Refrigerator and control method and control device thereof

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerator and a control method and control device thereof. The refrigerator comprises an ion generating device and a heating member. The ion generating device comprises a power supply module, and the heating member is used for heating the power supply module. The method comprises: in response to a deep cooling mode instruction, controlling the refrigerator to cool; and controlling the heating member to heat the power supply module. According to the method, the power supply module of the ion generating device is actively heated by the heating member in the deep cooling mode, so that the power supply module can still be maintained in a normal working temperature range when the refrigerator compartment is at a deep cooling temperature. The problem that the power supply module cannot work normally due to low temperature in a deep cooling environment is solved, the continuous and effective operation of the ion generating device in the deep cooling mode is ensured, and the fresh-keeping and odor-removing functions of the refrigerator are maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular relates to a refrigerator and its control method and control device. Background Technology

[0002] As consumers increasingly demand higher quality food preservation, some refrigerators are equipped with ion generators. These ion generators produce negative ions to inhibit bacterial growth and decompose odor molecules, thereby achieving the effect of preserving freshness and removing odors.

[0003] However, in deep-freeze mode, the refrigerator compartment temperature is extremely low, such as -30℃ to -50℃. When the ion generator works in deep-freeze mode for a long time, it is prone to problems such as the plastic shell of the power module cracking due to cold brittleness, a significant decrease in working performance, or even failure to work properly, which can lead to the failure of the ion generator and affect the preservation effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a refrigerator and its control method and device to solve the problem that the ion generator of existing refrigerators is prone to failure when operating in deep freezing mode.

[0005] This application provides a method for controlling a refrigerator, the refrigerator including an ion generator and a heating element, the ion generator including a power module, the heating element being used to heat the power module, the method including: In response to the deep-cold mode command, the refrigerator is controlled to cool down; The heating element is controlled to heat the power module.

[0006] Optionally, controlling the heating element to heat the power module includes: The heating element is controlled to operate according to a preheating strategy so that when the refrigerator cools down to the deep freezing temperature, the temperature of the power module is higher than the first temperature.

[0007] Optionally, controlling the heating element to operate according to a preheating strategy includes: When the refrigerator reaches the preheating start-up condition, the heating element is controlled to operate according to the preheating power; The preheating start conditions are adapted to the preheating power so that when the refrigerator cools down to the deep freezing temperature, the temperature of the power module reaches the second temperature. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature.

[0008] Optionally, the method further includes: When the refrigerator cools down to the intermediate temperature, it is determined that the refrigerator has met the preheating start-up conditions; The intermediate temperature is higher than the cryogenic temperature.

[0009] Optionally, the method further includes: When the temperature of the power module reaches the second temperature, the heating element is controlled to operate according to a maintenance strategy so that the temperature of the power module is maintained between the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0010] Optionally, controlling the heating element to operate according to a maintenance strategy includes: The heating element is controlled to start and stop periodically according to a preset heating power.

[0011] Optionally, after controlling the heating element to periodically start and stop according to a preset heating power, the method further includes: Obtain the temperature of the power module; If the temperature of the power module is lower than the first temperature, the heating element is controlled to operate continuously.

[0012] This application embodiment also provides a control device for a refrigerator, the refrigerator including an ion generator and a heating element, the ion generator including a power module, the heating element being used to heat the power module, the device including: The control module is configured to control the refrigerator to cool down in response to a deep-freeze mode command; The control module is also configured to control the heating element to heat the power module.

[0013] This application also provides a refrigerator, which includes an ion generator and a heating element. The ion generator includes a power module, and the heating element is used to heat the power module. The refrigerator also includes a controller, which is configured to execute the refrigerator control method described above.

[0014] Optionally, the heating element is disposed on the power module, and the heating element is provided with an insulation layer.

