Refrigerator, variable temperature chamber, and chamber temperature control method

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of refrigerators, in particular to a refrigerator, a variable-temperature chamber and a chamber temperature control method. The variable-temperature chamber comprises a chamber body, a cold-guiding assembly and an air supply assembly; the cold-guiding assembly is attached to the chamber body and used for cooling the chamber body; the cold-guiding assembly is provided with a cold-guiding cavity used for guiding cold air; and the air supply assembly is connected to the cold-guiding cavity and used for adjusting the area of the ventilation area of the cold-guiding cavity. The variable-temperature chamber provided by the application can adjust the storage temperature, meet the optimal storage temperature requirement of different types of food, reduce the loss of nutritional components and prolong the storage period of the food.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator, a variable temperature compartment, and a method for controlling the temperature of the compartment. Background Technology

[0002] Frozen products, fish, shrimp, and meat are essential sources of fat, protein, and other nutrients in daily life, and are currently mainly stored frozen, generally at -38°C. However, frozen products, including frozen dumplings, frozen meatballs, frozen buns, pancakes, and other snacks, do not require excessively low temperatures for storage; -18°C can maintain their quality and achieve energy-saving preservation. Fish and shrimp, including various seafood such as fish, shrimp, shellfish, clams, mussels, and crabs, are best stored at -24°C; temperatures that are too high or too low will cause the meat to become soft and inelastic after thawing. Meat, including chicken, beef, lamb, duck, and other livestock, is best stored at -38°C. This temperature ensures that the meat's color changes slowly, reducing nutrient loss.

[0003] However, due to the size limitations and temperature control limitations of refrigerators, they cannot meet the different temperature storage requirements of different types of food. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a refrigerator, a variable temperature compartment, and a compartment temperature control method, which can adjust the storage temperature to meet the optimal storage temperature requirements of different types of food, reduce the loss of nutrients, and extend the shelf life of food.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a variable temperature chamber, comprising:

[0006] The main compartment is used for storage.

[0007] A cooling component is fitted to the compartment body and used to cool the compartment body; the cooling component is provided with a cooling cavity.

[0008] An air supply assembly is connected to the cooling chamber and supplies cold air to the cooling chamber. The air supply assembly includes several dampers, which are used to adjust the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber.

[0009] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0010] An identification module, located in the compartment body, is used to identify the types of items placed inside the compartment body;

[0011] The controller is electrically connected to the identification module and the air supply assembly to adjust the area of ​​the ventilation zone and / or the cold air flow rate of the cooling chamber according to the type of item identified by the identification module.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cooling component includes cooling fins, a plurality of air inlets are provided at the first end of the cooling fins, and air outlets corresponding to the air inlets are provided at the second end of the cooling fins. The cooling cavity is connected in parallel between the air inlets and the air outlets.

[0013] The air supply assembly includes a first air duct, and the dampers are arranged alternately along the extension direction of the first air duct. The dampers are used to control the opening or blocking of different air inlets of the first air duct and the cooling fins. The first air duct is located at the first end of the cooling fins and communicates with the air inlet. The dampers are electrically connected to the controller.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cooling component includes cooling fins, the cooling fins are provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the cooling cavity integrally connects the air inlet and the air outlet, the cooling fins are provided with intermediate exhaust ports, the intermediate exhaust ports are arranged alternately along the extension direction of the cooling cavity and communicate with the cooling cavity;

[0015] The air supply assembly includes a first air duct connected to the air inlet, a damper located at the intermediate air outlet, and a controller electrically connected to the damper and controlling the damper to switch between a first position and a second position. When the damper moves to the first position, it closes the intermediate air outlet, and when the damper moves to the second position, it blocks the cooling chamber.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cooling components are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the compartment body.

[0017] In some embodiments, the identification module is at least one of an infrared sensor or an image sensor.

