Temperature control device and control method

Abstract

A temperature control device and control method are disclosed, applied in the field of thermal management technology. The temperature control device includes an evaporator, a first heating device, and a collection device; the evaporator is used to cool the temperature control device, the first heating device is used to heat the evaporator, and the collection device is used to collect the liquid formed in the evaporator. The collection device includes a collection box and an inclined plate, the inclined plate being located at the opening of the collection box, and the inclined plate preventing liquid in the collection box from splashing outside the collection box. The control method includes: acquiring first information, the first information including a first operating time of the compressor and door opening information of the temperature control device during the first operating time; and based on the first information, controlling the first heating device to start heating. Using the above-described temperature control device and / or control method can improve the cooling efficiency of the temperature control device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to a temperature control device and control method. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing demands for vehicle functionality, in-vehicle refrigerators have broad application prospects, and their installation volume is gradually increasing. However, in terms of usage scenarios and needs, in-vehicle refrigerators differ from household refrigerators. Household refrigerators are used year-round and do not have specific requirements for the cooling rate to reach the target temperature. Big data shows that the vast majority of drivers and passengers travel for less than 2 hours. Therefore, achieving rapid cooling within 2 hours (or even 1 hour or half an hour) is a key path to improving refrigerator utilization.

[0003] Currently, mainstream car refrigerators are divided into air-cooled refrigerators and direct-cooled refrigerators. Direct-cooled refrigerators have a lower heat exchange coefficient and a slower cooling rate, while air-cooled refrigerators have a higher heat exchange coefficient and a faster cooling rate. However, the evaporator inside an air-cooled refrigerator is exposed to the air, and frost will accumulate over time, affecting cooling efficiency.

[0004] Taking air-cooled refrigerators as an example, how to improve the refrigeration efficiency of temperature control equipment that uses exposed evaporators for refrigeration is a key research topic at present. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a temperature control device and control method that can improve the cooling efficiency of the temperature control device.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a temperature control device, which includes an evaporator, a first heating device, and a collection device. The evaporator is used to cool the temperature control device, and the first heating device is used to heat the evaporator. The collection device is used to collect the liquid formed by the evaporator; the collection device includes a collection box and an inclined plate, the inclined plate being located at the opening of the collection box, and the inclined plate is used to prevent the liquid in the collection box from splashing outside the collection box.

[0007] In the aforementioned temperature control device, by incorporating a first heating device within the first evaporator, the evaporator can be heated during prolonged cooling operation when frost accumulates. This causes the frost to absorb heat, condense into liquid, and flow into a collection device, effectively defrosting the evaporator and preventing it from affecting its cooling performance, thereby increasing the cooling rate of the temperature control device. Furthermore, the liquid formed by the evaporator, such as defrosting liquid, is collected in a collection box within the collection device, preventing it from flowing to other electronic components and affecting their normal operation. Additionally, an inclined plate is installed at the opening of the collection box to effectively prevent liquid from overflowing due to vibration.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the collecting device is located below the evaporator. This allows the collecting device to better collect the liquid formed in the evaporator.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the temperature control device further includes a flow guiding device, through which the evaporator is connected to the collection device.

[0010] In the above scheme, the liquid formed during evaporator defrosting flows into the collection device through the guide device. The collection device can collect the liquid formed during evaporator defrosting more fully and prevent the liquid formed during evaporator defrosting from flowing to other parts of the temperature control equipment and affecting the normal operation of the temperature control equipment.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the inclined plate is inclined relative to the bottom of the collection box.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the inclined plate includes a first inclined plate and a second inclined plate, the first inclined plate being inclined in a first direction and the second inclined plate being inclined in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being opposite.

[0013] For example, when the temperature control device is applied to a vehicle, the first direction is parallel to the length direction of the vehicle, or the first direction is parallel to the width direction of the vehicle.

[0014] It is understandable that an inclined plate with one tilt direction has a good anti-overflow effect on liquid oscillating in one direction. However, during the entire oscillation process, the liquid will generally oscillate back and forth in two opposite directions. Therefore, in the above scheme, setting two inclined plates with opposite tilt directions can further effectively prevent liquid oscillation and overflow.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, there is a first distance between the top of the first inclined plate and the bottom of the second inclined plate, and a second distance between the bottom of the first inclined plate and the bottom of the second inclined plate, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0016] In the above scheme, the first inclined plate and the second inclined plate are inclined in an inverted V-shape, so that the liquid in the collection device always hits the lower surface of the inclined plate during the inertial oscillation, so as to better prevent the liquid from oscillating and overflowing.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the collecting device further includes an extension plate, the top of which is connected to the inclined plate, and the bottom of which extends toward the bottom of the receiving space.

[0018] In the above solution, by connecting an extension plate to the bottom of the inclined plate, the direction and splash distance of the liquid can be changed when the liquid vibrates and hits the bottom plane of the inclined plate, thus preventing the liquid from splashing out of the collection box.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the collecting device further includes a flat plate, with the top of the inclined plate connected to the flat plate.

[0020] For example, the flat plate is parallel to the bottom plane of the collection device or collection box.

[0021] In the above scheme, a flat plate is also provided on the top of the inclined plate. Even if the liquid oscillates greatly and the inclined plate does not completely block the liquid from splashing upwards, the flat plate provides further protection. By combining and setting up baffles in different directions, multiple layers of protection are provided to prevent the liquid from oscillating and overflowing in the collection device.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, along the height direction of the collection box, in two adjacent shielding portions, at least a portion of the straight plate of one shielding portion is opposite to the inclined plate of the other shielding portion.

[0023] In the above scheme, when projecting downwards from the opening of the collection device, the projection of the straight plate of one shielding part at least partially covers the projection of the inclined plate of the other shielding part, so that the liquid in the collection device cannot splash directly upwards, further improving the anti-liquid shock overflow effect of the collection device.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the collecting device further includes a partition disposed within the receiving space of the collecting box, the partition dividing the receiving space into at least two receiving cavities. A gap exists between at least a portion of the bottom of the partition and the bottom of the receiving space, and adjacent receiving cavities communicate through said gap.

[0025] For example, the bottom portion of the partition is in contact with the bottom of the receiving space.

[0026] As another example, the bottom of the partition is completely separated from the bottom of the receiving space.

[0027] In the above solution, adding a partition effectively prevents liquid oscillation within the collection box. Furthermore, the connection between adjacent receiving cavities via a gap ensures a more uniform liquid distribution within the receiving space, preventing a large amount of liquid from concentrating in one cavity and causing a high liquid level that could easily lead to oscillation and overflow.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the temperature control device is applied to the vehicle, and the partition includes a first partition that divides the receiving space into a plurality of receiving cavities arranged along the length of the vehicle.

[0029] It is understandable that when temperature control equipment is applied to vehicles, the acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle during travel will cause the liquid in the collection device to oscillate along the length of the vehicle (or the direction of travel). In the above solution, the first partition divides the receiving space into multiple receiving cavities arranged along the length of the vehicle, which can effectively prevent the liquid in the collection device from oscillating along the length of the vehicle (or the direction of travel), reduce the oscillation amplitude of the liquid in the collection device, and prevent the liquid in the collection device from oscillating and overflowing during vehicle travel.

[0030] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the collecting device further includes a first baffle disposed within the receiving space, the first baffle being connected to a partition and having an included angle between the first baffle and the partition; the first baffle is used to restrict liquid from splashing out from the opening of the receiving space.

[0031] For example, the first baffle is connected to the upper end of the partition.

[0032] In the above scheme, since there is an angle between the first baffle and the partition, it can be understood that the first baffle partially blocks the top of the partition. Therefore, the first baffle can effectively prevent the liquid in the collection device from splashing upward during the oscillation process.

[0033] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the temperature control device is applied to the vehicle, and the partition includes a second partition that divides the receiving space into a plurality of receiving cavities arranged along a second direction; the second direction is parallel to the width direction of the vehicle.

