Control method of electric shelf for refrigerator and refrigerator
By combining detection devices and overcurrent protection in the control method, the problem of difficulty in resetting the electric shelf after locking was solved, realizing the rapid unlocking and normal movement of the electric shelf, and avoiding the trouble of disassembling and damaging the refrigerator.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510004003.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
In existing technology, electric shelves are difficult to reset after being locked, making them unable to rise or fall. Furthermore, the mechanism needs to be disassembled and manually reset, which wastes time and can easily damage the refrigerator.
The detection device detects the position of the electric shelf and executes a reset procedure after the movement time exceeds a preset time. Combined with overcurrent protection and alarm mode, the electric shelf is automatically or manually controlled to move away from the limit position, so as to realize the normal up and down movement of the electric shelf.
Quickly release the motorized shelf from its locked state, saving time and maintenance costs, and restoring the motorized shelf to normal function without disassembling the refrigerator.
Smart Images
Figure CN122360034A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator technology, specifically providing a control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator and a refrigerator. Background Technology
[0002] In the prior art, shelves are generally installed in refrigerators to facilitate the placement of items inside. In order to better adjust the different sections inside the refrigerator, the shelves can be set as electric shelves. However, during use, the electric shelves may lock due to the internal mechanism and cannot be raised or lowered. The cause of the above problem is not easy to find and it is difficult to reset. Usually, the entire mechanism needs to be disassembled for manual reset, which wastes time and is easy to damage the refrigerator. Summary of the Invention
[0003] This application aims to solve the aforementioned technical problem, namely, to solve the problem of difficulty in resetting the electric shelf after locking in the prior art.
[0004] This application provides a control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes an electric shelf and a detection device. The detection device is used to detect the position of the electric shelf. The control method includes: when the electric shelf is in a first extreme position, controlling the electric shelf to move in a second direction; when the electric shelf stops moving and it is detected that the electric shelf is in a second extreme position, acquiring the time T for the electric shelf to move in the second direction; comparing T with the shortest movement time T1 of the electric shelf; when T is less than T1, controlling the detection device to execute a reset procedure so that the electric shelf is detected as being in a non-extreme position; wherein the first extreme position and the second extreme position are the two ends of the electric shelf's travel, and the second direction is the direction from the first extreme position to the second extreme position.
[0005] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned control method for the electric shelf of a refrigerator, the control method further includes: after the reset procedure is executed for time T2, controlling the electric shelf to move in the first direction, and determining whether the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection; when the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, controlling the electric shelf to move in the second direction for time T3; wherein, the first direction is the direction from the second extreme position to the first extreme position.
[0006] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned control method for the electric shelf of a refrigerator, the control method further includes: when the electric shelf does not trigger overcurrent protection, controlling the electric shelf to continue moving in the first direction for a time T4, and detecting in real time whether the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection during the time T4; when the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, or when the electric shelf moves in the first direction for a time T4, controlling the electric shelf to move in the second direction for a time T3.
[0007] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned control method for the electric shelf of a refrigerator, the first limit position is the upper limit position, the second limit position is the lower limit position, the second direction is downward, and the first direction is upward. The control method further includes: controlling the electric shelf to move upward, detecting whether the electric shelf is at the upper limit position; when the electric shelf is not at the upper limit position, detecting whether the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection; when the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, controlling the electric shelf to stop moving.
[0008] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned control method for the electric shelf of a refrigerator, the control method further includes: when the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, obtaining the time T5 for the electric shelf to move upward; determining whether T5 is greater than the minimum rising time T6; when T5 is greater than T6, activating an alarm mode to remind the user to check the status of the items on the electric shelf.
[0009] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned control method for the electric shelf of the refrigerator, the control method further includes: when T5 is less than or equal to T6, activating an over-limit alarm to remind the user that the detection device inside the refrigerator has failed and the electric shelf is in the upper limit position.
[0010] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned control method for the electric shelf of a refrigerator, the control method further includes: when T5 is greater than T6, and before, simultaneously with or after the alarm mode is activated, controlling the electric shelf to stop moving; recording the state of the electric shelf as an upward locking state.
[0011] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned control method for the electric shelf of a refrigerator, the control method further includes: controlling the electric shelf to move upward to detect whether the electric shelf is in a rising locked state; when the electric shelf is in a rising locked state, the electric shelf remains stationary; and controlling the electric shelf to move downward.
