Freezers and their refrigeration methods, defrosting methods, and dehumidification methods

Abstract

This invention provides a freezer and its refrigeration, defrosting, and dehumidification methods. The freezer includes a cabinet and a door that opens and closes on the cabinet. The cabinet includes: an outer shell; an inner liner housed within the outer shell; a cold storage partition plate, which has at least one partition to divide the inner liner into at least two storage spaces; and a refrigeration system including a compressor, an evaporator, a refrigeration fan, an air outlet duct connected to the evaporator, and a return air duct, wherein each storage space has a refrigeration air outlet. The cold storage partition plate includes a cold storage layer, a cold storage duct parallel to the cold storage layer, and a cold storage fan disposed within the cold storage duct. The cold storage duct has a cold storage air outlet and a cold storage air return outlet on its surface. The freezer of this invention has two refrigeration structures and multiple refrigeration methods, not relying solely on an evaporator for cooling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of freezer technology, and in particular to a freezer with phase change cold storage function and its refrigeration method, defrosting method and dehumidification method. Background Technology

[0002] Existing refrigeration solutions for freezers typically include direct cooling and air cooling. Direct cooling involves wrapping the evaporator pipes around the outside of the inner liner of the freezer, diffusing the cold air from the evaporator into the interior space of the inner liner through heat conduction to achieve a cooling effect. Air cooling uses a fan to blow the cold air from the evaporator into the interior of the inner liner. In both of these existing refrigeration solutions, the temperature change inside the inner liner is directly affected by the evaporator temperature, resulting in a relatively simple refrigeration structure.

[0003] Furthermore, in existing technical solutions, when the temperature inside the inner liner rises to the compressor's start-up temperature, the compressor will inevitably start to cool down the inner liner rapidly. When the temperature drops to the compressor's shutdown temperature, the compressor will stop. If the temperature inside the inner liner changes frequently, such as when the cabinet door is opened and closed multiple times in a short period of time, the compressor will frequently start and stop, which will shorten the compressor's lifespan and is not conducive to energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to design a new type of freezer with diverse refrigeration structure and extended compressor life, as well as its refrigeration method, defrosting method, and dehumidification method. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a freezer with phase change cold storage function and its refrigeration method, defrosting method, and dehumidification method.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet and a door that opens and closes on the cabinet, wherein the cabinet includes:

[0007] shell;

[0008] Inner liner, which is housed within the outer shell;

[0009] A cold storage partition, wherein the cold storage partition is provided with at least one partition to divide the inner liner into at least two storage spaces;

[0010] The refrigeration system includes a compressor, an evaporator, a refrigeration fan, an air outlet duct and a return air duct connected to the evaporator, wherein the air outlet duct is provided with a refrigeration air outlet in each storage space.

[0011] The cold storage partition plate includes a cold storage layer, a cold storage air duct arranged parallel to the cold storage layer, and a cold storage fan arranged in the cold storage air duct. The cold storage air duct has a cold storage air outlet and a cold storage air return outlet on the surface of the cold storage partition plate.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the freezer is a horizontal freezer and the cabinet has an upward opening.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, any cold storage partition plate includes two parallel cold storage layers and a cold storage air duct sandwiched between the cold storage layers; the cold storage fan is located near the cold storage air outlet.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the cold storage partition plate includes an air guide strip disposed in the cold storage air duct, the cold storage air outlet and the cold storage air return outlet are respectively disposed at two mutually distant ends in the cold storage partition plate, and the air guide strip extends from the cold storage air outlet to the cold storage air return outlet.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, each of the cold storage layers contains at least one cold storage material, and at least two cold storage partitions are provided, wherein the cold storage materials in the two cold storage partitions are different; the phase change temperatures of the different cold storage materials are different.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, at least two of the cold storage partition plates are arranged in one direction, and the phase change temperature of the cold storage material in the cold storage partition plate gradually decreases or increases in that direction.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, at least two types of cold storage materials are sequentially filled in a cold storage partition plate from one direction, and the phase change temperature of the at least two types of cold storage materials gradually decreases or increases in that direction.

[0018] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides a refrigeration method for a freezer, the refrigeration method being applicable to the freezer described above, the refrigeration method comprising:

[0019] In the cooling state, the compressor runs, the cooling fan runs, and the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank is detected;

[0020] When Toff < TEMP < Ton, the cold storage fan starts and performs cold storage.

[0021] When the temperature rises, the compressor stops, the refrigeration fan stops, and the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner liner is detected.

[0022] When TEMP > Ton, the cold storage fan starts and performs cooling.

[0023] Here, the parameter Ton refers to the compressor's start-up temperature, and Toff refers to the compressor's shut-off temperature.

[0024] As a further improvement of the present invention, in the cooling and temperature-reducing state, the cooling method specifically includes:

[0025] TEMP, a real-time temperature sensor located inside the liner, is used to detect the temperature.

