Patent ID: 12228317

Description of reference signsReferencesignName100refrigerator cooling system1refrigerant circulation flowpath11backflow trunk section2throttling device21first three-way valve211first communication port22throttling branch23aelectronic expansion valve23bcapillary tube3evaporator4temperature sensor6compressor61air return port7gasification branch8switching structure81second three-way valve811second communication port82third three-way valve821third communication port9condenser91heat exchange tubeacirculation flow path in thethrottling modebcirculation flow path in thedefrosting mode

The realization of the technical benefits, functional characteristics, and advantages of the present disclosure are further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is obvious that the embodiments described are only some rather than all of the embodiments of the present disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within the claimed scope of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that all the directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, rear . . . ) in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement, or the like of the components in a certain posture (as shown in the drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will change accordingly.

Besides, the descriptions associated with, e.g., “first” and “second,” in the present disclosure are merely for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting relative importance or impliedly indicating the number of the indicated technical feature. Therefore, the feature associated with “first” or “second” can expressly or impliedly include at least one such feature. In addition, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but the combinations must be based on the realization of those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be achieved, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist, nor does it fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The existing defrosting technology applied in air-cooled refrigerators is mainly realized by a defrosting heater and a defrosting control system, which adopts an external heater, resulting in a high energy consumption and a poor user experience.

In view of this, the present disclosure provide a refrigerator cooling system100, andFIGS.1to6are schematic structural diagrams of a refrigerator cooling system100according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.1andFIG.4, the refrigerator cooling system100includes a refrigerant circulation flow path1provided with a compressor6, a condenser9, a throttling device2and an evaporator3. The throttling device2has a throttling working mode and a defrosting working mode, and the throttling working mode and the defrosting working mode are switched with each other. Correspondingly, the condenser9has a first heat release mode and a second heat release mode. A heat release amount of a refrigerant flowing through the condenser9in the second heat release mode is lower than a heat release amount of the refrigerant flowing through the condenser9in the first heat release mode.

In the technical solution of the present disclosure, the refrigerant circulation flow path1is provided with a compressor6, a condenser9, a throttling device2and an evaporator3. The throttling device2has a throttling working mode for cooling and a defrosting working mode not used for cooling, and the throttling working mode and the defrosting working mode are switched with each other. The condenser9has a first heat release mode corresponding to the throttling working mode and a second heat release mode corresponding to the defrosting working mode. In the throttling working mode, a heat release amount of a refrigerant flowing through the condenser9is high and the refrigerant in the throttle device2is greatly cooled. In this case, the temperature of the refrigerant is relatively low, and the refrigerant flows through the evaporator3to cool the refrigerator. In a defrosting working mode, a heat release amount of a refrigerant flowing through the condenser9is low and the refrigerant in the throttle device2is less cooled. In this case, the temperature of the refrigerant is relatively high, and the internal circulation of the refrigerant can be directly used for defrosting, which not only reduces the use of external heaters and has a high heating efficiency and a high defrosting speed, but also saves electric energy and improves the user experience.

It should be noted that the switching of the throttling device2between the throttling working mode and the defrosting working mode may be referenced to the time parameter. For example, after working in the throttling working mode for a period of time, the throttling device2may be switched from the throttling working mode to the defrosting working mode. Or after working in the defrosting working mode for a period of time, the throttling device2may be switched from the defrosting working mode to the throttling working mode. Of course, the switching of the throttling device2between the throttling working mode and the defrosting working mode may be referenced to the temperature parameter. For example, after the throttling device2works in the throttling working mode for a period of time and a surface temperature of the evaporator3is lower than the first preset temperature, the throttling device2may be switched from the throttling working mode to the defrosting working mode. Or after the throttling device2works in the defrosting working mode for a period of time and a surface temperature of the evaporator3is higher than the second preset temperature, the throttling device2may be switched from the defrosting working mode to the throttling working mode.

In the technical solution of the present disclosure, the switching of the throttling device2between the throttling working mode and the defrosting working mode is considered by combining the time parameter and the temperature parameter. After working in the throttling working mode for a period of time, the throttling device2may be switched from the throttling working mode to the defrosting working mode. After the throttling device2works in the defrosting working mode for a period of time and a surface temperature of the evaporator3is higher than the second preset temperature, the throttling device2may be switched from the defrosting working mode to the throttling working mode. In an embodiment, the refrigerator cooling system100further includes a temperature sensor4and a control component. The temperature sensor4is configured to detect a surface temperature of the evaporator3. The control component electrically connected to the temperature sensor4and the throttling device2, is configured to switch the throttling device2from the defrosting working mode to the throttling working mode according to a temperature obtained by the temperature sensor4. In this way, the switching of the throttling device2between the throttling working mode and the defrosting working mode may be more intelligent.

