Refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerator, which comprises a storage chamber, a gas regulating film device and an ultrasonic device. The storage chamber is formed with a storage space; the gas regulating film device is arranged in the storage space and is used for adjusting the concentration ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the storage space to a preset ratio; and the ultrasonic device is installed on the storage chamber and is used for emitting ultrasonic waves to the storage space so as to cooperate with the gas regulating film device to sterilize and preserve the articles in the storage space. The refrigerator of the application can compensate for the deficiency caused by the fact that the preservation mode of the gas regulating film device is easy to form a high-humidity space, and simultaneously improve the sterilization and preservation effect of the refrigerator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular relates to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards continue to improve, people's requirements for refrigerator preservation are gradually increasing. Currently, refrigerators mainly preserve food by regulating humidity and temperature, and also include modified atmosphere preservation, light wave preservation, electric field preservation, and magnetic field preservation.

[0003] Modified atmosphere storage (MAP) is an important preservation method that has been widely used in cold chain transportation and fresh food preservation. However, there are some issues with using MAP in refrigerators: Since MAP requires maintaining a sealed environment to regulate the gas concentration, this sealed state can lead to increased humidity, which can easily cause mold growth and is detrimental to food preservation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a refrigerator that can solve the problem of unsatisfactory preservation effect when the refrigerator is used alone for modified atmosphere preservation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A refrigerator, comprising:

[0007] The storage room provides storage space.

[0008] A controlled atmosphere membrane device is installed in the storage space to adjust the concentration ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the storage space to a preset ratio.

[0009] An ultrasonic device, installed in the storage room, is used to emit ultrasonic waves into the storage space to work in conjunction with the modified atmosphere membrane device to sterilize and preserve the items in the storage space.

[0010] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes:

[0011] An environmental monitoring device is installed within the storage space to monitor environmental parameters within the storage space.

[0012] A controller, connected to the ultrasonic device and the environmental detection device, is used to acquire the environmental parameters and adjust the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic device according to the environmental parameters.

[0013] In some embodiments, the environmental detection device includes a humidity sensor disposed in the storage space and used to detect the air humidity of the storage space;

[0014] The controller is used to adjust the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic device according to the air humidity.

[0015] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic frequency is negatively correlated with the air humidity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the environmental detection device further includes a mass sensor disposed in the storage space and used to detect the mass of items stored in the storage space;

[0017] The controller is used to adjust the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic device according to the air humidity and the air quality.

[0018] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic frequency is negatively correlated with the air humidity and positively correlated with the mass.

[0019] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine the ultrasonic frequency according to the following formula:

[0020] Where f represents the calculated value of the ultrasonic frequency, M represents the measured value of the mass, H represents the air humidity, and k represents the measured value of the preset proportional parameter.

[0021] In some embodiments, the storage space is provided with drawers for storing items and the storage compartment can be pulled out.

[0022] The modified atmosphere membrane device is located above the drawer.

[0023] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic device is located above the drawer and spaced apart from the modified atmosphere membrane device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic device includes multiple pairs of ultrasonic transducers, with each pair of ultrasonic transducers spaced apart from each other;

[0025] Two of the ultrasonic transducers in each pair are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the modified atmosphere membrane device.

[0026] The refrigerator provided in this application embodiment, by adding an ultrasonic device to work in conjunction with the controlled atmosphere film device to sterilize and preserve items in the storage space, can make up for the shortcomings of the controlled atmosphere film device's preservation method, which tends to create a high humidity space, and at the same time improve the sterilization and preservation effect of the refrigerator. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 3 A flowchart of a refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the storage room provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The exploded view of the storage room is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 for Figure 4 The storage room shown is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0035] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0036] 100. Refrigerator;

[0037] 110. Storage room; 120. Controlled atmosphere membrane device; 130. Ultrasonic device; 140. Environmental monitoring device; 150. Controller;

[0038] 111. Storage space; 112. Cabinet liner; 113. Drawer; 131. Ultrasonic transducer; 141. Humidity sensor; 142. Mass sensor;

[0039] 1121. Top wall. Detailed Implementation

[0040] 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 a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] This application provides a refrigerator as an example; please refer to [link to example]. Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application. The refrigerator 100 includes a storage compartment 110, a controlled atmosphere membrane device 120, and an ultrasonic device 130.

[0042] The storage compartment 110 includes a relatively enclosed storage space 111 for storing food and other items. The storage compartment 110 can be a refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment, or the like.

[0043] A modified atmosphere membrane device 120 is installed within the storage space 111 to adjust the oxygen to carbon dioxide concentration ratio within the storage space 111 to a preset ratio. It should be noted that at this preset ratio, the shelf life of items within the storage space 111 can be extended. It is understandable that most of the physiological and biochemical processes and microbial processes that cause food quality deterioration are related to oxygen and carbon dioxide, and carbon dioxide has a direct inhibitory effect on many microorganisms that cause food spoilage. The modified atmosphere membrane device 120 can spontaneously adjust the concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the storage space 111, increasing the carbon dioxide concentration and decreasing the oxygen concentration in the air composition. Combined with appropriate low-temperature conditions, this extends the shelf life of food within the storage space 111.

