Refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator is provided with a first chamber and a second chamber, a second compartment; the evaporator is arranged on the rear side of the second chamber and used for cooling gas; the first heater is arranged at the position close to the bottom of the evaporator and used for defrosting the evaporator; the second heater is arranged between the back of the refrigerator and the evaporator and used for humidifying the first chamber; the air outlet communicates with the first chamber and the evaporator; the control part executes a humidifying action, so that the second heater heats the evaporator, and gas with humidity enters the first chamber from the evaporator through the air outlet; and a defrosting operation in which the evaporator is defrosted so that the first heater heats the evaporator. By means of the structure, the structure achieving the humidifying function can be simpler, the humidifying range is enlarged, and therefore cost is reduced, and humidifying efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Figure 5 Schematically shows a perspective view of a conventional refrigerator 5. Figure 5 As shown, the existing refrigerator 5 includes a storage compartment 500, a humidifying device 510 for supplying water mist to the storage compartment 500, and a control unit 520. The refrigerator 5 performs switch control of the humidifying device 510 based on the humidity detection value detected by the humidity sensor disposed in the storage compartment 500 and the predetermined set humidity. When the humidity detection value is less than the lower limit of the range of the target humidity, the humidifying device 510 is turned on and the humidifying device 510 is operated for a period of time, so that the set humidity state can be reached from the low humidity state. However, since the humidifying device humidifies the storage compartment by atomizing the water in the water box and then spraying it into the storage compartment, the device can only humidify the local enclosed space, and the humidification area is limited. Therefore, the problem that follows is how to make the structure for realizing the humidification function simpler and expand the humidification range, thereby reducing costs and improving humidification efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The utility model is completed based on the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a refrigerator which can make the structure of realizing the humidification function simpler and expand the humidification range, thereby reducing the cost and improving the humidification efficiency.

[0004] One aspect of the utility model provides a refrigerator, comprising: a first chamber; a second chamber; an evaporator, which is arranged at the rear side of the second chamber and is used to cool gas; a first heater, which is arranged at a position close to the bottom of the evaporator and is used to defrost the evaporator; a second heater, which is arranged at a position between the back of the refrigerator and the evaporator and is used to humidify the first chamber; an air outlet, which connects the first chamber and the evaporator; and a control unit, which performs: a humidification action, in which the second heater heats the evaporator and makes the gas with humidity enter the first chamber from the evaporator through the air outlet; and a defrosting action, in which the first heater heats the evaporator and defrosts the evaporator.

[0005] Thus, the refrigerator of the utility model can heat the evaporator by arranging the second heater between the back of the refrigerator and the evaporator, and perform the humidification action through the control unit, so that the second heater can melt the frost around the evaporator, so that the gas has a certain humidity, enters the first chamber through the air outlet, and circulates in the entire first chamber, thereby humidifying the entire first chamber and expanding the humidification range. In addition, the refrigerator in this embodiment does not require an additional humidification device, and the structure is relatively simple. Therefore, the cost is reduced and the humidification efficiency is improved. In addition, the second heater can also play a defrosting effect on the evaporator to a certain extent during the humidification action, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the first heater and reducing energy consumption.

[0006] In addition, the refrigerator of the utility model may also be provided with a fan to blow air to the evaporator, and the fan is turned on when the control unit performs the humidification operation. With this structure, the humidified gas can be more reliably introduced into the first chamber during the humidification operation, thereby humidifying the first chamber more efficiently.

[0007] In addition, the refrigerator of the utility model may also be provided with a baffle, which is arranged at the air outlet in a manner capable of opening or closing the air outlet, and the baffle is opened when the control unit performs a humidification action. With this structure, when it is necessary to humidify the first chamber, the baffle can be opened to introduce the humidified gas into the first chamber, and when it is not necessary to humidify the first chamber, that is, when the humidification action is not performed, the baffle can be closed, thereby avoiding the exchange of gas between the first chamber and the evaporator, and preventing the influence of the temperature and humidity of the gas in the first chamber and the evaporator.

[0008] In addition, the refrigerator of the utility model can also be a control unit that performs a humidification action according to the set humidity of the first chamber and the current humidity in the first chamber. Through this structure, the humidification action can be performed more efficiently, and the humidification efficiency can be improved.