The throttling device2has a throttling working mode and a defrosting working mode, and the throttling working mode and the defrosting working mode can be switched by an electronic expansion valve23bin a high flow mode, or by combining a capillary tube23aand a three-way valve. As shown inFIGS.1to3, the electronic expansion valve23bin the high flow mode is adopted to switch the throttling working mode and the defrosting working mode. In response that the throttling device is in the throttling working mode, the electronic expansion valve23bis provided with a first opening degree to throttle the refrigerant flowing through the electronic expansion valve23b. In response that the throttling device is in the defrosting working mode, the electronic expansion valve23bis provided with a second opening degree bigger than the first opening degree, to reduce a throttling of the refrigerant flowing through the electronic expansion valve23brelative to the throttling working mode. In response that the throttling device is in the throttling working mode, the electronic expansion valve23bcools down and depressurizes the refrigerant with high temperature and high pressure on the refrigerant circulation flow path1. In response that the throttling device is in the defrosting mode, the electronic expansion valve23bturns on a high flow mode and does not process the refrigerant flowing through the electronic expansion valve23b, thus the refrigerant is still in a high temperature and high pressure state. In this case, the evaporator3may be heated by the refrigerant when the refrigerant flows through the evaporator3, and a defrosting operation may be performed. It should be noted that the second opening degree of the electronic expansion valve23bmay be a specific opening degree value or may be in an opening degree range. For example, the electronic expansion valve23bwith a second opening degree may be in a fully open state, and may not cool down and depressurize the refrigerant flowing through the electronic expansion valve23b. Of course, the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve23bmay be smaller than that of the electronic expansion valve23bin the fully open state, or may be larger than that of the electronic expansion valve23bin the throttling working mode.

As shown inFIGS.4to6, the throttling working mode and the defrosting working mode is switched by combining a capillary tube23aand a three-way valve. The throttling device2includes a first three-way valve21and a throttling branch22. The first three-way valve21is provided with three first communication ports211communicated with each other, and two of the three first communication ports211are communicated with the refrigerant circulation flow path1. The throttling branch22is provided with a capillary tube23a. An end of the throttling branch22is communicated with a remaining first communication port211, and another end of the throttling branch22is communicated with the evaporator3. In response that the throttling device is in the throttling working mode, the first three-way valve21switches the refrigerant on the refrigerant circulation flow path1from the condenser9to flow through the throttling branch22, and then flow through the evaporator3. In response that the throttling device is in the defrosting working mode, the first three-way valve21switches the refrigerant on the refrigerant circulation flow path1from the condenser9to directly flow through the evaporator3. That is, in response that the throttling device is in the throttling working mode, the three-way valve switches the refrigerant circulation flow path1to communicate with the throttling branch22. In this case, the capillary tube23acools down and depressurizes the refrigerant on the throttling branch22, to enable the evaporator3to supply cooling normally. In response that the throttling device is in the defrosting working mode, the three-way valve switches the refrigerant on the refrigerant circulation flow path1not to flow through the throttling branch22. In this case, the refrigerant is not cooled down and depressurized, and when the refrigerant flows through the evaporator3, the evaporator3is defrosted by the refrigerant.

In an embodiment, the first three-way valve21is an electromagnetic three-way valve. By providing an electromagnetic three-way valve as the first three-way valve21, the first three-way valve21may be controlled conveniently and automatically, which makes the automation degree high and improves the user experience.

In response that the throttling device is in the defrosting working mode, the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator3has a relatively high temperature and is in a liquid state. When the liquid refrigerant flows back to the compressor6on the refrigerant circulation flow path1, the compressor6performance may be damaged. In this case, the refrigerant flowing back to the compressor6needs to be heated and gasified to protect the compressor6.

In an embodiment, the refrigerator cooling system100further includes a backflow trunk section11, a gasification branch and a switching structure8. The backflow trunk section11is communicated with the evaporator3and the compressor6. The gasification branch is provided in parallel with the backflow trunk section11, and a heating device is provided on the gasification branch7to gasify a liquid refrigerant. In response that the throttling device is in the throttling working mode, the switching structure8switches the refrigerant from the backflow trunk section11to flow back to the compressor6. In response that the throttling device is in defrosting working mode, the switching structure8switches the refrigerant from the gasification branch to flow back to the compressor6. In this way, the refrigerant flowing back to the compressor6is in a gaseous state, which protects the compressor6.

The refrigerant on the gasification branch7may be heated by an external heating device, such as a heating wire or a semiconductor heating sheet, etc. In an embodiment, the refrigerator cooling system100further includes a condenser9, and the condenser9is provided with two heat exchange tubes91. One of the two heat exchange tubes91is provided on the refrigerant circulation flow path1and located between the compressor6and the throttling device2. The heating device includes at least another of the two heat exchange tubes91. In this way, the heat of the condenser9in the refrigerator cooling system100may be fully utilized, and the energy-saving effect is good.

