Refrigerator

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator which comprises a refrigerator body, a refrigerator door and a refrigerator door, the probe type temperature sensor is arranged in the storage cavity, is provided with a temperature measuring end and is used for detecting the temperature in the food materials under the condition that the temperature measuring end is inserted into the food materials; the driving device is arranged in the storage cavity, is in driving connection with the probe type temperature sensor and is used for driving the probe type temperature sensor to move towards the food materials, so that the temperature measuring end of the probe type temperature sensor is inserted into the food materials stored in the storage cavity. According to the refrigerator, the feasibility and stability of the process of directly obtaining the actual temperature in the food materials can be guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and particularly to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] With the development of science and technology, the living standards of human beings have been continuously improved, and refrigerators have become essential electrical appliances in people's work and life. Moreover, with technological innovation, the functions of refrigerators have become increasingly diverse. For example, in addition to the most basic refrigeration and freezing functions, a thawing function has emerged. Among them, the operation of these functions involves obtaining the internal temperature of the food stored in the refrigerator, especially the central temperature of the food.

[0003] Currently, for refrigerators in the prior art, the general method for obtaining the internal temperature of food is to first obtain parameters such as the surface temperature, weight, and category of the food, and then estimate the internal temperature of the food based on these parameters. However, the data obtained by such an indirect method of obtaining the internal temperature of food is always inaccurate, that is, there is always a deviation between the estimated temperature inside the food and the actual temperature inside the food. For this reason, the food can be placed on a temperature detection device, and the temperature detection device can be inserted into the interior of the food by using the gravity of the food to obtain the actual temperature inside the food. However, under different states of the food (frozen, refrigerated, thawed, or cooked), the required force is different, and thus the temperature detection device may not be smoothly inserted into the food, resulting in the inability to guarantee the stability and feasibility of obtaining the actual temperature inside the food. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can solve at least one of the defects in the above prior art.

[0005] A further object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of the internal temperature of the food obtained, ensure the operation of functions such as refrigeration, freezing, and thawing of the refrigerator, and improve the quality of the food stored in the refrigerator after the operation of functions such as refrigeration, freezing, and thawing.

[0006] Another further object of the present invention is to ensure the feasibility and stability of the process of directly obtaining the actual temperature inside the food by the refrigerator.

[0007] In particular, the present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0008] A cabinet, inside which there is a storage cavity for placing food;

[0009] A probe-type temperature sensor, disposed in the storage cavity, and having a temperature measurement end for detecting the internal temperature of the food when the temperature measurement end is inserted into the interior of the food;

[0010] A driving device is arranged in the storage cavity and is drivingly connected to the probe type temperature sensor, and is used for driving the probe type temperature sensor to move towards the food material so that the temperature measuring end of the probe type temperature sensor is inserted into the food material stored in the storage cavity.

[0011] Furthermore, the temperature measuring end is arranged downward; and

[0012] The driving device includes:

[0013] A telescopic cavity is located at the top of the storage cavity and extends upward;

[0014] A driving rack is arranged on the probe type temperature sensor and is arranged in the up and down direction;

[0015] A driving motor is arranged in the telescopic cavity, and a driving gear drivingly connected to the driving rack is arranged on its driving shaft, and is used for driving the probe type temperature sensor to extend downward into the storage cavity or retract upward into the telescopic cavity.

[0016] Furthermore, the refrigerator further includes:

[0017] A refrigerating chamber is arranged in the refrigerator body and is located above the storage cavity, and a plurality of refrigerating drawers arranged in the left and right direction are arranged therein, and the telescopic cavity is located between any two refrigerating drawers.

[0018] Furthermore, the refrigerator further includes:

[0019] A thawing tray is arranged at the bottom of the storage cavity and is used for holding food materials and is arranged opposite to the probe type temperature sensor.

[0020] Furthermore, the refrigerator further includes:

[0021] A thawing medium for transferring heat to the food material is arranged in the storage cavity, and the thawing medium includes one or more of gas, liquid, and solid.

[0022] Furthermore, the thawing medium is a thawing air flow; and

[0023] The refrigerator further includes:

[0024] A cooling mechanism and a first air duct are arranged in the refrigerator body;

[0025] A heating mechanism and a second air duct are arranged in the refrigerator body;

[0026] A mixing air device is communicated with the first air duct, the second air duct and the storage cavity. The cooling mechanism and the first air duct are used for providing cold air flow to the mixing air device, the heating mechanism and the second air duct are used for providing hot air flow to the mixing air device, and the mixing air device is used for outputting thawing air flow to the storage cavity based on the cold air flow and the hot air flow.

[0027] Furthermore, ventilation openings are formed in the wall of the storage cavity;

[0028] The air mixing device includes:

[0029] A three-way valve, which is provided with an air mixing chamber inside, and is provided with a first air inlet, a second air inlet and a first air outlet communicating with the air mixing chamber on it. The first air inlet communicates with the first air duct, the second air inlet communicates with the second air duct, and the first air outlet communicates with the ventilation opening;

[0030] An air mixing fan, which is arranged at the first air outlet, is used to prompt the cold air flow to flow into the air mixing chamber from the first air inlet, and prompt the hot air flow to flow into the air mixing chamber from the second air inlet, and prompt the thawing air flow formed by the mixing of the hot air flow and the cold air flow in the air mixing chamber to be discharged into the storage cavity through the ventilation opening and the first air outlet.

[0031] Further, a valve core is arranged in the air mixing chamber. The valve core is arranged in the air mixing chamber and is used to adjust the flow rate of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet to the air mixing chamber and the flow rate of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet to the air mixing chamber.

[0032] Further, the cooling mechanism includes:

[0033] An evaporator and a cooling fan, which are arranged in the first air duct. The cooling fan is used to discharge the air flow flowing through the evaporator to the three-way valve through the first air duct; and,

[0034] The heating mechanism includes:

[0035] An electric heating wire, which is arranged at the second air inlet and is used to heat the air flow conveyed from the second air duct to the three-way valve.

[0036] Further, the cooling mechanism further includes:

[0037] A first semiconductor refrigeration chip, whose refrigeration end is arranged at the first air inlet and is used to reduce the temperature of the air flow flowing through the first air inlet from the first air duct; and,

[0038] A refrigerating chamber is arranged in the box body. The refrigerating chamber communicates with the first air duct. The cooling fan is also used to discharge the air flow flowing through the evaporator to the refrigerating chamber through the first air duct. The second air duct communicates with the refrigerating chamber, and the second air duct is used to convey the air flow in the refrigerating chamber to flow through the second air inlet.

