Control method of refrigerator

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator control method which comprises the following steps: S1, starting an oxygen adjusting module to prepare oxygen adjusting gas, and conveying the oxygen adjusting gas into an air adjusting container communicated with the oxygen adjusting module; s2, the temperature in the controlled atmosphere container is obtained, whether the temperature in the controlled atmosphere container reaches the first node temperature or not is judged, if yes, the oxygen adjusting module is closed, the controlled atmosphere container is cooled, and after cooling, the step S1 is executed; if not, the oxygen adjusting module continuously provides oxygen adjusting gas for the air adjusting container. By detecting the temperature in the controlled atmosphere container, starting and stopping of the oxygen adjusting module are controlled, and the controlled atmosphere container is cooled, so that the influence of work of the oxygen adjusting module on the temperature in the controlled atmosphere container is effectively reduced, and the temperature in the controlled atmosphere container is prevented from being too high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home appliance technology, and in particular to a control method for a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, refrigerators have increasingly stringent requirements for preserving high-end foods. Some foods require storage in low-oxygen or high-oxygen environments, which is achieved by installing oxygen-regulating components inside the refrigerator to adjust the oxygen content within the modified atmosphere container. However, these components generate a significant amount of heat during operation, affecting the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container.

[0003] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a refrigerator control method to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a refrigerator control method, which includes the following steps:

[0005] S1. Start the oxygen conditioning module to prepare oxygen conditioning gas, and deliver the oxygen conditioning gas to the modified atmosphere container connected to the oxygen conditioning module;

[0006] S2. Obtain the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container and determine whether the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container has reached the first node temperature. If yes, turn off the oxygen regulation module to cool down the modified atmosphere container. After cooling down, jump to S1. If no, the oxygen regulation module continues to provide oxygen gas to the modified atmosphere container.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the following steps are included before "jumping to S1":

[0008] The temperature and cooling time inside the modified atmosphere container are obtained;

[0009] Determine if the temperature of the modified atmosphere container is lower than the temperature of the second node. If yes, proceed to S1; otherwise, continue cooling the modified atmosphere container.

[0010] And / or, determine whether the cooling time has reached the first threshold. If yes, proceed to S1; if no, continue cooling the modified atmosphere container.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the step of "cooling the modified atmosphere container" includes the following steps:

[0012] Determine whether the temperature inside the room containing the controlled atmosphere container has reached the third node temperature.

[0013] If so, the refrigerator will operate in the first cooling mode;

[0014] If not, the refrigerator will operate in the second cooling mode.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, in the first refrigeration mode, the refrigeration system is operated, and the fan and damper in the cooling air supply path are turned on to supply cold air to the area containing the controlled atmosphere container.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, when the temperature inside the controlled atmosphere container is lower than the temperature of the second node, the damper is closed.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, when the temperature inside the room is lower than the temperature of the fourth node, the refrigeration system and the fan are turned off.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, in the second refrigeration mode, the fan and damper in the cooling air supply circuit are turned on, and the residual cooling of the refrigeration system is used to supply cold air to the area containing the controlled atmosphere container.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, when the temperature of the controlled atmosphere container is lower than the second node temperature or the cooling time exceeds the first threshold, the damper and the fan are shut off.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, after the cooling of the chamber where the modified atmosphere container is located is completed, the oxygen conditioning module is activated to prepare oxygen-conditioned gas, and the oxygen concentration in the oxygen-conditioned gas is less than the oxygen concentration in the air.

