Defrosting system and refrigerator

Abstract

The application relates to a defrosting system and a refrigerator, the defrosting system comprising a heating module, a heat exchange module, a detection module and a control module; the heat exchange module comprises a heat exchange pipeline and a damper, the heat exchange pipeline comprises a first air vent and a second air vent, the first air vent is arranged in an evaporator chamber, the second air vent is arranged in a compressor chamber, and the damper is arranged in the heat exchange pipeline; the heating module comprises a passive heating device, the passive heating device is arranged on the evaporator; the detection module is used for detecting the frost thickness of the evaporator; the control module is configured to control the refrigerator to enter a defrosting mode when the frost thickness of the evaporator is greater than or equal to a frost thickness threshold value; in the defrosting mode, the damper is opened, the compressor chamber is communicated with the evaporator chamber, and the evaporator is heated by the heat stored by the passive heating device and the heat in the compressor chamber. Through the application, the problem of large energy consumption of the traditional defrosting mode is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator defrosting, and more particularly to a defrosting system and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure the refrigerator's cooling efficiency, when the evaporator is heavily frosted, the refrigerator enters defrost mode to defrost the evaporator.

[0003] Currently, most refrigerators use electric heating elements on the evaporator to defrost it by directly heating the evaporator. However, when defrosting the evaporator using electric heating elements, the heating elements need to operate at high power, resulting in higher energy consumption and increased overall power consumption when the refrigerator is in defrost mode. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a defrosting system and a refrigerator to solve the technical problem that defrosting methods that directly heat the evaporator with an electric heating element consume a lot of energy.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a defrosting system, the system comprising a heating module, a heat exchange module, a detection module, and a control module, wherein the heating module and the detection module are disposed in the evaporator chamber of a refrigerator, the heat exchange module connects the evaporator chamber of the refrigerator to the compressor chamber, and the control module is connected to the heating module, the heat exchange module, and the detection module respectively; wherein, the evaporator chamber is used to install the evaporator of the refrigerator, and the compressor chamber is used to install the compressor of the refrigerator;

[0006] The heat exchange module includes a heat exchange pipe and a damper. The heat exchange pipe includes a first vent and a second vent. The first vent is located in the evaporator chamber, and the second vent is located in the compressor chamber. The damper is located inside the heat exchange pipe and is used to control the connection status of the heat exchange pipe.

[0007] The heating module includes a passive heating device, which is mounted on the evaporator;

[0008] The detection module is used to detect the thickness of the frost on the evaporator;

[0009] The control module is configured to control the refrigerator to enter defrost mode when the frost thickness on the evaporator is greater than or equal to a frost thickness threshold; wherein, in the defrost mode, the damper is opened, the compressor compartment and the evaporator compartment are connected, and the evaporator is heated by the waste heat stored in the passive heating device and the heat in the compressor compartment.

[0010] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the passive heating device includes a heat storage layer and a heat conduction layer. The heat conduction layer is in close contact with the evaporator, and the heat storage layer is in close contact with the heat conduction layer. The heat storage layer is located on the side outside the heat conduction layer away from the evaporator.

[0011] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the heat storage layer is made of a phase change material, and the heat-conducting layer is made of graphene.

[0012] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the heating module further includes an active heating device, which is in close contact with the evaporator and is used to actively generate heat to heat the evaporator when the refrigerator is running in the defrost mode.

[0013] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the heat exchange module further includes a bidirectional fan, which is disposed in the heat exchange pipe. The bidirectional fan rotates forward or in reverse. When the bidirectional fan rotates forward, air flows rapidly from the compressor chamber to the evaporator chamber. When the bidirectional fan rotates in reverse, air flows rapidly from the evaporator chamber to the compressor chamber.

[0014] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the detection module includes a temperature sensor and an infrared sensor, wherein:

[0015] The temperature sensor is installed inside the passive heating device. The temperature sensor is used to detect the real-time temperature value of the passive heating device and send the real-time temperature value to the control module so that the control module can determine the amount of waste heat stored in the passive heating device based on the temperature value.

[0016] The infrared sensor is positioned directly opposite the evaporator. The infrared sensor is used to detect the frost thickness on the evaporator and sends the frost thickness data to the control module, so that the control module controls the refrigerator to enter defrost mode.

[0017] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the control module includes:

[0018] A comparator, connected to the infrared sensor, is used to compare the frost thickness detected by the infrared sensor with a frost thickness threshold.