[0026] When TEMP > Ttop, the cold storage fan does not start;

[0027] When Ton < TEMP < Ttop, obtain the temperature change rate of the real-time temperature TEMP. △ TEMP

[0028] like △ TEMP> △ T, the cold storage fan starts and begins cold storage.

[0029] like △ TEMP < △ T, the cold storage fan does not start;

[0030] Wherein, parameter Ttop refers to the upper temperature threshold and Ttop > Ton, parameter △ T refers to the temperature change threshold.

[0031] As a further improvement of the present invention, the refrigeration method specifically includes the following when the temperature rises:

[0032] TEMP, a real-time temperature sensor located inside the liner, is used to detect the temperature.

[0033] When TEMP < Ton, the compressor, cold storage fan, and refrigeration fan will not start.

[0034] When Ttop > TEMP > Ton, the cold storage fan starts and performs cooling, while simultaneously acquiring the real-time temperature change rate of TEMP. △ TEMP

[0035] like △ TEMP < △ If T is selected, the compressor remains off, the refrigeration fan does not start, and only the cold storage fan starts.

[0036] like △ TEMP> △ If T is selected, the compressor and refrigeration fan will start, while the cold storage fan will stop.

[0037] When TEMP > Ttop, start the compressor, refrigeration fan and cold storage fan;

[0038] Wherein, parameter Ttop refers to the upper temperature threshold and Ttop > Ton, parameter △ T refers to the temperature change threshold.

[0039] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides a defrosting method for a freezer, the defrosting method being applicable to the freezer described above, the defrosting method comprising:

[0040] Determine if defrosting conditions have been met. If defrosting conditions have been met, start the compressor, refrigeration fan, and cold storage fan for cooling, and at the same time monitor the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank.

[0041] When the real-time temperature TEMP drops to the compressor's shutdown temperature Toff, the compressor and refrigeration fan stop running, and only the cold storage fan is started for refrigeration.

[0042] Start the heating device to defrost;

[0043] The operating status of the cold storage fan is adjusted according to the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank.

[0044] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides a dehumidification method for a freezer, applicable to the freezer described above, wherein the refrigeration air outlet and the cold storage return air outlet are both located near the door, and the dehumidification method includes:

[0045] Identify the door status;

[0046] If the door is detected to be open, the cold storage fan is stopped, the refrigeration fan is started and an air curtain is formed near the door.

[0047] If the door is identified as closed, check for condensation on the door.

[0048] If it is determined that the door needs to be cleared of condensation, then start the cold storage fan.

[0049] This invention provides a freezer with phase change cold storage function and its refrigeration method, defrosting method, and dehumidification method. The freezer has two refrigeration structures and multiple refrigeration methods, not just relying on the evaporator for refrigeration. Furthermore, as described above, when the freezer's temperature rises, the cold storage layer can appropriately dissipate cold energy for auxiliary refrigeration, extending the compressor's downtime and thus extending the compressor's lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the box structure in this invention;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a top view of the housing in this invention;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a front view of the cold storage partition plate in this invention;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a side view of the cold storage partition plate in this invention;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration method of the freezer in this invention;

[0055] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the process of the freezer in the cooling state of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the process of the freezer in the temperature recovery state of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the defrosting method for the freezer in this invention.

[0058] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of the dehumidification method for the freezer in this invention;

[0059] Among them, 10-box body, 1-outer shell, 11-front panel, 12-rear panel, 13-bottom plate, 14-side panel, 2-inner liner, 3-cold storage partition plate, 31-cold storage layer, 32-cold storage air duct, 33-cold storage fan, 34-air guide strip, 321-cold storage return air outlet, 322-cold storage air outlet, 41-cooling air outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0060] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0061] It should also be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention with unnecessary details, only the structures and / or processing steps closely related to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not closely related to the present invention are omitted.

[0062] Furthermore, it should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this invention should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is hereby declared that the following embodiments are merely specific examples of the methods proposed in this invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by making detailed adjustments without inventive effort based on the embodiments of this invention are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this invention discloses a freezer and its refrigeration method, defrosting method, and dehumidification method. Specifically, as... Figure 1As shown, the freezer includes a cabinet 10 and a door that opens and closes on the cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 includes:

[0065] Outer shell 1;

[0066] Inner liner 2, which is housed within outer shell 1;

[0067] A cold storage partition 3 is provided with at least one partition to divide the inner liner 2 into at least two storage spaces.

[0068] The refrigeration system includes a compressor, an evaporator, a refrigeration fan, an air outlet duct and a return air duct connected to the evaporator, wherein the air outlet duct is provided with a refrigeration air outlet 41 in each storage space.