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, it also includes determining whether the cumulative working time of the oxygen regulation module exceeds a second threshold. If so, the oxygen regulation module is turned off; if not, the oxygen regulation module continues to provide oxygenated gas to the modified atmosphere container.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: By detecting the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container, the present invention controls the start and stop of the oxygen regulation module and cools the modified atmosphere container, thereby effectively reducing the impact of the operation of the oxygen regulation module on the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container and preventing the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container from becoming too high. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerator of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the refrigerator of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the oxygen regulation module and the modified atmosphere container of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the modified atmosphere container of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the location of the modified atmosphere container of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the oxygen regulation module of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the refrigerator control method of the present invention;

[0032] In the picture:

[0033] 100. Compartment; 200. Modified atmosphere container; 201. Sealed container; 202. Drawer; 300. Oxygen control module; 301. Electrolyte storage chamber; 302. First electrode; 303. Second electrode. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "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. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0037] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the refrigerator provided by the present invention includes a compartment 100, a modified atmosphere container 200 located in the compartment 100, and an oxygen regulation module 300. The oxygen regulation module 300 is used to prepare oxygen-regulated gas and transfer the oxygen-regulated gas to the modified atmosphere container 200 connected to the oxygen regulation module 300, thereby regulating the oxygen content in the modified atmosphere container 200.

[0039] The refrigerator also includes a refrigeration system and a cooling air supply path. The cooling air supply path is connected to the refrigeration system and supplies cold air to the area containing the controlled atmosphere container 200, thereby cooling the controlled atmosphere container 200. The cooling air supply path is equipped with a fan and a damper. When the damper is open, cold air from the cooling air supply path flows into the area containing the controlled atmosphere container 200 under the action of the fan. When the damper is closed, the supply of cold air from the cooling air supply path to the area containing the controlled atmosphere container 200 stops. Simultaneously, the cooling air supply path also supplies cold air to the compartment 100 to cool the compartment 100. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator connected in sequence.

[0040] The modified atmosphere container 200 refers to a container whose gas concentration can be adjusted according to needs. The modified atmosphere container 200 is connected to the oxygen regulation module 300 to receive oxygen-regulated gas prepared by the oxygen regulation module 300 to regulate its oxygen content. The modified atmosphere container 200 includes a sealed container 201 and a drawer 202 located within the sealed container 201. A cold air channel is formed between the sealed container 201 and the inner wall of the chamber 100. Cold air flows through the cold air channel to cool the environment around the drawer 202, thereby lowering the temperature inside the drawer 202. The drawer 202 is connected to the modified atmosphere container 200 to receive oxygen-regulated gas prepared by the oxygen regulation module 300.

[0041] The cold air duct has an air inlet and an air return outlet connected to the cooling air supply path, thus forming a circulating flow channel. The damper is used to open or close the air inlet. When the damper is open, cold air from the cooling air supply path enters the cold air duct through the air inlet, thereby reducing the temperature inside the drawer 202. The cooled air then re-enters the cooling air supply path through the air return outlet.

[0042] The oxygen regulating module 300 is used to prepare oxygen-regulated gas, and the oxygen regulating module 300 and the drawer 202 are connected via an oxygen regulating passage. The oxygen-regulated gas prepared by the oxygen regulating module 300 flows into the drawer 202 through the oxygen regulating passage. By supplying oxygen-regulated gas into the drawer 202 through the oxygen regulating passage, the oxygen concentration inside the drawer 202 can be adjusted.

[0043] The oxygen regulation module 300 includes an electrolyte storage chamber 301, a first electrode 302 and a second electrode 303 located on opposite sides of the electrolyte storage chamber 301. The first electrode 302 and the second electrode 303 are respectively connected to the anode and cathode of the power supply, and after being energized, the first electrode 302 and the second electrode 303 respectively generate oxygen-regulated gas.

[0044] After being energized, oxygen reaches the surface of the first electrode 302 connected to the cathode of the power supply. Under the action of the DC electric field, an oxygen dissolution reaction occurs on the surface of the first electrode 302, and then a reverse reaction occurs on the second electrode 303 connected to the anode of the power supply to produce pure oxygen. By introducing the oxygen-regulating gas prepared by the oxygen-regulating module 300 into the drawer 202 connected to the oxygen-regulating module 300, the oxygen content in the drawer 202 can be increased or decreased.

