Freshness Keeping Container

Abstract

A fresh food container (1) in the form of a negative pressure draw-out device, comprising at least one container base (2) and a container cover (3) that can be fitted over the at least one container base (2), wherein the container cover (3) has an open-loop control device and / or a closed-loop control device (4) and at least one sensor device (5), wherein the at least one sensor device (5) is configured to determine the CO2 content, temperature and / or the proportion of particularly volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere (6) placed inside the at least one container base (2), and the at least one open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device (4) is configured to adapt the CO2 content, temperature and / or the proportion of organic compounds in the atmosphere (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a freshness-keeping container, in particular in the form of a negative-pressure extraction device for food, comprising at least one container base body and a container cover that can be fitted over the at least one container base body, wherein the container cover has an open-loop control device and / or a closed-loop control device and at least one sensor device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to furniture provided with such a freshness-keeping container, the use of a supply container for adjusting the atmosphere inside a drawer, and a method for opening such a freshness-keeping container. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method and a computer program product for controlling the atmosphere of such a freshness-keeping container.

[0002] Such freshness-keeping containers are already known from the published European Patent Application Publication No. 3740099, and in such known freshness-keeping containers, exhaust means in the form of an open-loop control unit connected to a valve are included to generate a negative pressure in the extraction device.

[0003] Such freshness-keeping containers are already known from the published European Patent Application Publication No. 4073442, and in such known freshness-keeping containers, a monitoring method for the inner chamber of the drawer is configured and a moisture sensor is provided.

[0004] Such freshness-keeping containers are already known from the published European Patent Application Publication No. 4073443, and in such known freshness-keeping containers, a lifting device for a vacuumed drawer using a sealing hinge is used.

[0005] Such freshness-keeping containers are already known from the published European Patent Application Publication No. 4073444, and in such known freshness-keeping containers, a multilayer container cover provided with a printed circuit board and a dehumidification channel is used.

[0006] The drawback of conventional technology is that food quality can only be maintained for a sufficiently limited time by freshness-preserving containers, creating an environmental and economic need to further reduce food waste.

[0007] Therefore, the technical problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a freshness-preserving container that is an improvement over the prior art, at least partially eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art, and is particularly superior in terms of enhanced functionality and / or improved food preservation.

[0008] The above problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, according to the present invention, at least one sensor device is configured to determine the CO2 content, temperature, and / or the proportion of particularly volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere located inside at least one container substrate, and at least one open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device is configured to adapt the CO2 content, temperature, and / or the proportion of organic compounds in the atmosphere.

[0010] This is the first time that the shelf life of food can be significantly extended (when supplemented, in some cases, with conventional measures such as dehumidification or pressure adjustment).

[0011] A key influencing factor for food quality, food preservation, or food condition is the temporal ambient boundary conditions in the atmosphere surrounding the food, which can be monitored via sensor devices by the freshness preservation container and controlled via open-loop and / or closed-loop control devices. In this regard, criteria such as temperature and gas composition are adjusted to ensure, for example, that moisture is reduced by bonding with or separating from the food and / or atmosphere, or that cooling or heating is ensured.

[0012] In addition, generally, food fermentation, chemical preservation, electromagnetic radiation (especially UV radiation or ionic radiation), mechanical energy (especially in the form of pressure or shear force), and mechanical removal of microorganisms from food can be used to regulate the maturation process or reduce microbial contamination. However, UV treatment of food has little effect on food preservation because, due to its limited penetration depth, it can only remove bacteria from the surface.

[0013] Fruits, for example, undergo metabolism, consuming oxygen and generating heat, CO2, water vapor, and aromatic compounds depending on the oxidation of carbohydrates, sugars, and acids in their tissues. In this case, the relevance to shelf life is highly individual, but each situation can be taken into account by freshness-preserving containers. In some cases, monitoring parameters such as the vitamins involved, the degradation process of acids, the production of ethene, and the degradation of chlorophyll can be utilized, and here, specific interactions with potential problems of each fruit (e.g., storage deterioration or discoloration of stone fruits) can be considered retrospectively.

