Food preservation devices, refrigerators and their control methods

Abstract

This application relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and more particularly to a preservation device, a refrigerator, and a control method thereof. The preservation device includes a shell, a drawer, and a temperature control device. The shell has a receiving slot; the drawer is disposed within the receiving slot of the shell; the temperature control device is disposed on the shell and has a cooling end and a heating end. The cooling end is used to provide cooling to the receiving slot to lower the temperature of the receiving slot to a first preset temperature, and the heating end is used to raise the temperature of the receiving slot to a second preset temperature. According to the type of food stored in the receiving slot, the opening and closing of the cooling end and the heating end are cyclically controlled so that after maintaining the first preset temperature for a first time, the temperature is raised to the second preset temperature and maintained for a second time, and then the temperature is lowered back to the first preset temperature. This preservation device can use a variable temperature method to refrigerate fruits and vegetables, effectively alleviating chilling injury and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a preservation device, a refrigerator and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Some fruits and vegetables grow at relatively high temperatures and are highly sensitive to low temperatures. Prolonged storage in low-temperature environments can easily lead to chilling injury, resulting in symptoms such as fruit hardening, loss of flavor, hardening, browning, pit cracking, and even off-flavors. This is because constant low temperatures deactivate pectin methyl esterase (PE) within the cell walls of fruits and vegetables, causing abnormal metabolism of cell wall structural substances. While intracellular substances are oxidized and hydrolyzed, secondary synthesis occurs between cells and on the cell walls using the hydrolysis products exported from the intracellular environment, synthesizing substances such as protopectin and plant fibers. This results in a hardened and lignified fruit texture. Simultaneously, abnormal cell wall metabolism exacerbates the contact between enzymes and substrates, causing browning in fruits and vegetables.

[0003] Current refrigerators only maintain a single temperature for refrigerating fruits and vegetables, which can easily cause chilling injury and affect their shelf life. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a preservation device, a refrigerator and its control method, which can use a variable temperature method to refrigerate fruits and vegetables, effectively alleviate the chilling injury of fruits and vegetables, and thus extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a preservation device, comprising: a shell having a receiving groove; a drawer disposed within the receiving groove of the shell; and a temperature control device disposed on the shell, the temperature control device having a cooling end and a heating end, the cooling end being used to provide cooling energy to the receiving groove to lower the temperature of the receiving groove to a first preset temperature, and the heating end being used to raise the temperature of the receiving groove to a second preset temperature; wherein, according to the type of food stored in the receiving groove, the opening and closing of the cooling end and the heating end are cyclically controlled so that after the first preset temperature is maintained for a first time, the temperature is raised to the second preset temperature and maintained for a second time, and then the temperature is lowered to the first preset temperature.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the housing has multiple accommodating slots arranged side by side, each slot having a drawer, with the heating and cooling ends of the temperature control device facing the two adjacent accommodating slots respectively.

[0007] In one possible implementation, at least two temperature control devices are provided between two adjacent receiving tanks, with one temperature control device having a heating end and the other temperature control device having a cooling end.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the preservation device also includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the drawer, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the temperature control device.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the preservation device also includes a timer electrically connected to a temperature sensor for calculating the duration the temperature is maintained inside the drawer.

[0010] In one possible implementation, there are three compartments and three drawers, with the three drawers used to store chilled fruits, ordinary fruits and vegetables, and chilled vegetables, respectively.

[0011] Secondly, this application provides a refrigerator, including the above-mentioned preservation device, disposed in the refrigerator's cold storage compartment.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the preservation device has three drawers, which are used to store chilled fruits, ordinary fruits and vegetables, and chilled vegetables, respectively; there are three indicator lights on the casing, each corresponding to one of the three drawers; the refrigerator also includes a camera, which is used to detect the type of fruits and vegetables and control the corresponding indicator lights to illuminate according to the type of fruits and vegetables.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the refrigerator also includes a fruit and vegetable tray located in the refrigerator compartment, and a camera is used to acquire images of the fruit and vegetable tray and to classify the fruits and vegetables in the tray.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being used to connect to the refrigerator's cold air passage, and the air outlet being used to discharge the gas in the containment compartment.

[0015] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a control method for the above-mentioned refrigerator, comprising: controlling the cooling end of the temperature control device to provide cooling energy to the storage compartment according to the type of food stored in the compartment, so that the temperature of the storage compartment is reduced to a first preset temperature and maintained for a first duration; controlling the heating end of the temperature control device to provide heat to the storage compartment, so that the temperature of the storage compartment is increased to a second preset temperature and maintained for a second duration; and cyclically controlling the opening and closing of the cooling end and the heating end, so that after maintaining the first preset temperature for a first duration, the temperature is increased to the second preset temperature and maintained for a second duration, and then the temperature is reduced to the first preset temperature.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the casing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet that communicate with the receiving compartment. The control method further includes controlling the refrigerator's cold air passage to introduce cold air into the receiving compartment through the air inlet, so that the gas in the receiving compartment is discharged through the air outlet, thereby controlling the temperature in the receiving compartment.

