Beverage cabinet and method for determining beverage saturation

Abstract

The present application proposes a beverage cabinet and a method for determining beverage saturation, belonging to the field of electrical appliance technology. This method uses a built-in timer in a controller to separately measure a first time and a third time, from the time when cooling or heating stops to the time when cooling or heating is restarted during a full beverage load and actual use. Simultaneously, the timer can also separately measure a second time and a fourth time, from the time when cooling or heating starts to the time when cooling or heating stops during a full beverage load and actual use. Thus, the third time can be divided by the first time to obtain a first ratio, and the fourth time can be divided by the second time to obtain a second ratio. The average of the first and second ratios is used as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet, ensuring accuracy while being low-cost, simple, and easy to implement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electrical appliance technology, and in particular to a beverage cabinet and a method for determining beverage saturation. Background Art

[0002] Beverage cabinets on the market are generally provided with multiple shelves for placing beverages.

[0003] In the related art, beverage cabinets typically include a cabinet body defining a storage chamber with a forward opening; and a cabinet door that is openably connected to the cabinet body and used to open and close the storage chamber. The cabinet body also includes a refrigeration system, such as in beverage cabinets used to refrigerate beverages and other items. The refrigeration system cools the storage chamber. Beverage cabinets may also include a heating system, such as in beverage cabinets used to heat and store beverages and other items.

[0004] Currently, the main technologies for detecting the saturation of beverages in beverage cabinets include weighing detection and camera detection. The former uses the weight detection of beverages in the beverage cabinet to infer the number of beverages in the cabinet and compares it with the full load to obtain the beverage saturation. The beverage saturation obtained by this technical solution is relatively accurate, but the structure is complex, the cost is relatively high, and weight calibration is required, which leads to low factory production efficiency. The latter uses camera photo recognition technology to compare with the photo when it is fully loaded to obtain the saturation of the beverage. The data is accurate, but the cost is high because it requires a camera and a supporting industrial computer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to propose a beverage cabinet and a method for determining beverage saturation, which aims to determine the beverage saturation by calculating the ratio of the cooling or heating start and stop time when the beverage is fully loaded to the actual use process. While ensuring accuracy, the cost is low, and the determination method is simple and easy to implement.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining beverage saturation in a beverage cabinet, the beverage cabinet comprising:

[0007] a cabinet body defining a storage chamber therein, the storage chamber being used to store beverages, the storage chamber having a forward opening;

[0008] a cabinet door, which is openably connected to the cabinet body and is used to open and close the storage chamber;

[0009] a refrigeration system, which is disposed in the cabinet and is used to cool the storage chamber;

[0010] or a heating system, which is provided in the cabinet and is used to heat the storage chamber;

[0011] a temperature sensor, disposed in the storage chamber and configured to collect the temperature in the storage chamber;

[0012] A controller having a built-in timer, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor;

[0013] The method comprises:

[0014] When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, a first time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from a first set temperature to a second set temperature is obtained by measuring by the timer, and a second time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature is obtained by measuring by the timer, wherein the first set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to stopping cooling or stopping heating, and the second set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to starting cooling or starting heating;

[0015] During actual use of the beverage cabinet, the timer measures a third time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the first set temperature to the second set temperature, and measures a fourth time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature. The third time is divided by the first time to obtain a first ratio, and the fourth time is divided by the second time to obtain a second ratio. The average of the first and second ratios is used as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet.

[0016] The third time is divided by the first time to obtain a first ratio, the fourth time is divided by the second time to obtain a second ratio, and the average of the first ratio and the second ratio is used as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet.

[0017] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0018] During the actual use of the beverage cabinet with a full load of beverages, the ratio of the cooling or heating start and stop times corresponds to the ratio of the number of beverages to the full load. The controller's built-in timer can be used to measure the first and third times from the time cooling or heating is stopped to the time cooling or heating is restarted during the full load of beverages and actual use. Simultaneously, the timer can also measure the second and fourth times from the time cooling or heating is started to the time cooling or heating is stopped during the full load of beverages and actual use. The third time can be divided by the first time to obtain a first ratio, and the fourth time can be divided by the second time to obtain a second ratio. The average of the first and second ratios is then used as the saturation of the beverages in the beverage cabinet. This ensures accuracy while being low-cost and easy to implement.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, an embodiment of the present application further provides a method for determining beverage saturation in a beverage cabinet, the beverage cabinet comprising:

[0020] a cabinet body defining a storage chamber therein, the storage chamber being used to store beverages, the storage chamber having a forward opening;

[0021] a cabinet door, which is openably connected to the cabinet body and is used to open and close the storage chamber;

[0022] a refrigeration system, which is disposed in the cabinet and is used to cool the storage chamber;

[0023] or a heating system, which is provided in the cabinet and is used to heat the storage chamber;

[0024] a temperature sensor, disposed in the storage chamber and configured to collect the temperature in the storage chamber;

[0025] A controller having a built-in timer, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor;

[0026] The method comprises:

[0027] When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, a first time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from a first set temperature to a second set temperature is measured by the timer, wherein the first set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to stopping cooling or stopping heating, and the second set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to starting cooling or starting heating;

[0028] During actual use of the beverage cabinet, a third time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the first set temperature to the second set temperature is obtained by measuring with the timer;

[0029] The third time is divided by the first time to obtain a first ratio, and the first ratio is used as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet.

[0030] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0031] The ratio of the cooling or heating start-up and stop times between the full load of beverages and the actual use of the beverage cabinet corresponds to the ratio of the number of beverages to the full load. The controller's built-in timer can be used to measure the first and third times between the full load of beverages and the actual use of the cabinet, from the time cooling or heating is stopped to the time cooling or heating is restarted. The first ratio, obtained by dividing the third time by the first time, can be used as the saturation level of the beverages in the cabinet. This ensures accuracy while being low-cost and easy to implement.

[0032] To achieve the above objectives, an embodiment of the present application further provides a method for determining beverage saturation in a beverage cabinet, the beverage cabinet comprising:

[0033] a cabinet body defining a storage chamber therein, the storage chamber being used to store beverages, the storage chamber having a forward opening;

[0034] a cabinet door, which is openably connected to the cabinet body and is used to open and close the storage chamber;

[0035] a refrigeration system, which is disposed in the cabinet and is used to cool the storage chamber;

[0036] or a heating system, which is provided in the cabinet and is used to heat the storage chamber;

[0037] a temperature sensor, disposed in the storage chamber and configured to collect the temperature in the storage chamber;

[0038] A controller having a built-in timer, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor;

[0039] The method comprises:

[0040] When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, a second time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature is measured by the timer, wherein the first set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to stopping cooling or stopping heating, and the second set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to starting cooling or starting heating;

[0041] During actual use of the beverage cabinet, a fourth time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature is obtained by measuring with the timer;

[0042] The fourth time is divided by the second time to obtain a second ratio, and the second ratio is used as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet.

