Refrigerator and freshness control method of refrigerator

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator and a fresh-keeping control method of the refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises a cabinet body, at least one storage space arranged in the cabinet body, a plurality of fresh-keeping devices arranged in each storage space respectively, a plurality of object detection devices arranged in each storage space respectively, and a controller. The fresh-keeping device comprises a slow-release fresh-keeping agent and a control release module for accelerating the release speed of the slow-release fresh-keeping agent. The release speed of the slow-release fresh-keeping agent is proportional to the operation intensity of the control release module. The object detection device is used for detecting the storage amount of the storage space. The controller is configured to acquire the storage amount of each storage space, determine a first operation parameter according to the storage amount of the storage space when determining that the storage amount in the storage space is not zero, and control the control release module arranged in the storage space to periodically operate at the first operation parameter. The first operation parameter comprises a first operation intensity, and the first operation intensity is proportional to the storage amount. The application can automatically adjust the release speed of the slow-release fresh-keeping agent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home appliance technology, and in particular to a refrigerator and a method for controlling the preservation of food in a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, solid slow-release formulations in paste, gel, or powder form are commonly used in refrigerator compartments or small spaces. These active formulations are typically encapsulated in a membrane with a controllable release rate, forming a storage system. They are released into the environment through physical diffusion across the matrix layer. The release rate of the active ingredient is affected by the membrane thickness, area, and permeability, and is usually a stable, slow release, achieving a low-concentration antibacterial effect. However, when food is stored in the space, this low-concentration slow-release method cannot meet the current preservation needs, and if not handled promptly, it can easily lead to unpleasant odors or spoilage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a refrigerator and a method for controlling the freshness of the refrigerator, which can automatically adjust the release rate of slow-release preservatives according to the conditions of each storage space in the refrigerator, thereby intelligently adjusting the antibacterial environment in the storage space, which is beneficial to extending the shelf life of food.

[0004] In a first aspect, one embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0005] The enclosure contains at least one storage space.

[0006] Multiple preservation devices are respectively installed in each of the storage spaces, each including a slow-release preservative and a control release module for accelerating the release rate of the slow-release preservative; wherein the release rate of the slow-release preservative is proportional to the operating intensity of the control release module.

[0007] Multiple object detection devices are respectively installed in each of the storage spaces, which are used to detect the amount of items stored in the storage space;

[0008] The controller is configured as follows:

[0009] The storage capacity of each of the aforementioned object detection devices is obtained;

[0010] When it is determined that the storage quantity in a certain storage space is not zero, a first operating parameter is determined based on the storage quantity of the storage space, and the control release module set in the storage space is controlled to operate periodically with the first operating parameter; wherein, the first operating parameter includes a first operating intensity, and the first operating intensity is proportional to the storage quantity.

[0011] As an improvement to the above solution, after the control release module set in the control storage space runs periodically with the first operating parameter, the controller is further configured to:

[0012] When the storage volume in the storage space is determined to be zero, the control release module is stopped from working.

[0013] As an improvement to the above solution, the object detection device includes at least one of a weight measuring instrument and a volume measuring instrument; then the storage capacity includes at least one of the object weight and the object volume.

[0014] As an improvement to the above solution, the control release module includes at least one of a heater and a fan.

[0015] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator further includes:

[0016] Multiple air quality detection devices are respectively installed in each of the storage spaces, which are used to detect the concentration of air pollutants in the storage spaces;

[0017] The controller is also configured to:

[0018] The concentration of air pollutants in each of the air quality detection devices is obtained from each of the storage spaces;

[0019] When it is determined that the air pollutant concentration in a certain storage space reaches a preset threshold, a second operating parameter is determined based on the air quality of the storage space, and the control release module installed in the storage space is controlled to operate with the second operating parameter; wherein, the second operating parameter includes a second operating intensity, and the second operating intensity is proportional to the air pollutant concentration.

[0020] As an improvement to the above solution, after the control release module located in the control storage space operates with the second operating parameters, the controller is further configured to:

[0021] When it is determined that the concentration of air pollutants in the storage space is lower than the preset threshold, the control release module is controlled to return to the working state before adjustment.

[0022] As an improvement to the above solution, the air quality detection device includes at least one of an odor concentration detector and a planktonic bacteria detector; then the air pollutant concentration includes at least one of an odor concentration and a planktonic bacteria concentration.