[0017] In one possible implementation, there are three compartments and three drawers. The three drawers are used to store chilled fruits, ordinary fruits and vegetables, and chilled vegetables, respectively. The heating end and cooling end of the temperature control device are located in two adjacent compartments. The control method also includes controlling the temperature control device and the cold air duct of the refrigerator to coordinately control the temperature of the three compartments so that the temperature in the drawer storing chilled fruits circulates to cool down and heat up, the temperature in the drawer storing chilled vegetables circulates to cool down and heat up, and the temperature in the drawer storing ordinary fruits and vegetables is maintained at a third preset temperature.

[0018] The preservation device, refrigerator, and control method provided in this application embodiment lower the temperature of the drawer in the storage compartment to a first preset temperature and maintain it for a first duration through the cooling end of the temperature control device. Then, the heating end of the temperature control device raises the temperature of the drawer in the storage compartment to a second preset temperature and maintains it for a second duration. The above cooling and heating procedures are repeated. Through rhythmic heating and cooling, the "cold shock" of the fruit can be broken, so that the pectin methyl esterase in the cell wall can remain active and maintain the normal metabolic function of pectin cell wall substances. Thus, fruits and vegetables can be refrigerated in a variable temperature manner, which can effectively alleviate the chilling injury of fruits and vegetables and extend their shelf life. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The features, advantages, and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are referred to by the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are only used to illustrate relative positions. The layer thicknesses in some areas are exaggerated for ease of understanding; the layer thicknesses in the drawings do not represent actual layer thickness proportions.

[0020] Figure 1 This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a food preservation device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 2 This diagram shows the internal structure of a food preservation device housing according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 3 This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of another food preservation device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 4 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a preservation device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 This illustration shows a structural diagram of the rear of a housing according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 6 This illustration shows a structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 A partial structural diagram of the refrigerator at point A shown;

[0027] Figure 8 This document shows a flowchart of a refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 9 A control flow diagram of the control method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown. Attached Figure Description

[0030] 1. Housing; 11. Receiving slot; 12. Air inlet; 13. Air outlet; 14. Partition;

[0031] 2. Temperature control device; 21. Cooling end; 22. Heating end; 23. First semiconductor; 24. Second semiconductor; 25. Third semiconductor; 26. Fourth semiconductor;

[0032] 3. Drawer; 31. First drawer; 32. Second drawer; 33. Third drawer;

[0033] 4. Temperature sensor; 5. Timer; 6. Indicator light; 7. Camera; 8. Fruit and vegetable tray; 9. Cabinet body. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] Some fruits and vegetables grow at relatively high temperatures and are highly sensitive to low temperatures. Prolonged storage in low-temperature environments can easily lead to chilling injury, resulting in symptoms such as fruit hardening, loss of flavor, hardening, browning, pit cracking, and even off-flavors. This is because constant low temperatures deactivate pectin methyl esterase (PE) within the cell walls of fruits and vegetables, causing abnormal metabolism of cell wall structural substances. While intracellular substances are oxidized and hydrolyzed, secondary synthesis occurs between cells and on the cell walls using the hydrolysis products exported from the intracellular environment, synthesizing substances such as protopectin and plant fibers. This results in a hardened and lignified fruit texture. Simultaneously, abnormal cell wall metabolism exacerbates the contact between enzymes and substrates, causing browning in fruits and vegetables.

[0036] Intermittent heating or storage at varying temperatures can mitigate chilling injury in fruits and vegetables. For example, storing fruits and vegetables at -0.5 to 0°C for two weeks, then raising the temperature to 18°C ​​for two days, and finally transferring them to low-temperature storage, repeating this process; or storing them at 0°C for about two weeks, then at 7°C to 18°C, can extend their shelf life. This is because fluctuating temperature storage is essentially a continuous process of "heating up—cooling down—heating up again—cooling down again" under low-temperature conditions. This rhythmically breaks the "cold shock" in the fruit, keeping pectin methyl esterase in the cell walls active and maintaining the normal metabolic function of pectin-like cell wall substances, thereby reducing chilling injury and extending the fruit's shelf life.

