Refrigerator and cooking method

Abstract

A refrigerator (1) and a cooking method, when the pressure in a closed container (10) is reduced below a threshold value, a control unit (40) executes a first process of stopping a vacuum pump (20) from reducing pressure and a second process of driving a gas-tight state release unit (50) to release a gas-tight state of the closed container (10), and when the number of repetitions is below a set value, the first process and the second process are executed again, and the seasoning is promoted to penetrate into the food material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to refrigerators and cooking methods. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator has been provided that includes a vacuum pump and a sealed container (sealed compartment) inside which the vacuum pump depressurizes the air, thereby improving the preservation of food stored in the sealed container (e.g., Patent Document 1). Furthermore, a sealed container (vacuum canister) has also been provided, for example, by using a pressure-reducing valve installed on the lid or the container body to create a vacuum state (a state lower than atmospheric pressure) inside. By storing a vacuum canister inside a refrigerator with pre-stored food and the air depressurized air, the preservation of the food can be improved.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4821565. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Here, the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes: a storage compartment having a vacuum container with a sealed structure; a cooling unit for cooling the storage compartment or the vacuum container; a pressure regulating device having a pressure reducing unit that makes the pressure inside the vacuum container variable; an atmospheric pressure introducing unit that introduces atmospheric pressure into the vacuum container; and a control device that, during at least a portion of the process of cooling food, which is composed of an assembly of small pieces housed inside the vacuum container, to a predetermined freezing temperature, changes the pressure of the gas space in contact with the food via the pressure regulating unit. According to this structure, atmospheric pressure can be introduced or pressurized via the atmospheric pressure introducing unit under depressurized conditions to apply air pressure to the food and achieve rose-shaped freezing.

[0007] However, it is considered that pressure variation treatment of ingredients is effective even for ingredients in different forms than small aggregates (such as minced meat and rice) shown in Patent Document 1. In particular, it is envisioned that by implementing pressure variation treatment, the penetration efficiency of seasoning into the ingredients can be improved. Moreover, regarding ingredients soaked in seasoning, it is envisioned that repeated pressure variation treatment (decompression and atmospheric opening (removal of the airtight state)) can further promote the penetration of seasoning into the ingredients.

[0008] However, Patent Document 1 only addresses food ingredients composed of small, aggregated pieces, and does not envision its application to other forms of food ingredients. Therefore, Patent Document 1 neither discloses nor suggests repeatedly depressurizing and de-sealing the vacuum container (sealed container) containing food ingredients soaked in seasonings to promote the penetration of seasonings into the food ingredients.

[0009] In view of the aforementioned issues, the object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a cooking method that improves the preservation of food stored in a sealed container and repeatedly depressurizes and de-airtightens the container, thereby promoting the penetration of seasonings into the food.

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, the refrigerator of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a sealed container including seasoning and food soaked in the seasoning, disposed in a storage compartment; a vacuum pump for depressurizing the pressure inside the sealed container; an airtightness release unit for releasing the airtightness of the sealed container; and a control unit for controlling at least the operation of the vacuum pump and the airtightness release unit. When it is determined that the pressure inside the sealed container has decreased to below a threshold, the control unit performs a first process and a second process. The first process stops the vacuum pump's depressurization operation, and the second process drives the airtightness release unit to release the airtightness of the sealed container. If the number of repetitions of the combination of the first and second processes is less than a set value, the control unit drives the vacuum pump to perform the first and second processes again to promote the penetration of the seasoning into the food.

[0011] Furthermore, in the refrigerator of the present invention, the control unit further performs a third process of stopping the vacuum pump to reduce pressure when it is determined that the pressure inside the sealed container has not decreased below a threshold after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0012] Furthermore, the cooking method of the present invention is characterized by using a refrigerator comprising: a sealed container including seasonings and ingredients soaked in the seasonings, disposed in a cold storage compartment; a vacuum pump for depressurizing the pressure inside the sealed container; an airtightness release unit for releasing the airtightness of the sealed container; and a control unit for controlling at least the operation of the vacuum pump and the airtightness release unit. When it is determined that the pressure inside the sealed container has decreased to below a threshold, the control unit performs a first process and a second process. The first process stops the depressurization operation of the vacuum pump, and the second process drives the airtightness release unit to release the airtightness of the sealed container. If the number of repetitions of the combination of the first process and the second process is less than a set value, the control unit drives the vacuum pump to perform the first process and the second process again to promote the penetration of the seasonings into the ingredients.