[0012] In the optional technical solution of the above-mentioned control method for the electric shelf of a refrigerator, the control method further includes: controlling the electric shelf to move downward for a time T7; comparing T7 with the shortest descent time T8; when T7 is greater than T8, releasing the upward locking state of the electric shelf; and / or, when T7 is less than or equal to T8, controlling the electric shelf to continue to maintain the upward locking state.
[0013] This application also provides a refrigerator, which includes an electric shelf, and the refrigerator can control the movement of the electric shelf using any one of the above-described technical solutions.
[0014] When the above technical solution is adopted, the detection device is reset so that the electric shelf is detected as being in a non-limit position. At this time, in terms of control logic, the electric shelf can move both upward and downward. By actually controlling the electric shelf to move in the second direction, the electric shelf can be effectively controlled to leave the first limit position. Attached Figure Description
[0015] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the main steps of the control method for the electric shelf of a refrigerator according to this application;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a first embodiment of the control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator according to this application.
[0018] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a second embodiment of the control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator according to this application.
[0019] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a third embodiment of the control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator according to this application. Detailed Implementation
[0020] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description relating to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. “A plurality of” means two or more.
[0021] Unless otherwise stated, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by "upper" and "lower" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the purpose of facilitating the description of this application and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0022] This application provides a refrigerator, which includes an electric shelf and a detection device. The detection device detects the position of the electric shelf, which can be electrically driven to move up and down. When the electric shelf is in a locked state inside the refrigerator, the detection device can be reset to detect that the electric shelf is in a non-limit position. At this time, controlling the up and down movement of the electric shelf can release the locked state. The refrigerator of this application uses a reset procedure to reset the detection device and then control the movement of the electric shelf, which can quickly release the locked electric shelf and save time.
[0023] This application also provides a control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator can control the electric shelf to move up and down using the control method for the electric shelf in the refrigerator, such as... Figure 1 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the main steps of the control method for an electric shelving unit, specifically including the following steps:
[0024] Step S100: When the electric shelf is at the first limit position, control the electric shelf to move in the second direction;
[0025] Step S200: When the electric shelf stops moving and it is detected that the electric shelf is at the second limit position, obtain the time T for the electric shelf to move in the second direction;
[0026] Step S300: Compare whether T is less than the shortest movement time T1 of the electric shelf;
[0027] Step S310: When T is less than T1, the control detection device executes a reset procedure to detect the electric shelf as being in a non-limit position.
[0028] The first and second limit positions are the two ends of the electric shelf's travel, and the second direction is the direction from the first limit position to the second limit position. When the first limit position is the upper limit position, the second limit position is the lower limit position, and the second direction is downward, the electric shelf is at the upper limit position, controlling its downward movement. When the electric shelf has moved for a time T and is detected to be at the lower limit position, it is determined whether the movement time T of the electric shelf is greater than the shortest movement time T1 of the electric shelf. The shortest movement time T1 of the electric shelf is the shortest time required for the electric shelf to leave the upper limit position. Therefore, when the downward movement time T of the electric shelf is less than T1, it proves that the movement time of the electric shelf is insufficient to leave the upper limit position, and thus the electric shelf remains at the upper limit position. At this time, the detection device malfunctions and reports an error in the electric shelf's position. Since the detection device judges the electric shelf to be at the lower limit position, the electric shelf cannot be controlled to move downward, and since the electric shelf is actually at the upper limit position, it cannot actually move upward. Therefore, the detection device needs to be reset so that the electric shelf is detected as being in a non-limit position. At this point, in terms of control logic, the electric shelf can move both upwards and downwards, and by actually controlling the electric shelf to move downwards, it can be effectively controlled to move away from the upper limit position.
[0029] When the first extreme position is the lower extreme position, the second extreme position is the upper extreme position, and the second direction is upward, similarly, the electric shelf is in the lower extreme position, and the electric shelf is controlled to move upward. When the electric shelf moves for a time T and is detected to be in the upper extreme position, it is determined whether the movement time T of the electric shelf is greater than the shortest movement time T1 of the electric shelf. Therefore, when the upward movement time T of the electric shelf is less than T1, it proves that the movement time of the electric shelf is insufficient to leave the lower extreme position, and therefore, the electric shelf is still in the lower extreme position. Therefore, the detection device is reset so that the electric shelf is detected to be in a non-extreme position. At this time, in terms of control logic, the electric shelf can move both upward and downward, and controlling the electric shelf to move upward can effectively control the electric shelf to leave the lower extreme position.