[0037] This application provides a food preservation device, comprising: a housing 1 having a receiving groove 11; a drawer 3 disposed within the receiving groove 11 of the housing 1, the drawer 3 being able to enter and exit the receiving groove 11 by being pulled out; and a temperature control device 2 disposed on the housing 1, the temperature control device 2 having a cooling end 21 and a heating end 22, the cooling end 21 being used to provide cooling to the receiving groove 11 to lower the temperature of the receiving groove 11 to a first preset temperature, and the heating end 22 being used to raise the temperature of the receiving groove 11 to a second preset temperature; wherein, according to the type of food stored in the receiving groove 11, the opening and closing of the cooling end 21 and the heating end 22 are cyclically controlled so that after the first preset temperature is maintained for a first time, the temperature is raised to the second preset temperature and maintained for a second time, and then the temperature is lowered to the first preset temperature.

[0038] In this application, the temperature of the drawer 3 inside the container 11 is lowered to a first preset temperature and maintained for a first duration by the cooling end 21 of the temperature control device, and then the heating end 22 of the temperature control device is raised to a second preset temperature and maintained for a second duration. The above cooling and heating procedures are repeated. By rhythmically raising and lowering the temperature, the "cold shock" of the fruit can be broken, so that the pectin methyl esterase in the cell wall can remain active and maintain the normal metabolic function of pectin cell wall substances. Thus, fruits and vegetables can be refrigerated in a variable temperature manner, which can effectively alleviate the chilling injury of fruits and vegetables and extend their shelf life.

[0039] In related technologies, refrigerators maintain a consistently low-temperature environment when refrigerating fruits and vegetables, which can easily cause chilling injury and affect their shelf life. However, in this embodiment, through a continuous repetition of "heating up—cooling down—heating up again—cooling down again," it rhythmically breaks the "cold shock" of the fruit, keeping the pectin methyl esterase in the cell wall active, thereby extending the shelf life of the fruits and vegetables.

[0040] In some embodiments, the housing 1 has a plurality of receiving slots 11 arranged side by side, each receiving slot 11 is provided with a drawer 3, and the heating end 22 and the cooling end 21 of the temperature control device 2 are respectively arranged facing the two adjacent receiving slots 11.

[0041] In this application, since different fruits or vegetables require different storage environments, by setting up multiple storage compartments 11 and drawers 3, the temperature in different storage compartments 11 can be controlled separately, so that the temperature in the drawer 3 can be regularly raised and lowered according to the optimal storage conditions of fruits and vegetables, so as to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least two temperature control devices 2 are provided between two adjacent receiving tanks 11, and the receiving tank 11 has at least one heating end 22 and at least one cooling end 21.

[0043] In this application, the temperature control device uses a semiconductor. One end of the semiconductor is a heating end 22, and the other end is a cooling end 21. The heating end 22 generates heat while the cooling end 21 generates cold. By setting at least two semiconductors between the two receiving tanks 11, it is ensured that the temperature in each receiving tank 11 can be controlled to rise or fall.

[0044] Specifically, by using semiconductors to control the temperature of the container 11, the space occupied can be effectively reduced, ensuring that the preservation device has a large storage capacity.

[0045] In some embodiments, the preservation device further includes a temperature sensor 4 for detecting the temperature inside the drawer 3, and the temperature sensor 4 is electrically connected to the temperature control device 2.

[0046] In this application, the temperature sensor 4 detects the temperature inside the drawer 3, and then controls the temperature control device 2 based on the real-time temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 4, thereby achieving precise control of the temperature inside each drawer 3.

[0047] In some embodiments, the preservation device further includes a timer 5, which is electrically connected to a temperature sensor 4 and is used to calculate the duration of temperature retention inside the drawer 3.

[0048] In this application, a timer 5 is used for timing. When the temperature inside drawer 3 drops to the first temperature, the timer 5 starts timing, so that the temperature inside drawer 3 is maintained at the first temperature for a first duration. Then, when the temperature inside drawer 3 rises to the second temperature, the timer 5 starts timing again, so that the temperature inside drawer 3 is maintained at the second temperature for a second duration, thereby achieving the purpose of temperature control and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

[0049] In some embodiments, there are three receiving slots 11 and three drawers 3, which are used to store chilled fruits, ordinary fruits and vegetables and chilled vegetables, respectively.

[0050] Specifically, three drawers 3 are arranged in sequence. The drawer 3 for storing ordinary fruits and vegetables is located in the middle. The drawer 3 for storing ordinary fruits and vegetables is mainly used to store fruits and vegetables that are not prone to chilling injury. The drawer 3 for storing chilling-damaged fruits is mainly used to store some fruits that are prone to chilling injury. The drawer 3 for storing chilling-damaged vegetables is mainly used to store vegetables that are prone to chilling injury. When the temperature is raised in the drawer 3 for storing chilling-damaged fruits and / or chilling-damaged vegetables, the temperature control device 2 transfers cold energy to the middle drawer 3 for storing ordinary fruits and vegetables. When the temperature is lowered in the drawer 3 for storing chilling-damaged fruits and / or chilling-damaged vegetables, the temperature control device 2 transfers heat energy to the middle drawer 3 for storing ordinary fruits and vegetables.