[0069] The cold storage partition plate 3 includes a cold storage layer 31, a cold storage air duct 32 arranged parallel to the cold storage layer 31, and a cold storage fan 33 arranged in the cold storage air duct 32. The cold storage air duct 32 has a cold storage air outlet 322 and a cold storage air return outlet 321 on the surface of the cold storage partition plate 3.

[0070] Therefore, in the refrigeration state of the present invention, while the refrigeration fan blows air into the inner liner 2 for cooling, the cold storage layer 31 within the cold storage partition 3 can also store cold. After absorbing sufficient cold energy, the cold storage layer 31 can release the cold energy under certain conditions for auxiliary cooling. The refrigeration cabinet of the present invention has two refrigeration structures and multiple cooling methods, not relying solely on the evaporator for cooling. Furthermore, as mentioned above, when the temperature of the refrigeration cabinet rises, the cold storage layer 31 can appropriately dissipate cold energy for auxiliary cooling, extending the compressor's downtime and thus extending the compressor's lifespan.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the freezer in this specific embodiment is a horizontal freezer, and the cabinet 10 opens upwards. Therefore, the cabinet 10 of the freezer in this invention includes a front panel 11, a rear panel 12, a bottom panel 13, and two side panels 14, with the bottom panel 13 parallel to the door. Of course, if the freezer is of other structures, such as a front-opening freezer, it is also within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0072] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the cold storage partition plates 3 extends parallel to the two side plates 14. The cold storage partition plate 3 may contact the bottom plate 13, thereby the cold storage air outlet 322 is disposed on the side of the cold storage partition plate 3 parallel to the two side plates 14. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the cold storage partition plate 3 may not contact the bottom plate 13, and the cold storage air outlet 322 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the cold storage partition plate 3 facing the bottom plate 13, thereby the air blown out of the cold storage air outlet 322 can reach two adjacent storage spaces.

[0073] If the number of cold storage partition plates 3 is set to n, then the number of storage spaces divided by at least one cold storage partition plate 3 into the inner liner 2 is n+1. For example Figure 1 As shown, there are two cold storage partition plates 3, resulting in three storage spaces divided by them. In this specific embodiment, one of the storage spaces is an evaporator compartment, used to house the evaporator and other refrigeration equipment. Of course, the purpose of this invention can also be achieved if the evaporator and other refrigeration equipment are located on the base plate 13 or in another position. Alternatively, the purpose of this invention can also be achieved if the cold storage partition plate 3 extends from one side plate 14 to the other side plate 14 and is parallel to the front plate 11 and the rear plate 12. Furthermore, if at least two cold storage partition plates 3 are provided, and two of them are designed to intersect, i.e., one cold storage partition plate 3 extends from the front plate 11 to the rear plate 12 and the other cold storage partition plate 3 extends from one side plate 14 to the other side plate 14, then this embodiment is also within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0074] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, any cold storage partition plate 3 includes two parallel cold storage layers 31 and a cold storage air duct 32 sandwiched between the cold storage layers 31; the cold storage fan 33 is located near the cold storage air outlet 322. When the cold storage fan 33 is activated, it guides the air in the cold storage air duct 32 from the cold storage return air inlet 321 to the cold storage air outlet 322. In this embodiment, the cold storage fan 33 is located near the cold storage air outlet 322 to increase the air outlet efficiency. Of course, if the cold storage fan 33 is located elsewhere, the purpose of this invention can also be achieved.

[0075] And, as Figure 4 As shown, each cold storage partition plate 3 includes two cold storage layers 31, meaning that each of the two cold storage layers 31 of each cold storage partition plate 3 is in contact with a storage space, thereby maximizing the contact surface with the storage space and further improving the heat exchange efficiency between the storage space and the cold storage layer 31. Therefore, the cold storage partition plate 3 can exchange heat with the storage space through the cold storage air duct 32 under the action of the cold storage fan 33, or it can exchange heat directly through contact with the storage space. Of course, if the cold storage layer 31 is only one layer and arranged side by side with the cold storage air duct 32, or if the cold storage air duct 32 has two layers and the cold storage layer 31 is sandwiched between the two layers of cold storage air duct 32, or if the cold storage layer 31 is any other structure that cooperates with the cold storage air duct 32, as long as the purpose of the present invention can be achieved, it is also within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when both the refrigeration fan and the cold storage fan 33 are running, after the cold air blown out by the refrigeration fan passes through the cold storage partition plate 3, a portion of the cold energy has been transferred to the inner liner 2 through direct heat exchange between the cold storage layer 31 and the storage space, and has exchanged heat with the stored items in the storage space. Therefore, the air blown out by the cold storage outlet 322 is actually at a higher temperature than the air blown out by the refrigeration outlet 41, thereby reducing the absorption of moisture from the food by the low-temperature cold air, while simultaneously satisfying the functions of refrigeration and water retention.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the cold storage partition plate 3 includes an air guide strip 34 disposed in the cold storage air duct 32. The cold storage air outlet 322 and the cold storage air return outlet 321 are respectively disposed at two far apart ends in the cold storage partition plate 3. The air guide strip 34 extends from the cold storage air outlet 322 to the cold storage air return outlet 321.

