Storage units and refrigerators

Abstract

The present invention discloses a storage device and a refrigerator. The storage device includes a shell, which is provided with an inlet and an outlet; a partition, which is provided in the shell and divides the interior of the shell into at least two storage layers, and all the storage layers are connected in sequence to form a transportation channel; and a conveying structure, which is provided at the bottom of the shell. The storage device and refrigerator of the present invention use partitions to divide the interior of the shell into multiple storage layers to increase the storage capacity of items, and the transportation channel can transport items to the bottom storage layer, and the conveying structure transports the items to the outlet according to the transportation order of the transportation channel, thereby realizing the first-in-first-out of items and conveniently controlling the rolling of items, avoiding spoilage of items due to long storage time, ensuring the freshness of items, and improving user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of daily necessities, and more particularly to a storage device and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Eggs, as a food with extremely high nutritional value, occupy a place in people's daily diets, but eggs cannot be stored for long periods of time at room temperature. Generally speaking, eggs can be stored for about 15 days at room temperature indoors in winter, but only about 10 days in summer. Therefore, to extend the shelf life of eggs, users generally place eggs in the refrigerator. The temperature in the refrigerator's cold storage compartment is generally set at 2-5°C, and the shelf life of eggs can be extended to 1 month at this temperature. However, the number of eggs that can be stored in the egg racks in current refrigerators is small, which cannot meet user needs. Moreover, when a large number of eggs are stored, the eggs placed on the lower shelf are difficult to remove, and they are prone to expire if not consumed in time, resulting in food waste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The invention discloses a storage device and a refrigerator, which solve the problem in the prior art that the egg storage capacity is small and it is inconvenient to take out and put in eggs.

[0004] The present invention discloses a storage device, comprising:

[0005] a housing, wherein the housing is provided with an inlet and an outlet;

[0006] a partition, the partition being disposed in the shell, the partition dividing the interior of the shell into at least two storage layers, and all the storage layers being sequentially connected to form a transport channel;

[0007] A conveying structure, the conveying structure is arranged at the bottom of the shell;

[0008] The first end of the transport channel is in communication with the inlet, and the second end of the transport channel is in communication with the outlet through the conveying structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the partition has an input end and an output end, there is a distance between the output end and the inner surface of the shell, two adjacent storage layers are connected through the distance, and the input end is connected to the inlet or the previous storage layer.

[0010] Furthermore, the storage device further includes a buffer structure, which is provided on the shell and is located at the interval.

[0011] Furthermore, the partition is arranged at an angle, and the height of the input end is higher than the height of the output end.

[0012] Furthermore, at least one transport channel is provided on the partition, one end of the transport channel is located at the input end, and the other end is located at the output end.

[0013] Furthermore, the cross section of the partition is wavy, and the trough of the wavy shape and the two adjacent crests of the trough together constitute the transport flow channel.

[0014] Furthermore, the conveying structure includes a conveyor belt and a driving mechanism, the conveyor belt is connected between the second end of the transport channel and the outlet, the driving mechanism is arranged in the shell, and the conveyor belt is connected to the driving mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, the conveyor belt is arranged at an angle, and an end portion of the conveyor belt close to the outlet is higher than an end portion of the conveyor belt close to the second end of the transport channel.

[0016] Furthermore, the storage device further includes a detection mechanism, which is electrically connected to the driving mechanism. The detection mechanism can obtain the amount of items at the outlet and control the working state of the driving mechanism according to the amount of items.

[0017] Furthermore, the storage device further includes a flip box, which is rotatably disposed at the outlet and is connected to the conveying structure.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator comprising the above-mentioned storage device.

