Storage container, control method thereof and refrigerator

Abstract

The invention provides a storage container, a control method thereof and a refrigerator. The storage container comprises a storage chamber, an air supply assembly and an air guide assembly, the storage chamber is configured to store articles, the air supply assembly is configured to supply air to the storage chamber, the air guide assembly is arranged between the storage chamber and the air supply assembly, the air guide assembly is configured to guide air supplied by the air supply assembly to enter the storage chamber, and the air outlet direction of the air guide assembly is adjustable. The storage container is provided with the air supply assembly, and air can be supplied to the storage chamber of the storage container so that the temperature in the storage chamber can be controlled within the preset range; by arranging the air guide assembly, the flowing direction of cold air can be guided; moreover, the air outlet direction of the air guide assembly is adjustable, cold air can be blown to a high-temperature area of the storage chamber, and the temperature control target in the storage chamber can be achieved; meanwhile, direct blowing or article avoiding can be selected; and the coverage rate of cold air can be increased through multi-angle blowing, and the uniformity of temperature distribution is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to a storage container and its control method, and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] The refrigerator's storage compartment is used to store food, and the design of the air duct system that supplies air to the storage compartment directly affects the food's preservation effect.

[0003] In related technologies, the storage room is equipped with a relatively simple air outlet. After the air duct system sends air into the storage room through the air outlet, it is easy to cause uneven temperature distribution inside the storage room, which affects the preservation effect of food.

[0004] The above statements are for providing background information in connection with this disclosure only and do not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a storage container and its control method, as well as a refrigerator, which can effectively improve the problem of uneven temperature distribution in the storage compartment.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a storage container is provided, comprising: a storage chamber configured to store articles; an air supply assembly configured to supply air to the storage chamber; and an air guide assembly disposed between the storage chamber and the air supply assembly, the air guide assembly being configured to guide the air supplied by the air supply assembly into the storage chamber, and the air outlet direction of the air guide assembly being adjustable.

[0007] In some embodiments, the storage container further includes a first sensor and a controller, the first sensor being configured to detect the temperature inside the storage chamber and the position of the item, the controller being signal-connected to the first sensor and the air guide assembly, and the controller being configured to adjust the airflow direction of the air guide assembly according to the temperature inside the storage chamber and the position of the item.

[0008] In some embodiments, the air guide assembly has a direct blowing mode and an avoidance mode. In the direct blowing mode, the controller is configured to control the air guide assembly to blow directly onto the area with the highest temperature in the storage room based on the temperature inside the storage room. In the avoidance mode, the controller is configured to control the air guide assembly to blow towards the area with the highest temperature inside the storage room, avoiding the item, based on the temperature inside the storage room and the position of the item.

[0009] In some embodiments, the storage container further includes a second sensor and a controller, the second sensor being configured to detect the opening and closing state of the storage chamber, the controller being signal-connected to the second sensor and the air guide assembly, and the controller being configured to control the opening and closing of the air outlet of the air guide assembly according to the opening and closing state of the storage chamber.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller is signal-connected to the air supply assembly, and the controller is configured to control the start and stop of the air supply assembly according to the opening and closing state of the storage chamber.

[0011] In some embodiments, the storage compartment is provided with an air inlet, and the air guiding assembly includes an air guide plate, which is rotatably disposed at the air inlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air deflector is configured to rotate relative to the storage compartment at an angle ranging from 0° to 180°.

[0013] In some embodiments, both the air inlet and the air guide plate are elongated, and the length of both the air inlet and the air guide plate is not less than 1 / 2 of the length of the storage room along the extension direction of the air inlet.

[0014] In some embodiments, the storage container further includes a diversion component disposed between the air supply component and the air guide component, the diversion component being configured to rectify the air supplied by the air supply component to the air guide component.

[0015] In some embodiments, the diversion assembly includes a diversion plate and a plurality of ribs disposed on the diversion plate, the plurality of ribs being arranged at intervals, and a diversion channel being formed between two adjacent ribs.

[0016] In some embodiments, the air supply assembly includes an air outlet, and the rib extends from one end of the diverter plate near the air outlet to the other end away from the air outlet.

