Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof, and the refrigerator comprises a closed independent space used for storing fruits; the carbon dioxide sensor can detect the concentration of carbon dioxide in the independent space; a ventilation device capable of ventilating the independent space; and a control unit that performs control such that the ventilation device ventilates the independent space so as to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide every prescribed time interval. Through the structure and the method, the maturity of the fruits stored in the refrigerator can be automatically and accurately detected, and the maturity of the fruits is promoted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In daily life, when people store unripe fruits, especially fruits that ripen after harvest, they will encounter the trouble of frequently confirming whether the fruits in the refrigerator are ripe. Sometimes, forgetting to confirm whether the fruits are ripe or not clearly identifying the ripe fruits can lead to the fruits rotting before they can be eaten, causing a lot of inconvenience. In addition, if the storage conditions for unripe fruits are not suitable, it will also cause the fruits to ripen slowly or even fail to ripen. Therefore, the subsequent problem is how to automatically and accurately detect the ripeness of fruits stored in the refrigerator and promote fruit ripening. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is completed based on the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can automatically and accurately detect the ripeness of fruits stored in the refrigerator and promote fruit ripening.

[0004] After the inventor's painstaking research, it is found that the change in the carbon dioxide concentration in the enclosed space where fruits are stored is related to the change in fruit ripeness. Based on the inventor's research, the present invention is thus proposed.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising: an enclosed independent space for storing fruits; a carbon dioxide sensor capable of detecting the carbon dioxide concentration in the independent space; a ventilation device capable of ventilating the independent space; and a control unit, and the control unit performs the following control: at regular intervals, the ventilation device ventilates the independent space in a manner of reducing the carbon dioxide concentration.

[0006] Thus, by ventilating the independent space at regular intervals, the refrigerator of the present invention can avoid the carbon dioxide concentration in the independent space from being too high, thereby avoiding affecting the detection of the carbon dioxide release amount and preventing the ripening of fruits stored in the refrigerator from being inhibited. Therefore, it can automatically and accurately detect the ripeness of fruits stored in the refrigerator and promote the ripening of fruits stored in the refrigerator.

[0007] In addition, the independent space of the refrigerator of the present invention may also include: an opening communicating with the air outside the independent space, and the ventilation device includes: a fan for circulating the air in the independent space; and a baffle for opening and closing the opening, and the control unit further performs: by controlling the ventilation device to open the baffle and the fan, the independent space is ventilated. With this structure, the independent space can be effectively ventilated, thereby being able to automatically and accurately detect the ripeness of fruits stored in the refrigerator and promote the ripening of fruits stored in the refrigerator.

[0008] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention may also be such that the control unit further executes: detecting the carbon dioxide release amount in the independent space at least 3 times at different time periods within a fixed time interval, and determining the ripeness of the fruits in the independent space according to whether the detected carbon dioxide release amount reaches a peak. Through this structure, according to whether the detected carbon dioxide release amount in the closed space reaches a peak, it is possible to automatically and accurately detect the ripeness of the fruits stored in the refrigerator.

[0009] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention may also be such that before detecting the carbon dioxide release amount in the independent space, the independent space is ventilated. Through this structure, it is possible to avoid excessive carbon dioxide concentration in the independent space and inhibit the generation of carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately detect the ripeness of the fruits and promote the ripening of the fruits stored in the refrigerator.

[0010] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention may also be such that the control unit further executes: setting the independent space to different preset temperatures according to the type of the fruits and the ripeness of the fruits. Through this structure, by setting different preset temperatures for the independent space according to the type and ripeness of the fruits, it is possible to store the fruits at the required temperature according to the current state of the fruits, promote the ripening of the unripe fruits, and extend the storage time of the ripe fruits.

[0011] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention may also be further provided with: a heater capable of heating the independent space, and the control unit further executes: when the current temperature of the independent space is lower than the preset temperature, controlling the heater to heat the independent space. Through this structure, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the independent space according to the current temperature and the preset temperature of the independent space, so that it is possible to store the fruits at the required temperature according to the current state of the fruits, promote the ripening of the unripe fruits, and extend the storage time of the ripe fruits.

[0012] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention may also be further provided with: a temperature regulator that cools the independent space by controlling the ventilation device to ventilate, and the control unit further executes: when the current temperature of the independent space is higher than the preset temperature, controlling the temperature regulator to cool the independent space by controlling the ventilation device to ventilate. Through this structure, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the independent space according to the current temperature and the preset temperature of the independent space, so that it is possible to store the fruits at the required temperature according to the current state of the fruits, promote the ripening of the unripe fruits, and extend the storage time of the ripe fruits. Moreover, ventilating while cooling can reduce the number of times of performing the ventilation action alone.

[0013] In the control method of the refrigerator of the present invention, the refrigerator includes: a sealed independent space for storing fruits; the control method includes: ventilating the independent space at regular intervals in a manner that reduces the carbon dioxide concentration.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the refrigerator and its control method of the present invention, it is possible to automatically and accurately detect the maturity of fruits stored in the refrigerator and promote fruit ripening. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Through the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood, where:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective three-dimensional view schematically showing the structure of the device 1 for detecting fruit maturity according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a flowchart schematically showing the method for detecting fruit maturity according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 is a front view schematically showing the overall structure of the refrigerator 2 according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 is a perspective three-dimensional view schematically showing the structure of the independent space 24 of the refrigerator 2 according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 is a flowchart schematically showing the control method of the refrigerator 2 according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 is a flowchart schematically showing the control method for fruit preservation according to the present invention.