[0013] According to the present invention, depressurization can be performed inside a sealed container under refrigerated conditions in a cold storage chamber. This results in improved preservation of food stored in the sealed container. Furthermore, if the pressure inside the sealed container drops below a threshold, the vacuum pump stops depressurizing (first process), and the airtightness of the sealed container is released (second process). Then, if the number of repetitions of the combination of the first and second processes is less than a set value, the vacuum pump is activated to repeat the first and second processes. As a result, the depressurization and release of the airtightness of the sealed container can be repeated, promoting the penetration of seasonings into the food.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the present invention, if the pressure inside the sealed container has not decreased below a threshold after a predetermined time, the vacuum pump stops depressurizing. Therefore, during the depressurization process of the sealed container, any malfunctions of the vacuum pump or the sealed container can be detected early. As a result, unnecessary operation of the vacuum pump can be prevented even if the sealed container cannot be depressurized to the threshold pressure. Moreover, since the vacuum pump can be stopped early, further damage to the vacuum pump or adverse effects on other components or equipment in the refrigerator can be prevented.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the pressure inside the sealed container is reduced due to the operation of the vacuum pump. This results in improved preservation of the food stored in the sealed container. Furthermore, if the pressure inside the sealed container drops below a threshold, the vacuum pump stops depressurizing (first process), and the airtightness of the sealed container is released (second process). Then, if the number of repetitions of the combination of the first and second processes is less than a set value, the vacuum pump is activated to repeat the combination of the first and second processes. As a result, the depressurization and release of the airtightness of the sealed container can be repeated, promoting the penetration of seasonings into the food. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a side vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial perspective view of the cold storage chamber that houses the sealed container and vacuum pump in this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a top-view cross-sectional view of the sealed containers and vacuum pump stored in the cold storage chamber.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the B-B' cross-section of the sealed container and vacuum pump.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the C-C' cross-section of the sealed container and the vacuum pump.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a block diagram used to illustrate the control unit in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow executed in cooking mode.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow executed in cooking mode.

[0024] Figure 9 This is an example of a data table constructed in the storage section of the control unit.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow executed in normal mode. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Furthermore, whenever the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment is described, the "up and down" direction corresponds to the height direction of the refrigerator 1, the "left and right" direction corresponds to the width direction of the refrigerator 1, and the "front and back" direction corresponds to the depth direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0027] [structure]

[0028] First, regarding the overall structure of the refrigerator 1 in this embodiment, refer to... Figure 1 An explanation will be provided here. Figure 1 This is a side view of the vertical section of refrigerator 1. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes an insulated box 2, which is equivalent to the main body of the refrigerator. The insulated box 2 includes a steel outer shell 2a, a synthetic resin inner shell 2b, and a polyurethane foam insulation material 2c filled in the gap formed between the outer shell and the inner shell.

[0029] In addition, the insulated enclosure 2 has multiple storage compartments 3, 4, and 5. Each storage compartment is separated by insulated partition walls 6a and 6b. In this embodiment, the multiple storage compartments correspond to the cold storage compartment 3, the vegetable compartment 4, and the freezer compartment 5 from top to bottom. However, the arrangement order of the storage compartments is not limited to this (for example, the cold storage compartment, freezer compartment, and vegetable compartment can be arranged from top to bottom).

[0030] The front surface openings of each storage compartment are provided in the insulated cabinet 2. Insulation doors are provided so that each opening can be opened and closed to block it. For example, when viewed from the front of the refrigerator, the upper and lower ends of the right end of the insulation door covering the opening of the cold storage compartment 3 are rotatably supported on the insulated cabinet 2 to block the front surface opening of the cold storage compartment 3. Furthermore, the insulation door covering the opening of the vegetable compartment 4 is configured relative to the insulated cabinet 2 to be pulled out in the front-rear direction to cover the front surface opening of the vegetable compartment 4. Similarly, the insulation door covering the opening of the freezer compartment 5 is configured relative to the insulated cabinet 2 to be pulled out in the front-rear direction to cover the front surface opening of the freezer compartment 5.