[0023] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator further includes:

[0024] Multiple indicator lights, each corresponding to one of the storage spaces, are mounted on the housing.

[0025] The controller is also configured to:

[0026] The operating mode of the indicator light corresponding to each storage space is controlled according to the working status of the control release module set in each storage space.

[0027] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for controlling the preservation of food in a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet with at least one storage space inside, and a plurality of preservation devices and a plurality of object detection devices respectively disposed in each of the storage spaces. The preservation device includes a slow-release preservative and a control release module for accelerating the release rate of the slow-release preservative, wherein the release rate of the slow-release preservative is proportional to the operating intensity of the control release module. The object detection device is used to detect the amount of food stored in the storage space.

[0028] The method includes:

[0029] The storage capacity of each of the aforementioned object detection devices is obtained;

[0030] When it is determined that the storage quantity in a certain storage space is not zero, a first operating parameter is determined based on the storage quantity of the storage space, and the control release module set in the storage space is controlled to operate periodically with the first operating parameter; wherein, the first operating parameter includes a first operating intensity, and the first operating intensity is proportional to the storage quantity.

[0031] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator also includes a plurality of air quality detection devices respectively disposed in each of the storage spaces, which are used to detect the concentration of air pollutants in the storage spaces;

[0032] The method further includes:

[0033] The concentration of air pollutants in each of the air quality detection devices is obtained from each of the storage spaces;

[0034] When it is determined that the air pollutant concentration in a certain storage space reaches a preset threshold, a second operating parameter is determined based on the air quality of the storage space, and the control release module installed in the storage space is controlled to operate with the second operating parameter; wherein, the second operating parameter includes a second operating intensity, and the second operating intensity is proportional to the air pollutant concentration.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator and its preservation control method provided in this embodiment of the invention obtain the storage amount of each storage space from the object detection device installed in each storage space, and when it is determined that the storage amount in a certain storage space is not zero, a first operating intensity is determined according to the storage amount of the storage space, and the control release module installed in the storage space is controlled to run periodically at the first operating intensity. This can automatically adjust the release rate of the slow-release preservative according to the conditions of each storage space in the refrigerator, thereby intelligently adjusting the antibacterial environment in the storage space, which is beneficial to extending the shelf life of food. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of airflow in a preservation device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a refrigerator preservation control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] See Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] An embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator 100, comprising:

[0042] The housing 10 has at least one storage space 11 inside;

[0043] Multiple preservation devices are respectively installed in each of the storage spaces 11, each including a slow-release preservative 21 and a control release module 22 for accelerating the release rate of the slow-release preservative 21; wherein the release rate of the slow-release preservative 21 is proportional to the operating intensity of the control release module 22.

[0044] Multiple object detection devices 30 are respectively installed in each of the storage spaces 11, which are used to detect the amount of items stored in the storage space 11;

[0045] Controller 40 is configured as follows:

[0046] The storage capacity of each of the storage spaces 11 is obtained from each of the object detection devices 30;

[0047] When it is determined that the storage quantity in a certain storage space 11 is not zero, a first operating parameter is determined based on the storage quantity in the storage space 11, and the control release module 22 set in the storage space 11 is controlled to operate periodically with the first operating parameter; wherein, the first operating parameter includes a first operating intensity, and the first operating intensity is proportional to the storage quantity.

[0048] It should be noted that the slow-release preservative 21 in this embodiment has the following effects: it can effectively inhibit or kill harmful bacteria, etc., and achieve the purpose of preservation more effectively; it leaves no toxic residue and causes no pollution; it can better maintain the original flavor and nutritional components of food, and its appearance does not change; it saves energy and is environmentally friendly.

[0049] For example, the slow-release preservative 21 in this embodiment of the invention can be a slow-release preparation containing natural extracts such as plant polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and sorbic acid. It releases active molecules into the space to scavenge hydroxyl radicals (-OH), achieving antibacterial, bacteriostatic, and antioxidant preservation effects. Traditional preservative treatment methods mainly involve soaking / coating with preservative solutions, which generally require soaking and coating during processing and are cumbersome, resulting in a short service life. Compared to traditional preservatives, the slow-release preservative 21 provided in this embodiment not only meets the needs of sterilization, bacteriostatic, and antioxidant effects, but also has low application cost and long service life. Depending on the dosage and slow-release rate, the slow-release life can reach more than one year. Controlled release refers to the slow release of active agents in a matrix into the surrounding environment at an ideal rate according to a certain release mechanism within a specific environmental system, thereby maintaining the concentration of the active agents within a set ideal range for a certain period of time or in a specific area. Controlled release can achieve a series of special effects: the active formulation is encapsulated or sealed in the receptor or matrix, avoiding interference and damage from environmental factors, protecting the function of the active formulation, and extending the shelf life; after the active formulation is coated in the matrix, incompatible active ingredients can be separated, and the undesirable properties of the active formulation, such as irritating odor, pH value and catalytic activity, can be masked; the sensory properties of the product can be changed, etc.

