control method is provided, applied to the refrigerator described above; the method includes: When the cold storage room enters the cooling state, open the damper and start the refrigeration fan to deliver cooling capacity to the cold storage room through each air outlet; When the refrigeration in the cold storage compartment is finished, turn off the refrigeration fan to retain the remaining cooling capacity in the refrigeration evaporator; When the restart conditions are met, restart the refrigeration fan to deliver the remaining cooling capacity in the refrigeration evaporator to the refrigeration compartment; When the temperature of the refrigeration evaporator reaches the preset first upper limit value, the refrigeration fan is turned off.
[0018] The technical solution adopted in this application embodiment includes a refrigerator compartment inside the cabinet; a partition is installed inside the refrigerator compartment to divide it into at least two storage spaces, upper and lower; on one side of the refrigerator compartment in the width direction of the cabinet, there are at least two air inlets, each corresponding to a storage space; on the other side of the refrigerator compartment, there are at least two return air inlets, each corresponding to a storage space; the cold air entering the refrigerator compartment from the air inlets flows within the corresponding storage space and exits from the corresponding return air inlets. The cold air flows independently within each storage space, and there is no gas flow between the storage spaces, which can improve the problem of cross-contamination of odors.
[0019] The control method provided in this embodiment opens the damper and starts the refrigeration fan when the refrigerator compartment enters the cooling state, delivering cooling capacity to the refrigerator compartment through various air outlets. When the refrigeration of the refrigerator compartment ends, the refrigeration fan is turned off to retain the remaining cooling capacity in the evaporator. When the restart conditions are met, the refrigeration fan is restarted to deliver the remaining cooling capacity in the evaporator to the refrigerator compartment. When the temperature of the evaporator reaches a preset first upper limit value, the refrigeration fan is turned off, preventing the temperature from continuing to drop after the refrigeration of the refrigerator compartment ends, thus preventing food from freezing. Furthermore, the refrigeration fan can be restarted to deliver the remaining cooling capacity in the evaporator back to the refrigerator compartment to replenish its heat loss. This process does not require restarting the compressor, thus significantly reducing energy consumption. In addition, it can rationally utilize the remaining cooling capacity in the evaporator, effectively reducing temperature fluctuations in the refrigerator compartment and improving the preservation effect. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 A front view of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerator compartment door opening in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerator compartment in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerator's middle partition and front windshield assembly provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerator partition provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A flowchart of a refrigeration control method provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0021] Figure label: 10 - Cabinet; 20 - Top door; 30 - Bottom door; 40 - Refrigeration fan; 50 - Air supply outlet; 60 - Main return air outlet; 61 - Return air outlet; 71-Partition; 72-Curtain; 73-First magnetic clasp; 74-Second magnetic clasp; 75-Sealing element. Detailed Implementation
[0022] To make the technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the exemplary embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not an exhaustive list of all embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.
[0023] A refrigerator is an essential household appliance. It typically consists of a cabinet and an inner liner. An insulation structure separates the liner from the cabinet to reduce cold air loss and thus lower energy consumption. The storage space of a refrigerator usually includes a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment; some refrigerators also have a variable temperature compartment. Shelves or drawers can be installed within each storage compartment to divide it into multiple storage areas.
[0024] In a typical refrigerator, the evaporator, refrigeration fan, refrigeration damper, and air vents are located at the back of the refrigerator compartment. When the refrigeration fan is turned on and the refrigeration damper is opened, the cooling energy generated by the evaporator is delivered to the refrigerator compartment through the air vents via airflow.
[0025] Because cold air tends to flow downwards, the air vents in cold storage rooms are usually located in the upper area, where the airflow is also the greatest. The downward flow of cold air from the upper layer leads to a more serious problem of odor mixing within the cold storage room.
[0026] Based on the above problems, this embodiment provides a refrigerator that isolates the area between the partitions of the refrigerator compartment into separate storage spaces, and provides separate air supply and return vents for each storage space. There is no air flow between the storage spaces, which can improve the problem of cross-contamination of odors.
[0027] Example 1.
[0028] The refrigerator provided in this embodiment can be a double-door refrigerator with a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment on the top and bottom, respectively, or it can also be equipped with a variable temperature compartment, which shares a door with the refrigerator compartment.
[0029] The refrigerator can also have three doors: top, middle, and bottom, corresponding to the refrigerator compartment, variable temperature compartment, and freezer compartment, respectively.