[0043] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0044] The ratio of the cooling or heating start and stop times between the full load of beverages and the actual use of the beverage cabinet corresponds to the ratio of the number of beverages to the full load. The controller's built-in timer can be used to measure the second and fourth times from the start of cooling or heating to the stop of cooling or heating during the full load of beverages and actual use. The second ratio, obtained by dividing the fourth time by the second time, can be used as the saturation level of the beverages in the beverage cabinet. This ensures accuracy while being low-cost and easy to implement.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present application, when the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, obtaining a first time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from a first set temperature to a second set temperature by the timer includes:

[0046] When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the first set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop cooling or the heating system is controlled to stop heating, and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0047] After stopping cooling or heating, when detecting that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor returns to the second set temperature, controlling the timer to stop timing, and obtaining the timing time of the timer as the first time;

[0048] During actual use of the beverage cabinet, obtaining, by the timer, a third time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the first set temperature to the second set temperature includes:

[0049] During actual use of the beverage cabinet, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the first set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration or the heating system is controlled to stop heating, and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0050] After stopping cooling or heating, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor returns to the second set temperature, the timer is controlled to stop timing, and the timing time of the timer is obtained as the third time.

[0051] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0052] When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, upon detecting that the temperature in the storage chamber detected by the temperature sensor has reached a first set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration or the heating system is controlled to stop heating, and a timer is controlled to start timing; upon detecting that the temperature in the storage chamber detected by the temperature sensor has returned to a second set temperature, the timer is controlled to stop timing, thereby obtaining the first time. Similarly, during actual use of the beverage cabinet, upon detecting that the temperature in the storage chamber detected by the temperature sensor has reached the first set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration or the heating system is controlled to stop heating, and a timer is controlled to start timing; upon detecting that the temperature in the storage chamber detected by the temperature sensor has returned to a second set temperature, the timer is controlled to stop timing, thereby obtaining the third time. The control method is simple and easy to implement.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present application, the beverage cabinet further includes a door opening detection device, the door opening detection device being electrically connected to the controller, and the door opening detection device being configured to detect an open or closed state of the cabinet door. After controlling the refrigeration system to stop refrigeration or controlling the heating system to stop heating, and controlling the timer to start timing, the method further includes:

[0054] If the door opening detection device detects that the cabinet door is open, the timer is reset and the process returns to the step of controlling the refrigeration system to stop cooling or the heating system to stop heating, and controlling the timer to start timing when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the first set temperature.

[0055] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0056] Considering that the temperature outside the cabinet door will affect the temperature inside the storage chamber after the cabinet door is opened, thereby affecting the timer timing, the embodiment of the present application provides a door opening detection device. When the door opening detection device detects that the cabinet door is opened, the timer timing is reset to zero. The timer timing is restarted when the temperature reaches the first set temperature for stopping cooling or heating, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the timer timing.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present application, when the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, obtaining, by the timer, a second time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature includes:

[0058] When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to start cooling or the heating system is controlled to start heating, and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0059] After cooling or heating starts, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor changes to the first set temperature, the timer is controlled to stop timing, and the timing time of the timer is obtained as the second time;

[0060] During actual use of the beverage cabinet, obtaining, by the timer, a fourth time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature includes:

[0061] During actual use of the beverage cabinet, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to start cooling or the heating system is controlled to start heating, and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0062] After cooling or heating starts, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor changes to the first set temperature, the timer is controlled to stop timing, and the timing time of the timer is obtained as the fourth time.

[0063] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0064] When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, upon detecting that the temperature in the storage chamber, as detected by the temperature sensor, has reached the second set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to start cooling or the heating system is controlled to start heating, and a timer is controlled to start timing. Upon detecting that the temperature in the storage chamber, as detected by the temperature sensor, has changed to the first set temperature, the timer is controlled to stop timing, thereby obtaining the second time. This control method is simple and easy to implement. Similarly, during actual use of the beverage cabinet, upon detecting that the temperature in the storage chamber, as detected by the temperature sensor, has reached the second set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to start cooling or the heating system is controlled to start heating, and a timer is controlled to start timing. Upon detecting that the temperature in the storage chamber, as detected by the temperature sensor, has changed to the first set temperature, the timer is controlled to stop timing, thereby obtaining the fourth time. This control method is simple and easy to implement.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present application, the beverage cabinet further includes a door opening detection device, the door opening detection device being electrically connected to the controller, and the door opening detection device being configured to detect an open or closed state of the cabinet door. After controlling the refrigeration system to start cooling or controlling the heating system to start heating, and controlling the timer to start timing, the method further includes:

[0066] If the door opening detection device detects that the cabinet door is open, the timing of the timer is reset and the process returns to the step of controlling the refrigeration system to start cooling or controlling the heating system to start heating and controlling the timer to start timing when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature.

[0067] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0068] Considering that the temperature outside the cabinet door will affect the temperature inside the storage chamber after the cabinet door is opened, thereby affecting the timer timing, the embodiment of the present application provides a door opening detection device. When the door opening detection device detects that the cabinet door is opened, the timer timing is reset to zero. The timer timing is restarted when the temperature reaches the first set temperature for stopping cooling or heating, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the timer timing.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present application, after calculating the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet, the method further includes:

[0070] determining whether the calculated saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet is less than a first set value;

[0071] If the calculated saturation of the beverages in the beverage cabinet is less than the first set value, a replenishment reminder message is sent to prompt the user to replenish the beverages.

[0072] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0073] After the saturation of the beverages in the beverage cabinet is calculated, if the saturation of the beverages in the beverage cabinet is less than a first set value, a replenishment reminder message is sent to prompt the user to replenish the stock, thereby reminding the user to replenish the stock in time.

[0074] To achieve the above objectives, the present application provides a beverage cabinet, comprising:

[0075] a cabinet body defining a storage chamber therein, the storage chamber being used to store beverages, the storage chamber having a forward opening;

[0076] a cabinet door, which is openably connected to the cabinet body and is used to open and close the storage chamber;

[0077] a refrigeration system, which is disposed in the cabinet and is used to cool the storage chamber;

[0078] or a heating system, which is provided in the cabinet and is used to heat the storage chamber;

[0079] a temperature sensor, disposed in the storage chamber and configured to collect the temperature in the storage chamber;

[0080] A controller having a built-in timer, the controller being electrically connected to the temperature sensor, and the controller being used in the method described in any embodiment of the present application.