[0014] For example, the use of physical or chemical leavening agents via open-loop and / or closed-loop control devices, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, argon, helium, or dinitrogen oxide, can be utilized to positively (and sometimes negatively) influence the overall metabolism of food through all enzymatic reactions. The relationship can be based, for example, on the so-called Arrhenius equation, although the formation of ethylene, for example, can have an undesirable effect on accelerating the degradation process over time.

[0015] It is possible to efficiently prevent the formation of undesirable condensation, and in this case, a simple airtight seal is generally insufficient, especially for maintaining high food quality over the long term. This is because the interaction between the required air moisture and the required dehumidification (which depends particularly on the type of food and the available volume in the freshness preservation container) must be considered in order to prevent harmful substance exchange and / or suppress undesirable bacterial damage and growth.

[0016] At least one sensor device can generally be formed as a common structural unit for multiple sensor signals to be calculated and / or as a spatially separate sensor unit to provide information that can be used to reduce food waste through improved storage conditions and food quality. Preferably, the sensor device is located directly above each container base.

[0017] Open-loop and / or closed-loop control devices can optimize the storage conditions of food contained in freshness-preserving containers by adjustment, for example, by using a valve on the container cover or by opening the container cover.

[0018] The freshness-preserving container is preferably in the form of a furniture drawer, and generally the drawer may contain the freshness-preserving container, but other furniture parts such as furniture flaps, boxes or similar are also possible.

[0019] For example, it can create a milder environment for tomatoes, extending their shelf life by several days to several weeks compared to storing them in the refrigerator and / or leaving them exposed in the kitchen.

[0020] As mentioned at the beginning, the patent claim also applies to furniture comprising a furniture body and at least one such freshness-preserving container that is shiftable relative to the furniture body, in which case the freshness-preserving container is configured as a drawer.

[0021] For example, moisture separation via a freshness-preserving container can be allowed to leak out through slits or openings in the furniture body, or discharged through a hose or container. For dehumidification, alternatively or supplementally, gaps or openings can be provided between the front of the drawers (and / or preferably in the back wall of the furniture body) to transport moisture from the inside of the freshness-preserving container to the outside (similar to the ventilation grille in a refrigerator) by evaporation or vaporization. Preferably, moisture is evaporated through at least one exhaust slit in the furniture body and / or through a notch in the back wall of the drawer for the supply container from the furniture body.

[0022] As mentioned at the beginning, a patent claim is also made for the use of a supply container for adjusting the atmosphere within the drawer.

[0023] According to the present invention, supply containers, particularly CO2 containers, can be used to control the maturation process of food present in the drawer by inhibiting or amplifying it.

[0024] As mentioned at the beginning, a method for opening such a freshness-preserving container, comprising the following method steps, namely, -The release mechanism preferably detects the operator's request to open the freshness-preserving container via a pushing motion. - A step of lifting the container cover relative to at least one container base via a release mechanism, and shifting at least one container base in an open direction relative to the furniture body, particularly with a time delay, via the release mechanism and the drive device. A patent claim is also made for a method that includes this.

[0025] Collision between the container cover and at least one container base can be prevented via a release mechanism (particularly by incorporating a time delay), and in this case, the function of the freshness-preserving container can be maintained over a long service life by properly removing the container cover from at least one container base before at least one container base is moved in the opening direction when the operator's desire to open is detected.

[0026] As described at the beginning, a computer-implemented method for controlling the atmosphere of such a fresh-holding container, in which an open-loop control device and / or a closed-loop control device detects sensor data of at least one sensor device regarding the CO2 content, temperature and / or the proportion of organic compounds in the atmosphere arranged in the container body, and adapts the atmosphere, is also claimed.