[0051] Specifically, the housing 1 is provided with an air inlet 12 and an air outlet 13. When the temperature inside the drawer 3 is high or low, the air inlet 12 and the air outlet 13 can be used to ventilate the inside of the drawer 3, thereby controlling the temperature inside the drawer 3. For example, when the drawers on both sides 3 heat up at the same time, the cold air is transferred to the middle drawer 3, and the temperature of the middle drawer 3 will be lower. At this time, by ventilating the middle drawer 3, the temperature of the middle drawer 3 will not be too low. When the drawers on both sides 3 cool down at the same time, the heat is transferred to the middle drawer 3, and the temperature of the middle drawer 3 will be higher. At this time, by ventilating the middle drawer 3, the temperature of the middle drawer 3 will not be too high.

[0052] The housing 1 is provided with a partition 14, which is used to separate two receiving tanks 11. The temperature control device 2 passes through the partition 14. The cooling end 21 and heating end 22 of the temperature control device 2 are located on both sides of the partition 14, thereby dividing the receiving tanks 11 into relatively closed spaces, and no heat exchange occurs between adjacent receiving tanks 11.

[0053] The preservation device uses the cooling end 21 of the temperature control device 2 to lower the temperature of the drawer 3 inside the container 11 to a first preset temperature and maintain it for a first duration. Then, the heating end 22 of the temperature control device 2 raises the temperature of the drawer 3 inside the container 11 to a second preset temperature and maintains it for a second duration. The above cooling and heating procedures are repeated. Through rhythmic heating and cooling, the "cold shock" of the fruit can be broken, so that the pectin methyl esterase in the cell wall can remain active and maintain the normal metabolic function of pectin cell wall substances. Thus, fruits and vegetables can be refrigerated in a variable temperature manner, which can effectively alleviate the chilling injury of fruits and vegetables and extend their shelf life.

[0054] This application provides a refrigerator, including the above-mentioned preservation device, which is disposed in the refrigerator's cold storage compartment.

[0055] In this application, the preservation device is installed in the refrigerator compartment. Fruits and vegetables are stored in drawer 3. The temperature inside drawer 3 is used to repeatedly raise and lower the temperature for different fruits and vegetables, rhythmically breaking the "cold shock" of the fruit. This keeps the pectin methyl esterase in the cell wall active and maintains the normal metabolic function of pectin cell wall substances. Thus, fruits and vegetables can be refrigerated in a variable temperature manner, effectively alleviating the chilling injury of fruits and vegetables and extending their shelf life.

[0056] In some embodiments, the housing 1 is provided with an air inlet 12 and an air outlet 13. The air inlet 12 is used to connect to the cold air passage of the refrigerator, and the air outlet 13 is used to discharge the gas in the receiving compartment 11.

[0057] Specifically, the preservation device is installed inside the refrigerator. It can utilize the cooling capacity generated by the refrigerator itself to provide cooling for the preservation device. The housing 1 of the preservation device is provided with an air inlet 12 and an air outlet 13. The air inlet 12 is used to connect to the cold air passage of the refrigerator. Through the air inlet 12, the cooling capacity can be delivered into each compartment 11, thereby assisting in cooling the drawer 3. The air outlet 13 is used to cooperate with the air inlet 12 to discharge the gas in the compartment 11. When the temperature in the compartment 11 is low, the gas entering through the air inlet 12 will discharge the low-temperature gas in the compartment 11 through the air outlet 13, thereby raising the temperature inside the compartment 11. When the temperature in the compartment 11 is high, the gas entering through the air inlet 12 will discharge the high-temperature gas in the compartment 11 through the air outlet 13, thereby cooling the temperature inside the compartment 11.

[0058] The refrigerator's air intake channel is equipped with a valve. By controlling the opening and closing of the valve, the refrigerator's cold air is delivered into the corresponding compartment 11. The temperature control device 2 and the valve work together to regulate the temperature within the compartment 11. Specifically, the temperature control device 2 is the primary operator, with the refrigerator's internal cooling system playing a secondary role. Normally, the temperature control device 2 is sufficient to cool the compartment 11. Only when the temperature within the compartment 11 becomes too high is the refrigerator's cold air used for further cooling. Compared to traditional refrigerators that cool by direct airflow, this application utilizes the cooling end 21 of the temperature control device 2 for cooling, which effectively reduces moisture loss from fruits and vegetables, further extending their shelf life.