[0018] In some embodiments, the system further includes a cooling plate disposed at the top and / or bottom of the compartment body, and a second air duct that delivers cold air toward the surface of the cooling plate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first air duct is provided with a first regulating valve for adjusting the flow rate of cold air, and the first regulating valve is electrically connected to the controller.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cooling plate is connected to a rotary drive mechanism.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second air duct is provided with a second regulating valve for adjusting the flow rate of cold air, and the second regulating valve is electrically connected to the controller.

[0022] In some embodiments, the chamber body is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting its internal temperature.

[0023] Secondly, this application provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet and a variable temperature compartment disposed in the cabinet as described in any of the above claims, wherein the inner wall of the cabinet is provided with a cabinet exhaust vent for discharging the exhaust air from the cooling conductive assembly.

[0024] Thirdly, this application provides a method for controlling the temperature of a compartment, including:

[0025] Identify the types of items placed inside the compartment body;

[0026] Set an appropriate target storage temperature based on the type of item;

[0027] Adjust the internal temperature of the compartment to the target storage temperature.

[0028] In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the internal temperature of the compartment body to the target storage temperature is as follows:

[0029] Adjust the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber and / or adjust the airflow rate of the cooling chamber.

[0030] In some embodiments, after the steps of adjusting the area of ​​the ventilation region of the cooling cavity and / or adjusting the cold air flow rate of the cooling cavity, the method further includes:

[0031] The actual temperature inside the chamber body is detected;

[0032] If the actual temperature deviates from the target storage temperature, then return to the steps of adjusting the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber and / or adjusting the cold air flow rate of the cooling chamber.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned technical solution provided in this application has the following advantages: When an item such as food is placed into the compartment body, according to the optimal storage temperature of the food, the area of ​​the ventilation area of ​​the cooling chamber is controlled by the air supply component, that is, the cooling area of ​​the cooling component on the compartment body, thereby changing the cooling capacity of the cooling component on the compartment body and adjusting the temperature inside the compartment body to the optimal storage temperature of the food, thus slowing down the loss of nutrients and extending the shelf life of the food. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a variable temperature chamber provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a variable temperature chamber provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided according to one embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a compartment temperature control method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 5 A flowchart of a compartment temperature control method provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 1-Compartment body; 2-Cooling fins; 3-Cooling plate; 4-Second air duct; 5-First air duct; 6-First damper; 7-Second damper; 8-Third damper; 9-Identification module; 10-Temperature sensor; 11-Exhaust vent of the enclosure;

[0044] 100-Box. Detailed Implementation

[0045] 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.

[0046] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0047] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relative position or movement of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "front," "back," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure undergoes a positional flip, orientation change, or change of motion, these directional indications will change accordingly. For instance, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" will subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used in the text will be interpreted accordingly.

[0048] In order to solve the technical problem that the storage compartments of existing refrigerators cannot meet the storage needs of different items, especially food, for different temperatures, this application provides a refrigerator and a variable temperature compartment, which can set up multiple variable temperature compartments in the same storage compartment, improve the temperature regulation capability, meet the storage needs of different types of food, slow down the loss of nutrients, and extend the shelf life of food.

[0049] This application provides a variable temperature chamber, such as... Figure 1As shown, the variable temperature compartment mainly includes the compartment body 1, a cooling component, and an air supply component. The compartment body 1 is used for storage, and different types of food can be placed inside. The compartment body 1 can typically adopt a pull-out drawer-type compartment structure; this application does not impose specific limitations on this, as long as the structure can meet storage needs and has relatively independent storage space, it is applicable to this application. The cooling component is fitted to the compartment body 1, typically located on the inner wall of the refrigerator body 100 and fitted to the outer wall of the compartment body 1. A cooling cavity is opened inside the cooling component, through which cold air that has exchanged heat with the evaporator is introduced. The cold air convects and exchanges heat with the cooling component, lowering its relative low temperature. The cooling component and the compartment body 1 cool down, carrying away heat from the compartment body 1, thus lowering the temperature inside the compartment body 1 to the required storage temperature.

