Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator and a control method thereof. When the refrigerator is in a defrosting recovery stage, the rotation speed of a compressor is controlled to be in a medium-low speed operation, and after the pressure difference is reduced, the rotation speed of the compressor is controlled to be in a high speed operation. Even if the compressor encounters a power-off condition when the rotation speed is high, the compressor will not produce abnormal sound and damage, thereby effectively guaranteeing the performance level of the compressor.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] During the defrosting recovery phase of a refrigerator, in order to quickly reduce the temperature of the refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment, and other functional compartments from high temperatures to their respective shutdown temperatures, the inverter compressor typically operates at its highest speed. At this time, the compressor speed is high, and the pressure difference between the discharge and suction pressures is large. If the compressor is suddenly powered off while operating at high speed and with a large pressure difference, the compressor motor rotor will suddenly lose power. Due to inertia, the piston and crankshaft in the compressor will rebound significantly, colliding with the compressor casing and producing abnormal "bang, bang, bang" noises. Furthermore, severe collisions between the piston and crankshaft and the casing can damage the rotor and other compressor components, leading to a decrease in compressor performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and its control method, so that when the refrigerator is in the defrosting recovery stage, even in the event of a power outage, the compressor will not produce abnormal noise or be damaged, thereby effectively ensuring the performance level of the compressor.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a refrigerator, comprising:

[0005] A housing having at least one storage compartment formed therein, the storage compartment including at least a cold storage compartment;

[0006] A refrigeration system for providing cooling capacity to a refrigerator, the refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected in sequence by pipes;

[0007] A refrigeration temperature sensor is installed in the refrigeration chamber to detect the real-time refrigeration temperature;

[0008] The controller is configured to:

[0009] When the refrigerator is detected to have entered the defrost recovery stage and the compressor protection conditions are met, the speed of the compressor is controlled within the first speed range, and the real-time refrigeration temperature detected by the refrigeration temperature sensor is obtained.

[0010] When the first speed adjustment condition is detected, the speed of the compressor is controlled within a second speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the first speed range;

[0011] When the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches the preset shutdown point temperature, the compressor is controlled to stop.

[0012] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: When the refrigerator is in the defrosting recovery phase, the compressor speed is first controlled to operate in a lower first speed range to avoid high-speed operation when the compressor has a large pressure difference. When the compressor is operating in the first speed range, due to the low speed, even if the pressure difference is large, the piston and crankshaft of the compressor will not rebound significantly even if a power outage occurs, and the compressor will not produce abnormal noise or damage, thus effectively ensuring the performance level of the compressor. After the pressure difference of the compressor decreases, the compressor is then controlled to operate in a higher second speed range. When the compressor is operating in the second speed range, even if a power outage occurs, the refrigerator load is reduced after the cooling phase of the compressor operating in the first speed range, and the compressor pressure difference is reduced. Even if the speed is higher at this time, due to the small pressure difference, even if a power outage occurs, the piston and crankshaft of the compressor will not rebound significantly, and the compressor will not produce abnormal noise or damage, thus effectively ensuring the performance level of the compressor.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the first speed adjustment condition includes at least one of the following:

[0014] The compressor's rotational speed reaches a preset first operating time threshold within a first rotational speed range for a first operating time.

[0015] The real-time refrigeration temperature is less than a preset first low temperature threshold; wherein, the first low temperature threshold is greater than the shutdown point temperature, and the temperature difference between the first low temperature threshold and the shutdown point temperature is greater than a preset first temperature difference threshold.

[0016] The real-time pressure difference between the discharge pressure and the intake pressure in the compressor is less than a preset pressure difference threshold.

[0017] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: Since the first speed range is low speed, and the defrosting recovery stage requires the compartment temperature to be reduced as soon as possible, in order to avoid the compressor being in a low speed state for a long time, resulting in slow cooling of the compartment temperature, the first speed adjustment condition is set, and the compressor speed is switched reasonably to increase the speed and achieve rapid cooling of the compartment temperature.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, after controlling the compressor speed within a second speed range, the controller is further configured to:

[0019] When the second speed adjustment condition is detected, the speed of the compressor is controlled to be within the third speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the third speed range.

[0020] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: After the compressor is running in the second speed range, in order to avoid the compressor running at high speed for a long time, which would cause the compartment temperature to drop too much, the speed is reduced to the third speed range after the compressor has been running at high speed for a period of time, so as to achieve reasonable control of the compartment temperature and avoid excessive cooling.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the second speed adjustment condition includes at least one of the following:

[0022] The compressor's rotational speed reaches a preset second operating time threshold within the second rotational speed range for a second operating time.