[0009] In addition, the refrigerator of the utility model can also be a control unit that performs humidification according to the first difference and the second difference, wherein the first difference is the difference between the current temperature in the first chamber and the set temperature of the first chamber, and the second difference is the difference between the current temperature in the second chamber and the set temperature of the second chamber. Through this structure, on the one hand, it can prevent the temperature of the first chamber and the second chamber from being too high, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the refrigerator, and on the other hand, it can indirectly determine whether the first chamber has reached the set humidity, thereby performing the humidification action more efficiently and improving the humidification efficiency.

[0010] In addition, the refrigerator of the utility model can also be configured such that when the compressor of the refrigerator is in the off state, the control unit performs the humidification action, and the humidification action is only performed once during the period when the compressor is in the off state. With this structure, the humidification action can be performed during the period when the compressor is in the off state, that is, when the refrigerator stops refrigeration, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the refrigerator and improving the humidification efficiency. In addition, after one humidification action, the frost on the evaporator has been reduced, so there is no need to perform the humidification action again, thereby improving the humidification efficiency.

[0011] In addition, the refrigerator of the utility model can also have a rated power of the second heater of 3% to 40% of the rated power of the first heater. With this structure, the humidification effect can be ensured on the one hand, and the power consumption of the second heater can be ensured to be low, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0012] In addition, in the refrigerator of the present invention, the second heater may be an aluminum foil type resistance wire heater.

[0013] In addition, the refrigerator of the utility model can also be observed from the depth direction of the refrigerator, and the second heater overlaps with the evaporator. Through this structure, the second heater can heat the evaporator more effectively, thereby improving the humidification efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

[0014] In addition, the refrigerator of the utility model can also be configured such that the control unit performs a defrosting action at a time interval, and between two adjacent defrosting actions, the control unit performs one or more humidification actions. With this structure, the humidification action can be performed more efficiently, the humidification efficiency can be improved, and the defrosting action and the humidification action can be performed reasonably and appropriately.

[0015] Effect of utility model

[0016] According to the refrigerator of the utility model, the structure for realizing the humidification function can be made simpler and the humidification range can be expanded, thereby reducing the cost and improving the humidification efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 Schematically shows a perspective side view of a refrigerator 1 according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 Schematically shows a block diagram of the control unit 90 according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 1 is a flow chart schematically showing a method for controlling a humidification function of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 1 is a flow chart schematically showing a method for controlling a humidification function of a refrigerator 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 It is a perspective view schematically showing a conventional refrigerator 5 .

[0023] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and present slightly simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the utility model. The specific design features of the utility model contained herein, including, for example, specific size, orientation, position and shape, will be determined in part by the application and use environment of the specific design.

[0024] In the drawings, reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts throughout the several figures of the drawing.

[0025] Reference numerals

[0026] 1…refrigerator, 10…first compartment, 20…second compartment, 30…evaporator, 40…first heater, 50…second heater, 60…air outlet, 70…baffle, 80…fan, 90…control unit, 100…humidity sensor, 110…back, 120…bottom, 130…compressor, 5…existing refrigerator, 500…storage compartment, 510…humidifier, 520…control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The refrigerator involved in the utility model is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the description of the accompanying drawings, the same or equivalent parts are attached with the same figure marks, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In the accompanying drawings, for ease of understanding, the first direction, that is, the depth direction of the refrigerator is set as the x direction, the second direction, that is, the height direction of the refrigerator is set as the z direction, and the third direction, that is, the width direction of the refrigerator is set as the y direction.

[0028] In this specification, it should be understood that the terms "include", "comprises", "has" and the like refer to the existence of the described features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the existence of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof. In addition, it should be understood that not all the steps in the flowchart of this application are necessary steps, and those skilled in the art can appropriately add or subtract the steps in the flow chart according to different purposes.

[0029] Figure 1 Schematically shows a perspective side view of a refrigerator 1 according to the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, the refrigerator 1 includes a first compartment 10 and a second compartment 20, but is not limited thereto. The refrigerator 1 may also include other compartments such as a multifunctional independent compartment, and the multiple compartments are divided by a heat insulating member inside the refrigerator.

