Refrigerator and defrosting method therefor

Abstract

A refrigerator and a defrosting method therefor. The refrigerator comprises a refrigeration assembly, a first storage compartment (1), a cooling air duct (2), a return air duct and a damper (3), wherein the refrigeration assembly is configured to cool gas; the first storage compartment (1) is used for storing items; the cooled gas from the refrigeration assembly enters the cooling air duct (2) and then exchanges heat with the items located in the first storage compartment (1); the return air duct is arranged between the cooling air duct (2) and the refrigeration assembly, the return air duct is configured to deliver the gas in the cooling air duct (2) back to the refrigeration assembly, and the return air temperature in the return air duct is lower than the temperature in the first storage compartment (1); the damper (3) is arranged on the return air duct in an openable and closable manner; when the damper (3) is in an open state, a pressure difference is formed between the return air duct and the first storage compartment (1), such that water vapor formed by the sublimation of a frost layer in the first storage compartment (1) enters the return air duct; and when the damper (3) is in a closed state, the return air duct is relatively closed to the first storage compartment (1).

Description

Refrigerator and defrosting method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure is based on and claims priority to an application filed in China with application number 202410092259.7 and filing date January 22, 2024. The disclosure of the application in China is hereby incorporated into the present disclosure as a whole. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and in particular to a refrigerator and a defrosting method thereof. Background Art

[0003] After the direct cooling heat exchange chamber is frequently opened and closed, because there is no cold air circulation system in the chamber, the high temperature and high humidity gas from the outside will exchange heat with its low temperature surface and frost will occur on the low temperature surface. The frost layer covering the heat exchange surface will reduce the cooling efficiency of the chamber.

[0004] Currently, the main method of automatic defrosting in related technologies is to use electric heating coils. However, the temperature of the compartment rises during the heating process, and some of the defrost water often accumulates at the bottom of the compartment, unable to flow into the drain pipe. This causes the meat to refreeze during the next refrigeration cycle, affecting the frozen quality of the meat. Therefore, the defrosting effect of electric heating is not very ideal.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section of this disclosure is intended solely to enhance understanding of the overall background of this disclosure and should not be construed as an admission or any form of implication that such information constitutes prior art already known to those skilled in the art. The foregoing statements are intended solely to provide background information related to this disclosure and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator and a defrosting method thereof, which can effectively improve the defrosting effect of the refrigerator.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator comprising:

[0009] a refrigeration assembly configured to cool the gas;

[0010] a first storage room, for storing items;

[0011] a cooling air duct in fluid communication with the refrigeration assembly, wherein cooling gas from the refrigeration assembly enters the cooling air duct and exchanges heat with items located in the first storage chamber;

[0012] a return air duct, disposed between the cooling air duct and the refrigeration assembly, the return air duct being configured to return the gas in the cooling air duct to the refrigeration assembly, wherein the return air temperature in the return air duct is lower than the temperature in the first storage chamber; and

[0013] The damper is arranged on the return air duct in an openable and closable manner. When the damper is in the open state, a pressure difference is formed between the return air duct and the first storage chamber, so that water vapor formed by sublimation of the frost layer in the first storage chamber enters the return air duct; when the damper is in the closed state, the return air duct and the first storage chamber are relatively closed.

[0014] In some embodiments, the refrigerator also includes a second storage chamber for storing items, the cooling air duct includes a freezing section, the cooling gas in the freezing section is used to exchange heat with the items located in the second storage chamber to put the items into a frozen state, and the return air duct is connected to the freezing section.

[0015] In some embodiments, an angle between a flow direction of the air flow in the return air duct and a flow direction of the water vapor in the first storage chamber entering the return air duct is an acute angle.

[0016] In some embodiments, the flow direction of the air flow in the return air duct is perpendicular to the flow direction of the water vapor in the first storage chamber entering the return air duct.

[0017] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a driving device, which is drivingly connected to the damper, and the driving device is configured to drive the damper to move relative to the return air duct so that the damper is opened or closed.

[0018] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a humidity detection device disposed in the first storage chamber, and the humidity detection device is configured to detect the humidity in the first storage chamber.

[0019] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes an adjusting device, which is signal-connected to the humidity detecting device and the driving device, and the adjusting device is configured to adjust the driving device to open the damper when the humidity detecting device detects that the humidity in the first storage chamber is greater than 90%.