[0023] The real-time refrigeration temperature is less than a preset second low temperature threshold; wherein the second low temperature threshold is greater than the shutdown point temperature and less than the first low temperature threshold, and the temperature difference between the second low temperature threshold and the shutdown point temperature is greater than a preset second temperature difference threshold.

[0024] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: by setting a second speed adjustment condition, the compressor speed switching is more reasonable, and the compartment temperature is reasonably controlled.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the press protection conditions include at least one of the following:

[0026] The current weather conditions meet the pre-set special weather conditions;

[0027] The current time period falls within the user-defined target time period for entering the compressor protection program;

[0028] The current time period is within the predicted power outage period; wherein, the predicted power outage time is obtained based on the refrigerator's historical power outage data;

[0029] A compressor protection command has been detected.

[0030] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: Since power outages are infrequent, the present invention is designed to execute the compressor protection program only when the compressor protection conditions are met. When the compressor protection conditions are not met, the compressor operates normally. While protecting the compressor, it is compatible with the compressor control logic of the refrigerator in the defrost recovery stage in the prior art, and has wide applicability.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, the controller is further configured to:

[0032] When it is detected that the refrigerator has entered the defrost recovery stage and the compressor protection conditions are not met, the speed of the compressor is controlled within the second speed range;

[0033] After the compressor operates within the second speed range for a period of time, the compressor speed is controlled to be within the fourth speed range; wherein the maximum value in the fourth speed range is less than the minimum value in the second speed range;

[0034] When the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches the preset shutdown point temperature, the compressor is controlled to stop.

[0035] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the compressor operates normally when the compressor protection conditions are not met, it is compatible with the compressor control logic of the refrigerator in the defrost recovery stage in the existing technology, and has wide applicability.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, the second speed range includes the highest speed of the compressor, and the speed difference between the minimum value in the second speed range and the maximum value in the first speed range is greater than a preset speed difference threshold.

[0037] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: First, the compressor speed is controlled to operate at a low to medium speed. After the pressure difference decreases, the compressor is then controlled to operate at a high speed. Even if the compressor encounters a power outage while operating at high speed, it will not produce abnormal noise or be damaged, thus effectively ensuring the compressor's performance level. Furthermore, the speed difference between the minimum value in the second speed range and the maximum value in the first speed range needs to be greater than the speed threshold. This ensures that the compressor operates accurately at either high or low speed, and the speed range setting allows for speed fluctuations within this range, making the current speed suitable for the refrigerator's operating mode.

[0038] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a refrigerator control method, comprising:

[0039] When the refrigerator is detected to have entered the defrost recovery stage and the compressor protection conditions are met, the speed of the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled within the first speed range, and the real-time refrigerator temperature detected by the refrigerator temperature sensor located in the refrigerator compartment is obtained.

[0040] When the first speed adjustment condition is detected, the speed of the compressor is controlled within a second speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the first speed range;

[0041] When the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches the preset shutdown point temperature, the compressor is controlled to stop.

[0042] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: When the refrigerator is in the defrosting recovery phase, the compressor speed is first controlled to operate in a lower first speed range to avoid high-speed operation when the compressor has a large pressure difference. When the compressor is operating in the first speed range, due to the low speed, even if the pressure difference is large, the rotor rebound of the compressor motor will not be significant even if a power outage occurs, and the compressor will not produce abnormal noise or damage, thus effectively ensuring the compressor's performance level. After the compressor's pressure difference decreases, the compressor is then controlled to operate in a higher second speed range. When the compressor is operating in the second speed range, even if a power outage occurs, the refrigerator load is reduced after the cooling phase of the compressor operating in the first speed range, and the compressor pressure difference is lower. Even if the speed is higher at this point, due to the small pressure difference, the rotor rebound of the compressor motor will not be significant even if a power outage occurs, and the compressor will not produce abnormal noise or damage, thus effectively ensuring the compressor's performance level.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, after controlling the compressor speed within a second speed range, the method further includes:

[0044] When the second speed adjustment condition is detected, the speed of the compressor is controlled to be within the third speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the third speed range.

[0045] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: After the compressor is running in the second speed range, in order to avoid the compressor running at high speed for a long time, which would cause the compartment temperature to drop too much, the speed is reduced to the third speed range after the compressor has been running at high speed for a period of time, so as to achieve reasonable control of the compartment temperature and avoid excessive cooling.

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, the method further includes:

[0047] When the refrigerator is detected to have entered the defrost recovery phase and the compressor protection conditions are not met, the compressor is controlled to run at the second speed.

[0048] After the compressor has been running in the second speed range for a period of time, the speed of the compressor is controlled to be in the fourth speed range; wherein the maximum value in the fourth speed range is less than the minimum value in the second speed range;

[0049] When the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches the preset shutdown point temperature, the compressor is controlled to stop.