[0027] For example, depending on the desired functional form and / or the foodstuffs accommodated in the fresh-holding container, a circuit can be started by an open-loop control device and / or a closed-loop control device, in which a negative pressure or a vacuum (rough vacuum, fine vacuum or high vacuum) is formed or maintained in at least one container body, physical quantities are measured via at least one sensor device, air exchange or air circulation takes place and dehumidification occurs, and a drying process is formed and / or carried out.

[0028] Particularly preferably, in a state assisted by a computer, moisture and / or pressure is detected via at least one sensor device, and the moisture and / or pressure in the atmosphere is adapted.

[0029] As described at the beginning, a computer program product containing instructions for causing a computing unit to execute the above computer-implemented method when executed by the computing unit is also claimed.

[0030] For example, the computing unit may be a component incorporated in an open-loop control device and / or a closed-loop control device, and / or may be data-connected to a memory unit, or may be transferable into the memory unit, in which case the memory unit can store or has stored sensor data (in particular including history).

[0031] The computer algorithm can exist, for example, in the form of two-point control for moisture control, where parameters such as target pressure, pump interval, CO2 hysteresis value, bVOC (biogenic volatile organic compound; as a specific organic compound) and moisture can be modified via a configuration data file.

[0032] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are set forth in each dependent claim.

[0033] According to an advantageous configuration of the present invention, the atmospheric humidity and / or pressure can be detected via at least one sensor device, and the open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device are configured to adapt to the atmospheric humidity and / or pressure.

[0034] An atmosphere can be supplied to the interior of at least one container body, particularly conveniently, via pressure and / or air humidity, so as to ensure favorable conditions for individual food items.

[0035] Advantageously, the system is configured to include at least one dehumidifying unit that reduces the humidity of the atmosphere, preferably including a ventilator, and / or a pressure-adapting unit that adapts to the pressure of the atmosphere.

[0036] For example, a pressure-adapting unit may have a pressure reducer equipped with an adjustment gear that can adjust the pressure present inside at least one container base in a valve connected to the pressure-adapting unit.

[0037] It has been found to be advantageous for the pressure adaptation unit to have a vacuum pump and / or for the dehumidification unit to have a diaphragm pump and / or a condensate pump.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, at least one sensor device and / or open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device is connected to at least one supply container containing at least one expansion agent, preferably CO2, preferably a CO2 container, wherein the at least one supply container is configured to be positioned horizontally or upright and / or inside and / or outside a freshness-preserving container for at least a portion of the area.

[0039] At least one supply container allows monitoring of the gas composition inside at least one container base, where the maturation process can be slowed down, for example, by adding CO2 to the atmosphere. For example, at least one supply container can be placed inside a drawer or within a frame surrounding at least one container base, but in this case, it is preferable that it be placed outside the drawer.

[0040] Particularly preferably, at least one supply container is positioned in a longitudinal or vertical orientation to prevent the outflow of contents that could cause the valve to freeze due to heat dissipation, for example. Generally, at least one supply container is connectable to interact with a radial fan.

[0041] An advantageous modification of the present invention is that at least one heat exchange unit, preferably a Peltier element, is provided to regulate the temperature of the atmosphere, and preferably the heat exchange unit is configured to be usable for moisture separation from the atmosphere.

[0042] A Peltier element can be used to adjust the desired temperature within at least one container substrate, and in addition, moisture can be separated from the atmosphere. For example, a cooling element can be provided that can collect moisture in a water dish and condense it via a Peltier element positioned above the container substrate, for example, and the condensed water can be dripped to a removal position for discharge.

[0043] Particularly preferable is the provision of a ventilation device capable of changing the composition of the atmosphere by air exchange with the area outside the freshness preservation container.

[0044] For example, slits can be provided in the container cover and / or at least one container base for air inflow or outflow. Alternatively or supplementally, air exchange can be performed via a valve or by opening the container cover. Air circulation can be performed via a fan (preferably located above at least one container base) to thoroughly mix the atmosphere. Disinfectants may also be used as needed.