[0030] The refrigerator can also be configured with double doors on both sides, a French door, or other designs. It can also have a double door upper section and a drawer lower section. This embodiment does not impose any limitations.
[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator provided in this embodiment includes: a cabinet 10, with a top-opening door 20 and a bottom-opening door 30 at the front end of the cabinet 10, corresponding to the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment respectively. A variable-temperature drawer can be installed in the refrigerator compartment as a variable-temperature compartment. Figure 1 The top-opening door 20 is a single-leaf door.
[0032] Figure 2 The top-hinged door 20 is shown in its open state. Figure 2 The top door is a double door. The refrigerated inner liner is located inside the cabinet 10, and an insulation structure is installed between the inner liner and the cabinet 10 to form a refrigerated compartment. Figure 2 The inner liner or insulation structure is not shown.
[0033] A refrigeration evaporator and a refrigeration fan 40 are installed on the rear of the refrigerator compartment, and an air outlet 50 is provided. A refrigeration damper is installed at the front end of the air outlet 50. The refrigeration evaporator generates cooling energy, which lowers the temperature of the surrounding air to form cold air. When the refrigeration fan 40 starts, it opens the refrigeration damper, driving the cold air in the air duct to flow from the air outlet 50 to the refrigerator compartment for cooling.
[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerator in this embodiment has a partition 71 installed in the refrigerator compartment, which divides the refrigerator compartment into at least two storage spaces arranged vertically.
[0035] Along the width of the refrigerator compartment, at least two air inlets 50 are provided on one side of the refrigerator compartment, with each air inlet 50 corresponding to a storage space; at least two return air inlets 61 are provided on the other side of the refrigerator compartment, with each return air inlet 61 corresponding to a storage space. That is, an air inlet 50 is located on one side of the storage space, and a return air inlet 61 is located on the other side. Cold air entering the refrigerator compartment from the air inlets 50 flows within the corresponding storage space and exits from the corresponding return air inlet 61.
[0036] There is at least one partition 71. When there is only one partition 71, the partition 71 divides the cold storage compartment into upper and lower storage spaces. An air supply vent 50 is provided on one side of the upper storage space, and a return air vent 61 is provided on the other side. Cold air entering the storage space from the air supply vent 50 flows orderly towards the return air vent 61 within the storage space and exits from the return air vent 61. An air supply vent 50 is provided on one side of the lower storage space, and a return air vent 61 is provided on the other side. Cold air entering the storage space from the air supply vent 50 flows orderly towards the return air vent 61 within the storage space and exits from the return air vent 61.
[0037] When there are two partitions 71, the two partitions 71 are set at intervals to divide the cold storage room into three storage spaces: upper, middle and lower. Each storage space has an air supply vent 50 on one side and a return air vent 61 on the other side. Cold air enters the storage space from the air supply vent 50 and flows orderly in the storage space toward the return air vent 61 before flowing out from the return air vent 61.
[0038] The number of partitions 71 can be more than three. This embodiment does not provide a detailed description, but those skilled in the art can refer to the above scheme for specific settings.
[0039] This embodiment Figure 3 The refrigerator is equipped with three partitions 71. The space above the upper partition 71 serves as the upper storage space, the space between the upper and middle partitions 71 serves as the middle storage space, and the space between the middle and lower partitions 71 serves as the lower storage space. The upper, middle, and lower storage spaces are collectively referred to as the large refrigerated space. The area below the lower partition 71 can be used as a dedicated refrigerated area for installing drawers.
[0040] The air supply vents 50 for each storage space can be located on the same side, and the return air vents 61 can be located on the same side. For example... Figure 3 In the middle, three air supply vents 50 are set on the left and three air return vents 61 are set on the right, corresponding to the upper, middle and lower storage spaces respectively.
[0041] In refrigeration mode, the refrigeration evaporator generates cooling energy, lowering the ambient air temperature. The refrigeration fan starts, driving air to flow through the air supply duct to form cold air. The cold air enters the corresponding storage space from each air supply port 50, flows orderly towards the return air port 61 within the storage space, and then flows out from the return air port 61 back to the vicinity of the refrigeration evaporator.
[0042] The cool air from each storage space will not flow upwards or downwards into other storage spaces, thus reducing the chance of odors mixing.