[0045] The oxygen regulation circuit includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe connecting the drawer 202 and the oxygen regulation module 300. Taking the reduction of oxygen content in the drawer 202 as an example, air from the drawer 202 flows into the oxygen regulation module 300 through the inlet pipe. The oxygen in the air flowing into the oxygen regulation module 300 participates in a reduction reaction at the first electrode 102, thus reducing the oxygen content in the oxygen regulation module 300. The low-oxygen air in the oxygen regulation module 300 then flows into the drawer 202 through the outlet pipe, thereby reducing the oxygen content in the drawer 202.

[0046] The present invention also provides a method for controlling a refrigerator, which includes the following steps:

[0047] S1. Start the oxygen conditioning module 300 to prepare oxygen conditioning gas, and deliver the oxygen conditioning gas to the modified atmosphere container 200 connected to the oxygen conditioning module 300.

[0048] S2. Obtain the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200 and determine whether the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200 has reached the first node temperature. If yes, turn off the oxygen regulation module 300 to cool down the modified atmosphere container 200. After cooling down, jump to S1. If no, the oxygen regulation module 300 continues to provide oxygen gas to the modified atmosphere container 200.

[0049] Specifically, in step S1, when it is necessary to adjust the oxygen content in the modified atmosphere container 200, the oxygen regulation module 300 is activated to prepare oxygen-regulated gas and deliver the oxygen-regulated gas to the modified atmosphere container 200 connected to the oxygen regulation module 300. Specifically, it can be determined whether the oxygen regulation module 300 needs to be activated by monitoring the oxygen content in the modified atmosphere container 200; or the oxygen regulation module 300 can be activated periodically.

[0050] Preferably, the oxygen regulation module 300 is turned on to perform oxygen regulation after the cooling of the chamber 100 is completed. At this time, the temperature inside the chamber 100 and the modified atmosphere container 200 is at its lowest. On the other hand, the operation of the oxygen regulation module 300 can avoid the impact of the cooling of the chamber 100.

[0051] Since the oxygen regulation module 300 generates a large amount of heat during operation, it can affect the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200. Therefore, in step S2, the operating state of the oxygen regulation module 100 is adjusted by controlling the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200, and the modified atmosphere container 300 is cooled down, thereby reducing the impact of the oxygen regulation module 100 on the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200 and preventing the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200 from becoming too high.

[0052] In step S2, as the oxygen regulation module 300 operates, its temperature gradually increases, and heat is dissipated into the modified atmosphere container 200 connected to it, thereby raising the temperature inside the container 200. When the temperature inside the container 200 reaches the first node temperature, the oxygen regulation module 300 is shut down, stopping the oxygen regulation operation. Simultaneously, the modified atmosphere container 200 is cooled down to reduce its temperature. After cooling, the oxygen regulation module 300 is restarted to continue the oxygen regulation operation.

[0053] Specifically, in step S2, the following steps are included before "jumping to S1":

[0054] The temperature and cooling time inside the modified atmosphere container are obtained;

[0055] Determine if the temperature of the modified atmosphere container is lower than the temperature of the second node. If yes, proceed to S1; otherwise, continue cooling the modified atmosphere container.

[0056] And / or, determine whether the cooling time has reached the first threshold. If yes, proceed to S1; if no, continue cooling the modified atmosphere container.

[0057] During the cooling process of the modified atmosphere container 200, the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200 is acquired and the cooling time of the modified atmosphere container 200 is recorded. When the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200 is lower than the second node temperature and / or the cooling time exceeds the first threshold, the cooling of the modified atmosphere container 200 ends, and the oxygen regulation module 300 can be restarted to continue the oxygen regulation operation.

[0058] The temperature of the second node is lower than that of the first node. The specific temperatures of the first node and the second node can be adapted to the food stored in the modified atmosphere container 200 or the set storage temperature of the modified atmosphere container 200.

[0059] The step of "cooling the modified atmosphere container" includes the following steps:

[0060] Determine whether the temperature inside the chamber 100 where the controlled atmosphere container 200 is located has reached the third node temperature.

[0061] If so, the refrigerator will operate in the first cooling mode;

[0062] If not, the refrigerator will operate in the second cooling mode.

[0063] The temperature of the third node is the start-up setting temperature of the refrigeration system.