[0020] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a temperature detection device and an adjustment device, the temperature detection device is configured to detect the temperature of the first storage chamber, the adjustment device is connected to the temperature detection device and the refrigeration component signal, and the adjustment device is configured to adjust the driving device when the temperature detection device detects that the temperature of the first storage chamber is greater than a first preset value, so as to close the damper and start the refrigeration component.

[0021] In some embodiments, the regulating device is further configured to regulate the driving device to open the damper when the temperature of the first storage chamber is less than or equal to a first preset value.

[0022] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a monitoring device configured to monitor a rate of decrease in humidity within the first storage chamber.

[0023] In some embodiments, the refrigerator also includes a fan and a regulating device, the fan is configured to drive the air flow in the return air duct, the regulating device is connected to the monitoring device and the fan signal, and the regulating device is configured to increase the fan speed when the monitoring device detects that the humidity drop rate in the first storage chamber is less than a second preset value.

[0024] In some embodiments, the refrigeration assembly includes a compressor, the regulating device is connected to the compressor signal, and the regulating device is configured to increase the speed of the compressor when the speed of the fan is increased and the humidity drop rate in the first storage chamber is still less than a second preset value.

[0025] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a cold conduction plate, which is disposed between the cooling air duct and the first storage chamber, and the cooling gas and the items exchange heat through the cold conduction plate.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a defrosting method based on the above refrigerator is provided, comprising:

[0027] The damper is opened to allow water vapor formed by sublimation of the frost layer in the first storage chamber to enter the return air duct, so as to reduce the humidity in the first storage chamber.

[0028] In some embodiments, the defrost method further comprises:

[0029] Providing a second storage chamber for storing items, the cooling air duct includes a freezing section, and the cooling gas in the freezing section is used to exchange heat with the items located in the second storage chamber to put the items into a frozen state; and

[0030] The return air duct is connected to the freezing section so that the cooled gas after heat exchange in the freezing section enters the return air duct to dehumidify the first storage chamber.

[0031] In some embodiments, the defrost method further comprises:

[0032] detecting the humidity in the first storage chamber; and

[0033] When the humidity in the first storage chamber is greater than 90%, the damper is opened.

[0034] In some embodiments, the defrost method further comprises:

[0035] detecting a temperature of the first storage chamber; and

[0036] When the temperature of the first storage chamber is greater than a first preset value, the damper is closed and the refrigeration component is started.

[0037] In some embodiments, the defrost method further comprises:

[0038] After the refrigeration component is started, the temperature of the first storage chamber is continuously detected, and the damper is opened when the temperature of the first storage chamber is less than or equal to a first preset value.

[0039] In some embodiments, the defrost method further comprises:

[0040] A fan is provided for driving the air flow in the return air duct;

[0041] monitoring a rate of decrease in humidity within the first storage chamber; and

[0042] When the humidity drop rate in the first storage chamber is less than a second preset value, the rotation speed of the fan is increased.

[0043] In some embodiments, the refrigeration assembly includes a compressor, and the defrost method further includes:

[0044] After the rotation speed of the fan is increased, if the humidity drop rate in the first storage chamber is still less than the second preset value, the rotation speed of the compressor is increased.

[0045] Based on the above technical solution, the embodiment of the present disclosure sets an openable and closable damper, which can be opened during defrosting, so that water vapor formed by the sublimation of the frost layer in the first storage chamber enters the return air duct under the action of pressure difference, thereby reducing the humidity in the first storage chamber, effectively preventing the defrost water from refreezing, and reducing the impact on the freezing quality of meat products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and their descriptions are used to explain the present disclosure and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0047] FIG1 is a partial structural schematic diagram of some embodiments of the refrigerator provided by the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG2 is a schematic diagram from another angle showing a partial structure of some embodiments of the refrigerator provided by the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the refrigerator defrosting method provided by the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG4 is a flow chart of some embodiments of the refrigerator defrosting method provided by the present disclosure.

[0051] In the figure: 1. First storage chamber; 2. Cooling air duct; 3. Air door; 4. Humidity detection device; 5. Cooling plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0053] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "front", "back", "left", "right", "up", "down", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the refrigerator includes a refrigeration assembly, a first storage chamber 1, a cooling air duct 2, a return air duct, and a cold plate 5. The refrigeration assembly is used to cool the gas, the first storage chamber 1 is used to store items, the cooling air duct 2 is connected to the pipeline in the refrigeration assembly, and the cold plate 5 is arranged between the cooling air duct 2 and the first storage chamber 1. The cooling gas from the refrigeration assembly enters the cooling air duct 2 and blows toward the cold plate 5. After the cold plate 5 cools down, it exchanges heat with the items in the first storage chamber 1, achieving the effect of cooling the items. After cooling the items, the cooling gas in the cooling air duct 2 enters the return air duct and returns to the refrigeration assembly to be cooled again, thus forming a cycle.