[0023] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present a slightly simplified representation of various features showing the basic principles of the present invention. The specific design features of the present invention included herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be partly determined by the specific design application and use environment.

[0024] In the drawings, reference numerals run through multiple drawings in the drawings and refer to the same or equivalent parts.

[0025] Reference Numerals

[0026] 1…Device for detecting fruit ripeness, 11…Enclosed space, 12…Carbon dioxide sensor, 13…Vent, 14…Baffle, 15…Fan, 16…Air outlet, 17…Heater, end faces…11a, 11b, main faces…11c, 11d, side faces…11e, 11f, 2…Refrigerator, 21…Refrigerating compartment, 22…Multifunctional independent compartment, 23…Freezing compartment, 24…Independent space, 25…Carbon dioxide sensor, 26…Ventilation device, 27…Opening, 28…Heater, 29…Return air vent, 261…Fan, 262…Baffle, end faces…24a, 24b, main faces…24c, 24d, side faces…24e, 24f. Detailed implementation manners

[0027] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings and implementation manners.

[0028] In this specification, it should be understood that terms such as "including", "comprising", "having", etc. mean the presence of the described features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof. In addition, it should be understood that not all steps in the flowcharts of this application are necessary steps, and those skilled in the art can appropriately increase or decrease steps in the process according to different purposes.

[0029] <Device for detecting fruit ripeness>

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective three-dimensional view schematically showing the structure of the device 1 for detecting fruit ripeness according to the present invention.

[0031] As Figure 1 shown, the device 1 for detecting fruit ripeness includes an enclosed space 11, a carbon dioxide sensor 12, and a control unit (not shown).

[0032] The enclosed space 11 is used for storing fruits. The enclosed space 11 can be in a substantially cuboid shape. The enclosed space 11 can also be formed by a box body and a lid body, or can be formed by a drawer and a cabinet body. When the enclosed space 11 is formed by a box body and a lid body, at the position where the box body and the lid body contact, a sealing strip can also be provided, but not limited to this, and other suitable sealing members can also be provided. As the outer surface, the enclosed space 11 has a pair of end faces 11a, 11b, a pair of main faces 11c, 11d, and a pair of side faces 11e, 11f. The end faces 11a, 11b face each other. The main faces 11c, 11d face each other. The side faces 11e, 11f face each other. Hereinafter, the relative direction of the end faces 11a, 11b is set as the first direction D1, the relative direction of the main faces 11c, 11d is set as the second direction D2, and the relative direction of the side faces 11e, 11f is set as the third direction D3. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0033] Here, in the present embodiment, the enclosed space 11 is in a cuboid shape, but not limited to this, and it can also be in other shapes, such as columnar shapes or other shapes other than the cuboid shape, such as triangular prism, trapezoidal prism, frustum of a square pyramid, etc., as long as it can meet the requirements of storing fruits and detecting the ripeness of fruits.

[0034] The carbon dioxide sensor 12 is used to detect the carbon dioxide concentration in the enclosed space 11. In the present embodiment, the carbon dioxide sensor 12 is provided on the side of the side face 11e facing the inside of the enclosed space 11, but not limited to this, and it can also be provided on any of the end faces 11a, 11b, main faces 11c, 11d, side face 11f or other suitable positions, as long as it can meet the requirement of detecting the carbon dioxide concentration in the enclosed space 11.

[0035] The enclosed space 11 further includes: a ventilation port 13. The ventilation port 13 can ventilate the enclosed space 11. In the present embodiment, the ventilation port 13 is provided on the side face 11e in a manner that penetrates the side face 11e. The ventilation port 13 can also be provided on any of the end faces 11a, 11b, main faces 11c, 11d, side face 11f. In addition, in the present embodiment, when viewed from the third direction D3, the shape of the ventilation port 13 is rectangular, but not limited to this, and it can also be circular, elliptical, triangular or other shapes.

[0036] The enclosed space 11 further includes: a fan 15. In the present embodiment, the fan 15 is provided on the side of the side face 11e facing the inside of the enclosed space 11, but not limited to this, and it can also be provided on any of the end faces 11a, 11b, main faces 11c, 11d, side face 11f or other suitable positions.

[0037] The enclosed space 11 further includes: a baffle 14. The baffle 14 is located at the air vent 13. The baffle 14 is used to open and close the air vent 13.

[0038] The enclosed space 11 further includes: an air outlet 16. The air outlet 16 communicates with the air outside the enclosed space 11. In the present embodiment, the air outlet 16 is provided on the main surface 11d so as to penetrate the main surface 11d. However, it is not limited thereto, and the air outlet 16 may also be provided on any of the end surfaces 11a, 11b, the main surface 11c, the side surfaces 11e, 11f.

[0039] In the present embodiment, when ventilation is performed, the baffle 14 is opened, the fan 15 operates, sucks air from the outside through the air vent 13, and exhausts air to the outside through the air outlet 16, thereby ventilating the enclosed space 11. However, it is not limited thereto, and the enclosed space 11 may not have an air outlet and may be ventilated only by the air vent 13.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the enclosed space 11 has one fan 15 and one baffle 14, and the baffle 14 is located at the air vent 13. However, it is not limited thereto, and two or more fans may also be provided. In addition, two baffles may also be provided, one of which is located at the air vent 13 and the other is located at the air outlet 16, and the two baffles are opened and closed respectively according to the ventilation requirements of the enclosed space 11.