[0081] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0082] Because the controller of the beverage cabinet is capable of executing the control method described in any embodiment of the present application, the controller's built-in timer can be used to measure the first and third times between the time when cooling or heating is stopped and the time when cooling or heating is restarted, respectively, during a full beverage load and actual use. Simultaneously, the timer can also be used to measure the second and fourth times between the time when cooling or heating is started and the time when cooling or heating is stopped, respectively. Thus, the third time can be divided by the first time to obtain a first ratio, and the fourth time can be divided by the second time to obtain a second ratio. The average of the first and second ratios is then used as the saturation level of the beverage in the beverage cabinet. This ensures accuracy while being low-cost and easy to implement.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present application, the beverage cabinet further includes a door opening detection device, which is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect an open / closed state of the cabinet door.

[0084] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0085] By setting up a door opening detection device, the door opening detection device can detect the door opening and closing status of the cabinet door and send it to the controller, so that the controller can control the timing of the timer based on the door opening and closing status of the cabinet door, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the timer timing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] Figure 1 This is a front perspective diagram of a beverage cabinet according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0087] Figure 2 This is a flow chart of a method for determining beverage saturation in a beverage cabinet provided in Example 1 of the present application.

[0088] Figure 3 This is a first flow chart for obtaining a first time provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0089] Figure 4 This is a second flow chart for obtaining the first time provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0090] Figure 5 This is a first flow chart for obtaining the third time provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a second flow chart for obtaining the third time provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0092] Figure 7 This is a first flow chart for obtaining the second time provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0093] Figure 8This is a second flow chart for obtaining the second time provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0094] Figure 9 This is a first flow chart for obtaining the fourth time provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0095] Figure 10 This is a second flow chart for obtaining the fourth time provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0096] Figure 11 This is a flow chart of a method for determining beverage saturation in a beverage cabinet provided in Example 2 of the present application.

[0097] Figure 12 This is a flow chart of a method for determining beverage saturation in a beverage cabinet provided in Example 3 of the present application.

[0098] Reference numerals:

[0099] Cabinet body 1, storage chamber 11, cabinet door 12, temperature sensor 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0101] It should be noted that although the device schematics illustrate functional module divisions and the flowcharts illustrate logical sequences, in certain circumstances, the steps shown or described may be performed in a sequence that differs from the module divisions in the device or the sequence in the flowcharts. The terms "first," "second," and so on, in the specification, claims, and drawings, are used to distinguish similar items and are not necessarily used to describe a specific sequence or precedence.

[0102] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of this application only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0103] Beverage cabinets, also known as beverage display cabinets, are used to display beverages in shopping malls or convenience stores. As people's living standards improve, the demand for a variety of beverages is increasing. Different beverages have different temperature requirements. In order to meet this demand of customers, various supermarkets and convenience stores have a large number of refrigerated cabinets and heated cabinets.

[0104] However, the current technologies for detecting the saturation of beverages in beverage cabinets mainly include weighing detection and camera detection. The former uses the weight detection of beverages in the beverage cabinet to infer the number of beverages in the cabinet, and compares it with the full load to obtain the beverage saturation. The beverage saturation obtained by this technical solution is relatively accurate, but the structure is complex, the cost is relatively high, and weight calibration is required, resulting in low factory production efficiency. The latter uses camera photo recognition technology to compare with the photo when it is fully loaded to obtain the saturation of the beverage. The data is accurate, but the cost is high because it requires a camera and a supporting industrial computer.

[0105] Based on this, an embodiment of the present application proposes a method for determining the beverage saturation of a beverage cabinet, which aims to determine the beverage saturation by calculating the ratio of the cooling or heating start and stop time when the beverage is fully loaded to the actual use process. While ensuring accuracy, the cost is low, and the determination method is simple and easy to implement.

[0106] The beverage cabinet of the embodiment of the present application can be a refrigeration or heating cabinet such as a cold drink cabinet, a hot drink cabinet, a cooling and heating cabinet, and the technical solution for improving the beverage cabinet of the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below.

[0107] Figure 1 This is a front perspective diagram of a beverage cabinet according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0108] See also Figure 1 As shown, the beverage cabinet provided in the embodiment of the present application may include a cabinet body 1. The cabinet body 1 may adopt a hollow structure such as a rectangular parallelepiped. The cabinet body 1 forms the outer shell of the beverage cabinet. It should be noted that the cabinet body 1 may also adopt a hollow shell structure of other shapes.

[0109] See also Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, a storage chamber 11 may be provided inside the cabinet 1 , and the storage chamber 11 is used to store beverages.

[0110] See also Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the storage chamber 11 can be used as an independent storage space to meet different needs such as refrigeration or heating according to different types of food, and to store beverages that need to be refrigerated or heated. The storage chamber 11 can be divided into upper and lower sections, or left and right sections.

[0111] See also Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the beverage cabinet may include a tank, and a storage chamber 11 may be formed in the tank.

[0112] See also Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the beverage cabinet may include a cabinet door 12. The cabinet door 12 can be connected to the cabinet body 1 in an openable and closable manner to open and close the storage chamber 11.

[0113] It should be noted that a plurality of cabinet doors 12 can be provided, and the cabinet doors 12 can be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the storage chambers 11 .

[0114] The cabinet door 12 can be transparent. In other words, the user can see the beverages placed in the storage chamber 11 through the cabinet door 12. This makes it easier for the user to select the beverage they want. In other words, the user can observe the position of the beverage within the storage chamber 11 before removing it, allowing the user to quickly remove the beverage after opening the cabinet door 12. This shortens the opening time of the cabinet door 12, reduces cooling or heat loss from the storage chamber 11, and thus reduces the number of times the beverage cabinet's compressor needs to be turned on, thereby reducing the beverage cabinet's energy consumption.

[0115] In some embodiments, the cabinet door 12 may include a door frame and a glass panel, with the glass panel being positioned within the door frame. This not only allows the beverages stored in the storage chamber 11 to be visible through the glass panel, but also enhances the appearance of the beverage cabinet. Advantageously, the door frame may be a metal door frame having a groove therein, into which the glass panel may be positioned. Specifically, the outer edge of the glass panel may be positioned within the groove. The door frame may be provided with a door handle to facilitate opening and closing the cabinet door 12 by the user.

[0116] In some embodiments, the glass panel may be double-layered insulating glass, which can provide thermal insulation and reduce the loss of cold or heat in the storage chamber 11, thereby reducing the number of times the compressor of the beverage cabinet is turned on and reducing the energy consumption of the beverage cabinet.

[0117] In some embodiments, the beverage cabinet may include a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system may be located within the cabinet body 1. The refrigeration system can be used to provide cool air to the storage chamber 11 of the beverage cabinet, thereby maintaining a low-temperature environment within the storage chamber 11. A refrigeration system utilizes a refrigerant cycle to reduce temperatures and may include components such as a compressor, a condenser, a throttling element, and an evaporator. By circulating a refrigerant, the refrigeration system transfers heat from a low-temperature object to a high-temperature object, thereby achieving a cooling effect.

