Refrigerator and method for preserving fruits and vegetables

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator and a fruit and vegetable preservation method. The refrigerator is provided with a light preservation module capable of adjusting different light sources and frequencies and an automatic lifting shelf. In combination with a food material recognition system, the fruit and vegetable types and weights placed on the automatic lifting shelf can be recognized. For the mixed storage of fruits and vegetables, the most suitable preservation mode can be determined according to the fruit weight, the first influence parameter, the vegetable weight and the second influence parameter. The preservation mode includes a fruit preservation mode and a vegetable preservation mode. According to the determined preservation mode, the light source and the irradiation frequency of the light preservation module are intelligently adjusted, and the distance between the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module is adjusted, so that the best preservation effect of fruits and vegetables is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator and a method for preserving fruits and vegetables. Background Technology

[0002] Fruits and vegetables are indispensable parts of people's daily diet, providing abundant nutrients. With the fast pace of life, young people tend to buy large quantities of fruits and vegetables at once and store them in the refrigerator, making refrigerated preservation particularly important. Current technology often uses vacuum preservation drawers for this purpose, but their complex structure requires additional air extraction devices, resulting in extra noise and power consumption. Furthermore, while some refrigerators use photosynthetic preservation lamps, different vegetables have different sensitive wavelengths, meaning these lamps cannot apply different wavelengths of light to different fruits and vegetables, leading to poor preservation results. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator and a method for preserving fruits and vegetables, which can intelligently adjust the irradiation frequency of the light preservation module and the distance between the fruit and vegetable shelves and the light preservation module by judging the type and weight of the fruits and vegetables, so as to achieve the best preservation effect for the fruits and vegetables.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a refrigerator, comprising:

[0005] A box body, in which a storage compartment is formed, the storage compartment including at least a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment;

[0006] The cabinet door is used to open and close the storage room;

[0007] A light preservation module is located at the top of the refrigerator compartment and is used to emit a corresponding light source according to the light pattern sent by the controller.

[0008] An automatic lifting shelf, located inside the refrigerator compartment, is used to adjust its distance from the light preservation module according to the movement command sent by the controller;

[0009] The controller is configured as follows:

[0010] When a target food item is detected to be placed on the current automatic lifting shelf, the type of the target food item is obtained; wherein, the type of the target food item includes at least one of fruits and vegetables;

[0011] When the target ingredients include fruits and vegetables, the corresponding fruit weight and vegetable weight are obtained according to the pre-stored label information of the target ingredients.

[0012] Obtain the first influencing parameter corresponding to fruits and the second influencing parameter corresponding to vegetables;

[0013] The preservation mode is determined based on the fruit weight, the first influencing parameter, the vegetable weight, and the second influencing parameter; wherein, the preservation mode includes a fruit preservation mode and a vegetable preservation mode;

[0014] The operation of the light preservation module is controlled according to the preservation mode, and the moving distance of the automatic lifting shelf is determined according to the preservation mode, and the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to the moving distance.

[0015] As an improvement to the above solution, the step of determining the preservation mode based on fruit weight, a first influencing parameter, vegetable weight, and a second influencing parameter includes:

[0016] The fruit preservation score is calculated based on the fruit weight, the vegetable weight, the first influencing parameter, and the first preservation percentage corresponding to the fruit.

[0017] The vegetable preservation score is calculated based on the fruit weight, the vegetable weight, the second influencing parameter, and the second preservation percentage corresponding to the vegetable.

[0018] When the fruit preservation score is greater than the vegetable preservation score, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the fruit preservation mode; when the fruit preservation score is less than the vegetable preservation score, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the vegetable preservation mode; when the fruit preservation score is equal to the vegetable preservation score, the refrigerator is controlled to remain in the current preservation mode.

[0019] As an improvement to the above solution, the controller is further configured to:

[0020] When the target food item only includes fruit, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the fruit preservation mode;

[0021] When the target food only includes vegetables, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the vegetable preservation mode.

[0022] As an improvement to the above scheme, the first influencing parameter includes the average retention rate of the first nutrient and the first average weight loss rate, and the second influencing parameter includes the average retention rate of the second nutrient and the second average weight loss rate; wherein, the average retention rate of the first nutrient is greater than the average retention rate of the second nutrient, and the first average weight loss rate is greater than the second average weight loss rate.

[0023] As an improvement to the above scheme, the adjustable parameters in the fruit preservation mode include a first light source, a first light emission duration, a first light frequency, and a first light emission distance; the adjustable parameters in the vegetable preservation mode include a second light source, a second light emission duration, a second light emission frequency, and a second light emission distance.

[0024] As an improvement to the above solution, determining the moving distance of the automatic lifting shelf according to the preservation mode includes:

[0025] After determining the preservation mode, the light distance in the preservation mode is obtained, as well as the distance between the food in the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module is obtained.