[0078] In this embodiment, the freezer is a horizontal freezer. The cold storage partition 3 is parallel to the two side panels 14 of the freezer body 10. The cold storage return air inlet 321 is located on the side of the cold storage partition 3 near the door, and the cold storage air outlet 322 is located on the side of the cold storage partition 3 near the bottom plate 13. Therefore, the air guide strip 34 also extends vertically from the bottom plate 13 towards the door.

[0079] Of course, in other embodiments, if the cold storage air outlet 322 and the cold storage air return outlet 321 are located elsewhere, for example, close to the side plates 14 respectively, and the air guide strip 34 extends horizontally from the side plate 14 to the other side plate 14, then it is also within the scope of protection of this invention. Alternatively, the cold storage air outlet 322 and the cold storage air return outlet 321 are not far apart, but close to each other, but their cold storage air duct 32 can also achieve sufficient heat exchange with the cold storage layer 31 through the bending design of the air guide strip 34, then the purpose of this invention can also be achieved.

[0080] Furthermore, each of the cold storage layers 31 contains at least one cold storage material, and at least two cold storage partition plates 3 are provided, with different cold storage materials in the two cold storage partition plates 3, and the phase change temperatures of the different cold storage materials are different.

[0081] Of course, the purpose of this invention can also be achieved if the freezer contains only one type of cold storage material.

[0082] The cold storage material is a high-density energy storage material, and its phase change temperature is the temperature at which the cold storage material undergoes a phase change. When the cold storage material needs to store cold, the cold storage fan 33 is turned on, and cold air circulation removes the heat from the cold storage material, causing it to undergo a phase change and store cold energy. When the cold storage material needs to cool, the cold storage fan 33 is turned on, allowing the cold storage material to release cold energy. Of course, the temperature inside the inner tank is the main factor determining whether the cold storage material is storing or releasing cold. When the compressor's start-up temperature is set higher than the phase change temperature of the cold storage material, the cold storage material can meet the cooling requirements.

[0083] Specifically, at least two of the cold storage partitions are arranged in one direction, and the phase change temperature of the cold storage material in the cold storage partitions gradually decreases or increases in that direction.

[0084] In this specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, if two cold storage partitions 3 are arranged from left to right, dividing the space into three storage spaces A, B, and C from left to right, and the cold storage materials within the partitions 3 are different, the two partitions 3 as a whole will have different phase change temperatures. Specifically, for example, the phase change temperature of the cold storage material in the left partition 3 can be set lower than that in the right partition 3. Therefore, during the storage of cold energy by the partitions 3, the temperature of storage space A must be lower than that of storage space C to ensure that the cold storage materials in both partitions 3 undergo sufficient phase change. Similarly, during the release of cold energy by the cold storage layer 31, the temperature of storage space A will also be lower than that of storage space C. Therefore, temperature sensors can be installed in different storage spaces, and the airflow from the cooling outlets 41 in each storage space can be controlled under the detection of these sensors to adjust the temperature within each storage space. This results in a stepped temperature change in the inner liner 2 to meet the storage needs of different items.

[0085] Specifically, in another embodiment, at least two types of cold storage materials are sequentially filled in one direction within a cold storage partition, and the phase change temperatures of these materials gradually decrease or increase along that direction to meet different cooling requirements. For example, cold storage materials with different phase change temperatures are arranged in a gradient along the depth of the inner liner 2. For instance, the cold storage material near the door has a low phase change temperature, high latent heat, and high density, while the cold storage material near the bottom plate 13 has a high phase change temperature, low latent heat, and low density. This addresses the issue of the door side having a higher temperature than the bottom plate 13, thereby improving the temperature uniformity within the cabinet.

[0086] Alternatively, the cold storage layer 31 may contain at least two cold storage materials with different phase change temperatures. By mixing multiple cold storage materials, the cold storage layer 31 can achieve phase change temperatures of various temperatures, thereby obtaining cooling at different temperatures.

[0087] In addition, the phase change temperature, latent heat, and material density of the cold storage material all affect the amount of cold energy stored, thus allowing the air circulation and refrigeration to be controlled based on the amount of cold energy stored.

[0088] Alternatively, in another embodiment, a cold storage plate containing cold storage material can be embedded in the air outlet duct of the refrigeration system, and the cold storage material of the cold storage plate has different phase change temperatures along the extension direction of the air duct.

[0089] like Figure 5 As shown, the present invention also discloses a refrigeration method for a freezer, the refrigeration method being applicable to the freezer described above, the refrigeration method comprising:

[0090] In the cooling state, the compressor runs, the cooling fan runs, and the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner liner 2 is detected;

[0091] When Toff < TEMP < Ton, the cold storage fan 33 starts and performs cold storage;

[0092] When the temperature rises, the compressor stops, the refrigeration fan stops, and the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner liner 2 is detected.