[0118] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system may include a compressor. The compressor may serve as the power source of the refrigeration cycle, drawing in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas and compressing it into high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The compressor may deliver the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to the condenser.

[0119] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system may include a condenser (not shown). The condenser may receive refrigerant flowing out of the compressor and cool the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas from the compressor into a liquid state. The condenser may transfer heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding air, thereby lowering the refrigerant temperature.

[0120] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system may include a throttling device (not shown). The condenser may deliver the condensed refrigerant to the throttling device. The throttling device may be a capillary tube. The throttling device may be used to throttle and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0121] In some embodiments, the compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator may be sequentially connected to form a refrigeration circuit, in which a refrigerant may circulate to cool the storage chamber 11 inside the cabinet 1 .

[0122] In some embodiments, the beverage cabinet may include a heating system. The heating system may be located within the cabinet body 1. The heating system can be used to provide heat to the storage chamber 11 of the beverage cabinet to maintain a relatively high temperature within the storage chamber 11. The heating system utilizes a refrigerant cycle to increase the temperature and may include components such as a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a heating element.

[0123] The heating system transfers heat energy by utilizing air circulation, transferring the heat generated by the heating element to the storage chamber 11, thereby achieving the purpose of heating. Specifically, the heating system adopts the principle of refrigerant circulation heating. The refrigerant is first compressed into a high-pressure gas by an electronic diaphragm compressor, and then the high-temperature and high-pressure gas is cooled into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant by a condenser. The pressure is then reduced by an expansion valve, turning the high-pressure liquid refrigerant into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. Finally, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is turned into a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant by an evaporator. In this process, the heating element absorbs heat from the air, and then this part of the heat is transferred to the object to be heated in the storage chamber 11 through the heater.

[0124] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The beverage cabinet further includes a temperature sensor 13 , which is disposed in the storage chamber 11 and is used to collect the temperature in the storage chamber 11 .

[0125] In some embodiments, the beverage cabinet further includes a door opening detection device, which is used to detect the open / close state of the cabinet door 12 .

[0126] In some embodiments, the beverage cabinet further includes a controller, in which a timer is provided. The temperature sensor 13 is electrically connected to the controller so that the collected temperature in the storage chamber 11 can be sent to the controller. Thus, when the controller detects that the temperature in the storage chamber 11 reaches the second set temperature for starting cooling or starting heating, the refrigeration system is controlled to start cooling or the heating system is controlled to start heating. When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber 11 reaches the first set temperature for stopping cooling or stopping heating, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop cooling or the heating system is controlled to stop heating. The door opening detection device is electrically connected to the controller so that the door opening detection device can send the detected door opening and closing status of the cabinet door to the controller, so that the controller can control the timing of the timer based on the door opening and closing status of the cabinet door, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the timer timing.

[0127] Example 1

[0128] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flow chart of a method for determining beverage saturation in a beverage cabinet provided in the first embodiment of the present application, which is executed by a controller of the beverage cabinet provided in the embodiment of the present application, including but not limited to steps S210 to S230.

[0129] Step S210: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, a first time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from a first set temperature to a second set temperature is measured by a timer, and a second time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature is measured by the timer, wherein the first set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to stopping cooling or stopping heating, and the second set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to starting cooling or starting heating;

[0130] Step S220: During actual use of the beverage cabinet, a third time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the first set temperature to the second set temperature is obtained by measuring with a timer, and a fourth time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature is obtained by measuring with a timer;

[0131] Step S230: Divide the third time by the first time to obtain a first ratio, divide the fourth time by the second time to obtain a second ratio, and use the average of the first ratio and the second ratio as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet.

[0132] In the embodiment of the present application, the beverage saturation of the display beverage cabinet refers to the ratio of the number of beverages currently in the beverage cabinet to the full load of beverages. By monitoring the beverage saturation in the beverage cabinet, it helps customers to replenish stocks in time and improves the sales efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0133] Taking a cold drink cabinet as an example, when the cold drink cabinet is operating, the more drinks there are in it, the longer it takes to reach the first set temperature at which refrigeration stops. According to the energy formula Q = CMΔT = P*t, where C is the cold drink cabinet's comprehensive specific heat capacity coefficient, which is the combined value of the specific heat capacity of the drinks and the specific heat capacity of the air inside the cabinet, M is the total weight of the drinks, which is equal to the product of the weight of each drink m and the number of drinks n, and ΔT is the cold drink cabinet's cooling differential temperature, which is a constant value. That is, after the temperature in the cold drink cabinet's storage chamber 11 reaches the first set temperature Ts at which refrigeration stops, the refrigeration system stops cooling, the temperature in the storage chamber 11 rises to the second set temperature T1, and the refrigeration system restarts cooling. ΔT = T1-Ts; P is the cooling power, and t is the time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to drop from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts after refrigeration is restarted. Therefore, the number of drinks n = t*P / Cm(T1-Ts). When the cold drink cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to drop from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts after the refrigeration is restarted, as measured in actual engineering, is ta_max. The beverage saturation in the cold drink cabinet F1 = n / n_max*100% = t1 / ta_max*100%. Here, n is the number of beverages during actual use of the cold drink cabinet, n_max is the full load of beverages, t1 is the fourth time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to drop from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts after the refrigeration is restarted during actual use of the cold drink cabinet, and ta_max is the second time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to drop from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts after the refrigeration is restarted when the cold drink cabinet is fully loaded.

[0134] Similarly, according to the above energy formula Q=CMΔT=P*t, when the storage chamber 11 reaches the first set temperature Ts for stopping refrigeration, the refrigeration system stops refrigeration, and the time required for the cold drink cabinet to return to the second set temperature T1 from the first set temperature Ts for starting refrigeration is proportional to the weight of the beverage. When the cold drink cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to rise from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 after refrigeration is restarted is measured through engineering practice as tb_max. The cold drink cabinet beverage saturation F2 can be calculated as follows: n / n_max*100%=t2 / tb_max*100%, where n is the number of beverages during actual use of the cold drink cabinet, n_max is the full load of beverages, t2 is the third time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to return from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 after refrigeration is stopped during actual use of the cold drink cabinet, and tb_max is the first time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to return from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 after refrigeration is stopped when the cold drink cabinet is fully loaded. The beverage saturation F1 under cooling and the beverage saturation F2 under heating are then averaged to obtain the beverage saturation F of the cold drink cabinet as 1 / 2(F1+F2).