[0055] In order to improve the defrosting effect of the refrigerator, avoid refreezing of meat products, and improve the freezing quality of meat products, the present disclosure has conducted a careful study on the defrosting method of the refrigerator.

[0056] Research has found that after closing the first storage chamber 1, which is used to store items, and cooling the items within it, the humidity in the first storage chamber 1 will initially rise and then fall due to the different thermal properties of water vapor and air. The initial rise occurs because the air temperature in the first storage chamber 1 drops faster than the water vapor temperature. With the water vapor content remaining essentially unchanged, the saturated vapor pressure of the gas decreases rapidly, leading to a gradual increase in humidity. However, when the water vapor temperature drops below its desublimation point, it freezes into frost, covering the cooling plate 5 of the first storage chamber 1 and the surface of the frozen items. At this point, the humidity within the first storage chamber 1 decreases.

[0057] When the items are completely frozen and the refrigerator enters shutdown mode, the temperature of the first storage chamber 1 begins to rise. At this time, the first storage chamber 1 is in a low-temperature, low-humidity environment. Due to the different thermal properties (such as specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, etc.) between the cold plate 5 and the items in the first storage chamber 1, the frost layer on the cold plate 5 and the frost layer condensed on the surface of the items in the first storage chamber 1 rise in temperature and sublime at different rates.

[0058] Specifically, the sublimation and temperature recovery rate of the frost layer on the surface of the cold conduction plate 5 are much higher than the temperature recovery and sublimation rate of the frost layer on the surface of the frozen object. As shown in Figure 3, during the same period of time, the temperature of the frost layer covering the cold conduction plate 5 increased from T1 to T4, the temperature of the surface of the frozen object increased from T2 to T3, the water vapor pressure near the cold conduction plate 5 increased from P4 to P1, and the water vapor pressure near the object increased from P3 to P2. Therefore, the temperature and humidity near the cold conduction plate 5 are higher than the temperature near the frozen object, forming a stable temperature difference and vapor pressure difference. At the same time, under the action of this temperature difference and pressure difference, the water vapor originally located near the cold conduction plate 5 will diffuse or mix into the gas near the object, and may even re-frost on the object. This will cause the humidity in the first storage chamber 1 to continue to increase.

[0059] To this end, in the embodiment provided in the present disclosure, the refrigerator also includes a damper 3, which is arranged on the return air duct. The return air flows in the return air duct, so that a negative pressure is formed in the return air duct. After the damper 3 is opened, the water vapor formed by the sublimation of the frost layer in the first storage chamber 1 enters the return air duct under the action of the negative pressure, thereby achieving a dehumidification effect, while the return air in the return air duct will not enter the first storage chamber 1, thereby achieving the effect of defrosting and dehumidification, and will not cause the items to refrozen, thereby avoiding affecting the freezing quality of meat items and improving the defrosting effect.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments of the refrigerator provided by the present disclosure, the refrigerator includes a refrigeration component, a first storage chamber 1, a cooling air duct 2, a return air duct and an air damper 3. The refrigeration component is configured to cool the gas. The first storage chamber 1 is used to store items. The cooling air duct 2 is fluidly connected to the refrigeration component. The cooled gas from the refrigeration component enters the cooling air duct 2 and exchanges heat with the items located in the first storage chamber 1. The return air duct is arranged between the cooling air duct 2 and the refrigeration component. The return air duct is configured to return the gas in the cooling air duct 2 to the refrigeration component. The return air temperature in the return air duct is lower than the temperature in the first storage chamber 1. The air damper 3 can be opened and closed on the return air duct. When the air damper 3 is in an open state, a pressure difference is formed between the return air duct and the first storage chamber 1, so that water vapor formed by sublimation of the frost layer in the first storage chamber 1 enters the return air duct; when the air damper 3 is in a closed state, the return air duct and the first storage chamber 1 are relatively closed.

