A food packaging device for a refrigerator and a refrigerator

Abstract

This invention provides a food packaging device and a refrigerator for use in a refrigerator, belonging to the field of refrigerators. The food packaging device is disposed inside the refrigerator and includes: a container supply unit, including a storage chamber and a lifting mechanism; the interior of the storage chamber is used to stack containers sequentially, and the top of the storage chamber is provided with an openable and closable tray; the lifting mechanism is used to transport the target container and its loaded target food to the outside of the storage chamber and place it on top of the tray after the target food falls into the top of the container; and a packaging unit for sealing the target food and the target container on top of the tray with a packaging film. This invention also provides a refrigerator including the above-described food packaging device. The food packaging device and refrigerator of this invention can autonomously complete the packaging of food requiring container loading.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerators, and in particular to a food packaging device for refrigerators and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Food packaging protects food from biological, chemical, and physical damage during its journey from the factory to the consumer. When storing food in a refrigerator, users typically place ingredients in freezer bags before refrigerating them to preserve freshness and prevent bacterial contamination.

[0003] Currently, there is no mature packaging module in refrigerators, especially for food that needs to be stored in a food preservation box. There is no corresponding automatic packaging module. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a food packaging device that can package food. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of the first aspect of this invention is to provide a food packaging device for a refrigerator, which enables the refrigerator to autonomously package food that requires container loading.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to improve the packaging efficiency of food ingredients.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator including the above-described food packaging device, which can autonomously complete the packaging of food that requires container loading.

[0007] Specifically, the present invention provides a food packaging device for a refrigerator, the food packaging device being disposed inside the refrigerator and comprising:

[0008] A container supply unit includes a storage chamber and a lifting mechanism. The storage chamber is used to stack containers sequentially, and the top of the storage chamber is equipped with an openable and closable tray. The lifting mechanism is used to transport the target container and its loaded target food to the outside of the storage chamber and place it on top of the tray after the target food falls into the topmost target container in the container system.

[0009] A packaging unit is used to seal and package the target ingredient and the target container on the top of the tray using a packaging film.

[0010] Optionally, the tray is equipped with a gravity sensor and is configured to open after the gravity sensor detects that food has been placed on it, so that the food falls into the target container in the storage chamber.

[0011] Optionally, the storage chamber includes a cylindrical body, the top of which has a first opening and forms an interior space for storing the container;

[0012] The tray includes two hinges disposed at the first opening. The two hinges are disposed opposite each other, and the side of each hinge away from the other is rotatably connected to the cylinder, so that when the two hinges are rotated to a horizontal state, they form a closed state that closes the first opening, and when rotated to a vertical state, they form an open state that connects the first opening.

[0013] Optionally, the lifting mechanism is a robotic arm, which includes a liftable lifting arm and a folding arm rotatably connected to the lifting arm. The folding arm can at least form a retracted state parallel to the lifting arm and a working state forming a preset angle with the lifting arm. The robotic arm also includes a gripping structure disposed at the folding arm, used to grip the target container when the lifting arm is raised to the position of the target container and the folding arm is in the working state, and to release the target container when the lifting arm is raised to the target position.

[0014] Optionally, the cylinder also forms a lifting space for accommodating the robotic arm, and the top of the lifting space forms a second opening communicating with the outside. The second opening is also communicating with the first opening, and the second opening is used to provide a lifting channel for the robotic arm when the folding arm is in the retracted state.

[0015] Optionally, the food packaging device also includes:

[0016] A sealing plate is disposed at the second opening for controlled closure or connection of the second opening.

[0017] Optionally, the lifting mechanism includes two opposing robotic arms.

[0018] Optionally, the food packaging device also includes:

[0019] The sterilization unit is used to sterilize the packaged target ingredients.

[0020] Optionally, the packaging unit is a heat-shrink device, and the sterilization unit is a magnetic field coil.

[0021] In particular, the present invention also provides a refrigerator including the food packaging device described in any of the above claims.

[0022] This invention provides a food packaging device installed inside a refrigerator, enabling the refrigerator to automatically package food that needs to be placed in a preservation box, eliminating the need for manual boxing and packaging of food before it is placed in the refrigerator. This simplifies manual operation, enriches the functions of the refrigerator, and improves the user experience.