[0015] The refrigerator control method provided in this application embodiment, in deep-cold mode, actively heats the power module of the ion generator through a heating element, so that the power module can still be maintained within the normal operating temperature range when the refrigerator compartment is at a deep-cold temperature. This solves the problem that the power module cannot work normally due to low temperature in a deep-cold environment, and ensures the continuous and effective operation of the ion generator in deep-cold mode, thereby maintaining the refrigerator's freshness preservation and deodorization functions. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a first flowchart of a refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a second flowchart of a refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a third flowchart of a refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the power module and the heating element of the ion generator provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of this application, "module" and "processor" can include hardware, software, or a combination of both. A module can include hardware circuitry, various suitable sensors, communication ports, and memory, and may also include software components, such as program code, or a combination of software and hardware. A processor can be a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other suitable processor. The processor has data and / or signal processing capabilities. The processor can be implemented in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media includes any suitable medium capable of storing program code, such as magnetic disks, hard disks, optical disks, flash memory, read-only memory, random access memory, etc.

[0024] This application provides a refrigerator and its control method and device to solve the problem that the ion generator of existing refrigerators is prone to failure when working in deep freezing mode. The following description is in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0025] The refrigerator control method provided in this application includes a refrigerator body, a compartment, an ion generator, a heating element, and a controller. The ion generator includes a power module, and the heating element heats the power module. The body forms the outer shell of the refrigerator, and the compartment is formed inside the body to hold food to be stored. A refrigeration system is located at the back or bottom of the body and includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a throttling device for cooling the compartment. The ion generator is located inside the compartment or in the air duct and generates negative ions and releases them into the compartment to inhibit bacterial growth, decompose odor molecules, and achieve preservation and deodorization functions. The ion generator includes a power module that provides the high-voltage electrical energy required for its operation. In this embodiment, the power module is a high-voltage power module.

[0026] Please see Figure 4 The heating element is mounted on the power module to heat it, ensuring it remains within its normal operating temperature range even in deep-cold mode. Specifically, the heating element can be attached to the outer surface of the power module. An insulation layer can be provided on the outside of the heating element to reduce heat loss to the surrounding low-temperature environment and improve heating efficiency. The insulation layer can be made of polyurethane foam, aerogel felt, or other insulating materials. The refrigerator also includes a fixing structure to secure the insulation layer, heating element, and power module, preventing the heating element from warping, detaching, or shifting during low-temperature, vibration, or thermal cycling processes. A controller is electrically connected to the refrigeration system, ion generator, and heating element to control the overall operation of the refrigerator, including cooling, ion generation, and heating element functions.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 The method includes the following steps: S101: Responds to the deep cooling mode command and controls the refrigerator to cool down.

[0028] The deep-freeze mode command can be triggered by the user through the refrigerator's control panel, remote control terminal, etc., or it can be triggered when the refrigerator reaches preset conditions, such as detecting items that need deep-freeze preservation, such as salmon. In deep-freeze mode, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment, referred to as the deep-freeze temperature below, is usually maintained at -30°C to -50°C.

[0029] Controlling the refrigerator's cooling process involves controlling the temperature of a target compartment, such as the freezer compartment. This can be achieved by a controller that drives the refrigeration system, for example, by having the compressor operate at a higher frequency. The refrigeration system then rapidly cools the compartment, gradually lowering its temperature to a cryogenic level.

[0030] S102: Control heating element heating power supply module.

[0031] For example, the heating element may include a PI (polyimide) flexible heating film, which is bonded to the outer surface of the power module through an insulating and thermally conductive adhesive layer. The insulating and thermally conductive adhesive layer is used to achieve the adhesion between the heating film and the power module, while ensuring electrical insulation between the two. After being energized, the PI (polyimide) flexible heating film transfers heat to the power module.

[0032] The heating element can be arranged in different ways depending on the structure of the power module, including but not limited to: single-sided mounting, double-sided mounting, multi-sided partition mounting, local key area mounting, and surround wrapping. Its mounting position can be set on the outer surface of the power module's plastic shell, the outside of the potting compound, the outer wall of the power box, or the outer surface of the load-bearing structural component after insulation.

[0033] The heating element can also be fixed by pressure plate clamping, buckle limiting, outer shell clamping, or joint covering and fixing of the insulation layer and outer shell.

[0034] As alternatives, heating elements may also include flexible silicone rubber heating elements, PTC self-regulating heating elements, flexible etched foil heating elements, low-temperature resistance heating elements, and wrap-around flexible heating tapes.