[0050] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the compressor operates normally when the compressor protection conditions are not met, it is compatible with the compressor control logic of the refrigerator in the defrost recovery stage in the existing technology, and has wide applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 This is a connection diagram of the controller and its control devices provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the compressor provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the compressor provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 7 This is a first working flowchart of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 8 This is a second workflow diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 9 This is a third workflow diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 10 This is the fourth workflow diagram of the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0061] Figure 11 This is the fifth workflow diagram of the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0062] Figure 12 This is the sixth workflow diagram of the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0063] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Among them, 100 is the refrigerator; 10 is the touch screen; 20 is the controller; 30 is the memory; 40 is the damper; 401 is the refrigerator damper; 402 is the freezer damper; 50 is the fan; 60 is the refrigerator temperature sensor; 70 is the freezer temperature sensor; 80 is the ambient temperature sensor; 90 is the evaporation temperature sensor; 11 is the refrigerator compartment; 12 is the freezer compartment; 101 is the compressor; 102 is the evaporator; 103 is the capillary tube; 104 is the condenser; 201 is the compressor internal exhaust pipe; 202 is the terminal block; 203 is the crankshaft; 204 is the piston; 205 is the compressor external exhaust pipe; and 206 is the return pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0066] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "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.

[0067] 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0068] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0069] See Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 100 of this embodiment has an approximately rectangular shape. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage space and one or more doors disposed at the opening of the cabinet. The door includes a door shell located on the outside of the cabinet, a door inner liner located on the inside of the cabinet, an upper end cover, a lower end cover, and an insulation layer located between the door shell, the door inner liner, the upper end cover, and the lower end cover; typically, the insulation layer is filled with foam material. The cabinet has chambers, including component storage chambers for placing components of the refrigerator, such as a compressor compartment, and storage space for storing food, etc.

[0070] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. The storage space can be divided into multiple storage compartments. Depending on their purpose, the storage compartments can be configured as a refrigerator compartment 11 and a freezer compartment 12, and may also include a variable temperature compartment, a vacuum drawer, a humidifier drawer, etc. Each storage compartment corresponds to one or more doors, for example in... Figure 2 The upper storage compartment features double doors. These doors can be pivotally mounted at the opening of the cabinet or can open like drawers for drawer-style storage.

[0071] See Figure 3 , Figure 3The schematic diagram of the refrigeration system in the refrigerator 100 provided in this embodiment of the invention shows that the refrigeration system includes a compressor 101, an evaporator 102, a dryer filter (not shown in the figure), a capillary tube 103, a condenser 104, and a gas-liquid separator (not shown in the figure). The working process of the refrigeration system includes a compression process, a condensation process, a throttling process, and an evaporation process. The compression process is as follows: when the refrigerator power cord is plugged in and the thermostat contacts are closed, the compressor 101 starts working. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is drawn into the compressor 101 and compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the cylinder of the compressor 101 before being discharged into the condenser 104. The condensation process is as follows: the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser 104, and the temperature continuously decreases, gradually cooling into room-temperature, high-pressure saturated vapor, and further cooling into saturated liquid. The temperature no longer decreases; this temperature is called the condensation temperature. The pressure of the refrigerant remains almost constant throughout the condensation process. The throttling process... The process is as follows: After condensation, the saturated liquid refrigerant flows into capillary tube 103 after being filtered to remove moisture and impurities through a dryer filter. Through capillary tube 103, the refrigerant is throttled and depressurized, turning into room temperature, low pressure wet vapor. The evaporation process is as follows: The room temperature, low pressure wet vapor begins to absorb heat and vaporize in evaporator 102, which not only lowers the temperature of evaporator 102 and its surroundings, but also turns the refrigerant into a low temperature, low pressure gas. The refrigerant coming out of evaporator 102 passes through a gas-liquid separator and returns to compressor 101. The above process is repeated to transfer the heat inside the refrigerator to the outside air, thus achieving the purpose of refrigeration.

[0072] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a connection diagram of the controller and its control devices provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 100 includes:

[0073] A touch screen 10 is installed on one of the cabinet doors. The touch screen 10 is used to display prompt information and receive touch operations from the user.

[0074] The controller 20, located inside the enclosure, is used to receive detection data from the refrigeration temperature sensor 60, the freezing temperature sensor 70, the ambient temperature sensor 80, and the evaporation temperature sensor 90, as well as to control the opening and closing / closing of the dampers 40 (including the refrigeration damper 401 and the freezing damper 402), the fan 50, and the compressor 101.

[0075] The memory 30 is used to store the operating parameters of the refrigerator, such as the refrigerator temperature detected by the refrigerator temperature sensor 60, the freezing temperature detected by the freezing temperature sensor 70, the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor 80, etc., as well as the fan speed 50, compressor speed 101, defrosting time, etc.