[0050] The air supply component is connected to the cooling chamber of the cooling component to supply air to the cooling chamber. The air supply component includes several dampers, which are used to adjust the area of ​​the ventilation zone through which cold air enters the cooling chamber. By adjusting the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber, the air supply component changes the area of ​​the low-temperature zone of the cooling component, ultimately regulating the temperature inside the compartment 1. Alternatively, the air supply component can also be used to adjust the flow rate of cold air entering the cooling chamber. When the flow rate of cold air into the cooling chamber is large, it can remove more heat from the cooling component, regulate the temperature of the cooling component, and thus control the temperature inside the compartment 1. Alternatively, the ventilation component can be used to simultaneously adjust the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber and the flow rate of cold air in the cooling chamber. By controlling the area and temperature of the low-temperature zone of the cooling component, the optimal storage temperature for food storage can be quickly achieved inside the compartment 1.

[0051] To improve the convenience of food storage and the accuracy of temperature matching, a preferred embodiment of this application provides a variable temperature compartment that further includes an identification module 9 and a controller. The identification module 9 is disposed within the compartment body 1 and is used to identify the type of items (food) placed within the compartment body 1. It is typically located at the top of the compartment body 1 near the rear wall of the refrigerator body 100. The controller can be disposed within the inner wall of the refrigerator body 100 or hidden within the inner wall surface of the refrigerator body 100. The controller, identification module 9, and the actuator of the air supply component are electrically connected. The electrical connection referred to here mainly refers to a communication connection, enabling the controller, identification module 9, and the actuator of the air supply component to exchange signals and transmit control commands. The electrical connection between the controller, identification module 9, and air supply component can be a wireless connection or a connection via a signal line or other transmission line. Alternatively, it can include both wireless and wired connections.

[0052] The identification module 9 can employ at least one of the following sensors: infrared sensor, image sensor, etc. The principles of different types of sensors for food identification are briefly described below. The variable-temperature compartment of this application is mainly used in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator for automatic identification and temperature-controlled storage of frozen foods such as meat. For infrared sensors, near-infrared (NIR) light can penetrate deep into the meat to detect its internal composition, and its type can be identified by accurately detecting and analyzing the fat content. Of course, the variable-temperature compartment provided in this application can also be used in the refrigerator's crisper compartment to identify the types of fruits and vegetables and control the appropriate preservation temperature. Infrared sensors can also effectively sort fruits and vegetables by detecting the moisture content of products using short-wave infrared (SWIR). Furthermore, the identification module 9 can also employ an image sensor, using imaging technology and image comparison technology to confirm the type of food stored in the compartment body 1. Alternatively, the identification module 9 can employ a combination of an image sensor and an infrared sensor to improve the accuracy of identifying the type of food stored in the compartment body 1.

[0053] In one embodiment of this application, the cooling assembly employs cooling fins 2, which are generally rectangular heat exchange fins symmetrically arranged on both sides of the chamber body 1. The first end of the cooling fins 2 is also... Figure 1 The lower end shown has several air inlets, and the second end of the cooling fin 2 is also... Figure 1 The upper part shown has several air outlets, and the air inlets and outlets are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Cooling chambers are connected between each set of air inlets and outlets, and the cooling chambers are arranged parallel to each other. In other words, in this embodiment, the number of cooling chambers corresponds to the number of air inlets and outlets. The air supply assembly includes a first air duct 5 and several dampers. The first air duct 5 is located at the first end of the cooling fin 2. On the side of the first air duct 5 facing the air inlet of the cooling fin 2, there are ventilation openings corresponding to the number of air inlets. The first air duct 5 connects to the air inlets of the cooling fin 2 through the ventilation openings and supplies air into the cooling chambers.