[0043] The technical solution adopted in this embodiment includes a refrigerator compartment inside the cabinet. A partition is installed inside the refrigerator compartment, dividing it into at least two storage spaces, one above the other. Along the width of the cabinet, at least two air vents are provided on one side of the refrigerator compartment, each corresponding to a storage space. At least two return air vents are provided on the other side of the refrigerator compartment, each corresponding to a storage space. Cold air entering the refrigerator compartment from the air vents flows within the corresponding storage space and exits from the corresponding return air vents. The cold air flows independently within each storage space, and there is no gas flow between the storage spaces, which can improve the problem of cross-contamination of odors.
[0044] Based on the above technical solution, a main return air vent 60 is provided at the bottom of the cold storage compartment, and the main return air vent 60 is connected to the area where the cold storage evaporator is located through a return air duct.
[0045] A return air duct is provided on one side of the cold storage compartment where the return air vent 61 is located, and the return air duct is connected to each return air vent 61. The bottom of the return air duct is connected to the main return air vent 60. After the gas in each storage space flows out of the return air vent 61, it gathers into the return air duct, flows along the return air duct to the main return air vent 60, and then returns to the vicinity of the cold storage evaporator.
[0046] The advantage of this solution is that it eliminates the need for a separate return air duct for each return air inlet 61, reducing the number of air ducts and simplifying the structure.
[0047] Furthermore, the height of the return air vent 61 in a storage space is lower than that of the air supply vent 50, so that cold air enters the storage space from above, flows downward, and finally flows out from the return air vent 61, achieving efficient and orderly gas circulation, so that the temperature in all parts of the storage space is more consistent, thereby improving the preservation effect.
[0048] Example 2.
[0049] This embodiment is based on the above embodiment and further optimizes the refrigerator, specifically by further optimizing the airtightness of the storage space.
[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerator in this embodiment has a partition 71 installed in the refrigerator compartment, which divides the refrigerator compartment into at least two storage spaces arranged vertically.
[0051] Along the width of the refrigerator compartment, at least two air inlets 50 are provided on one side of the refrigerator compartment, with each air inlet 50 corresponding to a storage space; at least two return air inlets 61 are provided on the other side of the refrigerator compartment, with each return air inlet 61 corresponding to a storage space. That is, an air inlet 50 is located on one side of the storage space, and a return air inlet 61 is located on the other side. Cold air entering the refrigerator compartment from the air inlets 50 flows within the corresponding storage space and exits from the corresponding return air inlet 61.
[0052] There is at least one partition 71. When there is only one partition 71, the partition 71 divides the cold storage compartment into upper and lower storage spaces. An air supply vent 50 is provided on one side of the upper storage space, and a return air vent 61 is provided on the other side. Cold air entering the storage space from the air supply vent 50 flows orderly towards the return air vent 61 within the storage space and exits from the return air vent 61. An air supply vent 50 is provided on one side of the lower storage space, and a return air vent 61 is provided on the other side. Cold air entering the storage space from the air supply vent 50 flows orderly towards the return air vent 61 within the storage space and exits from the return air vent 61.
[0053] When there are two partitions 71, the two partitions 71 are set at intervals to divide the cold storage room into three storage spaces: upper, middle and lower. Each storage space has an air supply vent 50 on one side and a return air vent 61 on the other side. Cold air enters the storage space from the air supply vent 50 and flows orderly in the storage space toward the return air vent 61 before flowing out from the return air vent 61.
[0054] The number of partitions 71 can be more than three. This embodiment does not provide a detailed description, but those skilled in the art can refer to the above scheme for specific settings.
[0055] This embodiment Figure 3 The refrigerator is equipped with three partitions 71. The space above the upper partition 71 serves as the upper storage space, the space between the upper and middle partitions 71 serves as the middle storage space, and the space between the middle and lower partitions 71 serves as the lower storage space. The upper, middle, and lower storage spaces are collectively referred to as the large refrigerated space. The area below the lower partition 71 can be used as a dedicated refrigerated area for installing drawers.
[0056] The air supply vents 50 for each storage space can be located on the same side, and the return air vents 61 can be located on the same side. For example... Figure 3 In the middle, three air supply vents 50 are set on the left and three air return vents 61 are set on the right, corresponding to the upper, middle and lower storage spaces respectively.
[0057] In refrigeration mode, the refrigeration evaporator generates cooling energy, lowering the ambient air temperature. The refrigeration fan starts, driving air to flow through the air supply duct to form cold air. The cold air enters the corresponding storage space from each air supply port 50, flows orderly towards the return air port 61 within the storage space, and then flows out from the return air port 61 back to the vicinity of the refrigeration evaporator.