[0017] In some embodiments, the air supply assembly includes an air outlet, and the width of the diversion channel, from one end near the air outlet to the other end away from the air outlet, first remains constant, then gradually increases, and then remains constant again.

[0018] In some embodiments, the air supply assembly includes two air outlets, and the flow divider plate is provided with two flow divider cavities that are respectively connected to the two air outlets, and each flow divider cavity is provided with a plurality of the ribs.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of diversion channels formed by the plurality of ribs are evenly arranged from one side of the diversion plate to the other side of the diversion plate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the storage container further includes a heat insulation plate, the storage chamber is provided with an air inlet, and the heat insulation plate is disposed on the side of the diversion assembly away from the air inlet.

[0021] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a refrigerator is provided, comprising the storage container of the above-described embodiments.

[0022] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling a storage container is proposed, comprising: detecting the temperature inside the storage chamber and the position of the item; and adjusting the air outlet direction of the air guide assembly according to the temperature inside the storage chamber and the position of the item.

[0023] In some embodiments, adjusting the airflow direction of the air guide assembly according to the temperature inside the storage room and the position of the item includes: detecting the operating mode of the air guide assembly; when the air guide assembly is in direct blowing mode, controlling the air guide assembly to blow directly onto the area with the highest temperature inside the storage room according to the temperature inside the storage room; when the air guide assembly is in avoidance mode, controlling the air guide assembly to blow towards the area with the highest temperature inside the storage room after avoiding the item according to the temperature inside the storage room and the position of the item.

[0024] In some embodiments, the storage room is provided with an air inlet, the air guide assembly includes an air guide plate, the air guide plate is rotatably disposed at the air inlet, and the control method further includes: after the air supply assembly is started, before detecting the temperature in the storage room and the position of the item, the air guide plate is first made to swing back and forth within a preset angle range for a preset time.

[0025] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: detecting the opening and closing state of the storage chamber; and controlling the opening and closing of the air outlet of the air guide assembly according to the opening and closing state of the storage chamber.

[0026] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: detecting the opening and closing state of the storage chamber; and controlling the start and stop of the air supply assembly according to the opening and closing state of the storage chamber.

[0027] Based on the above technical solution, this disclosure, by setting an air supply component, can supply air to the storage chamber of the storage container to control the temperature within the storage chamber within a preset range. By setting an air guide component, the flow direction of the cold air can be guided. Furthermore, the air outlet direction of the air guide component is adjustable, allowing the cold air to be blown towards the high-temperature area of ​​the storage chamber, which is conducive to achieving the temperature control target within the storage chamber; at the same time, it can be selected to blow directly onto or avoid items, reducing restrictions on the types of items, making the storage chamber adaptable to various storage needs, and improving the versatility and flexibility of the storage container; it can also improve the coverage of the cold air and enhance the uniformity of temperature distribution by blowing air at multiple angles.

[0028] The storage container and control method thereof provided in this disclosure, as well as the refrigerator, will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and form part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are used to explain the disclosure, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air guide assembly of the storage container according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the air guide assembly in the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a diversion assembly for a storage container according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the signal connections of the controller for a storage container according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a control method for a storage container according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 1. Storage room; 11. Air inlet;

[0039] 2. Air supply assembly; 21. Air outlet;

[0040] 3. Air guide assembly; 31. Air guide plate; 32. Front panel; 33. Side panel; 34. Bottom panel; 35. Top panel; 36. Rear panel; 37. Drive unit;

[0041] 4. First sensor;

[0042] 5. Controller;

[0043] 6. Second sensor;

[0044] 7. Diverter assembly; 71. Diverter plate; 72. Rib; 73. Diverter channel; 74. Diverter cavity;

[0045] 8. Heat insulation board;

[0046] 9. Refrigerator; 91. Return air vent. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0048] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0049] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0050] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "lateral, longitudinal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, middle, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0051] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this disclosure described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments of the storage container provided in this disclosure, the storage container includes a storage chamber 1, an air supply assembly 2, and an air guide assembly 3. The storage chamber 1 is configured to store items. The air supply assembly 2 is configured to supply air to the storage chamber 1. The air guide assembly 3 is disposed between the storage chamber 1 and the air supply assembly 2, and is configured to guide the air supplied by the air supply assembly 2 into the storage chamber 1. The air outlet direction of the air guide assembly 3 is adjustable.