[0039] The refrigerator of the present invention is provided with a probe-type temperature sensor in its storage cavity. The probe-type temperature sensor has a temperature measurement end, and the probe-type temperature sensor can detect the temperature inside the food when the temperature measurement end is inserted into the interior of the food. Furthermore, compared with the prior art, the probe-type temperature sensor can be directly inserted into the interior of the food to directly obtain the actual temperature inside the food. Therefore, the refrigerator of the present invention can effectively improve the accuracy of the internal temperature of the food obtained, and ensure the operation of its refrigeration, freezing, thawing and other functions, and improve the quality of the food stored therein after the operation of refrigeration, freezing and thawing and other functions.

[0040] The refrigerator of the present invention is provided with a driving device. Through the setting of the driving device, the temperature measurement end of the probe-type temperature sensor can be inserted into the food stored in the storage cavity to realize the detection of the internal temperature of the food; and it can effectively avoid the situation where the temperature measurement end cannot be inserted into the interior of the food. Therefore, the refrigerator of the present invention can ensure the feasibility and stability of the process of directly obtaining the actual temperature inside the food.

[0041] From the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more clear about the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in an exemplary but not restrictive manner. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar components or parts. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a probe-type temperature sensor and a mixed air device in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a probe-type temperature sensor and a driving device in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a probe-type temperature sensor, a first clamping assembly and a second clamping assembly in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic internal structure diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 6 is one of the schematic structural diagrams of a mixed air device in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 7 It is the second structural schematic diagram of the air mixing device in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0050] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "center", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0051] The terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features, that is, include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "a plurality of" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined. When a certain feature "includes or contains" a certain or certain features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and other features can be further included.

[0052] Unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms such as "arranged", "connected", "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and can be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. Those of ordinary skill in the art should be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to specific situations.

[0053] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through other features therebetween. That is, in the description of this embodiment, the first feature being "above", "over", and "on" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "under", or "beneath" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature is at a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the description of this embodiment have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs.

[0055] In the description of this embodiment, the descriptions referring to terms such as "this embodiment", "variant embodiment", "this embodiment" etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0056] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 7 to detail the refrigerator of this embodiment. Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a probe type temperature sensor and a mixing air device in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a probe type temperature sensor and a driving device in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a probe type temperature sensor, a first clamping assembly and a second clamping assembly in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic internal structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the solid arrows in the figure represent the flow path and flow direction of the cold air flow in the first air duct, the dashed arrows represent the flow path and flow direction of the air flow in the second air duct and the third air duct, and the dotted arrows represent the flow path and flow direction of the thawing air flow in the thawing cavity; Figure 6 is one of the schematic structural diagrams of a mixing air device in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is the second of the schematic structural diagrams of a mixing air device in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] It should be noted that there is a deviation between the estimated temperature inside the food ingredient and the actual temperature inside the food ingredient, which will affect the operation of functions such as refrigeration, freezing and thawing of the refrigerator, resulting in a reduction in the quality of the food ingredient after the functions such as refrigeration, freezing and thawing of the refrigerator are operated. Therefore, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , in this embodiment, the refrigerator includes a box body 100 and a probe type temperature sensor 200. A storage cavity 110 for placing food ingredients 320 is provided inside the box body 100; the probe type temperature sensor 200 is arranged inside the storage cavity 110, and the probe type temperature sensor 200 has a temperature measuring end. The probe type temperature sensor 200 is used to detect the temperature inside the food ingredient 320 when the temperature measuring end is inserted into the inside of the food ingredient 320.

[0058] Since the refrigerator of this embodiment is provided with a probe-type temperature sensor 200 in its storage cavity 110, the probe-type temperature sensor 200 has a temperature measurement end, and the probe-type temperature sensor 200 can detect the temperature inside the food ingredient 320 when the temperature measurement end is inserted into the interior of the food ingredient 320. Furthermore, compared with the prior art, the probe-type temperature sensor 200 can be directly inserted into the interior of the food ingredient 320 to directly obtain the actual temperature inside the food ingredient 320. Therefore, the refrigerator of this embodiment can effectively improve the accuracy of the internal temperature of the food ingredient 320 obtained, and ensure the operation of its refrigeration, freezing, thawing and other functions, and improve the quality of the food ingredient 320 stored therein after the operation of refrigeration, freezing and thawing and other functions.

[0059] Referring to Figure 2 , in the first method of this embodiment, the probe-type temperature sensor 200 is located at the bottom of the storage cavity 110, and the temperature measurement end is arranged upward, so that when the food ingredient 320 is placed on the probe-type temperature sensor 200, the temperature measurement end contacts and inserts into the food ingredient 320 upward.

[0060] It can be understood that the probe-type temperature sensor 200 is located at the bottom of the storage cavity 110 and the temperature measurement end is arranged upward. Therefore, when the user places the food ingredient 320 into the storage cavity 110, the user can directly place the food ingredient 320 above the temperature measurement end. When the user takes out the food ingredient 320 from the storage cavity 110, the user can also directly take out the food ingredient 320, which is convenient for the user to store and access the food ingredient 320. Moreover, through the foregoing arrangement, the refrigerator can utilize the gravity of the food ingredient 320 itself to prompt the temperature measurement end of the probe-type temperature sensor 200 to contact and insert into the interior of the food ingredient 320 upward, so as to realize the detection of the internal temperature of the food ingredient 320.

[0061] In this embodiment, the mass of the food ingredient 320 is greater than or equal to a first preset value, so as to keep the temperature measurement end inserted into the food ingredient 320 when the temperature detected by the probe-type temperature sensor 200 is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value.

[0062] In addition, the first preset value can be 1 kg, and the first predetermined value can be -5°C.

[0063] It should be understood that when only relying on the gravity of the food ingredient 320 itself to prompt the temperature measuring end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 to face upward and insert into the interior of the food ingredient 320, it is necessary to ensure that the food ingredient 320 has a certain weight, so as to avoid the situation where the weight of the food ingredient 320 is too small and the temperature measuring end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 cannot be inserted into the interior of the food ingredient 320; moreover, since there are multiple chambers in the refrigerator for storing food ingredients 320, such as the freezer compartment 130, the refrigerating compartment 120, and the storage compartment 110, the temperatures of the food ingredients 320 are different, and their hardness and softness are also different. Therefore, the temperature of the food ingredient 320 will also affect whether the temperature measuring end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 can be inserted into the food ingredient 320. Furthermore, when the mass of the food ingredient 320 is greater than or equal to the first preset value, and when the temperature detected by the probe type temperature sensor 200 is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value, the temperature measuring end can continuously insert into the food ingredient 320.