[0019] A temperature analyzer, connected to the temperature sensor, is used to calculate the waste heat storage capacity of the passive heating device based on the real-time temperature value detected by the temperature sensor.

[0020] A mode selector is connected to the damper, the bidirectional fan, and the active heating device, respectively, and is used to control the working status of the damper, the bidirectional fan, and the active heating device according to the control signals output by the comparator and the temperature analyzer.

[0021] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the defrosting system further includes a drainage module, which connects the evaporator chamber of the refrigerator to the water storage tank of the refrigerator. The drainage module is used to drain the melt water generated by the evaporator when the refrigerator is in the defrosting mode from the evaporator chamber.

[0022] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the drainage module includes a drainage pipe, a spiral guide groove, and a heating wire, wherein the spiral guide groove and the heating wire are both disposed inside the drainage pipe.

[0023] Secondly, this application provides a refrigerator that includes a defrosting system as described in any of the embodiments of the first aspect above.

[0024] The technical solutions provided in this application have the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0025] The defrosting system provided in this application embodiment releases heat through a passive heating device in the heating module when the refrigerator is running in defrosting mode. The residual heat stored in the passive heating device is used for defrosting. At the same time, the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber are connected through a heat exchange pipe in the heat exchange module, and the heat generated by the compressor in the compressor chamber is used to defrost the evaporator.

[0026] The defrosting system provided in this application utilizes a passive heating device to store residual heat generated during refrigerator operation. This residual heat includes, for example, the heat generated by the condenser when the refrigerator is running in cooling mode, and the heat within the compressor compartment after the evaporator compartment and compressor compartment are connected. Therefore, the passive heating device in this application acts as a heat buffer, storing various types of residual heat generated during refrigerator operation and fully utilizing this heat to heat the evaporator for defrosting. Compared to traditional methods that rely solely on electric heating elements for active defrosting, the solution provided in this application eliminates the need for additional energy during defrosting, effectively solving the problem of high energy consumption in existing defrosting methods. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a defrosting system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of a defrosting system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a drainage module in a defrosting system.

[0033] Figure 4 A front view of a defrosting system installed in a refrigerator, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 A side view of a defrosting system installed in a refrigerator, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 1. Heating module; 11. Passive heating device; 111. Heat storage layer; 112. Heat conduction layer; 12. Active heating device; 2. Heat exchange module; 21. Heat exchange pipe; 211. First vent; 212. Second vent; 22. Damper; 23. Bidirectional fan; 3. Detection module; 31. Infrared sensor; 32. Temperature sensor; 4. Control module; 5. Drainage module; 51. Drainage pipe; 52. Spiral guide groove; 53. Heating wire. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, 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 some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0040] To address the high energy consumption of existing defrosting methods that directly heat the evaporator with an electric heating element, this application provides a defrosting system and refrigerator that can fully utilize the waste heat generated during refrigerator operation to heat the evaporator for defrosting, thereby reducing energy consumption when the refrigerator is in defrosting mode.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a defrosting system provided in an embodiment of this application, with reference to... Figure 1 The defrosting system provided in this application includes a heating module 1, a heat exchange module 2, a detection module 3, and a control module 4. The heating module 1 and the detection module 3 are disposed in the evaporator chamber of the refrigerator. The heat exchange module 2 connects the evaporator chamber of the refrigerator to the compressor chamber. The control module 4 is connected to the heating module 1, the heat exchange module 2, and the detection module 3 respectively. The evaporator chamber is used to install the evaporator of the refrigerator, and the compressor chamber is used to install the compressor of the refrigerator.

[0042] The heat exchange module 2 includes a heat exchange pipe 21 and a damper 22. The heat exchange pipe 21 includes a first vent 211 and a second vent 212. The first vent 211 is located in the evaporator chamber, and the second vent 212 is located in the compressor chamber. The damper 22 is located inside the heat exchange pipe 21 and is used to control the connection status of the heat exchange pipe 21.

[0043] Heating module 1 includes a passive heating device 11, which is mounted on the evaporator;

[0044] Detection module 3 is used to detect the thickness of frost on the evaporator;

[0045] The control module 4 is configured to control the refrigerator to enter the defrost mode when the frost thickness on the evaporator is greater than or equal to the frost thickness threshold. In the defrost mode, the damper 22 is opened, the compressor compartment and the evaporator compartment are connected, and the evaporator is heated by the residual heat stored in the passive heating device 11 and the heat in the compressor compartment.