[0041] The device further includes a heater 17. The heater 17 can heat the enclosed space 11. In the present embodiment, the heater 17 is provided on the side of the side surface 11f facing the inside of the enclosed space 11. However, it is not limited thereto, and it may also be provided on any of the end surfaces 11a, 11b, the main surfaces 11c, 11d, the side surfaces 11e or other suitable positions.

[0042] Figure 2 It is a flowchart schematically showing a method for detecting the ripeness of fruits according to the present invention.

[0043] The control unit is used to control the device to detect the ripeness of fruits.

[0044] The control unit may be configured to start the detection of the fruit ripeness in the state where the device is powered on and operating. However, it is not limited thereto, and it may also be configured to start the detection of the fruit ripeness by triggering a function key (for example, a fruit ripeness detection function key), or may also start the detection of the fruit ripeness by other suitable means such as other user terminals (for example, smart phones, etc.) and voice control.

[0045] As Figure 2As shown, the control unit performs the detection operation S220. In the detection operation S220, the carbon dioxide release amount in the enclosed space 11 within a fixed time interval is detected at least 3 times in different time periods. Specifically, in the detection operation S220, the carbon dioxide release amount is detected in at least 3 different time periods, and in each of these at least 3 different time periods, the carbon dioxide release amount in the enclosed space 11 within a fixed time interval is detected at least once. Among them, in each time period, the carbon dioxide release amount within a fixed time interval can be detected once, or the carbon dioxide release amounts within a fixed time interval can be detected multiple times and the average value of these multiple carbon dioxide release amounts can be calculated as the carbon dioxide release amount within the fixed time interval in this time period.

[0046] Each of the different time periods can be set to any value between 8 and 24 hours. In this embodiment, it is 8 hours, but it is not limited thereto and can also be other suitable values.

[0047] The fixed time interval can be set to any value between 0.1 and 3 hours. In this embodiment, it is 1 hour, but it is not limited thereto and can also be other suitable values as long as the requirement for detecting the carbon dioxide release amount can be met.

[0048] The carbon dioxide release amount is the value obtained by subtracting the carbon dioxide concentration earlier in time from the carbon dioxide concentration later in time within a fixed time interval.

[0049] In addition, the carbon dioxide release amount can be calculated in the following way: The fixed time interval is equally divided into N unit time periods, and the carbon dioxide concentrations at the end of the 1st to Nth unit time periods are set as C1 to C N , where N > 1 and is an integer. When N > 1 and is an even number, the carbon dioxide release amount is: ((C N / 2+1 - C1) + (C N / 2+2 - C2) … (C N - C N / 2 )) / (N / 2). When N > 1 and is an odd number, the carbon dioxide release amount is: ((C (N+1) / 2 - C1) + (C (N+1) / 2+1 - C2) … (C N - C (N+1) / 2)) / ((N + 1) / 2). For example, when the fixed time interval is 10 minutes and N is 10, the fixed time interval is equally divided into 10 time periods: 0 - 1 minute, 1 - 2 minutes... 8 - 9 minutes, 9 - 10 minutes. Calculate the difference between the carbon dioxide concentration at the end of the unit time period of 5 - 6 minutes (i.e., at 6 minutes) and the carbon dioxide concentration at the end of the unit time period of 0 - 1 minute (i.e., at 1 minute), the difference between the carbon dioxide concentration at the end of the unit time period of 6 - 7 minutes (i.e., at 7 minutes) and the carbon dioxide concentration at the end of the unit time period of 1 - 2 minutes (i.e., at 2 minutes), and so on, until calculating the difference between the carbon dioxide concentration at the end of the unit time period of 9 - 10 minutes (i.e., at 10 minutes) and the carbon dioxide concentration at the end of the unit time period of 4 - 5 minutes (i.e., at 5 minutes). Then sum up the above differences and divide by N / 2 (which is 5 in this example) to obtain the carbon dioxide release amount within the fixed time interval of 10 minutes.

[0050] The above unit time period can be set to any value between 10 seconds and 2 minutes, but is not limited thereto, and can also be other suitable values.

[0051] In addition, the carbon dioxide release amount within the fixed time interval can also be the carbon dioxide concentration at the end of the fixed time interval minus the carbon dioxide concentration at the start.

[0052] In addition, the control unit executes the determination operation S230. In the determination operation S230, based on whether the detected carbon dioxide release amount reaches the peak, the ripeness of the fruits in the enclosed space 11 is determined.

[0053] Hereinafter, how to determine whether the detected carbon dioxide release amount reaches the peak and how to determine the ripeness of the fruits will be described.

[0054] Suppose in the detection operation, the carbon dioxide release amount in the enclosed space within the fixed time interval is detected continuously M times, where M is an integer, and the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the i - th time is B i , where i is an integer. In the determination operation, when the first condition, the second condition, or the third condition is satisfied, the detected carbon dioxide release amount reaches the peak, and the ripeness of the fruits is determined.

[0055] The continuous M - time detection means M - time detections of the carbon dioxide release amount in multiple consecutive different time periods.

[0056] Among them, the first condition is M ≥ 3, 1 ≤ i ≤ M - 2, and the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the i - th time is greater than the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the (i + 1) - th time, and the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the (i + 1) - th time is greater than the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the (i + 2) - th time, that is, B i >Bi+1 > B i+2 .

[0057] The second condition is that M ≥ 4, 2 ≤ i ≤ M - 2, and the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the i-th detection is greater than that detected at the (i - 1)-th detection, the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the i-th detection is greater than that detected at the (i + 1)-th detection, and the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the (i + 1)-th detection is greater than that detected at the (i + 2)-th detection, that is, B i-1 < B i > B i+1 > B i+2 .