[0050] Understandably, through this embodiment, in the storage space 11 where the storage volume is not zero, the larger the storage volume, the greater the operating intensity of the control release module 22, thereby making the release speed of the slow-release preservative 21 faster. That is, it can automatically adjust the release speed of the slow-release preservative 21 according to the storage volume of each storage space 11 in the refrigerator 100, thereby intelligently adjusting the antibacterial environment in the storage space 11, which is beneficial to extending the shelf life of food.

[0051] It should be noted that periodic operation specifically refers to the following: after the control release module 22 runs with the first operating parameter for a set working time T1, the control release module 22 stops working, and the slow-release preservative 21 maintains its own active slow-release rate; after a set idle time T2, the control release module 22 starts running again, and so on in a cycle.

[0052] For example, the storage space 11 in this embodiment can be a sealed space, such as a drawer or a compartment with a door, thereby enabling internal space circulation of the preservative, facilitating the diffusion of active factors and rapid purification effect. Furthermore, if the storage space 11 has a connection to the outside world, this connection can be closed during purification mode operation.

[0053] As one optional embodiment, the control release module 22 includes at least one of a heater and a fan.

[0054] Understandably, the control release module 22 can be a fan or a heater, or both. The heater, by raising the temperature of the area containing the slow-release preservative 21, can increase the diffusion rate of the slow-release active ingredients within the space. Similarly, the fan, by accelerating airflow in the area containing the slow-release preservative 21, can also increase the diffusion rate of the slow-release active ingredients within the space, thereby creating a highly efficient antibacterial environment. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the heater is located behind the slow-release preservative 21, and the fan is located behind the heater, so that hot air can be blown onto the slow-release preservative 21 to better accelerate the airflow.

[0055] It should be noted that when the control release module 22 includes a fan, the operating intensity of the control release module 22 can be adjusted by adjusting the fan speed. The higher the fan speed, the greater the operating intensity. When the control release module 22 includes a heater, the operating intensity of the control release module 22 can be adjusted by adjusting the heating power. The higher the heating power, the greater the operating intensity.

[0056] As one optional embodiment, after the control release module 22 located in the control storage space 11 runs periodically with the first operating parameters, the controller 40 is further configured to:

[0057] When it is determined that the amount of storage in the storage space 11 has become zero, the control release module 22 is stopped working.

[0058] In this embodiment, when it is detected that no items are stored in the storage space 11, the control release module 22 stops working, so that the slow-release preservative 21 actively releases low-concentration environment, thereby reducing the consumption of the slow-release preservative 21.

[0059] As one optional embodiment, the object detection device 30 includes at least one of a weight measuring instrument and a volume measuring instrument; then the storage capacity includes at least one of the object weight and the object volume.

[0060] For example, the first operating parameter further includes a first operating time. In a specific embodiment, the refrigerator 100 provided in this embodiment includes four first purification modes, and the weight, heating power, fan speed, first operating time, and operating interval corresponding to each mode are specifically shown in Table 1.

[0061] Table 1 Parameters of the First Purification Mode

[0062]

[0063] As one optional embodiment, the refrigerator 100 further includes:

[0064] Multiple air quality detection devices 50 are respectively installed in each of the storage spaces 11, which are used to detect the concentration of air pollutants in the storage space 11;

[0065] The controller 40 is also configured to:

[0066] The concentration of air pollutants in each of the air quality detection devices 50 is obtained from each of the storage spaces 11;

[0067] When it is determined that the air pollutant concentration in a certain storage space 11 reaches a preset threshold, a second operating parameter is determined based on the air quality of the storage space 11, and the control release module 22 installed in the storage space 11 is controlled to operate with the second operating parameter; wherein, the second operating parameter includes a second operating intensity, and the second operating intensity is proportional to the air pollutant concentration.