[0046] Specifically, this application provides a defrosting system consisting of a heating module 1, a heat exchange module 2, a detection module 3, and a control module 4, which is installed inside a refrigerator and used to defrost the refrigerator's evaporator.

[0047] The refrigerator has an evaporator compartment and a compressor compartment. The evaporator is located in the evaporator compartment, and the compressor is located in the compressor compartment. The specific arrangement of the compressor and evaporator inside the refrigerator is consistent with existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0048] The heat exchange module 2 in the defrosting system provided in this embodiment is disposed between the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber, and is connected to the control module 4. The heat exchange module 2 includes a heat exchange pipe 21 and a damper 22. The heat exchange pipe 21 includes a first vent 211 and a second vent 212. The first vent 211 is located in the evaporator chamber, and the second vent 212 is located in the compressor chamber. The evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber are interconnected through the heat exchange pipe 21.

[0049] The damper 22 is installed inside the heat exchange pipe 21. Specifically, it can be an electrically controlled damper 22 or an electrically controlled bidirectional flip cover. The damper 22 is opened or closed under the control of the control module 4. The connection state of the heat exchange pipe 21 changes depending on the opening and closing state of the damper 22.

[0050] When the damper 22 is open, the heat exchange pipe 21 connects the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber, and air flows between the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber, and heat exchange occurs between the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber; when the damper 22 is closed, the heat exchange pipe 21 does not connect the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber, and no air flows between the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber, and no heat exchange occurs between the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber.

[0051] The heating module 1 in the defrosting system provided in this application embodiment is disposed in the evaporator chamber. The heating module 1 is connected to the control module 4, and the heating module 1 specifically includes a passive heating device 11. In some specific examples, the passive heating device 11 is directly opposite the first vent 211 and closely attached to the surface of the evaporator. The passive heating device 11 can be fixed to the surface of the evaporator by clips or connectors. By setting the position of the passive heating device 11 so that it is directly opposite the first vent 11, it is convenient for the passive heating device 11 to absorb and store heat.

[0052] In the technical solution provided in this application, the passive heating device 11 is used to absorb various types of waste heat generated during the operation of the refrigerator and to store this waste heat.

[0053] In some specific implementation scenarios, when the refrigerator is running in cooling mode, the passive heating device 11 absorbs the residual heat generated by the condenser during the refrigerator's cooling process and stores this residual heat within itself. When the refrigerator is running in defrost mode, the passive heating device 11 releases the stored residual heat to heat the evaporator for defrosting.

[0054] In some specific implementation scenarios, when the refrigerator is running in defrost mode, the passive heating device 11 absorbs the residual heat in the refrigerator's compressor compartment and stores this residual heat in itself so as to heat the evaporator for defrosting during this or the next defrost cycle.

[0055] The detection module 3 in the defrosting system provided in this application embodiment is located in the evaporator chamber. The detection module 3 is connected to the control module 4. The detection module 3 is specifically used to detect the frost thickness on the evaporator and send the frost thickness to the control module 4 in real time.

[0056] The control module 4 in the defrosting system provided in this application embodiment controls the overall operation of the defrosting system. In some specific examples, the control module 4 may be the main control board or core controller of the refrigerator. The control module 4 determines whether to control the refrigerator to operate in defrosting mode based on the frost thickness detected by the detection module 3, and performs linkage control on each module in the defrosting system when the refrigerator is operating in defrosting mode.

[0057] Specifically, the control module 4 controls the refrigerator to enter defrost mode when the frost thickness on the evaporator is greater than or equal to the frost thickness threshold. In defrost mode, the damper 22 is opened, and the heat exchange pipe 21 connects the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber. The heat in the compressor chamber heats the evaporator to defrost. At the same time, the passive heating device 11 releases the stored waste heat to heat the evaporator to defrost.

[0058] As can be seen, the defrosting system provided in this application embodiment releases heat through the passive heating device 11 in the heating module 1 when the refrigerator is running in defrosting mode, and uses the residual heat stored in the passive heating device 11 to defrost. At the same time, the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber are connected through the heat exchange pipe 21 in the heat exchange module 2, and the heat generated by the compressor in the compressor chamber is used to defrost the evaporator.