[0045] Preferably, the ventilation device has a replaceable air filter and / or a removable impeller. Particularly preferably, the air inlet and air outlet are arranged so as far apart as possible from each other (for example, so that they are located on opposing side walls of the container base) and / or so that they are oriented toward the side walls of the container base. Air can be distributed particularly effectively through slits or using multiple openings. Air can be replaced through the ventilation device, for example, using a radial fan with a solenoid and valve with a seal.

[0046] Preferably, the ventilation system includes a water tank for moisture removed from the atmosphere.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the container cover and at least one container base are configured to be substantially airtightly connected to each other by sealing means at at least one drive position of the freshness-preserving container.

[0048] The sealing means can significantly reduce the intrusion of ambient air. Preferably, the sealing means is provided in the form of an elastic sealing lip, and particularly preferably formed to have a flexible rectangular, circular, or D-shaped cross-section. The material of the sealing means may consist of, for example, a foamed material, a gel material, or foamed rubber, in which case it is particularly advantageous that the surface roughness is low.

[0049] Particularly preferably, the container cover and / or at least one container base is configured to be made of metal.

[0050] By making the portion of the container base or container cover facing the container base out of metal, the bacterial load on the freshness-preserving container can be reduced.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the freshness-preserving container includes a drive device for moving at least one container base relative to a furniture body, where preferably the drive device is configured as an ejector device and / or is configured to be operable in the pushed-in position of the drive device.

[0052] This enhances the user comfort when using the freshness-preserving container. The release request can be detected tactilely (e.g., by touch detection) and / or electronically (e.g., by wireless operation) by the release mechanism, for example, by pressing the drawer to the pushed-in position.

[0053] Preferably, the container cover is configured to have at least one lift motor, which is positioned diagonally to the container cover and / or is electrically operated, for lifting the container cover relative to at least one container base.

[0054] For example, a linear drive mechanism can be used to ventilate a freshness-preserving container, where the container cover can be compressed via a seal in the closed position. Vertical lift by a lift motor can be formed by a linear guide via a spacer member such as an elongated hole or washer, or via a slide guide connected to a gear rack, where the motor stop is generally identified via an end position switch. A delay in motor stop can be implemented by software and / or mechanically.

[0055] More preferably, a guide device is provided on the container cover, which allows the container cover to be lifted relative to at least one container base via at least one lift motor, in which case the guide device is preferably configured to include groove nuts connected to an inclined surface and / or slotted groove.

[0056] The container cover can be opened vertically and / or horizontally in the position of use, in which case the container cover can generally be made rotatable relative to at least one container base for high access to the contents. The vertical movement of the container cover can be performed indirectly via translational motion.

[0057] In another embodiment, a release mechanism is provided that actsuates a drive unit and / or at least one lift motor, the release mechanism first allowing the container cover to be lifted, and then allowing at least one container base to move in the opening direction, the release mechanism preferably being configured to include a key and / or proximity sensor.

[0058] This allows, for example, the negative pressure inside the freshness-preserving container to be released first, and then at least one container base to be moved out without contact with the container cover.

[0059] According to one advantageous configuration of the present invention, a plurality of container bases separated from each other via a separation device are provided, preferably a variable expansion section and strictly one container cover for the plurality of container bases, and an open-loop control device and / or a closed-loop control device are configured to individually adapt the atmosphere of the plurality of container bases.

[0060] When multiple container bases exist, it is possible to address the atmosphere specifically for different types of food, and furthermore, the empty volume of the specific container base can be reduced. The enlarged portions may generally differ in terms of maximum width and / or maximum depth.

[0061] Particularly preferably, the container cover is configured to have multiple valves connected to a hose of the container cover for identifying and / or changing the atmosphere.

[0062] The atmosphere from each of multiple container substrates can be supplied to at least one sensor device via a hose, allowing for individual adaptation of the atmosphere.