[0026] The moving distance is calculated based on the illumination distance and the phase distance.

[0027] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator further includes:

[0028] A camera device is installed in the refrigerator compartment to capture images of the food items placed on the automatic lifting shelf.

[0029] Then, the controller is further configured to:

[0030] Obtain the moving direction of the automatic lifting shelf;

[0031] When the automatic lifting shelf needs to move to the top of the refrigerator, the food placement map captured by the camera device is obtained, and the maximum height of the food stored on the automatic lifting shelf is identified based on the food placement map;

[0032] Calculate the adjustable distance from the maximum height to the preset maximum limit height; wherein the maximum limit height is a certain distance away from the top of the refrigerator;

[0033] When the adjustable distance is greater than the moving distance, the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to the moving distance;

[0034] When the adjustable distance is less than or equal to the moving distance, the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to the adjustable distance.

[0035] As an improvement to the above solution, the controller is further configured to:

[0036] When the automatic lifting shelf needs to move to the bottom of the refrigerator, the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to the moving distance until the moving distance is completed or the preset minimum height is reached, at which point the movement stops.

[0037] To achieve the above objectives, this invention also provides a method for preserving fruits and vegetables, applicable to a refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator includes a light preservation module disposed at the top of the refrigerator compartment and an automatic lifting shelf; the method includes:

[0038] When a target food item is detected to be placed on the current automatic lifting shelf, the type of the target food item is obtained; wherein, the type of the target food item includes at least one of fruits and vegetables;

[0039] When the target ingredients include fruits and vegetables, the corresponding fruit weight and vegetable weight are obtained according to the pre-stored label information of the target ingredients.

[0040] Obtain the first influencing parameter corresponding to fruits and the second influencing parameter corresponding to vegetables;

[0041] The preservation mode is determined based on the fruit weight, the first influencing parameter, the vegetable weight, and the second influencing parameter; wherein, the preservation mode includes a fruit preservation mode and a vegetable preservation mode;

[0042] The operation of the light preservation module is controlled according to the preservation mode, and the moving distance of the automatic lifting shelf is determined according to the preservation mode, and the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to the moving distance.

[0043] As an improvement to the above solution, the method further includes:

[0044] When the target food item only includes fruit, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the fruit preservation mode;

[0045] When the target food only includes vegetables, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the vegetable preservation mode.

[0046] Compared to related technologies, this invention discloses a refrigerator and a method for preserving fruits and vegetables. The refrigerator is equipped with a light preservation module with adjustable light sources and frequencies, and an automatic lifting shelf. Combined with a food recognition system, it can identify the types and weights of fruits and vegetables placed on the automatic lifting shelf. For mixed storage of fruits and vegetables, it can determine the most suitable preservation mode based on the fruit weight, a first influencing parameter, the vegetable weight, and a second influencing parameter. The preservation modes include a fruit preservation mode and a vegetable preservation mode. Based on the determined preservation mode, the light source and irradiation frequency of the light preservation module are intelligently adjusted, as is the distance between the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module, to achieve the best preservation effect for the fruits and vegetables. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the refrigeration system in a refrigerator provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the light preservation module in the refrigerator provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic lifting shelf in the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 6 This is a first working flowchart of the controller in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 7 This is a second working flowchart of the controller in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 8 This is a third workflow diagram of the controller in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 9 This is the fourth workflow diagram of the controller in the refrigerator provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0056] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a fruit and vegetable preservation method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Among them, 100 is the refrigerator; 101 is the light preservation module; 102 is the automatic lifting shelf; 103 is the lifting device; 1 is the compressor; 2 is the evaporator; 3 is the capillary tube; and 4 is the condenser. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0059] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0060] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0061] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0062] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 100 of this embodiment has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage space and multiple doors located at the opening of the cabinet. Each door includes a door shell located outside the cabinet, a door inner liner located inside the cabinet, an upper cover, a lower cover, and an insulation layer located between the door shell, door inner liner, upper cover, and lower cover; typically, the insulation layer is filled with foam material. The cabinet has chambers, including component storage chambers for placing refrigerator components, such as a compressor compartment, and storage space for storing food, etc. See also... Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. The storage space can be divided into multiple storage compartments. Depending on their purpose, these compartments can be configured as refrigerator compartments and freezer compartments, and may also include variable temperature compartments, vacuum drawers, humidifier drawers, etc. Each storage compartment corresponds to one or more doors, for example, in... Figure 1 The upper storage compartment features double doors. These doors can pivot at the opening of the refrigerator body or open like drawers for drawer-style storage. A display screen is located on the refrigerator door, used to display prompts and receive user touch input.