[0034] It is understandable that when temperature control equipment is applied to a vehicle, the liquid in the collection device will oscillate along the width of the vehicle body when the vehicle is under lateral acceleration. In the above solution, the second partition divides the receiving space into multiple receiving cavities arranged along the second direction, which can effectively prevent the liquid in the collection device from oscillating along the width of the vehicle during vehicle movement.

[0035] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the partition is located below the inclined plate.

[0036] In the above scheme, the inclined plate and the partition form two layers of partition in the height direction. The design of the two layers of partition can prevent the liquid in the collection box from oscillating and overflowing in multiple ways.

[0037] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, a second heating device is provided at the bottom of the collecting device, which is used to heat the liquid and cause the liquid to evaporate.

[0038] In the above scheme, the collection device is also used to evaporate and remove the liquid formed by defrosting the evaporator, so as to avoid the liquid accumulation and overflow in the collection device.

[0039] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the collecting device further includes a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the liquid.

[0040] In the above scheme, the temperature of the liquid inside the collection device can be detected by the first sensor to better heat and evaporate the liquid.

[0041] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the temperature control device includes a storage chamber and a cooling chamber, with an evaporator located in the cooling chamber. The cooling chamber also includes a first fan for blowing the cooling energy generated by the evaporator into the storage chamber.

[0042] In the above scheme, the first fan can accelerate the heat exchange between the evaporator and the storage chamber of the temperature control device, so that the temperature in the storage chamber can drop rapidly.

[0043] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first fan is a turbine fan. It can be understood that, compared to an axial fan, a turbine fan has higher air pressure, which can better achieve heat exchange between the evaporator and the storage chamber of the temperature control device, thereby improving the cooling rate of the temperature control device.

[0044] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a control method for controlling a temperature control device. The temperature control device includes an evaporator and a compressor. When the compressor is in operation, the evaporator is used to cool the temperature control device. The evaporator includes a first heating device for condensing the frost produced by the evaporator into a liquid. For ease of description, the control device will be used as an exemplary execution subject below.

[0045] The control method includes: acquiring first information, which includes a first operating time of the compressor and door opening information of the temperature control device within the first operating time. The first operating time indicates the cumulative operating time of the compressor after the first heating device stops heating, or the cumulative operating time after the temperature control device is powered on and before the first heating device starts heating. Based on the first information, the first heating device is controlled to start heating.

[0046] It is understandable that the activation of the first heating device indicates the start of defrosting of the evaporator; the cessation of the first heating device indicates the end of this defrosting cycle. In the above scheme, the compressor's initial operating time is divided into two cases: First, when the temperature control device is first powered on and before the first heating device has started defrosting, the initial operating time is the cumulative operating time of the compressor during its first run after the temperature control device is turned on. Second, during the intermediate operation of the temperature control device, the initial operating time is the cumulative operating time of the compressor after the previous evaporator defrosting cycle ended. It can be understood that the compressor's initial operating time is reset to zero each time the first heating device is activated for evaporator defrosting.

[0047] In the cooling mode of the temperature-controlled equipment, the amount of frost produced on the evaporator is related to the compressor's operating time; the longer the compressor runs, the more frost forms on the evaporator. Furthermore, the amount of frost produced is also related to the door opening information of the temperature-controlled equipment. Each time the door is opened, a large amount of water vapor enters the equipment, accelerating the frost formation on the evaporator. Therefore, in the above solution, the control device can combine the compressor's initial operating time with the temperature-controlled equipment's door opening information to comprehensively judge the evaporator's frost condition and control the activation of the first heating device at the appropriate time to defrost the evaporator, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the temperature-controlled equipment. Moreover, this solution obtains the compressor's initial operating time based on different scenarios, flexibly meeting the evaporator defrosting needs in multiple scenarios and improving the cooling efficiency of the temperature-controlled equipment.

[0048] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, controlling the first heating device to start heating based on the first information includes: obtaining a first cumulative duration based on the first information; and controlling the first heating device to start heating when the first cumulative duration meets the defrosting trigger condition.

[0049] For example, a defrost trigger condition indicates that there is a lot of frost buildup on the evaporator and defrosting is required.

[0050] In the above scheme, the first cumulative duration obtained based on the first information can reflect the frosting status of the evaporator. By making a conditional judgment on the first cumulative duration, the timing of starting the first heating device is made explicit, so as to more accurately control the start of the first heating device to defrost the evaporator.

[0051] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the defrosting trigger condition is related to the status information of the temperature control device.

[0052] In the above scheme, different defrosting trigger conditions can be adopted according to the status of the temperature control equipment, so as to more flexibly defrost the evaporator and improve the cooling efficiency of the temperature control equipment.

[0053] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the state information of the temperature control device includes a first state and a second state; when the temperature control device is in the first state, the defrosting trigger condition includes: a first cumulative duration greater than a first threshold; when the temperature control device is in the second state, the defrosting trigger condition includes: a first cumulative duration greater than a second threshold. Wherein, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0054] It is understandable that the amount of frost on the evaporator may vary depending on the state of the temperature control equipment, even for the same initial cumulative duration. The above solution flexibly employs different defrosting trigger conditions for different temperature control equipment states, enabling timely defrosting of the evaporator and improving the cooling efficiency of the temperature control equipment.

[0055] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first state indicates that the temperature of the evaporator is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold during a first time period after the temperature control device is powered on. The second state indicates that the temperature of the evaporator is greater than the first temperature threshold during the first time period after the temperature control device is powered on, or after the first heating device has finished heating.

[0056] For example, the first state indicates that when the temperature control device is first powered on, the evaporator still has residual frost from the previous power-on operation that has not completely melted. The second state indicates that when the temperature control device is first powered on, the evaporator does not have frost, or the temperature control device has started an intermediate operation after one defrosting cycle.

[0057] For example, in the first state, the first operating time of the compressor is the cumulative operating time after the temperature control device is powered on and before the first heating device starts heating.

[0058] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, obtaining the first cumulative duration based on the first information includes: obtaining an equivalent duration based on the door opening information of the temperature control device within the first working duration, and obtaining the first cumulative duration based on the first working duration and the equivalent duration.

[0059] In the above scheme, the door opening information of the temperature control device is quantified and converted into an equivalent duration so that it can be combined with the first working duration of the compressor to obtain the first cumulative duration.

[0060] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first information also includes the status information of the temperature control device; the equivalent duration is obtained based on the door opening information of the temperature control device within the first working time, including: obtaining the equivalent duration based on the door opening information of the temperature control device within the first working time and the status information of the temperature control device.

[0061] In the above scheme, the control device determines the conversion method of the door opening information of the temperature control equipment into the equivalent duration based on the status information of the temperature control equipment, so that the equivalent duration can more accurately reflect the frosting status of the evaporator or flexibly meet the defrosting needs of the evaporator.

[0062] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the equivalent duration is positively correlated with the cumulative number of door openings indicated by the door opening information; and / or, the equivalent duration is positively correlated with the cumulative door opening duration indicated by the door opening information.

[0063] It is understandable that the more times the door is opened or the longer it is open, the more water vapor enters the temperature control device, and the faster the evaporator frosts. Therefore, the time interval between two defrosting operations needs to be shortened, resulting in a longer equivalent time. In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the state information of the temperature control device includes a first state and a second state. When the temperature control device is in the first state, the equivalent duration is a first equivalent duration. When the temperature control device is in the second state, the equivalent duration is a second equivalent duration. For the same door opening information, the first equivalent duration is shorter than the second equivalent duration.

[0064] In the above scheme, with the door opening information unchanged, the equivalent duration is related to the status information of the temperature control device, so as to flexibly control the first heating device to start defrosting according to the status information of the temperature control device.

[0065] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the control method further includes: acquiring second information, the second information including evaporator temperature information, and / or, the cumulative operating time of the first heating device; and controlling the first heating device to stop heating when the second information meets the defrosting exit conditions.

[0066] For example, the defrost degradation condition indicates that the defrost requirement has been met.

[0067] In the above scheme, the control device determines the appropriate time to control the second heating device to stop heating through the second information, so as to avoid the long-term defrosting affecting the cooling performance of the temperature control equipment.