[0063] Advantageously, at least one supply container can be positioned between the back wall of the container and the back wall of the furniture body and / or inside another furniture body for at least a portion of the area, and / or the back wall of the furniture body can be configured to have a notch inside itself for positioning at least one supply container for at least a portion of the area.

[0064] By positioning it on the back wall of the container or on the rear side of the container cover, the available storage space can be increased. The notch prevents the need to replace or adapt standard dimensions for drawers. Furthermore, the sealing performance of the supply container can be improved depending on the supply container used.

[0065] If at least one supply container is preferably located within another adjacent piece of furniture, existing infrastructure can be efficiently utilized, for example, by connecting it to the freshness-preserving container (preferably connected to an armature). At least one supply container can generally be fixed to a stationary or movable piece of furniture, such as a bottle drawer or a waste drawer.

[0066] Further details and advantages of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, in accordance with the description of the drawings. The drawings show the following: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0067] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing furniture equipped with a freshness-preserving container according to a preferred embodiment, along with an enlarged detail view of the area of ​​the supply container. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing furniture equipped with a freshness-preserving container according to a preferred embodiment, along with an enlarged detail view of the area of ​​the supply container. [Figure 3] This is a top-view perspective of a freshness-preserving container in the closed position, according to one particularly preferred embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a top-view perspective of a freshness-preserving container in the closed position, according to one particularly preferred embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a side perspective view showing a freshness-preserving container according to an embodiment, with the container cover removed, along with a detailed view of the guide device. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a side perspective view showing a freshness-preserving container according to an embodiment, with the container cover removed, along with a detailed view of the guide device. [Figure 7] This is a circuit diagram illustrating the control of a freshness retention container by an open-loop control device and / or a closed-loop control device.

[0068] Figure 1 shows a piece of furniture 36 that includes a furniture body 21 and a freshness-preserving container 1 in the form of drawers 37 that are shiftable relative to the furniture body 21. The number of drawers 37 and freshness-preserving containers 1 is generally arbitrary. For example, the lower drawers 37 may be conventional drawers 37 and the upper drawers 37 may be freshness-preserving containers 1, and in this embodiment, an aperture for the electronic circuits and infrastructure of the freshness-preserving container 1 is provided above the freshness-preserving container 1.

[0069] Figure 2 shows the furniture 36 as viewed from the line of sight to the back wall 39 of the furniture body. In this case, a supply container 12 is used to regulate the atmosphere 6 inside the drawer 37, and the supply container 12 is positioned between the back wall 38 (and the back wall of the container cover) and the back wall 39 of the furniture body.

[0070] The back wall 39 of the furniture body includes a notch 40 inside the back wall 39 for arranging the supply container 12 in a portion of its area.

[0071] Figure 3 shows a freshness preservation container 1 in the form of a negative pressure draw device for food, which comprises three container bases 2 (hidden in this figure; see Figure 6), the number of which is generally arbitrary, and a container cover 3 that can be fitted over the container bases 2.

[0072] The container cover 3 has an open-loop control device and / or a closed-loop control device 4 and a sensor device 5, where the sensor device 5 is configured to determine the CO2 content, temperature, and the proportion of organic compounds (e.g., volatile bVOCs) in the atmosphere 6 placed inside each container substrate 2. The atmosphere 6 can be analyzed separately for each container substrate 2, but this is not generally required. The open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device 4 (positioning and / or integration in the components is generally optional) is configured to adapt the CO2 content, temperature, and the proportion of organic compounds in the atmosphere 6.

[0073] The humidity and pressure of the atmosphere 6 are calculated via the sensor device 5, and the open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device 4 are configured to adjust the humidity and pressure of the atmosphere 6.

[0074] The freshness preservation container 1 includes a dehumidification unit 7 that reduces the humidity of the atmosphere 6, and the dehumidification unit 7 has a ventilator 8 and a pressure adaptation unit 9 that adapts to the pressure of the atmosphere 6.

[0075] The dehumidification unit 7 is equipped with a liquid container 42 that can collect condensed water from the atmosphere 6.