[0031] Next, refer to Figures 2 to 5 This section describes the sealed container 10 and vacuum pump 20 housed in the cold storage chamber 3. Here, Figure 2 This is a partial perspective view of the cold storage chamber 3 that houses the sealed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20. Furthermore, Figure 3 This is a top cross-sectional view of the sealed container 10 and vacuum pump 20 housed in the cold storage chamber 3. Figure 1 The diagram shows the cold storage chamber 3 cut along line A-A'. Furthermore, Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view along line B-B' of the sealed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20. Furthermore, Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a C-C' cross-sectional view of the sealed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the sealed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20 are disposed on the bottom wall 31 side of the cold storage chamber 3. Furthermore, the sealed container 10 is disposed on the front side of the cold storage chamber 3. Although not particularly limited, the sealed container 10 is mounted on a guide rib 32 in a detachable manner, the guide rib 32 protruding upwards from the bottom wall 31 of the cold storage chamber 3.

[0033] The sealed container 10 is guided to the designated setting position via the guide rib 32. Therefore, the sealed container 10 can be reliably set, and the sealed container 10 can be easily connected to the vacuum pump 20 so that there is no leakage of air discharged from the sealed container 10.

[0034] That is, the sealed container 10 is stored in a state where it can be accessed and removed from the refrigerator compartment 3 (it can be disassembled). By making the sealed container 10 accessible from the refrigerator compartment 3, food can be pre-stored in the sealed container 10 outside the refrigerator 1, and then the sealed container 10 can be stored in the refrigerator compartment 3. Thus, food can be easily stored in the sealed container 10.

[0035] In this embodiment, the ingredients are stored in a sealed container 10 while being immersed in the seasoning. Examples of ingredients include meats such as beef, pork, and chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Examples of seasonings include liquid seasonings containing salt, sugar, acidifiers, spices, starches, and umami ingredients, as well as paste-like seasonings such as miso. However, this is not the only type of seasoning.

[0036] In contrast, a vacuum pump 20 is disposed at the rear of the sealed container 10. In this embodiment, the vacuum pump 20 is housed within the housing 21. However, the location of the vacuum pump 20 is not limited to this, as long as it allows for depressurization within the sealed container 10. Furthermore, the vacuum pump 20 may also be located outside the cold storage compartment 3 of the refrigerator 1.

[0037] Furthermore, a sealed container detection sensor 33 is provided in the area sandwiched between the sealed container 10 and the vacuum pump 20. This sealed container detection sensor 33 detects when the sealed container 10 is housed in a predetermined position within the cold storage chamber 3. The form of the sealed container detection sensor 33 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect when the sealed container 10 is housed in the predetermined position. Examples of sealed container detection sensors 33 include, in addition to microswitches that output detection signals based on contact with the sealed container 10, magnetic sensors, optical sensors, etc.

[0038] Next, as Figure 4 As shown in (a), the sealed container 10 in this embodiment includes: a hollow container body 11 for storing food ingredients; a middle cover 12 covering the opening at the top of the container body 11; and an upper cover 13 placed on the middle cover 12 (in some cases, the middle cover 12 and the upper cover 13 are collectively referred to as the "cover portion"). However, the shape of the cover portion is not limited to a cover portion in which the middle cover 12 and the upper cover 13 are separate parts; they can also be integrated. In addition, other shapes are also possible.

[0039] The container body 11 contains ingredients soaked in seasoning. Furthermore, a first through hole 121 communicating with the interior of the container body 11 is formed in the middle cover 12. Moreover, the middle cover 12 has a first valve 122 capable of blocking the first through hole 121. In this embodiment, the first valve 122 is a flat plate-shaped component (e.g., a rubber check valve), but it is not limited to this as long as it can block the first through hole 121.

[0040] Furthermore, the upper cover 13 has a first communication passage 131 including one end 1311 facing the first through hole 121 and the first valve 122. Moreover, the first communication passage 131 includes another end 1312 that communicates with the outside of the upper cover 13 (outside the cover portion) and faces the vacuum pump 20 (inside the housing 21).

[0041] Furthermore, without particular limitation, the other end 1312 of the first connecting passage 131 can also be connected to the air inlet 22 of the vacuum pump 20 via the pipe 24. In this embodiment, the pipe 24 is a flexible resin tube. However, it is not limited to this. Additionally, a sealing portion 25 can be provided between the sealed container 10 and the housing 21. The sealing portion 25 reliably prevents air leakage from the flow path from the first connecting passage 131 to the pipe 24.