[0068] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the defrosting exit condition includes at least one of the following: the temperature of the evaporator is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold, and the cumulative operating time of the first heating device is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold.

[0069] The above scheme provides an example of the defrosting exit conditions, making the control logic of the control device explicit to facilitate subsequent maintenance or upgrades.

[0070] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the temperature control device further includes a collection device for collecting liquid; a second heating device is provided at the bottom of the collection device for heating the liquid to cause it to evaporate; the control method further includes: after the first heating device starts heating for a first duration, controlling the second heating device to start heating.

[0071] In the above scheme, after the first heating device starts heating for a first period of time, the liquid formed by the defrosting of the evaporator flows into the collection device. At this time, the control device can also control the second heating device to heat up and evaporate the liquid formed by the defrosting of the evaporator, so as to avoid the liquid remaining in the temperature control device.

[0072] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the collecting device further includes a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the liquid; the control method further includes: acquiring third information, the third information including the measurement data of the first temperature sensor and the cumulative working time of the second heating device, and controlling the second heating device to stop heating based on the third information.

[0073] In the above scheme, the control device can also control the second heating device to stop heating based on the third information, realize the control closed loop of the second heating device, and avoid the second heating device from dry burning.

[0074] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, based on the third information, controlling the second heating device to stop heating includes: If the third piece of information meets the conditions for stopping heating, the second heating device is controlled to stop heating.

[0075] The above scheme clarifies the control logic of the control device controlling the second heating device to stop heating based on third information, making the control logic clearer.

[0076] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the heating stop condition includes at least one of the following: the temperature measured by the first sensor is greater than or equal to a third temperature threshold, and the cumulative operating time of the second heating device is greater than or equal to a second duration threshold.

[0077] In the above scheme, the conditions for the second heating device to stop heating are given as an example. The control logic is provided by judging multiple aspects such as the temperature measured by the first sensor and the cumulative working time of the second heating device, so as to flexibly control the second heating device to stop heating.

[0078] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the temperature control device further includes a second fan for blowing the gas after the liquid evaporates to the outside of the temperature control device; the control method further includes controlling the second fan to start.

[0079] In the above scheme, while controlling the second heating device to start heating, the control device also controls the second fan to start, so as to discharge the liquid in the collection device to the outside of the temperature control equipment in a timely manner, so as to avoid the water vapor after the body fluid evaporates remaining in the temperature control equipment and affecting the normal operation of the temperature control equipment.

[0080] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a control device that includes modules for implementing any possible implementation of the second aspect described above.

[0081] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a control device, which includes a processor for implementing the method described in any possible implementation of the second aspect above.

[0082] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a control system, which includes the temperature control device described in any possible implementation of the first aspect above, and the control device described in the third or fourth aspect above.

[0083] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle that includes a temperature control device as described in any possible implementation of the first aspect above, or the vehicle includes a control device as described in the third or fourth aspect, or the vehicle includes a control system as described in the fifth aspect.

[0084] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, which, when executed by a processor, implements any of the possible implementations of the second aspect described above.

[0085] The solutions provided in aspects three through seven above are used to implement or cooperate with the methods corresponding to aspect two above, and therefore can achieve the same or corresponding beneficial effects as the methods corresponding to aspect two, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0086] The accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0087] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature control device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figures 2a to 2d This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a collection device proposed in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another control method provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a controller provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0088] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B; the word "and / or" in the text is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" refers to two or more. Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as implying or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first" and "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0089] The relevant technical concepts involved in this application are introduced below.

[0090] Evaporator: An evaporator is a heat exchange device that absorbs heat through a phase change process that converts a liquid into a gas. It is typically used in thermal management systems for refrigeration, such as in air conditioning and refrigerators. In refrigeration mode, the compressor starts and produces a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. This refrigerant is condensed and throttled in the condenser, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters the evaporator. A temperature difference exists between the refrigerant inside the evaporator and the medium being cooled (such as air, water, or other media). The refrigerant absorbs heat from the medium, cooling it. Simultaneously, the refrigerant inside the evaporator absorbs heat and evaporates into a gas.

[0091] Some refrigerator refrigeration systems employ a direct cooling method, where the evaporator (such as a blown evaporator) is placed inside the refrigerator's walls. The refrigerator body is cooled first, and then the air inside is cooled through heat conduction, which in turn cools the items inside. This method has a low heat transfer coefficient and a slow cooling rate.

[0092] In other refrigerator refrigeration solutions, an air-cooled approach is used. This involves integrating the evaporator (such as a finned evaporator) into an exposed module within the refrigerator body. This integrated module also includes a fan, which blows the cooled air from the evaporator into the refrigerator body, rapidly cooling the air inside and, through heat conduction, cooling the items inside. This solution has a high heat transfer coefficient and a faster cooling rate. However, the exposed evaporator is prone to frost buildup during the refrigeration process, affecting cooling efficiency.

[0093] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a temperature control device and control method that can improve the cooling efficiency of the temperature control device.

[0094] The structure of the temperature control device according to the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0095] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature control device proposed in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the temperature control device includes a compressor 101, an evaporator 102, a collection device 103, and a first heating device 104. The evaporator 102 is used to cool the temperature control device. The first heating device 104 is used to heat the evaporator 102.

[0096] Optionally, the temperature control device also includes a condenser. For example, when the temperature control device is in cooling mode, the compressor 101 starts running, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant output by the compressor 101 flows through the condenser and is condensed to provide low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant to the evaporator 102 for cooling the temperature control device.

[0097] During the refrigeration process, evaporator 102 may frost up. As the compressor 101 runs longer, more frost is produced on evaporator 102, affecting the refrigeration performance of the temperature control equipment. Figure 1 In the temperature control device shown, the evaporator 102 can be heated by the first heating device 104, which can melt the frost generated by the evaporator into liquid, thereby achieving the evaporator defrosting effect and improving the refrigeration efficiency of the temperature control device.

[0098] For example, the first heating device 104 can be a heating rod, heating wire or other heating devices. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the type of the first heating device 104.

[0099] Regarding the location of the first heating device 104, for example, the first heating device 104 may be located below the evaporator 102; or, located on the side of the evaporator 102, which is integrated into the evaporator 102. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the location of the first heating device 104.

[0100] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the temperature control device includes a storage chamber and a cooling chamber. The evaporator 102 is located in the cooling chamber. The cooling chamber also includes a first fan 105, which is used to blow the cold energy generated by the evaporator 102 into the storage chamber to cool the storage chamber.

[0101] For example, the first fan 105 is a turbine fan. It is understood that the turbine fan has a larger air pressure, which can blow the cold air generated by the evaporator 102 into the storage chamber more quickly, thereby achieving faster cooling of the storage chamber. Optionally, the first fan 105 can also be other types of fans, such as axial fans. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the type of the first fan.

[0102] The collection device 103 described above is used to collect the liquid formed in the evaporator 102. For example, the liquid formed during defrosting of the evaporator 102.

[0103] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the collection device 103 is located below the evaporator 102, either directly below or diagonally below, and the liquid formed by the evaporator 102 flows into the collection device 103 for collection.

[0104] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the temperature control device also includes a flow guiding device 106. For example, during the process of the first heating device 104 heating the evaporator 102, the liquid formed by the evaporator flows into the collection device 103 through the flow guiding device 106. This is to prevent the liquid formed during the defrosting of the evaporator from flowing to other parts of the temperature control device and affecting its normal operation.

[0105] See Figure 2a , Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a collection device proposed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2a As shown, the collection device 103 includes a collection box 1031 and an inclined plate 1032. The inclined plate 1032 is located at the opening of the collection box 1031 and is used to prevent liquid in the collection box 1031 from splashing outside the collection box 1031. Using the above... Figure 2a The inclined plate shown can effectively prevent liquid in the containment space from overflowing from the opening of the containment space under vibration.

[0106] One possible implementation is, such as Figure 2a As shown, the inclined plate 1032 includes a first inclined plate 10321 and a second inclined plate 10322. The first inclined plate 10321 is inclined in a first direction, and the second inclined plate 10322 is inclined in a second direction, with the first and second directions being opposite. It can be understood that during oscillation, liquid generally oscillates back and forth along two opposite directions. By setting two inclined plates inclined in opposite directions, it is possible to effectively prevent liquid from overflowing in multiple directions.