[0035] The refrigerator control method provided in this application embodiment, in deep-cold mode, actively heats the power module of the ion generator through a heating element, so that the power module can still be maintained within the normal operating temperature range when the refrigerator compartment is at a deep-cold temperature. This solves the problem that the power module cannot work normally due to low temperature in a deep-cold environment, and ensures the continuous and effective operation of the ion generator in deep-cold mode, thereby maintaining the refrigerator's freshness preservation and deodorization functions. It also allows the ion generator to be directly placed in the refrigerator compartment, which is simple to install and does not require disassembly.

[0036] Optionally, please refer to Figure 2 The heating power module for controlling the heating element includes: controlling the heating element to operate according to a preheating strategy so that when the refrigerator cools down to the deep freezing temperature, the temperature of the power module is higher than a first temperature.

[0037] The first temperature can be the lowest temperature at which the power module can operate normally.

[0038] In other words, by controlling the operation of the heating element, when the refrigerator reaches the target cryogenic temperature, the power module of the ion generator has reached the normal operating temperature, ensuring that the ion generator can immediately start working normally at the cryogenic temperature, and avoiding the ion generator failing to start or malfunctioning due to the power module temperature not meeting the standard.

[0039] Optionally, controlling the heating element to operate according to a preheating strategy includes: when the refrigerator reaches the preheating start condition, controlling the heating element to operate according to the preheating power; wherein the preheating start condition and the preheating power are adapted to ensure that when the refrigerator cools down to the deep freezing temperature, the temperature of the power module reaches a second temperature; the second temperature is higher than the first temperature.

[0040] By setting preheating start conditions and corresponding preheating power, the timing and intensity of heating can be precisely controlled. This ensures that the power module reaches the second temperature precisely when the refrigerator reaches the deep-freeze temperature, avoiding both energy waste caused by premature heating and insufficient heating that results in the power module not reaching its target temperature. Furthermore, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature provides a certain temperature margin for the power module during the subsequent deep-freeze maintenance phase.

[0041] Optionally, please refer to Figure 3 The method also includes: when the refrigerator cools down to the intermediate temperature, it is determined that the refrigerator has reached the preheating start condition; wherein the intermediate temperature is higher than the deep cold temperature.

[0042] Using the intermediate temperature of the refrigerator compartment as the preheating trigger point, the heating of the power module can be started in advance during the refrigerator cooling process, making full use of the time window of the cooling process to complete the preheating of the power module. No additional preheating time is required, and the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator is not affected.

[0043] The intermediate temperature is higher than the cryogenic temperature, allowing ample time for the power module to heat up. The selection of the intermediate temperature needs to consider the following factors: the time required for the refrigerator to cool from the intermediate temperature to the cryogenic temperature, the time required for the power module to heat up from the current temperature to the target temperature (the second temperature), and the heating power of the heating elements. It should be understood that the intermediate temperature is lower than the temperature of the normal cooling mode but higher than the cryogenic temperature.

[0044] Optionally, the method further includes: determining that the refrigerator has reached the preheating start condition when the refrigerator has cooled down for a preset time.

[0045] The activation conditions for the heating element can also be referenced from the refrigerator's cooling time, which is the time it takes for the refrigerator to cool down from the temperature in normal cooling mode. It should be understood that this preset time is less than the time it takes for the refrigerator to cool down to the minimum temperature.

[0046] Optionally, controlling the heating element to operate according to the preheating power includes: controlling the heating element to operate continuously according to the preheating power.

[0047] Continuous heating during the preheating phase rapidly raises the power module's temperature, ensuring it is fully preheated to the target temperature before the refrigerator cools to freezing temperature. This improves preheating reliability and the certainty of temperature achievement. Minimizing the time required for the power module to heat to the target temperature (e.g., a second temperature) further reduces heat loss during heating, lowers energy consumption, and improves energy conversion efficiency.

[0048] Optionally, the method further includes: when the temperature of the power module reaches the second temperature, controlling the heating element to operate according to a maintenance strategy so that the temperature of the power module is maintained between the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0049] Once the power module reaches the second temperature, it switches to a maintenance strategy to prevent excessive heat from wasting energy or causing damage to devices due to excessive local thermal stress. At the same time, it ensures that the power module temperature does not fall below the first temperature, continuously meeting the normal operating requirements of the ion generator and achieving automatic temperature regulation of the power module.