[0076] The air damper 40 includes a refrigeration air damper 401 and a freezer air damper 402. The refrigeration air damper 401 is located in the air duct that communicates with the refrigeration compartment 11. When the refrigeration air damper 401 is open, cold air in the air duct can smoothly enter the refrigeration compartment 11. When the refrigeration air damper 401 is closed, cold air in the air duct cannot enter the refrigeration compartment 11. The freezer air damper 402 is located in the air duct that communicates with the freezer compartment 12. When the freezer air damper 402 is open, cold air in the air duct can smoothly enter the freezer compartment 12. When the freezer air damper 402 is closed, cold air in the air duct cannot enter the freezer compartment 12.

[0077] A fan 50 is installed in the air duct of the refrigerator to allow air to enter the evaporator 102 for heat exchange and to send the heated air to the refrigerator storage compartment.

[0078] A refrigeration temperature sensor 60 is installed inside the refrigeration compartment 11 to detect the refrigeration temperature of the refrigeration compartment 11;

[0079] A freezing temperature sensor 70 is disposed in the freezing chamber 12 and is used to detect the freezing temperature of the freezing chamber 12;

[0080] An ambient temperature sensor 80 is installed outside the refrigerator and is used to detect the ambient temperature of the environment in which the refrigerator is located. After sending this ambient temperature to the controller 20, the controller 20 can adjust its operating parameters according to the ambient temperature.

[0081] An evaporation temperature sensor 90 is installed inside the evaporator 102 and is used to detect the evaporation temperature of the evaporator 102.

[0082] Furthermore, the refrigerator may also include a defrost heater (or not), located on one side of the evaporator. After the compressor has been running for a period of time (approximately 8-10 hours), frost will form on the surface of the finned evaporator. If defrosting is not performed, the frost will become increasingly thick, eventually filling the finned evaporator and blocking the air duct, preventing cold air circulation and reducing the cooling effect. The defrost timer automatically cuts off the compressor power after 8-10 hours of operation and connects the electric heating element in the defrost heater 60. The heating element melts the frost on the finned evaporator. After defrosting is complete, the defrost timer cuts off the power to the electric heating element and connects the compressor power to restore cooling, thus repeating the cycle continuously.

[0083] See Figure 5 , Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of a compressor provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The compressor 101 includes an internal exhaust pipe 201, a terminal block 202, a crankshaft 203, a piston 204, an external exhaust pipe 205, and a return pipe 206. The internal exhaust pipe 201 allows the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the piston 204 to be discharged into the external refrigeration pipe. The piston 204 needs to go through a cycle of intake, compression, exhaust, and expansion to discharge the refrigerant into the internal exhaust pipe 201. The external exhaust pipe 205 discharges the refrigerant from inside the compressor into the refrigeration pipe. The refrigerant in the refrigeration pipe flows back to the compressor body through the return pipe 206. The compressor's working process is a cycle of intake, compression, exhaust, and expansion. During the exhaust process, the pressure inside the compressor cylinder is the highest. When the compressor is in the exhaust process and the power is interrupted during high-speed operation, the crankshaft 203 may randomly appear, resulting in a relatively high pressure inside the cylinder. Figure 5 As shown, piston 205 is at approximately top dead center. When power is cut off, piston 205 will rebound under the pressure of the cylinder bore, as... Figure 6 As shown, at this time, the crankshaft 203 reverses to about the bottom dead center position. Under the conditions of high speed and high pressure differential, the crankshaft and piston rebound significantly, causing the movement to shake greatly and causing the support components to impact.

[0084] Under normal circumstances, a refrigerator operates with power on. When the compressor stops normally, there is a deceleration process. During shutdown, the pressure inside the cylinder is low, and even if the compressor crankshaft and piston rebound, the shaking is minimal, preventing impact. However, during the defrost recovery phase, existing technology typically controls the compressor to run at its highest speed initially. At this time, the compressor speed is high, and because it was previously off, the pressure difference between the compressor's intake and exhaust pressures is large. If a power outage occurs suddenly, the high speed combined with the high pressure difference can cause significant rebound of the compressor crankshaft and piston, resulting in vibration and abnormal noise, potentially leading to compressor damage. To address this technical problem, this invention provides a refrigerator that, during the defrost recovery phase, initially controls the compressor speed to run at a low to medium speed. After the pressure difference decreases, the compressor is then controlled to run at a high speed. Even if a power outage occurs while the compressor is running at high speed, the compressor will not produce abnormal noise or be damaged, thus effectively ensuring the compressor's performance level.