[0054] Taking the three sets of dampers—first damper 6, second damper 7, and third damper 8—as an example, the process of adjusting the ventilation area of ​​the cooling chamber in the air supply assembly is briefly explained. (Continue reading...) Figure 1 The first air damper 6, the second air damper 7, and the third air damper 8 are arranged along the extension direction of the first air duct 5, and are used to control the opening or blocking of the corresponding ventilation openings and the corresponding air inlets of the first air duct 5. Among them, the first air damper 6 is close to the air inlet direction of the first air duct 5, the third air damper 8 is close to the end of the first air duct 5, and the second air damper 7 is located between the first air damper 6 and the third air damper 8.

[0055] When the first air door 6 is open and the second air door 7 and the third air door 8 are closed, the cold air entering the first air duct 5 can only enter the cooling chamber through the ventilation opening at the first air door 6, and then flow out through the corresponding air outlet. At this time, the area of ​​the ventilation area of ​​the cooling chamber, which is also the area of ​​the low temperature zone of the cooling component, is the first area. Under the premise that the cold air flow rate and temperature are constant, the cooling component can cool the chamber body 1 to the first temperature.

[0056] When the first damper 6 and the second damper 7 are open and the third damper 8 is closed, the cold air entering the first air duct 5 can enter the cooling chamber through the vents at the first damper 6 and the second damper 7, and then flow out through the corresponding air outlets. At this time, the area of ​​the ventilation region of the cooling chamber, which is also the low-temperature area of ​​the cooling component, is the second area. Under the premise of constant cold air flow and temperature, the cooling component can cool the chamber body 1 to the second temperature. Obviously, the second area is larger than the first area, and the second temperature is lower than the first temperature.

[0057] When the first air damper 6, the second air damper 7, and the third air damper 8 are all open, the cold air entering the first air duct 5 can enter the cooling chamber through the vents at the first air damper 6, the second air damper 7, and the third air damper 8 respectively, and then flow out through the corresponding air outlets. At this time, the area of ​​the ventilation region of the cooling chamber, which is also the low-temperature area of ​​the cooling component, is the third area. Under the premise of constant cold air flow and temperature, the cooling component can cool the chamber body 1 to the third temperature. The third area is larger than the second area, and the third temperature is lower than the second temperature.

[0058] The number of ventilation openings corresponding to the first air damper 6, the second air damper 7, and the third air damper 8 can be set to be equal or unequal. By adjusting the positions of the first air damper 6, the second air damper 7, and the third air damper 8, the sizes of the first area, the second area, and the third area are changed, thereby controlling the temperature inside the compartment body 1. The aforementioned first air damper 6, second air damper 7, and third air damper 8 are all electrically connected to the controller, so that the controller can control the opening and closing of the corresponding air dampers according to the type of food stored in the compartment body 1 identified by the identification module 9, adjusting the temperature inside the compartment body 1 to the optimal storage temperature for the stored food, slowing down the loss of nutrients, and extending the shelf life of the food.

[0059] For example, the first temperature can be -18℃, suitable for storing various frozen foods such as frozen dumplings and frozen meatballs; the second temperature can be -24℃, suitable for storing various seafood such as fish, shrimp, and crabs; and the third temperature can be -38℃, suitable for storing meat such as chicken, duck, beef, and mutton. The first, second, and third temperatures can be flexibly set as needed. It should be understood that, in specific implementations, the number of dampers is not limited to three sets.

[0060] In one embodiment provided in this application, the cooling component is a cooling fin 2, which has only one set of air inlets and one set of air outlets. The cooling cavity integrally connects the air inlets and outlets of the cooling fin 2. The cooling cavity can be configured as a serpentine structure or a U-shaped structure. Furthermore, multiple intermediate exhaust ports are alternately arranged along the extension direction of the cooling cavity on the cooling fin 2, extending from the cooling cavity to the outer wall of the cooling fin 2. The air supply component includes a first air duct 5 and multiple dampers. The first air duct 5 connects to the air inlets of the cooling fin 2 and is used to introduce cold air into the cooling fin 2. The number of dampers corresponds to the number of intermediate exhaust ports, and the dampers are arranged one-to-one at the intermediate exhaust ports.