[0063] See Figure 3 , Figure 3The present invention provides a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system in a refrigerator. The refrigeration system includes a compressor 1, an evaporator 2, a dryer filter (not shown in the figure), a capillary tube 3, a condenser 4, and a gas-liquid separator (not shown in the figure). The working process of the refrigeration system includes a compression process, a condensation process, a throttling process, and an evaporation process. The compression process is as follows: when the refrigerator power cord is plugged in and the thermostat contacts are closed, the compressor 1 starts working. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is drawn into the compressor 1 and compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the cylinder of the compressor 1 before being discharged into the condenser 4. The condensation process is as follows: the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser 4, and the temperature continuously decreases, gradually cooling into room-temperature, high-pressure saturated vapor, and further cooling into saturated liquid. The temperature no longer decreases; this temperature is called the condensation temperature. The pressure of the refrigerant remains almost constant throughout the condensation process. The flow process is as follows: After condensation, the saturated liquid refrigerant flows into capillary tube 3 after being filtered by a dryer to remove moisture and impurities. Through capillary tube 3, the refrigerant is throttled and depressurized, becoming room temperature, low pressure wet vapor. The evaporation process is as follows: The room temperature, low pressure wet vapor begins to absorb heat and vaporize in evaporator 2, which not only lowers the temperature of evaporator 2 and its surroundings, but also turns the refrigerant into a low temperature, low pressure gas. The refrigerant coming out of evaporator 2 passes through a gas-liquid separator and returns to compressor 1. The above process is repeated to transfer the heat inside the refrigerator to the outside air, thus achieving the purpose of refrigeration.

[0064] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a light-preservation module 101 in a refrigerator. The light-preservation module 101 is located at the top of the refrigerator compartment and is used to emit a corresponding light source according to the illumination mode sent by the controller. This invention uses red, blue, and orange light, and their different combinations, to alternately irradiate fruits and vegetables, such as... Figure 4 The three LED beads shown can emit red, blue, and orange light respectively. Each LED can emit light individually or in combination, with seven possible emission patterns: red, blue, orange, red + blue, red + orange, blue + orange, and red + blue + orange. Alternating illumination of different colors at different frequencies has varying preservation effects on fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the different light frequencies result in varying light intensities on the same plane, which affects the photosynthetic rate of plants. The optimal distance for illumination also differs for different light frequencies. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, selecting suitable light sources, durations, frequencies, and distances for the light preservation module 101 during the preservation process can improve the preservation effect of fruits and vegetables.

[0065] It is worth noting that, in addition to emitting the aforementioned red, blue, and orange light, the light source of the light preservation module 101 can also emit other colors of light. Users can adjust it as needed. For example, the refrigerator's database pre-stores the optimal light source corresponding to several kinds of fruits / vegetables. If needed, users can input a light source query command for the food to be stored into the refrigerator's display (if no input is made, the default light source is used). Then, the controller adjusts the light source of the light preservation module 101 according to the type of food input by the user.

[0066] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic lifting shelf 102 in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic lifting shelf 102 is disposed in the refrigerator compartment and is used to adjust its distance from the light preservation module according to the movement command sent by the controller. The automatic lifting shelf 102 is connected to the lifting device 103. The automatic lifting shelf 102 has a flat structure and is arranged horizontally in the refrigerator compartment. There are two lifting devices 103, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the automatic lifting shelf 102. The movement of the lifting device 103 causes the automatic lifting shelf 102 to slide up and down. It can be understood that there is only one automatic lifting shelf 102 in the present invention, and it is set near the top of the refrigerator. This is because the amount of vegetables / fruits stored in the refrigerator is not usually too large, so one automatic lifting shelf 102 is sufficient.

[0067] Specifically, the controller in the refrigerator is configured to: when a target food item is detected on the current automatic lifting shelf, acquire the type of the target food item; wherein the type of the target food item includes at least one of fruits and vegetables; when the type of the target food item includes fruits and vegetables, acquire the corresponding fruit weight and vegetable weight according to the pre-stored label information of the target food item; acquire a first influence parameter corresponding to the fruit and a second influence parameter corresponding to the vegetable; determine a preservation mode according to the fruit weight, the first influence parameter, the vegetable weight and the second influence parameter; wherein the preservation mode includes a fruit preservation mode and a vegetable preservation mode; control the operation of the light preservation module according to the preservation mode, and determine the moving distance of the automatic lifting shelf according to the preservation mode, and control the automatic lifting shelf to move according to the moving distance.