[0085] Specifically, the controller 20 is configured to: when it detects that the refrigerator has entered the defrost recovery stage and meets the compressor protection conditions, control the speed of the compressor within a first speed range and acquire the real-time refrigeration temperature detected by the refrigeration temperature sensor; when it detects that the first speed adjustment conditions are met, control the speed of the compressor within a second speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the first speed range; and when the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches a preset stop point temperature, control the compressor to stop.

[0086] For example, see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a first working flowchart of the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention. The controller 20 is configured to execute steps S11 to S19. When the refrigerator is in the defrost recovery stage and the compressor protection conditions are met, the compressor speed is first controlled to operate in a lower first speed range to avoid high-speed operation when the compressor has a large pressure difference. During this process, the compartment temperature will gradually decrease, but because the compressor speed is low, the cooling rate is slow, and the pressure difference between the suction pressure and the discharge pressure in the compressor will also gradually decrease. When the compressor is running in the first speed range, even if the pressure difference of the compressor is large, the piston and crankshaft of the compressor will not rebound significantly even if a power failure occurs due to the low speed. The compressor will not produce abnormal noise or damage, thus effectively ensuring the performance level of the compressor. After the pressure difference of the compressor decreases, the compressor is then controlled to operate in a higher second speed range. The second speed range includes the maximum speed of the compressor, and the speed difference between the minimum value in the second speed range and the maximum value in the first speed range is greater than a preset speed difference threshold. The difference threshold can be set according to empirical values, and this invention does not specifically limit it. At this time, the compressor speed is high and the compartment temperature drops significantly. When the compressor is running in the second speed range, even if a power outage occurs, the refrigerator load is reduced and the compressor pressure difference is reduced after the cooling phase when the compressor speed is running in the first speed range. Even if the speed is high at this time, the piston and crankshaft of the compressor will not rebound significantly when a power outage occurs due to the small pressure difference. The compressor will not produce abnormal noise or be damaged, thus effectively ensuring the performance level of the compressor.

[0087] In this embodiment of the invention, if the refrigerator suddenly loses power during the defrosting recovery phase, the compressor will not produce abnormal noise or be damaged, thus effectively ensuring the compressor's performance level. Furthermore, the speed difference between the minimum value in the second speed range and the maximum value in the first speed range needs to be greater than a speed threshold. This ensures that the compressor operates accurately at either high or low speed, and the speed range setting allows for speed fluctuations within this range, ensuring that the current speed is suitable for the refrigerator's operating mode.

[0088] See Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a second operational flowchart of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the press protection conditions include at least one of the following:

[0089] 1.1) The current weather conditions meet the pre-set special weather conditions;

[0090] For example, if the special weather conditions are severe weather such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, or typhoons, the power outage may occur in the user's home. The controller 20 can obtain the weather conditions of the refrigerator's location through the network. If the current weather conditions are thunderstorms, the control method described in steps S11 to S19 above will be executed.

[0091] 1.2) The current time period falls within the target time period for entering the compressor protection program as set by the user;

[0092] For example, users can set the target time period for compressor protection. For instance, if the property management notifies that the entire community needs to be shut down for maintenance during a certain time period, or if the user needs to shut down the power for equipment maintenance at home, the target time period for compressor protection can be set in advance. After the controller 20 detects that the user has set the target time period, it will monitor the current time in real time. Once it detects that the current time period is within the target time period, it will execute the control method described in steps S11 to S19 above.

[0093] 1.3) The current time period is within the predicted power outage period; wherein, the predicted power outage time is obtained based on the refrigerator's historical power outage data;

[0094] For example, the controller 20 can collect historical power outage data of the refrigerator, and after statistical analysis, obtain the predicted power outage time period that frequently occurs. The controller monitors the current time in real time, and once it detects that the current time period is within the predicted power outage time period, it executes the control method described in steps S11 to S19 above.

[0095] 1.4) A compressor protection command was detected;

[0096] For example, the user can start the press protection program with one click. For instance, if a "Start Press Protection Program" button is set on the touch screen, when the controller 20 receives the press protection command, it indicates that the button has been triggered and executes the control method described in steps S11 to S19 above.

[0097] It should be noted that the above four conditions can exist independently or simultaneously. When they exist simultaneously, meeting any one of them is sufficient to determine that the compressor protection conditions are met. Additionally, users can access these compressor protection conditions via the refrigerator's touchscreen and manually set the desired conditions, such as applying only one condition or all of them.

[0098] In this embodiment of the invention, since power outages are infrequent, the invention is designed to execute the compressor protection program only when the compressor protection conditions are met. When the compressor protection conditions are not met, the compressor operates normally. While protecting the compressor, it is compatible with the compressor control logic of the refrigerator in the defrost recovery stage in the prior art, and has wide applicability.