[0019] The storage device and refrigerator of the present invention utilize partitions to divide the interior of the shell into multiple storage layers to increase the storage capacity of items. The transportation channel can transport items to the bottom storage layer, and the transportation structure transports the items to the exit according to the transportation order of the transportation channel, thereby realizing the first-in-first-out of items and conveniently controlling the rolling of items, avoiding the deterioration and corruption of items due to long storage time, ensuring the freshness of items, and improving user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a top view of a storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the partition according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a partition according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5is a structural schematic diagram of a conveying structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a flip box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Legend: 1. Shell; 11. Inlet; 12. Outlet; 2. Partition; 13. Transport channel; 3. Conveying structure; 21. Input end; 22. Output end; 23. Transport flow channel; 31. Conveyor belt; 32. Driving mechanism; 4. Flip box; 5. Buffer structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments, but is not limited to the contents of the description.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the present invention discloses a storage device, comprising: a housing 1, provided with an inlet 11 and an outlet 12; a partition 2, disposed within the housing 1, the partition 2 dividing the interior of the housing 1 into at least two storage layers, all of which are sequentially connected to form a transport channel 13; and a conveying structure 3 disposed at the bottom of the housing 1. A first end of the transport channel 13 is connected to the inlet 11, and a second end of the transport channel 13 is connected to the outlet 12 via the conveying structure 3. The partition 2 is used to divide the interior of the housing 1 into multiple storage layers to increase the storage capacity of items. The transport channel 13 can transport items to the lowest storage layer, and the conveying structure 3 transports the items to the outlet 12 according to the transport order of the transport channel 13, thereby achieving a first-in-first-out (FIFO) order for items and conveniently controlling the rolling of items, thereby preventing items from spoiling due to prolonged storage, ensuring the freshness of the items, and improving the user experience.

[0030] Taking eggs as an example, when using the container, the user places the egg into the housing 1 through the entrance 11. Under the influence of gravity and its shape, the egg rolls along the transport channel 13, eventually entering the corresponding storage layer. The conveying structure 3 then receives the egg from the transport channel 13 as needed and conveys it to the exit 12 for easy access by the user. Because the conveying structure 3 receives eggs at the second end (the very end) of the transport channel 13, the user only takes the first egg placed in, achieving the first-in, first-out principle. Furthermore, the length of the transport channel 13 is utilized to maximize the storage capacity of eggs.

[0031] The inlet 11 and the outlet 12 are located on the same side of the housing 1, and the inlet 11 is located above the outlet 12. Users can put items in and take out items from the same side of the housing 1, and because the inlet 11 is located above the outlet 12, the items can be moved by their own gravity and shape.

[0032] In order to reduce the horizontal dimension of the housing 1 and fully utilize the height dimension of the housing 1 , all the storage layers are arranged along the height direction of the housing 1 .

[0033] To facilitate communication between storage layers, the partition 2 has an input end 21 and an output end 22. A gap exists between the output end 22 and the inner surface of the housing 1, connecting two adjacent storage layers. The input end 21 communicates with the entrance 11 or the previous storage layer. Items can be placed on the partition 2 at the input end 21 and moved toward the output end 22, ultimately passing through the gap and entering the next storage layer, ensuring smooth movement of items to the conveying structure 3.

[0034] When fragile items, such as eggs, pass through the gap, they may collide with the inner wall of the housing 1 and be damaged. To this end, the storage device further includes a buffer structure 5, which is provided on the housing 1 and located at the gap. The buffer structure 5 cushions the items, thereby reducing their movement speed and preventing them from directly colliding with the inner wall of the housing 1 and being damaged.

[0035] Optionally, a buffer layer is provided on the surface of the partition 2 to reduce the moving speed of the objects and further prevent damage to the objects. The buffer layer can be made of felt.

[0036] Preferably, the partition 2 is tilted, and the height of the input end 21 is higher than the height of the output end 22. The tilt of the partition 2 allows the objects to move toward the output end 22 under the action of their own gravity and shape, ensuring that the objects can eventually reach the conveying structure 3.

[0037] The inclination angle of the partition 2 is in the range of 2° to 6°, preferably 4°, to avoid the problem of objects being damaged by collisions due to excessively large inclination angles, and to avoid the problem of objects being unable to move due to excessively small inclination angles.

[0038] At least one transport channel 23 is provided on the partition 2, one end of which is located at the input end 21 and the other end at the output end 22. When the width of the housing 1 is less than twice the width of the item, only one transport channel 23 is provided on the partition 2. This minimizes the width of the housing 1 while ensuring reliable storage of the items, thereby reducing the occupied area of ​​the housing 1. When the width of the housing 1 is twice or more the width of the item, multiple transport channels 23 may be provided to increase the storage capacity. All transport channels 23 are arranged in parallel along the width of the housing 1, and each transport channel 23 is capable of placing and moving items. Items can be moved sequentially through the corresponding transport channel 23 in each storage layer to the conveying structure 3. The conveying structure 3 can also retrieve items from each transport channel 23 or from all transport channels 23 simultaneously as needed.