[0135] In the embodiment of the present application, a timer built into the controller can be used to measure the first and third times between the time when the refrigerator is fully loaded with beverages and when cooling or heating is stopped and when cooling or heating is restarted. Furthermore, the timer can also measure the second and fourth times between the time when cooling or heating is started and when cooling or heating is stopped, respectively. Thus, the third time can be divided by the first time to obtain a first ratio, and the fourth time can be divided by the second time to obtain a second ratio. The average of the first and second ratios is then used as the saturation of the beverages in the beverage cabinet. This ensures accuracy while being low-cost and easy to implement.

[0136] It should be noted that hot drink coolers (i.e., those used to heat and store beverages and other items) utilize a heating system to heat the storage chamber. The calculation principle and logic for beverage saturation in hot drink coolers are consistent with those for cold drink coolers described above and are not further elaborated here.

[0137] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a first flow chart for obtaining the first time provided by an embodiment of the present application, including but not limited to steps S310 to S360.

[0138] Step S310: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the beverage cabinet is powered on;

[0139] Step S320, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is less than or equal to a first set temperature Ts;

[0140] Step S330: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is less than or equal to the first set temperature Ts, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0141] Step S340, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the second set temperature T1;

[0142] Step S350: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is greater than or equal to the second set temperature T1, the refrigeration system is controlled to start refrigeration and the timer is controlled to stop timing;

[0143] Step S360: Obtain the timing time of the timer as the first time tb_max.

[0144] In the embodiment of the present application, when the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the start and stop of the refrigeration system is controlled by detecting the temperature in the storage chamber 11 collected by the temperature sensor 13, and the timer is controlled to obtain the first time tb_max taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 (that is, from stopping refrigeration to restarting refrigeration). The control method is simple and easy to implement.

[0145] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a second flowchart for obtaining the first time provided by an embodiment of the present application, including but not limited to steps S410 to 490.

[0146] Step S410: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the beverage cabinet is powered on;

[0147] Step S420, detecting the open / close state of the cabinet door by means of a door opening detection device;

[0148] Step S430: When the cabinet door is in a closed state, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is less than or equal to a first set temperature Ts;

[0149] Step S440: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is less than or equal to the first set temperature Ts, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0150] Step S450, detecting the open / close state of the cabinet door by means of a door opening detection device;

[0151] Step S460: When it is detected that the cabinet door is opened, the timer is reset and the process returns to step S420;

[0152] Step S470: When the cabinet door is detected to be in a closed state, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a second set temperature T1;

[0153] Step S480: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is greater than or equal to the second set temperature T1, the refrigeration system is controlled to start refrigeration and the timer is controlled to stop timing;

[0154] Step S490: Obtain the timing time of the timer as the first time tb_max.

[0155] In an embodiment of the present application, when the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the start and stop of the refrigeration system is controlled by detecting the temperature in the storage chamber 11 acquired by the temperature sensor 13, and the timer is controlled to obtain the first time tb_max taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 (i.e., from stopping refrigeration to restarting refrigeration). The control method is simple and easy to implement. Considering that the temperature outside the cabinet door will affect the temperature in the storage chamber 11 after the cabinet door is opened, it will affect the accuracy of the timer timing. In the timing process of the embodiment of the present application, the door opening detection device is used to detect the open and close state of the cabinet door 12, and when it is detected that the cabinet door is opened, the timer timing is reset to zero, and then the timer timing is controlled again based on the temperature in the storage chamber 11 acquired by the temperature sensor 13, so as to ensure the accuracy of the timer timing.

[0156] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a first flow chart for obtaining the third time provided by an embodiment of the present application, including but not limited to steps S510 to S560.

[0157] Step S510, during actual use of the beverage cabinet, the beverage cabinet operates normally;

[0158] Step S520, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is less than or equal to a first set temperature Ts;

[0159] Step S530: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is less than or equal to the first set temperature Ts, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0160] Step S540, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the second set temperature T1;

[0161] Step S550: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is greater than or equal to the second set temperature T1, the refrigeration system is controlled to start refrigeration and the timer is controlled to stop timing;

[0162] Step S560: Obtain the timing time of the timer as the third time t2.

[0163] In the embodiment of the present application, during the actual use of the beverage cabinet, the start and stop of the refrigeration system is controlled by detecting the temperature in the storage chamber 11 collected by the temperature sensor 13, and the timer is controlled to obtain the third time t2 taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 (that is, from stopping refrigeration to restarting refrigeration). The control method is simple and easy to implement.

[0164] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a second flowchart for obtaining the third time provided by an embodiment of the present application, including but not limited to steps S610 to 690.

[0165] Step S610, during actual use of the beverage cabinet, the beverage cabinet operates normally;

[0166] Step S620, detecting the open / close state of the cabinet door by means of a door opening detection device;

[0167] Step S630: When the cabinet door is in a closed state, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is less than or equal to a first set temperature Ts;

[0168] Step S640: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is less than or equal to the first set temperature Ts, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0169] Step S650, detecting the open / close state of the cabinet door by means of a door opening detection device;

[0170] Step S660: When it is detected that the cabinet door is opened, the timer is reset to zero and the process returns to step S620;

[0171] Step S670: When the cabinet door is detected to be in a closed state, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a second set temperature T1;

[0172] Step S680: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is greater than or equal to the second set temperature T1, the refrigeration system is controlled to start refrigeration and the timer is controlled to stop timing;

[0173] Step S690: Obtain the timing time of the timer as the third time t2.

[0174] In the embodiment of the present application, during the actual use of the beverage cabinet, the start and stop of the refrigeration system is controlled by detecting the temperature in the storage chamber 11 acquired by the temperature sensor 13, and the timer is controlled to obtain the third time t2 taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 (i.e., from stopping refrigeration to restarting refrigeration). The control method is simple and easy to implement. Considering that the temperature outside the cabinet door will affect the temperature in the storage chamber 11 after the cabinet door is opened, it will affect the accuracy of the timer timing. In the timing process of the embodiment of the present application, the door opening detection device is used to detect the open and close state of the cabinet door 12, and when it is detected that the cabinet door is opened, the timer timing is reset to zero, and then the timer timing is controlled based on the temperature in the storage chamber 11 acquired by the temperature sensor 13, so as to ensure the accuracy of the timer timing.

[0175] In the embodiment of the present application, when the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the first time tb_max taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 (i.e., from stopping refrigeration to restarting refrigeration) is calculated, and during the actual use of the beverage cabinet, the third time t2 taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 (i.e., from stopping refrigeration to restarting refrigeration) is calculated, and the beverage saturation F2 during the cooling process can be calculated as F2 = n / n_max*100% = t2 / tb_max*100%.

[0176] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a first flow chart for obtaining the second time provided by an embodiment of the present application, including but not limited to steps S710 to S760.