[0099] See Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a second working flowchart of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first speed adjustment condition includes at least one of the following:

[0100] 2.1) The compressor speed reaches a preset first operating time threshold within a first operating time range of a first speed range;

[0101] For example, the first running time can be preset according to an empirical value, such as by laboratory measurement. This first running time threshold needs to meet the following: during the defrosting recovery phase, after the first running time of the compressor operating in the first speed range reaches the first running time threshold, the pressure difference needs to meet the requirement that the compressor will not make abnormal noise even if the power is cut off.

[0102] 2.2) The real-time refrigeration temperature is less than a preset first low temperature threshold; wherein, the first low temperature threshold is greater than the shutdown point temperature, and the temperature difference between the first low temperature threshold and the shutdown point temperature is greater than a preset first temperature difference threshold.

[0103] For example, the first low-temperature threshold can be preset according to empirical values, such as through laboratory measurements. This first low-temperature threshold needs to meet the following requirements: during the defrosting and recovery phase, after the real-time refrigeration temperature of the cold storage compartment reaches the first low-temperature threshold, the pressure difference must be sufficient to prevent abnormal noise from the compressor even if the power is cut off. It should be noted that the first low-temperature threshold should be greater than the shutdown point temperature. This is because the shutdown point temperature is the control point for stopping the compressor. This shutdown point temperature is generally set relatively low. When the first low-temperature threshold is greater than the shutdown point temperature, it can prevent the compressor from running in the first speed range for a long time. Running at low speed will cause the compartment temperature to drop slowly. By setting the first low-temperature threshold, the compressor can switch back to high speed in time to avoid slow cooling of the compartment temperature. In addition, the temperature difference between the first low-temperature threshold and the shutdown point temperature is greater than the preset first temperature difference threshold to ensure that the first low-temperature threshold is not too close to the shutdown point temperature, and also to avoid slow cooling of the compartment temperature.

[0104] 2.3) The real-time pressure difference between the discharge pressure and the suction pressure in the compressor is less than the preset pressure difference threshold.

[0105] For example, the differential pressure threshold can be preset according to empirical values, such as by laboratory measurement. This differential pressure threshold needs to meet the following condition: during the defrosting and ash recovery stage, after the differential pressure of the compressor reaches the differential pressure threshold, the compressor will not make abnormal noise even if the power is cut off.

[0106] It should be noted that the above three situations can exist independently or simultaneously. When they exist simultaneously, meeting any one of these conditions is sufficient to determine that the first speed adjustment condition is met. Additionally, users can access these first speed adjustment conditions via the refrigerator's touchscreen and then manually set the desired conditions, such as applying only one condition or all of them.

[0107] In this embodiment of the invention, since the first speed range is a low speed, and the defrosting recovery stage requires a rapid reduction in the compartment temperature, in order to avoid the compressor being in a low speed state for a long time, resulting in a slow cooling of the compartment temperature, a first speed adjustment condition is set to reasonably switch the compressor speed, thereby increasing the speed and achieving rapid cooling of the compartment temperature.

[0108] Specifically, after controlling the compressor speed within a second speed range, the controller is further configured to: when detecting that the second speed adjustment condition is met, control the compressor speed within a third speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the third speed range.

[0109] For example, see Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is the fourth workflow diagram of the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention. After executing step S17 and before executing step S18, the controller also needs to execute steps S171 to S172. After the compressor runs in the second speed range, since the second speed range is a high speed range, in order to avoid the compressor running at a high speed for a long time and causing excessive cooling of the compartment temperature, the compressor runs in the second speed range for a period of time, then reduces the speed to the speed in the third speed range. Finally, the compressor is controlled to stop by judging whether the real-time refrigeration temperature has reached the stop point temperature.

[0110] In this embodiment of the invention, after the compressor is running in the second speed range, in order to avoid the compressor running at high speed for a long time and causing the compartment temperature to drop too much, the speed is reduced to the speed in the third speed range after the compressor has been running at high speed for a period of time, so as to achieve reasonable control of the compartment temperature and avoid excessive cooling.

[0111] See Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is the fifth operational flowchart of the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention, wherein the second speed adjustment condition includes at least one of the following:

[0112] 3.1) The compressor speed reaches a preset second operating time threshold within the second operating time range of the second speed range;

[0113] For example, the first running time can be preset according to an empirical value, such as by pre-measurement in a laboratory, and the second running time threshold needs to meet the following condition: the room temperature decreases but does not reach the shutdown point temperature.

[0114] 3.2) The real-time refrigeration temperature is less than a preset second low temperature threshold; wherein, the second low temperature threshold is greater than the shutdown point temperature and less than the first low temperature threshold, and the temperature difference between the second low temperature threshold and the shutdown point temperature is greater than a preset second temperature difference threshold.