[0058] The cool air from each storage space will not flow upwards or downwards into other storage spaces, thus reducing the chance of odors mixing.
[0059] The technical solution adopted in this embodiment includes a refrigerator compartment inside the cabinet. A partition is installed inside the refrigerator compartment, dividing it into at least two storage spaces, one above the other. Along the width of the cabinet, at least two air vents are provided on one side of the refrigerator compartment, each corresponding to a storage space. At least two return air vents are provided on the other side of the refrigerator compartment, each corresponding to a storage space. Cold air entering the refrigerator compartment from the air vents flows within the corresponding storage space and exits from the corresponding return air vents. The cold air flows independently within each storage space, and there is no gas flow between the storage spaces, which can improve the problem of cross-contamination of odors.
[0060] Based on the above technical solution, a main return air vent 60 is provided at the bottom of the cold storage compartment, and the main return air vent 60 is connected to the area where the cold storage evaporator is located through a return air duct.
[0061] A return air duct is provided on one side of the cold storage compartment where the return air vent 61 is located, and the return air duct is connected to each return air vent 61. The bottom of the return air duct is connected to the main return air vent 60. After the gas in each storage space flows out of the return air vent 61, it gathers into the return air duct, flows along the return air duct to the main return air vent 60, and then returns to the vicinity of the cold storage evaporator.
[0062] The advantage of this solution is that it eliminates the need for a separate return air duct for each return air inlet 61, reducing the number of air ducts and simplifying the structure.
[0063] Furthermore, the height of the return air vent 61 in a storage space is lower than that of the air supply vent 50, so that cold air enters the storage space from above, flows downward, and finally flows out from the return air vent 61, achieving efficient and orderly gas circulation, so that the temperature in all parts of the storage space is more consistent, thereby improving the preservation effect.
[0064] Based on the above technical solution, a front windshield assembly is also adopted, which is detachably connected between the front ends of two adjacent partitions 71. The width of the front windshield assembly matches the width of the partition 71. The front windshield assembly blocks the front ends of the two adjacent partitions 71, further blocking the front end of the storage space and preventing gas from flowing up and down from the front end of the partition to other storage spaces, which can further reduce the problem of cross-contamination of odors.
[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, one embodiment is as follows: the front windshield assembly includes: a curtain 72, a first magnetic 73, and a second magnetic 74. The first magnetic 73 is disposed at the front end of the partition 71. There can be one first magnetic 73, which can be disposed in the middle of the partition 71 or can cover the entire front end of the partition 71, extending from one side of the front end of the partition 71 to the other.
[0066] Alternatively, there may be two or more first magnetic attractors 73, spaced apart at the front end of the partition 71.
[0067] The second magnetic attractor 74 can be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic attractor 73. Specifically, both the first magnetic attractor 73 and the second magnetic attractor 74 are permanent magnets, or one of them is a permanent magnet and the other is an iron-containing metal strip.
[0068] The top and bottom of the curtain 72 are respectively provided with a second magnetic 74, which is attracted to the first magnetic 73 by magnetic force.
[0069] Specifically, the second magnetic clasp 74 at the top of the curtain 72 is attracted to the first magnetic clasp 73 at the front end of the upper partition, and the second magnetic clasp 74 at the bottom of the curtain 72 is attracted to the first magnetic clasp 73 at the front end of the middle partition. The curtain 72 covers the front ends of the upper and middle partitions. The curtain 72 and the two side walls of the refrigerator compartment enclose the space between the two partitions 71 into a more enclosed storage space, further reducing the airflow from the front end of the partition in the storage space and reducing the cross-contamination of odors.
[0070] Curtain 72 can be a flexible, waterproof curtain, for example, made of plastic. The width of curtain 72 matches the width of partition 71.
[0071] Based on the above technical solution, the shelf 71 can be a rectangular plate that is inserted into the cold storage room in a horizontal direction. The side wall of the cold storage room can be provided with a boss, and the two sides of the shelf 71 overlap the boss.
[0072] like Figure 5 As shown, the shelf 71 is further provided with a sealing element 75 at its rear end, left end and right end. The sealing element 75 can be pressed between the shelf 71 and the inner side wall of the refrigerator compartment to seal the gap between the shelf 71 and the inner side wall of the refrigerator compartment, thereby further improving the airtightness of each storage space and preventing air flow between adjacent storage spaces from causing cross-contamination of odors.