[0044] An ultrasonic device 130 is installed in the storage room 110 to emit ultrasonic waves into the storage space 111, working in conjunction with the modified atmosphere membrane device 120 to sterilize and preserve the items in the storage space 111. We know that the modified atmosphere membrane device 120 needs to maintain the storage space 111 as a sealed space during the food preservation process. In a highly sealed environment, the humidity will be relatively high, and for leafy vegetables and other foods that naturally generate water vapor, condensation will occur, making them more prone to spoilage and mold. However, when the ultrasonic device 130 emits ultrasonic waves that act on water droplets and moisture, cavitation occurs. The cavitation causes the liquid to vibrate, generating bubbles. These bubbles collapse instantaneously, continuously forming and bursting, creating localized high temperature and pressure, thereby sterilizing the water droplets and moisture. Therefore, by having the ultrasonic device 130 work in conjunction with the modified atmosphere film device 120 to act on the storage space 111 of the refrigerator 100, the high humidity space formed by the modified atmosphere film device 120 during the preservation process can be sterilized, keeping the generated moisture and condensation in a sterile state. This solves the problem that condensation in a high humidity environment is prone to breed microorganisms and cause food to mold, thus making up for the shortcomings of the modified atmosphere film device 120 in preservation.

[0045] The refrigerator provided in this application embodiment, by adding an ultrasonic device 130 to work in conjunction with the modified atmosphere film device 120 to sterilize and preserve the items in the storage space 111, can make up for the shortcomings of the modified atmosphere film device 120's preservation method, which easily creates a high humidity space, and at the same time improve the sterilization and preservation effect of the refrigerator 100.

[0046] For further details, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application. The refrigerator 100 also includes an environmental detection device 140 and a controller 150.

[0047] The environmental monitoring device 140 is installed within the storage space 111 to detect environmental parameters within the storage space 111. The controller 150 is connected to the ultrasonic device 130 and the environmental monitoring device 140. The controller 150 adjusts the ultrasonic frequency emitted by the ultrasonic device 130 according to the environmental parameters. It should be noted that environmental parameters include, for example, the air humidity, temperature, storage quantity, and types of stored items within the storage space.

[0048] In some embodiments, the environmental detection device 140 includes a humidity sensor 141 and a mass sensor 142. The humidity sensor 141 is used to detect the air humidity within the storage space 111, and the mass sensor 142 is used to detect the mass of items stored within the storage space 111. The controller 150 is used to adjust the ultrasonic frequency emitted by the ultrasonic device 130 according to the air humidity and / or the mass of the items. The ultrasonic frequency is negatively correlated with the air humidity, while the ultrasonic frequency is positively correlated with the mass.

[0049] For example, controller 150 determines the ultrasonic frequency according to the following first formula:

[0050] Where f represents the calculated value of the ultrasonic frequency, M represents the measured value of the mass, H represents the measured value of the air humidity, and k represents the preset proportional parameter.

[0051] It should be noted that the value of k is preset by the designers based on experimental parameters, actual needs, etc., and is stored in the storage medium of refrigerator 100.

[0052] Based on the above structure, this application also provides a refrigerator control method. For example, please refer to [link to example]. Figure 3 , Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of this application. The refrigerator control method, for example, is executed by a controller 150 and includes the following steps S101-S103:

[0053] Step S101: Obtain the air humidity and the mass of the stored items in the storage space;

[0054] Step S102: Calculate the target frequency based on air humidity, mass, and the first formula;

[0055] Step S103: Control the ultrasonic device to emit ultrasonic waves based on the target frequency.

[0056] The refrigerator provided in this application embodiment adjusts the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic device according to the current environmental parameters of the storage space, which can improve the sterilization efficiency and effect.

[0057] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4-5 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the storage room provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 for Figure 4 The exploded view of the storage room shown. Storage room 110 includes a cabinet 112 and a drawer 113.

[0058] Drawer 113 is slidably connected to the inner box 112, allowing drawer 113 to slide into or out of inner box 112. Drawer 113 is, for example, a drawer door, including a drawer body and a door. When drawer 113 is in the first position of inner box 112, the door of drawer 113 engages with the opening of inner box 112 to form a sealed space, sealing the drawer body inside inner box 112. An ultrasonic device 130 and a modified atmosphere membrane device 120 are disposed inside inner box 112.