[0042] Before the pressure reduction (intake) operation in the vacuum pump 20 begins, the first valve 122 blocks the first through hole 121. Figure 4 (b)). In contrast, if the pressure reduction action (intake) in the vacuum pump 20 begins, ambient air is drawn in from the inlet 22 of the vacuum pump 20. Accompanying this, the pressure is reduced in the first communication passage 131 communicating with the housing 21, and the first valve 122 is disengaged. Figure 4 (c) As a result, the first through hole 121 opens, and the container body 11 is connected to the first connecting passage 131. Then, the pressure inside the container body 11 (sealed container 10) is reduced by the operation of the vacuum pump 20.

[0043] Furthermore, this embodiment is preferably equipped with a pressure sensor ( Figure 6 (As shown in Figure 24). If the pressure inside the container body 11 (sealed container 10) is detected by the pressure sensor to be below a predetermined threshold (e.g., below 0.5 atmospheres), the pressure reduction operation of the vacuum pump 20 stops. As a result, the first valve 122 moves toward the first through hole 121 (falling into the first through hole 121 due to the pressure difference inside and outside the container), and the first through hole 121 is blocked.

[0044] Thus, the pressure inside the container body 11 is maintained after depressurization. In addition, the form of the pressure sensor is not particularly limited, but as an example, a current sensor that measures the motor drive current of the vacuum pump 20 is used (more specifically, the signal of the current value detected in the current sensor is sent to the control unit 40 described later, where the received current value is converted into a pressure value after depressurization).

[0045] Next, as Figure 5 As shown in (a), a second through hole 123 is provided in the middle cover 12 at a position different from the first through hole 121. Furthermore, the middle cover 12 includes a second valve 124 capable of blocking the second through hole 123. When the pressure inside the sealed container 10 is reduced, a force is applied to the second valve 124, which is embedded in the second through hole 123, pulling it inwards towards the inside of the sealed container 10. Thus, the second valve 124 is fixed in the state of being embedded in the second through hole 123. In this embodiment, the second valve 124 is a spherical component, but it is not limited to this as long as it can block the second through hole 123.

[0046] Furthermore, the upper cover 13 has a second communication passage 132 including one end 1321 facing the second through hole 123 and the second valve 124. Moreover, the second communication passage 132 includes another end 1322 that communicates with the outside of the upper cover 13 (outside the cover portion). In this embodiment, the other end 1322 communicates with the housing 21 of the vacuum pump 20.

[0047] Furthermore, a gear and rack mechanism (rack 51 and pinion 52) is disposed within the housing 21. Additionally, a long needle-shaped actuating part 53 capable of pushing the second valve 124 is mounted at the front end of the rack 51. The actuating part 53 is inserted into the second communication passage 132 and can move forward and backward via the gear and rack mechanism.

[0048] More specifically, as the pinion 52 rotates, the rack 51 slides forward. Accordingly, located... Figure 5 (b) The actuating part 53 moves forward (into the right side of the figure). As a result, the second valve 124 is pushed by the actuating part 53. Figure 5 (c)). As a result, the second valve 124 moves in a manner that disengages from the second through hole 123, thereby opening the second through hole 123.

[0049] On the other hand, when the actuating part 53 is retracted (to the left in the figure), the pinion 52 rotates in the reverse direction. As a result, the rack 51 slides backward, and the actuating part 53 retracts. Consequently, the second valve 124 returns to its position before being pushed by the actuating part 53, thereby blocking the second through hole 123. Furthermore, any mechanism other than a rack and pinion mechanism can be used as long as the actuating part 53 can move forward and backward. The mechanism that moves the actuating part 53 forward and backward will be referred to as an "actuating part forward and backward mechanism" in the following cases.

[0050] Through this series of actions, the airtightness of the container body 11 (sealed container 10) is released. Hereinafter, the mechanism having the action part advance / retract mechanism (rack 51, pinion 52) and the action part 53 may be referred to as the airtightness release unit 50. Furthermore, examples of the drive source for the pinion 52 include electric actuators such as motors (e.g., stepper motors) and solenoids. However, it is not limited to these.

[0051] The action of releasing the airtightness of the sealed container 10 using the airtightness release unit 50 is performed inside the refrigerator compartment 3. Therefore, the airtightness of the sealed container 10 can be released without leaking the odor of the food or seasonings inside the sealed container 10 to the outside of the refrigerator 1.