[0107] For example, there is a first distance L1 between the top of the first inclined plate 10321 and the top of the second inclined plate 10322, and a second distance L2 between the bottom of the first inclined plate 10321 and the bottom of the second inclined plate 10322, wherein the first distance L1 is greater than the second distance L2. That is, the first inclined plate 10321 and the second inclined plate 10322 are arranged in an inverted V-shape, so that when the liquid oscillates along the arrangement direction of the inclined plates 1032, the liquid always slaps against the bottom plane of the inclined plates 1032, so as to better prevent the liquid from oscillating and overflowing.

[0108] Optionally, the first distance L1 can be smaller than the second distance L2. That is, the first inclined plate 10321 and the second inclined plate 10322 are arranged in a V-shape.

[0109] Optionally, such as Figure 2a As shown, the collecting device 103 also includes an extension plate 1033, the top of which is connected to the inclined plate 1032, and the bottom of which extends toward the bottom of the receiving space. During liquid oscillation, the extension plate 1033 can block the amplitude of the liquid oscillation and can also prevent liquid oscillation splashing to a certain extent.

[0110] Optionally, such as Figure 2a As shown, the collecting device 103 also includes a flat plate 1034, and the top of the inclined plate 1032 is connected to the flat plate 1034. If the inclined plate does not completely prevent liquid from oscillating and overflowing, the flat plate 1034 can further prevent liquid from splashing out.

[0111] In one implementation, the collecting device 103 further includes a partition 1035. The collecting box 1031 has a receiving space, and the partition 1035 is disposed within the receiving space, dividing the receiving space into at least two receiving cavities. At least a portion of the bottom of the partition 1035 has a gap between it and the bottom of the receiving space, and two adjacent receiving cavities communicate through the gap.

[0112] Understandable. Figure 2b In the collection device shown, the liquid in the containment cavity is divided by a partition 1035, dividing the liquid volume in the containment space into multiple smaller liquid blocks. This avoids the superposition of kinetic energy of larger liquid volumes and effectively prevents liquid oscillation within the containment space. Furthermore, adjacent containment cavities are connected by gaps, making the liquid distribution within the containment space more uniform and preventing a large amount of liquid from concentrating in one containment cavity, which could lead to a high liquid level and easy oscillation and overflow.

[0113] For example, the bottom portion of the partition 1035 contacts the bottom of the receiving space, such as Figure 2b As shown.

[0114] As another example, the bottom portion of the partition 1035 is completely separated from the receiving space, such as... Figure 2c As shown.

[0115] For example, the partition 1035 can divide the receiving space perpendicular to the bottom plane of the receiving space, or it can divide the receiving space inclined to the bottom plane of the receiving space.

[0116] In one possible implementation, when the temperature control device is applied to a vehicle, the aforementioned partition 1035 includes a first partition 10351, such as... Figure 2bAs shown, the first partition 10351 divides the receiving space into multiple receiving cavities arranged along the length of the vehicle or the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0117] In the above implementation, since the liquid in the collection box 1031 of the vehicle's temperature control device will oscillate along the vehicle's travel direction or length direction when the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating, the first partition 10351 can effectively prevent the liquid in the collection box 1031 from oscillating along the vehicle's length direction or travel direction by dividing the receiving space into multiple receiving cavities arranged along the vehicle's length direction or travel direction.

[0118] In another possible implementation, the aforementioned partition 1035 includes a second partition 10352, such as... Figure 2b As shown, the second partition 10352 divides the receiving space into multiple receiving cavities arranged along the width direction of the vehicle.

[0119] In the above implementation, when the vehicle has lateral acceleration, such as when the vehicle is turning, the liquid in the containment space will oscillate along the width direction of the vehicle. The above-mentioned second partition 10352 divides the containment space into multiple containment chambers along the width direction of the vehicle, which can effectively reduce the oscillation of the liquid in the containment space along the width direction of the vehicle.

[0120] Optionally, the first partition 10351 and the second partition 10352 can be used individually or in combination.

[0121] Optionally, such as Figure 2b As shown, the collecting device 103 also includes a first baffle 1036, which is disposed within the receiving space. The first baffle 1036 is connected to a partition 1035, and there is an angle between the first baffle 1036 and the partition 1035. The first baffle 1036 is used to limit liquid from splashing out of the opening of the receiving space. The first baffle 1036 prevents liquid in the receiving space from splashing upwards during oscillation, thus avoiding liquid overflow during oscillation.

[0122] For example, such as Figure 2b As shown, the top of the first baffle 1036 is connected to the top of the first partition 10351. For example, the first baffle 1036 and the first partition 10351 are integrally formed and connected in an L-shape as a whole. This effectively prevents liquid from splashing and overflowing into the opening of the receiving space when the liquid vibrates along the direction of vehicle travel.

[0123] Optionally, the angle between the first baffle 1036 and the first partition 10351 is 90°. For example, when the first partition 10351 is divided perpendicular to the bottom plane of the containment space, the first baffle 1036 is parallel to the bottom plane of the containment space at the top of the first partition, so as to achieve a larger area of ​​shielding against upward splashing of liquid in the containment space.

[0124] Optionally, the first baffle 1036 is connected to the top of the second partition 10352. The connection details are similar to those described above for the connection with the first partition 10351, and will not be repeated here. This connection method effectively prevents liquid from splashing and overflowing into the opening of the receiving space when the liquid vibrates along the width of the vehicle.

[0125] Alternatively, the first baffle 1036 can also be connected to the top of the first partition 10351 and the second partition 10352 simultaneously to prevent liquid from overflowing due to oscillation in multiple directions.

[0126] In one implementation, the partition 1035 and the inclined plate 1032 can be used independently.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the partition 1035 and the inclined plate 1032 can be used in combination. For example, Figure 2a and Figure 2b Combination, or Figure 2a and Figure 2c combination.

[0128] Optionally, the collecting device 103 is further provided with a second heating device 107, which is used to heat the liquid in the containing space, causing the liquid to evaporate and preventing excessive overflow of the liquid in the containing space. For example, the second heating device 107 is located at the bottom of the containing space, such as... Figure 2d As shown. For example, the second heating device 107 can be a heating rod, heating wire, or other heating devices. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the type of the second heating device 107.

[0129] Optionally, the collecting device 103 is further provided with a first temperature sensor 108, which is used to measure the temperature of the liquid inside the collecting device 103. For example, the first temperature sensor 108 is located at the bottom of the receiving space, such as... Figure 2d As shown.

[0130] Optionally, the temperature control device also includes a second fan 109. During the process of starting the second heating device 107 to heat the liquid in the evaporation collection device 103, the second fan is activated. The second fan 109 is used to blow the gas evaporated by the second heating device 107 out of the temperature control device, preventing water vapor from remaining inside the temperature control device and affecting its normal operation. For example, the second fan is located above the collection device 103, including directly above or diagonally above it. For instance, the second fan 109 is positioned as follows: Figure 1 The fan is shown near the condenser.

[0131] It is worth noting that, in addition to the above Figure 1 In addition to the components shown, the temperature control device may include more or fewer other components, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0132] The structure of the temperature control device has been described above. The following describes a control method proposed in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown, this method can be used to control a temperature-controlled device, which includes an evaporator and a compressor. The evaporator includes a first heating device for condensing the frost produced by the evaporator into a liquid. For example, the temperature-controlled device is as described above. Figure 1 The temperature control device shown can improve its cooling efficiency through this control method. The method includes at least the following steps: Step S301: The control device acquires the first information.

[0133] For example, the control device can be a dedicated controller for temperature control equipment, or other controllers capable of controlling temperature control equipment. Specifically, the control device may include software modules and / or hardware modules. For instance, the control device may include at least one processor, which is a module with processing capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor (MPU), microcontroller unit (MCU), graphics processing unit (GPU), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or hardware circuit implemented by a programmable logic device (PLD). As another example, the control device may include software modules, such as one or more of an executable computer program, computer code, or computer instructions.