[0061] By setting an openable and closable damper 3, the damper 3 can be opened during defrosting, so that the water vapor formed by the sublimation of the frost layer in the first storage chamber 1 enters the return air duct under the action of the pressure difference, thereby reducing the humidity in the first storage chamber 1, effectively preventing the defrost water from refreezing, and reducing the impact on the freezing quality of meat products.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigeration component may include a compressor, a condenser, a throttling element and an evaporator. The gas can be cooled by the evaporator. The low-temperature gas enters the cooling air duct 2 to cool the cold guide plate 5. After the cold guide plate 5 is cooled, the items in the first storage chamber 1 are cooled. The gas is then sent back to the refrigeration component through the return air duct and cooled again, and the cycle is repeated.

[0063] In some embodiments, the refrigerator also includes a second storage chamber for storing items, the cooling air duct 2 includes a freezing section, the cooling gas in the freezing section is used to exchange heat with the items located in the second storage chamber to put the items into a frozen state, and the return air duct is connected to the freezing section.

[0064] The second storage chamber is used to freeze items, and the cooling gas in the freezing section is close to or lower than the temperature of the frozen items in the second storage chamber.

[0065] By setting up a freezing section and connecting the return air duct with the freezing section, the gas after freezing the items can enter the return air duct. The temperature of the gas is close to or lower than the freezing temperature of the items, and the humidity is low, which has a better dehumidification effect on the first storage chamber 1.

[0066] In some embodiments, the angle between the flow direction of the air flow in the return air duct and the flow direction of the water vapor in the first storage chamber 1 entering the return air duct is an acute angle.

[0067] By constructing the return air duct so that the angle between the flow direction of the air flow in the return air duct and the flow direction of the water vapor in the first storage chamber 1 into the return air duct is an acute angle, the return air can be effectively prevented from entering the first storage chamber 1 and affecting the storage quality of meat items; moreover, preventing the return air from entering the first storage chamber 1 can further avoid the return air flow and water vapor mixing at the air door to generate turbulence, which affects the stability of the air flow and the dehumidification effect.

[0068] In some embodiments, the flow direction of the air flow in the return air duct is perpendicular to the flow direction of the water vapor in the first storage chamber 1 entering the return air duct.

[0069] By constructing the return air duct so that the direction of the air flow in the return air duct is perpendicular to the direction of the water vapor in the first storage chamber 1 entering the return air duct, the effect of preventing the return air from entering the first storage chamber 1 can be further improved, thereby ensuring the storage quality of meat items; moreover, preventing the return air from entering the first storage chamber 1 can further avoid the return air flow and water vapor mixing at the air door to produce turbulence, which affects the stability of the air flow and the dehumidification effect.

[0070] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a driving device, which is drivingly connected to the damper 3 , and the driving device is configured to drive the damper 3 to move relative to the return air duct so that the damper 3 is opened or closed.

[0071] By providing a driving device, the damper 3 can be driven to automatically open or close, thereby realizing automatic control of the damper 3 .

[0072] In some embodiments, the driving device may be configured to drive the damper 3 to rotate relative to the return air duct, so as to open or close the damper 3 by rotation.

[0073] In other embodiments, the driving device may be configured to drive the damper 3 to translate relative to the return air duct, so as to open or close the damper 3 by moving it up and down or left and right.

[0074] The driving device can be an oil cylinder, an air cylinder or an electric motor.

[0075] By providing a driving device, the regulating device can realize the opening and closing of the damper 3 by adjusting the driving device.

[0076] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a humidity detection device 4 disposed in the first storage chamber 1 , and the humidity detection device 4 is configured to detect the humidity in the first storage chamber 1 .

[0077] By providing the humidity detection device 4 , the humidity in the first storage chamber 1 can be detected in real time, so that the opening and closing of the damper 3 can be adjusted according to the humidity in the first storage chamber 1 .

[0078] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes an adjusting device, which is signal-connected to the humidity detection device 4 and the driving device, and the adjusting device is configured to adjust the driving device to open the damper 3 when the humidity detection device 4 detects that the humidity in the first storage chamber 1 is greater than 90%.

[0079] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a temperature detection device and an adjustment device, the temperature detection device is configured to detect the temperature of the first storage chamber 1, the adjustment device is connected to the temperature detection device and the refrigeration component signal, and the adjustment device is configured to adjust the driving device when the temperature detection device detects that the temperature of the first storage chamber 1 is greater than a first preset value, so as to close the damper 3 and start the refrigeration component.