[0093] When TEMP > Ton, the cold storage fan 33 starts and performs cooling;

[0094] Here, the parameter Ton refers to the compressor's start-up temperature, and Toff refers to the compressor's shut-off temperature.

[0095] Specifically, in a typical freezer's refrigeration system, the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner liner (2) is monitored. The freezer's refrigeration system first activates, lowering the internal temperature to the compressor's start-up temperature Toff. At this point, the compressor and refrigeration fans stop. Then, due to heat exchange between the freezer and the external environment, and the placement of warm items inside, the internal temperature rises. When the temperature reaches the compressor's start-up temperature Ton, the compressor and refrigeration fans also start, cooling the freezer down. This process repeats.

[0096] In this specific embodiment of the invention, when the freezer is in a cooling state, the compressor starts cooling, and the temperature inside the freezer continues to decrease. This state is suitable for the cold storage layer 31 to store cold. Therefore, when Toff < TEMP < Ton, the cold storage fan 33 starts and stores cold, causing the cold storage material in the cold storage layer 31 to absorb cold energy and undergo a phase change. When the freezer is in a temperature recovery state, the compressor stops. When TEMP > Ton, the compressor can be stopped first, and the cold storage fan 33 can be started to cause the cold storage layer 31 to dissipate cold energy and cool the inner liner 2. Therefore, in this invention, even if the temperature inside the inner liner 2 has risen to the compressor's start-up temperature Ton when the freezer is in a temperature recovery state, the compressor still stops, and the cold storage fan 33 starts, causing the cold energy in the cold storage layer 31 to further dissipate into the inner liner 2, thereby reducing the temperature inside the inner liner 2. This can reduce the compressor's start-up frequency, extend the compressor's lifespan, and is also more environmentally friendly.

[0097] Additionally, it should be noted that during the cooling and temperature reduction state, when TEMP = Ton and TEMP = Toff, the cold storage fan 33 may or may not be started, both of which are within the protection scope of this invention. Similarly, during the temperature recovery state, when TEMP = Ton, the cold storage fan may or may not be started, also of which are within the protection scope of this invention.

[0098] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, in the cooling and temperature-reducing state, the cooling method specifically includes:

[0099] Detect the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner liner 2;

[0100] When TEMP > Ttop, the cold storage fan 33 does not start;

[0101] When Ton < TEMP < Ttop, obtain the temperature change rate of the real-time temperature TEMP. △ TEMP

[0102] like △ TEMP> △ T, the cold storage fan 33 starts and begins cold storage.

[0103] like △ TEMP < △ T, the cold storage fan 33 does not start;

[0104] Wherein, parameter Ttop refers to the upper temperature threshold and Ttop > Ton, parameter △ T refers to the temperature change threshold.

[0105] In certain situations, such as when a hot object is suddenly placed inside the inner tank 2, the temperature inside the inner tank 2 may suddenly rise, even exceeding the compressor's start-up temperature (Ton). At this time, when TEMP > Ttop, the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank 2 is too high, and the compressor and refrigeration fan will inevitably start cooling. However, because the temperature inside the inner tank 2 is too high, it is not suitable for the cold storage material to store cold, so the cold storage fan 33 will not start. If the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank 2 has dropped below Ttop, it can be determined whether the cold storage fan 33 needs to be started. First, the temperature change rate is obtained based on the change in the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank 2. △ TEMP, if △ TEMP> △ T indicates that the temperature inside the inner liner 2 drops rapidly, indicating high cooling efficiency. Therefore, the cold storage fan 33 can be activated, causing the cold storage layer 31 to absorb cold energy and undergo a phase change for cold storage. If △ TEMP < △ If T indicates that the temperature inside the inner tank 2 is decreasing slowly and the cooling efficiency is low, then the cold storage fan 33 should be kept off, and only the compressor and the cooling fan should be started.

[0106] Furthermore, in this specific embodiment, the refrigeration air outlet 41 of the freezer and the cold storage return air outlet 321 of the cold storage partition plate 3 are both located close to the door. Since they are relatively close in position, the cold storage return air outlet 321 can directly obtain cold air from the refrigeration air outlet 41, which causes the cold storage material of the cold storage layer 31 to undergo a rapid phase change.

[0107] It should be noted that, in this specific embodiment, when TEMP = Ttop, the cold storage fan 33 may or may not be started. △ TEMP = △ At time T, the cold storage fan 33 may or may not be started, which is within the protection scope of this invention.

[0108] Furthermore, if the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner liner 2 continues to drop below Toff, i.e., when TEMP < Toff or TEMP ≤ Toff is detected, the compressor will stop immediately, while the evaporator fan and the cold storage fan 33 may be delayed for a period of time before stopping, so that the phase change of the cold storage material in the cold storage partition plate 3 ends and the cold storage is completed.

