Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof. The refrigerator is provided with a storage space for thawing, and the control method comprises: starting thawing; and inputting oxygen into the storage space. By inputting oxygen into the storage space after starting thawing, the foodstuff can be combined with oxygen during the thawing process, so that the purpose of preservation or enhancement of freshness is achieved. By using the scheme of the application, the thawing process is optimized by using the air conditioning method, and the thawed foodstuff can still maintain a fresh state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a controlled atmosphere freshness preservation technology, in particular to a refrigerator and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Controlled atmosphere (CA) technology extends the shelf life of food by adjusting the ambient gas composition. Refrigeration and freezing equipment with CA functionality are widely popular. Among the various gas components, oxygen is of particular concern. Some foods, such as meat, are best stored in a high-oxygen environment.

[0003] Although some existing technologies record solutions for creating a high-oxygen environment in the storage space by supplying oxygen to the storage space, the inventors realized that meat is generally stored in a freezer compartment. When users want to eat it, they need to thaw it first. The existing technology lacks gas conditioning means for the thawing process, resulting in the meat quality after thawing not being comparable to the meat quality before freezing.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this background technology is only used to increase the understanding of the background technology of this application. Therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute the prior art known to ordinary technicians in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to optimize the thawing process by using gas conditioning means so that the thawed food remains fresh.

[0007] Yet another further object of the present invention is to reduce or avoid energy consumption caused by performing atmosphere control during the thawing process.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a refrigerator is provided, wherein the refrigerator is provided with a storage space for thawing, and the control method comprises:

[0009] Start thawing;

[0010] Oxygen is input into the storage space.

[0011] Optionally, the refrigerator is provided with an oxygen processing device for generating oxygen through an electrochemical reaction; and

[0012] The step of inputting oxygen into the storage space comprises:

[0013] detecting the temperature of the storage space;

[0014] When the temperature of the storage space reaches a preset first threshold, the oxygen processing device is started to input the oxygen generated by the oxygen processing device into the storage space.

[0015] Optionally, after starting the oxygen processing device, the step of inputting oxygen into the storage space further includes:

[0016] The temperature of the storage space is continuously detected, and when the temperature of the storage space reaches a preset second threshold, the oxygen generation rate of the oxygen processing device is increased, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, and the second threshold is greater than or equal to the ice crystal point temperature.

[0017] Optionally, after increasing the oxygen generation rate of the oxygen processing device, the method further comprises:

[0018] obtaining the oxygen content of the storage space;

[0019] Determining whether the oxygen content in the storage space reaches a preset content threshold;

[0020] If so, the oxygen processing device is turned off.

[0021] Optionally, after shutting down the oxygen processing device, the method further comprises:

[0022] obtaining a sensing signal indicating that the thawed items in the storage space have been taken out;

[0023] Stop thawing.

[0024] Optionally, after shutting down the oxygen processing device, the method further comprises:

[0025] If the thawed objects in the storage space are not taken out within a specified time, the oxygen processing device is periodically started.

[0026] Optionally, after shutting down the oxygen processing device, the method further comprises:

[0027] If the thawed items in the storage space are not taken out within a specified time, a refrigeration airflow is input into the storage space, and the temperature of the storage space is adjusted to a preset fresh-keeping temperature.

[0028] Optionally, the refrigerator is further provided with a heat source for heating the storage space; and

[0029] The steps to start thawing include:

[0030] Receive unfreezing instructions;

[0031] The heat source is activated according to the defrosting instruction to heat the storage space.

[0032] Optionally, the step of starting the heat source according to the thawing instruction includes:

[0033] parsing the thawing instruction to determine a desired heat source corresponding to the thawing instruction;

[0034] The desired heat source is activated.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, wherein a storage space is provided therein, and the refrigerator further comprises:

[0036] A processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a machine executable program, and when the machine executable program is executed by the processor, it is used to implement the control method according to any one of the above items.

[0037] The refrigerator and control method of the present invention introduce oxygen into the storage space after thawing is initiated, allowing food to continuously absorb oxygen during the thawing process, thereby preserving or enhancing its freshness. The present invention utilizes controlled atmosphere to optimize the thawing process, ensuring that thawed food remains fresh and flavorful.