[0068] In this embodiment, the release rate of the slow-release preservative 21 can be automatically adjusted according to the concentration of air pollutants in each storage space 11 within the refrigerator 100, thereby intelligently adjusting the antibacterial environment within the storage space 11, which is beneficial for extending the shelf life of food.

[0069] Furthermore, after the control release module 22 located within the control storage space 11 operates with the second operating parameters, the controller 40 is further configured to:

[0070] When it is determined that the concentration of air pollutants in the storage space 11 is lower than the preset threshold, the control release module 22 is controlled to return to the working state before adjustment.

[0071] In this embodiment, if the concentration of air pollutants has decreased, the operating intensity of the control release module 22 is restored, thereby restoring the slow release rate of the slow release preservative 21 and reducing the consumption of the slow release preservative 21.

[0072] Specifically, the air quality detection device 50 includes at least one of an odor concentration detector and a planktonic bacteria detector; therefore, the air pollutant concentration includes at least one of an odor concentration and a planktonic bacteria concentration.

[0073] As one optional embodiment, the refrigerator 100 further includes:

[0074] Multiple indicator lights 60, each corresponding to one of the storage spaces 11, are disposed on the housing 10;

[0075] The controller 40 is also configured to:

[0076] The operating mode of the indicator light 60 corresponding to each storage space 11 is controlled according to the working state of the control release module 22 set in each storage space 11.

[0077] In this embodiment, the operating mode of the indicator light 60 of the storage space 11 can be controlled according to the working status of the control release module 22 of the storage space 11. For example, the indicator light 60 can be displayed in orange when the control release module 22 is turned on and in green when it is turned off. This makes it easy for users to see the current operating status and avoids the purification process being affected by turning on the storage space 11 during purification, which could weaken the purification effect or prolong the purification time.

[0078] For example, the second operating parameter also includes a second operating time. In a specific embodiment, the refrigerator 100 provided in this embodiment includes four second purification modes, and the weight, heating power, fan speed, second operating time and operating interval corresponding to each mode are specifically shown in Table 2.

[0079] Table 2 Parameters for the Second Purification Mode

[0080]

[0081] See Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the freshness of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] This invention provides a method for controlling the freshness of a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet with at least one storage space inside, and multiple freshness-preserving devices and multiple object detection devices respectively disposed in each of the storage spaces. The freshness-preserving devices include a slow-release preservative and a control release module for accelerating the release rate of the slow-release preservative, wherein the release rate of the slow-release preservative is proportional to the operating intensity of the control release module. The object detection devices are used to detect the amount of items stored in the storage spaces.

[0083] The method includes:

[0084] S21. Obtain the storage amount of each of the object detection devices;

[0085] S22. When it is determined that the storage quantity in a certain storage space is not zero, a first operating parameter is determined according to the storage quantity of the storage space, and the control release module set in the storage space is controlled to operate periodically with the first operating parameter; wherein, the first operating parameter includes a first operating intensity, and the first operating intensity is proportional to the storage quantity.

[0086] As one optional embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a plurality of air quality detection devices respectively disposed in each of the storage spaces, which are used to detect the concentration of air pollutants in the storage spaces;

[0087] The method further includes:

[0088] The concentration of air pollutants in each of the air quality detection devices is obtained from each of the storage spaces;

[0089] When it is determined that the air pollutant concentration in a certain storage space reaches a preset threshold, a second operating parameter is determined based on the air quality of the storage space, and the control release module installed in the storage space is controlled to operate with the second operating parameter; wherein, the second operating parameter includes a second operating intensity, and the second operating intensity is proportional to the air pollutant concentration.

[0090] Furthermore, after the control release module located within the control storage space operates with the second operating parameters, the controller is further configured to:

[0091] When it is determined that the concentration of air pollutants in the storage space is lower than the preset threshold, the control release module is controlled to return to the working state before adjustment.

[0092] Specifically, the air quality detection device includes at least one of an odor concentration detector and a planktonic bacteria detector; therefore, the air pollutant concentration includes at least one of an odor concentration and a planktonic bacteria concentration.

[0093] As one optional embodiment, the object detection device includes at least one of a weight measuring instrument and a volume measuring instrument; then the storage capacity includes at least one of the object weight and the object volume.