[0058] The third condition is that M ≥ 5, 3 ≤ i ≤ M - 2, and the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the (i - 1)-th detection is greater than that detected at the (i - 2)-th detection, the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the i-th detection is greater than that detected at the (i - 1)-th detection, the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the i-th detection is greater than that detected at the (i + 1)-th detection, and the carbon dioxide release amount detected at the (i + 1)-th detection is greater than that detected at the (i + 2)-th detection, that is, B i-2 < B i-1 < B i > B i+1 > B i+2 .

[0059] The judgment conditions for the peak are not limited to the above conditions, as long as at least two consecutive detected values decrease after the detected possible peak.

[0060] Thus, the error in peak judgment can be reduced, and the maturity of fruits can be detected more accurately.

[0061] The maturity of fruits is represented by, for example, the maturity date of the fruits. The maturity date of the fruits is the date when the carbon dioxide release amount reaches the peak plus n (n ≥ 0 and is an integer). Among them, the value range of n can be set to any value between 0 ≤ n ≤ 5, but it is not limited to this, and other suitable values can also be used. In addition, the value of n can be set manually by the user in advance according to the type of fruits, etc., but it is not limited to this, and it can also be set in advance before the device leaves the factory, etc., as long as the requirement for detecting the maturity of fruits is met.

[0062] For example, when it is determined that the detected carbon dioxide release amount reaches the peak, the control unit obtains the current date from an external device through the communication unit. The communication unit can be a Wi-Fi module, but it is not limited to this, and other applicable communication components can also be used. As an example, the communication unit is connected to an external server, obtains the current network time from the external server, and thus the control unit obtains the current date through the communication unit. After that, the maturity date of the fruits is calculated by the arithmetic unit, and thus the maturity of the fruits is determined.

[0063] In addition, before the detection operation S220, the control unit may also execute a ventilation operation S210. In the ventilation operation S210, before the detection operation S220, the ventilation opening 13 is opened for a specified time V.

[0064] The specified time V can be set to any value between 1 minute and 2 hours. In this embodiment, it is 5 minutes, but it is not limited thereto, and other suitable values can also be used as long as the requirement for sufficiently ventilating the enclosed space 11 can be met.

[0065] In addition, in the ventilation operation S210, the fan 15 is turned on.

[0066] In addition, at the start of the ventilation operation S210, the control baffle 14 is opened to open the ventilation opening 13.

[0067] In the ventilation operation S210, when the carbon dioxide sensor 12 detects that the carbon dioxide concentration in the enclosed space 11 is less than the threshold value A or the opening time of the baffle 14 is greater than the specified time V, the control baffle 14 closes the ventilation opening 13 and stops the ventilation.

[0068] The threshold value A can be set to 500 ppm, but it is not limited thereto, and other suitable values can also be used. Through this threshold value A, it is possible to determine whether the enclosed space 11 has been sufficiently ventilated, so as to stop the ventilation in time after sufficient ventilation, so as to accurately detect the carbon dioxide release amount.

[0069] In addition, the detection operation S220 further includes: detecting the carbon dioxide concentration in the enclosed space 11 within a specified time W after the end of the ventilation operation S210. The determination operation S230 further includes: when the carbon dioxide concentration detected within the specified time W after the end of the ventilation operation S210 in the detection operation S220 is less than the threshold value E, it is determined that no fruit is placed in the enclosed space. In other words, within the specified time W after the end of the ventilation operation S210, when the detected carbon dioxide concentration in the enclosed space 11 is less than the threshold value E, it is determined that no fruit is placed in the enclosed space 11.

[0070] The specified time W can be set to any value between 0.5 and 2 hours, but it is not limited thereto, and other suitable times can also be used.

[0071] The threshold value E can be set to any value between 500 ppm and 800 ppm, but is not limited thereto, and can also be other suitable values. Thus, within the specified time W when the ventilation operation S210 ends, if there are fruits stored in the enclosed space 11, the carbon dioxide concentration therein will change significantly. Through this threshold value E, it can be determined whether there are fruits stored in the enclosed space 11. When the detected carbon dioxide concentration is above the threshold value E, it is determined that fruits are placed in the enclosed space 11, and the ripeness of the fruits in the enclosed space 11 is further detected.

[0072] When the detected carbon dioxide concentration is above the threshold value E, the ventilation operation S210 can be executed again to facilitate the accurate detection of the carbon dioxide release amount.

[0073] The device 1 for detecting the ripeness of fruits further includes a reminder unit (not shown). The reminder unit is used to remind the user of information related to the ripeness of fruits. The reminder unit can be set on the device 1 for detecting the ripeness of fruits, and the user can be reminded of the information about the ripeness of fruits by means such as emitting a prompt sound through a speaker and displaying relevant information on a display screen, but is not limited thereto. The reminder unit can also communicate with external devices, such as household appliances and terminal devices (such as smartphones, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, smart watches, etc.), so as to send relevant information to the user, or the user can also view the relevant information about the ripeness of fruits in the device through an application program of a smartphone, etc.

[0074] In addition, the time interval between the end of the ventilation operation S210 and the start of the detection operation S220 is a specified time X.

[0075] The specified time X can be set to any value between 0 and 2 hours, but is not limited thereto, and can also be other suitable values.

[0076] <Refrigerator and Its Control Method>

[0077] The above-mentioned device 1 for detecting the ripeness of fruits can also be set inside the refrigerator.

[0078] Figure 3 It is a front view schematically showing the overall structure of the refrigerator 2 according to the present invention.