[0177] Step S710: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the beverage cabinet is powered on;

[0178] Step S720, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a second set temperature T1;

[0179] Step S730: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is greater than or equal to the second set temperature T1, the refrigeration system is controlled to start refrigeration, and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0180] Step S740, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is less than or equal to a first set temperature Ts;

[0181] Step S750: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is less than or equal to the first set temperature Ts, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration and the timer is controlled to stop timing;

[0182] Step S760: Obtain the timing time of the timer as the second time ta_max.

[0183] In the embodiment of the present application, when the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the start and stop of the refrigeration system is controlled by detecting the temperature in the storage chamber 11 collected by the temperature sensor 13, and the timer is controlled to obtain the second time ta_max taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts (that is, from starting refrigeration to stopping refrigeration). The control method is simple and easy to implement.

[0184] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a second flowchart for obtaining the second time provided by an embodiment of the present application, including but not limited to steps S810 to S90.

[0185] Step S810: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the beverage cabinet is powered on;

[0186] Step S820, detecting the open / close state of the cabinet door by means of a door opening detection device;

[0187] Step S830: When the cabinet door is in a closed state, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a second set temperature T1;

[0188] Step S840: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is greater than or equal to the second set temperature T1, the refrigeration system is controlled to start refrigeration, and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0189] Step S850, detecting the open / close state of the cabinet door by means of a door opening detection device;

[0190] Step S860: When it is detected that the cabinet door is opened, the timer is reset to zero and the process returns to step S820;

[0191] Step S870: When the cabinet door is detected to be in a closed state, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is less than or equal to a first set temperature Ts;

[0192] Step S880: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is less than or equal to the first set temperature Ts, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration, and the timer is controlled to stop timing;

[0193] Step S890: Obtain the timing time of the timer as the second time ta_max.

[0194] In an embodiment of the present application, when the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the start and stop of the refrigeration system is controlled by detecting the temperature in the storage chamber 11 acquired by the temperature sensor 13, and the timer is controlled to obtain the second time ta_max taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts (i.e., from starting refrigeration to stopping refrigeration). The control method is simple and easy to implement. Considering that the temperature outside the cabinet door will affect the temperature in the storage chamber 11 after the cabinet door is opened, it will affect the accuracy of the timer timing. In the timing process of the embodiment of the present application, the door opening detection device is used to detect the open and close state of the cabinet door 12, and when it is detected that the cabinet door is opened, the timer timing is reset to zero, and then the timer timing is controlled again based on the temperature in the storage chamber 11 acquired by the temperature sensor 13, so as to ensure the accuracy of the timer timing.

[0195] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a first flow chart for obtaining the fourth time provided by an embodiment of the present application, including but not limited to steps S910 to S960.

[0196] Step S910, during actual use of the beverage cabinet, the beverage cabinet operates normally;

[0197] Step S920, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a second set temperature T1;

[0198] Step S930: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is greater than or equal to the second set temperature T1, the refrigeration system is controlled to start refrigeration, and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0199] Step S940, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is less than or equal to a first set temperature Ts;

[0200] Step S950: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is less than or equal to the first set temperature Ts, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration, and the timer is controlled to stop timing;

[0201] Step S960: Obtain the timing time of the timer as the fourth time t1.

[0202] In the embodiment of the present application, during the actual use of the beverage cabinet, the start and stop of the refrigeration system is controlled by detecting the temperature in the storage chamber 11 collected by the temperature sensor 13, and the timer is controlled to obtain the fourth time t1 taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts (i.e., from starting refrigeration to stopping refrigeration). The control method is simple and easy to implement.

[0203] Reference Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a second flow chart for obtaining the fourth time provided by an embodiment of the present application, including but not limited to steps S1010 to 1090.

[0204] Step S1010, during actual use of the beverage cabinet, the beverage cabinet operates normally;

[0205] Step S1020, detecting the open / close state of the cabinet door by means of a door opening detection device;

[0206] Step S1030: When the cabinet door is in a closed state, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a second set temperature T1;

[0207] Step S1040: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is greater than or equal to the second set temperature T1, the refrigeration system is controlled to start refrigeration, and the timer is controlled to start timing;

[0208] Step S1050, detecting the open / close state of the cabinet door by means of a door opening detection device;

[0209] Step S1060: When it is detected that the cabinet door is opened, the timer is reset to zero and the process returns to step S1030;

[0210] Step S1070: When the cabinet door is detected to be in a closed state, detecting whether the temperature inside the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor is less than or equal to a first set temperature Ts;

[0211] Step S1080: When it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber is less than or equal to the first set temperature Ts, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration, and the timer is controlled to stop timing;

[0212] Step S1090: Obtain the timing time of the timer as the fourth time t1.

[0213] In the embodiment of the present application, during the actual use of the beverage cabinet, the start and stop of the refrigeration system is controlled by detecting the temperature in the storage chamber 11 acquired by the temperature sensor 13, and the timer is controlled to obtain the fourth time t1 taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts (i.e., from starting refrigeration to stopping refrigeration). The control method is simple and easy to implement. Considering that the temperature outside the cabinet door will affect the temperature in the storage chamber 11 after the cabinet door is opened, it will affect the accuracy of the timer timing. In the timing process of the embodiment of the present application, the door opening detection device is used to detect the open and close state of the cabinet door 12, and when it is detected that the cabinet door is opened, the timer timing is reset to zero, and then the timer timing is controlled again based on the temperature in the storage chamber 11 acquired by the temperature sensor 13, which can ensure the accuracy of the timer timing.

[0214] In the embodiment of the present application, the second time ta_max taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature TS (i.e., from the start of cooling to the stop of cooling) when the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages is calculated, and during the actual use of the beverage cabinet, the fourth time t1 taken for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to change from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts (i.e., from the start of cooling to the stop of cooling) is calculated, and the beverage saturation F1 during the heating process can be calculated as F1 = n / n_max*100% = t1 / ta_max*100%.

[0215] In an embodiment of the present application, after calculating the beverage saturation F1 during the cooling process and the beverage saturation F2 during the heating process, the average value of the two (i.e., 1 / 2 (F1+F2)) is taken as the final beverage saturation, which can improve the accuracy of the calculated beverage saturation.

[0216] In some embodiments, after calculating the saturation of the beverages in the beverage cabinet, it is further determined whether the calculated saturation is less than a first set value. If the saturation of the beverages in the beverage cabinet is less than the first set value, a replenishment reminder message is issued to prompt the user to replenish the stock, thereby reminding the user to replenish the stock in a timely manner. The replenishment reminder message can be a photoelectric reminder message, or it can be sent via a wireless network such as Wi-Fi or 4G to remind the user to replenish the stock in a timely manner.

[0217] Example 2

[0218] Reference Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a flow chart of a method for determining beverage saturation in a beverage cabinet according to a second embodiment of the present application, which is executed by a controller of the beverage cabinet according to the embodiment of the present application, including but not limited to steps S1110 to S1130.