[0030] It should be noted that the reset procedure can be implemented manually by the user. Taking the refrigerator with an up button and a down button as an example, the user can press the up and down buttons simultaneously for a period of time to reset the detection device, or press the up and down buttons multiple times to reset the detection device. Of course, other combinations of the up and down buttons can also be used to reset the detection device. Alternatively, a reset button can be provided on the refrigerator, and pressing the reset button directly will reset the detection device. Of course, the above is not limiting and can be set according to the needs of those skilled in the art. All of the above are within the protection scope of this application.
[0031] like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the control method for an electric shelf, specifically including the following steps:
[0032] Step S100: When the electric shelf is at the first limit position, control the electric shelf to move in the second direction;
[0033] Step S200: When the electric shelf stops moving and it is detected that the electric shelf is at the second limit position, obtain the time T for the electric shelf to move in the second direction;
[0034] Step S300: Compare T with the shortest movement time T1 of the electric shelf;
[0035] Step S310: When T is less than T1, control the detection device to execute the T2 time reset procedure;
[0036] Step S400: Control the electric shelf to move in the first direction and determine whether the electric shelf has triggered overcurrent protection;
[0037] Step S410: When the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, control the electric shelf to move in the second direction for time T3.
[0038] Step S420: If the electric shelf does not trigger the overcurrent protection, determine whether the electric shelf continues to move in the first direction for a time exceeding T4.
[0039] Step S421: If the time for the electric shelf to move in the first direction does not exceed time T4, continue to execute step S400;
[0040] Step S422: If the time for the electric shelf to move in the first direction exceeds time T4, execute step S410; or, if the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, execute step S410.
[0041] Wherein, the first direction is the direction from the second limit position to the first limit position. When the first limit position is the upper limit position, the second limit position is the lower limit position, the first direction is upward, and the second direction is downward, after the reset procedure executes for time T2, it is necessary to determine whether the electric shelf is still in the upper limit position. Therefore, the electric shelf is controlled to move upward. When the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, it proves that the electric shelf is still in the upper limit position state and the electric shelf cannot rise. Therefore, the electric shelf is controlled to move downward for time T3, thereby causing the electric shelf to move away from the upper limit position. When the electric shelf does not trigger the overcurrent protection, it indicates that the electric shelf is not in its limit position and can continue to move upwards. Therefore, the electric shelf is controlled to continue moving upwards for a time T4, and the overcurrent protection is monitored in real time during this time. If the overcurrent protection is triggered within T4, it indicates that the electric shelf has reached its upper limit position, and the electric shelf is immediately controlled to move downwards. If the electric shelf continues to move upwards within T4, it indicates that it is not in its upper limit position. After the electric shelf has moved upwards for T4, it is controlled to move downwards, thus ensuring that the electric shelf has overcome the limitation of the limit position through vertical movement. When the electric shelf is in its limit position, resetting the detection device and quickly adjusting the vertical movement of the electric shelf can release the limit state, allowing the electric shelf to move up and down normally. At this point, the electric shelf can resume movement without disassembling the refrigerator, saving time and maintenance costs.
[0042] When the first extreme position is the lower extreme position, the second extreme position is the upper extreme position, the first direction is downward, and the second direction is upward, the control method and control principle are the same as described above, and will not be repeated here.
[0043] It should be noted that after the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, the refrigerator can automatically control the electric shelf to move in the second direction for a time T3 according to the set program. Of course, it can also be controlled manually. For example, after the electric shelf stops moving due to overcurrent protection, the user can manually press the button on the refrigerator to make the refrigerator control the electric shelf to move in the second direction. After the electric shelf has moved for T3 time, the user can manually press the button on the refrigerator to make the refrigerator control the electric shelf to stop moving. The above control method is not restrictive and can be set according to the needs of those skilled in the art.
[0044] For ease of explanation, the following text will use the first extreme position as the upper extreme position, the second extreme position as the lower extreme position, the first direction as upward, and the second direction as downward as an example.