[0053] The storage room 1 has cavities inside for storing items. There can be one or more cavities. The shape of the storage room 1 can be a cuboid or a cylinder, etc.

[0054] Storage room 1 can be a standalone component or can be enclosed by other components.

[0055] Storage room 1 can be equipped with pull-out drawers for easy access to items. The interior space of the drawers is used for storing items.

[0056] The items stored in storage room 1 can be food such as fruits, vegetables, and fresh meat, as well as beverages such as milk, medicines, or precision instruments or parts that require refrigeration.

[0057] The air supply component 2 is used to supply air into the storage room 1 to reduce the temperature inside the storage room 1 and achieve the effect of keeping the items inside the storage room 1 fresh.

[0058] Depending on the size of the space inside the storage room 1, the air supply component 2 can be installed inside the storage room 1 or outside the storage room 1.

[0059] The inlet connection of the air supply component 2 can provide a component or duct that can provide cold air, the temperature of which should be lower than the temperature inside the storage room 1.

[0060] In the refrigerator embodiment, the inlet of the air supply component 2 can be connected to the refrigeration air supply duct or the freezer air supply duct inside the refrigerator.

[0061] The air guide component 3 is located between the storage chamber 1 and the air supply component 2, specifically at the inlet of the storage chamber 1 or at the outlet of the air supply component 2.

[0062] The air guide component 3 is used to guide the air delivered by the air supply component 2 into the storage chamber 1, thereby preventing the air delivered by the air supply component 2 from flowing outside the storage chamber 1. This helps to ensure that all the cold air enters the storage chamber 1 smoothly and improves the preservation effect.

[0063] Furthermore, the air outlet direction of the air guide component 3 is adjustable. By adjusting the air outlet direction of the air guide component 3, the direct blowing position of the cold air can be adjusted, allowing users to choose the air outlet angle that blows directly onto or avoids the items stored in the storage room 1, depending on the type of items stored there. Alternatively, the cold air can be directed towards high-temperature areas based on the temperature distribution within the storage room 1, thereby rapidly cooling down those areas and achieving uniform temperature distribution within the storage room 1.

[0064] In addition, compared to single-angle air outlet, setting the air outlet direction of the air guide component 3 to be adjustable can avoid the formation of an overly cold area by blowing air from a single angle, and prevent a certain part of the storage room 1 from being continuously exposed to wind, causing the items to lose water quickly, crack on the surface, or frost. Multi-angle air outlets also help to improve the coverage of cold air and improve the uniformity of air supply.

[0065] In this embodiment, by providing the air supply component 2, air can be supplied to the storage chamber 1 of the storage container to control the temperature within the storage chamber 1 within a preset range. By providing the air guide component 3, the flow direction of the cold air can be guided. Furthermore, the air outlet direction of the air guide component 3 is adjustable, allowing the cold air to be blown towards the high-temperature area of ​​the storage chamber 1, which is beneficial for achieving the temperature control target within the storage chamber 1. At the same time, it can be selected to blow directly onto or away from items, reducing restrictions on the types of items and enabling the storage chamber 1 to meet various storage needs, thereby improving the versatility and flexibility of the storage container. Additionally, multi-angle airflow can increase the coverage of the cold air and improve the uniformity of temperature distribution.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the storage container also includes a first sensor 4 and a controller 5. The first sensor 4 is configured to detect the temperature and the position of the items in the storage chamber 1. The controller 5 is signal-connected to the first sensor 4 and the air guide assembly 3. The controller 5 is configured to adjust the air outlet direction of the air guide assembly 3 according to the temperature and the position of the items in the storage chamber 1.

[0067] By setting the first sensor 4, the temperature and the position of items in the storage room 1 can be detected.

[0068] The location of items can be determined based on the temperature distribution within storage room 1; generally, areas with higher temperatures are where items are located. Alternatively, other specialized components can be installed to detect item locations, such as taking and analyzing photographs to determine their position.