[0219] Step S1110: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, a second time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from a second set temperature to a first set temperature is measured by a timer, where the first set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to stopping cooling or stopping heating, and the second set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to starting cooling or starting heating;

[0220] Step S1120: During actual use of the beverage cabinet, a fourth time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature is obtained by measuring with a timer;

[0221] Step S1130: Divide the fourth time by the second time to obtain a second ratio, and use the second ratio as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet.

[0222] In the embodiment of the present application, a cold drink cabinet is used as an example to illustrate that the more beverages there are in the cold drink cabinet, the longer it takes to reach the first set temperature at which refrigeration stops. According to the energy formula Q = CMΔT = P*t, where C is the cold drink cabinet's comprehensive specific heat capacity coefficient, which is the combined value of the specific heat capacity of the beverage and the specific heat capacity of the air in the cabinet, M is the total weight of the beverages, which is equal to the product of the weight of a single beverage m and the number of beverages n, ΔT is the cold drink cabinet's refrigeration return temperature, which is a constant value. That is, after the temperature in the storage chamber 11 of the cold drink cabinet reaches the first set temperature Ts at which refrigeration stops, the refrigeration system stops refrigerating, the temperature in the storage chamber 11 returns to the second set temperature T1, and the refrigeration system restarts refrigeration, ΔT = T1-Ts; P is the refrigeration power, and t is the time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to drop from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts after refrigeration is restarted. Therefore, the number of beverages n = t*P / Cm(T1-Ts). When the cold drink cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to drop from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts after the refrigeration is restarted, as measured in actual engineering, is the second time ta_max. The beverage saturation in the cold drink cabinet F1 can be calculated as F1 = n / n_max*100% = t1 / ta_max*100%. Here, n is the number of beverages during actual use of the cold drink cabinet, n_max is the full load of beverages, t1 is the fourth time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to drop from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts after the refrigeration is restarted during actual use of the cold drink cabinet, and ta_max is the second time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to drop from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts after the refrigeration is restarted when the cold drink cabinet is fully loaded.

[0223] In this embodiment of the present application, a timer built into the controller can be used to measure the second and fourth times from the start of cooling or heating to the stop of cooling or heating during a full beverage load and actual use. The second ratio obtained by dividing the fourth time by the second time can be used as the saturation level of the beverage in the beverage cabinet. This ensures accuracy while being low-cost and easy to implement.

[0224] Example 3

[0225] Reference Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a flow chart of a method for determining beverage saturation in a beverage cabinet according to a third embodiment of the present application, which is executed by a controller of the beverage cabinet according to the embodiment of the present application, including but not limited to steps S1210 to S1230.

[0226] Step S1210: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, a timer is used to measure a first time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from a first set temperature to a second set temperature, wherein the first set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to stopping cooling or stopping heating, and the second set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to starting cooling or starting heating;

[0227] Step S1220: During actual use of the beverage cabinet, a third time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the first set temperature to the second set temperature is obtained by measuring with a timer;

[0228] Step S1230: Divide the third time by the first time to obtain a first ratio, and use the first ratio as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet.

[0229] In the embodiment of the present application, a cold drink cabinet is used as an example to illustrate that the more beverages there are in the cold drink cabinet, the longer it takes to reach the first set temperature at which refrigeration stops. According to the energy formula Q = CMΔT = P*t, where C is the cold drink cabinet's comprehensive specific heat capacity coefficient, which is the combined value of the specific heat capacity of the beverage and the specific heat capacity of the air in the cabinet, M is the total weight of the beverages, which is equal to the product of the weight of a single beverage m and the number of beverages n, ΔT is the cold drink cabinet's refrigeration return temperature, which is a constant value. That is, after the temperature in the storage chamber 11 of the cold drink cabinet reaches the first set temperature Ts at which refrigeration stops, the refrigeration system stops refrigerating, the temperature in the storage chamber 11 returns to the second set temperature T1, and the refrigeration system restarts refrigeration, ΔT = T1-Ts; P is the refrigeration power, and t is the time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to drop from the second set temperature T1 to the first set temperature Ts after refrigeration is restarted. Therefore, the number of beverages n = t*P / Cm(T1-Ts). When the cold drink cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to rise from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 after refrigeration is restarted, as measured in actual engineering, is the first time tb_max. The beverage saturation in the cold drink cabinet F2 can be calculated as F2 = n / n_max*100% = t2 / tb_max*100%. Here, n is the number of beverages during actual use of the cold drink cabinet, n_max is the full load of beverages, t2 is the third time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to rise from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 after refrigeration is stopped during actual use of the cold drink cabinet, and ta_max is the first time required for the temperature in the storage chamber 11 to rise from the first set temperature Ts to the second set temperature T1 after refrigeration is stopped when the cold drink cabinet is fully loaded.

[0230] In this embodiment, the controller's built-in timer can measure the first and third times between when the beverage cabinet is fully loaded and when cooling or heating is turned off and then turned back on again. The first ratio, obtained by dividing the third time by the first time, can be used as the saturation level of the beverage in the beverage cabinet. This ensures accuracy while being low-cost and easy to implement.

[0231] The present application also provides a beverage cabinet, comprising:

[0232] a cabinet body defining a storage chamber therein, the storage chamber being used to store beverages, the storage chamber having a forward opening;

[0233] A cabinet door, which is openably connected to the cabinet body and is used to open and close the storage chamber;

[0234] A refrigeration system is provided in the cabinet and is used to cool the storage chamber;

[0235] or a heating system, which is located in the cabinet and is used to heat the storage chamber;

[0236] a temperature sensor, which is disposed in the storage chamber and is used to collect the temperature in the storage chamber;

[0237] A controller having a built-in timer, the controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, and the controller is used in the method of any embodiment of the present application.

[0238] The beverage cabinet provided in the embodiment of the present application has a controller capable of executing the control method of any embodiment of the present application, i.e., the ratio of the cooling or heating start-stop time between the full load of beverages and the actual use of the beverage cabinet corresponds to the ratio of the number of beverages to the full load. The controller's built-in timer can be used to respectively measure the first time and the third time from the full load of beverages to the actual use of the beverage cabinet when cooling or heating is stopped to the time when cooling or heating is started again. At the same time, the timer can also be used to respectively measure the second time and the fourth time from the full load of beverages to the actual use of the beverage cabinet when cooling or heating is started to the time when cooling or heating is stopped. Thus, the third time can be divided by the first time to obtain a first ratio, and the fourth time can be divided by the second time to obtain a second ratio. The average of the first and second ratios is used as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet. This ensures accuracy while being low-cost and easy to implement.