[0109] like Figure 7 As shown, under the condition of temperature recovery, the refrigeration method specifically includes:

[0110] Detect the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner liner 2;

[0111] When TEMP < Ton, the compressor, cold storage fan 33, and refrigeration fan will not start.

[0112] When Ttop > TEMP > Ton, the cold storage fan 33 starts and performs cooling, while simultaneously acquiring the real-time temperature change rate of TEMP. △ TEMP

[0113] like △ TEMP < △ If T is selected, the compressor remains off, the refrigeration fan does not start, and only the cold storage fan 33 remains running.

[0114] like △ TEMP> △ If T is selected, the compressor and refrigeration fan will start, while the cold storage fan 33 will stop.

[0115] When TEMP > Ttop, start the compressor, refrigeration fan and cold storage fan 33;

[0116] Wherein, parameter Ttop refers to the upper temperature threshold and Ttop > Ton, parameter △ T refers to the temperature change threshold.

[0117] When the freezer temperature rises, the compressor is off, and neither the refrigeration fan nor the cold storage fan 33 starts. As mentioned above, if the real-time temperature TEMP has risen to the compressor's start-up temperature Ton, the cold storage fan 33 starts, and the compressor and refrigeration fan temporarily stop, utilizing the cold energy of the cold storage material to cool the inner liner 2. However, the cold energy of the cold storage material is limited, and in case of sudden events such as opening or closing the door or placing hot items inside, the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner liner 2 may suddenly increase, resulting in a high temperature change rate. △ TEMP will undergo significant changes.

[0118] At this time, if the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner liner 2 has not yet risen to Ttop, △ TEMP < △ If T indicates that the temperature rises slowly inside the inner tank 2, then the cold storage fan 33 can still be started for cooling, and the compressor and cooling fan do not need to be started; if △ TEMP> △ When T is reached, it indicates that the temperature inside the inner liner 2 rises rapidly. At this time, the cold energy of the cold storage material in the cold storage partition plate 3 is insufficient to maintain the temperature stability of the inner liner 2 of the freezer. Therefore, the compressor and refrigeration fan are started for refrigeration, while the cold storage fan 33 is stopped and the cold energy of the cold storage material in the cold storage partition plate 3 is not needed.

[0119] If the temperature of the inner liner 2 changes drastically or even exceeds the upper temperature threshold Ttop, the compressor and refrigeration fan will start, and the cold storage fan 33 will also be started to provide auxiliary refrigeration so that the temperature inside the inner liner 2 can be stabilized quickly.

[0120] Therefore, during the reheating phase of the freezer, in order to reduce the compressor's start-up frequency, even if the real-time temperature TEMP rises above the compressor's start-up temperature Ton, the judgment is made based on different situations. This is based on the temperature change rate within the inner liner 2. △ If the TEMP is small, the cooling can still be achieved by relying solely on the cold storage material in the cold storage partition plate 3 to dissipate the cold energy. This can greatly extend the service life of the compressor and is also more conducive to energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0121] It should be noted that in this specific embodiment, when TEMP = Ton, the cold storage fan 33 may or may not be started. △ TEMP = △ When T is reached, the cold storage fan 33 may or may not be started. When TEMP = Ttop, the compressor may or may not be started. All of the above are within the protection scope of this invention.

[0122] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, the present invention also includes a defrosting method for a freezer, the defrosting method being applicable to the freezer described above. The defrosting method includes:

[0123] Determine whether the defrosting conditions have been met. When the defrosting conditions have been met, start the compressor, refrigeration fan, and cold storage fan 33 to refrigerate, and at the same time detect the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank 2.

[0124] When the real-time temperature TEMP drops to the compressor's shutdown temperature Toff, the compressor and refrigeration fan stop running, and only the cold storage fan 33 is started for refrigeration.

[0125] Start the heating device to defrost;

[0126] The operating status of the cold storage fan 33 is changed according to the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank 2.

[0127] Normally, during defrosting, defrosting must be performed on the evaporator and its vicinity using a heating device such as a heating wire while the system is not cooling. This causes temperature fluctuations inside the inner liner 2, which is not conducive to maintaining a low temperature inside the inner liner 2. Therefore, the defrosting method provided by the present invention utilizes the cold energy stored in the cold storage layer 31 in the cold storage partition plate 3 to maximize the stability of the temperature inside the inner liner 2.

[0128] Specifically, after determining that the defrosting conditions have been met, the defrosting method of the present invention includes three stages. First, in the pre-defrosting pre-cooling stage, the compressor, refrigeration fan, and cold storage fan 33 are started for rapid cooling, so that the temperature inside the inner liner 2 quickly drops to the compressor's shutdown temperature. After reaching the compressor's shutdown temperature, the compressor and refrigeration fan stop, and only the cold storage fan 33 is started.