[0039] In one embodiment, the partition 2 has a wavy cross-section, wherein the trough of the wave and the two adjacent crests of the wave together constitute the transport channel 23. The crests are used to separate the items in two adjacent transport channels 23, thereby preventing the items from moving between different transport channels 23 and causing a decrease in the reliability of the storage device.

[0040] The partition plate 2 is also provided with a clamping piece, which can be clamped with a corresponding clamping structure on the shell 1.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the output end 22 of the partition 2 is bent downward to reduce the distance between it and the partition 2 below. The downward bent portion is used to adjust the free fall of the items to gradually send the items to the partition 2 below, ensuring that the items will not be damaged due to collision.

[0042] The conveying structure 3 includes a conveyor belt 31 and a drive mechanism 32. The conveyor belt 31 is connected between the second end of the transport channel 13 and the outlet 12. The drive mechanism 32 is disposed within the housing 1, and the conveyor belt 31 is connected to the drive mechanism 32. The conveyor belt 31 can receive items at the second end of the transport channel 13 and move under the drive mechanism 32, so that the items move to the outlet 12 as the conveyor belt 31 moves, making it convenient for users to pick up the items.

[0043] Specifically, the driving mechanism 32 includes a driving wheel and a follower wheel. The conveyor belt 31 is ring-shaped and surrounds the driving wheel and the follower wheel. The driving wheel can drive the conveyor belt 31 to move. The follower wheel supports the conveyor belt 31 to ensure the reliable movement of the conveyor belt 31. The objects move on the part of the conveyor belt 31 above the driving wheel and the follower wheel.

[0044] The driving mechanism 32 further includes a motor, and the output gear of the motor is meshed with the driving wheel to realize the movement of the conveyor belt 31.

[0045] It should be noted that the conveyor belt 31 is arranged at an angle, and the end of the conveyor belt 31 near the exit 12 is higher than the end of the conveyor belt 31 near the second end of the transport channel 13. A depression is formed between the conveyor belt 31 and the second end of the transport channel 13. When an item moves to the second end of the transport channel 13, it cannot continue to move actively due to the presence of the depression. Other items on the transport channel 13 are sequentially abutted and stay at corresponding positions on the transport channel 13. Only when the conveyor belt 31 begins to move can it drive the item in the depression to move. Other items continue to move under the influence of gravity and its shape, and the next item moves to the groove until the conveyor belt 31 moves.

[0046] Objects cannot be moved along the conveyor belt 31 due to their own weight and shape. For example, eggs, due to their own weight and shape, will roll downward along the inclined conveyor belt 31. To avoid this problem, the conveyor belt 31 is tilted at an angle ranging from 2° to 6°, preferably 4°. If the conveyor belt 31 is tilted too much, objects cannot move along with the conveyor belt 31. If the conveyor belt 31 is tilted too little, it cannot prevent objects from continuing to move toward the exit 12 when the conveyor belt 31 is not operating.

[0047] As another embodiment, a stopper protrusion is provided on the conveyor belt 31. This stopper protrusion can limit the movement of items, thereby ensuring that the conveyor belt 31 can effectively move items. During each rotation of the conveyor belt 31, items that are engaged by the stopper protrusion move to the exit 12, while other items remain between the second end of the transport channel 13 and the conveyor belt 31, waiting for the stopper protrusion to rotate one full rotation before continuing to move the items.

[0048] Furthermore, the storage device includes a detection mechanism electrically connected to the drive mechanism 32. The detection mechanism is capable of detecting the amount of items at the outlet 12 and controlling the operating state of the drive mechanism 32 based on the amount of items. When the detection mechanism detects that the amount of items at the outlet 12 is insufficient, it can control the drive mechanism 32 to start operating, thereby driving the conveyor belt 31 to start moving, thereby transporting the items to the outlet 12, thereby achieving the purpose of automatic restocking.