[0080] By providing a temperature detection device, the temperature in the first storage chamber 1 can be detected in real time to prevent the temperature in the first storage chamber 1 from rising.

[0081] When the temperature detecting device detects that the temperature of the first storage chamber 1 is greater than a first preset value, the regulating device adjusts the driving device to close the damper 3, stop dehumidification, and start the refrigeration component to start cooling the first storage chamber 1.

[0082] The temperature detection device can be arranged at the same position as the humidity detection device 4, such as at a position adjacent to the damper 3, so as to improve the detection accuracy of temperature and humidity and facilitate the control of temperature and humidity.

[0083] In some embodiments, the regulating device is further configured to regulate the driving device when the temperature of the first storage chamber 1 is less than or equal to a first preset value, so as to open the damper 3 .

[0084] After cooling, when the temperature of the first storage chamber 1 is less than or equal to the first preset value and the humidity in the first storage chamber 1 still does not meet the preset requirement, the regulating device regulates the driving device to open the damper 3 to continue dehumidification.

[0085] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further comprises a monitoring device configured to monitor a rate of decrease of humidity in the first storage chamber 1 .

[0086] By setting up a monitoring device, the humidity drop rate in the first storage chamber 1 can be monitored in real time, so as to facilitate taking measures to increase the humidity drop rate when the humidity drop rate in the first storage chamber 1 cannot meet the preset requirements.

[0087] In some embodiments, the refrigerator also includes a fan and a regulating device, the fan is configured to drive the air flow in the return air duct, the regulating device is connected to the monitoring device and the fan signal, and the regulating device is configured to increase the fan speed when the monitoring device detects that the humidity drop rate in the first storage chamber 1 is less than a second preset value.

[0088] By increasing the rotation speed of the fan, the flow speed of the air flow in the return air duct can be increased, thereby enhancing the dehumidification effect and increasing the humidity reduction speed in the first storage chamber 1.

[0089] In some embodiments, the refrigeration assembly includes a compressor, the regulating device is connected to the compressor signal, and the regulating device is configured to increase the speed of the compressor when the fan speed is increased and the humidity drop rate in the first storage chamber 1 is still less than a second preset value.

[0090] By increasing the speed of the compressor in the refrigeration assembly, the refrigeration effect can be improved, the temperature of the cooling gas in the cooling air duct can be reduced, and the gas temperature in the return air duct can be reduced, thereby increasing the pressure difference between the return air duct and the first storage chamber 1 and improving the dehumidification effect.

[0091] Based on the refrigerator in the above embodiment, the present disclosure further provides a refrigerator defrosting method, which includes:

[0092] The damper 3 is opened to allow the water vapor formed by the sublimation of the frost layer in the first storage chamber 1 to enter the return air duct, so as to reduce the humidity in the first storage chamber 1 .

[0093] By opening the damper 3, the water vapor formed by the sublimation of the frost layer in the first storage chamber 1 can enter the return air duct under the action of the pressure difference, thereby reducing the humidity in the first storage chamber 1, effectively preventing the defrost water from refreezing, and reducing the impact on the freezing quality of meat products.

[0094] In some embodiments, the defrost method further comprises:

[0095] A second storage chamber is provided for storing articles, the cooling air duct 2 includes a freezing section, and the cooling gas in the freezing section is used to exchange heat with the articles in the second storage chamber to put the articles into a frozen state; and

[0096] The return air duct is connected to the freezing section so that the cooled gas after heat exchange in the freezing section enters the return air duct to dehumidify the first storage chamber 1.

[0097] By setting up a freezing section and connecting the return air duct to the freezing section, the gas after freezing the items can enter the return air duct. The gas temperature is close to the freezing temperature and the humidity is low, which has a better dehumidification effect on the first storage chamber 1.

[0098] In some embodiments, the defrost method further comprises:

[0099] detecting the humidity in the first storage chamber 1; and

[0100] When the humidity in the first storage chamber 1 is greater than 90%, the damper 3 is opened.

[0101] In some embodiments, the defrost method further comprises:

[0102] detecting the temperature of the first storage chamber 1; and

[0103] When the temperature of the first storage chamber 1 is greater than a first preset value, the damper 3 is closed and the refrigeration component is started.

[0104] When the temperature detecting device detects that the temperature of the first storage chamber 1 is greater than a first preset value, the regulating device adjusts the driving device to close the damper 3, stop dehumidification, and start the refrigeration component to start cooling the first storage chamber 1.