[0061] Taking three sets of intermediate exhaust vents and three sets of dampers as an example, the three sets of intermediate exhaust vents are set on the cooling fins 2 at a predetermined interval. The three sets of dampers are designated as first damper 6, second damper 7, and third damper 8. First damper 6 is located near the air inlet of cooling fins 2, third damper 8 is located near the air outlet of cooling fins 2, and second damper 7 is located between first damper 6 and third damper 8. First damper 6, second damper 7, and third damper 8 are all electrically connected to the controller and can move between a first position and a second position. When the controller moves first damper 6, second damper 7, and third damper 8 to the first position, the corresponding intermediate exhaust vent is closed; when the controller moves first damper 6, second damper 7, and third damper 8 to the second position, the cooling chamber is blocked.

[0062] Taking the cross-section of the cooling cavity as a circle as an example, the damper can be a circular damper baffle that is flipped and connected to the middle exhaust port. The damper baffle is connected to the drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism is electrically connected to the controller. The controller controls the movement of the drive mechanism, which drives the damper baffle to move between the first position and the second position. The damper baffles in the first position and the second position are set to be roughly perpendicular to each other.

[0063] When the first damper 6 is in the second position, the cold air entering the cooling chamber can only be delivered to the first damper 6. It is blocked by the first damper 6 and cannot continue to be delivered along the subsequent section of the cooling chamber. Instead, it is discharged from the middle exhaust port at the first damper 6. At this time, the area of ​​the ventilation area of ​​the cooling chamber, which is also the area of ​​the low temperature area of ​​the cooling fin 2, is the first area. The cooling fin 2 can cool the internal temperature of the chamber body 1 to the first temperature.

[0064] When the first damper 6 is in the first position and the second damper 7 is in the second position, the middle exhaust port at the first damper 6 is closed, and the middle exhaust port at the second damper 7 is open. The second damper 7 blocks the subsequent section of the cooling chamber. After entering the cooling chamber, the cold air can only be delivered to the second damper 7 and discharged from the middle exhaust port at the second damper 7. At this time, the area of ​​the ventilation area of ​​the cooling chamber, which is also the area of ​​the low-temperature area of ​​the cooling fins 2, is the second area. The cooling fins 2 can cool the temperature inside the chamber body 1 to the second temperature. The second area is larger than the first area, and the second temperature is lower than the first temperature.

[0065] When the first damper 6 and the second damper 7 are both in the first position and the third damper 8 is in the second position, the intermediate exhaust vents at the first damper 6 and the second damper 7 are closed, while the intermediate exhaust vent at the third damper 8 is open. The third damper 8 blocks the subsequent section of the cooling chamber located after the third damper 8. After entering the cooling chamber, the cold air can only be delivered to the third damper 8 and discharged from the intermediate exhaust vent at the third damper 8. At this time, the area of ​​the ventilation area of ​​the cooling chamber, which is also the area of ​​the low-temperature area of ​​the cooling fins 2, is the third area. The cooling fins 2 can cool the temperature inside the chamber body 1 to the third temperature. The third area is larger than the second area, and the third temperature is lower than the second temperature.

[0066] When the first damper 6, the second damper 7, and the third damper 8 are all in the first position, the intermediate exhaust vents at these three locations are all closed. Cold air entering the cooling chamber can then be exhausted from the outlet of the cooling fins 2. At this time, the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber, which is also the area of ​​the low-temperature zone of the cooling fins 2, is the fourth area. The cooling fins 2 can cool the temperature inside the chamber body 1 to the fourth temperature. The fourth area is larger than the third area, and the fourth temperature is lower than the third temperature.