[0064] When the temperature inside the chamber 100 reaches the third node temperature, the refrigeration system needs to be turned on to cool the chamber 100 and simultaneously cool the controlled atmosphere container 200 inside the chamber 100. That is, in the first refrigeration state, the refrigeration system is run to cool the controlled atmosphere container 200.

[0065] When the temperature inside compartment 100 is lower than the third node temperature, the start-up set temperature of the refrigeration system has not been reached, and the refrigeration system is not activated. In the second refrigeration state, the residual cold of the refrigeration system is used to cool the surrounding environment of the controlled atmosphere container. It should be noted that the evaporator can be a cold storage evaporator. Thus, during the operation of the refrigeration system, part of the evaporator can store some cold energy. Therefore, when the refrigerator operates in the second refrigeration mode, the cold energy stored in the evaporator can be used to cool the controlled atmosphere container 200.

[0066] In the first cooling state, the compressor of the refrigeration system is turned on, and the fan and blower in the cooling gas supply path are turned on. The gas in the cooling gas supply path flows through the evaporator and exchanges heat with the evaporator to form cold air. The cold air in the cooling gas supply path enters the cold air channel from the air inlet, and uses the cold air to cool the controlled atmosphere container 200, thereby reducing the temperature inside the controlled atmosphere container 200.

[0067] It should be noted that the compartment 100 is also provided with other air inlets. That is, a portion of the cold air in the cooling air supply circuit enters the cold air channel through the air inlet of the cold air channel to cool the controlled atmosphere container 200. A portion of the cold air in the cooling air supply circuit enters the compartment 100 directly through other air inlets or enters other storage spaces within the compartment 100.

[0068] When the temperature inside the controlled atmosphere container 200 is lower than the second node temperature, the damper is closed, i.e., the supply of cold air to the cold air channel to cool the controlled atmosphere container 200 is stopped. At the same time, the oxygen regulation module 300 is restarted to continue the oxygen regulation operation.

[0069] When the temperature inside chamber 100 is lower than the fourth node temperature, the refrigeration system and the fan are shut down. The fourth node temperature is the shutdown setting temperature of the refrigeration system. When the temperature inside chamber 100 is lower than the fourth node temperature, the refrigeration system is shut down. In this embodiment, the second node temperature is higher than the fourth node temperature, meaning the damper closes first, followed by the refrigeration system and the fan.

[0070] In the second refrigeration state, the residual cooling of the refrigeration system is used to cool the surrounding environment of the controlled atmosphere container. At this time, the compressor of the refrigeration system is not turned on, and the fan and damper in the cooling air supply circuit are open. In this embodiment, the residual cooling of the refrigeration system is the cold energy stored in the cold storage evaporator.

[0071] When the gas in the cooling gas path flows through the evaporator, it utilizes the cold storage of the evaporator to exchange heat with the evaporator and form cold air. The cold air in the cooling gas path enters the cold air channel from the air inlet and uses the cold air to cool the controlled atmosphere container 200, thereby reducing the temperature inside the controlled atmosphere container 200.

[0072] In one scenario, when the temperature inside the controlled atmosphere container 200 is lower than the second node temperature, the damper and the fan are closed, i.e., the supply of cold air into the cold air duct to cool the controlled atmosphere container 200 is stopped. Simultaneously, the oxygen regulation module 300 is restarted to continue oxygen regulation operations.

[0073] In another scenario, considering the limited residual cooling of the evaporator, it may not be sufficient to lower the temperature inside the controlled atmosphere container 200 to the second node temperature. In this case, when the cooling duration exceeds the first threshold, the damper and the fan are closed, i.e., the flow of cold air into the cold air duct to cool the controlled atmosphere container 200 is stopped. Simultaneously, the oxygen regulation module 300 is restarted to continue the oxygen regulation operation.