[0134] As one possible implementation example, when the temperature control device is applied to a vehicle, such as a car refrigerator, the control device can be located within the vehicle, for example, as an onboard component. Exemplarily, the control device can also be one or more of the following: electronic control unit (ECU), vehicle intranet unit (VIU), domain controller (DC), motor controller unit (MCU), etc. The domain controller includes vehicle domain controller (VDC), multi-domain controller (MDC), etc., and may also be a domain controller under other functional domain partitioning architectures. This application does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0135] The first information includes the first operating time of the compressor, and the door opening information of the temperature control device during the first operating time.

[0136] For example, the door opening information of the temperature control device includes the number of times the temperature control device is opened and / or the duration of the opening. It can be understood that both the number of times the door is opened and the duration of the opening can affect the frosting rate of the evaporator. The more times the door is opened and / or the longer the door is opened, the more water vapor enters the temperature control device, the easier it is for the evaporator to frost, and the faster the frosting speed. That is, both the number of times the door is opened and the duration of the opening are positively correlated with the frosting speed of the evaporator.

[0137] Regarding the initial operating time of the compressor, there are at least two ways to calculate it: Method 1: When the temperature control device is first powered on, the compressor's initial operating time indicates the cumulative operating time of the compressor from the moment the temperature control device is powered on until the first heating element starts heating. It can be understood that when the temperature control device is in cooling mode, the evaporator is in a cooling state while the temperature control device is running. However, when the first heating element is activated, the evaporator is in a defrosting state, and the compressor is stopped. Therefore, the compressor's initial operating time is the cumulative operating time of the compressor from the moment the temperature control device is powered on until the first defrosting cycle.

[0138] For example, when the temperature control device is first powered on, it is in cooling mode. The compressor starts running and runs for 30 minutes. After the compressor runs for the first time, the temperature inside the temperature control device reaches the set temperature and the compressor stops running. In order to maintain the temperature inside the temperature control device within the preset range, the compressor is restarted and runs for 20 minutes after it stops running for 30 minutes. If the first heater starts to start heating and defrosting, the first working time of the compressor is 30min + 20min = 50min.

[0139] In Mode 1, the number of times the door is opened within the first working time is the cumulative number of times the temperature control device is opened from the moment the temperature control device is powered on until the first heating device is started to defrost; the door opening time within the first working time is the cumulative door opening time of the temperature control device from the moment the temperature control device is powered on until the first heating device is started to defrost.

[0140] Method 2: During the intermediate operation of the temperature control equipment, such as when the first heating device has been started, the compressor's first operating time is used to indicate the cumulative operating time of the compressor after the first heating device stops heating. It can be understood that the control device resets the compressor's cumulative operating time to zero each time it controls the first heating device to start for defrosting. Therefore, the compressor's first operating time is the cumulative operating time of the compressor within the intermediate time period between two consecutive starts of the first heating device. It can be understood that during the current power-on operation of the temperature control equipment, if the first heating device stops heating, the frost on the evaporator can be considered to have been largely cleared. As the compressor accumulates operating time, the amount of frost on the evaporator gradually increases. The compressor's first operating time can reflect, to some extent, the amount of frost on the evaporator before the next start of the first heating device.

[0141] For example, the temperature control device starts the first heating unit to begin defrosting at the first moment, and the compressor's cumulative operating time is reset to zero. At the second moment, the first heating unit stops heating, and the defrosting is complete. After the second moment, if the compressor starts running, the operating time is timed; if the compressor stops running, the operating time is stopped, until the first heating unit starts heating again at the third moment to perform defrosting. Therefore, the first operating time of the compressor is the cumulative operating time of the compressor from the second moment to the third moment.

[0142] In mode 2, the number of times the door is opened within the first working time is the cumulative number of times the door is opened during the time interval between two consecutive starts of the first heating device for defrosting; the door opening time within the first working time is the cumulative door opening time during the time interval between two consecutive starts of the first heating device for defrosting.

[0143] It is worth noting that the temperature control device does not require defrosting in heating mode. Therefore, the cumulative operating time of the compressor mentioned above is the cumulative operating time of the compressor when the temperature control device is in cooling mode; the operating time of the compressor in heating mode is not included in the cumulative operating time. Alternatively, the control device may only obtain the first operating time of the compressor when the temperature control device is in cooling mode.

[0144] In step S302, the control device controls the first heating device to start heating based on the first information.

[0145] It is understandable that in the cooling mode of the temperature-controlled equipment, the amount of frost produced by the evaporator is related to the compressor's operating time; the longer the compressor runs, the more frost is produced. Furthermore, the amount of frost produced is also related to the door opening information of the temperature-controlled equipment. During each door opening, a large amount of water vapor enters the equipment, accelerating the frost formation rate. Therefore, the first operating time and the door opening information of the temperature-controlled equipment can reflect the frost situation on the evaporator to a certain extent. The control device can then control the first heating device to start heating based on the frost situation. When the first heating device is in operation, the frost on the evaporator melts into liquid, thus defrosting the evaporator and improving the cooling efficiency of the temperature-controlled equipment.

[0146] For example, the following two scenarios will be used to illustrate the situation where "the control device controls the first heating device to start heating based on the first information".

[0147] Scenario 1 (as in the first state): When the temperature control device is first powered on for cooling, there is still frost (residual frost) on the evaporator generated during the previous power-on operation. For example, if the time interval between the two power-on operations of the temperature control device is short, during the first power-on operation, if the compressor runs for a period of time but the control device has not yet started the first heating device to start defrosting, the temperature control device will stop operating and power off, or if the defrosting is not completed during the first heating process, and after a short interval (e.g., 10 minutes) after the first operation, the temperature control device will power on for the second time, at which point there will be residual frost generated on the evaporator during the first power-on operation.

[0148] For example, the control device can distinguish whether the temperature control device is in scenario 1 by: when the temperature control device is just powered on, before the compressor starts to cool, the control device can obtain the temperature of the evaporator. If the temperature of the evaporator is less than the first temperature threshold, for example, when the temperature of the evaporator is less than 0°C, it is considered that there is residual frost in the evaporator, and the temperature control device is determined to be in scenario 1 (or the first state).

[0149] Optionally, an exemplary way for the control device to obtain the temperature of the evaporator is as follows: in the temperature control device, a second temperature sensor is provided on the surface of the refrigerant flow channel inlet of the evaporator. The data measured by the second temperature sensor can reflect the temperature of the evaporator. Alternatively, the second temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature of the evaporator, and the control device can obtain the data measured by the second temperature sensor to obtain the temperature of the evaporator.

[0150] In scenario 1, step S302 may include the following steps: S11, the control device obtains the first equivalent duration based on the door opening information of the temperature control equipment within the first working time.

[0151] At this point, the first working duration is the first working duration corresponding to mode 1 in step S301 above, and the door opening information of the temperature control device is the door opening information corresponding to mode 1 above. After obtaining the door opening information of the temperature control device, in order to make the door opening information of the temperature control device more clearly reflect the frosting situation of the evaporator, the control device quantifies the door opening information of the temperature control device and converts it into a first equivalent duration. It can be understood that the first equivalent duration can reflect the frosting situation of the evaporator in scenario 1 to a certain extent.

[0152] For example, if the door opening information of the temperature control device includes the number of times the temperature control device is opened, it can be assumed that each door opening lasts an average of 30 seconds (s), or it can be other values. Then, one way to obtain the first equivalent duration can be calculated based on the following formula (1): Formula (1) Here, A1 represents the conversion weight for the number of door openings in Scenario 1. A1 can be a preset weight or can be flexibly adjusted according to defrosting requirements. For example, if less frost buildup on the evaporator is desired and the defrosting frequency is increased, the conversion weight A1 can be set to a larger value. Optionally, the conversion weight can be different for different scenarios.

[0153] For example, if the door opening information of the temperature control device includes the door opening duration of the temperature control device, then one way to obtain the first equivalent duration can be calculated based on the following formula (2): Formula (2) Here, A2 is the conversion weight for the door opening time in scenario 1. For example, A2 can be the same as A1 above. Other explanations of A2 can be found in the relevant descriptions of A1, and will not be repeated here.