[0045] like Figure 3 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the second embodiment of the control method for an electric shelf, specifically including the following steps:
[0046] Step S500: Control the electric shelf to move upward and detect whether the electric shelf is at the upper limit position;
[0047] Step S510: When the electric shelf is in a position other than the upper limit, check whether the electric shelf has triggered the overcurrent protection.
[0048] Step S511: When the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, control the electric shelf to stop moving;
[0049] Step S512: When the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, obtain the time T5 for the electric shelf to move upward;
[0050] Step S520: Determine whether T5 is greater than the shortest rise time T6;
[0051] Step S521: When T5 is greater than T6, activate the alarm mode to remind the user to check the status of the items on the electric shelf;
[0052] Step S522: When T5 is less than or equal to T6, activate the over-limit alarm to remind the user that the detection device inside the refrigerator has failed and the electric shelf is in the upper limit position.
[0053] When controlling the electric shelf to move upwards, it is necessary to simultaneously detect whether the electric shelf is at its upper limit position. If the electric shelf is not at its upper limit position, it is necessary to detect whether the electric shelf has triggered overcurrent protection. If the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, the position of the electric shelf should be determined by comparing the upward movement time T5 and the minimum rise time T6. The minimum rise time T6 is the shortest time required for the electric shelf to move from the non-limit position to the upper limit position. When the upward movement time T5 exceeds the minimum rise time T6, it indicates that the electric shelf started moving upwards from the non-limit position, and there is a high probability that the electric shelf is blocked by items on it during its upward movement. In this case, an alarm mode needs to be activated to remind the user to check the status of the items on the electric shelf. After adjusting the status of the items, the items on the electric shelf will no longer obstruct the upward movement of the electric shelf. When T5 is less than or equal to T6, the electric shelf stops moving due to being limited within a very short time during its upward movement. At this point, the electric shelf may already be at its upper limit position, but the detection device, due to a malfunction, fails to detect this. In this situation, the position of the electric shelf can only be determined by whether the overcurrent protection is triggered. In this case, an over-limit alarm needs to be activated to remind the user to check whether the detection device has malfunctioned. The above control can quickly adjust the electric shelf when the detection device fails or when items obstruct its movement, thus saving time.
[0054] It should be noted that when T5 is greater than T6, an alarm mode will be activated and the electric shelf will also stop moving. At this time, the electric shelf stopping and the alarm mode can occur simultaneously, or the electric shelf stopping can occur before or after the alarm mode. The above is not restrictive and can be set according to the needs of those skilled in the art. All of the above are within the protection scope of this application.
[0055] It should also be noted that when the alarm mode is activated and the electric shelf stops moving, the status of the electric shelf is recorded as the rising locked state. This state can remind the user to adjust the items on the electric shelf.
[0056] In addition, both over-limit alarms and alarm modes can be implemented through flashing lights, sound alerts, or a combination of both.
[0057] like Figure 4 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the third embodiment of the control method for an electric shelf, specifically including the following steps:
[0058] Step S500: Control the electric shelf to move upward and detect whether the electric shelf is at the upper limit position;
[0059] Step S510: When the electric shelf is in a position other than the upper limit, check whether the electric shelf has triggered the overcurrent protection.
[0060] Step S511: When the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, control the electric shelf to stop moving;
[0061] Step S512: When the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, obtain the time T5 for the electric shelf to move upward;
[0062] Step S520: Determine whether T5 is greater than the shortest rise time T6;
[0063] Step S522: When T5 is less than or equal to T6, activate the over-limit alarm to remind the user that the detection device inside the refrigerator has failed and the electric shelf is in the upper limit position;
[0064] Step S521: When T5 is greater than T6, activate the alarm mode to remind the user to check the status of the items on the electric shelf;
[0065] Step S530: Control the electric shelf to move upward to detect whether the electric shelf is in the upward locking state;
[0066] Step S532: When the electric shelf is in the upward locking state, control the electric shelf to move downward for time T7.
[0067] Step S600: Determine whether T7 is greater than the shortest descent time T8;
[0068] Step S610: When T7 is greater than T8, release the lifting lock state of the electric shelf;
[0069] Step S620: When T7 is less than or equal to T8, control the electric shelf to continue to maintain the upward locking state.