[0068] For example, see Figure 6 , Figure 6This is a first workflow diagram of the controller in a refrigerator provided in this embodiment of the invention. The controller is configured to execute steps S11 to S16. The refrigerator also includes a camera device located in the refrigerator compartment, used to capture images of the food placement on the automatic lifting shelf. The controller identifies the type of target food placed on the automatic lifting shelf by recognizing the food placement image. The target food refers to fruits and vegetables. The camera device takes pictures periodically and sends them to the controller for recognition, such as once every 2 hours. There are three types of food storage on the automatic lifting shelf: the first type includes both fruits and vegetables, the second type includes only fruits, and the third type includes only vegetables. Since most users usually mix fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator compartment, the first type is more likely to occur. When fruits and vegetables are mixed, the weight of the fruits and the weight of the vegetables are obtained. Weight can be obtained through tags attached to fruits or vegetables, such as RFID tags. Each RFID tag has its corresponding weight pre-written on it during food storage, and this weight value can be obtained during subsequent image recognition by the controller. This invention also sets corresponding influencing parameters for the storage of fruits and vegetables. A first influencing parameter corresponding to the fruit and a second influencing parameter corresponding to the vegetable are obtained. Then, a preservation mode is determined based on the fruit weight, the first influencing parameter, the vegetable weight, and the second influencing parameter. Finally, the operation of the light preservation module is controlled according to the preservation mode, and the moving distance of the automatic lifting shelf is determined according to the preservation mode, and the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to the moving distance.

[0069] Specifically, the present invention pre-sets two preservation modes for the refrigerator: a fruit preservation mode more suitable for fruit storage and a vegetable preservation mode more suitable for vegetables. The adjustable parameters in the fruit preservation mode include a first light source, a first light emission duration, a first light frequency, and a first light emission distance. The adjustable parameters in the vegetable preservation mode include a second light source, a second light emission duration, a second light emission frequency, and a second light emission distance. The optimal values ​​of the adjustable parameters in these two preservation modes are obtained through pre-testing.

[0070] For example, through experimental verification, this invention has found that when the light emission frequency of the light preservation module is frequency A and the light distance between the module and the food is H1, it has a better preservation effect on fruits; when the light emission frequency is frequency B and the light distance between the module and the food is H2, it has a better preservation effect on vegetables. The specific adjustable parameters are shown in Table 1 below.

[0071] Table 1 Adjustable parameters for two light preservation modes

[0072]

[0073] For example, in Table 1, the first light source is blue, orange, red, and blue + orange, with first light emission durations of X1, X2, X3, and X4 corresponding to different first light sources, respectively. The first illumination frequency is A Hz, and the first illumination distance is H1. The second light source is blue + red, orange + red, and blue + red + orange, with second light emission durations of X5, X6, and X7 corresponding to different second light sources, respectively. The second illumination frequency is B Hz, and the second illumination distance is H2. It is worth noting that when the light preservation mode is a fruit preservation module, the first light source emits light sequentially within its corresponding first light emission duration, and continues to emit light in the above order after completing one cycle. When the light preservation mode is a vegetable preservation module, the second light source emits light sequentially within its corresponding second light emission duration, and continues to emit light in the above order after completing one cycle.

[0074] Specifically, determining the preservation mode based on fruit weight, a first influencing parameter, vegetable weight, and a second influencing parameter includes: calculating a fruit preservation score based on the fruit weight, the vegetable weight, the first influencing parameter, and a first preservation percentage corresponding to the fruit; calculating a vegetable preservation score based on the fruit weight, the vegetable weight, the second influencing parameter, and a second preservation percentage corresponding to the vegetable; controlling the refrigerator to operate in the fruit preservation mode when the fruit preservation score is greater than the vegetable preservation score; controlling the refrigerator to operate in the vegetable preservation mode when the fruit preservation score is less than the vegetable preservation score; and controlling the refrigerator to remain in the current preservation mode when the fruit preservation score is equal to the vegetable preservation score.

[0075] For example, see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a second working flowchart of the controller in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Step S15 specifically includes steps S151 to S159. The first influencing parameter includes the first average nutrient retention rate T1 and the first average weight loss rate W1, and the second influencing parameter includes the second average nutrient retention rate T2 and the second average weight loss rate W2; wherein, the first average nutrient retention rate T1 is greater than the second average nutrient retention rate T2, and the first average weight loss rate W1 is greater than the second average weight loss rate W2, that is, satisfying: T1 > T2, W1 > W2.

[0076] For example, while light can increase the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, it also promotes stomata opening and the heat effect of light, which can increase transpiration and accelerate water loss. During the preservation process, leafy vegetables, due to their larger surface area, lose more weight than fruits within the same time frame. Furthermore, the wilting of vegetables after water loss is readily apparent to the user. Therefore, preserving fresh vegetables focuses more on minimizing weight loss. Fruits, under the same conditions, lose far less weight than vegetables, so preserving fruits prioritizes nutrient retention. The inventors' preliminary research and sensory tests on the preservation effects of fruits and vegetables revealed that, under the same storage conditions, fruits, with their smaller surface area, experience significantly less weight loss when stored in the refrigerator. Moreover, vegetables wilt after water loss, giving the impression of being stale. Fruits, on the other hand, lose less water under the same conditions, making it difficult for the human eye to visually perceive their freshness. Therefore, the retention rate of nutrients during storage is a more important evaluation method for fruit preservation. The first preservation ratio includes the proportion of nutrient retention rate to preservation effect and the proportion of weight loss rate to preservation effect for fruits. For fruits, during storage, the proportion of nutrient retention rate to preservation effect is X1 (X1 > 50%), while the proportion of weight loss rate to preservation effect is (1 - X1). The second preservation ratio includes the proportion of nutrient retention rate to preservation effect and the proportion of weight loss rate to preservation effect for vegetables. For vegetables, the proportion of weight loss rate to preservation effect is X2 (X2 > 50%), while the proportion of nutrient retention rate to preservation effect is (1 - X2). It is worth noting that the values ​​of X1 and X2 can be preset based on experience and are not specifically limited here.