[0059] For example, see Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the storage compartment along the AA direction. The top wall 1121 of the inner box 112 is spaced apart from and opposite the drawer 113, with no obstruction between them. A modified atmosphere film device 120 is disposed on the top wall 1121 and located above the drawer 113. Preferably, the modified atmosphere film device 120 is located directly above the drawer 113 and coaxial with the drawer 113, and the coverage area of ​​the modified atmosphere film device 120 can be as large as possible, for example, set to a shape corresponding to the bottom surface of the drawer 113. It is understood that the drawer 113 is a box-shaped structure with an opening at the top, and the storage space where the modified atmosphere film device 120 is located is connected to the interior of the drawer 113. Therefore, the modified atmosphere film device 120 can regulate the air inside the drawer 113 to adjust the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration ratio in the air inside the drawer to a preset ratio, thereby extending the shelf life of the items inside the drawer 113.

[0060] An ultrasonic device 130 is also disposed, for example, on the top wall 1121, spaced apart from and also located above the drawer 113, and the ultrasonic device 130 is also positioned above the modified atmosphere membrane device 120. The ultrasonic device 130 includes, for example, multiple pairs of ultrasonic transducers 131, spaced apart from each pair. The acoustic window of each ultrasonic transducer 131 faces the interior of the drawer 113. Preferably, to ensure that the ultrasonic device 130 emits ultrasonic waves uniformly to all areas within the drawer 113, two ultrasonic transducers 131 in each pair can be arranged opposite each other on both sides of the modified atmosphere membrane device 120. Exemplarily, multiple ultrasonic transducers 131 are provided on opposite sides of the modified atmosphere membrane device 120 along the drawer's pull-out direction or in a width direction perpendicular to the pull-out direction, or multiple ultrasonic transducers 131 are provided along the periphery of the modified atmosphere membrane device 120. It should be noted that, for example, if the material of drawer 113 is plastic, since ultrasonic waves can easily penetrate materials such as glass and metal, in order to ensure that the ultrasonic device 130 has a better sterilization effect on the internal space of drawer 113, drawer 113 should be made of glass, metal, etc. as much as possible.

[0061] An environmental monitoring device 140 is installed within the storage space 111. For example, a mass sensor 142 is installed at the bottom of drawer 113 to detect the weight of items stored in drawer 113. A humidity sensor 141 is installed on the inner wall of the cabinet liner 112. To ensure the accuracy of humidity detection, multiple humidity sensors 141 can be installed, each on a different inner wall of the cabinet liner 112.

[0062] In some other embodiments, the storage compartment 110 may further include a cabinet liner, a door, and drawers, with the cabinet liner and door fitting together to form a sealed space for accommodating the drawers. The cabinet liner may contain, for example, multiple partitions that surround the cabinet liner to form a storage space. The drawers are located within the storage space formed by the partitions and the cabinet liner and can be pulled out of this storage space. The ultrasonic device 130 and the modified atmosphere membrane device 120 may be mounted on the partitions.

[0063] The refrigerator provided in this application embodiment, by adding an ultrasonic device 130 to work in conjunction with the controlled atmosphere film device 120 to sterilize and preserve items in the storage space 111, can compensate for the shortcomings of the controlled atmosphere film device 120's preservation method, which tends to create a high humidity space, and at the same time improve the sterilization and preservation effect of the refrigerator 100. Furthermore, the positional structure between the storage compartment 110 and the ultrasonic device 130 and the controlled atmosphere film device 120 can further improve the sterilization and preservation effect.

[0064] The refrigerator provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The storage room provides storage space. A controlled atmosphere membrane device is installed in the storage space to adjust the concentration ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the storage space to a preset ratio. An ultrasonic device is installed in the storage room to emit ultrasonic waves into the storage space in conjunction with the modified atmosphere membrane device to sterilize and preserve the items in the storage space. An environmental monitoring device is installed within the storage space to monitor environmental parameters within the storage space. A controller, connected to the ultrasonic device and the environmental detection device, is used to acquire the environmental parameters and adjust the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic device according to the environmental parameters. The environmental detection device includes a humidity sensor, which is installed in the storage space and used to detect the air humidity of the storage space. The controller is used to adjust the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic device according to the air humidity. The ultrasonic frequency is negatively correlated with the air humidity.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The environmental monitoring device also includes a mass sensor, which is disposed in the storage space and used to detect the mass of the items stored in the storage space; The controller is used to adjust the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic device according to the air humidity and the air quality.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ultrasonic frequency is positively correlated with the mass.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The controller is used to determine the ultrasonic frequency according to the following formula: Where f represents the calculated value of the ultrasonic frequency, M represents the measured value of the mass, H represents the measured value of the air humidity, and k represents the preset proportional parameter.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The storage space is equipped with drawers for storing items and the storage compartment can be pulled out. The modified atmosphere membrane device is located above the drawer.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ultrasonic device is located above the drawer and is spaced apart from the modified atmosphere membrane device.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ultrasonic device includes multiple pairs of ultrasonic transducers, with each pair of ultrasonic transducers spaced apart from each other. Two of the ultrasonic transducers in each pair are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the modified atmosphere membrane device.

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