[0052] [control]

[0053] Next, refer to Figures 6 to 10 This section explains the control methods of the vacuum pump 20 and the airtightness release unit 50 in this embodiment. Figure 6This is a block diagram illustrating the control unit 40 included in this embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow executed in a cooking mode (a mode that repeatedly depressurizes and releases the airtightness of the sealed container 10). Furthermore, Figure 9 This is an example of a data table constructed in the storage section of the control unit 40. Furthermore, Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow executed in normal mode (the mode in which decompression of the sealed container 10 continues).

[0054] The control unit 40 in this embodiment includes an arithmetic unit (e.g., a processor such as a CPU), a storage unit (e.g., a memory such as ROM or RAM), and a communication interface unit. The arithmetic unit of the control unit 40 performs prescribed calculations based on programs and data stored in the storage unit, according to various signals input from the pressure sensor 24, the sealed container detection sensor 33, the display unit 60 (e.g., a touch panel provided on the surface of the insulated door of the refrigerator 1), etc. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit outputs control signals generated from the calculation results to the vacuum pump 20, the airtightness release unit 50, the notification unit 70 (display unit 60 or LED lighting unit, voice transmitter), and the alarm unit 80 (LED lighting unit, voice transmitter), etc.

[0055] Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The process flow executed in cooking mode is explained. First, the operating mode selectable by the user is displayed on the display unit 60 provided on the surface of the insulated door of the cold storage compartment 3. Here, the operating modes displayed on the display unit 60 include cooking mode and normal mode. Of course, other operating modes may also be displayed.

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown, when a user selects a cooking mode (S701), a list of cooking names is displayed on the display unit 60. For example, cooking name α displays light marinating, cooking name β displays marinating, cooking name γ displays seasoning treatment for fried chicken, etc. Furthermore, the user selects a desired cooking name from the displayed list of cooking names (the display area of ​​the cooking name on the display unit 60 is touched). Accompanying this, information about the selected cooking name is sent to the control unit 40 (S702).

[0057] Here, the storage unit of the control unit 40 stores each selectable cooking name and the corresponding number of repetitions (the number of times the combination of decompression and release of the airtight state is repeated) (see reference). Figure 9Here, the control unit 40, which receives information about the cooking name selected by the user, refers to the storage unit and determines the corresponding number of repetitions (for example, as shown in S703 to S706, when the cooking name is α (light marinating), the number of repetitions is determined to be A times. Furthermore, when the cooking name is β (marinating), the number of repetitions is determined to be B times).

[0058] Next, if the sealed container 10 containing ingredients soaked in seasonings is placed by the user in a designated position in the cold storage compartment 3, the detection signal of the sealed container 10 is sent from the sealed container detection sensor 33 to the control unit 40 (S707). Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 40, which receives the detection signal from the sealed container 10, drives the vacuum pump 20 to start the decompression operation of the sealed container 10 (S708).

[0059] Next, the control unit 40 determines whether the pressure inside the sealed container 10 has decreased to below a predetermined threshold based on the signal from the pressure sensor 24. If it is determined that the pressure inside the sealed container 10 has decreased to below the predetermined threshold (YES in S709), the control unit 40 controls the vacuum pump 20 to stop the pressure reduction operation (S710). This process (the process of stopping the pressure reduction operation of the vacuum pump 20) will be referred to below as the "first process".

[0060] Next, the control unit 40 drives the airtightness release unit 50 to release the airtightness of the sealed container 10 (S711). This process (the process of driving the airtightness release unit 50 to release the airtightness of the sealed container 10) will be referred to as the "second process" below. The second process in this embodiment corresponds to the process of the control unit 40 driving the drive source (stepper motor or solenoid, etc.) of the pinion 52. With the operation of the drive source, the pinion 52 and rack 51 operate, and the actuating part 53 advances. As a result, the actuating part 53 pushes the second valve 124, and the second through hole 123 opens. Thus, the airtightness of the sealed container 10 is released.

[0061] Next, the control unit 40 counts the number of repetitions of the combination of the first and second processes (the number of repetitions of the combination of decompression and release of the airtightness), and compares the counted number of repetitions with a predetermined number of repetitions. If the result of the comparison is that the counted number of repetitions is lower than the predetermined number of repetitions (set value) (YES in S712), the control unit 40 performs the processes (steps) of S707 to S712, which include the first and second processes, again.