[0077] For example, when a user puts in fruits and vegetables, the food recognition system automatically determines the type and weight of the food. If the weight of the fruit is M1 and the weight of the vegetables is M2, the system calculates the preservation effect score, satisfying the following formula:

[0078] Y1=M1*T1*X1+M1*(1-W1)*(1-X1)+M2*T1*(1-X1)+M2*(1-W1)*X1;

[0079] Y2=M1*T2*X2+M1*(1-W2)*(1-X2)+M2*T2*(1-X2)+M2*(1-W2)*X2;

[0080] The system compares the values ​​of Y1 and Y2 to determine which preservation mode to use. When Y1 > Y2, the fruit preservation mode is selected, the light preservation module illuminates at a frequency of A Hz, and the automatic shelf adjusts to a position H1 away from the light module. When Y < Y2, the vegetable preservation mode is selected, the light preservation module illuminates at a frequency of B Hz, and the automatic shelf adjusts to a position H2 away from the light module. The food recognition system monitors changes in the weight of fruits and vegetables in real time (e.g., when the user adds or removes fruits / vegetables). Each time a change in the weight of fruits or vegetables is detected, the system recalculates and compares the values ​​of Y1 and Y2, and re-determines the operating mode of the light preservation module and the position of the automatic shelf. It is foreseeable that after a change in the weight of fruits or vegetables, Y1 may equal Y2; in this case, the operating mode of the light preservation module and the position of the automatic shelf will remain unchanged. When the refrigerator is in its initial state, the light preservation module can be set to either of the two modes. The following examples illustrate the preservation methods used when storing fruits and vegetables of different weights (the data below are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual, confirmed data). Please refer to Table 2 for details.

[0081] Table 2 Preservation methods used when storing fruits and vegetables of different weights.

[0082]

[0083]

[0084] Specifically, the controller is further configured to: control the refrigerator to operate in the fruit preservation mode when the target food only includes fruits; and control the refrigerator to operate in the vegetable preservation mode when the target food only includes vegetables.

[0085] For example, see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a third workflow diagram of the controller in the refrigerator provided in this embodiment of the invention. The controller is further configured to execute steps S121 to S123. When only fruit is stored on the automatic lifting shelf, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the fruit preservation mode. At this time, the light preservation module is controlled to light up at frequency A and with corresponding color and time, while the distance between the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module is controlled to be H1. When vegetables are stored on the automatic lifting shelf, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the vegetable preservation mode. At this time, the light preservation module is controlled to light up at frequency B and with corresponding color and time, while the distance between the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module is controlled to be H2.

[0086] In this embodiment of the invention, a light preservation module with adjustable light source and frequency and an automatic lifting shelf are installed in the refrigerator. Combined with a food identification system, the type and weight of fruits and vegetables placed on the automatic lifting shelf can be identified. For mixed storage of fruits and vegetables, the most suitable preservation mode can be determined based on the weight of the fruit, a first influencing parameter, the weight of the vegetables, and a second influencing parameter. The preservation mode includes a fruit preservation mode and a vegetable preservation mode. Based on the determined preservation mode, the light source and irradiation frequency of the light preservation module are intelligently adjusted, as well as the distance between the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module, to achieve the best preservation effect for fruits and vegetables.

[0087] Specifically, determining the moving distance of the automatic lifting shelf according to the preservation mode includes: after determining the preservation mode, obtaining the light distance in the preservation mode, and obtaining the distance between the food in the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module; and calculating the moving distance based on the light distance and the distance.

[0088] For example, the distance between the food in the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module is calculated as follows: the distance from the highest point of the food in the automatic lifting shelf to the light preservation module is calculated as the distance. If the fruit preservation mode is selected, the distance is 30cm and the first light illumination distance is 20cm, then the calculated movement distance is +10cm, indicating that the automatic lifting shelf needs to move upward by 10cm; if the fruit preservation mode is selected, the distance is 10cm and the first light illumination distance is 20cm, then the calculated movement distance is -10cm, indicating that the automatic lifting shelf needs to move downward by 10cm.