[0067] Understandably, the positions of the intermediate exhaust vents, namely the first damper 6, the second damper 7, and the third damper 8, can be adjusted as needed. By adjusting the positions of the intermediate exhaust vents, the sizes of the first, second, third, and fourth areas can be adjusted, thereby achieving the regulation of the first, second, third, and fourth temperatures.

[0068] In some embodiments, without changing the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber, the flow rate of the cold air entering the cooling chamber can be adjusted. The cooling assembly uses cooling fins 2, which are provided with an air inlet and an air outlet that are interconnected through the cooling chamber. The air supply assembly includes a first air duct 5 and a first regulating valve disposed in the first air duct 5 and used to regulate the flow rate of the cold air. The first air duct 5 is connected to the air inlet of the cooling fins 2. The first regulating valve is electrically connected to a controller. The controller adjusts the opening of the first regulating valve based on the type of food stored in the compartment body 1, thereby changing the flow area of ​​the first air duct 5 and thus adjusting the flow rate of the cold air in the first air duct 5 and the cooling chamber, cooling the temperature inside the compartment body 1 to the optimal storage temperature corresponding to the stored food.

[0069] Furthermore, the variable temperature chamber provided in this embodiment can also regulate the temperature inside the chamber body 1 by simultaneously adjusting the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber of the cooling fins 2 and the cold air flow rate of the cooling chamber, thereby cooling the temperature inside the chamber body 1 to the required storage temperature. In this case, the air supply assembly, in addition to the first air duct 5 and multiple dampers, also includes a first regulating valve disposed in the first air duct 5, the opening of which is adjustable. The arrangement of the multiple dampers, the first air duct 5, and the cooling assembly can refer to the above embodiment, with the first regulating valve connected in series within the first air duct 5. When the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber is a first area, the adjustable temperature range inside the chamber body 1 is a first temperature range. By changing the opening of the first regulating valve, the temperature inside the chamber body 1 can be adjusted to a specified temperature within the first temperature range.

[0070] See Figure 2 In some embodiments, to accelerate the cooling of the compartment body 1 and enable it to quickly cool to the required storage temperature while maintaining temperature uniformity in all areas of the compartment body 1, the variable temperature compartment provided in this application also includes a cooling plate 3 and a second air duct 4 disposed at at least at the top and bottom of the compartment body 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling plate 3 is disposed at the top of the compartment body 1, and the second air duct 4 is disposed towards the cooling plate 3 to blow cold air onto the surface of the second cooling plate 3 to cool the cooling plate 3, thereby reducing the temperature inside the compartment body 1. In this way, the cooling fins 2 and the cooling plate 3 are relatively evenly distributed on the outer periphery of the compartment body 1, ensuring that the temperature in all areas inside the compartment body 1 tends to be uniform.

[0071] The second air duct 4 is equipped with a second regulating valve as needed. The second regulating valve is electrically connected to the controller so that the controller can set a suitable storage temperature based on the type of food stored in the compartment body 1. The second regulating valve adjusts the cold air flow of the second air duct 4, and then the cooling plate 3 and the cooling fins 2 work together to cool the compartment body 1 to the required storage temperature.

[0072] To improve the uniformity of the surface temperature of the cooling plate 3 and the uniformity of cooling of the chamber body 1 by the cooling plate 3, the cooling plate 3 is rotatably connected to the top of the chamber body 1. The variable temperature chamber also includes a rotary drive mechanism for driving the cooling plate 3 to rotate. The rotary drive mechanism can use a motor to drive the cooling plate 3 to rotate directly or indirectly through a transmission component. In order to reduce the gap between the cooling plate 3 and the chamber body 1, the drive motor is preferably located on the side of the cooling plate 3 away from the chamber body 1.