[0059] The defrosting system provided in this application embodiment stores residual heat in the passive heating device 11. This residual heat is generated during refrigerator operation, including heat generated by the condenser when the refrigerator is running in cooling mode, and heat in the compressor compartment after the evaporator compartment and compressor compartment are connected. Therefore, the passive heating device 11 in this application acts as a heat buffer, storing various types of residual heat generated during refrigerator operation and fully utilizing this heat to heat the evaporator for defrosting. Compared to traditional methods that rely solely on electric heating elements for active defrosting, the solution provided in this application eliminates the need for additional energy during defrosting, effectively solving the problem of high energy consumption in existing defrosting methods.

[0060] Figure 2This is another structural schematic diagram of a defrosting system provided in an embodiment of this application, combined with... Figure 2 This application provides a detailed description of each module in a defrosting system provided in an embodiment.

[0061] Reference Figure 2 In one feasible embodiment of this application, the passive heating device 11 includes a heat storage layer 111 and a heat conduction layer 112. The heat conduction layer 112 is in close contact with the evaporator, and the heat storage layer 111 is in close contact with the heat conduction layer 112. The heat storage layer 111 is located on the side of the heat conduction layer 112 away from the evaporator.

[0062] Specifically, the passive heating device 11 consists of a heat storage layer 111 for storing waste heat and a heat-conducting layer 112 for guiding the stored waste heat to the evaporator. The heat-conducting layer 112 is in close contact with the surface of the evaporator, and the heat storage layer 111 is in close contact with the surface of the heat-conducting layer 112 and is located on the side of the heat-conducting layer 112 that is away from the evaporator.

[0063] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the heat storage layer 111 is composed of a phase change material, and the heat-conducting layer 112 is composed of graphene. In some specific examples, the heat storage layer 111 may be a paraffin-based composite phase change material, and the heat-conducting layer 112 may be composed of multiple layers of graphene sheets stacked together.

[0064] When the control module 4 controls the refrigerator to operate in defrost mode, the damper 22 opens, and heat exchange occurs between the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber through the heat exchange pipe 21. Since the passive heating device 11 is directly opposite the first vent 211 of the heat exchange pipe 21, the residual heat stored in the passive heating device 11 is directionally transferred to the evaporator surface by the air flowing between the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber, heating the evaporator for defrosting. Simultaneously, because the compressor chamber transfers heat to the evaporator chamber when the refrigerator is operating in defrost mode, the passive heating device 11 can store this heat, ensuring that the heat transferred from the compressor chamber to the evaporator chamber is concentrated and can act on the evaporator in the highest possible proportion, further improving the defrosting effect.

[0065] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the defrosting effect is further improved by incorporating a device capable of actively generating heat to assist defrosting heating. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 2 In this embodiment, the heating module 1 further includes an active heating device 12, which is in close contact with the evaporator. The active heating device 12 is used to actively generate heat to heat the evaporator when the refrigerator is running in defrost mode.

[0066] Specifically, the active heating device 12 can be a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) ceramic heating element. The active heating device 12 is fixed to the surface of the evaporator by a buckle or connector and is connected to the control module 4. It is controlled by the control module 4 and provides auxiliary heating when the refrigerator is running in defrost mode.

[0067] In conjunction with the above embodiments, the heating module 1 specifically includes a passive heating device 11 and an active heating device 12. In some specific examples, if the passive heating device 11 is insufficient to meet the current defrosting needs, the active heating device 12 will start operating. In such cases, part of the heat generated by the active heating device 12 is used for defrosting, and another part is absorbed by the passive heating device 11. After absorbing this heat, the passive heating device 11 can use it for the next defrosting of the evaporator. At the same time, it can also concentrate the heat generated by the active heating device 12, improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0068] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the defrosting effect is further improved by accelerating the heat exchange rate between the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber. (Continuing to refer to...) Figure 2 In this embodiment, the heat exchange module 2 further includes a bidirectional fan 23, which is disposed in the heat exchange pipe 21. The bidirectional fan 23 rotates forward or in reverse. When the bidirectional fan 23 rotates forward, air flows rapidly from the compressor chamber to the evaporator chamber. When the bidirectional fan 23 rotates in reverse, air flows rapidly from the evaporator chamber to the compressor chamber.

[0069] Specifically, the bidirectional fan 23 can adopt a centrifugal impeller structure driven by a brushless DC motor. The bidirectional fan 23 is installed inside the heat exchange pipe 21, specifically at a distance of about 1 / 3 of the pipe length from the second vent 212 of the compressor room.