[0023] Furthermore, the container supply unit in this invention can automatically provide containers for loading food ingredients one by one. Combined with the packaging function of the packaging unit, the food packaging device can continuously complete the packaging of multiple independent food ingredients one by one, thereby improving the packaging efficiency of food ingredients.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention provides a separate lifting space with a second opening to separate the lifting space of the robot arm from the tray, so that the robot arm is not affected by the state of the tray when it retracts, ensuring that the robot arm can retract smoothly when the target tray is placed on the tray, cleverly avoiding motion interference, and realizing the smooth removal and placement of the target tray.

[0025] Furthermore, the food packaging device of the present invention can automatically complete the boxing, packaging and sterilization of food, greatly freeing up the user's hands and improving the automation level of the refrigerator.

[0026] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a food packaging device for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the container supply unit of a food packaging device for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention in its initial state.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a top view of the container supply unit of a food packaging device for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention in its initial state.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the container supply unit of a food packaging device for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, when it is in a first operating state.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a top view of the container supply unit of a food packaging device for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention when it is in a first operating state.

[0033] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of the container supply unit of a food packaging device for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, when it is in a second operating state.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a top view of the container supply unit of a food packaging device for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention when it is in a second operating state.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the container supply unit of a food packaging device for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, when it is in the third operating state.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a top view of the container supply unit of a food packaging device for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, when it is in the third operating state.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a food packaging device 100 for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the container supply unit 10 of a food packaging device 100 for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention in its initial state. Figure 2 The target ingredient 300 is shown. This invention provides a food packaging device 100 for a refrigerator, which is disposed inside the refrigerator, for example, inside the cabinet or at the door. Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the food packaging device 100 includes a container supply unit 10 and a packaging unit 20. For example... Figure 2As shown, the container supply unit 10 includes a storage chamber 11 and a lifting mechanism 12. The interior of the storage chamber 11 is used to stack containers 200 sequentially, such as multiple food storage boxes stacked vertically. The top of the storage chamber 11 is equipped with a controllable tray 111, which controls whether the outside world is connected to the interior of the storage chamber 11 by controlling the opening and closing of the tray 111. The lifting mechanism 12 is used to transport the target container 201 and its loaded target food 300 to the outside of the storage chamber 11 and place it on top of the tray 111 after the target food 300 falls into the topmost target container 201 among the containers 200 in the storage chamber 11. Here, the target food 300 is the food currently falling into the storage chamber 11, and the target container 201 is the topmost container among the multiple containers 200. The packaging unit 20 is used to seal and package the target food 300 and the target container 201 on top of the tray 111 using a packaging film 22. The packaging unit 20 here can be a heat-shrink device, which uses a heat-shrink process to tightly wrap the packaging film 22 around the target food 300 and its container 201, i.e., skin packaging, to keep the target food 300 fresh and sealed. The packaging film 22 can be a general cellulose film, or a cellulose film with a dense gas-barrier coating on both the inside and outside. This coated cellulose film can effectively prevent oxygen from entering the food storage container, achieving the purpose of anti-oxidation of the food.

[0039] This embodiment provides a food packaging device 100 installed inside a refrigerator, enabling the refrigerator to automatically package food that needs to be placed in a preservation box, eliminating the need for manual boxing and packaging of food before it is placed in the refrigerator. Therefore, it simplifies manual operation, enriches the functions of the refrigerator, and improves the user experience.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container supply unit 10 can automatically provide containers for loading food ingredients one by one. In conjunction with the packaging function of the packaging unit 20, the food packaging device 100 can continuously complete the packaging of multiple independent food ingredients one by one, thereby improving the packaging efficiency of food ingredients.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the heat shrink device may include a heat shrinkable working part 21 that can move up and down, and a packaging film 22 fixed to the lower end of the heat shrinkable working part 21. When packaging is required, the heat shrinkable working part 21 is controlled to move down to the food, and the heat shrinkable working part 21 is controlled to move to shrink the packaging film 22 to the outside of the food and container. After packaging is completed, the heat shrinkable working part 21 is controlled to move up and return to its original position.