[0031] The first chamber 10 is, for example, a chamber for refrigerating and storing items, and the temperature inside the first chamber 10 is generally set in a refrigeration temperature range, usually 1° C. to 10° C.

[0032] The second chamber 20 is, for example, a chamber for freezing and storing items, and the temperature inside the second chamber 20 is generally set in a freezing temperature range, usually -23°C to -15°C. In addition, in order to improve the freezing state, the minimum temperature may be set to any value between -30°C and -23°C, for example.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 1 further includes an evaporator 30. The evaporator 30 is disposed at the rear side of the second compartment 20. In other words, the evaporator 30 is disposed at one side of the second compartment 20 close to the back 110 of the refrigerator 1 in the x direction.

[0034] The evaporator 30 is used to cool the gas. For example, when the gas cooled by the evaporator 30 is introduced into the first chamber 10, the first chamber 10 is cooled. When the gas cooled by the evaporator 30 is introduced into the second chamber 20, the second chamber 20 is cooled.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 1 further includes a first heater 40 and a second heater 50. The first heater 40 is used to defrost the evaporator 30. The first heater 40 is disposed near the bottom of the evaporator 30. The bottom of the evaporator 30 is substantially opposite to the bottom 120 of the refrigerator 1. The first heater 40 is disposed between the evaporator 30 and the bottom 120 of the refrigerator 1.

[0036] The second heater 50 is used to humidify the first chamber 10. The second heater 50 is disposed between the back 110 of the refrigerator 1 and the evaporator 30.

[0037] When viewed from the x direction, the second heater 50 overlaps with the evaporator 30. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second heater 50 may be arranged in a manner that is offset or partially offset from the evaporator 30 when viewed from the x direction, as long as the need to heat the evaporator 30 and thus humidify the first chamber 10 can be met.

[0038] The second heater 50 may be an aluminum foil type resistance wire heater, but is not limited thereto, and may also be other suitable heaters.

[0039] The second heater 50 can be disposed in a manner of being attached to the side of the back 110 of the refrigerator 1 facing the inner side of the refrigerator 1, but is not limited thereto. The second heater 50 can also be fixed in other suitable manners as long as it is disposed between the back 110 of the refrigerator 1 and the evaporator 30 and can heat the evaporator 30.

[0040] The rated power of the second heater 50 may be 3% to 40% of the rated power of the first heater 40, but is not limited thereto. The first heater 40 and the second heater 50 may also have other suitable powers as long as they can meet the required functions. As an example, the rated power of the first heater is 200W, and the rated power of the second heater is 10W.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 1 further includes an air outlet 60. The air outlet 60 connects the first compartment 10 and the evaporator 30. The air outlet 60 is disposed between the second compartment 20 and the first compartment 10.

[0042] The refrigerator 1 further includes a damper 70. The damper 70 is provided at the air outlet 60 so as to be able to open or close the air outlet 60.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 1 further includes a fan 80 . The fan 80 blows air to the evaporator 30 to introduce the gas at the evaporator 30 into the first chamber 10 .

[0044] As an example, Figure 1 As shown, the fan 80 is disposed on a side of the evaporator 30 opposite to the second heater 50, and the air outlet direction of the fan 80 is substantially opposite to the evaporator 30. The position of the fan 80 is not limited thereto, and may also be disposed at other suitable positions, as long as the requirement of blowing air to the evaporator 30 and introducing the gas at the evaporator 30 into the first chamber 10 can be met.

[0045] Through the above structure, the entire first chamber 10 can be humidified by using the humidified gas at the evaporator 30 without an additional humidifying device, and in particular, the bottom area of ​​the first chamber 10 can be humidified more effectively. Therefore, the structure for realizing the humidification function is simpler, the humidification range is expanded, the cost is reduced, and the humidification efficiency is improved.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 1 further includes a control unit 90. The control unit 90 is used to control each component.

[0047] The refrigerator 1 also includes a humidity sensor 100. The humidity sensor 100 is disposed in the first compartment 10 and is used to detect the current humidity in the first compartment 10. In addition, the refrigerator 1 may also include a first temperature sensor and / or a second temperature sensor (not shown). The first temperature sensor is disposed in the first compartment 10 and is used to detect the current temperature in the first compartment 10. The second temperature sensor is disposed in the second compartment 20 and is used to detect the current temperature in the second compartment 20.