[0070] The bidirectional fan 23 is controlled by the control module 4 and can rotate forward or reverse to change the direction of airflow. When the bidirectional fan 23 rotates forward, air flows rapidly from the compressor chamber to the evaporator chamber; when the bidirectional fan 23 rotates in reverse, air flows rapidly from the evaporator chamber to the compressor chamber.

[0071] In one feasible embodiment of this application, in order to accurately control the defrosting of the heating module 1, it is necessary to estimate the heat storage capacity of the passive heating device 11, therefore, it is necessary to detect the real-time temperature value of the passive heating device 11. (Continuing to refer to...) Figure 2In this embodiment, the detection module 3 includes a temperature sensor 32, which is disposed in the passive heating device 11. The temperature sensor 32 is used to detect the real-time temperature value of the passive heating device 11 and send the real-time temperature value to the control module 4 so that the control module 4 can determine the amount of residual heat stored in the passive heating device 11 based on the temperature value.

[0072] Specifically, the temperature sensor 32 can be a distributed optical fiber sensor, with multiple temperature-sensing optical fibers evenly distributed in the heat storage layer 111 of the passive heating device 11 to detect the overall temperature of the heat storage layer 111 of the passive heating device 11 and determine the real-time temperature value of the passive heating device 11.

[0073] Temperature sensor 32 sends the real-time temperature value of passive heating device 11 to control module 4. Control module 4 makes a preliminary estimate of the waste heat storage capacity of passive heating device 11 at any given time based on the real-time temperature value. In some practical examples, the waste heat storage capacity of passive heating device 11 can be calculated based on the sensible heat parameters and latent heat parameters of heat storage layer 111 in passive heating device 11, such as density, specific heat capacity, latent heat value, phase change initiation temperature, phase change end temperature, etc. The specific calculation method can refer to the existing technology, which will not be elaborated here.

[0074] In one feasible embodiment of this application, to accurately detect the frost thickness on the evaporator, the detection module 3 includes an infrared sensor 31. The infrared sensor 31 is positioned directly opposite the evaporator and is used to detect the frost thickness on the evaporator. The infrared sensor 31 then transmits the frost thickness data to the control module 4, causing the control module 4 to control the refrigerator to enter defrost mode. Specifically, the infrared sensor 31 can be positioned directly above the evaporator. The infrared sensor 31 emits infrared light towards the evaporator and, based on the principle of infrared reflection, detects the frost thickness on the evaporator in real time, transmitting the frost thickness data to the control module 4 in real time.

[0075] In one feasible embodiment of this application, to prevent the accumulation of meltwater generated during defrosting of the evaporator and its impact on the evaporator's operation, the defrosting system provided in this embodiment of the application also includes a drainage module 5. (Continue referring to...) Figure 2 In this embodiment, the defrosting system also includes a drainage module 5, which connects the evaporator chamber of the refrigerator to the water storage tank of the refrigerator. The drainage module 5 is used to drain the melt water generated by the evaporator when the refrigerator is in defrosting mode from the evaporator chamber.

[0076] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the drainage module 5 is further configured to ensure drainage effect. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drainage module 5 in a defrosting system provided in an embodiment of this application, with reference to... Figure 3The drainage module 5 includes a drainage pipe 51, a spiral guide groove 52, and a heating wire 53. The spiral guide groove 52 and the heating wire 53 are both located inside the drainage pipe 51.

[0077] Specifically, the inlet end of the drain pipe 51 is connected to the evaporator chamber of the refrigerator, and the outlet end of the drain pipe 51 is connected to the compressor chamber of the refrigerator. The inner wall of the drain pipe 51 is provided with an involute groove with a uniform pitch to form a spiral guide groove 52, which is used to guide the melt water generated by the evaporator during defrosting to flow downward in a spiral.

[0078] The heating wire 53 can be arranged vertically at the center of the drain pipe 51, or it can be arranged along the path of the spiral guide groove 52. The heating wire 53 can be a PTC electric heating wire 53, which operates at low power to maintain the internal temperature of the drain pipe 51 above 0°C.