[0038] Furthermore, the refrigerator and control method thereof of the present invention detects the temperature of the storage space and starts the oxygen treatment device when the temperature of the storage space reaches a preset first threshold value, so as to input the oxygen generated by the oxygen treatment device into the storage space. Using the above method, since the oxygen treatment device is started before the temperature of the storage space reaches the preset first threshold value, it is beneficial to reduce or avoid energy consumption caused by gas conditioning during the thawing process.

[0039] Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in an exemplary and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an oxygen processing device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic exploded view of the oxygen handling device of the refrigerator shown;

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 is a control flow chart of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The various embodiments provided are intended to illustrate the present invention, not to limit it. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0048] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The various embodiments provided are intended to illustrate the present invention, not to limit it. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0049] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 6 Unless otherwise specifically defined, when a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and other features may be further included.

[0050] In the description of the present embodiment, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "some examples," or "an example" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0051] The embodiment of the present invention first provides a refrigerator 20 . Figure 1 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 20 in this embodiment of the present invention should be broadly understood and may be a refrigeration device with low-temperature storage capabilities, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, a freezer, or a refrigerator. Refrigerator 20 generally includes a processor 110 and a memory 120, and may further include a housing 600. The interior of housing 600 defines a storage space 610 for storing food.

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 20 of this embodiment may further include an oxygen processing device 300 for regulating the oxygen content in the storage space 610 through an electrochemical reaction, for example, to provide oxygen to the storage space 610. The oxygen processing device 300 can generate oxygen through an electrochemical reaction under the action of an electrolytic voltage, thereby serving as an oxygen supply source for the storage space 610. Alternatively, the oxygen processing device 300 can consume oxygen through the electrochemical reaction to reduce the oxygen content in the storage space 610.

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an oxygen processing device 300 of a refrigerator 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic exploded view of the oxygen processing device 300 of the refrigerator 20 is shown. In some optional embodiments, the oxygen processing device 300 may include a housing 320, a cathode plate 330, and an anode plate 340. The housing 320 has a lateral opening 321. For example, the housing 320 may be in the shape of a flat rectangular parallelepiped. The lateral opening 321 may be provided on any surface of the housing 320, such as the top, bottom, or side. In one example, the lateral opening 321 may be provided on the surface of the housing 320 with the largest area.

[0054] The cathode plate 330 is disposed at the side opening 321 to define together with the housing 320 an electrolytic chamber for containing electrolyte and for consuming oxygen through electrochemical reaction under the action of the electrolytic voltage. Under the action of the electrolytic voltage, oxygen in the air can undergo a reduction reaction at the cathode plate 330, i.e., O2 + 2H2O + 4e - →4OH - .

[0055] The anode plate 340 and the cathode plate 330 are spaced apart from each other and are arranged in the electrolysis chamber, and are used to provide reactants to the cathode plate 330 through electrochemical reaction and generate oxygen. - An oxidation reaction may occur at the anode plate 340 and generate oxygen, namely: 4OH - →O2+2H2O+4e- The shell 320 can be provided with an exhaust hole 323 for discharging oxygen generated by the anode plate 340, for example, to the storage space 610. The exhaust hole 323 and the storage space 610 can be in communication through a pipeline. The shell 320 can also be provided with a liquid supplement port 322, which can be in communication with an external liquid source through a pipeline, so that liquid from the external liquid source can flow into the electrolysis compartment to supplement the liquid. In one example, the exhaust hole 323 can be in communication with the storage space 610 through a pipeline. In another example, the cathode plate 330 can be in airflow communication with the storage space 610 to use oxygen from the storage space 610 as a reactant for the electrochemical reaction.