[0076] The pressure adaptation unit 9 includes a vacuum pump 10 (which generates negative pressure inside the container base 2), and the dehumidification unit 7 has a diaphragm pump 11 which can be formed as an alternative or supplemental condensate pump.

[0077] The freshness preservation container 1 has a heat exchange unit 14 that includes a Peltier element 15 for adjusting the temperature of the atmosphere 6, in which case the heat exchange unit 14 can be used for separating moisture from the atmosphere 6.

[0078] The Peltier element 15 is located below the dehumidification unit 7.

[0079] The freshness preservation container 1 includes a ventilation device 16, which can change the composition of the atmosphere 6 by exchanging air with the external area 17 of the freshness preservation container 1. The ventilation device 16 can also, alternatively or supplementarily, generate circulation of the atmosphere 6 (circulating air position).

[0080] A linear actuator is coupled adjacent to the ventilation device 16, and the linear actuator can open the piping of the ventilation device 16 depending on the position of the linear actuator, thereby allowing outside air to be drawn into the freshness preservation container 1.

[0081] Figure 4 shows that the open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device 4 are located adjacent to the heat exchange unit 14, although the positioning is generally arbitrary and may be located, for example, on the container base 2, drawer 37, or furniture body 21.

[0082] The sensor device 5 and the open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device 4 are connected to a supply container 12 which is formed as a CO2 container 13 containing CO2 as an expander. However, the supply container 12 may generally contain other chemical or physical expanders supplementarily or alternatively.

[0083] The open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device 4 can be configured, for example, as a computer unit or as a processor unit (with optionally a memory unit and / or HMI).

[0084] When the freshness preservation container 1 is in use, the supply container 12 is positioned upright outside the freshness preservation container 1.

[0085] The freshness-preserving container 1 includes a drive device 20 that moves the container base 2 relative to the furniture body 21. In this case, the drive device 20 is formed as an ejector device 22 and is operable in the drawer 37 or the pushed-in position of the drive device 20.

[0086] The container cover 3 has two electric lift motors 23 positioned diagonally to the container base 2 for lifting the container cover 3, in which case the vertical lifting motion is formed by translational motion in the opening direction 29.

[0087] The freshness-preserving container 1 has a release mechanism 28 that operates the drive unit 20 and the lift motor 23. The release mechanism 28 first allows the container cover 3 to be lifted, and then the container base 2 to move in the opening direction 29.

[0088] In this embodiment, one release mechanism 28 is located on the drive unit 20, and the other release mechanism 28 is located on the freshness-preserving container 1, in which case a release mechanism in the form of a key 30 and a release mechanism as an approach sensor 31 are formed.

[0089] An exemplary method for opening the freshness-preserving container 1 can be performed as follows: The release mechanism 28 detects the operator's request to open the freshness-preserving container 1 by a pushing motion toward the drawer 37, the container cover 3 is lifted relative to the container base 2 via the release mechanism 28, and the container base 2 is shifted in the opening direction 29 relative to the furniture body 21 by the drive unit 20 with a time delay via the release mechanism 28.

[0090] However, generally, it is also possible to lift the container cover 3 while the container base 2 is opening. In this case, the removal of the container cover 3 is performed simultaneously by the linear motion of the container base 2 in the opening direction 29, or during the process of the linear motion of the container base 2 in the opening direction 29.

[0091] The container cover 3 has multiple valves 34 connected to hoses 35 (roughly shown by dotted lines) on the container cover 3 to identify and further alter the atmosphere 6.

[0092] Figure 5 shows that a guide device 24 is positioned on the container cover 3, and the guide device 24 allows the container cover 3 to be lifted relative to the container base 2 via a lift motor 23. The guide device 24 has an inclined surface 25 formed as a grooved nut 26, and a slot groove 27 is positioned on the inclined surface 25.