[0059] In some embodiments, the preservation device has three drawers 3, which are used to store chilled fruits, ordinary fruits and vegetables and chilled vegetables respectively; three indicator lights 6 are on the housing 1, which correspond to the three drawers 3 respectively; the refrigerator also includes a camera 7 installed on the cabinet 9, which is used to detect the type of fruits and vegetables and control the corresponding indicator light 6 to light up according to the type of fruits and vegetables.

[0060] In related technologies, existing refrigerators have a single storage temperature, with the entire refrigerator compartment at the same temperature. However, different fruits and vegetables require different storage temperatures, which affects their storage time. Some refrigerators have a partitioned storage function, which allows different storage temperatures to be set for different fruits and vegetables. However, there is currently no temperature control device 2 with a heating function installed in the refrigerator to intermittently raise and lower the temperature of the fruit and vegetable storage environment during the storage period, thereby extending the shelf life of the fruits and vegetables.

[0061] The refrigerator provided in this embodiment has three drawers 3 for storing chilled fruits, common fruits and vegetables, and chilled vegetables, respectively. The temperature of each drawer 3 can be controlled independently, thus providing appropriate storage temperatures for different types of fruits and vegetables. Alternating heating and cooling can also be implemented to extend the shelf life of the fruits and vegetables. A camera 7 can photograph the fruits and vegetables, and then classify them according to a preset fruit and vegetable type. Corresponding indicator lights 6 illuminate based on the classification, eliminating the need for manual identification of fruit and vegetable types and ensuring that different types of fruits and vegetables are placed in the correct drawer 3. For example, chilled fruits are placed in the drawer 3 specifically for chilled fruits, chilled vegetables in the drawer 3 specifically for chilled vegetables, and common fruits and vegetables in the middle drawer 3.

[0062] In some embodiments, the refrigerator also includes a fruit and vegetable tray 8 disposed in the refrigerator compartment, and a camera 7 is used to acquire images of the fruit and vegetable tray 8 and to classify the fruits and vegetables in the fruit and vegetable tray 8.

[0063] In this application, when a batch of fruits and vegetables are placed into the drawer 3 of the refrigerator, fruits and vegetables of the same type are placed on the fruit and vegetable tray 8. The camera 7 takes pictures of the fruits and vegetables on the fruit and vegetable tray 8, and then selects the corresponding drawer 3 and controls the corresponding indicator light 6 to light up. All fruits and vegetables are classified and stored in the same way. After the user puts the fruits and vegetables into the corresponding drawer 3, the temperature control device 2 and the refrigerator's air outlet valve work, and the timer 5 starts timing to cool down and intermittently heat up the fruits and vegetables.

[0064] This application provides a control method for the above-mentioned refrigerator, including:

[0065] S1. Based on the type of food stored in the container, control the cooling end of the temperature control device 2 to provide cooling to the container 11 so that the temperature of the container 11 is reduced to a first preset temperature and maintained for a first duration.

[0066] S2. The heating end of the temperature control device 2 provides heat to the receiving tank 11 so that the temperature of the receiving tank 11 rises to the second preset temperature and is maintained for the second duration.

[0067] S3. Cyclicly control the opening and closing of the cooling end 21 and the heating end 22 so that after the first preset temperature is maintained for a first time, the temperature is raised to the second preset temperature and maintained for a second time, and then the temperature is lowered to the first preset temperature.

[0068] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with an air inlet 12 and an air outlet 13 communicating with the receiving groove 11, and the control method further includes:

[0069] S4. The refrigerator's cold air passage introduces cold air into the receiving compartment 11 through the air inlet 12, so that the gas in the receiving compartment 11 is discharged through the air outlet 13, which is used to control the temperature in the receiving compartment 11.

[0070] In some embodiments, the number of the receiving slots 11 and drawers 3 are three, and the three drawers 3 are respectively used to store chilled fruits, ordinary fruits and vegetables and chilled vegetables. The heating end and the cooling end of the temperature control device 2 are respectively located in two adjacent receiving slots.

[0071] S5. The control method further includes: controlling the temperature control device 2 and the cold air channel of the refrigerator to coordinately control the temperature of the three storage compartments 11 so that the temperature in the drawer 3 storing chilled fruits circulates to cool down and heat up, the temperature in the drawer 3 storing chilled vegetables circulates to cool down and heat up, and the temperature in the drawer 3 storing ordinary fruits and vegetables is maintained at a third preset temperature.

[0072] Specifically, the three drawers 3 are the first drawer 31, the second drawer 32, and the third drawer 33. The first drawer 31, the second drawer 32, and the third drawer 33 are used to store chilled fruits, ordinary fruits and vegetables, and chilled vegetables, respectively. The second drawer 32 is located between the first drawer 31 and the third drawer 33.