[0089] Specifically, the controller is further configured to: acquire the moving direction of the automatic lifting shelf; when the automatic lifting shelf needs to move towards the top of the refrigerator, acquire a food placement diagram captured by the camera device, and identify the maximum height of the food stored on the automatic lifting shelf based on the food placement diagram; calculate an adjustable distance from the maximum height to a preset maximum limit height; wherein the maximum limit height is a certain distance away from the top of the refrigerator; when the adjustable distance is greater than the moving distance, control the automatic lifting shelf to move according to the moving distance; when the adjustable distance is less than or equal to the moving distance, control the automatic lifting shelf to move according to the adjustable distance. When the automatic lifting shelf needs to move towards the bottom of the refrigerator, control the automatic lifting shelf to move according to the moving distance until the moving distance is completed or a preset minimum limit height is reached, at which point the movement stops.

[0090] For example, see Figure 9 , Figure 9This is a fourth workflow diagram of the controller in the refrigerator provided in this embodiment of the invention. The controller is further configured to execute steps S21 to S30. Since the automatic lifting shelf is located near the top of the refrigerator, and the light preservation module is also located at the top of the refrigerator, in order to maintain a certain light exposure distance (e.g., 5cm) between the light preservation module and the fruits / vegetables, the fruits / vegetables stored on the automatic lifting shelf cannot be too close to the light preservation module; otherwise, some fruits / vegetables will not be exposed to light, thus affecting the light preservation effect. In this embodiment of the invention, a maximum limit height (e.g., the maximum limit height is 5cm away from the top of the refrigerator) and a minimum limit height are provided. The maximum limit height is the highest position that the automatic lifting shelf can move upwards, and the minimum limit height is the lowest position that the automatic lifting shelf can move downwards. When the automatic lifting shelf needs to move to the top (upwards) of the refrigerator, the camera captures a picture of the food placement. Based on this picture, the maximum height of the food stored on the automatic lifting shelf is identified. The adjustable distance between this maximum height and the maximum limit height is calculated. If the adjustable distance is 20cm and the moving distance is 10cm, the adjustable distance is greater than the moving distance, and the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to this moving distance, i.e., it moves upwards by 10cm, but the maximum limit height has not yet been reached. If the adjustable distance is 15cm and the moving distance is 20cm, the adjustable distance is less than the moving distance. To avoid the distance between the fruits / vegetables and the light preservation module being too small, the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to this adjustable distance, i.e., it moves upwards by 15cm. When the automatic lifting shelf needs to move to the bottom (downwards) of the refrigerator, it is controlled to move according to this moving distance until the moving distance is completed or the preset minimum limit height is reached, at which point the movement stops.

[0091] It is worth noting that since vegetables and fruits are generally quite tall, it is necessary to measure the adjustable distance between the maximum height of the fruits / vegetables and the maximum limit height, and then compare this adjustable distance with the moving distance required to move the automatic lifting shelf to move the automatic lifting shelf. However, the shelves in other refrigerator compartments do not store (or store very few) fruits / vegetables, and the height of the food stored on them is generally not very high. Therefore, it is not necessary to measure the maximum height of the food stored on this shelf, but to directly use the minimum limit height as the evaluation benchmark.

[0092] Compared to related technologies, this refrigerator incorporates a light preservation module with adjustable light sources and frequencies, along with an automatic lifting shelf system. Combined with a food recognition system, it can identify the types and weights of fruits and vegetables placed on the automatic lifting shelf. For mixed storage of fruits and vegetables, it can determine the most suitable preservation mode based on fruit weight, a first influencing parameter, vegetable weight, and a second influencing parameter. This preservation mode includes a fruit preservation mode and a vegetable preservation mode. Based on the determined preservation mode, it intelligently adjusts the light source and irradiation frequency of the light preservation module, as well as the distance between the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module, achieving the best preservation effect for fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, during the movement of the automatic lifting shelf, sufficient irradiation space is provided for the light preservation module and the stored food, ensuring that the shelf does not move too close to the light preservation module and that some fruits / vegetables are not exposed to irradiation, thus improving the light preservation effect.

[0093] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a fruit and vegetable preservation method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The fruit and vegetable preservation method is applicable to a refrigerator and is executed by a controller in the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a light preservation module and an automatic lifting shelf located at the top of the refrigerator compartment. The method includes:

[0094] S1. When it is detected that a target food ingredient is placed on the current automatic lifting shelf, the type of the target food ingredient is obtained; wherein, the type of the target food ingredient includes at least one of fruits and vegetables;

[0095] S2. When the target ingredients include fruits and vegetables, obtain the corresponding fruit weight and vegetable weight according to the pre-stored label information of the target ingredients.