[0050] The temperature threshold between the first and second temperatures is the temperature range within which the power module of the ion generator can operate normally.

[0051] Optionally, the heating element is controlled to operate according to a maintenance strategy, including: controlling the heating element to periodically start and stop according to a preset heating power. The preset heating power can be equal to or less than the preheating power.

[0052] Specifically, the heating element can operate in a cycle of being turned off for a second duration and turned on for a first duration. In each cycle, the power module temperature rises when the heating element is turned on and falls when it is turned off. By reasonably setting the first and second durations, the average temperature of the power module is maintained between the first and second temperatures.

[0053] The heating element is operated by periodic start-stop, which is more energy-efficient than continuous heating. At the same time, it can effectively maintain the temperature of the power module between the first and second temperatures, avoiding thermal stress damage to the power module caused by large temperature fluctuations.

[0054] Optionally, after controlling the heating element to start and stop periodically according to a preset heating power, the method further includes: obtaining the temperature of the power module; if the temperature of the power module is lower than a first temperature, then controlling the heating element to run continuously.

[0055] It should be understood that when the temperature of the power module reaches the second temperature, the heating element will resume periodic start-stop control.

[0056] During the maintenance phase, the controller can also monitor the power module's temperature in real time. If the instantaneous temperature of the power module is detected to be lower than the first temperature, the controller switches the heating element to continuous heating mode until the power module's temperature rises back to the second temperature, at which point the periodic start-stop control resumes. This temperature protection mechanism ensures that the power module will not be affected by excessively low temperatures under any circumstances, thus ensuring normal operation.

[0057] Optionally, the method further includes: in response to a deep-cooling mode exit command, acquiring the refrigerator's temperature; and controlling the heating element to turn off when the refrigerator's temperature rises back to a preset temperature. The preset temperature can be the temperature of the normal cooling mode or a second temperature.

[0058] By controlling the timing of the heating element's shutdown, the power module is protected from low temperatures during the cryogenic mode exit process. The heating element is then shut off only when the ambient temperature around the power module, i.e., the temperature of the cryogenic space, reaches the temperature at which the power module can operate normally, thus extending the service life of the ion generator as much as possible.

[0059] The following example illustrates the temperature changes in cryogenic mode.

[0060] Taking a first temperature of 10℃, a second temperature of 25℃, a cryogenic temperature of -40℃, and an intermediate temperature of 0℃ as an example.

[0061] After the user triggers the deep cooling mode, the refrigerator begins to cool down, with the compartment temperature gradually decreasing from the ambient temperature of approximately 25°C. When the compartment temperature drops to 0°C, the controller determines that the preheating start conditions have been met, and controls the heating element to operate continuously at preheating power to begin heating the power module.

[0062] The refrigerator continued to cool down, with the compartment temperature decreasing from 0°C to -40°C. During this process, the heating element continuously heated the power module, causing its temperature to gradually rise. When the compartment temperature reached -40°C, the power module temperature reached exactly 25°C.

[0063] Once the power module temperature reaches 25℃, the heating element switches to a maintenance strategy, periodically starting and stopping according to a preset cycle to keep the power module temperature between 10℃ and 25℃.

[0064] Throughout the cryogenic sustaining phase, the power module remained within its normal operating temperature range, and the ion generator operated stably and continuously.

[0065] This application embodiment also provides a refrigerator control device. The refrigerator includes an ion generator and a heating element. The ion generator includes a power module, and the heating element is used to heat the power module. The device includes a control module configured to control the refrigerator to cool down in response to a deep-cold mode command. The control module is also configured to control the heating element to heat the power module.

[0066] This application also provides a refrigerator, which includes an ion generator and a heating element. The ion generator includes a power module, and the heating element is used to heat the power module. The refrigerator also includes a controller configured to execute the refrigerator control method described above. The method includes the following steps: S101: In response to a deep cooling mode command, controlling the refrigerator to cool down. S102: Controlling the heating element to heat the power module.