[0064] Referring to Figure 2 , in the present embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a storage tray 310. The storage tray 310 is arranged at the bottom inside the storage compartment 110. The storage tray 310 is used for holding the food ingredient 320, and the probe type temperature sensor 200 is arranged on the storage tray 310.

[0065] Referring to Figure 3 , in the second mode of the present embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a driving device 400. The driving device 400 is arranged inside the storage compartment 110, and the driving device 400 is drivingly connected to the probe type temperature sensor 200. The driving device 400 is used for driving the probe type temperature sensor 200 to move towards the food ingredient 320, so that the temperature measuring end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 is inserted into the food ingredient 320 stored inside the storage compartment 110.

[0066] Since the refrigerator of the present embodiment has a driving device 400, and through the arrangement of the driving device 400, it can prompt the temperature measuring end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 to be inserted into the food ingredient 320 stored inside the storage compartment 110, so as to realize the detection of the internal temperature of the food ingredient 320; and it can effectively avoid the situation where the temperature measuring end cannot be inserted into the interior of the food ingredient 320 (for example, in the first embodiment, the situation where the mass of the food ingredient 320 is less than the first preset value and / or the temperature of the food ingredient 320 is lower than the first predetermined value). Therefore, the refrigerator of the present embodiment can ensure the feasibility and stability of the process of directly obtaining the actual internal temperature of the food ingredient 320.

[0067] Referring to Figure 3, in this embodiment, the temperature measurement end is arranged downward; and, the driving device 400 includes a telescopic cavity 410, a driving rack 420 and a driving motor 430. The telescopic cavity 410 is located at the top of the storage cavity 110 and extends upward; the driving rack 420 is arranged on the probe type temperature sensor 200 and is arranged in the up and down direction; the driving motor 430 is arranged in the telescopic cavity 410, and a driving gear 431 drivingly connected to the driving rack 420 is arranged on the driving shaft of the driving motor 430. The driving motor 430 is used to drive the probe type temperature sensor 200 to extend downward into the storage cavity 110 or retract upward into the telescopic cavity 410.

[0068] It can be understood that the temperature measurement end can be arranged downward, and the driving device 400 can drive the probe type temperature sensor 200 to move downward through the settings of its driving rack 420, driving gear 431 and driving motor 430 so as to insert the temperature measurement end into the interior of the food ingredient 320. Among them, during the process that the driving device 400 drives the probe type temperature sensor 200 to move downward and insert the temperature measurement end into the interior of the food ingredient 320, the food ingredient 320 can be abutted against the inner bottom wall of the storage cavity 110, and the temperature measurement end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 can be smoothly inserted into the interior of the food ingredient 320. And the telescopic cavity 410 can allow the probe type temperature sensor 200 to retract into it, which can avoid that when the probe type temperature sensor 200 is always in the storage cavity 110, the temperature measurement end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 will scratch the user when the user stores the food ingredient 320 in the storage cavity 110, ensuring the safety of using the refrigerator.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , in this embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a refrigerating chamber 120. The refrigerating chamber 120 is arranged in the box body 100 and is located above the storage cavity 110. A plurality of refrigerating drawers 121 arranged in the left and right direction are arranged in the refrigerating chamber 120, and the telescopic cavity 410 is located between any two refrigerating drawers 121. To reasonably utilize the space inside the refrigerator and ensure the capacity of the storage space for storing the food ingredient 320 inside the refrigerator.

[0070] In some other embodiments, the temperature measurement end is arranged to face right; and, the driving device 400 includes a telescopic cavity 410, a driving rack 420, and a driving motor 430. The telescopic cavity 410 is formed in the left side wall of the storage cavity 110 and extends leftward; the driving rack 420 is arranged on the probe type temperature sensor 200 and is arranged in the left-right direction; the driving motor 430 is arranged in the telescopic cavity 410, and a driving gear 431 drivingly connected to the driving rack 420 is arranged on the driving shaft of the driving motor 430. The driving motor 430 is used to drive the probe type temperature sensor 200 to extend rightward into the storage cavity 110 or retract leftward into the telescopic cavity 410.

[0071] It can be understood that the temperature measurement end can be arranged to face right. The driving device 400 can drive the probe type temperature sensor 200 to move rightward through the arrangement of its driving rack 420, driving gear 431, and driving motor 430 so as to insert the temperature measurement end into the interior of the food ingredient 320. Among them, during the process that the driving device 400 drives the probe type temperature sensor 200 to move rightward and insert the temperature measurement end into the interior of the food ingredient 320, the food ingredient 320 can be abutted against the left side wall in the storage cavity 110, and the temperature measurement end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 can be smoothly inserted into the interior of the food ingredient 320. And the telescopic cavity 410 can allow the probe type temperature sensor 200 to retract into it, which can avoid the situation that when the user stores the food ingredient 320 in the storage cavity 110 if the probe type temperature sensor 200 is always in the storage cavity 110, the temperature measurement end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 will scratch the user, ensuring the safety of using the refrigerator.

[0072] In this embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a storage tray 310. The storage tray 310 is arranged at the bottom in the storage cavity 110 and is used for holding the food ingredient 320. And the storage tray 310 is arranged opposite to the probe type temperature sensor 200 to ensure that the driving device 400 can drive the probe type temperature sensor 200 to accurately insert the temperature measurement end into the food ingredient 320.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the temperature measurement end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 moves toward the food ingredient 320 and inserts into the interior of the food ingredient 320, the food ingredient 320 may move, which may further cause the temperature measurement end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 to not be smoothly inserted into the food ingredient 320, or even unable to be inserted into the interior of the food ingredient 320. Therefore, referring to Figure 4 , in the third method of this embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a first clamping assembly 510. The first clamping assembly 510 is arranged on the first inner wall 111 of the storage cavity 110. The first clamping assembly 510 is used to clamp the food ingredient 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 and the second inner wall 112 of the storage cavity 110, and the first inner wall 111 and the second inner wall 112 are arranged opposite to each other.