[0079] As Figure 3 shown, the refrigerator 2 is divided into a plurality of storage compartments inside by a heat-insulating member, and the heat-insulating member is, for example, a foamed heat-insulating member such as rigid polyurethane or expanded polystyrene. The plurality of storage compartments include, for example, a refrigerating compartment 21, a multi-functional independent compartment 22, a freezing compartment 23, and a control section (not shown) from top to bottom.

[0080] The refrigerating chamber 21 is a storage chamber for storing items in a refrigerated state. To prevent the stored items from freezing, the temperature inside is generally set within the refrigerating temperature range, usually 1°C to 10°C.

[0081] The multi-functional independent compartment 22 is a storage chamber whose temperature can be switched as needed. For example, it can be switched between the above-mentioned refrigerating temperature range, freezing temperature range, or other preset temperature ranges.

[0082] The freezer 23 is a storage chamber for storing items in a frozen state. The temperature inside is generally set within the freezing temperature range, usually -23°C to -15°C. Additionally, to improve the frozen storage state, for example, the lowest temperature can also be set to any value between -30°C and -23°C.

[0083] In addition, the multiple storage chambers of the refrigerator 2 are not limited to the above-mentioned refrigerating chamber 21, multi-functional independent compartment 22, and freezer 23, and can also include compartments with various other functions.

[0084] The refrigerator 2 also has a sealed independent space 24, which can be set within the independent space of the refrigerating chamber 21, or within an independent space outside the refrigerating chamber 21 (for example, the multi-functional independent compartment 22), or any space within the refrigerator 2 where the temperature range includes 4°C to 20°C.

[0085] Figure 4 is a perspective stereogram schematically showing the structure of the independent space 24 of the refrigerator 2 according to the present invention.

[0086] As Figure 4 shown, the refrigerator 2 includes a sealed independent space 24, a carbon dioxide sensor 25, and a control unit (not shown).

[0087] The independent space 24 is used for storing fruits. The independent space 24 is generally in a cuboid shape. The independent space 24 can also be formed by a box body and a lid, or by a drawer and a cabinet body. When the independent space 24 is formed by a box body and a lid, a sealing strip can also be provided at the position where the box body and the lid contact, but it is not limited thereto, and other suitable sealing members can also be provided. As the outer surface, the independent space 24 has a pair of end faces 24a, 24b, a pair of main faces 24c, 24d, and a pair of side faces 24e, 24f. The end faces 24a, 24b face each other. The main faces 24c, 24d face each other. The side faces 24e, 24f face each other. Among them, the main face 24c faces the front of the refrigerator 2, and the main face 24d faces the back of the refrigerator 2. Hereinafter, the relative direction of the end faces 24a, 24b is set as the first direction D1, the relative direction of the main faces 24c, 24d is set as the second direction D2, and the relative direction of the side faces 24e, 24f is set as the third direction D3. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0088] The carbon dioxide sensor 25 can detect the carbon dioxide concentration in the independent space 24. In this embodiment, the carbon dioxide sensor 25 is disposed on the side of the side surface 24e facing the inside of the independent space 24, but is not limited thereto, and it may also be disposed on any surface of the end surfaces 24a, 24b, the main surfaces 24c, 24d, the side surface 24f or other suitable positions, as long as the requirement of detecting the carbon dioxide concentration in the closed space 24 can be satisfied.

[0089] The independent space 24 further includes: an opening 27. The opening 27 communicates with the air outside the independent space 24.

[0090] The opening 27 may communicate with the evaporation chamber (not shown) of the refrigerator 2, but is not limited thereto, and it may also communicate with other suitable positions of the refrigerator 2 or the outside world outside the refrigerator 2.

[0091] In this embodiment, the opening 27 is disposed on the main surface 24d so as to penetrate the main surface 24d.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, when viewed from the second direction D2, the shape of the opening 27 is rectangular, but is not limited thereto, and it may also be circular, elliptical, triangular or other shapes, etc.

[0093] The refrigerator 2 further includes a ventilation device 26. The ventilation device 26 can ventilate the independent space 24. The ventilation device 26 includes a fan 261 and a baffle 262.

[0094] The fan 261 circulates the air in the independent space 24. In this embodiment, the fan 261 is disposed on the side of the side surface 24e facing the inside of the independent space 24, but is not limited thereto, and it may also be disposed on any surface of the end surfaces 24a, 24b, the main surfaces 24c, 24d, the side surface 24f or other suitable positions.

[0095] The baffle 262 is used to open and close the opening 27. The baffle 262 is located at the opening 27.

[0096] The independent space 24 further includes: an air return opening 29. The air return opening 29 communicates with the air outside the independent space 24. The air return opening 29 may communicate with the evaporation chamber (not shown) of the refrigerator 2, but is not limited thereto, and it may also communicate with other suitable positions of the refrigerator 2 or the outside world outside the refrigerator 2. In this embodiment, the air return opening 29 is disposed on the main surface 24d so as to penetrate the main surface 24d.

[0097] When ventilation is performed, the baffle 262 is opened, the fan 261 operates, sucks air from the outside through the opening 27, and exhausts air to the outside through the air return opening 29, thereby ventilating the independent space 24.

[0098] In this embodiment, there is a fan 261 in the independent space 24, and there is a baffle 262 located at the opening 27. However, it is not limited to this, and there may also be two or more fans. In addition, there may also be two baffles, one of which is located at the opening 27, and the other is located at the air return opening 29. The two baffles are opened and closed respectively according to the ventilation requirements of the independent space 24.