[0093] The container cover 3 and the container base 2 are airtightly connected to each other by a sealing means 19 in the operating position 18 of the closed state of the freshness-preserving container 1 (see Figure 3), where the sealing means 19 is schematically shown by a dotted line.

[0094] Figure 6 shows that the freshness preservation container 1 includes three container bases 2 separated from each other via a separation device 32, where the shape, number, and positioning of the container bases 2 are generally arbitrary.

[0095] The container base 2 has variable expansion sections 33, each having different length expansion sections and width expansion sections. In the container base 2, a single container cover 3 is provided for multiple container bases 2, and the open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device 4 is programmed to individually adapt the atmosphere 6 of the multiple container bases 2.

[0096] The container base 2 is made of metal. The container cover 3 is made of part metal and partly wood, and in this case, preferably, the container cover 3 is made of metal in its partial region (at the closed position in the region of the container base 2).

[0097] Figure 7 visualizes the components of the freshness preservation container 1 in the form of a circuit diagram. Multiple valves 34 are connected to the three container bases 2, and these valves 34 are coupled to an air inlet 43 and (in this embodiment) to three air outlets 44. A filter 41 is provided between the ventilation device 16 and the pressure adaptation device, in which case, for example, the adjacent supply container 12 can be omitted.

[0098] A liquid container 42 is connected between the valve 34 and the air outlet 44, allowing for the removal of condensed water formed by the combination with the atmosphere via the liquid container 42. However, this is not generally required.

[0099] Generally, moisture can be discharged or exhausted through a pipeline. For example, liquid can be evaporated in a collection tank provided in the ventilator 8 and / or Peltier element 15, and then discharged from the furniture body 21 through ventilation slits, through a hose 35, and / or through a liquid container 42 in the form of a collection container for condensed water, from the freshness preservation container 1 or its inner chamber.

[0100] A computer implementation method for controlling the atmosphere 6 of the freshness preservation container 1 can be described as follows: an open-loop control device and / or a closed-loop control device 4 calculates sensor data from a sensor device 5 regarding the CO2 content, temperature, or the proportion of organic compounds in one or more types of atmospheres 6 of the container substrate 1, and adapts the atmosphere 6 according to predetermined or desired atmosphere characteristics / composition.

[0101] For this purpose, a computer program product may be provided as an algorithm, which includes instructions for causing a computing unit to perform a method for controlling the atmosphere 6 when executed by the computing unit. The computer program product may be stored in a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or it may be transmitted via data signals.

Claims

1. A freshness preservation container (1) for food, particularly in the form of a negative pressure extraction device, The invention comprises at least one container base (2) and a container cover (3) that can be fitted over the at least one container base (2), The container cover (3) has an open-loop control device and / or a closed-loop control device (4) and at least one sensor device (5). In the freshness preservation container (1), The at least one sensor device (5) is CO ２ It is configured to determine the content, temperature, and / or the proportion of particularly volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere (6) placed inside the at least one container substrate (2), The at least one open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device (4) is the CO ２ It is configured to adapt the content, the temperature and / or the proportion of organic compounds in the atmosphere (6), Fresh-keeping container (1).

2. The freshness preservation container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the humidity and / or pressure of the atmosphere (6) can be detected via at least one sensor device (5), and the open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device (4) is configured to adapt to the humidity and / or pressure of the atmosphere (6).

3. The freshness preservation container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one dehumidifying unit (7), preferably including a ventilator (8), for reducing the humidity of the atmosphere (6), and / or a pressure adapting unit (9) for adapting the pressure of the atmosphere (6).

4. The freshness preservation container (1) according to claim 3, wherein the pressure adaptation unit (9) has a vacuum pump (10) and / or the dehumidification unit (7) has a diaphragm pump (11) and / or a condensate pump.