[0074] Since the refrigerator of the present embodiment has the first clamping assembly 510, the first clamping assembly 510 can firmly clamp the food ingredient 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 and the second inner wall 112 of the storage cavity 110, and the first inner wall 111 and the second inner wall 112 are oppositely arranged. Furthermore, it can effectively prevent the movement of the food ingredient 320 when the temperature measuring end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 moves towards the food ingredient 320 and inserts into the interior of the food ingredient 320, so as to ensure that the temperature measuring end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 can smoothly insert into the interior of the food ingredient 320. Therefore, the refrigerator of the present embodiment can ensure the feasibility and stability of directly obtaining the actual temperature inside the food ingredient 320.

[0075] Refer to Figure 4 In the present embodiment, the first clamping assembly 510 includes a first spring 511 and a first clamping plate 512. One end of the first spring 511 is connected to the first inner wall 111; the other end of the first spring 511 is connected to one side surface of the first clamping plate 512, and the other side surface of the first clamping plate 512 is used to abut against the food ingredient 320. Furthermore, the first clamping assembly 510 can clamp the food ingredient 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 (the first clamping plate 512) and the second inner wall 112 of the storage cavity 110.

[0076] Refer to Figure 4 In the present embodiment, the probe type temperature sensor 200 is arranged on the first clamping plate 512, the temperature measuring end protrudes from the side surface of the first clamping plate 512 that contacts the food ingredient 320, and the temperature measuring end extends in a direction away from the first clamping plate 512.

[0077] It should be understood that by arranging the probe type temperature sensor 200 on the first clamping plate 512, and the temperature measuring end protruding from the side surface of the first clamping plate 512 that contacts the food ingredient 320, and the temperature measuring end extending in a direction away from the first clamping plate 512, such an arrangement can, when the first clamping assembly 510 clamps the food ingredient 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 and the second inner wall 112 of the storage cavity 110, synchronously cause the temperature measuring end of the probe type temperature sensor 200 to insert into the food ingredient 320, so as to realize the synchronous detection of the internal temperature of the food ingredient 320 while clamping the food ingredient 320.

[0078] Refer to Figure 4 In the present embodiment, the first clamping assembly 510 further includes a plurality of first positioning thimbles 513. The plurality of first positioning thimbles 513 are arranged on the first clamping plate 512, and each first positioning thimble 513 protrudes from the side surface of the first clamping plate 512 that abuts against the food ingredient 320, and each first positioning thimble 513 extends in a direction away from the first clamping plate 512.

[0079] It is understandable that by providing a plurality of first positioning pins 513 on the first clamping plate 512 , the friction between the first clamping plate 512 and the food 320 can be increased to ensure the stability of clamping the food 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 and the second inner wall 112 of the storage cavity 110 .

[0080] In this embodiment, the first clamping plate 512 and the first positioning pin 513 are both made of metal.

[0081] It can be understood that the material of the first clamping plate 512 and the first positioning ejector pin 513 is set to be metal, for example, copper or copper alloy, aluminum or aluminum alloy, etc., on the one hand, the solidity and durability of the first clamping plate 512 and the first positioning ejector pin 513 can be ensured; on the other hand, when the storage cavity 110 is used to thaw the food 320 to be thawed, and the thawing medium in the following embodiments is gas, the thawing airflow can flow to the first clamping plate 512, and the material of the first clamping plate 512 and the first positioning ejector pin 513 is set to be metal. The first clamping plate 512 and the first positioning ejector pin 513 can conduct heat to the food 320 well, avoid the disturbance of the thawing airflow by the first clamping assembly 510, and ensure the uniformity of heating of the food 320.

[0082] Reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, the first inner wall 111 is the inner top wall of the storage cavity 110, and the second inner wall 112 is the inner bottom wall of the storage cavity 110; the first clamping plate 512 is arranged along the horizontal plane.

[0083] It can be understood that by setting the first clamping component 510 on the inner top wall of the storage cavity 110, when the first clamping component 510 moves toward the food 320 to clamp the food 320 between the first clamping component 510 and the inner bottom wall of the storage cavity 110, the inner bottom wall of the storage cavity 110 will firmly press against the food 320 to ensure the stability of the first clamping component 510 in the process of clamping the food 320, and the stability of the probe temperature sensor 200 when inserting the temperature measuring end into the food 320.

[0084] Reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a refrigerating chamber 120. The refrigerating chamber 120 is disposed in the box body 100, and the storage cavity 110 is located in the refrigerating chamber 120. A shelf plate 122 disposed in a transverse direction is disposed in the refrigerating chamber 120. The shelf plate 122 is used to open the storage cavity 110 upward or close the storage cavity 110 downward, and the first inner wall 111 is the lower surface of the shelf plate 122.

[0085] It should be understood that the shelf 122 can be pivotally arranged in the refrigerating chamber 120, and the rotation central axis of the shelf 122 is horizontally located at the rear of the refrigerating chamber 120. Further, the shelf 122 can be rotatably opened forward and upward to open the storage cavity 110, so as to facilitate the user to store or take out the food ingredients 320 into or from the storage cavity 110; after the user stores or takes out the food ingredients 320 into or from the storage cavity 110, the shelf 122 can be rotated downward to close the storage cavity 110. And, when there are food ingredients 320 placed at a predetermined position in the storage cavity 110, during the process of rotating the shelf 122 downward, it will cause the first clamping assembly 510 arranged on the lower surface of the shelf 122 to move towards the food ingredients 320, and finally clamp the food ingredients 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 and the inner bottom wall of the storage cavity 110, and cause the probe type temperature sensor 200 to insert the temperature measuring end into the food ingredients 320.

[0086] In some variant embodiments of the first inner wall 111 and the second inner wall 112, the first inner wall 111 is the front side wall in the storage cavity 110, and the second inner wall 112 is the rear side wall in the storage cavity 110; the first clamping plate 512 is arranged along the vertical plane.

[0087] It should be understood that by arranging the first clamping assembly 510 on the front side wall of the storage cavity 110, during the process that the first clamping assembly 510 moves towards the food ingredients 320 and clamps the food ingredients 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 and the rear side wall of the storage cavity 110, the rear side wall of the storage cavity 110 will firmly resist the food ingredients 320 to ensure the stability of the first clamping assembly 510 during the process of clamping the food ingredients 320, and the stability of the probe type temperature sensor 200 inserting the temperature measuring end into the food ingredients 320.