[0048] The refrigerator 1 further includes a compressor 130. The compressor 130 is disposed at the rear side of the bottom 120 of the refrigerator 1, but is not limited thereto and may be disposed at the rear side of the top of the refrigerator or at other suitable locations.

[0049] Figure 2 Schematically shows a block diagram of the control unit 90 according to the present invention.

[0050] The control unit 90 is used to control the refrigerator 1 to defrost the evaporator 30 and humidify the first chamber 10 .

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 90 performs a defrosting operation 210. In the defrosting operation 210, the evaporator 30 is defrosted by heating the evaporator 30 with the first heater 40.

[0052] In addition, the control unit 90 performs the humidification operation 220 . In the humidification operation 220 , the second heater 50 heats the evaporator 30 , and the humidified gas flows from the evaporator 30 through the air outlet 60 into the first chamber 10 .

[0053] When the control unit 90 performs the humidification operation 220 , the fan 80 is turned on.

[0054] Furthermore, when the control unit 90 performs the humidification operation 220 , the damper 70 is opened.

[0055] The control unit 90 performs a defrosting operation 210 at a time interval. Between two adjacent defrosting operations 210, the control unit 90 performs one or more humidification operations 220. However, this is not limited to this, and between two adjacent defrosting operations 210, the control unit 90 may not perform the humidification operation 220 as needed.

[0056] Figure 3 1 is a flow chart schematically showing a method for controlling a humidification function of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The control unit 90 is used to control the refrigerator 1 to humidify the first chamber 10 .

[0058] The control unit 90 may be configured to activate the function of humidifying the first chamber 10 when the refrigerator 1 is powered on, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 90 may also be configured to activate the function by triggering a function button, other user terminals (e.g., a smart phone, etc.), or voice control or other appropriate means.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 90 performs the following control: in step S310, the refrigerator 1 is placed in a humidification function (humidification operation) standby state.

[0060] In step S320, it is determined whether the compressor 130 is in an off state, that is, whether the refrigerator 1 is in a refrigeration stop state.

[0061] When the compressor 130 is not in the off state (step S320: No), the refrigerator 1 is placed in the humidification function standby state (step S310).

[0062] When the compressor 130 is in the off state (step S320: Yes), the control unit 90 further performs the following control: in step S330, it is determined whether the humidification action has been performed during the period when the compressor 130 is in the off state. Through step S330, it is ensured that the humidification action is performed only once during the period when the compressor 130 is in the off state.

[0063] When the humidification operation is performed while the compressor 130 is in the off state (step S330: Yes), the refrigerator 1 is placed in the humidification function standby state (step S310).

[0064] When the humidification operation is not performed during the period when the compressor 130 is in the off state (step S330: No), the control unit 90 further performs the following control: in step S340, it is determined whether the current humidity in the first chamber 10 is greater than the set humidity. The current humidity in the first chamber 10 is detected by the humidity sensor 100.

[0065] When the current humidity in the first compartment 10 is higher than the set humidity (step S340: Yes), the refrigerator 1 is placed in a humidification function standby state (step S310).

[0066] When the current humidity in the first chamber 10 is lower than the set humidity (step S340 : No), the control unit 90 performs a humidification operation (step S350 ).

[0067] According to the control method, the entire first chamber 10 can be humidified by using the humidified gas at the evaporator 30 without an additional humidifying device, thereby making the structure for realizing the humidification function simpler and expanding the humidification range, thereby reducing costs and improving humidification efficiency.

[0068] In addition, since the second heater 50 has a certain defrosting effect on the evaporator 30, the time interval between two defrosting actions can be extended, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0069] Figure 4 1 is a flow chart schematically showing a method for controlling a humidification function of a refrigerator 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] In this embodiment, the Figure 3 As in step S340, whether to perform the humidification action can be determined by the current humidity of the first chamber 10 detected by the humidity sensor 100, or as in step S350. Figure 4 As in step S440, without using a humidity sensor, it is determined whether to perform the humidification action based on the current temperature of the first chamber 10 detected by the first temperature sensor and the current temperature of the second chamber 20 detected by the second temperature sensor.