[0073] The seal 75 can be made of a low-temperature resistant material and has a certain ability to buffer deformation, such as a silicone strip, which is wrapped between the upper and lower surfaces of the edge of the shelf 71.
[0074] Furthermore, the sealing element 75 on the same side as the return air vent 61 in the shelf 71 is provided with a through hole 751 extending along the thickness direction of the shelf 71. At the return air location, gas between the upper and lower shelves 71 can enter the adjacent storage space through the through hole 751. When the return air vent 61 of a certain storage space is blocked, the gas in the adjacent storage space can flow up and down through the through hole and achieve return air through the corresponding return air vent 61 of the adjacent storage space. The gas only flows in the return air area and does not pass through the storage space, which can reduce odor cross-contamination and improve the reliability of return air.
[0075] Example 3.
[0076] This embodiment provides a refrigeration control method based on the above embodiments. Based on the above scheme, at least two air outlets 50 are arranged at intervals from top to bottom on the left side of the cold storage room. Each air outlet is connected to an air supply channel. All air supply channels converge to connect with the main air duct, which is equipped with a cold storage fan. The cold storage room is also equipped with an air damper to control the opening and closing of the air supply channel corresponding to at least one air outlet on the left side.
[0077] Based on the above technical solution, the refrigeration control method provided in this embodiment can be executed by an electronic device installed inside the refrigerator, specifically by a processor. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the refrigeration control method includes the following steps: Step 101: When the cold storage room enters the cooling state, open the air damper and start the cold storage fan to deliver cooling capacity to the cold storage room through each air outlet.
[0078] Specifically, when the temperature inside the cold storage compartment exceeds a preset value, the refrigeration system switches to cooling the cold storage compartment. The processor sends a signal to the damper and refrigeration fan 40 to start refrigeration, opening the damper and starting the refrigeration fan 40. The refrigeration evaporator generates cooling energy, lowering the air temperature in the main air duct. Under the action of the refrigeration fan 40, the cold air in the main air duct flows in an orderly manner, entering each air supply channel from the main air duct, and then entering the corresponding storage space from each air outlet, reducing the temperature of the storage space.
[0079] Step 102: When the refrigeration in the cold room is finished, turn off the refrigeration fan to retain the remaining cooling capacity in the refrigeration evaporator.
[0080] When the refrigerator compartment is in cooling mode, its temperature gradually decreases. Once the target temperature is reached, refrigeration stops, and the evaporator ceases to produce cooling. At this point, the refrigeration fan 40 is turned off, leaving some cold air in the evaporator and air duct. Cold air is not actively supplied to the refrigerator compartment, preventing the temperature from continuing to drop after refrigeration stops, thus avoiding over-cooling and causing food to freeze.
[0081] During this step, the damper can be open. There is minimal heat exchange between the cold air in the air supply duct and the air inside the cold storage room, which will not significantly affect the temperature of the cold storage room.
[0082] Alternatively, the damper can be closed to stop the heat exchange between the air supply duct and the cold storage compartment.
[0083] Step 103: When the restart conditions are met, restart the refrigeration fan to deliver the remaining cooling capacity in the refrigeration evaporator to the refrigeration compartment.
[0084] During refrigerator operation, heat is lost, causing the temperature in the refrigerator compartment to rise; or when a user puts new items into the refrigerator compartment, the new items act as a heat source, causing the temperature in the refrigerator compartment to rise; therefore, the duration or the temperature of the refrigerator compartment can be determined as a condition for restarting.
[0085] When the restart conditions are met, the refrigeration fan 40 is restarted to send the remaining cold air in the refrigeration evaporator back into the refrigeration room to compensate for the temperature rise caused by heat loss, so as to keep the temperature of the refrigeration room at the set temperature.
[0086] Understandably, if the damper is closed in step 102, the damper needs to be reopened after the refrigeration fan is restarted in step 103 in order to send the remaining cooling capacity of the refrigeration evaporator to the refrigeration compartment.
[0087] Alternatively, dampers can be installed in the air supply channels arranged vertically. After restarting the refrigeration fan, the dampers can be controlled to perform corresponding opening and closing operations, so that the remaining cold energy of the refrigeration evaporator is sent only to the storage space in the upper part of the refrigeration compartment, thereby improving the problem of large temperature fluctuations in the upper area.
[0088] Step 104: When the temperature of the refrigeration evaporator reaches the preset first upper limit value, turn off the refrigeration fan.