5. The at least one sensor device (5) and / or the open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device (4) contain at least one expansion agent, preferably CO ２ At least one supply container (12) including CO, preferably CO ２ It is connected to the container (13), Preferably, the at least one supply container (12) is positioned horizontally or upright and / or inside and / or outside the freshness-preserving container (1) for at least a portion of the area. A freshness preservation container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. To adjust the temperature of the aforementioned atmosphere (6), at least one heat exchange unit (14), preferably a Peltier element (15), is provided. Preferably, the heat exchange unit (14) can be used for moisture separation from the atmosphere (6). A freshness preservation container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The freshness-preserving container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a ventilation device (16) is provided that can change the composition of the atmosphere (6) by exchanging air with the external region (17) of the freshness-preserving container (1).

8. The freshness-preserving container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the container cover (3) and the at least one container base (2) are substantially airtightly connected to each other by sealing means (19) at at least one operating position (18) of the freshness-preserving container (1).

9. The freshness-preserving container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the container cover (3) and / or the at least one container base (2) are made of metal.

10. The freshness-preserving container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the freshness-preserving container (1) includes a drive device (20) for moving the at least one container base (2) relative to a furniture body (21), and preferably the drive device (20) is formed as an ejector device (22) and / or is operable in the pushed-in position of the drive device (20).

11. The freshness-preserving container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the container cover (3) has at least one, preferably two, electric lift motors (23) arranged diagonally to the container cover (3) for lifting the container cover (3) relative to the at least one container base (2).

12. A guide device (24) is provided on the container cover (3), and the guide device (24) allows the container cover (3) to be lifted relative to the at least one container base (2) via the at least one lift motor (23). Preferably, the guide device (24) has groove nuts (26) connected to an inclined surface (25) and / or slot groove (27), The freshness preservation container (1) according to claim 11.

13. A release mechanism (28) is provided for operating the drive device (20) and / or the at least one lift motor (23), and the release mechanism (28) first makes the container cover (3) liftable, and then makes the at least one container base (2) movable in the opening direction (29). The release mechanism (28) preferably includes a key (30) and / or a proximity sensor (31). A freshness-preserving container (1) according to claim 10 and / or 11.

14. A plurality of container bases (2) are separated from each other via a single separation device (32), preferably provided with a variable expansion section (33) and a strictly single container cover (3) for the plurality of container bases (2). The open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device (4) is configured to individually adapt the atmosphere (6) of the plurality of container bases (2). A freshness preservation container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A freshness-preserving container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a plurality of valves (34) connected to a hose (35) of the container cover (3) are arranged on the container cover (3) to identify and / or change the atmosphere (6).

16. Furniture (36), The furniture comprises a furniture body (21) and at least one freshness preservation container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which is shiftable relative to the furniture body (21), The freshness-preserving container (1) is formed as a drawer (37). Furniture (36).

17. At least one supply container (12) is located between the container back wall (38) and the furniture body back wall (39) and / or within another furniture body (21) for at least a portion of the area, and / or The furniture body back wall (39) has a notch (40) for arranging the at least one supply container (12) within the furniture body back wall (39) in at least a portion of the area. The furniture (36) according to claim 16.

18. Use of a supply container (12) to adjust the atmosphere (6) inside the drawer (37).

19. A method for opening a freshness-preserving container (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, comprising the following method steps: - The release mechanism (28) preferably detects the operator's request to release the freshness-preserving container (1) via a pushing motion. - The container cover (3) is lifted relative to the at least one container base (2) via the release mechanism (28), and the at least one container base (2) is shifted in the opening direction (29) relative to the furniture body (21) by the drive device (20) via the release mechanism (28), particularly with a time delay. A method characterized by the following features.

20. A computer implementation method for controlling the atmosphere (6) of a freshness preservation container (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, The open-loop control device and / or closed-loop control device (4) CO ２ At least one sensor device for the content, temperature, and / or the proportion of organic compounds in the atmosphere (6) placed inside the container substrate (2) (5) Detect the sensor data and adapt the atmosphere (6) accordingly. A computer implementation method characterized by the following features.

21. A computer program product that includes instructions for causing a computing unit to perform the method described in claim 20 when executed by the computing unit.

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