[0049] Specifically, the detection mechanism includes a pressure sensor, which is arranged at the outlet 12 and can detect the pressure generated by the items at the outlet 12. When the pressure is less than the set value, it indicates that the amount of items at the outlet 12 is small and needs to be replenished, and the control drive mechanism 32 starts working; when the pressure is greater than or equal to the set value, it indicates that the amount of items at the outlet 12 is sufficient to meet the demand and does not need to be replenished.

[0050] To facilitate user access to items, the storage device further includes a flip box 4, which is rotatably disposed at the outlet 12 and is connected to the conveying structure 3. The conveying structure 3 can deliver items into the flip box 4, and the user can move the flip box 4 so that the opening of the flip box 4 moves from the outlet 12 to the outside of the housing 1, making it easier for the user to access the items.

[0051] The detection mechanism can be arranged at the bottom of the turning box 4 , and controls whether the driving mechanism 32 is working by detecting the amount of articles in the turning box 4 .

[0052] In order to prevent the objects from being damaged by collision with the inner wall of the turning box 4, a buffer layer is laid on the inner wall of the turning box 4 for buffering. The material of the buffer layer is preferably velvet.

[0053] A buffer plate is also provided between the conveyor belt 31 and the flip box 4. The conveyor belt 31 delivers the items to the buffer plate. The items move on the buffer plate and finally enter the flip box 4. The buffer plate is used to reduce the moving speed of the items delivered by the conveyor belt 31, further ensuring the safety of the items.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, another aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator comprising the above-mentioned storage device.

[0055] The refrigerator has a drawer, which constitutes the housing 1. The user only needs to pull out the drawer and put the items into the transport channel 13 in sequence.

[0056] Obviously, the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other variations or modifications based on the above description are possible. It is not possible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any obvious variations or modifications arising from the technical solution of the present invention remain within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A storage device, characterized in that: include: A housing (1), wherein the housing (1) is provided with an inlet (11) and an outlet (12); A partition (2), the partition (2) being arranged in the shell (1), the partition (2) dividing the interior of the shell (1) into at least two storage layers, and all the storage layers being connected in sequence to form a transport channel (13); A conveying structure (3), the conveying structure (3) being arranged in the housing (1); The first end of the transport channel (13) is in communication with the inlet (11), and the second end of the transport channel (13) is in communication with the outlet (12) via the conveying structure (3); The conveying structure (3) includes a conveyor belt (31) and a driving mechanism (32), wherein the conveyor belt (31) is connected between the second end of the transport channel (13) and the outlet (12), and the driving mechanism (32) is arranged in the housing (1). The conveyor belt (31) is connected to the driving mechanism (32), and the conveyor belt (31) is arranged obliquely, and the end of the conveyor belt (31) close to the outlet (12) is higher than the end of the conveyor belt (31) close to the second end of the transport channel (13). The conveyor belt (31) is used to receive articles at the second end of the transport channel (13). The storage device also includes a detection mechanism, which is electrically connected to the driving mechanism (32). The detection mechanism can obtain the amount of articles at the outlet (12) and control the working state of the driving mechanism (32) according to the amount of articles.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The partition (2) has an input end (21) and an output end (22), a distance is provided between the output end (22) and the inner surface of the shell (1), two adjacent storage layers are connected via the distance, and the input end (21) is connected to the inlet (11) or the previous storage layer.

3. The storage device according to claim 2, wherein: The storage device further comprises a buffer structure (5), wherein the buffer structure (5) is arranged on the housing (1), and the buffer structure (5) is located at the interval.

4. The storage device according to claim 2, wherein: The partition (2) is arranged at an angle, and the height of the input end (21) is higher than the height of the output end (22).

5. The storage device according to claim 2, wherein: At least one transport flow channel (23) is provided on the partition (2), one end of the transport flow channel (23) is located at the input end (21), and the other end is located at the output end (22). The storage device according to claim 5 , wherein: The cross section of the partition (2) is wavy, and the trough of the wavy shape and two crests adjacent to the trough together constitute the transport flow channel (23).

7. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The storage device further comprises a flip box (4), the flip box (4) being rotatably arranged at the outlet (12), and the flip box (4) being connected to the conveying structure (3).

8. A refrigerator, characterized in that: A storage device comprising the storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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