[0079] If a smooth drain pipe 51 is used for drainage, the surface tension of the water may cause the drain pipe 51 to become blocked, leading to the accumulation of melt water generated during defrosting in the evaporator chamber. Therefore, in this embodiment, a spiral guide groove 52 is provided inside the drain pipe 51 to disrupt the surface tension of the melt water generated during defrosting, allowing the melt water to flow along the spiral guide groove 52 to the refrigerator's water storage tank, thereby increasing drainage efficiency.

[0080] On the other hand, the meltwater generated during defrosting in the evaporator is usually around 0°C. When this meltwater leaves the evaporator surface, it is prone to refreezing because it is no longer under the influence of the heating module 1 and the heat exchange module 2, resulting in ice blockage in the drain pipe 51. In this embodiment, a heating wire 53 is provided, which operates at a lower power to continuously heat the meltwater in the drain pipe 51, thus preventing ice blockage.

[0081] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the control module 4 includes:

[0082] A comparator, connected to the infrared sensor 31, is used to compare the frost thickness detected by the infrared sensor 31 with the frost thickness threshold.

[0083] A temperature analyzer, connected to a temperature sensor 32, is used to calculate the amount of residual heat stored in the passive heating device 11 based on the real-time temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 32.

[0084] The mode selector is connected to the damper 22, the bidirectional fan 23 and the active heating device 12 respectively, and is used to control the working status of the damper 22, the bidirectional fan 23 and the active heating device 12 according to the control signals output by the comparator and the temperature analyzer.

[0085] Specifically, the comparator is connected to the infrared sensor 31, receives the frost thickness detected by the infrared sensor 31, and compares it with a preset frost thickness threshold to determine whether to control the refrigerator to operate in defrost mode. In some specific examples, when the frost thickness is greater than 2mm, the comparator outputs a control signal to control the refrigerator to operate in defrost mode.

[0086] The temperature analyzer is connected to the temperature sensor 32, receives the real-time temperature value of the passive heating device 11 detected by the temperature sensor 32, and calculates the amount of residual heat stored in the passive heating device 11 based on the real-time temperature value.

[0087] The mode selector is connected to the damper 22, the bidirectional fan 23 and the active heating device 12 respectively, and is also connected to the comparator and the temperature analyzer. The mode selector controls the working status of the damper 22, the bidirectional fan 23 and the active heating device 12 according to the control signals output by the comparator and the temperature analyzer, so as to control the specific working status of each module when the refrigerator is running in defrost mode.

[0088] In some specific examples, the refrigerator can operate in a first defrost mode, a second defrost mode, or a third defrost mode. Depending on the amount of residual heat stored in the passive heating device 11, the control module 4 controls the refrigerator to operate in different defrost modes.

[0089] When the residual heat storage is greater than or equal to the preset first heat threshold, it means that the defrosting of the evaporator can be completed by the passive heating device 11 alone, and the control module 4 controls the refrigerator to operate in the first defrosting mode.

[0090] In the first defrost mode, the control module 4 controls the damper 22 to open, the bidirectional fan 23 to rotate forward, and the active heating device 12 to remain inactive. In the first defrost mode, the evaporator is heated and defrosted by the residual heat stored in the passive heating device 11 and the heat in the compressor compartment, thus effectively utilizing the residual heat generated during the refrigerator's operation.

[0091] When the residual heat storage is less than the preset first heat threshold but greater than or equal to the preset second heat threshold, it indicates that the evaporator cannot be completely defrosted by the passive heating device 11 alone. The control module 4 controls the refrigerator to operate in the second defrosting mode.

[0092] In the second defrosting mode, the control module 4 controls the damper 22 to open, the bidirectional fan 23 to rotate forward, and the active heating device 12 to operate at the first heating power. In the second defrosting mode, the evaporator is heated and defrosted by the residual heat stored in the passive heating device 11, the heat in the compressor chamber, and the heat generated by the active heating device 12. The active heating device 12 assists in defrosting to ensure the defrosting effect.

[0093] When the residual heat storage is less than the preset second heat threshold, it means that the evaporator cannot be defrosted by the passive heating device 11 alone. The control module 4 controls the refrigerator to operate in the third defrosting mode.

[0094] In the third defrosting mode, the control module 4 controls the damper 22 to open, the bidirectional fan 23 to reverse, and the active heating device 12 to operate at the second heating power, which is greater than the first heating power. In the second defrosting mode, the evaporator is defrosted by the residual heat stored in the passive heating device 11 and the heat generated by the active heating device 12, and the fan is reversed to prevent the active heating device 12 from overheating.