[0154] For example, when the door opening information of the temperature control device includes the number of times the temperature control device is opened and the opening duration, one way to obtain the first equivalent duration can be calculated based on the following formula (3): Formula (3) A3 and A4 can be preset weights or adjusted flexibly according to defrosting needs. Further explanations of A3 and A4 can be found in the descriptions of A1 or A2, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] It is understood that the above conversion formula for the first equivalent duration is only an example. The first equivalent duration can also be converted in other ways, such as by model conversion. This application does not specifically limit the calculation method of the first equivalent duration.

[0156] S12, the control device obtains the first cumulative duration based on the first operating duration and the first equivalent duration of the compressor.

[0157] After obtaining the first equivalent duration, the control device combines the first operating duration with the first equivalent duration to obtain the first cumulative duration. Therefore, the first cumulative duration can comprehensively reflect the frosting situation of the evaporator. For example, the larger the first cumulative duration, the more frost is on the evaporator.

[0158] For example, the control device can obtain the first cumulative duration by adding the first working duration to the first equivalent duration.

[0159] As another example, the control device may also weight and sum the first working time and the first equivalent time to obtain the first cumulative time.

[0160] As another example, the control device may also input the first working time and the first equivalent time into the conversion model, and the conversion model calculates and outputs the first cumulative time.

[0161] It is understood that the above-described methods for obtaining the first cumulative duration are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application are applicable to various methods for obtaining the first cumulative duration based on the first working duration and the first equivalent duration.

[0162] S13, if the control device determines that the first cumulative duration is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it controls the first heating device to start heating.

[0163] It is understandable that when the first cumulative duration is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the control device considers that there is too much frost on the evaporator, which affects the cooling efficiency of the temperature control equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to defrost the evaporator. That is, the control device controls the first heating device to start heating, and the first heating device melts the frost generated by the evaporator into liquid to achieve the defrosting effect.

[0164] For example, the first threshold is a preset threshold for scenario 1, or the first threshold can be adjusted according to the defrosting requirements of scenario 1. For instance, in scenario 1, because there is residual frost on the evaporator, there may be a lot of frost on the evaporator when the first accumulated time is short, requiring defrosting of the evaporator. In this case, the first threshold can be set to a small value, such as 3600 seconds. Optionally, the unit of the first threshold is consistent with the unit of the first accumulated time.

[0165] Scenario 2 (as in the second state): When the temperature control device is first powered on and begins cooling, there is no frost buildup on the evaporator, and it enters the normal operation-defrost process; or the temperature control device has already defrosted once during this operation, and it enters the normal operation-defrost process. It can be understood that Scenario 2 refers to other cooling scenarios for temperature control devices besides Scenario 1.

[0166] For example, if the control device determines that the temperature control device does not belong to scenario 1, it can consider the temperature control device to belong to scenario 2 or be in a second state. For instance, if the control device has just been powered on and, before starting the compressor for cooling, determines that the evaporator temperature is greater than a first temperature threshold, it considers it to belong to scenario 2; or, in scenario 1, after the control device controls the first heating device to start heating, the temperature control device belongs to scenario 2. See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another control method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0167] In scenario 2, step S302 may include the following steps: S21, the control device obtains the second equivalent duration based on the door opening information of the temperature control equipment within the first working time.

[0168] At this point, the first working duration is the first working duration corresponding to mode 2 in step S301 above, and the door opening information of the temperature control device is the door opening information corresponding to mode 2 above. After obtaining the door opening information of the temperature control device, in order to make the door opening information of the temperature control device more clearly reflect the frosting situation of the evaporator, the control device quantifies the door opening information of the temperature control device and converts it into a second equivalent duration. It can be understood that the second equivalent duration can reflect the frosting situation of the evaporator to a certain extent under scenario 2.

[0169] For example, if the door opening information of the temperature control device includes the number of times the temperature control device is opened, it can be assumed that each door opening lasts an average of 30 seconds (s), or it can be other values. Then, one way to obtain the second equivalent duration can be calculated based on the following formula (4): Formula (4) Here, B1 represents the conversion weight for the number of door openings in Scenario 2. B1 can be a preset weight or can be flexibly adjusted according to defrosting requirements.

[0170] For example, B1 differs from A1, meaning that under the same number of door openings, the first equivalent duration for scenario 1 differs from the second equivalent duration for scenario 2. It is understandable that the required defrosting time interval may vary under different scenarios. For instance, B1 > A1, meaning the first equivalent duration for the same number of door openings is shorter than the second equivalent duration.

[0171] For other cases regarding the door opening information of temperature control devices, refer to the relevant descriptions in Scenario 1 above. The conversion weight An in Scenario 1 can be replaced with the conversion weight Bn in Scenario 2. The relationship between An and Bn can be referred to the relationship between A1 and B1 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0172] S22, the control device obtains the first cumulative duration based on the first operating duration and the second equivalent duration of the compressor.

[0173] After obtaining the second equivalent duration, the control device combines the first operating duration with the second equivalent duration to obtain the first cumulative duration. Therefore, the first cumulative duration can comprehensively reflect the frosting situation of the evaporator under scenario 2. For example, the larger the first cumulative duration, the more frost is on the evaporator.

[0174] For example, the method by which the control device obtains the first cumulative duration based on the first working duration and the second equivalent duration can be referred to the relevant description in step S21 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0175] S23, if the control device determines that the first cumulative duration is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it controls the first heating device to start heating.

[0176] It is understandable that when the first cumulative duration is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the control device considers that there is too much frost on the evaporator and that the evaporator needs to be defrosted. That is, the control device starts heating to turn the frost produced by the evaporator into liquid in order to achieve the defrosting effect.

[0177] For example, the second threshold is a preset threshold for scenario 2, or the second threshold can be adjusted according to the defrosting requirements of scenario 2. For instance, in scenario 2, the evaporator has no frost before the first cumulative duration is started. Therefore, the magnitude of the first cumulative duration can more accurately reflect the frost situation of the evaporator. It can be understood that the time required for the evaporator to go from a frost-free state to a state with more frost is longer, for example, longer than the time required for the evaporator to go from a state with residual frost to a state with more frost in scenario 1. Therefore, the second threshold can be set to a larger threshold, for example, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, for example, the second threshold can be 18000 seconds. Optionally, the unit of the second threshold is consistent with the unit of the first cumulative duration.

[0178] Optionally, the control method further includes: step S303, whereby the control device acquires second information, and if the second information satisfies the defrosting exit condition, the control device stops heating.

[0179] The second information includes the evaporator temperature information and / or the cumulative operating time of the first heating device. It can be understood that the evaporator temperature information can be the temperature of the evaporator surface, for example, the temperature of the refrigerant inlet surface of the evaporator. The method by which the control device obtains the evaporator temperature information can refer to the method described above for determining whether the temperature control device is in scenario 1 and obtaining the evaporator temperature, which will not be repeated here. For example, the cumulative operating time of the first heating device is the cumulative operating time during this control of the first heating device to start heating. For example, the cumulative operating time of the first heating device is reset to zero each time it stops heating.

[0180] For example, the defrosting stop condition can be understood as the condition that controls the first heating device to stop heating, and the defrosting stop condition includes at least one of the following: Item 1: The evaporator temperature is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold. The second temperature threshold can be a preset threshold or adjusted according to defrosting requirements. It can be understood that when frost accumulates on the evaporator, the evaporator temperature is low, for example, less than or equal to 0°C. When the evaporator temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the evaporator temperature rises; for example, when the evaporator temperature is greater than or equal to 2°C, it can be considered that the frost on the evaporator has basically melted, and the first heater is then controlled to stop heating.

[0181] Item 2: The cumulative operating time of the first heating device is greater than or equal to a first time threshold. The first time threshold can be a preset threshold or can be adjusted according to defrosting requirements. When the cumulative operating time of the first heating device is greater than or equal to the first time threshold, the heating time of the first heating device is considered to be long enough to defrost the newly generated frost on the evaporator after the last defrost. In this case, the control device can control the first heating device to stop heating.