[0062] The repeated process continues until the number of repetitions of the combination of the first and second processes reaches a predetermined number. For example, if α is selected as the cooking name, and the number of repetitions reaches A, the repeated process ends (NO in S712).

[0063] Thus, the repeated decompression and release of the airtight state of the sealed container promotes the penetration of seasonings into the food. Finally, the control unit 40 can also display a notification that the repeated processing has ended (cooking is finished) on the notification unit 70 (e.g., display unit 60) (S713). As a result, the user can confirm the end of the cooking mode.

[0064] In response, step S709 determines NO (control unit 40 determines that the pressure inside the sealed container 10 has not decreased to below the specified threshold). Furthermore, if it is determined that the pressure inside the sealed container 10 has not decreased to below the threshold after a specified time (e.g., approximately 3 minutes) (YES in S714), control unit 40 stops the pressure reduction operation of vacuum pump 20 (S715). This process (the process of stopping the pressure reduction operation of vacuum pump after determining that the pressure inside the sealed container 10 has not decreased to below the threshold after a specified time) will be referred to as the "third process" below.

[0065] Therefore, malfunctions of the vacuum pump 20 and the sealed container 10 during the decompression process can be detected early. As a result, even if the sealed container 10 cannot be decompressed below the threshold pressure, unnecessary operation of the vacuum pump 20 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the operation of the vacuum pump 20 can be stopped early, further damage to the vacuum pump 20 or adverse effects on other components or equipment in the refrigerator 1 can be prevented.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 40 can also send a signal indicating that a problem has occurred during the pressure reduction process to the alarm unit 80 (S716). This allows the user to confirm that a problem has occurred during the pressure reduction process. Alternatively, if the predetermined time has not been reached (NO in S714), the control unit 40 again determines whether the pressure inside the sealed container 10 has decreased below a threshold.

[0067] Next, refer to Figure 10 The following describes the processing flow executed in normal mode. First, the display unit 60, located on the surface of the insulated door of the cold storage chamber 3, displays the operating modes that the user can select. At this time, the user selects the normal mode (S901).

[0068] Next, if the sealed container 10 containing food is placed in the designated position in the cold storage compartment 3 by the user, the detection signal of the sealed container 10 is sent from the sealed container detection sensor 33 to the control unit 40 (S902). Upon receiving the detection signal of the sealed container 10, the control unit 40 drives the vacuum pump 20 to start the decompression operation of the sealed container 10 (S903).

[0069] Next, the control unit 40 determines whether the pressure inside the sealed container 10 has decreased to below a predetermined threshold based on the signal from the pressure sensor 24. If it is determined that the pressure inside the sealed container 10 has decreased to below the predetermined threshold (YES in S904), the control unit 40 controls the vacuum pump 20 to stop the pressure reduction operation (S905). In this state, the sealed container 10 is stored in a cold storage environment in the cold storage chamber 3. At the same time, the control unit 40 can also display a notification that the vacuum suction process has ended on the notification unit 70 (e.g., display unit 60) (S906). Thus, the user can confirm the end of the normal mode.

[0070] In response, step S904 determines NO (control unit 40 determines that the pressure inside the sealed container 10 has not been reduced to below the specified threshold). Then, if it is determined that the pressure inside the sealed container 10 has not been reduced to below the threshold after a specified time has elapsed (YES in S907), control unit 40 stops the pressure reduction operation of vacuum pump 20 (S908).

[0071] At this time, the control unit 40 can also send a signal indicating that an adverse condition has occurred during the pressure reduction process to the alarm unit 80 (S909). Alternatively, if the specified time has not been reached (NO in S907), the control unit 40 will again determine whether the pressure inside the sealed container 10 has been reduced below the threshold.