[0073] The first drawer 31 is used to store chilled fruits, such as peaches, plums, mangoes, and grapes. The first drawer 31 uses a cooling and heating cycle: low temperature T1 (0℃≤T1≤5℃) for storage time t1 (10 days≤t1≤15 days), followed by high temperature TA (15℃≤TA≤20℃) for storage time tA (2 days≤tA≤3 days), and so on.

[0074] The second drawer, 32, is used to store common fruits and vegetables, such as cabbage, lettuce, strawberries, and pears. Store at a constant low temperature (T2) (2℃≤T2≤8℃).

[0075] The third drawer 33 is used to store chilled vegetables, such as eggplant, bell pepper, green beans, flat beans, and loofah. The drawer uses a cooling and heating cycle: low temperature T3 (1℃≤T3≤6℃) for storage time t2 (5 days≤t2≤10 days), followed by high temperature TB (10℃≤TB≤15℃) for storage time tB (1 day≤tB≤2 days), and so on.

[0076] A first semiconductor 23 and a second semiconductor 24 are disposed between the first drawer 31 and the second drawer 32. The cooling end of the first semiconductor 23 cools the first drawer 31, and the heating end of the first semiconductor 23 heats the second drawer 32. The cooling end of the second semiconductor 24 cools the second drawer 32, and the heating end of the second semiconductor 24 heats the first drawer 31. A third semiconductor 25 and a fourth semiconductor 26 are disposed between the second drawer 32 and the third drawer 33. The cooling end of the third semiconductor 25 cools the second drawer 32, and the heating end of the second semiconductor 24 heats the third drawer 33. The cooling end of the fourth semiconductor 26 cools the third drawer 33, and the heating end of the fourth semiconductor 26 heats the second drawer 32. The specific workflow is shown in the table below.

[0077] Example 1: If it is placed in only one drawer, then follow Table 1.

[0078] Table 1

[0079]

[0080] ① If placed in the first drawer 31, during the cooling period (Program 1), the first semiconductor 23 operates to cool the first drawer 31, while simultaneously dissipating heat to the second drawer 32. The air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 of the second drawer 32 open for heat dissipation. When the temperature reaches the preset value T1, the first semiconductor 23 stops operating. During the heating period (Program 2), the second semiconductor 24 operates, causing the temperature of the first drawer 31 to reach TA, and then the second semiconductor 24 stops operating. During this process, the temperature sensor 4 monitors the space temperature in real time, and the system logically controls the operation or shutdown of relevant semiconductors to maintain the space temperature at the preset value.

[0081] ② If placed in the second drawer 32 (Program 3), the second semiconductor 24 or the third semiconductor 25 will operate, causing the temperature of the second drawer 32 to quickly reach T2, and then the second semiconductor 24 or the third semiconductor 25 will stop operating. When the second semiconductor 24 is operating, the air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 of the first drawer 31 will open for heat dissipation; when the third semiconductor 25 is operating, the air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 of the third drawer 33 will open for heat dissipation. During this process, the temperature sensor 4 monitors the space temperature in real time, and the system controls the relevant semiconductors to operate or stop according to logic, so that the space temperature is maintained at the preset value.

[0082] ③ If placed in the third drawer 33, during its cooling period (program 4), the fourth semiconductor 26 operates to cool the third drawer 33, while simultaneously dissipating heat to the second drawer 32. The air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 of the second drawer 32 open for heat dissipation. When the temperature of the third drawer 33 reaches the preset value T3, the fourth semiconductor 26 stops operating. During its heating period (program 5), the third semiconductor 25 operates, causing the temperature of the third drawer 33 to reach TA, and then the third semiconductor 25 stops operating. During this process, the temperature sensor 4 monitors the space temperature in real time, and the system logically controls the operation or shutdown of relevant semiconductors to maintain the space temperature at the preset value.

[0083] Example 2: If placed in two of the drawers, proceed according to Table 2.

[0084] Table 2

[0085]

[0086] ① If placed in the first drawer 31 and the second drawer 32, when both drawers are in the cooling period (program 6), the air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 of the first drawer 31 open for air cooling; simultaneously, the third semiconductor 25 operates to cool the second drawer 32. When the temperature of the first drawer 31 reaches the preset value T1, the air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 of the first drawer 31 close; when the temperature of the second drawer 32 reaches the preset value T2, the third semiconductor 25 stops operating. When the first drawer 31 is in the heating period and the second drawer 32 is in the cooling period (program 7), the second semiconductor 24 operates to heat the first drawer 31 while simultaneously cooling the second drawer 32. When the temperature of the first drawer 31 reaches the preset value TA, the second semiconductor 24 stops operating; at this time, if the temperature of the second drawer 32 has not reached the preset value T2, the third semiconductor 25 continues to operate to cool the second drawer 32 until the temperature of the second drawer 32 reaches the preset value T2. When the third semiconductor 25 is working, the heat is dissipated to the third drawer 33, and the air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 of the third drawer 33 are opened for heat dissipation. During this process, the temperature sensor 4 monitors the space temperature in real time, and the system controls the operation or stop of the relevant semiconductors and controls the opening or closing of the relevant air inlet and outlet 13 according to logic to keep the space temperature at the preset value.