[0088] In this variant embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a refrigerating chamber 120 and a freezing chamber 130, and the storage cavity 110 can be arranged independently of the refrigerating chamber 120 and the freezing chamber 130. The refrigerator further includes a storage door for opening or closing the storage cavity 110, and the storage door can be located at the front side of the refrigerator, and the first inner wall 111 can be the inner side wall of the storage door facing the storage cavity 110.

[0089] It should be understood that the storage door can be pivotally connected to the box body 100, and the rotation central axis of the storage door can be horizontally located below or above the storage cavity 110, or vertically located on the left or right side of the storage cavity 110. Thus, the storage door can open the storage cavity 110 forward to facilitate the user to store or take out the food ingredients 320 into or from the storage cavity 110. After the user stores or takes out the food ingredients 320 into or from the storage cavity 110, the storage door can rotate backward to close the storage cavity 110. And, when there are food ingredients 320 placed at a predetermined position in the storage cavity 110, during the process of rotating the storage door backward, it will cause the first clamping assembly 510 arranged on the inner side surface of the storage door to move towards the food ingredients 320, and finally clamp the food ingredients 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 and the rear side wall of the storage cavity 110, and cause the probe type temperature sensor 200 to insert the temperature measuring end into the food ingredients 320.

[0090] In this embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a storage tray 310. The storage tray 310 is arranged at the bottom inside the storage cavity 110. The storage tray 310 is used for holding the food ingredients 320, and the storage tray 310 is arranged opposite to the first clamping assembly 510.

[0091] It can be understood that through the arrangement of the storage tray 310, the contact between the food ingredients 320 and the inner wall of the storage cavity 110 can be avoided. And the storage tray 310 being arranged opposite to the first clamping assembly 510 can well ensure the movement of the first clamping assembly 510 towards the food ingredients 320, ensuring the feasibility and stability of the first clamping assembly 510 clamping the food ingredients 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 and the second inner wall 112, and further ensuring the feasibility and stability of the process of directly obtaining the actual temperature inside the food ingredients 320 by using the probe type temperature sensor 200.

[0092] In this embodiment, the material of the storage tray 310 can be metal.

[0093] It can be understood that setting the material of the storage tray 310 to be all metal, for example, copper or copper alloy, aluminum or aluminum alloy, etc. On the one hand, it can ensure the firmness and durability of the storage tray 310. On the other hand, when the storage cavity 110 is used to thaw the food ingredients 320 to be thawed, and in the case where the thawing medium in the following embodiments is gas, the thawing air flow can flow towards the storage tray 310. By setting the material of the storage tray 310 to be all metal, the storage tray 310 can well conduct heat to the food ingredients 320, avoid the disturbance of the storage tray 310 to the thawing air flow, and ensure the uniformity of the heat received by the food ingredients 320.

[0094] Refer to Figure 4, in this embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a second clamping assembly 520. The second clamping assembly 520 is disposed on the second inner wall 112, the second clamping assembly 520 is disposed opposite to the first clamping assembly 510, and the second clamping assembly 520 and the first clamping assembly are used to clamp the food ingredient 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 and the second clamping assembly 520.

[0095] It can be understood that by providing the second clamping assembly 520, the stability of clamping the food ingredient 320 can be further ensured, and the feasibility and stability of directly obtaining the actual temperature inside the food ingredient 320 can be further ensured.

[0096] Refer to Figure 4 , in this embodiment, the second clamping assembly 520 includes a second clamping plate 521. The second clamping plate 521 is disposed on the second inner wall 112, and one side surface of the second clamping plate 521 is disposed opposite to the second inner wall 112, and the other side surface of the second clamping plate 521 is used to abut against the food ingredient 320. Further, the second clamping assembly 520 and the first clamping assembly can clamp the food ingredient 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 and the second clamping assembly 520.

[0097] Refer to Figure 4 , in this embodiment, the second clamping assembly 520 includes a plurality of second positioning thimbles 522. The plurality of second positioning thimbles 522 are disposed on the second clamping plate 521, and each second positioning thimble 522 protrudes from the side surface of the second clamping plate 521 that abuts against the food ingredient 320, and each second positioning thimble 522 extends in a direction away from the second clamping plate 521.

[0098] It can be understood that by providing a plurality of second positioning thimbles 522 on the second clamping plate 521, the friction force between the second clamping plate 521 and the food ingredient 320 can be increased to ensure the stability of clamping the food ingredient 320 between the first clamping assembly 510 and the second clamping assembly 520.

[0099] In addition, the second clamping plate 521 can be the storage tray 310 in the foregoing embodiment.

[0100] In this embodiment, the materials of the second clamping plate 521 and the second positioning thimble 522 are both metals. It can be understood that setting the materials of the second clamping plate 521 and the second positioning thimble 522 to metals, such as copper or copper alloy, aluminum or aluminum alloy, etc., can, on the one hand, ensure the firmness and durability of the second clamping plate 521 and the second positioning thimble 522; on the other hand, when the storage cavity 110 is used to thaw the food to be thawed 320 and the thawing medium in the following embodiments is a gas, the thawing air flow can flow to the second clamping plate 521. By setting the materials of the second clamping plate 521 and the second positioning thimble 522 to metals, the second clamping plate 521 and the second positioning thimble 522 can conduct heat well to the food 320, avoid the disturbance of the second clamping assembly 520 to the thawing air flow, and ensure the uniformity of the heat received by the food 320.

[0101] In this embodiment, the storage cavity 110 can be used to thaw the food to be thawed 320. And a thawing medium for transferring heat to the food 320 is provided in the storage cavity 110. Thus, the refrigerator in this embodiment can thaw the food 320, and before, during, or after thawing, the refrigerator in this embodiment can directly detect the actual temperature inside or at the center of the food to be thawed 320 through the settings in the above embodiments, which is convenient for the refrigerator to control the thawing process and ensure the quality of the food 320 after thawing.

[0102] In this embodiment, the thawing medium includes one or more of gas, liquid, and solid.

[0103] In addition, in the prior art, there are also temperature ranges that cannot be reached in the sum of the refrigerator's fresh food compartment 120, freezer compartment 130, and the indoor space. Further, there are also environmental temperature gaps that the refrigerator cannot reach, which may not be able to meet the temperature requirements for thawing the food 320, greatly restricting the improvement of the quality of the food 320 after thawing.