[0094] As one alternative embodiment, the control release module includes at least one of a heater and a fan.

[0095] As one optional embodiment, the refrigerator also includes a plurality of indicator lights corresponding to each of the storage spaces;

[0096] The method further includes:

[0097] The operating mode of the indicator light corresponding to each storage space is controlled according to the working status of the control release module set in each storage space.

[0098] It should be noted that those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific descriptions and beneficial effects of the methods in the above embodiments can be referred to the corresponding descriptions and beneficial effects in the foregoing device embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0099] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: The refrigerator comprises: a cabinet, in which at least one storage space is arranged; a plurality of fresh-keeping devices arranged in each of the storage spaces, which comprise a slow-release fresh-keeping agent and a control release module for accelerating the release speed of the slow-release fresh-keeping agent, wherein the release speed of the slow-release fresh-keeping agent is proportional to the operating intensity of the control release module; a plurality of object detection devices arranged in each of the storage spaces, which are used to detect the storage amount of the storage space; a controller configured to: obtain the storage amount of each of the storage spaces from each of the object detection devices; when it is determined that the storage amount in a certain storage space is not zero, determine a first operating parameter according to the storage amount of the storage space, and control the control release module arranged in the storage space to operate periodically at the first operating parameter; wherein the first operating parameter comprises a first operating intensity, and the first operating intensity is proportional to the storage amount.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, After the control release module arranged in the storage space is controlled to operate periodically at the first operating parameter, the controller is further configured to: when it is determined that the storage amount in the storage space becomes zero, control the control release module to stop working.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The object detection device comprises at least one of a weight measuring instrument and a volume measuring instrument; and the storage amount comprises at least one of an object weight and an object volume.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The control release module comprises at least one of a heater and an air blower.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The refrigerator further comprises: a plurality of air quality detection devices arranged in each of the storage spaces, which are used to detect the air pollutant concentration of the storage space; the controller is further configured to: obtain the air pollutant concentration of each of the storage spaces from each of the air quality detection devices; when it is determined that the air pollutant concentration of a certain storage space reaches a preset threshold, determine a second operating parameter according to the air quality of the storage space, and control the control release module arranged in the storage space to operate at the second operating parameter; wherein the second operating parameter comprises a second operating intensity, and the second operating intensity is proportional to the air pollutant concentration.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein After the control release module arranged in the storage space is controlled to operate at the second operating parameter, the controller is further configured to: when it is determined that the air pollutant concentration in the storage space is lower than the preset threshold, control the control release module to return to the working state before adjustment.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein The air quality detection device comprises at least one of an odor concentration detector and a plankton detector; and the air pollutant concentration comprises at least one of an odor concentration and a plankton concentration.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The refrigerator further comprises: a plurality of indicator lights corresponding to each of the storage spaces, which are arranged on the cabinet; the controller is further configured to: control the operating mode of the indicator light corresponding to each of the storage spaces according to the working state of the control release module arranged in the storage space. 9.A method of controlling freshness of a refrigerator, characterized by, The refrigerator comprises a cabinet with at least one storage space, a plurality of fresh-keeping devices and a plurality of object detection devices arranged in each storage space respectively; the fresh-keeping device comprises a slow-release preservative and a control release module for accelerating the release speed of the slow-release preservative, and the release speed of the slow-release preservative is proportional to the operation intensity of the control release module; The object detection device is used for detecting the storage amount of the storage space; The method comprises: obtaining the storage amount of each storage space from each object detection device; when it is determined that the storage amount in a certain storage space is not zero, determining a first operation parameter according to the storage amount of the storage space, and controlling the control release module arranged in the storage space to periodically operate at the first operation parameter; wherein the first operation parameter comprises a first operation intensity, and the first operation intensity is proportional to the storage amount.

10. The fresh food controlling method of a refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, The refrigerator further comprises a plurality of air quality detection devices arranged in each storage space respectively, which are used for detecting the air pollutant concentration of the storage space; The method further comprises: obtaining the air pollutant concentration of each storage space from each air quality detection device; when it is determined that the air pollutant concentration of a certain storage space reaches a preset threshold, determining a second operation parameter according to the air quality of the storage space, and controlling the control release module arranged in the storage space to operate at the second operation parameter; wherein the second operation parameter comprises a second operation intensity, and the second operation intensity is proportional to the air pollutant concentration.

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