[0182] It is understood that the above-mentioned defrosting stop conditions are merely illustrative, and the embodiments of this application may also include more other defrosting stop conditions.

[0183] Optionally, the temperature control device further includes a collection device for collecting liquid formed during defrosting of the evaporator. A second heater is provided at the bottom of the collection device to heat the liquid in the collection device and cause it to evaporate. In this case, the control method further includes step S304: after the first heating device has been activated for a first heating duration, the second heating device is activated.

[0184] It is understandable that after the first heating device starts heating for a first period of time, at least part of the frost produced by the evaporator will turn into liquid and flow into the collection device. At this time, in order to prevent the liquid in the collection device from overflowing, the control device can also control the second heating device in the collection device to heat the liquid formed by the defrosting of the evaporator in the collection device, so that the liquid evaporates and is discharged.

[0185] Optionally, the temperature control device also includes a second fan for blowing water vapor from the evaporated liquid in the collection device outside the temperature control device. For example, the second fan is located above the collection device, either directly above or diagonally above, to better blow the water vapor from the evaporated liquid in the collection device outside the temperature control device. Figure 1 The fan corresponding to the condenser shown. In this case, the control method further includes: S305, the control device controls the second fan to start. It can be understood that since the collection device is located inside the temperature control equipment, the water vapor after the liquid in the collection device evaporates is difficult to expel from the temperature control equipment, which can easily cause the electronic components of the temperature control equipment to become damp and malfunction. Therefore, the control device can also control the second fan to start, so as to assist the second fan in expelling the water vapor after the liquid in the collection device evaporates from the temperature control equipment, thereby maintaining the dryness of the temperature control equipment.

[0186] Regarding the timing of steps S305 and S304, there are several possibilities: For example, the control device can start the second fan simultaneously with or before starting the second heating device to ensure that the water vapor formed by the liquid in the collection device is better discharged outside the temperature control equipment. Alternatively, the control device can start the second fan after the second heating device has been running for a period of time. It can be understood that the second heating device needs a certain amount of time to heat the liquid to evaporation. If the control device determines that water vapor has been generated and needs to be discharged in time after the second heating device has been running for a period of time, it can reduce the power consumption of starting the second fan.

[0187] Optionally, the temperature control device further includes a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the liquid inside the collection device. In this case, after step S304, the control method further includes: S306, whereby the control device acquires third information and, based on the third information, controls the second heating device to stop heating.

[0188] The third piece of information includes the measurement data from the first temperature sensor and the cumulative operating time of the second heating device. For example, the cumulative operating time of the second heating device is the duration of continuous heating after the second heating device is started. For instance, the control device resets the cumulative operating time of the second heating device to zero after controlling the second heating device to stop operating.

[0189] In one example, "controlling the second heating device to stop heating based on third information" specifically includes: controlling the second heating device to stop heating when the third information meets the conditions for stopping heating.

[0190] For example, the heating stop condition includes at least one of the following sub-conditions: Sub-condition 1: The temperature measured by the first sensor is greater than or equal to a third temperature threshold. This third temperature threshold can be a preset threshold or adjustable according to evaporation requirements. It can be understood that the temperature measured by the first sensor is the temperature of the liquid being heated by the second heating device. If the liquid temperature is greater than or equal to the third temperature threshold, it is considered that the liquid can evaporate at a relatively fast rate, and the second heating device can be controlled to stop heating the liquid. For example, the third temperature threshold is less than the boiling point of the liquid to prevent the liquid from boiling and splashing out of the collection device.

[0191] Sub-condition 2: The cumulative operating time of the second heating device is greater than or equal to a second duration threshold. This second duration threshold can be a preset threshold or adjusted according to evaporation requirements. For example, if the cumulative operating time of the second heating device is greater than or equal to the second duration threshold, it is considered that the second heating device has heated for a relatively long time to basically meet the evaporation requirements of the liquid in the collection device, and the control device stops heating the second heating device. Alternatively, the second duration threshold can be a maximum heating time safety threshold for the second heating device, to prevent the second heating device from burning dry for an extended period in the event of a first sensor malfunction.

[0192] It is understood that the conditions for stopping heating may include other sub-conditions, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit them.

[0193] In one possible implementation, during the process of controlling the first heating device to start heating, if the defrosting exit condition is not met, the temperature control device is powered off or switched to heating mode. The control device can then generate a first flag indicating that defrosting is incomplete or interrupted. Alternatively, during the process of controlling the second heating device to start heating, if the temperature control device is powered off or switched to heating mode before the heating stop condition is met, the control device can generate a second flag indicating that liquid evaporation is incomplete or interrupted. Upon the next power-on of the temperature control device, if the control device receives the first and / or second flag information, it indicates the presence of liquid in the collection device. The control device then controls the second heating device to start heating, causing the liquid in the collection device to evaporate and be discharged.

[0194] By adopting the above solution, the evaporator can be defrosted in a timely manner, thereby improving the refrigeration efficiency of the temperature control equipment.

[0195] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. The following provides an apparatus for implementing any one of the methods in the embodiments of this application. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes a unit (or means) for implementing the steps performed by the device in any of the above methods.

[0196] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0197] In one possible design, the control device 50 may correspond to the above. Figure 3 The control device in the illustrated method embodiment, such as control device 50, can be an electronic device or a chip within an electronic device. Control device 50 may include components for performing the above-described... Figure 3 The unit in the method embodiment shown is the one whose operation is performed by the control device, and each unit in the control device 50 is respectively for implementing the above-mentioned... Figure 3 The operations performed by the control device in the illustrated method embodiment. Wherein, as Figure 5 As shown, the control device 50 may include an acquisition unit 501 and a control unit 502. The control unit 502 may be software, hardware, or a combination of both. The descriptions of each unit are as follows: The acquisition unit 501 is used to acquire first information, which includes the first working time of the compressor and the door opening information of the temperature control device within the first working time. The first working time is used to indicate the cumulative working time of the compressor after the first heating device stops heating, or the cumulative working time after the temperature control device is powered on and before the first heating device starts heating.

[0198] The control unit 502 is used to control the first heating device to start heating based on the first information.

[0199] Regarding the acquisition unit 501 and control unit 502 described in this design, the steps they perform can be referred to the corresponding steps described above. Figure 3 The implementation methods corresponding to the control devices shown in the method embodiments will not be described again here.

[0200] Regarding the technical effects of the implementation method performed by the control device 50 described in this design, please refer to the corresponding description above. Figure 3 The technical effects of the illustrated method embodiments are described below.

[0201] The above-mentioned units are divided based on logical functions. In practical applications, the function of one unit can be implemented by multiple units, or the function of multiple units can be implemented by one unit. In other embodiments of this application, the electronic device may also include other units. In practical applications, these functions can also be implemented with the assistance of other units, and can be implemented collaboratively by multiple units.

[0202] Furthermore, the units in the device can be implemented in the form of processor calling software. For example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory that stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of each unit of the device. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is either internal or external to the device.

[0203] Alternatively, the units in the device can be implemented as hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all units can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the above units is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through a configuration file, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the above units. All units of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-invoked software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-invoked software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0204] In one possible implementation, this application embodiment also provides a controller. Figure 6 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a controller provided in this application. The controller can be the controller in the method described in the above embodiments. Figure 6 The controller 600 shown may include a processor 601, a memory 602, and a communication interface 603. The processor 601, the communication interface 603, and the memory 602 may be interconnected or interconnected via a bus 604.

[0205] For example, memory 602 is used to store computer programs and data of controller 600. Memory 602 may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM).

[0206] The software or program code required for the function of all or part of the controller units in the above method embodiments is stored in memory 602.

[0207] In one possible implementation, if the software or program code required for the function of a part of the unit is stored in the memory 602, the processor 601 can not only call the program code in the memory 602 to implement the part of the function, but also cooperate with other components (such as the communication interface 603) to complete other functions described in the method embodiment (such as the function of receiving or sending data or instructions).