[0104] Refer to Figure 5 , in this embodiment, the thawing medium is a thawing air flow; and the refrigerator further includes a cooling mechanism 610 and a first air duct 710, a heating mechanism 620 and a second air duct 720, and a mixing air device 800. The cooling mechanism 610 and the first air duct 710 are arranged inside the box body 100; the heating mechanism 620 and the second air duct 720 are arranged inside the box body 100; the mixing air device 800 is communicated with the first air duct 710, the second air duct 720, and the storage cavity 110. The cooling mechanism 610 and the first air duct 710 are used to provide cold air flow to the mixing air device 800, the heating mechanism 620 and the second air duct 720 are used to provide hot air flow to the mixing air device 800, and the mixing air device 800 is used to output the thawing air flow into the storage cavity 110 based on the cold air flow and the hot air flow.

[0105] It can be understood that through the construction of components such as the cooling mechanism 610, the first air duct 710, the heating mechanism 620, the second air duct 720, and the air mixing device 800, the refrigerator can provide the above-mentioned thawing medium for transferring heat to the food 320, so that the storage chamber 110 can be used to thaw the food 320.

[0106] Moreover, in the refrigerator of this embodiment, through the settings of the cooling mechanism 610, the first air duct 710, the heating mechanism 620, and the second air duct 720, the refrigerator can not only provide a cold air flow to the air mixing device 800, but also provide a hot air flow to the air mixing device 800, and the air mixing device 800 can output the thawing air flow based on the hot air flow and the cold air flow. Therefore, compared with the existing refrigerators that can only provide cold air flow, the thawing air flow can have a larger temperature range, such as the temperature range greater than or equal to -5.5°C and less than or equal to 10.5°C in the above embodiment. Thus, this embodiment broadens the interval of the ambient temperature that the refrigerator can provide, further narrows the gap of the ambient temperature that the refrigerator can provide, effectively avoids the situation where the thawing temperature requirement of the food 320 cannot be met, and breaks through the limitation of the quality of the food 320 after thawing by the refrigerator.

[0107] Refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, a ventilation opening 113 is provided on the wall of the storage chamber 110; the air mixing device 800 includes a three-way valve 810 and an air mixing fan 820. A mixing chamber 811 is provided inside the three-way valve 810. The three-way valve 810 is provided with a first air inlet 812, a second air inlet 813, and a first air outlet 814 that communicate with the mixing chamber 811. The first air inlet 812 communicates with the first air duct 710, the second air inlet 813 communicates with the second air duct 720, and the first air outlet 814 communicates with the ventilation opening 113; the air mixing fan 820 is arranged at the first air outlet 814. The air mixing fan 820 is used to promote the cold air flow to flow into the mixing chamber 811 from the first air inlet 812, and to promote the hot air flow to flow into the mixing chamber 811 from the second air inlet 813, and to promote the thawing air flow formed by the mixing of the hot air flow and the cold air flow in the mixing chamber 811 to be discharged into the storage chamber 110 through the ventilation opening 113 and the first air outlet 814.

[0108] It can be understood that through the settings of the three-way valve 810 and the air mixing fan 820 of the air mixing device 800, the thawing air flow can be output in the form of mixing the hot air flow and the cold air flow. And the ventilation opening 113 can be provided on the rear wall of the storage chamber 110 or opened on the top of the storage chamber 110.

[0109] In addition, refer to Figure 7, in some other embodiments, the air mixing device 800 may further include a four-way valve 830. The four-way valve 830 is provided with a first air inlet 812, a second air inlet 813, a first air outlet 814, and a second air outlet 831. A heat exchange plate 832 is arranged inside the four-way valve 830. An independent cold air passage 833 and a hot air passage 834 are separated inside the four-way valve 830 by the heat exchange plate. The cold air passage 833 communicates with the first air outlet 814 and the first air inlet 812, and the hot air passage 834 communicates with the second air outlet 831 and the second air inlet 813. The first air inlet 812 communicates with the first air duct 710, the second air inlet 813 communicates with the second air duct 720, and the first air outlet 814 and / or the second air outlet 831 communicate with the ventilation opening 113. Furthermore, the air mixing device 800 can output a thawing air flow by causing the cold air flow and the hot air flow to exchange heat inside the four-way valve 830, and the thawing air flow can be delivered through any air outlet between the first air outlet 814 and the second air outlet 831. And further, the temperature of the thawing air flow flowing out can be controlled by controlling the flow rates flowing through the cold air passage 833 and the hot air passage 834, and / or adjusting the temperature of the hot air flow (cold air flow).

[0110] Refer to Figure 6 , in this embodiment, a valve core 815 is arranged inside the air mixing chamber 811. The valve core 815 is arranged inside the air mixing chamber 811 and can be used to adjust the flow rate of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet 813 to the air mixing chamber 811 and the flow rate of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet 812 to the air mixing chamber 811 according to the temperature of the thawing air flow, the temperature of the hot air flow, and the temperature of the cold air flow, so as to adjust the air mixing ratio of the hot air flow and the cold air flow inside the air mixing chamber 811, and further control the temperature of the thawing air flow flowing from the three-way valve 810 to the storage chamber 110.

[0111] In this embodiment, the valve core 815 can be L-shaped or C-shaped, and thus the flow rate of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet 813 to the air mixing chamber 811 and the flow rate of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet 812 to the air mixing chamber 811 can be adjusted synchronously. For example, while increasing the flow rate of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet 813 to the air mixing chamber 811, the flow rate of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet 812 to the air mixing chamber 811 is decreased; or while decreasing the flow rate of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet 813 to the air mixing chamber 811, the flow rate of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet 812 to the air mixing chamber 811 is increased.

[0112] Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6, in this embodiment, the cooling mechanism 610 includes an evaporator 611 and a cooling fan 612. The evaporator 611 and the cooling fan 612 are arranged in the first air duct 710, and the cooling fan 612 is used to discharge the air flow passing through the evaporator 611 to the three-way valve 810 through the first air duct 710; moreover, the heating mechanism 620 includes an electric heating wire 621, and the electric heating wire 621 is arranged at the second air inlet 813, and the electric heating wire 621 is used to heat the air flow conveyed from the second air duct 720 to the three-way valve 810.