[0087] ② If placed in the second drawer 32 and the third drawer 33, when both drawers are in the cooling period (program 8), the air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 of the third drawer 33 open for air cooling; simultaneously, the second semiconductor 24 operates to cool the second drawer 32. When the temperature of the third drawer 33 reaches the preset value T3, the air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 of the third drawer 33 close; when the temperature of the second drawer 32 reaches the preset value T2, the second semiconductor 24 stops operating. When the third drawer 33 is in the heating period and the second drawer 32 is in the cooling period (program 9), the third semiconductor 25 operates to heat the third drawer 33 while simultaneously cooling the second drawer 32. When the temperature of the third drawer 33 reaches the preset value TB, the third semiconductor 25 stops operating; at this time, if the temperature of the second drawer 32 has not reached the preset value T2, the second semiconductor 24 continues to operate to cool the second drawer 32 until the temperature of the second drawer 32 reaches the preset value T2. When the second semiconductor 24 is working, the heat is dissipated to the first drawer 31, and the air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 of the first drawer 31 are opened for heat dissipation. During this process, the temperature sensor 4 monitors the space temperature in real time, and the system controls the operation or shutdown of the relevant semiconductors and controls the opening or closing of the relevant air inlet and outlet according to logic to keep the space temperature at a preset value.

[0088] ③ If placed in the first drawer 31 and the third drawer 33, when both drawers are in the cooling period (program 10), the first semiconductor 23 operates to cool the first drawer 31, and the fourth semiconductor 26 operates to cool the third drawer 33. When the temperature of the first drawer 31 reaches the preset value T1, the first semiconductor 23 stops operating; when the temperature of the third drawer 33 reaches the preset value T3, the fourth semiconductor 26 stops operating. When the first drawer 31 is in the cooling period and the third drawer 33 is in the heating period (program 11), the first semiconductor 23 operates to cool the first drawer 31, and the third semiconductor 25 operates to heat the third drawer 33. When the temperature of the first drawer 31 reaches the preset value T1, the first semiconductor 23 stops operating; when the temperature of the third drawer 33 reaches the preset value TB, the third semiconductor 25 stops operating. When the first drawer 31 is in the heating period and the third drawer 33 is in the cooling period (program 12), the second semiconductor 24 operates to heat the first drawer 31, and the fourth semiconductor 26 operates to cool the third drawer 33. When the temperature of the first drawer 31 reaches the preset value TA, the second semiconductor 24 stops working; when the temperature of the third drawer 33 reaches the preset value T3, the fourth semiconductor 26 stops working. When both drawers are in the heating phase (program 13), the second semiconductor 24 operates to cool the first drawer 31, while the third semiconductor 25 operates to heat the third drawer 33. When the temperature of the first drawer 31 reaches the preset value TA, the second semiconductor 24 stops working; when the temperature of the third drawer 33 reaches the preset value TB, the third semiconductor 25 stops working. When the first semiconductor 23 and the fourth semiconductor 26 are working, heat is dissipated to the second drawer 32, and the air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 of the second drawer 32 open for heat dissipation. During this process, the temperature sensor 4 monitors the space temperature in real time, and the system controls the operation or shutdown of relevant semiconductors and the opening or closing of relevant air inlet and outlet 13 according to logic to maintain the space temperature at the preset value.

[0089] Example 3: If placed in three drawers, proceed according to Table 3.

[0090] Table 3

[0091]