[0089] During steps 102 and 103 above, the refrigeration evaporator does not generate any cooling capacity, and its temperature gradually increases. When the temperature of the refrigeration evaporator rises to the preset first upper limit value T, for example, 4°C or 5°C higher than the required temperature of the refrigeration room, the "hot air" does not meet the cooling capacity requirements of the refrigeration room, so the refrigeration fan 40 is turned off to prevent the "hot air" from being delivered to the refrigeration room.
[0090] The above-described technical solution involves opening the damper and starting the refrigeration fan when the refrigerator compartment enters cooling mode, delivering cooling capacity to the compartment through various air outlets. When cooling is complete, the refrigeration fan is turned off to retain the remaining cooling capacity in the evaporator. Upon meeting restart conditions, the refrigeration fan is restarted to deliver the remaining cooling capacity from the evaporator to the refrigerator compartment. When the evaporator temperature reaches a preset first upper limit, the refrigeration fan is turned off, preventing further temperature drops after cooling has finished, thus avoiding food freezing. Furthermore, the refrigeration fan can be restarted to deliver the remaining cooling capacity from the evaporator back to the refrigerator compartment to replenish heat loss; this process does not require restarting the compressor, significantly reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the efficient use of the remaining cooling capacity in the evaporator effectively reduces temperature fluctuations in the refrigerator compartment, improving preservation.
[0091] Based on the above technical solution, in step 102, when the refrigeration of the cold storage compartment ends, the refrigeration fan is turned off and held for a preset time. When the duration t is reached, the restart condition is considered met.
[0092] The preset time for the refrigerator fan 40 to remain off can be determined using the following formula: t = K1 / (Th + K2), where t is the preset time, K1 and K2 are constants, and Th is the ambient temperature. K1 and K2 are constants determined based on factors such as the refrigerator's internal insulation coefficient and the ambient temperature. Determining the duration for which the refrigerator fan 40 is off based on the above formula can reduce temperature fluctuations in the refrigerator compartment and improve the preservation effect.
[0093] Alternatively, in step 102, after the refrigeration in the cold storage compartment ends, specifically, the refrigeration fan is turned off while the temperature of the cold storage compartment is continuously monitored. The temperature of the cold storage compartment is then determined as a restart condition. Specifically, when the temperature of the cold storage compartment rises to a preset second upper limit value, the restart condition is considered met.
[0094] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0095] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0096] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0097] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.
[0098] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.
Claims
1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The cabinet has a refrigerator compartment inside; the refrigerator compartment is divided into at least two storage spaces, upper and lower, by partitions. Along the width of the cabinet, at least two air inlets are provided on one side of the refrigerated compartment, with each air inlet corresponding to a storage space; at least two return air inlets are provided on the other side of the refrigerated compartment, with each return air inlet corresponding to a storage space; cold air entering the refrigerated compartment from the air inlets flows within the corresponding storage space and exits from the corresponding return air inlets.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the cold storage compartment is equipped with a main return air vent; The cold storage room has a return air duct on one side with a return air vent, and the return air duct is connected to each return air vent; the bottom of the return air duct is connected to the main return air vent.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The windshield assembly is detachably connected between the front ends of two adjacent partitions; the width of the windshield assembly matches the width of the partitions.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The windshield assembly includes: The first magnetic attractor is located at the front end of the partition; The second magnetic component can be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic component; Curtain; the top and bottom of the curtain are respectively equipped with second magnetic attachments.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The curtain is a flexible waterproof curtain, and the width of the curtain matches the width of the partition.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The return air vent in a storage space is lower than the supply air vent.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shelf is a rectangular plate, and the rear, left and right ends of the shelf are respectively equipped with sealing elements, which can be pressed between the shelf and the inner side wall of the cold storage room.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing element in the shelf, located on the same side as the return air vent, has a through hole that extends along the thickness of the shelf.
9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The seal is a silicone strip that covers the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf edge.
10. A refrigeration control method, characterized in that, Applied to the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-9; the method includes: When the cold storage room enters the cooling state, open the damper and start the refrigeration fan to deliver cooling capacity to the cold storage room through each air outlet; When the refrigeration in the cold storage compartment is finished, turn off the refrigeration fan to retain the remaining cooling capacity in the refrigeration evaporator; When the restart conditions are met, restart the refrigeration fan to deliver the remaining cooling capacity in the refrigeration evaporator to the refrigeration compartment; When the temperature of the refrigeration evaporator reaches the preset first upper limit value, the refrigeration fan is turned off.