[0099] The refrigerator 2 further includes a heater 28. The heater 28 can raise the temperature of the independent space 24. In this embodiment, the heater 28 is provided on the side 24f on the inner side facing the independent space 24, but it is not limited to this, and it may also be provided on any of the end faces 24a, 24b, main faces 24c, 24d, and side faces 24e or other suitable positions.

[0100] The refrigerator 2 further includes a temperature regulator (not shown). The temperature regulator cools the independent space 24 in such a way as to control the ventilation device 26 to perform ventilation. Here, the temperature regulator, for example, introduces the cold air from the evaporator into the independent space 24 to cool the independent space 24. At this time, ventilation and cooling of the independent space 24 can be performed simultaneously. Therefore, the number of times of performing the ventilation action alone can be reduced, so as to simply and effectively achieve the purpose of automatically and accurately detecting the maturity of the fruits stored in the refrigerator 2 and promoting the ripening of the fruits.

[0101] Next, refer to Figure 5 A description will be given of the control method of the refrigerator 2 of this embodiment.

[0102] Figure 5 It is a flowchart schematically showing the control method of the refrigerator 2 according to the present invention.

[0103] The control unit is used to control the refrigerator 2 to detect the maturity of the fruits and promote the ripening of the fruits.

[0104] The control unit may be configured to start the detection of the fruit maturity in the state where the refrigerator 2 is powered on and operating, but it is not limited to this. It may also be configured to start the detection of the fruit maturity by triggering a function key (for example, a fruit maturity detection function key), or may also start the detection of the fruit maturity by other suitable means such as other user terminals (for example, a smart phone, etc.) and voice control.

[0105] As Figure 5As shown, the control unit performs the following control: In step S540, it is determined whether ventilation has not been performed for a specified time Y (corresponding to the "specified time" described in the claims). When ventilation has not been performed for more than the specified time Y, the ventilation device 26 ventilates the independent space 24 in a manner that reduces the carbon dioxide concentration (step S510). Thus, the independent space 24 is ventilated at intervals of the specified time Y, thereby preventing the carbon dioxide concentration in the independent space 24 from becoming too high and affecting the accuracy of detection and the ripening of fruits.

[0106] In step S510, the ventilation device 26 is controlled to open the baffle 262 and the fan 261 to ventilate the independent space 24.

[0107] In step S540, when it is determined that ventilation has not been performed for more than the specified time Y, the ventilation device 26 ventilates the independent space 24 in a manner that reduces the carbon dioxide concentration (step S510).

[0108] Thus, when ventilation has not been performed in the independent space 24 for a long time, the independent space 24 can be ventilated in a timely manner, thereby preventing the carbon dioxide concentration in the independent space 24 from becoming too high and inhibiting the generation of carbon dioxide. Therefore, the detection of the carbon dioxide release amount can be made more accurate, and the ripening of fruits can be promoted.

[0109] The specified time Y can be set to any value between 8 and 24 hours, but is not limited thereto, and can also be other suitable values.

[0110] The control unit further performs the following control: In step S520, the carbon dioxide release amount in the independent space 24 within a fixed time interval is detected at least 3 times in different time periods, and the ripeness of the fruits in the independent space 24 is determined based on whether the detected carbon dioxide release amount reaches a peak. Specifically, in step S520, the carbon dioxide release amount is detected in at least 3 different time periods, and in each of the at least 3 different time periods, the carbon dioxide release amount in the independent space 24 within a fixed time interval is detected at least once. Among them, in each time period, the carbon dioxide release amount within a fixed time interval can be detected once, or the carbon dioxide release amount within a fixed time interval can be detected multiple times and the average value of the multiple carbon dioxide release amounts can be calculated as the carbon dioxide release amount within the fixed time interval in this time period.

[0111] Each of the different time periods can be set to any value between 8 and 24 hours. In this embodiment, it is 8 hours, but is not limited thereto, and can also be other suitable values.

[0112] The fixed time interval can be set to any value between 0.1 and 3 hours. In this embodiment, it is 1 hour, but it is not limited thereto, and other suitable values can also be used as long as the requirement for detecting the carbon dioxide release amount can be met.

[0113] The calculation method of the carbon dioxide release amount is as described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0114] In addition, before detecting the carbon dioxide release amount in the independent space 24, the independent space 24 is ventilated.

[0115] The control unit further performs the following control: in step S530, according to the type of fruit and the maturity of the fruit, the independent space 24 is set to different preset temperatures. When the current temperature of the independent space 24 is lower than the preset temperature, the heater 28 is controlled to raise the temperature of the independent space 24. When the current temperature of the independent space 24 is higher than the preset temperature, the temperature regulator is controlled to lower the temperature of the independent space 24 by controlling the ventilation device 26 to ventilate.

[0116] Thus, according to the current temperature and the preset temperature of the independent space 24, the temperature of the independent space 24 is adjusted by the heater 28 and the temperature regulator, so that the fruit can be stored in an appropriate temperature environment corresponding to its current state, thereby promoting the ripening of immature fruits and extending the storage time of ripe fruits.

[0117] In step S510, when the carbon dioxide sensor 25 detects that the carbon dioxide concentration in the independent space 24 is less than the threshold A or the opening time of the baffle 262 is greater than the specified time V, the baffle 262 is controlled to close the opening 27 and the ventilation is stopped.

[0118] The threshold A can be set to 500 ppm, but it is not limited thereto, and other suitable values can also be used. Through this threshold A, it can be judged whether the ventilation in the independent space 24 has been sufficiently carried out, so that the ventilation can be stopped in time after sufficient ventilation, so as to accurately detect the carbon dioxide release amount.