[0239] The embodiments described in the embodiments of this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that with the evolution of technology and the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0240] Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions shown in the figures do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application, and may include more or fewer steps than shown in the figures, or a combination of certain steps, or different steps.

[0241] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or some of the steps in the methods, systems, and functional modules / units in the devices disclosed above may be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or appropriate combinations thereof.

[0242] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the specification of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequential order. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0243] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0244] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and essence of the present invention should be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for determining the saturation of beverages in a beverage cabinet, characterized in that: The beverage cabinet comprises: a cabinet body defining a storage chamber therein, the storage chamber being used to store beverages, the storage chamber having a forward opening; a cabinet door, which is openably connected to the cabinet body and is used to open and close the storage chamber; a refrigeration system, which is disposed in the cabinet and is used to cool the storage chamber; or a heating system, which is provided in the cabinet and is used to heat the storage chamber; a temperature sensor, disposed in the storage chamber and configured to collect the temperature in the storage chamber; A controller having a built-in timer, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor; The method comprises: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, a first time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from a first set temperature to a second set temperature is obtained by measuring by the timer, and a second time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature is obtained by measuring by the timer, wherein the first set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to stopping cooling or stopping heating, and the second set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to starting cooling or starting heating; During actual use of the beverage cabinet, the timer measures a third time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the first set temperature to the second set temperature, and the timer measures a fourth time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature. The third time is divided by the first time to obtain a first ratio, the fourth time is divided by the second time to obtain a second ratio, and the average of the first ratio and the second ratio is used as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet.

2. A method for determining the saturation of beverages in a beverage cabinet, characterized in that: The beverage cabinet comprises: a cabinet body defining a storage chamber therein, the storage chamber being used to store beverages, the storage chamber having a forward opening; a cabinet door, which is openably connected to the cabinet body and is used to open and close the storage chamber; a refrigeration system, which is disposed in the cabinet and is used to cool the storage chamber; or a heating system, which is provided in the cabinet and is used to heat the storage chamber; a temperature sensor, disposed in the storage chamber and configured to collect the temperature in the storage chamber; A controller having a built-in timer, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor; The method comprises: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, a first time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from a first set temperature to a second set temperature is measured by the timer, wherein the first set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to stopping cooling or stopping heating, and the second set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to starting cooling or starting heating; During actual use of the beverage cabinet, a third time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the first set temperature to the second set temperature is obtained by measuring with the timer; The third time is divided by the first time to obtain a first ratio, and the first ratio is used as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet.

3. A method for determining the saturation of beverages in a beverage cabinet, characterized in that: The beverage cabinet comprises: a cabinet body defining a storage chamber therein, the storage chamber being used to store beverages, the storage chamber having a forward opening; a cabinet door, which is openably connected to the cabinet body and is used to open and close the storage chamber; a refrigeration system, which is disposed in the cabinet and is used to cool the storage chamber; or a heating system, which is provided in the cabinet and is used to heat the storage chamber; a temperature sensor, disposed in the storage chamber and configured to collect the temperature in the storage chamber; A controller having a built-in timer, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor; The method comprises: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, the timer measures a second time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from a second set temperature to a first set temperature, wherein the first set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to stopping cooling or stopping heating, and the second set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to starting cooling or starting heating; During actual use of the beverage cabinet, a fourth time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature is obtained by measuring with the timer; The fourth time is divided by the second time to obtain a second ratio, and the second ratio is used as the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, obtaining a first time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from a first set temperature to a second set temperature by using the timer includes: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the first set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop cooling or the heating system is controlled to stop heating, and the timer is controlled to start timing; After stopping cooling or heating, when detecting that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor returns to the second set temperature, controlling the timer to stop timing, and obtaining the timing time of the timer as the first time; During actual use of the beverage cabinet, obtaining, by the timer, a third time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the first set temperature to the second set temperature includes: During actual use of the beverage cabinet, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the first set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to stop refrigeration or the heating system is controlled to stop heating, and the timer is controlled to start timing; After stopping cooling or heating, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor returns to the second set temperature, the timer is controlled to stop timing, and the timing time of the timer is obtained as the third time.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The beverage cabinet further includes a door opening detection device electrically connected to the controller, and configured to detect an open / closed state of the cabinet door. After controlling the refrigeration system to stop refrigeration or the heating system to stop heating, and controlling the timer to start timing, the method further includes: If the door opening detection device detects that the cabinet door is open, the timer is reset and the process returns to the step of controlling the refrigeration system to stop cooling or the heating system to stop heating, and controlling the timer to start timing when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the first set temperature.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 3, characterized in that When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, obtaining, by the timer, a second time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature, comprises: When the beverage cabinet is fully loaded with beverages, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to start cooling or the heating system is controlled to start heating, and the timer is controlled to start timing; After cooling or heating starts, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor changes to the first set temperature, the timer is controlled to stop timing, and the timing time of the timer is obtained as the second time; During actual use of the beverage cabinet, obtaining, by the timer, a fourth time taken for the temperature in the storage chamber to change from the second set temperature to the first set temperature includes: During actual use of the beverage cabinet, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature, the refrigeration system is controlled to start cooling or the heating system is controlled to start heating, and the timer is controlled to start timing; After cooling or heating starts, when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor changes to the first set temperature, the timer is controlled to stop timing, and the timing time of the timer is obtained as the fourth time.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The beverage cabinet further includes a door opening detection device electrically connected to the controller, and configured to detect an open / closed state of the cabinet door. After controlling the refrigeration system to start cooling or the heating system to start heating, and controlling the timer to start timing, the method further includes: If the door opening detection device detects that the cabinet door is open, the timing of the timer is reset and the process returns to the step of controlling the refrigeration system to start cooling or controlling the heating system to start heating and controlling the timer to start timing when it is detected that the temperature in the storage chamber collected by the temperature sensor reaches the second set temperature.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that After calculating the saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet, the method further includes: determining whether the calculated saturation of the beverage in the beverage cabinet is less than a first set value; If the calculated saturation of the beverages in the beverage cabinet is less than the first set value, a replenishment reminder message is sent to prompt the user to replenish the beverages.

9. A beverage cabinet, characterized in that: include: a cabinet body defining a storage chamber therein, the storage chamber being used to store beverages, the storage chamber having a forward opening; a cabinet door, which is openably connected to the cabinet body and is used to open and close the storage chamber; a refrigeration system, which is disposed in the cabinet and is used to cool the storage chamber; or a heating system, which is provided in the cabinet and is used to heat the storage chamber; a temperature sensor, disposed in the storage chamber and configured to collect the temperature in the storage chamber; A controller having a built-in timer, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, and the controller is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The beverage cabinet according to claim 9, characterized in that The beverage cabinet further includes a door opening detection device, which is electrically connected to the controller and is used to detect the open / close state of the cabinet door.

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