[0073] Based on the above embodiment, the variable temperature compartment also includes a temperature sensor 10 disposed within the compartment body 1. The temperature sensor 10 is used to detect the temperature within the compartment body 1 and is electrically connected to the controller. The temperature sensor 10 feeds back the detected actual temperature within the compartment body 1 to the controller. The controller compares the actual temperature within the compartment body 1 with the set optimal storage temperature for the corresponding food. When there is a deviation between the two or the deviation exceeds the set temperature, the controller adjusts the temperature within the compartment body 1 by adjusting the cold air flow rate of the cooling chamber and adjusting the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber. This ensures that the temperature within the compartment body 1 reaches and is maintained at the optimal storage temperature for the corresponding food.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet 100 and a variable temperature compartment as described in the above embodiment, disposed within the cabinet 100. At least one set of variable temperature compartments is provided. The cabinet 100 has a cavity for accommodating the compartment body 1, and the top or bottom of the cavity has reserved installation space for the cooling plate 3 and the rotary drive mechanism. The rear wall of the cavity, i.e., the rear inner wall of the refrigerator, has a cabinet exhaust vent 11 for discharging the cold air transported by the first air duct 5 and the second air duct 4, which has exchanged heat with the cooling components and the cooling plate 3, respectively.

[0075] This application also provides a compartment temperature control method, applicable to the refrigerator described in the above embodiments, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the room temperature control methods include:

[0076] Step S10: Identify the types of items placed inside the main body 1 of the compartment;

[0077] Step S20: Set an appropriate target storage temperature based on the type of item.

[0078] Step S30: Adjust the internal temperature of the compartment body 1 to the target storage temperature.

[0079] In steps S10 and S20, identifying the types of items stored in the compartment body 1 and setting a suitable target storage temperature based on the types of items, the identification of the types of items can be done automatically, and the target storage temperature can be set according to the correspondence between the types of items and the optimal storage temperature; or it can be done manually by identifying and setting the target storage temperature.

[0080] The preferred embodiment of this application employs an automatic identification of item types and setting of target storage temperature. Specifically, an identification module 9 can be installed within the compartment body 1. The identification module 9 identifies the type of item stored in the compartment body 1 and feeds back the item type to the controller. The controller sets the target storage temperature of the compartment body 1 based on the item types and optimal storage temperatures pre-stored in its storage module. Finally, step S30 is executed to adjust the temperature inside the compartment body 1 based on the target storage temperature given by the controller, thereby adjusting the internal temperature of the compartment body 1 to the corresponding target storage temperature.

[0081] In some embodiments, step S30 mainly involves adjusting the area of ​​the ventilation region of the cooling cavity of the cooling fins 2 on the outer side of the compartment body 1 to change the cooling rate and degree of cooling of the compartment body 1 by the cooling fins 2. In addition, the cooling rate and temperature uniformity of the compartment body 1 can be improved by using the cooling plate 3 on the top of the compartment body 1; at the same time, the cooling rate and degree of cooling of the compartment body 1 by the cooling plate 3 and the cooling fins 2 can be changed by combining the adjustment of the cold air flow rate into the cooling cavity and the adjustment of the cold air flow rate blown to the cooling plate 3, so as to stably maintain the internal temperature of the compartment body 1 at the optimal storage temperature for the corresponding items.

[0082] Another embodiment of this application provides a compartment temperature control method, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it also includes:

[0083] Step S40: Detect the actual temperature inside compartment 1;

[0084] Step S50: If the actual temperature deviates from the target storage temperature, return to the steps of adjusting the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber and / or adjusting the cold air flow rate of the cooling chamber.

[0085] Step S40 can be achieved by installing a temperature sensor 10 inside the compartment body 1, electrically connecting the temperature sensor 10 to the controller, using the temperature sensor 10 to detect the actual temperature of the compartment body 1 in real time, and feeding back the internal temperature of the compartment body 1 to the controller.