[0074] Preferably, dampers are also provided at other air inlets of the compartment 100. Thus, when the refrigerator switches to the second cooling state and uses the residual cold from the evaporator to cool the controlled atmosphere container 200, the dampers at the other air inlets are closed, allowing all the cold air in the cooling air supply path to enter the cold air passage through the air inlet to cool the controlled atmosphere container 200, thereby maximizing the reduction of the temperature inside the controlled atmosphere container 200.

[0075] The refrigerator control method also includes determining whether the cumulative working time of the oxygen regulating module 300 exceeds a second threshold. If so, the oxygen regulating module 300 is turned off; otherwise, the oxygen regulating module 300 continues to provide oxygen regulating gas to the modified atmosphere container 200.

[0076] Understandably, in steps S1 and S2, the oxygen regulation module 300 is intermittently activated to perform oxygen regulation operations based on the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200. This prevents the oxygen regulation module 300 from operating for extended periods, which could lead to excessively high temperatures inside the modified atmosphere container 200 and negatively impact the food stored within. When the cumulative operating time of the oxygen regulation module 300 exceeds a second threshold, the oxygen regulation module 300 is deactivated, thus completing the current oxygen regulation operation.

[0077] The second threshold can be set according to the oxygen regulation efficiency of the oxygen regulation module 300, the required oxygen content in the modified atmosphere container 200, and the volume adaptability of the modified atmosphere container 200. Preferably, the cumulative working time of the oxygen regulation module 300 is reset after each oxygen regulation operation.

[0078] In summary, the present invention effectively reduces the impact of the operation of the oxygen regulating module 300 on the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200 by detecting the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200 and controlling the start and stop of the oxygen regulating module 300 and using cold air to cool the environment around the modified atmosphere container 200, thereby preventing the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container 200 from becoming too high.

[0079] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0080] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific illustrations of feasible embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Start the oxygen conditioning module to prepare oxygen conditioning gas, and deliver the oxygen conditioning gas to the modified atmosphere container connected to the oxygen conditioning module; S2. Obtain the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container and determine whether the temperature inside the modified atmosphere container has reached the first node temperature. If yes, turn off the oxygen regulation module to cool down the modified atmosphere container. After cooling down, jump to S1. If no, the oxygen regulation module continues to provide oxygen gas to the modified atmosphere container.

2. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The "jump to S1" procedure also includes the following steps: The temperature and cooling time inside the modified atmosphere container are obtained; Determine whether the temperature of the modified atmosphere container is lower than the temperature of the second node. If yes, proceed to S1; otherwise, continue to cool the modified atmosphere container. And / or, determine whether the cooling time has reached the first threshold. If yes, proceed to S1; if no, continue cooling the modified atmosphere container.

3. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of "cooling the modified atmosphere container" includes the following steps: Determine whether the temperature inside the room containing the controlled atmosphere container has reached the third node temperature. If so, the refrigerator will operate in the first cooling mode; If not, the refrigerator will operate in the second cooling mode.

4. The refrigerator control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the first cooling mode, the cooling system is operated, and the fan and damper in the cooling air supply path are turned on to supply cold air to the area containing the controlled atmosphere container.

5. The refrigerator control method according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the temperature inside the controlled atmosphere container is lower than the temperature at the second node, the damper is closed.

6. The refrigerator control method according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the temperature inside the room is lower than the temperature at the fourth node, the refrigeration system and the fan are shut down.

7. The refrigerator control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the second cooling mode, the fan and damper in the cooling air supply circuit are turned on, and the residual cooling of the refrigeration system is used to supply cold air to the area containing the controlled atmosphere container.

8. The refrigerator control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the temperature of the controlled atmosphere container is lower than the second node temperature or the cooling time exceeds the first threshold, the damper and the fan are shut off.

9. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the cooling of the chamber containing the controlled atmosphere container is completed, the oxygen conditioning module is activated to prepare oxygen-conditioned gas, the oxygen concentration in the oxygen-conditioned gas being lower than the oxygen concentration in the air.

10. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes determining whether the cumulative working time of the oxygen regulation module exceeds a second threshold. If so, the oxygen regulation module is turned off; otherwise, the oxygen regulation module continues to provide oxygenated gas to the modified atmosphere container.

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