[0092] When all three drawers are filled with fruits and vegetables, and all three drawers are in the cooling period (program 14), the semiconductors are not working, and the air inlet and outlet doors of each drawer are open for air cooling until the temperature reaches the preset value. When the first drawer 31 and the second drawer 32 are in the cooling period, and the third drawer 33 is in the heating period (program 15), the air inlet and outlet doors of the first drawer 31 are open for air cooling until the temperature reaches the preset value; the third semiconductor 25 works to heat the third drawer 33 and cool the second drawer 32 at the same time. When the temperature of the third drawer 33 reaches the preset value TB, the third semiconductor 25 stops working. If the temperature of the second drawer 32 has not reached the preset value T2 at this time, the air inlet and outlet doors of the second drawer 32 are open for air cooling until the temperature reaches the preset value. When the first drawer 31 is in the heating phase and the second drawer 32 and the third drawer 33 are in the cooling phase (program 16), the second semiconductor 24 operates to heat the first drawer 31 and simultaneously cool the second drawer 32; the air inlet and outlet dampers of the third drawer 33 are both opened for air cooling until the temperature reaches the preset value. When the temperature of the first drawer 31 reaches the preset value TA, the second semiconductor 24 stops operating. If the temperature of the second drawer 32 has not yet reached the preset value T2, the air inlet and outlet dampers of the second drawer 32 are both opened for air cooling until the temperature reaches the preset value. When the first drawer 31 and the third drawer 33 are in the heating phase and the second drawer 32 is in the cooling phase (program 17), the second semiconductor 24 operates to heat the first drawer 31, and the third semiconductor 25 operates to heat the third drawer 33 and simultaneously cool the second drawer 32. When the temperature of the first drawer 31 reaches the preset value TA, the second semiconductor 24 stops operating; when the temperature of the third drawer 33 reaches the preset value TB, the third semiconductor 25 stops operating. During this process, temperature sensor 4 monitors the space temperature in real time, and the system controls the operation or stop of relevant semiconductors and controls the opening or closing of relevant air inlets and outlets 13 according to logic to keep the space temperature at the preset value.

[0093] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0094] It should be readily understood that the terms “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on top of something” but also “on top of something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0095] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "under," "above," and "above" may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0096] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0097] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A food preservation device, characterized in that, include: The casing has a receiving groove; A drawer is disposed within the receiving groove of the housing; A temperature control device is disposed on the housing. The temperature control device is a semiconductor and has a cooling end and a heating end. The cooling end is used to provide cooling to the receiving tank to reduce the temperature of the receiving tank to a first preset temperature. The heating end is used to raise the temperature of the receiving tank to a second preset temperature. The temperature control device is cyclically turned on and off according to the type of food stored in the container, so that after the first preset temperature is maintained for a first time, the temperature is raised to the second preset temperature and maintained for a second time, and then the temperature is lowered to the first preset temperature. The housing has a plurality of receiving slots arranged side by side, each receiving slot being provided with a drawer, and the heating end and the cooling end of the temperature control device are respectively positioned facing two adjacent receiving slots; Two temperature control devices are provided between two adjacent receiving tanks. Each receiving tank has a heating end of one temperature control device and a cooling end of the other temperature control device, which are used to put the two adjacent receiving tanks into a heating state and a cooling state, respectively. The housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet for ventilating the inside of the drawer, thereby adjusting the temperature inside the drawer.

2. The preservation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preservation device also includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the drawer, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the temperature control device.

3. The preservation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The preservation device also includes a timer, which is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and is used to calculate the duration of temperature retention inside the drawer.

4. The preservation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the receiving slots and the number of drawers are both three, and the three drawers are used to store chilled fruits, ordinary fruits and vegetables and chilled vegetables respectively.

5. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The preservation device as described in any one of claims 1-4 is disposed in the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The preservation device has three drawers, which are used respectively for storing chilled fruits, ordinary fruits and vegetables and chilled vegetables. The refrigerator has three indicator lights on the casing, each corresponding to one of the three drawers. The refrigerator also includes a camera, which is used to detect the type of fruits and vegetables and control the corresponding indicator lights to illuminate based on the type of fruits and vegetables.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes a fruit and vegetable tray installed in the refrigerator compartment. The camera is used to acquire images of the fruit and vegetable tray and to classify the fruits and vegetables in the tray.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air inlet is used to connect to the cold air passage of the refrigerator, and the air outlet is used to discharge the gas in the receiving compartment.

9. A method for controlling a refrigerator as described in any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, include: Based on the type of food stored in the container, the cooling end of the temperature control device is controlled to provide cooling to the container so that the temperature of the container is reduced to a first preset temperature. The heating end of the temperature control device supplies heat to the container to raise the temperature of the container to a second preset temperature. The cooling end and the heating end are cyclically turned on and off so that after the first preset temperature is maintained for a first time, the temperature is raised to the second preset temperature and maintained for a second time, and then the temperature is lowered back to the first preset temperature.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control method further includes: The refrigerator's cold air duct directs cold air into the compartment through the air inlet, allowing the air in the compartment to be expelled through the air outlet.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The number of the receiving slots and drawers are three in total. The three drawers are used to store chilled fruits, ordinary fruits and vegetables and chilled vegetables respectively. The heating end and the cooling end of the temperature control device are located in two adjacent receiving slots respectively. The control method further includes: The temperature control device and the refrigerator's cold air duct are controlled in a coordinated manner to regulate the temperature of the three compartments, so that the drawer storing chilled fruits circulates cooling and heating, the drawer storing chilled vegetables circulates cooling and heating, and the temperature in the drawer storing ordinary fruits and vegetables is maintained at the third preset temperature.

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