[0070] If the motorized shelf is detected as locked after it has risen, it needs to be re-checked before the next use. Alternatively, after the shelf has been locked for a period of time, it needs to be restarted to verify that the items on it have been adjusted and that the lock has been released. When the shelf can continue to rise, the lock has been released. If the shelf cannot rise further, it remains locked. In this case, it can be controlled to move downwards to release the lock.
[0071] In one embodiment, when controlling the electric shelf to move downwards, the timing of the downward movement can be used to determine whether the electric shelf has released its upward locking state. The shortest descent time T8 is the minimum time required for the electric shelf to release its upward locking state. When items on the electric shelf obstruct its upward movement, these items create resistance, requiring the shelf to move downwards a certain distance to release this resistance. When the downward movement time T7 is greater than the shortest descent time T8, the downward movement distance is sufficient to release the resistance, thus releasing the upward locking state. Conversely, when T7 is less than or equal to T8, the downward movement time is too short, insufficient to release the resistance from the items, and the electric shelf remains in its upward locking state. By comparing T7 and T8, the state of the electric shelf can be quickly determined, allowing for faster adjustment of its position and improved adjustment efficiency.
[0072] It should be noted that if the movement of the electric shelf is blocked by an item below it, the overcurrent protection will also be triggered. The control method after the movement of the electric shelf is blocked by an item below it is the same as the control method after the movement of the electric shelf is blocked by an item above it, and will not be described in detail here.
[0073] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes an electric shelf and a detection device, the detection device being used to detect the position of the electric shelf, and the control method including: When the electric shelf is at the first extreme position, control the electric shelf to move in the second direction; When the electric shelf stops moving and it is detected that the electric shelf is in the second limit position, the time T for the electric shelf to move in the second direction is obtained; Compare T with the shortest movement time T1 of the electric shelf; When T is less than T1, the detection device is controlled to execute a reset procedure so that the electric shelf is detected as being in a non-limit position. Wherein, the first limit position and the second limit position are the two ends of the electric shelf's travel, and the second direction is the direction from the first limit position to the second limit position.
2. The control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: After the reset procedure is executed for time T2, the electric shelf is controlled to move in the first direction, and it is determined whether the electric shelf has triggered overcurrent protection. When the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, the electric shelf is controlled to move in the second direction for a time T3. Wherein, the first direction is the direction from the second extreme position to the first extreme position.
3. The control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control method further includes: If the electric shelf does not trigger the overcurrent protection, control the electric shelf to continue moving in the first direction for time T4, and detect in real time whether the electric shelf triggers the overcurrent protection during time T4. When the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, or when the electric shelf moves in the first direction for time T4, the electric shelf is controlled to move in the second direction for time T3.
4. The control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first extreme position is the upper extreme position, the second extreme position is the lower extreme position, the second direction is downward, and the first direction is upward. The control method further includes: Control the electric shelf to move upward, and detect whether the electric shelf is at its upper limit position; When the electric shelf is in a position other than the upper limit, detect whether the electric shelf has triggered overcurrent protection; When the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, it controls the electric shelf to stop moving.
5. The control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control method further includes: When the electric shelf triggers overcurrent protection, the time T5 of the electric shelf moving upward is obtained; Determine if T5 is greater than the shortest rise time T6; When T5 is greater than T6, an alarm mode is activated to remind the user to check the status of the items on the electric shelf.
6. The control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control method further includes: When T5 is less than or equal to T6, an over-limit alarm is activated to remind the user that the detection device inside the refrigerator has failed and the electric shelf is in the upper limit position.
7. The control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control method further includes: When T5 is greater than T6, and before, during, or after the alarm mode is activated, control the electric shelf to stop moving; The state of the electric shelf is recorded as the rising and locked state.
8. The control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control method further includes: Control the electric shelf to move upward, and detect whether the electric shelf is in the upward locking state; When the electric shelf is in the raised locked state, the electric shelf remains stationary; Control the electric shelf to move downwards.
9. The control method for an electric shelf in a refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control method further includes: Control the downward movement of the electric shelf for time T7; Compare T7 with the shortest descent time T8; When T7 is greater than T8, the lifting lock state of the electric shelf is released; and / or, When T7 is less than or equal to T8, the electric shelf is controlled to continue to remain in the upward locked state.
10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes an electric shelf, and the movement of the electric shelf can be controlled by the control method for the electric shelf of the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.