[0208] There can be multiple communication interfaces 603, which are used to support the controller 600 in communication, such as receiving or sending data, signals or instructions.

[0209] For example, processor 601 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The processor may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Processor 601 can be used to read the program stored in the aforementioned memory 602 and execute the aforementioned... Figure 3 The operations performed by the controller in the method described in its possible embodiments.

[0210] Figure 6 The specific operation and beneficial effects of each unit in the controller 600 shown can be found in the corresponding descriptions in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0211] This application also provides a vehicle that includes the control device described in any of the above embodiments or the temperature control device described in any of the above possible embodiments.

[0212] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that is executed by a processor to perform the operations of the control device in any of the above embodiments and their possible embodiments.

[0213] This application also provides a computer program product, which, when read and executed by a computer, executes the operations performed by the control device in any of the above embodiments and their possible embodiments.

[0214] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0215] It should also be understood that the term “comprising” (also referred to as “includes”, “including”, “comprises” and / or “comprising”) as used in this specification specifies the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0216] It should also be understood that the phrases "an embodiment," "an embodiment," and "a possible implementation" used throughout the specification mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment or implementation is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, the phrases "in an embodiment," "an embodiment," or "a possible implementation" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0217] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A temperature control device, characterized in that, The temperature control device includes an evaporator, a first heating device, and a collecting device; The evaporator is used to cool the temperature control device; The first heating device is used to heat the evaporator; The collection device is used to collect the liquid formed by the evaporator; the collection device includes a collection box and an inclined plate, the inclined plate being located at the opening of the collection box, the inclined plate being used to prevent the liquid in the collection box from splashing outside the collection box.

2. The temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collecting device is located below the evaporator.

3. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The temperature control device also includes a flow guiding device, through which the evaporator is connected to the collection device.

4. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The inclined plate is inclined relative to the bottom of the collection box.

5. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The inclined plate includes a first inclined plate and a second inclined plate. The first inclined plate is inclined in a first direction, and the second inclined plate is inclined in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

6. The temperature control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, There is a first distance between the top of the first inclined plate and the top of the second inclined plate, and a second distance between the bottom of the first inclined plate and the bottom of the second inclined plate, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

7. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The collection device also includes an extension plate, the top of which is connected to the inclined plate, and the bottom of which extends toward the bottom of the collection box.

8. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The collecting device also includes a flat plate, and the top of the inclined plate is connected to the flat plate.

9. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The collection device further includes a partition disposed within the receiving space of the collection box, the partition dividing the receiving space into at least two receiving cavities; at least a portion of the bottom of the partition and the bottom of the receiving space have a gap, and two adjacent receiving cavities are connected through the gap.

10. The temperature control device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The temperature control device is applied to a vehicle, and the partition includes a first partition that divides the receiving space into multiple receiving cavities arranged along the length of the vehicle.

11. The temperature control device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The collection device further includes a first baffle disposed within the containment space, the first baffle being connected to the partition and having an included angle between the first baffle and the partition; the first baffle is used to restrict the liquid from splashing out from the opening of the containment space.

12. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The temperature control device is applied to a vehicle, and the partition includes a second partition that divides the receiving space into multiple receiving cavities arranged along the width direction of the vehicle.

13. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, The partition is located below the inclined plate.

14. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The bottom of the collection device is provided with a second heating device, which is used to heat the liquid in the collection box to evaporate the liquid.

15. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The collection device also includes a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the liquid in the collection box.

16. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The temperature control device includes a storage chamber and a cooling chamber. The evaporator is located in the cooling chamber, and the cooling chamber also includes a first fan, which is used to blow the cold energy generated by the evaporator into the storage chamber.

17. The temperature control device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first fan is a turbo fan.

18. A control method, characterized in that, The control method is used to control a temperature control device, which includes a compressor, an evaporator, and a first heating device. When the compressor is in operation, the evaporator is used to cool the temperature control device. The first heating device is used to heat the evaporator; the control method includes: Obtain first information, the first information including the first working time of the compressor, and the door opening information of the temperature control device within the first working time; wherein, the first working time is used to indicate the cumulative working time of the compressor after the first heating device stops heating, or the cumulative working time of the compressor after the temperature control device is powered on and before the first heating device starts heating; Based on the first information, the first heating device is controlled to start heating.

19. The control method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The step of controlling the first heating device to start heating based on the first information includes: Based on the first information, the first cumulative duration is obtained; If the first cumulative duration meets the defrosting trigger condition, the first heating device is controlled to start heating.

20. The control method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The defrosting trigger condition is related to the status information of the temperature control device.

21. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The status information of the temperature control device includes a first status and a second status; When the temperature control device is in the first state, the defrosting trigger condition includes: the first cumulative duration is greater than or equal to the first threshold. When the temperature control device is in the second state, the defrosting trigger condition includes: the first cumulative duration is greater than or equal to the second threshold; Wherein, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

22. The control method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first state indicates that the temperature of the evaporator is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold during a first time period after the temperature control device is powered on. The second state indicates that the temperature of the evaporator is greater than the first temperature threshold during a first time period after the temperature control device is powered on, or after the first heating device has finished heating.

23. The control method according to any one of claims 19-22, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the first cumulative duration based on the first information includes: Based on the door opening information of the temperature control device during the first working time, the equivalent duration is obtained; The first cumulative duration is obtained based on the first working duration and the equivalent duration.

24. The control method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The first information also includes the status information of the temperature control device; the step of obtaining the equivalent duration based on the door opening information of the temperature control device within the first working time includes: The equivalent duration is obtained based on the door opening information of the temperature control device and the status information of the temperature control device within the first working time.

25. The control method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The equivalent duration is positively correlated with the cumulative number of door openings indicated by the door opening information; and / or, the equivalent duration is positively correlated with the cumulative door opening duration indicated by the door opening information.

26. The control method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The status information of the temperature control device includes a first status and a second status; When the temperature control device is in the first state, the equivalent duration is the first equivalent duration; When the temperature control device is in the second state, the equivalent duration is the second equivalent duration; For the same door opening information, the first equivalent duration is less than the second equivalent duration.

27. The control method according to any one of claims 18-26, characterized in that, The control method further includes: Obtain second information, which includes the temperature information of the evaporator and / or the cumulative operating time of the first heating device; If the second information satisfies the defrosting exit condition, the first heating device is controlled to stop heating.

28. The control method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The defrosting exit condition includes at least one of the following: The temperature of the evaporator is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold, and the cumulative operating time of the first heating device is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold.

29. The control method according to any one of claims 18-28, characterized in that, The temperature control device further includes a collection device for collecting the liquid formed by the evaporator; a second heating device is provided at the bottom of the collection device for heating the liquid in the collection device, causing the liquid to evaporate; the control method further includes: After the first heating device has been started for a first heating period, the second heating device is controlled to start heating.

30. The control method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The collection device further includes a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the liquid in the collection device; the control method further includes: Obtain third information, which includes the measurement data of the first temperature sensor and the cumulative working time of the second heating device; Based on the third information, the second heating device is controlled to stop heating.

31. The control method according to claim 30, characterized in that, The step of controlling the second heating device to stop heating based on the third information includes: If the third information satisfies the conditions for stopping heating, the second heating device is controlled to stop heating.

32. The control method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The heating cessation conditions include at least one of the following: The temperature measured by the first sensor is greater than or equal to a third temperature threshold, and the cumulative operating time of the second heating device is greater than or equal to a second duration threshold.

33. The control method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that, The temperature control device further includes a second fan, which is used to blow the gas produced by the liquid evaporation outside the temperature control device; the control method further includes: Control the second fan to start.

34. A control device, characterized in that, The control device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 18-33.

35. A control device, characterized in that, The control device includes a processor for performing the method as described in any one of claims 18-33.

36. A control system, characterized in that, The control system includes a temperature control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, and a control device as described in claim 34 or 35.

37. A terminal, characterized in that, The terminal includes a temperature control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, or the terminal includes a control device as described in claim 34 or 35, or the terminal includes a control system as described in claim 36.

38. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed, performs the method as described in any one of claims 18-33.

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