[0115] For example, the second low-temperature threshold can be preset according to empirical values, such as through laboratory pre-measurement. This second low-temperature threshold needs to meet the following conditions: the compartment temperature decreases to below the first low-temperature threshold, but does not reach the shutdown point temperature. It should be noted that the second low-temperature threshold should be greater than the shutdown point temperature and less than the first low-temperature threshold. This is because the shutdown point temperature is the control point for controlling the compressor to stop. This shutdown point temperature is generally set relatively low. When the second low-temperature threshold is greater than the shutdown point temperature, it can prevent the compressor from running for a long time in the second speed range, resulting in excessive cooling of the compartment and thus making it impossible to accurately control the compartment temperature. In addition, the temperature difference between the second low-temperature threshold and the shutdown point temperature is greater than the preset second temperature difference threshold to ensure that the second low-temperature threshold does not get too close to the shutdown point temperature, and also to avoid the compartment temperature from dropping too quickly and excessively.

[0116] It should be noted that the above two situations can exist independently or simultaneously. When they exist simultaneously, meeting either situation is sufficient to determine that the second speed adjustment condition is met. Additionally, users can access these second speed adjustment conditions via the refrigerator's touchscreen and then manually set the desired conditions, such as applying only one condition or all of them.

[0117] In this embodiment of the invention, by setting a second speed adjustment condition, the compressor speed switching is made more reasonable, and the compartment temperature is reasonably controlled, thus achieving precise temperature control.

[0118] Specifically, the controller is further configured to: when the refrigerator enters the defrost recovery phase and the compressor protection conditions are not met, control the compressor speed within a second speed range; after the compressor speed has been running within the second speed range for a period of time, control the compressor speed within a fourth speed range; wherein the maximum value in the fourth speed range is less than the minimum value in the second speed range; and when the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches the preset shutdown point temperature, control the compressor to stop.

[0119] For example, see Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is the sixth workflow diagram of the controller provided in the embodiment of the present invention. After the controller completes step S12 and determines that the compressor protection conditions are not met, it executes steps S21 to S25. During the defrosting recovery stage, the room temperature is relatively high. In order to achieve rapid cooling, the compressor is first controlled to run at the highest speed, and the room temperature will drop rapidly. After running for a period of time (which can be preset according to experience value), the compressor speed is reduced. Finally, the compressor is controlled to stop by judging whether the real-time refrigeration temperature has reached the stop point temperature.

[0120] In this embodiment of the invention, the compressor operates normally when the compressor protection conditions are not met, which is compatible with the compressor control logic of the refrigerator in the defrost recovery stage in the prior art and has wide applicability.

[0121] See Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator control method described in this embodiment is implemented by a controller in the refrigerator, and the refrigerator control method includes:

[0122] S1. When the refrigerator is detected to have entered the defrost recovery stage and the compressor protection conditions are met, the speed of the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled within the first speed range, and the real-time refrigerator temperature detected by the refrigerator temperature sensor located in the refrigerator compartment is obtained.

[0123] S2. When the first speed adjustment condition is detected, the speed of the compressor is controlled within the second speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the first speed range;

[0124] S3. When the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches the preset shutdown point temperature, control the compressor to stop.

[0125] Specifically, after controlling the compressor speed within the second speed range, the method further includes:

[0126] When the second speed adjustment condition is detected, the speed of the compressor is controlled to be within the third speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the third speed range.

[0127] Specifically, the method further includes:

[0128] When it is detected that the refrigerator has entered the defrost recovery stage and the compressor protection conditions are not met, the speed of the compressor is controlled within the second speed range;

[0129] After the compressor operates within the second speed range for a period of time, the compressor speed is controlled to be within the fourth speed range; wherein the maximum value in the fourth speed range is less than the minimum value in the second speed range;

[0130] When the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches the preset shutdown point temperature, the compressor is controlled to stop.

[0131] Specifically, the first speed adjustment condition includes at least one of the following:

[0132] The compressor's rotational speed reaches a preset first operating time threshold within a first rotational speed range for a first operating time.

[0133] The real-time refrigeration temperature is less than a preset first low temperature threshold; wherein, the first low temperature threshold is greater than the shutdown point temperature, and the temperature difference between the first low temperature threshold and the shutdown point temperature is greater than a preset first temperature difference threshold.

[0134] The real-time pressure difference between the discharge pressure and the intake pressure in the compressor is less than a preset pressure difference threshold.

[0135] Specifically, the second speed adjustment condition includes at least one of the following:

[0136] The compressor's rotational speed reaches a preset second operating time threshold within the second rotational speed range for a second operating time.

[0137] The real-time refrigeration temperature is less than a preset second low temperature threshold; wherein the second low temperature threshold is greater than the shutdown point temperature and less than the first low temperature threshold, and the temperature difference between the second low temperature threshold and the shutdown point temperature is greater than a preset second temperature difference threshold.