[0056] The above examples of electrochemical reactions of the cathode plate 330 and the anode plate 340 are merely illustrative. Based on the above-described embodiments, those skilled in the art should easily change the type of electrochemical reaction, or extend the structure of the oxygen treatment device 300 suitable for other types of electrochemical reactions. These changes and extensions should all fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0057] The oxygen treatment device 300 can be provided in the refrigerator 20. In one example, the oxygen treatment device 300 can be provided outside the storage space 610. In a further example, the oxygen treatment device 300 can be provided in the foaming layer or the compressor chamber of the refrigerator 20 and in communication with the storage space 610 through a pipeline to deliver the generated oxygen to the storage space 610. Of course, in another example, another storage space 610, for example, a refrigeration space, can be defined in the cabinet 600, and the oxygen treatment device 300 can be provided in the refrigeration space.

[0058] The memory 120 and the processor 110 can form part of the main control board of the refrigerator 20. The memory 120 stores a machine executable program 121, which, when executed by the processor 110, is used to implement the control method of the refrigerator 20 of any of the embodiments below. The processor 110 can be a central processing unit (CPU), or a digital processing unit (DSP), etc. The memory 120 is used to store the program executed by the processor 110. The memory 120 can be any medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and capable of being accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 120 can also be a combination of various memories 120. Since the machine executable program 121, when executed by the processor 110, implements the various processes of the method embodiments described below and achieves the same technical effects, to avoid repetition, they will not be described here.

[0059] Figure 5FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control method for a refrigerator 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control method for the refrigerator 20 may generally include the following steps:

[0060] Step S502: thawing is started, so that the thawed material gradually changes from a frozen state to a melted state. The thawing means can be set according to actual needs, for example, any means such as electric heating, radiation, or a combination thereof can be used.

[0061] In step S504, oxygen is input into the storage space 610 to form a high-oxygen fresh-keeping environment in the storage space 610. That is, during the thawing process, the storage space 610 is formed into a high-oxygen fresh-keeping environment with a relatively high oxygen content to facilitate sufficient contact of the thawed food with oxygen.

[0062] By using the above method, after the thawing process is initiated, oxygen is introduced into the storage space 610, so that the food can be continuously combined with oxygen during the thawing process, thereby achieving the purpose of preserving or enhancing freshness. The solution of this embodiment uses gas conditioning to optimize the thawing process, which is conducive to maintaining the freshness of the thawed food.

[0063] In some optional embodiments, the refrigerator 20 is provided with an oxygen processing device 300 for generating oxygen through an electrochemical reaction. The step of supplying oxygen to the storage space 610 includes detecting the temperature of the storage space 610 and, when the temperature of the storage space 610 reaches a preset first threshold, activating the oxygen processing device 300 to supply the oxygen generated by the oxygen processing device 300 to the storage space 610. In one example, the first threshold may be -10°C below the freezing point.

[0064] By detecting the temperature of the storage space 610 and starting the oxygen processing device 300 when the temperature of the storage space 610 reaches a preset first threshold, the oxygen generated by the oxygen processing device 300 is input into the storage space 610. Using the above method, since the oxygen processing device 300 is started before the temperature of the storage space 610 reaches the preset first threshold, it is beneficial to reduce or avoid energy consumption caused by gas conditioning during the thawing process.

[0065] In some optional embodiments, after starting the oxygen processing device 300, the step of inputting oxygen into the storage space 610 further includes: continuously detecting the temperature of the storage space 610, and when the temperature of the storage space 610 reaches a preset second threshold, increasing the oxygen generation rate of the oxygen processing device 300, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, and the second threshold is greater than or equal to the ice crystal point temperature.

[0066] In one example, the second threshold value may be the ice crystal point temperature. In another example, the second threshold value may be 5° C. higher than the ice crystal point temperature.

[0067] When the temperature of the storage space 610 is greater than or equal to the ice crystal point temperature, various parts of the thawed object will melt quickly. At this time, by increasing the oxygen generation rate of the oxygen treatment device 300, the oxygen demand of various parts of the thawed object can be met at the same time, so that various parts of the thawed object can achieve "atmospheric thawing" in a balanced oxygen environment.

[0068] In some optional embodiments, after increasing the oxygen generation rate of the oxygen processing device 300, the control method may further include: obtaining the oxygen content of the storage space 610, determining whether the oxygen content of the storage space 610 reaches a preset content threshold, and if so, shutting down the oxygen processing device 300.