[0113] It can be understood that the cold air flow can be formed by the cooling fan 612 promoting the air flow to pass through the evaporator 611 in the first air duct 710; the hot air flow can be formed by promoting the air flow in the second air duct 720 to pass through the electric heating wire 621. And, when the flow rate of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet 813 to the mixing chamber 811 and the flow rate of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet 812 to the mixing chamber 811 are certain, the electric heating power of the electric heating wire 621 can be adjusted to adjust the temperature of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet 813 to the mixing chamber 811, and further the temperature of the thawing air flow after the hot air flow and the cold air flow are mixed in the mixing chamber 811 and then input into the storage chamber 110 can be adjusted.

[0114] In addition, the evaporator 611 and the cooling fan 612 can be a refrigeration system for the refrigerator itself to provide cold air flow for the freezer 130 and the refrigerator compartment 120, or can be a refrigeration system that separately provides cold air flow for the mixing device 800.

[0115] Refer to Figure 6 , in this embodiment, the cooling mechanism 610 further includes a first thermoelectric cooler 613. The cooling end of the first thermoelectric cooler 613 is arranged at the first air inlet 812, and the first thermoelectric cooler 613 is used to reduce the temperature of the air flow flowing through the first air inlet 812 from the first air duct 710.

[0116] It can be understood that when the evaporator 611 and the cooling fan 612 are a refrigeration system for the refrigerator itself to provide cold air flow for the freezer 130 and the refrigerator compartment 120, in order to avoid the situation that the cold air flow (flow rate and / or cold quantity) provided for the mixing device 800 is insufficient at the same time, the cooling end of the first thermoelectric cooler 613 can be arranged at the first air inlet 812 to supplement the cold quantity of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet 812 to the mixing chamber 811, and further ensure that the thawing air flow can have a larger temperature range.

[0117] In addition, in some other embodiments, the cold quantity of the cold air flow provided for the mixing device 800 can be provided solely by the first thermoelectric cooler 613.

[0118] In this embodiment, the control or regulation of the temperature of the thawing air flow can be the individual regulation of the methods described in the above embodiments, or the combined regulation of components such as the first semiconductor refrigeration chip 613, the evaporator 611, the electric heating wire 621, and the valve core 815 in each embodiment.

[0119] Referring to Figure 6 , in this embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a first temperature sensor 910, a second temperature sensor 920, and a third temperature sensor 930. The first temperature sensor 910 is disposed at the first air inlet 812, and in the flow direction of the air flow in the first air duct 710, the first temperature sensor 910 is located before the first semiconductor refrigeration chip 613. The first temperature sensor 910 is used to obtain the temperature of the air flow flowing through the first air inlet 812 from the first air duct 710, that is, the first temperature sensor 910 is used to obtain the temperature of the air flow flowing through the evaporator 611 and then before the first semiconductor refrigeration chip 613; the second temperature sensor 920 is disposed at the second air inlet 813, and in the flow direction of the air flow in the second air duct 720, the second temperature sensor 920 is located before the electric heating wire 621. The second temperature sensor 920 is used to obtain the temperature of the air flow flowing through the second air inlet 813 from the second air duct 720, that is, the second temperature sensor 920 is used to obtain the temperature of the air flow before flowing through the heating wire; the third temperature sensor 930 is disposed at the first air outlet 814, and the third temperature sensor 930 is used to obtain the temperature of the thawing air flow flowing out of the first air outlet 814.

[0120] It can be understood that to obtain the temperature of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet 812 to the air mixing chamber 811, it can be determined according to the temperature obtained by the first temperature sensor 910 and the refrigeration power of the refrigeration end of the first semiconductor refrigeration chip 613; to obtain the temperature of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet 813 to the air mixing chamber 811, it can be determined according to the temperature obtained by the second temperature sensor 920 and the heating power of the electric heating wire 621.

[0121] In addition, in order to directly obtain the temperature of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet 812 to the air mixing chamber 811, the position where the first temperature sensor 910 is disposed can be after the first semiconductor refrigeration chip 613 in the flow direction of the air flow in the first air duct 710; and to directly obtain the temperature of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet 813 to the air mixing chamber 811, the position where the second temperature sensor 920 is disposed can be after the electric heating wire 621 in the flow direction of the air flow in the second air duct 720.

[0122] Referring to Figure 5, in this embodiment, when thawing air with a first preset temperature value is required; the three-way valve 810 is adjusted to supply air mainly to the heating mechanism 620 and the second air duct 720. When the temperature of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet 813 to the air mixing chamber 811 is greater than the first preset temperature value, the electric heating wire 621 does not work, and cold air flow is introduced into the air mixing chamber 811 by adjusting the three-way valve 810. When the temperature of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet 813 to the air mixing chamber 811 is less than the first preset temperature value, the heating resistance wire works, and by adjusting the mixing ratio of the hot and cold air flows in the air mixing chamber 811 and the power of the electric heating wire 621, the temperature of the thawing air flow flowing into the storage chamber 110 is controlled within the required range.

[0123] When thawing air with a freezing temperature is required; the three-way valve 810 is adjusted to supply air mainly to the cooling mechanism 610 and the first air duct 710. When the temperature of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet 812 to the air mixing chamber 811 is lower than the freezing temperature, the three-way valve 810 appropriately increases the supply of hot air flow. When the temperature of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet 812 to the air mixing chamber 811 is higher than the freezing temperature, the flow rate of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet 812 to the air mixing chamber 811 is adjusted to the maximum and the supply of hot air flow to the air mixing device 800 is stopped, and the semiconductor refrigeration works to control the temperature of the thawing air flow flowing into the storage chamber 110 within the required range.

[0124] Refer to Figure 5 , in this embodiment, a refrigerating chamber 120 is provided inside the cabinet 100. The refrigerating chamber 120 is communicated with the first air duct 710. The cooling fan 612 is also used to discharge the air flow flowing through the evaporator 611 into the refrigerating chamber 120 through the first air duct 710. The second air duct 720 is communicated with the refrigerating chamber 120, and the second air duct 720 is used to convey the air flow inside the refrigerating chamber 120 to flow through the second air inlet 813, and this air flow flows through the electric heating wire 621 in the above-mentioned embodiment. Furthermore, the heating mechanism 620 and the second air duct 720 can supply hot air flow to the air mixing device 800.