[0105] In some embodiments, the defrost method further comprises:

[0106] After the refrigeration component is started, the temperature of the first storage chamber 1 continues to be detected, and when the temperature of the first storage chamber 1 is less than or equal to a first preset value, the damper 3 is opened.

[0107] In some embodiments, the defrost method further comprises:

[0108] A fan is provided for driving the air flow in the return air duct;

[0109] monitoring the rate of decrease of humidity in the first storage chamber 1; and

[0110] When the humidity drop rate in the first storage chamber 1 is less than the second preset value, the rotation speed of the fan is increased.

[0111] By increasing the rotation speed of the fan, the flow speed of the air flow in the return air duct can be increased, thereby enhancing the dehumidification effect and increasing the humidity reduction speed in the first storage chamber 1.

[0112] In some embodiments, the refrigeration assembly includes a compressor, and the defrost method further includes:

[0113] After the rotation speed of the fan is increased, if the humidity drop rate in the first storage chamber 1 is still lower than the second preset value, the rotation speed of the compressor is increased.

[0114] By increasing the speed of the compressor in the refrigeration assembly, the refrigeration effect can be improved, the temperature of the cooling gas in the cooling air duct can be reduced, and the gas temperature in the return air duct can be reduced, thereby increasing the pressure difference between the return air duct and the first storage chamber 1 and improving the dehumidification effect.

[0115] As shown in Figure 4, during the process of the humidity rising in the first storage chamber 1, the humidity detection device 4 and the temperature detection device continuously monitor the humidity and temperature of the first storage chamber 1. When it is detected that the humidity RH in the first storage chamber 1 is greater than 90%, the air door 3 is opened. Due to the characteristics of the cold return air with low temperature and low humidity and the flow rate of the cold return air, its water vapor partial pressure is less than the water vapor partial pressure in the first storage chamber 1. Therefore, under the action of the humidity difference, the water vapor in the first storage chamber 1 will diffuse into the cold return air duct, thereby reducing the humidity of the first storage chamber 1. The humidity detection device 4 and the temperature detection device continuously monitor the humidity drop rate V of the first storage chamber 1. If V < V1, the fan speed of the cold return air is increased; if the humidity drop rate V in the first storage chamber 1 is still less than the second preset value V1, the compressor speed is increased until V > V1. Moreover, during the dehumidification process, if the temperature T of the first storage chamber 1 is greater than the first preset value T1, the air door 3 is closed and the defrosting is stopped until the temperature in the first storage chamber 1 drops back to the first preset value T1 again, and then the dehumidification continues to keep the humidity of the first storage chamber 1 within the range of 50% - 90%.

[0116] The refrigerator and its defrosting method provided by the present disclosure can effectively improve the defrosting effect, directly sublime the frost layer into water vapor, and make the water vapor enter the return air duct under the action of the pressure difference to achieve the purpose of dehumidification. Moreover, it can effectively prevent the re-freezing of meat products, prevent the loss of juice of meat products, and ensure the freezing quality of meat products.

[0117] The descriptions of the above embodiments tend to emphasize the differences between the embodiments. Their similarities can be referred to each other. For the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated herein.

[0118] Those skilled in the art can understand that in the above method of the specific embodiment, the writing order of each step does not mean a strict execution order and does not constitute any limitation to the implementation process. The specific execution order of each step should be determined according to its function and possible internal logic.

[0119] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure and not to limit them; although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: without departing from the principle of the present disclosure, modifications can still be made to the specific implementation manners of the present disclosure or equivalent replacements can be made to some technical features, and these modifications and equivalent replacements should all be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: A refrigeration component configured to cool a gas; A first storage chamber (1) for storing items; A cooling air duct (2) fluidly connected to the refrigeration component, and after the cooling gas from the refrigeration component enters the cooling air duct (2), it exchanges heat with the items located in the first storage chamber (1); A return air duct disposed between the cooling air duct (2) and the refrigeration component, the return air duct being configured to send the gas in the cooling air duct (2) back to the refrigeration component, and the return air temperature in the return air duct is lower than the temperature in the first storage chamber (1); And A damper (3) disposed on the return air duct in an openable and closable manner. When the damper (3) is in an open state, a pressure difference is formed between the return air duct and the first storage chamber (1) to enable the water vapor formed by the sublimation of the frost layer in the first storage chamber (1) to enter the return air duct; when the damper (3) is in a closed state, the return air duct and the first storage chamber (1) are relatively closed.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a second storage chamber for storing items. The cooling air duct (2) includes a freezing section, and the cooling gas in the freezing section is used to exchange heat with the items located in the second storage chamber to enable the items to enter a frozen state, and the return air duct is connected to the freezing section.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The included angle between the air flow direction in the return air duct and the flow direction of the water vapor in the first storage chamber (1) entering the return air duct is an acute angle.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The air flow direction in the return air duct is perpendicular to the flow direction of the water vapor in the first storage chamber (1) entering the return air duct.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a driving device, the driving device being drivingly connected to the damper (3), and the driving device being configured to drive the damper (3) to move relative to the return air duct to open or close the damper (3).