[0069] After the temperature of the storage space 610 reaches the ice crystal point temperature, when the oxygen content in the storage space 610 reaches the preset content threshold, it indicates that the oxygen content in the storage space 610 has reached the target value. At this time, turning off the oxygen treatment device 300 can further reduce or avoid the energy consumption of the gas conditioning process.

[0070] In some optional embodiments, after shutting down the oxygen processing device 300, the control method may further include: obtaining a sensing signal indicating that the thawed items in the storage space 610 have been removed, and stopping thawing. In other words, thawing is stopped after sensing a signal indicating that the thawed items in the storage space 610 have been removed, thereby reducing or avoiding unnecessary thawing energy consumption.

[0071] In one example, a pressure detector may be installed at the bottom of the storage space 610, and the thawed items in the storage space 610 may be placed above the pressure detector. When the detection value of the pressure detector drops suddenly to zero or drops suddenly to a preset value, it indicates that the thawed items in the storage space 610 have been taken out.

[0072] In some optional embodiments, after shutting down the oxygen processing device 300, the control method may further include periodically activating the oxygen processing device 300 if the thawed items in the storage space 610 are not removed within a specified time. The specified time may be any value within the range of 0.5 to 2 hours. In the step of periodically activating the oxygen processing device 300, the oxygen processing device 300 may be activated every 0.5 to 2 hours.

[0073] Since the storage space 610 is not absolutely sealed, the oxygen content in the storage space 610 will continue to decrease over time. By periodically starting the oxygen processing device 300, oxygen can be replenished to the storage space 610 in a timely manner, so that the storage space 610 always maintains a high oxygen content.

[0074] In some optional embodiments, after shutting down the oxygen processing device 300, the control method may further include: if the thawed items in the storage space 610 are not removed within a specified time, supplying a refrigerated airflow to the storage space 610 and adjusting the temperature of the storage space 610 to a preset fresh-keeping temperature. The specified time may be any value within the range of 0.5 to 2 hours.

[0075] During the thawing process, since the temperature of the thawed material in the storage space 610 is relatively high, it is not conducive to long-term storage of the thawed material. By inputting refrigeration airflow into the storage space 610, the temperature of the storage space 610 can be timely lowered.

[0076] Using the above method, when the thawed items in the storage space 610 are not taken out within the specified time, a refrigerated airflow is input into the storage space 610 to form a low-temperature environment in the storage space 610, which can achieve both air conditioning and freshness preservation. This is beneficial for the storage space 610 to create a good storage environment according to storage needs and delay the spoilage of the thawed items.

[0077] In one example, if the thawed items in the storage space 610 are not taken out within a specified time, the refrigerator 20 may issue a reminder signal to prompt the user to take out the thawed items as soon as possible.

[0078] In some optional embodiments, a heat source for heating the storage space 610 is further provided in the refrigerator 20. The step of starting thawing includes: receiving a thawing instruction, and starting the heat source according to the thawing instruction to heat the storage space 610.

[0079] The heat source may be an electric heating element that generates heat when powered to heat the storage space 610. The heat source may be connected to a power supply in a switchable manner. The power supply may be integrated into the main control board of the refrigerator 20, or may be another type of power supply that is independently provided from the main control board.

[0080] In some optional embodiments, there may be multiple heat sources, each with a preset different heating efficiency. The step of activating the heat source according to the thawing instruction includes: parsing the thawing instruction to determine a desired heat source corresponding to the thawing instruction, and activating the desired heat source.

[0081] The desired heat source refers to at least one heat source corresponding to the thawing instruction. The thawing instruction may be selected or issued by a user and may carry the desired thawing time for the thawing product selected or issued by the user.

[0082] Using the above method, in the step of starting the defrosting, by determining the desired heat source corresponding to the defrosting instruction and starting the desired heat source, it is beneficial to flexibly adjust the defrosting efficiency and meet the user's diverse defrosting needs.

[0083] In some optional embodiments, the refrigerator 20 can achieve higher technical effects by further optimizing and configuring the above steps. The control method of the refrigerator 20 of this embodiment is described in detail below in combination with the introduction of the optional execution process of this embodiment. This embodiment is only an example of the execution process. During the specific implementation, the execution order and operating conditions of some steps can be modified according to the specific implementation requirements.