[0125] Refer to Figure 5 , in this embodiment, the second air duct 720 is also communicated with the first air duct 710, and the connection between the second air duct 720 and the first air duct 710 is arranged adjacent to the evaporator 611. The second air duct 720 is also used to cause the air flow inside the refrigerating chamber 120 to flow back to the evaporator 611 in the first air duct 710. And, the storage chamber 110 is communicated with the second air duct 720, and the position of the second air duct 720 connecting to the second air inlet 813 in the air flow direction of the second air duct 720 is located before the connection between the second air duct 720 and the storage chamber 110. Furthermore, the circulating supply of the thawing air flow to the storage chamber 110 and the circulating supply of the cold air flow to the refrigerating chamber 120 can be completed to ensure the normal operation of the refrigerator in this embodiment.

[0126] Refer toFigure 5 , in this embodiment, a freezer compartment 130 is provided inside the cabinet 100, and the first air duct 710 communicates with the freezer compartment 130 to supply cold air flow into the freezer compartment 130 through the cooling fan 612. The refrigerator further includes a third air duct 730. One end of the third air duct 730 communicates with the freezer compartment 130, and the other end of the third air duct 730 communicates with the position where the evaporator 611 is disposed in the first air duct 710. Thus, the refrigerator can realize the circulating flow supply of the cold air flow in the freezer compartment 130 to ensure the normal operation of the refrigerator in this embodiment.

[0127] In some embodiments, the second air inlet 813 can also communicate with the third air duct 730, and the storage cavity 110 communicates with the second air duct 720. And in the air flow direction in the third air duct 730, the position where the third air duct 730 communicates with the second air inlet 813 is before the communication position between the third air duct 730 and the storage cavity 110. Similarly, the circulating flow supply of the thawing air flow in the storage cavity 110 and the circulating flow supply of the cold air flow in the freezer compartment 130 can be completed to ensure the normal operation of the refrigerator in this embodiment.

[0128] Refer to Figure 5 , in this embodiment, the storage cavity 110 can be provided independently of the freezer compartment 130 and the refrigerating compartment 120, or can be an independent cavity inside the refrigerating compartment 120, or can also be an independent enclosed cavity inside the freezer compartment 130.

[0129] Refer to Figure 2 , in this embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a convection fan 330. The convection fan 330 is disposed inside the storage cavity 110, and the convection fan 330 is used to promote the flow of the thawing air flow inside the storage cavity 110 towards the food 320, so that the thawing air flow uniformly contacts the food 320 to ensure the uniformity of the heat exchange between the whole of the food 320 and the thawing air flow.

[0130] Up to this point, those skilled in the art should recognize that although multiple exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, still, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, many other variations or modifications that conform to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived based on the content disclosed in the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and determined to cover all these other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet, inside which there is a storage cavity for placing food ingredients; a probe-type temperature sensor, disposed in the storage cavity, and having a temperature measurement end for detecting the temperature inside the food ingredient when the temperature measurement end is inserted into the interior of the food ingredient; a driving device, disposed in the storage cavity, and drivingly connected to the probe-type temperature sensor for driving the probe-type temperature sensor to move towards the food ingredient so that the temperature measurement end of the probe-type temperature sensor is inserted into the food ingredient stored in the storage cavity.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, the temperature measurement end is arranged downward; and the driving device includes: a telescopic cavity, located at the top of the storage cavity and extending upward; a driving rack, disposed on the probe-type temperature sensor and arranged in the vertical direction; a driving motor, disposed in the telescopic cavity, and a driving gear drivingly connected to the driving rack is arranged on its driving shaft for driving the probe-type temperature sensor to extend downward into the storage cavity or retract upward into the telescopic cavity.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising: a refrigerating chamber, disposed in the cabinet and located above the storage cavity, inside which there are a plurality of refrigerating drawers arranged in the left-right direction, and the telescopic cavity is located between any two of the refrigerating drawers.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: a thawing tray, disposed at the bottom of the storage cavity for holding the food ingredient and arranged opposite to the probe-type temperature sensor.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: a thawing medium for transferring heat to the food ingredient is provided in the storage cavity, and the thawing medium includes one or more of gas, liquid, and solid.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, the thawing medium is a thawing air flow; and, the refrigerator further includes: a cooling mechanism and a first air duct, disposed in the cabinet; a heating mechanism and a second air duct, disposed in the cabinet; a mixing air device, communicating with the first air duct, the second air duct, and the storage cavity, the cooling mechanism and the first air duct are used to provide a cold air flow to the mixing air device, the heating mechanism and the second air duct are used to provide a hot air flow to the mixing air device, and the mixing air device is used to output a thawing air flow to the storage cavity based on the cold air flow and the hot air flow.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, a ventilation opening is formed on the wall of the storage cavity; the mixing air device includes: a three-way valve, inside which there is a mixing air cavity, and a first air inlet, a second air inlet, and a first air outlet communicating with the mixing air cavity are arranged on it, and the first air inlet communicates with the first air duct, the second air inlet communicates with the second air duct, and the first air outlet communicates with the ventilation opening; The mixing air fan is arranged at the first air outlet, and is used to prompt the cold air flow to flow into the mixing cavity from the first air inlet, and prompt the hot air flow to flow into the mixing cavity from the second air inlet, and prompt the thawing air flow formed by mixing the hot air flow and the cold air flow in the mixing cavity to be discharged into the storage cavity through the ventilation port and the first air outlet.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, a valve core is arranged in the mixing cavity, the valve core is arranged in the mixing cavity, and the valve core is used to adjust the flow rate of the hot air flow flowing from the second air inlet to the mixing cavity and the flow rate of the cold air flow flowing from the first air inlet to the mixing cavity.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, the cooling mechanism includes: an evaporator and a cooling fan, which are arranged in the first air duct, and the cooling fan is used to discharge the air flow flowing through the evaporator to the three-way valve through the first air duct; and, the heating mechanism includes: an electric heating wire, which is arranged at the second air inlet and is used to heat the air flow conveyed from the second air duct to the three-way valve.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, the cooling mechanism further includes: a first thermoelectric cooler, whose cooling end is arranged at the first air inlet and is used to reduce the temperature of the air flow flowing through the first air inlet from the first air duct; and, a refrigerating chamber is arranged in the refrigerator body, the refrigerating chamber is communicated with the first air duct, the cooling fan is further used to discharge the air flow flowing through the evaporator to the refrigerating chamber through the first air duct, the second air duct is communicated with the refrigerating chamber, and the second air duct is used to convey the air flow in the refrigerating chamber to flow through the second air inlet.

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