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, further comprising a humidity detection device (4) disposed in the first storage chamber (1), the humidity detection device (4) being configured to detect the humidity in the first storage chamber (1).

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, further comprising an adjustment device, the adjustment device being signal-connected to the humidity detection device (4) and the driving device, and the adjustment device being configured to adjust the driving device when the humidity detection device (4) detects that the humidity in the first storage chamber (1) is greater than 90% to open the damper (3).

8. The refrigerator according to claim 5 or 7, further comprising a temperature detection device and an adjustment device, the temperature detection device being configured to detect the temperature of the first storage chamber (1), the adjustment device being signal-connected to the temperature detection device and the refrigeration component, and the adjustment device being configured to adjust the driving device when the temperature detection device detects that the temperature of the first storage chamber (1) is greater than a first preset value to close the damper (3) and start the refrigeration component.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, The adjustment device is further configured to adjust the driving device when the temperature of the first storage chamber (1) is less than or equal to a first preset value, so as to open the air door (3).

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9 further includes a monitoring device configured to monitor the humidity decrease rate in the first storage chamber (1).

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10 further includes a fan and an adjustment device. The fan is configured to drive the air flow in the return air duct. The adjustment device is in signal connection with the monitoring device and the fan, and is configured to increase the rotation speed of the fan when the monitoring device monitors that the humidity decrease rate in the first storage chamber (1) is less than a first preset value.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein, The refrigeration assembly includes a compressor. The adjustment device is in signal connection with the compressor and is configured to increase the rotation speed of the compressor when the rotation speed of the fan is increased and the humidity decrease rate in the first storage chamber (1) is still less than a second preset value.

13. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 12 further includes a cold conduction plate (5) disposed between the cooling air duct (2) and the first storage chamber (1), and the cooling gas exchanges heat with the articles through the cold conduction plate (5).

14. A defrosting method based on the refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, including: Opening the air door (3) to enable the water vapor formed by the sublimation of the frost layer in the first storage chamber (1) to enter the return air duct, so as to reduce the humidity in the first storage chamber (1).

15. The defrosting method according to claim 14 further includes: Providing a second storage chamber for storing articles. The cooling air duct (2) includes a freezing section, and the cooling gas in the freezing section is used to exchange heat with the articles located in the second storage chamber to enable the articles to enter a frozen state; and Connecting the return air duct to the freezing section so that the cooling gas after heat exchange in the freezing section enters the return air duct to dehumidify the first storage chamber (1).

16. The defrosting method according to claim 14 or 15 further includes: Detecting the humidity in the first storage chamber (1); and Opening the air door (3) when the humidity in the first storage chamber (1) is greater than 90%.

17. The defrosting method according to any one of claims 14 to 16 further includes: Detecting the temperature of the first storage chamber (1); and Closing the air door (3) and starting the refrigeration assembly when the temperature of the first storage chamber (1) is greater than a first preset value.

18. The defrosting method according to claim 17 further includes: After starting the refrigeration assembly, continuously detecting the temperature of the first storage chamber (1), and opening the air door (3) when the temperature of the first storage chamber (1) is less than or equal to the first preset value.

19. The defrosting method according to any one of claims 14 to 18 further includes: Providing a fan for driving the air flow in the return air duct; Monitor the rate of decrease in humidity inside the first storage chamber (1); and When the rate of decrease in humidity inside the first storage chamber (1) is less than a second preset value, increase the rotation speed of the blower fan.

20. The defrosting method according to claim 19, wherein, The refrigeration assembly includes a compressor, and the defrosting method further includes: After increasing the rotation speed of the blower fan, and when the rate of decrease in humidity inside the first storage chamber (1) is still less than the second preset value, increase the rotation speed of the compressor.

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