[0084] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a control flow chart of a refrigerator 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control flow generally includes the following steps:

[0085] Step S602: receiving a thawing instruction.

[0086] Step S604: parsing the thawing instruction to determine the desired heat source corresponding to the thawing instruction.

[0087] Step S606: start the desired heat source.

[0088] Step S608 , detecting the temperature of the storage space 610 .

[0089] In step S610 , when the temperature of the storage space 610 reaches a preset first threshold, the oxygen processing device 300 is started to input the oxygen generated by the oxygen processing device 300 into the storage space 610 .

[0090] Step S612: continuously detecting the temperature of the storage space 610, and when the temperature of the storage space 610 reaches a preset second threshold, increasing the oxygen generation rate of the oxygen processing device 300, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, and the second threshold is greater than or equal to the ice crystal point temperature.

[0091] Step S614 , obtaining the oxygen content of the storage space 610 .

[0092] Step S616, determining whether the oxygen content in the storage space 610 reaches a preset content threshold, if so, executing step S618, if not, executing step S614.

[0093] Step S618: Turn off the oxygen processing device 300.

[0094] Step S620 , obtaining a sensing signal indicating that the thawed items in the storage space 610 have been taken out.

[0095] Step S622, stop thawing.

[0096] In step S624, if the thawed objects in the storage space 610 are not taken out within a specified time, the oxygen processing device 300 is periodically started.

[0097] Step S626: Input cooling airflow into the storage space 610 and adjust the temperature of the storage space 610 to a preset fresh-keeping temperature.

[0098] The refrigerator 20 and control method of the present invention, by introducing oxygen into the storage space 610 after thawing is initiated, allows the food to continuously be exposed to oxygen during the thawing process, thereby preserving or enhancing its freshness. The present invention utilizes a controlled atmosphere to optimize the thawing process, thereby ensuring that the thawed food remains fresh.

[0099] At this point, those skilled in the art will recognize that, although a number of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications consistent with the principles of the present invention may be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed to cover all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator is provided with a storage space for thawing, and the control method comprises: Start thawing; inputting oxygen into the storage space; The refrigerator is provided with an oxygen processing device for generating oxygen through an electrochemical reaction; and The step of inputting oxygen into the storage space comprises: detecting the temperature of the storage space; When the temperature of the storage space reaches a preset first threshold, starting the oxygen processing device to input the oxygen generated by the oxygen processing device into the storage space; After starting the oxygen processing device, the step of inputting oxygen into the storage space further includes: The temperature of the storage space is continuously detected, and when the temperature of the storage space reaches a preset second threshold, the oxygen generation rate of the oxygen processing device is increased, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, and the second threshold is greater than or equal to the ice crystal point temperature.

2. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising, after increasing the oxygen generation rate of the oxygen processing device: obtaining the oxygen content of the storage space; Determining whether the oxygen content in the storage space reaches a preset content threshold; If so, the oxygen processing device is turned off.

3. The control method according to claim 2, further comprising, after shutting down the oxygen processing device: obtaining a sensing signal indicating that the thawed items in the storage space have been taken out; Stop thawing.

4. The control method according to claim 2, further comprising, after shutting down the oxygen processing device: If the thawed objects in the storage space are not taken out within a specified time, the oxygen processing device is periodically started.

5. The control method according to claim 2, further comprising, after shutting down the oxygen processing device: If the thawed items in the storage space are not taken out within a specified time, a refrigeration airflow is input into the storage space, and the temperature of the storage space is adjusted to a preset fresh-keeping temperature.

6. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerator is also provided with a heat source for heating the storage space; and The steps to start thawing include: Receive unfreezing instructions; The heat source is activated according to the defrosting instruction to heat the storage space.

7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein: The step of starting the heat source according to the thawing instruction includes: parsing the thawing instruction to determine a desired heat source corresponding to the thawing instruction; The desired heat source is activated.

8. A refrigerator, comprising a storage space, and further comprising: A processor and a memory, wherein a machine executable program is stored in the memory, and when the machine executable program is executed by the processor, it is used to implement the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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