[0095] Meanwhile, in the third defrosting mode, the passive heating device 11 can also absorb part of the heat generated by the active heating device 12 and store it for the next defrosting, which further improves the energy utilization rate and avoids the waste of heat generated by the active heating device 12.

[0096] In one feasible embodiment of this application, the control module 4 is also used to control the refrigerator to exit / not run in defrost mode when the infrared sensor 31 detects that the frost thickness on the evaporator is less than the frost thickness threshold.

[0097] Figure 4 This is a front view of a defrosting system installed in a refrigerator, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a side view of the installation location of a defrosting system in a refrigerator, as provided in an embodiment of this application. For specific examples, the specific installation method of the defrosting system in the refrigerator can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0098] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application, with reference to... Figure 6 This application also provides a refrigerator that includes the defrosting system described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0099] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0100] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A defrosting system, characterized in that, The system includes a heating module, a heat exchange module, a detection module, and a control module. The heating module and the detection module are located in the evaporator chamber of the refrigerator. The heat exchange module connects the evaporator chamber and the compressor chamber of the refrigerator. The control module is connected to the heating module, the heat exchange module, and the detection module respectively. The evaporator chamber is used to install the evaporator of the refrigerator, and the compressor chamber is used to install the compressor of the refrigerator. The heat exchange module includes a heat exchange pipe and a damper. The heat exchange pipe includes a first vent and a second vent. The first vent is located in the evaporator chamber, and the second vent is located in the compressor chamber. The damper is located inside the heat exchange pipe and is used to control the connection status of the heat exchange pipe. The heating module includes a passive heating device, which is mounted on the evaporator; The detection module is used to detect the thickness of the frost on the evaporator; The control module is configured to control the refrigerator to enter defrost mode when the frost thickness on the evaporator is greater than or equal to a frost thickness threshold; wherein, in the defrost mode, the damper is opened, the compressor compartment and the evaporator compartment are connected, and the evaporator is heated by the waste heat stored in the passive heating device and the heat in the compressor compartment.

2. The defrosting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The passive heating device includes a heat storage layer and a heat conduction layer. The heat conduction layer is in close contact with the evaporator, and the heat storage layer is in close contact with the heat conduction layer. The heat storage layer is located on the side outside the heat conduction layer away from the evaporator.

3. The defrosting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat storage layer is made of phase change material, and the heat-conducting layer is made of graphene material.

4. The defrosting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating module also includes an active heating device, which is attached to the evaporator and is used to actively generate heat to heat the evaporator when the refrigerator is running in defrost mode.

5. The defrosting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange module also includes a bidirectional fan, which is installed inside the heat exchange pipe. The bidirectional fan rotates forward or backward. When the bidirectional fan rotates forward, air flows rapidly from the compressor chamber to the evaporator chamber. When the bidirectional fan rotates backward, air flows rapidly from the evaporator chamber to the compressor chamber.

6. The defrosting system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The detection module includes a temperature sensor and an infrared sensor, wherein: The temperature sensor is installed inside the passive heating device. The temperature sensor is used to detect the real-time temperature value of the passive heating device and send the real-time temperature value to the control module so that the control module can determine the amount of waste heat stored in the passive heating device based on the temperature value. The infrared sensor is positioned directly opposite the evaporator. The infrared sensor is used to detect the frost thickness on the evaporator and sends the frost thickness data to the control module, so that the control module controls the refrigerator to enter defrost mode.

7. The defrosting system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control module includes: A comparator, connected to the infrared sensor, is used to compare the frost thickness detected by the infrared sensor with a frost thickness threshold. A temperature analyzer, connected to the temperature sensor, is used to calculate the waste heat storage capacity of the passive heating device based on the real-time temperature value detected by the temperature sensor. A mode selector is connected to the damper, the bidirectional fan, and the active heating device, respectively, and is used to control the working status of the damper, the bidirectional fan, and the active heating device according to the control signals output by the comparator and the temperature analyzer.

8. The defrosting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The defrosting system also includes a drainage module, which connects the evaporator chamber of the refrigerator to the water tank of the refrigerator. The drainage module is used to drain the melt water generated by the evaporator when the refrigerator is in the defrosting mode.

9. The defrosting system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drainage module includes a drainage pipe, a spiral guide groove, and a heating wire, with the spiral guide groove and the heating wire both disposed inside the drainage pipe.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a defrosting system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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