[0096] S3. Obtain the first influence parameter corresponding to the fruit and the second influence parameter corresponding to the vegetable;

[0097] S4. Determine the preservation mode based on the fruit weight, the first influencing parameter, the vegetable weight, and the second influencing parameter; wherein, the preservation mode includes a fruit preservation mode and a vegetable preservation mode;

[0098] S5. Control the operation of the light preservation module according to the preservation mode, determine the moving distance of the automatic lifting shelf according to the preservation mode, and control the automatic lifting shelf to move according to the moving distance.

[0099] Specifically, the method further includes: when the target food only includes fruit, controlling the refrigerator to operate in the fruit preservation mode; when the target food only includes vegetables, controlling the refrigerator to operate in the vegetable preservation mode.

[0100] Specifically, determining the preservation mode based on fruit weight, a first influencing parameter, vegetable weight, and a second influencing parameter includes: calculating a fruit preservation score based on the fruit weight, the vegetable weight, the first influencing parameter, and a first preservation percentage corresponding to the fruit; calculating a vegetable preservation score based on the fruit weight, the vegetable weight, the second influencing parameter, and a second preservation percentage corresponding to the vegetable; controlling the refrigerator to operate in the fruit preservation mode when the fruit preservation score is greater than the vegetable preservation score; controlling the refrigerator to operate in the vegetable preservation mode when the fruit preservation score is less than the vegetable preservation score; and controlling the refrigerator to remain in the current preservation mode when the fruit preservation score is equal to the vegetable preservation score.

[0101] Specifically, the first influencing parameter includes the average retention rate of the first nutrient and the first average weight loss rate, and the second influencing parameter includes the average retention rate of the second nutrient and the second average weight loss rate; wherein the average retention rate of the first nutrient is greater than the average retention rate of the second nutrient, and the first average weight loss rate is greater than the second average weight loss rate.

[0102] Specifically, the adjustable parameters in the fruit preservation mode include a first light source, a first light emission duration, a first light frequency, and a first light emission distance; the adjustable parameters in the vegetable preservation mode include a second light source, a second light emission duration, a second light emission frequency, and a second light emission distance.

[0103] Specifically, determining the moving distance of the automatic lifting shelf according to the preservation mode includes: after determining the preservation mode, obtaining the light distance in the preservation mode, and obtaining the distance between the food in the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module; and calculating the moving distance based on the light distance and the distance.

[0104] Specifically, the refrigerator further includes: a camera device disposed in the refrigerator compartment for capturing images of the food placement on the automatic lifting shelf; then, the method further includes: obtaining the moving direction of the automatic lifting shelf; when the automatic lifting shelf needs to move towards the top of the refrigerator, obtaining the food placement image captured by the camera device, and identifying the maximum height of the food stored on the automatic lifting shelf based on the food placement image; calculating the adjustable distance from the maximum height to a preset maximum limit height; wherein the maximum limit height is a certain distance away from the top of the refrigerator; when the adjustable distance is greater than the moving distance, controlling the automatic lifting shelf to move according to the moving distance; when the adjustable distance is less than or equal to the moving distance, controlling the automatic lifting shelf to move according to the adjustable distance.

[0105] Specifically, the method further includes: when the automatic lifting shelf needs to move to the bottom of the refrigerator, controlling the automatic lifting shelf to move according to the moving distance until the moving distance is completed or the preset minimum limit height is reached and then stopping the movement.

[0106] It is worth noting that the specific working process of the fruit and vegetable preservation method described in the embodiments of the present invention can be referred to the working process of the controller in the refrigerator described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0107] Compared to related technologies, this refrigerator incorporates a light preservation module with adjustable light sources and frequencies, along with an automatic lifting shelf system. Combined with a food recognition system, it can identify the types and weights of fruits and vegetables placed on the automatic lifting shelf. For mixed storage of fruits and vegetables, it can determine the most suitable preservation mode based on fruit weight, a first influencing parameter, vegetable weight, and a second influencing parameter. This preservation mode includes a fruit preservation mode and a vegetable preservation mode. Based on the determined preservation mode, it intelligently adjusts the light source and irradiation frequency of the light preservation module, as well as the distance between the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module, achieving the best preservation effect for fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, during the movement of the automatic lifting shelf, sufficient irradiation space is provided for the light preservation module and the stored food, ensuring that the shelf does not move too close to the light preservation module and that some fruits / vegetables are not exposed to irradiation, thus improving the light preservation effect.