[0129] Secondly, during the defrosting heating stage, the heating device is activated to defrost, and the operating status of the cold storage fan 33 is adjusted according to the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank 2. For example, if the real-time temperature TEMP is high and the temperature change rate is high... △ A higher TEMP indicates that the ambient temperature inside the inner tank 2 is significantly affected by the heating device, in which case the speed of the cold storage fan 33 can be increased. If the real-time temperature TEMP is not high, the temperature change rate... △ If TEMP is low, it means that the ambient temperature inside the inner tank 2 is less affected by the heating device. In this case, the speed of the cold storage fan 33 can be reduced, or the cold storage fan 33 can be stopped directly.

[0130] Finally, in the post-defrost cooling stage, after defrosting, since the evaporator temperature may still be high and the refrigerant in the evaporator is not yet ready, the compressor is started first. After the compressor has been running for a period of time, the cooling fan is then started to run for cooling.

[0131] The defrosting method of the present invention, by activating the cold storage fan 33 during the defrosting process, can ensure the temperature stability inside the inner liner 2 and reduce the impact of excessive temperature changes on the stored items.

[0132] In addition, if frost forms inside the cold storage duct 32, the refrigeration fan can be controlled to run at low speed and the cold storage fan 33 to run at high speed after the evaporator defrosts, so as to use the residual heat from the evaporator defrosting to defrost the cold storage duct 32.

[0133] like Figure 9 As shown, the present invention also provides a dehumidification method for a freezer, the dehumidification method being applicable to the freezer described above, the dehumidification method comprising:

[0134] Identify the door status;

[0135] If the door is detected to be open, the cold storage fan 33 is stopped, and the refrigeration fan runs and forms an air curtain near the door.

[0136] If the door is identified as closed, check for condensation on the door.

[0137] If it is determined that the door needs to be cleared of condensation, then start the cold storage fan 33.

[0138] Normally, when a user uses a freezer, water vapor from the outside air enters the freezer, causing the internal water vapor content to increase, which can lead to frost formation inside the freezer. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, since the cooling air outlet 41 is located near the door and on the rear panel 12 of the freezer, the direction of the cold air blown out by the cooling air outlet 41 is parallel to the door. Thus, when the door is open, the cooling fan can be controlled to blow out cold air and form an air curtain near the door, preventing the entry of hot and humid outside air.

[0139] Additionally, it should be noted that an air curtain can be formed each time the door is opened or closed; or the number of times the door is opened and closed can be detected, and an air curtain can be formed only when the number of times the door is opened and closed is high within a certain period of time.

[0140] Furthermore, the condensation status can be detected after the door is closed. If the door needs to be cleared of condensation, the cold storage fan 33 is started, and the air intake at the cold storage return air port 321 is used to dehumidify the condensation on the door when the cold storage fan 33 is started.

[0141] The freezer in this invention also has a noise reduction function, which can control the cold storage fan 33 and the compressor by sensing the distance to nearby human activities. When the distance is greater than a distance threshold, cooling can be achieved solely through the compressor; when the distance is less than the distance threshold, cooling can be achieved by alternating the start and stop of the cold storage fan 33 and the compressor. If there is no one nearby, cooling can be achieved solely through the compressor. At night, in order to reduce noise, the cold storage fan 33 can be started more frequently for cooling, and the compressor's cooling can be reduced.

[0142] Therefore, in summary, this invention provides a freezer and its refrigeration, defrosting, and dehumidification methods. The freezer of this invention has two refrigeration structures and multiple refrigeration methods, not just relying on the evaporator for cooling. Furthermore, even when the temperature inside the inner liner 2 has risen to the compressor's start-up temperature (Ton) during temperature rise, the compressor remains off, and the cold storage fan 33 starts, causing the cold energy of the cold storage layer 31 to further dissipate into the inner liner 2, thereby reducing the temperature inside the inner liner 2. This reduces the compressor's operating frequency, extends its lifespan, and is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Additionally, during the defrosting process, the freezer of this invention can also utilize the cold storage fan 33 to lower the temperature inside the freezer, maintaining a stable temperature inside the inner liner 2 during defrosting. Finally, the freezer of this invention can also control the operation of the refrigeration fan to blow out cold air and form an air curtain near the door, blocking the entry of hot and humid air from the outside. When condensation forms on the door, the cold storage fan 33 is activated to dehumidify the door.

[0143] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the invention (including the claims) is limited to these examples; within the framework of the invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of the embodiments of the invention as described above, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity.

[0144] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, many substitutions, modifications and variations of these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description.

[0145] The embodiments of this invention are intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations falling within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of this invention should be included within the protection scope of this invention.