[0067] The refrigerator's outer shell is formed by the cabinet, while the compartments are formed inside to hold food to be stored. The refrigeration system, located at the back or bottom of the cabinet, includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and throttling device, used to cool the compartments. An ion generator, located inside the compartment or in the air duct, generates and releases negative ions into the compartment to inhibit bacterial growth, decompose odor molecules, and achieve preservation and deodorization functions. The ion generator includes a power module that provides the high-voltage electrical energy required for its operation. In this embodiment, the power module is a high-voltage power module. A heating element is mounted on the power module to heat it, ensuring it remains within its normal operating temperature range even in deep-cold mode. Specifically, the heating element can be attached to the outer surface of the power module. An insulation layer can be provided on the outside of the heating element to reduce heat loss to the surrounding low-temperature environment and improve heating efficiency. The insulation layer can be made of polyurethane foam, aerogel felt, or other insulating materials. The refrigerator also includes a fixing structure to secure the insulation layer, heating element, and power module, preventing the heating element from warping, detaching, or shifting during low temperatures, vibration, or thermal cycling. The controller is electrically connected to the refrigeration system, ion generator, and heating element, controlling the overall operation of the refrigerator, including functions such as cooling, ion generation, and heating.

[0068] For example, the heating element may include a PI (polyimide) flexible heating film, which is bonded to the outer surface of the power module through an insulating and thermally conductive adhesive layer. The insulating and thermally conductive adhesive layer is used to achieve the adhesion between the heating film and the power module, while ensuring electrical insulation between the two. After being energized, the PI (polyimide) flexible heating film transfers heat to the power module.

[0069] The heating element can be arranged in different ways depending on the structure of the power module, including but not limited to: single-sided mounting, double-sided mounting, multi-sided partition mounting, local key area mounting, and surround wrapping. Its mounting position can be set on the outer surface of the power module's plastic shell, the outside of the potting compound, the outer wall of the power box, or the outer surface of the load-bearing structural component after insulation.

[0070] The heating element can also be fixed by pressure plate clamping, buckle limiting, outer shell clamping, or joint covering and fixing of the insulation layer and outer shell.

[0071] As alternatives, heating elements may also include flexible silicone rubber heating elements, PTC self-regulating heating elements, flexible etched foil heating elements, low-temperature resistance heating elements, and wrap-around flexible heating tapes.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0073] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features.

[0074] The refrigerator and its control method and control device provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes an ion generator and a heating element. The ion generator includes a power module, and the heating element is used to heat the power module. The method includes: In response to the deep-cold mode command, the refrigerator is controlled to cool down; The heating element is controlled to heat the power module.

2. The refrigerator control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of the heating element to heat the power module includes: The heating element is controlled to operate according to a preheating strategy so that when the refrigerator cools down to the deep freezing temperature, the temperature of the power module is higher than the first temperature.

3. The refrigerator control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control of the heating element to operate according to the preheating strategy includes: When the refrigerator reaches the preheating start-up conditions, the heating element is controlled to operate according to the preheating power; The preheating start conditions are adapted to the preheating power so that when the refrigerator cools down to the deep freezing temperature, the temperature of the power module reaches the second temperature. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature.

4. The refrigerator control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the refrigerator cools down to the intermediate temperature, it is determined that the refrigerator has met the preheating start-up conditions; The intermediate temperature is higher than the cryogenic temperature.

5. The refrigerator control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the temperature of the power module reaches the second temperature, the heating element is controlled to operate according to a maintenance strategy so that the temperature of the power module is maintained between the first temperature and the second temperature.

6. The refrigerator control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control of the heating element to operate according to the maintenance strategy includes: The heating element is controlled to start and stop periodically according to a preset heating power.

7. The refrigerator control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, After controlling the heating element to periodically start and stop according to a preset heating power, the method further includes: Obtain the temperature of the power module; If the temperature of the power module is lower than the first temperature, the heating element is controlled to operate continuously.

8. A control device for a refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes an ion generator and a heating element. The ion generator includes a power module, and the heating element is used to heat the power module. The device includes: The control module is configured to control the refrigerator to cool down in response to a deep-freeze mode command; The control module is also configured to control the heating element to heat the power module.

9. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes an ion generator and a heating element. The ion generator includes a power module, and the heating element is used to heat the power module. The refrigerator also includes a controller configured to perform the refrigerator control method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The heating element is mounted on the power module, and an insulation layer is provided on the outside of the heating element.

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