[0072] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the foregoing description is for the purpose of easy understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The present invention may include modifications and alterations that do not depart from its spirit. Furthermore, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0073] Label Explanation

[0074] 1: Refrigerator;

[0075] 2: Insulated enclosure;

[0076] 2a: Outer shell;

[0077] 2b: Inner shell;

[0078] 2c: Thermal insulation material;

[0079] 3: Cold room;

[0080] 4: Vegetable room;

[0081] 5: Freezer compartment;

[0082] 10: Sealed container;

[0083] 11: Container body;

[0084] 12: Middle cover;

[0085] 121: First through hole;

[0086] 122: First valve;

[0087] 123: Second through hole;

[0088] 124: Second valve;

[0089] 13: Top cover;

[0090] 131: First connecting path;

[0091] 132: Second connecting path;

[0092] 20: Vacuum pump;

[0093] 40: Control unit;

[0094] 50: Airtightness release unit;

[0095] 51: rack and pinion;

[0096] 52: small gear;

[0097] 53: Functional part.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, have: A sealed container, comprising seasonings and ingredients soaked in the seasonings, is disposed in a cold storage room. The sealed container has a middle cover and a top cover. The middle cover forms a second through hole and is provided with a second valve. The top cover has a second connecting passage including one end facing the second through hole and the second valve. A vacuum pump is used to reduce the pressure inside a sealed container. An airtightness release unit releases the airtightness of a sealed container. The airtightness release unit includes a rack and pinion and an actuating part that can push a second valve. The actuating part is inserted into the second connecting passage and moves forward and backward under the drive of the rack and pinion, so that the second valve falls out of the second through hole and opens the second through hole, thereby releasing the airtightness of the sealed container. as well as The control unit controls at least the operation of the vacuum pump and the airtightness release unit; If the pressure inside the sealed container is determined to be below a threshold, the control unit executes a first process and a second process. The first process stops the vacuum pump from depressurizing, and the second process drives the airtightness release unit to release the airtightness of the sealed container. If the number of repetitions of the combination of the first and second processes is less than a set value, the control unit drives the vacuum pump to perform the first and second processes again to promote the penetration of the seasonings into the food.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the pressure inside the sealed container has not decreased below the threshold, it is determined whether the specified time has elapsed. If it is determined that the pressure inside the sealed container has not decreased to below the threshold after a specified time, the control unit further executes a third process to stop the vacuum pump and reduce pressure.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the specified time has not been reached, the control unit will again determine whether the pressure inside the sealed container has decreased to below the threshold.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit sends a signal indicating an adverse condition has occurred during the decompression process to the alarm unit.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealed container detection sensor is installed in the area between the sealed container and the vacuum pump. This sealed container detection sensor detects when the sealed container is stored in a designated position within the cold storage chamber. Upon receiving the detection signal from the sealed container, the control unit drives the vacuum pump to begin depressurization of the sealed container.

6. A cooking method, characterized in that, A refrigerator is used, which has the following features: A sealed container, comprising seasonings and ingredients soaked in the seasonings, is disposed in a cold storage room. The sealed container has a middle cover and a top cover. The middle cover forms a second through hole and is provided with a second valve. The top cover has a second connecting passage including one end facing the second through hole and the second valve. A vacuum pump is used to reduce the pressure inside a sealed container. An airtightness release unit releases the airtightness of a sealed container. The airtightness release unit includes a rack and pinion and an actuating part that can push a second valve. The actuating part is inserted into the second connecting passage and moves forward and backward under the drive of the rack and pinion, so that the second valve falls out of the second through hole and opens the second through hole, thereby releasing the airtightness of the sealed container. as well as The control unit controls at least the operation of the vacuum pump and the airtightness release unit; If the pressure inside the sealed container is determined to be below a threshold, the control unit executes a first process and a second process. The first process stops the vacuum pump from depressurizing, and the second process drives the airtightness release unit to release the airtightness of the sealed container. If the number of repetitions of the combination of the first and second processes is less than a set value, the control unit drives the vacuum pump to perform the first and second processes again, promoting the penetration of the seasonings into the food.

7. The cooking method according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the pressure inside the sealed container has not decreased below the threshold, it is determined whether the specified time has elapsed. If it is determined that the pressure inside the sealed container has not decreased to below the threshold after a specified time, the control unit further executes a third process to stop the vacuum pump and reduce pressure.

8. The cooking method according to claim 7, characterized in that, If the specified time has not been reached, the control unit will again determine whether the pressure inside the sealed container has decreased to below the threshold.

9. The cooking method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit sends a signal indicating an adverse condition has occurred during the decompression process to the alarm unit.

10. The cooking method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a sealed container detection sensor located in the area between the sealed container and the vacuum pump, which detects when the sealed container is stored in a predetermined position within the cold storage compartment. The cooking method includes, Upon receiving the detection signal from the sealed container, the control unit drives the vacuum pump to begin depressurization of the sealed container.

Images