[0086] In step S50, the controller compares the actual temperature inside the compartment 1 with the set target storage temperature. When the actual temperature deviates from the set target storage temperature, it returns to the step of adjusting the area of ​​the cooling cavity ventilation zone and / or the cold air flow rate of the cooling cavity to adjust the internal temperature of the compartment 1 to the target storage temperature. Here, "actual temperature deviating from the set target storage temperature" generally refers to the absolute value of the difference between the actual temperature and the target storage temperature being greater than a set threshold.

[0087] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0088] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0089] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A variable temperature chamber, characterized in that, include: The main compartment is used for storage. A cooling component is fitted to the compartment body and used to cool the compartment body; the cooling component is provided with a cooling cavity. An air supply assembly is connected to the cooling chamber and supplies cold air to the cooling chamber. The air supply assembly includes several dampers, which are used to adjust the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber. An identification module, located in the compartment body, is used to identify the types of items placed inside the compartment body; The controller is electrically connected to the identification module and the air supply assembly to adjust the area of ​​the ventilation zone and / or the cold air flow rate of the cooling chamber according to the type of item identified by the identification module. The variable temperature chamber also includes a cooling plate disposed at the top and / or bottom of the chamber body, and a second air duct that delivers cold air toward the surface of the cooling plate; the cooling plate is connected to a rotary drive mechanism.

2. The variable temperature chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling component includes cooling fins, with a plurality of air inlets at the first end of the cooling fins and an air outlet corresponding to each air inlet at the second end of the cooling fins. The cooling cavity is connected in parallel between the air inlets and the air outlets. The air supply assembly includes a first air duct, and the dampers are arranged alternately along the extension direction of the first air duct. The dampers are used to control the opening or blocking of different air inlets of the first air duct and the cooling fins. The first air duct is located at the first end of the cooling fins and communicates with the air inlet. The dampers are electrically connected to the controller.

3. The variable temperature chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling component includes cooling fins, which are provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The cooling cavity is integrally connected to the air inlet and the air outlet. The cooling fins are provided with intermediate exhaust ports, which are arranged alternately along the extension direction of the cooling cavity and are connected to the cooling cavity. The air supply assembly includes a first air duct connected to the air inlet, a damper located at the intermediate air outlet, and a controller electrically connected to the damper and controlling the damper to switch between a first position and a second position. When the damper moves to the first position, it closes the intermediate air outlet, and when the damper moves to the second position, it blocks the cooling chamber.

4. The variable temperature chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two sets of cooling conductive components are provided, and the two sets of cooling conductive components are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the compartment body.

5. The variable temperature chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The identification module is at least one of an infrared sensor and an image sensor.

6. The variable temperature chamber according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first air duct is equipped with a first regulating valve for adjusting the flow rate of cold air, and the first regulating valve is electrically connected to the controller.

7. The variable temperature chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second air duct is equipped with a second regulating valve for adjusting the flow rate of cold air, and the second regulating valve is electrically connected to the controller.

8. The variable temperature chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compartment itself is equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting its internal temperature.

9. A refrigerator, characterized in that, It includes a housing and a variable temperature chamber disposed within the housing as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the inner wall of the housing is provided with a housing exhaust vent for discharging exhaust air from the cooling component.

10. A method for controlling the temperature of a compartment, applicable to the refrigerator of claim 9, characterized in that, include: Identify the types of items placed inside the compartment body; Set an appropriate target storage temperature based on the type of item; Adjust the internal temperature of the compartment to the target storage temperature.

11. The compartment temperature control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the internal temperature of the compartment body to the target storage temperature is as follows: Adjust the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber and / or adjust the airflow rate of the cooling chamber.

12. The compartment temperature control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The steps of adjusting the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling cavity and / or adjusting the cold air flow rate of the cooling cavity further include: The actual temperature inside the chamber body is detected; If the actual temperature deviates from the target storage temperature, then return to the steps of adjusting the area of ​​the ventilation zone of the cooling chamber and / or adjusting the cold air flow rate of the cooling chamber.

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