[0119] The specified time V can be set to any value between 1 minute and 2 hours. In this embodiment, it is 5 minutes, but it is not limited thereto, and other suitable values can also be used as long as the requirement for sufficiently ventilating the independent space 24 can be met.

[0120] In addition, after the specified time X after step S510 is completed, step S520 is executed. In other words, the time interval from the end of step S510 to the start of step S520 is the specified time X.

[0121] The specified time X can be set to 0 to 2 hours, but it is not limited thereto, and other suitable values can also be used.

[0122] In this way, after a period of time after sufficient ventilation, the carbon dioxide concentration in the independent space 24 increases, and the carbon dioxide release amount in the independent space 24 can be detected more accurately.

[0123] In addition, the control method of this embodiment may further include a fruit placement detection step. In this step, first, ventilation is performed in a manner that reduces the carbon dioxide concentration in the independent space 24, and the carbon dioxide concentration in the independent space 24 is detected within a specified time W after the ventilation ends. When the carbon dioxide concentration is less than the threshold value E, it is determined that no fruit is placed in the independent space 24. When the detected carbon dioxide concentration is above the threshold value E, it is determined that fruit is placed in the independent space 24.

[0124] When the detected carbon dioxide concentration is above the threshold value E, ventilation is performed again to facilitate accurate detection of the carbon dioxide release amount.

[0125] The threshold value E can be set to any value between 500 ppm and 800 ppm, but is not limited thereto, and other suitable values can also be used.

[0126] The specified time W can be set to any value between 0.5 and 2 hours, but is not limited thereto, and other suitable times can also be used.

[0127] <Control Method for Fruit Preservation>

[0128] The above has described the device 1 and the refrigerator 2 for detecting the maturity of fruits according to the present invention. The device 1 and the refrigerator 2 can also use the following control method for fruit preservation.

[0129] Figure 6 is a flowchart schematically showing the control method for fruit preservation according to the present invention.

[0130] In this embodiment, the fruit is stored in a closed space. The structure of the closed space in this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the closed space 11 of the device 1 for detecting the maturity of fruits shown in Figure 1

[0131] This control method can be configured to be executed in a state where the closed space is powered on and operating, but is not limited thereto. It can also be configured to be executed by triggering a function key (for example, a fruit maturity detection and preservation function key), or can be executed by other suitable means such as other user terminals (for example, smart phones, etc.) and voice control.

[0132] As shown in Figure 6 the control method includes: determining the maturity of the fruit in the closed space according to whether the carbon dioxide release amount in the closed space reaches a peak; and setting the closed space to different preset temperatures according to the type of fruit and the maturity of the fruit.​

[0133] In step S610, the carbon dioxide release amount in the enclosed space is detected at least 3 times at different time periods within a fixed time interval. Specifically, in step S610, the detection of the carbon dioxide release amount is carried out at least in 3 different time periods, and in each of the at least 3 different time periods, the carbon dioxide release amount in the enclosed space within a fixed time interval is detected at least once. Among them, in each time period, the carbon dioxide release amount within a fixed time interval can be detected once, or the carbon dioxide release amounts within a fixed time interval can be detected multiple times and the average value of the multiple carbon dioxide release amounts can be calculated as the carbon dioxide release amount within the fixed time interval in this time period.

[0134] Each of the different time periods can be set to any value between 8 and 24 hours. In this embodiment, it is 8 hours, but it is not limited thereto and can also be other suitable values.

[0135] The fixed time interval can be set to any value between 0.1 and 3 hours. In this embodiment, it is 1 hour, but it is not limited thereto and can also be other suitable values as long as the requirement for detecting the carbon dioxide release amount can be met.

[0136] The calculation method of the carbon dioxide release amount is as described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0137] In addition, before detecting the carbon dioxide release amount in the enclosed space, the enclosed space is ventilated.

[0138] In step S620, according to whether the carbon dioxide release amount in the enclosed space detected in step S610 reaches the peak value, the fruit maturity in the enclosed space is determined.

[0139] In step S630, according to the type and maturity of the fruits, the enclosed space is set to different preset temperatures. Among them, the type of fruits stored in the enclosed space can be set manually by the user, but is not limited to this. It can also be selected by the user according to the fruits stored in the enclosed space after being preset in advance. In this embodiment, the types of fruits include a first type and a second type. Among them, the first type is non-tropical fruits, and the second type is tropical fruits or a mixture of non-tropical fruits and tropical fruits. However, the classification method is not limited to this. It can also be set to three types, namely non-tropical fruits, tropical fruits, and a mixture of non-tropical fruits and tropical fruits, as long as the requirements for storing fruits can be met. In addition, the maturity of the fruits stored in the enclosed space can be detected and determined through steps S610 and S620, but is not limited to this. The maturity of the fruits can also be set manually by the user. In this embodiment, the maturity of the fruits includes two levels, mature and immature, but is not limited to this. It can also be set to include more than one level of maturity between mature and immature (for example, partially immature) in addition to mature and immature.

[0140] In step S630, for fruits of the same type, the preset temperature of the enclosed space before the fruits mature is set to be higher than the preset temperature of the enclosed space after the fruits mature.

[0141] When the fruits are of the first type, the preset temperature of the enclosed space before the fruits mature is set to the first temperature, and the preset temperature of the enclosed space after the fruits mature is set to the second temperature. When the fruits are of the second type, the preset temperature of the enclosed space before the fruits mature is set to the third temperature, and the preset temperature of the enclosed space after the fruits mature is set to the fourth temperature. Among them, the first temperature is higher than the second temperature, and the third temperature is higher than the fourth temperature.