[0138] Specifically, the press protection conditions include at least one of the following:

[0139] The current weather conditions meet the pre-set special weather conditions;

[0140] The current time period falls within the user-defined target time period for entering the compressor protection program;

[0141] The current time period is within the predicted power outage period; wherein, the predicted power outage time is obtained based on the refrigerator's historical power outage data;

[0142] A compressor protection command has been detected.

[0143] Specifically, the second speed range includes the highest speed of the compressor, and the speed difference between the minimum value in the second speed range and the maximum value in the first speed range is greater than a preset speed difference threshold.

[0144] It is worth noting that the working process of the refrigerator control method described in the embodiments of the present invention can refer to the working process of the controller in the refrigerator described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0145] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: A housing having at least one storage compartment formed therein, the storage compartment including at least a cold storage compartment; A refrigeration system for providing cooling capacity to a refrigerator, the refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected in sequence by pipes; A refrigeration temperature sensor is installed in the refrigeration chamber to detect the real-time refrigeration temperature; The controller is configured to: When the refrigerator is detected to have entered the defrost recovery stage and the compressor protection conditions are met, the speed of the compressor is controlled within the first speed range, and the real-time refrigeration temperature detected by the refrigeration temperature sensor is obtained. When the first speed adjustment condition is detected, the speed of the compressor is controlled within a second speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the first speed range; When the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches the preset shutdown point temperature, the compressor is controlled to stop.

2. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first speed adjustment condition includes at least one of the following: The compressor's rotational speed reaches a preset first operating time threshold within a first rotational speed range for a first operating time. The real-time refrigeration temperature is less than a preset first low temperature threshold; wherein, the first low temperature threshold is greater than the shutdown point temperature, and the temperature difference between the first low temperature threshold and the shutdown point temperature is greater than a preset first temperature difference threshold. The real-time pressure difference between the discharge pressure and the intake pressure in the compressor is less than a preset pressure difference threshold.

3. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After controlling the compressor speed within a second speed range, the controller is further configured to: When the second speed adjustment condition is detected, the speed of the compressor is controlled to be within the third speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the third speed range.

4. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second speed adjustment condition includes at least one of the following: The compressor's rotational speed reaches a preset second operating time threshold within the second rotational speed range for a second operating time. The real-time refrigeration temperature is less than a preset second low temperature threshold; wherein the second low temperature threshold is greater than the shutdown point temperature and less than the first low temperature threshold, and the temperature difference between the second low temperature threshold and the shutdown point temperature is greater than a preset second temperature difference threshold.

5. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The compressor protection conditions include at least one of the following: The current weather conditions meet the pre-set special weather conditions; The current time period falls within the user-defined target time period for entering the compressor protection program; The current time period is within the predicted power outage period; wherein, the predicted power outage time is obtained based on the refrigerator's historical power outage data; A compressor protection command has been detected.

6. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: When it is detected that the refrigerator has entered the defrost recovery stage and the compressor protection conditions are not met, the speed of the compressor is controlled within the second speed range; After the compressor operates within the second speed range for a period of time, the compressor speed is controlled to be within the fourth speed range; wherein the maximum value in the fourth speed range is less than the minimum value in the second speed range; When the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches the preset shutdown point temperature, the compressor is controlled to stop.

7. The refrigerator as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The second speed range includes the highest speed of the compressor, and the speed difference between the minimum value in the second speed range and the maximum value in the first speed range is greater than a preset speed difference threshold.

8. A refrigerator control method, characterized in that, include: When the refrigerator is detected to have entered the defrost recovery stage and the compressor protection conditions are met, the speed of the compressor in the refrigerator is controlled within the first speed range, and the real-time refrigerator temperature detected by the refrigerator temperature sensor located in the refrigerator compartment is obtained. When the first speed adjustment condition is detected, the speed of the compressor is controlled within a second speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the first speed range; When the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches the preset shutdown point temperature, the compressor is controlled to stop.

9. The refrigerator control method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, After controlling the compressor speed within the second speed range, the method further includes: When the second speed adjustment condition is detected, the speed of the compressor is controlled to be within the third speed range; wherein the minimum value in the second speed range is greater than the maximum value in the third speed range.

10. The refrigerator control method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: When it is detected that the refrigerator has entered the defrost recovery stage and the compressor protection conditions are not met, the speed of the compressor is controlled within the second speed range; After the compressor operates within the second speed range for a period of time, the compressor speed is controlled to be within the fourth speed range; wherein the maximum value in the fourth speed range is less than the minimum value in the second speed range; When the real-time refrigeration temperature reaches the preset shutdown point temperature, the compressor is controlled to stop.

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