[0042] In a further embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the food packaging device 100 also includes a sterilization unit 30 for sterilizing the packaged target food 300. Optionally, the sterilization unit 30 is a magnetic field coil 31. Figure 1As shown, the sterilization unit 30 includes two magnetic field coils 31 arranged opposite each other on both sides of the target food 300. In one embodiment, the magnetic field coils 31 provide a magnetic field with a strength of 20-50 Gs and maintain it for 10-20 minutes to sterilize and deactivate enzymes in the packaged food. After sterilization, the food automatically enters the food storage stage. A transport mechanism can be further configured to transport the sterilized food to the storage location inside the refrigerator. Alternatively, the user can be alerted by light or sound after sterilization is complete, allowing the user to manually remove the food and place it in the desired location.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a top view of the container supply unit 10 of a food packaging device 100 for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention in its initial state. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the container supply unit 10 of a food packaging device 100 for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, when it is in a first operating state. Figure 5 This is a top view of the container supply unit 10 of a food packaging device 100 for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, when it is in a first operating state. In another embodiment, a gravity sensor is provided at the tray 111 for detecting whether food is placed on the tray 111. The tray 111 is configured to open after the gravity sensor detects that food is placed on it, so that the food falls onto the target container 201 in the storage compartment 11. Figure 3 As shown, initially, tray 111 is in the initial state of closing the first opening 113, as... Figure 2 As shown, when the target ingredient 300 falls onto tray 111, the gravity sensor detects the gravity, and tray 111 automatically opens (see...). Figure 4 or Figure 5 This allows the target ingredient 300 to enter the storage chamber 11 and fall onto the target container 201. In this embodiment, the tray 111 can be automatically opened by setting a gravity sensor.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, in a further embodiment, the storage chamber 11 includes a cylindrical body 112, the top of which has a first opening 113 (see Figure 113). Figure 5 The interior of the cylinder 112 forms a space for storing the container 200. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the tray 111 includes two hinges 114 disposed at the first opening 113. The two hinges 114 are disposed opposite each other, and the side of each hinge 114 away from each other is rotatably connected to the cylinder 112, so that when the two hinges 114 are rotated to a horizontal position, they form a closed state that closes the first opening 113 (see...). Figure 3 When rotated to the vertical position, it forms an open state that connects to the first opening 113 (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0045] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the container supply unit 10 of a food packaging device 100 for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, when it is in a second operating state. Figure 7 This is a top view of the container supply unit 10 of a food packaging device 100 for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, when it is in a second operating state. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the container supply unit 10 of a food packaging device 100 for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, when it is in a third operating state. Figure 9 This is a top view of the container supply unit 10 of a food packaging device 100 for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, when it is in a third operating state. Figures 3 to 9 The target ingredient 300 is omitted in both embodiments. In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism 12 is a robotic arm, which includes a liftable lifting arm 121 and a folding arm 122 rotatably connected to the lifting arm 121. The folding arm 122 can at least be formed into a retracted state parallel to the lifting arm 121 (see...). Figure 8 ), and the working state in which the lifting arm 121 forms a preset angle (see Figure 2 The angle can be 90° or other angles that prevent the folding arm 122 from being parallel to the lifting arm 121; no limitation is made here. The robotic arm also includes a gripping structure disposed on the folding arm 122, for example, at the end of the folding arm 122 away from the lifting arm 121. This gripping structure is used to grip the target container 201 when the lifting arm 121 is raised to the position of the target container 201 and the folding arm 122 is in the working state (see...). Figure 2 When the lifting arm 121 is raised to the target position, release the target container 201 (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0046] In a further embodiment, the cylinder 112 also forms a lifting space for accommodating a robotic arm, and the top of the lifting space has a second opening 115 communicating with the outside (see...). Figure 3 ),like Figure 5 As shown, the second opening 115 is also connected to the first opening 113. The second opening 115 is used to provide a lifting channel for the robotic arm 122 when it is in the retracted state.

[0047] This embodiment separates the lifting space of the robot arm from the pallet 111 by setting up a lifting space with a second opening 115 separately. This ensures that the robot arm is not affected by the state of the pallet 111 when it retracts, and that the robot arm can retract smoothly when the target pallet 111 is placed on the pallet 111. This cleverly avoids interference with movement and enables the smooth removal and placement of the target pallet 111.

[0048] In another embodiment, the food packaging device 100 further includes a sealing plate (not shown) disposed at the second opening 115 for controlled closure or connection of the second opening 115. Optionally, the sealing plate may be movable horizontally relative to the cylinder 112 to open or close the second opening 115, or the sealing plate may be configured to rotate relative to the cylinder 112 to close or cover the second opening 115 during rotation.

[0049] In this embodiment, by setting a sealing plate for closing or connecting the second opening 115, the storage chamber 11 can be sealed when the target ingredient 300 and the target container 201 are taken out to the outside of the storage chamber 11, so as to prevent the container inside from being contaminated by the outside.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 12 includes two opposing robotic arms. Accordingly, the number of the second opening 115 and the closing plate are also adaptively changed to 2.