[0108] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: The refrigerator comprises: a cabinet in which a storage compartment is formed, the storage compartment comprising at least a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment; a cabinet door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a light preservation module arranged at the top of the refrigeration compartment and configured to emit corresponding light sources according to a light irradiation mode sent by a controller; an automatic lifting shelf arranged in the refrigeration compartment and configured to adjust the distance from the light preservation module according to a moving instruction sent by the controller; the controller is configured to: detect that a target foodstuff is placed on the current automatic lifting shelf, and obtain the type of the target foodstuff; wherein the type of the target foodstuff comprises at least one of fruits and vegetables; when the type of the target foodstuff comprises fruits and vegetables, obtain the corresponding fruit weight and vegetable weight according to pre-stored label information of the target foodstuff; obtain a first influence parameter corresponding to fruits and a second influence parameter corresponding to vegetables; wherein the first influence parameter comprises a first average nutrient retention rate and a first average weight loss rate, and the second influence parameter comprises a second average nutrient retention rate and a second average weight loss rate; determine a preservation mode according to the fruit weight, the first influence parameter, the vegetable weight, and the second influence parameter; wherein the preservation mode comprises a fruit preservation mode and a vegetable preservation mode; control the operation of the light preservation module according to the preservation mode, and determine the moving distance of the automatic lifting shelf according to the preservation mode, and control the automatic lifting shelf to move according to the moving distance.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The determination of the preservation mode according to the fruit weight, the first influence parameter, the vegetable weight, and the second influence parameter comprises: calculating a fruit preservation score according to the fruit weight, the vegetable weight, the first influence parameter, and a first preservation proportion corresponding to the fruits; calculating a vegetable preservation score according to the fruit weight, the vegetable weight, the second influence parameter, and a second preservation proportion corresponding to the vegetables; when the fruit preservation score is greater than the vegetable preservation score, controlling the refrigerator to operate in the fruit preservation mode; when the fruit preservation score is less than the vegetable preservation score, controlling the refrigerator to operate in the vegetable preservation mode; and when the fruit preservation score is equal to the vegetable preservation score, controlling the refrigerator to remain in the current preservation mode.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The controller is further configured to: when the type of the target foodstuff only comprises fruits, controlling the refrigerator to operate in the fruit preservation mode; when the type of the target foodstuff only comprises vegetables, controlling the refrigerator to operate in the vegetable preservation mode.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein The first average nutrient retention rate is greater than the second average nutrient retention rate, and the first average weight loss rate is greater than the second average weight loss rate.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The adjustable parameters in the fruit preservation mode comprise a first light source, a first light emission time, a first light irradiation frequency, and a first light irradiation distance, and the adjustable parameters in the vegetable preservation mode comprise a second light source, a second light emission time, a second light irradiation frequency, and a second light irradiation distance.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The determination of the moving distance of the automatic lifting shelf according to the preservation mode comprises: After determining the preservation mode, a light distance in the preservation mode is obtained, and a distance between the food material on the automatic lifting shelf and the light preservation module is obtained; The moving distance is calculated according to the light distance and the distance.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The refrigerator further comprises: A camera is arranged in the refrigeration chamber and used to capture a food material placement image on the automatic lifting shelf; The controller is further configured to: Obtain a moving direction of the automatic lifting shelf; When the automatic lifting shelf needs to move to the top of the refrigerator, the food material placement image captured by the camera is obtained, and the highest height of the food material placed on the automatic lifting shelf is identified based on the food material placement image; An adjustable distance from the highest height to a preset highest limiting height is calculated, wherein the highest limiting height is separated from the top of the refrigerator by a distance; When the adjustable distance is greater than the moving distance, the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to the moving distance; When the adjustable distance is less than or equal to the moving distance, the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to the adjustable distance.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The controller is further configured to: When the automatic lifting shelf needs to move to the bottom of the refrigerator, the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to the moving distance until the moving distance is moved or a preset lowest limiting height is reached.

9. A method for preserving fruits and vegetables, characterized by, The method is suitable for a refrigerator, and the refrigerator comprises a light preservation module arranged at the top of a refrigeration chamber and an automatic lifting shelf; the method comprises: When it is detected that a target food material is placed on the current automatic lifting shelf, the type of the target food material is obtained; wherein the type of the target food material comprises at least one of fruits and vegetables; When the type of the target food material comprises fruits and vegetables, the corresponding fruit weight and vegetable weight are obtained according to pre-stored label information of the target food material; A first influence parameter corresponding to fruits and a second influence parameter corresponding to vegetables are obtained; wherein the first influence parameter comprises a first average nutrient retention rate and a first average weight loss rate, and the second influence parameter comprises a second average nutrient retention rate and a second average weight loss rate; A preservation mode is determined according to the fruit weight, the first influence parameter, the vegetable weight, and the second influence parameter; wherein the preservation mode comprises a fruit preservation mode and a vegetable preservation mode; The operation of the light preservation module is controlled according to the preservation mode, and the moving distance of the automatic lifting shelf is determined according to the preservation mode, and the automatic lifting shelf is controlled to move according to the moving distance.

10. The fruit and vegetable fresh-keeping method according to claim 9, characterized by, The method further comprises: When the type of the target food material only comprises fruits, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the fruit preservation mode; When the type of the target food material only comprises vegetables, the refrigerator is controlled to operate in the vegetable preservation mode.

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