[0146] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A freezer, comprising a cabinet and a door that opens and closes on the cabinet, characterized in that, The enclosure includes: an outer shell; Inner liner, which is housed within the outer shell; A cold storage partition, wherein the cold storage partition is provided with at least one partition to divide the inner liner into at least two storage spaces; The refrigeration system includes a compressor, an evaporator, a refrigeration fan, an air outlet duct and a return air duct connected to the evaporator, wherein the air outlet duct is provided with a refrigeration air outlet in each storage space. The cold storage partition plate includes a cold storage layer, a cold storage air duct arranged parallel to the cold storage layer, and a cold storage fan arranged in the cold storage air duct. The cold storage air duct has a cold storage air outlet and a cold storage air return outlet on the surface of the cold storage partition plate.

2. The freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The freezer is a horizontal freezer with an upward-opening body.

3. The freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Any cold storage partition plate includes two parallel cold storage layers and a cold storage air duct sandwiched between the cold storage layers; the cold storage fan is located near the cold storage air outlet.

4. The freezer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cold storage partition plate includes air guide strips disposed in the cold storage air duct. The cold storage air outlet and the cold storage air return outlet are respectively disposed at two far apart ends in the cold storage partition plate. The air guide strips extend from the cold storage air outlet to the cold storage air return outlet.

5. The freezer according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the cold storage layers contains at least one cold storage material, and at least two cold storage partitions are provided, with different cold storage materials in the two cold storage partitions; the phase change temperatures of the different cold storage materials are different.

6. The freezer according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least two of the cold storage partitions are arranged in one direction, and the phase change temperature of the cold storage material in the cold storage partitions gradually decreases or increases in that direction.

7. The freezer according to claim 5, characterized in that, A cold storage partition is filled with at least two cold storage materials in a direction, and the phase change temperature of the at least two cold storage materials gradually decreases or increases in that direction.

8. A refrigeration method for a freezer, characterized in that, The refrigeration method is applicable to the freezer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the refrigeration method includes: In the cooling state, the compressor runs, the cooling fan runs, and the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank is detected; When Toff < TEMP < Ton, the cold storage fan starts and performs cold storage. When the temperature rises, the compressor stops, the refrigeration fan stops, and the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner liner is detected. When TEMP > Ton, the cold storage fan starts and performs cooling. Here, the parameter Ton refers to the compressor's start-up temperature, and Toff refers to the compressor's shut-off temperature.

9. The refrigeration method according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the cooling and temperature-reducing state, the cooling method specifically includes: TEMP, a real-time temperature sensor located inside the liner, is used to detect the temperature. When TEMP > Ttop, the cold storage fan does not start; When Ton < TEMP < Ttop, obtain the temperature change rate of the real-time temperature TEMP. △ TEMP like △ TEMP> △ T, the cold storage fan starts and begins cold storage. like △ TEMP < △ T, the cold storage fan does not start; Wherein, parameter Ttop refers to the upper temperature threshold and Ttop > Ton, parameter △ T refers to the temperature change threshold.

10. The refrigeration method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Under the condition of temperature recovery, the refrigeration method specifically includes: TEMP, a real-time temperature sensor located inside the liner, is used to detect the temperature. When TEMP < Ton, the compressor, cold storage fan, and refrigeration fan will not start. When Ttop > TEMP > Ton, the cold storage fan starts and performs cooling, while simultaneously acquiring the real-time temperature change rate of TEMP. △ TEMP like △ TEMP < △ If T, the compressor remains off, the refrigeration fan does not start, and only the cold storage fan starts. △ TEMP> △ If T is selected, the compressor and refrigeration fan will start, while the cold storage fan will stop. When TEMP > Ttop, start the compressor, refrigeration fan and cold storage fan; Wherein, parameter Ttop refers to the upper temperature threshold and Ttop > Ton, parameter △ T refers to the temperature change threshold.

11. A defrosting method for a freezer, characterized in that, The defrosting method is applicable to the freezer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the defrosting method includes: Determine if defrosting conditions have been met. If defrosting conditions have been met, start the compressor, refrigeration fan, and cold storage fan for cooling, and at the same time monitor the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank. When the real-time temperature TEMP drops to the compressor's shutdown temperature Toff, the compressor and refrigeration fan stop running, and only the cold storage fan is started for refrigeration. Start the heating device to defrost; The operating status of the cold storage fan is adjusted according to the real-time temperature TEMP inside the inner tank.

12. A dehumidification method for a freezer, characterized in that, The dehumidification method is applicable to the freezer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the refrigeration air outlet and the cold storage return air outlet are both located near the door, and the dehumidification method includes: Identify the door status; If the door is detected to be open, the cold storage fan is stopped, the refrigeration fan is started and an air curtain is formed near the door. If the door is identified as closed, check for condensation on the door. If it is determined that the door needs to be cleared of condensation, then start the cold storage fan.

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