[0142] The first temperature can be set to be equal to the third temperature, but is not limited to this. The first temperature can also be different from the third temperature, as long as the requirements for storing fruits can be met.

[0143] The second temperature can be lower than the fourth temperature, but is not limited to this. The second temperature can also be not lower than the fourth temperature, as long as the requirements for storing fruits can be met.

[0144] The first temperature can be set to 20°C, but is not limited to this. It can also be set to other suitable temperatures.

[0145] The second temperature can be set to any value between 4 and 6°C, but is not limited to this. It can also be set to other suitable temperatures.

[0146] The third temperature can be set to 20°C, but is not limited to this. It can also be set to other suitable temperatures.

[0147] The fourth temperature can be set to any value between 12 and 14 °C, but is not limited thereto, and can also be set to other suitable temperatures.

[0148] Preferably, the second temperature can be set to 4 °C. The fourth temperature can be set to 12 °C.

[0149] In step S640, it is determined whether the current temperature in the enclosed space is lower than or higher than the preset temperature.

[0150] When it is determined in step S640 that the current temperature of the enclosed space is lower than the preset temperature of the enclosed space, the enclosed space is heated (step S650), so that the temperature in the enclosed space reaches the preset temperature as soon as possible.

[0151] When it is determined in step S640 that the current temperature of the enclosed space is higher than the preset temperature of the enclosed space, the enclosed space is cooled (step S660), so that the temperature in the enclosed space reaches the preset temperature as soon as possible.

[0152] Thus, according to the current temperature and the preset temperature of the enclosed space, by adjusting the temperature of the enclosed space, the fruit can be stored at an appropriate ambient temperature corresponding to its current state, so that the unripe fruit can ripen as soon as possible and the ripe fruit can be stored for a longer time.

[0153] When it is determined in step S640 that the current temperature of the enclosed space is higher than the preset temperature of the enclosed space, the enclosed space can be cooled by ventilating the enclosed space.

[0154] Thus, by ventilating the enclosed space to cool the enclosed space, the unripe fruit can be ripened as soon as possible and the ripe fruit can be stored for a longer time simply and effectively. In addition, the carbon dioxide concentration in the enclosed space can be prevented from being too high, which affects the detection of the carbon dioxide release amount and inhibits the ripening of the unripe fruit. Therefore, the purpose of accurately detecting the ripeness of the fruit and promoting the ripening of the unripe fruit can be simply and effectively achieved.

[0155] However, the method of cooling the enclosed space is not limited thereto, and the temperature of the enclosed space can also be adjusted by other methods (for example, setting a refrigeration device in the enclosed space, etc.).

[0156] In addition, the control method in this embodiment may further include the above-mentioned fruit placement detection step.

[0157] Although the present invention has been specifically described above in connection with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, it is to be understood that the above description does not limit the present invention in any way. Those skilled in the art can make modifications and variations to the present invention as needed without departing from the essence and scope of the present invention, and these modifications and variations all fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, wherein, comprising: a sealed independent space for storing fruits; a carbon dioxide sensor capable of detecting the carbon dioxide concentration in the independent space; a ventilation device capable of ventilating the independent space; and a control unit, the control unit performs the following control: At regular intervals, the ventilation device ventilates the independent space in a manner that reduces the carbon dioxide concentration.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, the independent space includes: an opening communicating with the air outside the independent space, the ventilation device includes: a fan for circulating the air in the independent space; and a baffle for opening and closing the opening, the control unit further performs: By controlling the ventilation device to open the baffle and the fan, the independent space is ventilated.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the control unit further performs: Detecting the carbon dioxide release amount in the independent space at least 3 times at fixed time intervals in different time periods, and determining the maturity of the fruits in the independent space according to whether the detected carbon dioxide release amount reaches a peak.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, Before detecting the carbon dioxide release amount in the independent space, the independent space is ventilated.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, the control unit further performs: According to the type of the fruits and the maturity of the fruits, the independent space is set to different preset temperatures.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, further comprising: a heater capable of heating the independent space, the control unit further performs: When the current temperature of the independent space is lower than the preset temperature, controlling the heater to heat the independent space.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, further comprising: a temperature regulator, the temperature regulator cools the independent space in a manner that controls the ventilation device to ventilate, the control unit further performs: When the current temperature of the independent space is higher than the preset temperature, controlling the temperature regulator to cool the independent space in a manner that controls the ventilation device to ventilate.

8. A control method for a refrigerator, wherein, the refrigerator includes: a sealed independent space for storing fruits; the control method includes: Ventilating the independent space at regular intervals in a manner that reduces the carbon dioxide concentration.

9. The control method for a refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, further including: Detecting the carbon dioxide release amount in the independent space at least 3 times at fixed time intervals in different time periods, and determining the maturity of the fruits in the independent space according to whether the detected carbon dioxide release amount reaches a peak.

10. The control method for a refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, Before detecting the carbon dioxide release amount in the independent space, the independent space is ventilated.

11. The control method for a refrigerator according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, further including: Set the independent space to different preset temperatures according to the type and ripeness of the fruit.

12. The control method of the refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein, further comprising: When the current temperature of the independent space is lower than the preset temperature, heat up the independent space.

13. The control method of the refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein, further comprising: When the current temperature of the independent space is higher than the preset temperature, cool down the independent space by means of ventilation.

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