[0071] exist Figure 4 In addition to replacing step S440 Figure 3 Except for step S340 in Figure 3 same.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, in step S440, it is determined whether the first difference is greater than the first set value or whether the second difference is greater than the second set value. The first difference is the difference between the current temperature in the first chamber 10 and the set temperature of the first chamber 10, and the second difference is the difference between the current temperature in the second chamber 20 and the set temperature of the second chamber 20. The current temperature in the first chamber 10 is detected by the first temperature sensor. The current temperature in the second chamber 20 is detected by the second temperature sensor.

[0073] When the first difference is greater than the first setting value or the second difference is greater than the second setting value (step S440: Yes), the refrigerator 1 is placed in a humidification function standby state (step S410).

[0074] When the first difference is smaller than the first setting value and the second difference is smaller than the second setting value (step S440 : No), the control unit 90 performs the humidification operation (step S450 ).

[0075] The first setting value may be 5° C., but is not limited thereto, and may also be set to other appropriate values. The second setting value may be 5° C., but is not limited thereto, and may also be set to other appropriate values.

[0076] According to the above control method, on the one hand, the temperature of the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 20 can be prevented from being too high, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the refrigerator, and on the other hand, it can be indirectly determined whether the first chamber 10 reaches the set humidity, thereby performing the humidification action more efficiently and improving the humidification efficiency. In addition, according to the above control method, the humidified gas at the evaporator 30 can be used to humidify the entire first chamber 10 without an additional humidifying device, thereby making the structure for realizing the humidification function simpler and expanding the humidification range, thereby reducing costs and improving humidification efficiency.

[0077] In addition, since the second heater 50 has a certain defrosting effect on the evaporator 30, the time interval between two defrosting actions can be extended, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0078] In addition to Figure 4 As shown, step S440 is replaced Figure 3 In addition to step S340 in Figure 4 Step S440 in Figure 3 Step 340 in the above is used as a condition for determining whether to perform the humidification action, and in addition, the other steps are the same as Figure 3 same.

[0079] Although the utility model is specifically described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, it is to be understood that the above description does not limit the utility model in any form. Those skilled in the art can modify and change the utility model as needed without departing from the essential spirit and scope of the utility model, and these modifications and changes all fall within the scope of the utility model.

[0080] For example, in the above embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The control method of the humidification function shown in the figure is not limited thereto and can also be used only Figure 3 In step S340, instead of step S320 and step S330, as the judgment condition for whether to perform the humidification action. Figure 4 Step S440 in Figure 3 Steps 320, 330 and 340 in the method are used together as the judgment conditions for whether to perform the humidification action.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, wherein: have: First room; Second room; an evaporator, disposed at the rear side of the second chamber, for cooling the gas; a first heater, disposed near the bottom of the evaporator, for defrosting the evaporator; a second heater, disposed between the back of the refrigerator and the evaporator, for humidifying the first chamber; an air outlet, connecting the first chamber and the evaporator; as well as Control Department, The control unit performs: A humidification action is performed, whereby the second heater heats the evaporator and allows the humidified gas to enter the first chamber from the evaporator through the air outlet; as well as The defrosting operation defrosts the evaporator in such a manner that the first heater heats the evaporator.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: A fan is also provided to blow air to the evaporator. When the control unit performs the humidification operation, the fan is turned on.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: A baffle is also provided, which is arranged at the air outlet in a manner capable of opening or closing the air outlet, When the control unit performs the humidification operation, the damper is opened.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit performs the humidification operation according to the set humidity of the first chamber and the current humidity in the first chamber.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit performs the humidification action according to a first difference and a second difference, wherein the first difference is a difference between a current temperature in the first chamber and a set temperature of the first chamber, and the second difference is a difference between a current temperature in the second chamber and a set temperature of the second chamber.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The control unit performs the humidification operation when the compressor of the refrigerator is in an off state, and performs the humidification operation only once during a period in which the compressor is in the off state.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The rated power of the second heater is 3% to 40% of the rated power of the first heater.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The second heater is an aluminum foil type resistance wire heater.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed in the depth direction of the refrigerator, the second heater overlaps with the evaporator.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit performs the defrosting action once at a time interval. The control unit performs the humidification operation once or more between two adjacent defrosting operations.

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