[0051] Furthermore, by setting up a controller to centrally control the various components of the food packaging device 100, the smooth completion of each action can be ensured. Specifically, the gravity sensor, the drive components of the two hinges 114 of the tray 111, the lifting arm 121 and folding arm 122 of the robotic arm, the gripping structure, the packaging unit 20, and the sterilization unit 30 are linked through a control program to complete a series of actions including boxing, packaging, and sterilization of the food. The control process includes:

[0052] Step 1: When the gravity sensor detects heavy object information, control the hinge 114 of the tray 111 to open for a preset time so that the target food 300 falls into the storage chamber 11.

[0053] Step 2: Control the robotic arm folding arm 122 to rotate to the working state and start the gripping structure to grip the target container 201 loaded with the target food 300.

[0054] Step 3: Control the lifting arm 121 to rise to the target position, which can be a position slightly higher than the top surface of the tray 111.

[0055] Step 4: Close hinge 114.

[0056] Step 5: Control the folding arm 122 to rotate to the retracted state, at which point the target container 201 falls onto the tray 111.

[0057] Step 6: Control the lifting arm 121 to descend to the initial position.

[0058] Step 7: Start the packaging unit 20 to package the target ingredient 300 and the target container 201.

[0059] Step 8: Start the sterilization unit 30 to sterilize and inactivate the packaged target ingredients 300 and target container 201.

[0060] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention also provides a refrigerator, in one embodiment, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the refrigerator includes the food packaging device 100 from any of the above embodiments or combinations thereof. Optionally, the food packaging device 100 may be located at the refrigerator door, for example, a dedicated box may be provided, which may be equipped with an opening and closing door for connecting or blocking the outside world, allowing the user to place the food on top of the tray 111 by opening and closing the door.

[0061] The refrigerator in this embodiment is equipped with a food packaging device 100, which enables the refrigerator to automatically package food that needs to be placed in a food storage box. This eliminates the need for manual boxing and packaging of food before it is placed in the refrigerator, thus simplifying manual operation, enriching the functions of the refrigerator, and improving the user experience.

[0062] Furthermore, the container supply unit 10 in the food packaging device 100 can automatically provide containers for loading food one by one. In conjunction with the packaging function of the packaging unit 20, the food packaging device 100 can continuously complete the packaging of multiple independent food items one by one, thereby improving the packaging efficiency of food items.

[0063] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A food packaging device for a refrigerator, characterized in that, The food packaging device is located inside the refrigerator and includes: A container supply unit includes a storage chamber and a lifting mechanism. The storage chamber is used to stack containers sequentially, and the top of the storage chamber is equipped with an openable and closable tray. The lifting mechanism is used to transport the target container and its loaded target food to the outside of the storage chamber and place it on top of the tray after the target food falls into the topmost target container in the container system. A packaging unit is used to seal and package the target food ingredient and the target container on top of the tray using a packaging film; The tray is equipped with a gravity sensor and is configured to open when the gravity sensor detects that food is placed on it, so that the target food falls into the target container in the storage chamber. The storage chamber includes a cylindrical body, the top of which has a first opening and forms an interior space for storing the container; The tray includes two hinges disposed at the first opening. The two hinges are disposed opposite each other and the side of each hinge away from each other is rotatably connected to the cylinder, so that when the two hinges are rotated to a horizontal state, they form a closed state that closes the first opening, and when they are rotated to a vertical state, they form an open state that connects the first opening. The lifting mechanism is a robotic arm, which includes a height-adjustable lifting arm and a folding arm rotatably connected to the lifting arm. The folding arm can at least form a retracted state parallel to the lifting arm and a working state forming a preset angle with the lifting arm. The robotic arm also includes a gripping structure disposed at the folding arm, used to grip the target container when the lifting arm is raised to the position of the target container and the folding arm is in the working state, and to release the target container when the lifting arm is raised to the target position. The cylinder also forms a lifting space for accommodating the robotic arm. The top of the lifting space has a second opening that communicates with the outside. The second opening is also connected to the first opening. The second opening is used to provide a lifting channel for the robotic arm when the folding arm is in the retracted state.

2. The food packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A sealing plate is disposed at the second opening for controlled closure or connection of the second opening.

3. The food packaging device according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes two opposing robotic arms.

4. The food packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The sterilization unit is used to sterilize the packaged target ingredients.

5. The food packaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The packaging unit is a heat-shrink device, and the sterilization unit is a magnetic field coil.

6. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The food packaging device includes any one of claims 1-5.

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