The switching structure8switches the refrigerant from one of the backflow trunk section11and the gasification branch7to the air return port61of the compressor6. In an embodiment, the switching structure8includes a second three-way valve81and a third three-way valve82. The second three-way valve81is provided with three second communication ports811communicated with each other, and two of the three second communication ports811are communicated with the backflow trunk section11. The third three-way valve82is provided with three third communication ports821communicated with each other, and two of the three third communication ports821are communicated with the backflow trunk section11. Both ends of the gasification branch7are respectively communicated with a remaining second communication port811and a remaining third communication port821. Through the mutual cooperation of the second three-way valve81and the third three-way valve82, the refrigerant can be well switched from one of the backflow trunk section11and the gasification branch7to the air return port61of the compressor6, which is convenient for gasifying the refrigerant flowing through the gasification branch in the defrosting mode.

In an embodiment, the second three-way valve81and/or the third three-way valve82are electromagnetic three-way valves. Both the second three-way valve81and/or the third three-way valve82may be electromagnetic three-way valve, which not only enable the second three-way valve81and the third three-way valve82to be controlled conveniently and automatically, but also makes the automation degree high and improves the user experience.

Through describing the corresponding flow directions of the refrigerant on the refrigerant circulation flow path1and the operations of the throttling devices2and the three-way valves in the following embodiments, a principle of the switching of the refrigerator cooling system100between the throttling mode and the defrosting mode will be described as follows.

1. As shown inFIG.2, a circulation flow path a in the throttling mode is provided. InFIG.2, the electronic expansion valve23bis in a throttling mode. The refrigerant in the compressor6flows through the condenser9to form a liquid refrigerant with high temperature and high pressure, and after the liquid refrigerant with high temperature and high pressure flows through the throttling device2, a liquid refrigerant with low temperature and low pressure is formed. After the liquid refrigerant with low temperature and low pressure flows through the evaporator3, a gaseous refrigerant with low temperature and low pressure is formed, and then the gaseous refrigerant with low temperature and low pressure flows back to the compressor6.

2. As shown inFIG.3, a circulation flow path b in the defrosting mode is provided. InFIG.3, the electronic expansion valve23bis in a high flow mode. The refrigerant in the compressor6flows through the condenser9to form a liquid refrigerant with high temperature and high pressure, and after the liquid refrigerant with high temperature and high pressure flows through the throttling device2, the refrigerant remains to be the liquid refrigerant with high temperature and high pressure. After the liquid refrigerant with high temperature and high pressure flows through the evaporator3, a liquid refrigerant with low temperature and high pressure is formed. After the liquid refrigerant with low temperature and high pressure flows through and back to the compressor6, a gaseous refrigerant with medium temperature and high pressure is formed, and then the gaseous refrigerant with medium temperature and high pressure flows back to the compressor6.

3. As shown in as shown inFIG.5, a circulation flow path a in the throttling mode is provided. InFIG.5, the first three-way valve21switches the refrigerant on the refrigerant circulation flow path1to flow through the capillary tube23a. The refrigerant in the compressor6flows through the condenser9to form a liquid refrigerant with high temperature and high pressure. After the liquid refrigerant with high temperature and high pressure flows through the throttling device2, a liquid refrigerant with low temperature and low pressure is formed. After the liquid refrigerant with low temperature and low pressure flows through the evaporator3, a gaseous refrigerant with low temperature and low pressure is formed, and then the gaseous refrigerant with low temperature and low pressure flows back to the compressor6.

4. As shown inFIG.6, a circulation flow path b in the defrosting mode is provided. InFIG.6, the first three-way valve21switches the refrigerant on the refrigerant circulation flow path1not to flow through the capillary tube23a. The refrigerant in the compressor6flows through the condenser9to form a liquid refrigerant with high temperature and high pressure, and then the liquid refrigerant with high temperature and high pressure is directly input the evaporator3to form a liquid refrigerant with low temperature and high pressure. After the liquid refrigerant with low temperature and high pressure flows through and back to the condenser9, a gaseous refrigerant with medium temperature and high pressure is formed, and then the gaseous refrigerant with medium temperature and high pressure flows back to the compressor6.

The present disclosure further provides a method for defrosting a refrigerator,FIGS.7to9are schematic flowcharts of a method for defrosting a refrigerator according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.7,FIG.7is a schematic flowchart of a method for defrosting a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The method for defrosting a refrigerator includes following operations.

S10, obtaining an actual working time of the throttling device2in the throttling working mode.

It should be noted that the refrigerator cooling system100needs to provide cooling to the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber. After a long time of operation, the refrigerator will frost. The actual working time of the refrigerator cooling system100in the throttling working mode can be measured by a timer.

S20, in response that the actual working time reaches a preset time, switching the throttling working mode to the defrosting working mode.

It should be noted that after a long time of operation, the refrigerator will frost. In this case, the refrigerator needs to be defrosted. The defrosting mode of the refrigerator can be started by setting a preset time. For example, the preset time can be 6 h, 8 h, 10 h, 12 h, etc. Of course, the preset time can be considered according to the actual working environment of the refrigerator. The actual working environment may be a humidity environment. Different humidity environment corresponds to different preset time. When the actual time reaches the preset time, the defrosting working mode can be automatically started for defrosting.

In the technical solution of the present disclosure, obtaining the actual working time of the throttling device2in the throttling working mode, and in response that the actual working time reaches the preset time, switching the throttling working mode to the defrosting working mode. The internal circulation of the refrigerant can be directly used for defrosting, which not only reduces the use of external heaters and has a high heating efficiency and a high defrosting speed, but also saves electric energy and improves the user experience.

As shown inFIG.8,FIG.8is a schematic flowchart of a method for defrosting a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the embodiment, relative to the method for defrosting a refrigerator mentioned in the first embodiment, the method further includes following operations.

S30, obtaining a surface temperature of an evaporator3.

It should be noted that, in the whole refrigerator cooling system100, the evaporator3provides cooling to the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber of the refrigerator. During a long-term operation of the evaporator3, a corresponding part of the evaporator3will frost. By detecting the surface temperature of the evaporator3of the refrigerator, the frosting degree of the refrigerator can be known. The surface temperature of the evaporator3is usually obtained by the temperature sensor4.

S40, in response that the surface temperature of the evaporator3reaches the preset temperature, switching a defrosting working mode of the throttling device2to the throttling working mode.

It should be noted that a reference temperature can be preset according to the statistical data. For example, below a preset temperature, the frosting degree is relatively serious and the refrigerator needs to be defrosted. Above the preset temperature, the frosting degree is not serious, and the refrigerator does not need to be defrosted.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned method for defrosting a refrigerator is implemented based on the structure in the above-mentioned embodiment of the refrigerator cooling system100.

In the technical solution of the present disclosure, obtaining the surface temperature of an evaporator3, and in response that the surface temperature of the evaporator3reaches the preset temperature, switching a defrosting working mode of the throttling device2to the throttling working mode. In this way, the defrosting working mode is automatically switched to the throttling working mode, which is convenient for the automatic operation of the system.

As shown inFIG.9,FIG.9is a schematic flowchart of a method for defrosting a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the embodiment, relative to the method for defrosting a refrigerator mentioned in the first embodiment, the method further includes following operations.

S50, in response that the throttling device2is in the defrosting working mode, gasifying the refrigerant flowing back to the compressor6.

It should be noted that gasifying the refrigerant flowing back to the compressor6makes the refrigerant flowing into the compressor6in a gaseous state, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the compressor6.

In addition, as shown inFIG.2andFIG.3, the technical solution of the present disclosure is realized by switching the gasification branch and the backflow trunk and communicating an air return port61of the compressor6with one of the gasification branch and the backflow trunk. Specifically, the refrigerator cooling system100further includes a compressor6provided with an air return port61, and the air return port61is communicated with the evaporator3. The refrigerant circulation flow path1is provided with the backflow trunk section11between the air return port61and the evaporator3. The refrigerator cooling system100further includes the gasification branch and the switching structure8. The gasification branch is provided in parallel with the backflow trunk section11, and a heating device is provided on the gasification branch7to gasify a liquid refrigerant. In response that the throttling device is in the throttling working mode, the switching structure8switches the refrigerant from the backflow trunk section11to flow back to the compressor6. In response that the throttling device is in defrosting working mode, the switching structure8switches the refrigerant from the gasification branch to flow back to the compressor6. The switching structure8is electrically connected the control component. Based on the above structure, in response that the throttling device is in the defrosting working mode, the throttling device2controls the switching structure8to switch the refrigerant from the gasification branch to flow back to the compressor6, to gasify the refrigerant flowing back to the compressor6.

In the technical solution of the present disclosure, in response that the throttling device is in the throttling working mode, the throttling device2controls the switching structure8to switch the refrigerant from the backflow trunk section11to flow back to the compressor6. In response that the throttling device is in the defrosting working mode, the throttling device2controls the switching structure8to switch the refrigerant from the gasification branch to flow back to the compressor6. The refrigerant can be switched well from one of the gasification branch and the backflow trunk to an air return port61of the compressor6, which not only makes it easy to gasify the refrigerant flowing through the compressor6in the defrosting mode, but also protects the compressor6and improves the service life of the compressor6, thereby providing a better effect.

The above are only preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Under the concept of the present disclosure, any equivalent structural transformations made by using the contents of the description and drawings of the present disclosure, or any direct or indirect application to other related technical fields is included in the scope of the present disclosure.