[0069] The component that detects the temperature inside storage compartment 1 and the component that detects the position of items inside storage compartment 1 can be the same component, which has the ability to detect both the temperature inside storage compartment 1 and the position of items.

[0070] For example, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first sensor 4 can simultaneously detect the temperature and the position of the items in the storage room 1. The first sensor 4 can be an infrared thermal imaging sensor or a combination of millimeter-wave radar and temperature and humidity array sensor.

[0071] In other embodiments, the component for detecting the temperature inside the storage chamber 1 and the component for detecting the position of items inside the storage chamber 1 may be different components, either integrated together or set independently.

[0072] By setting the controller 5, the air outlet direction of the air guide component 3 can be adjusted according to the temperature and the position of the items in the storage room 1 detected by the first sensor 4, so that the air blows directly or avoids the items, or blows the air towards the high temperature area, or makes the air evenly cover the entire storage room 1, so as to avoid local space in the storage room 1 being too cold or too hot, improve the temperature uniformity in the storage room 1, and also help to improve the energy efficiency ratio of the air supply component 2.

[0073] In some embodiments, the air guide assembly 3 has a direct blowing mode and an avoidance mode. In the direct blowing mode, the controller 5 is configured to control the air guide assembly 3 to blow directly onto the area with the highest temperature in the storage compartment 1 based on the temperature inside the storage compartment 1. In the avoidance mode, the controller 5 is configured to control the air guide assembly 3 to blow towards the area with the highest temperature inside the storage compartment 1 after avoiding the items, based on the temperature inside the storage compartment 1 and the position of the items.

[0074] By setting direct blowing mode and avoidance mode, you can select the appropriate mode according to the type of item to avoid damaging the item and also improve the cooling effect.

[0075] The direct-blowing mode is suitable for scenarios requiring high cooling efficiency and where items can withstand direct airflow, such as pre-cooling under no-load conditions and storing items resistant to airflow. In direct-blowing mode, the items are those that can be directly exposed to cold air, so the air guide assembly 3 can be controlled to blow directly onto the area with the highest temperature in storage chamber 1, eliminating concerns about the storage location of the items. The controller 5 controls the air guide assembly 3 to direct the airflow to the area with the highest temperature, facilitating rapid heat exchange and cooling of storage chamber 1 and the items.

[0076] The avoidance mode is suitable for storing items that are sensitive to direct airflow, such as leafy vegetables and precision components. In avoidance mode, airflow is directed to the hottest area in the non-item area without directly blowing on the items, which can effectively prevent damage to the items and at the same time accelerate the heat exchange in storage compartment 1.

[0077] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the storage container also includes a second sensor 6 and a controller 5. The second sensor 6 is configured to detect the opening and closing state of the storage chamber 1. The controller 5 is signal-connected to the second sensor 6 and the air guide assembly 3. The controller 5 is configured to control the opening and closing of the air outlet of the air guide assembly 3 according to the opening and closing state of the storage chamber 1.

[0078] The second sensor 6 is used to detect the opening and closing status of the storage room 1, and there are various options for the principle of its specific structure.

[0079] For example, in some embodiments, the second sensor 6 can be a contact sensor. When there is a pull-out drawer in the storage compartment 1, a sensing block can be set on the rear outer surface of the drawer. The second sensor 6 is set on the inner wall of the storage compartment 1. After the drawer is pushed in, the sensing block contacts the second sensor 6, and the second sensor 6 sends a signal to the controller 5 that the storage compartment 1 is closed. When the sensing block leaves the second sensor 6, the drawer is pulled outward, and the second sensor 6 sends a signal to the controller 5 that the storage compartment 1 is open.

[0080] By setting a second sensor 6, the opening and closing status of storage chamber 1 can be detected. The controller 5 controls the opening and closing of the air outlet of the air guide assembly 3 based on the opening and closing status of storage chamber 1. For example, after storage chamber 1 is opened, the air outlet of the air guide assembly 3 can be closed to stop airflow into storage chamber 1, reducing the loss of cooling or heating, reducing energy waste, and also helping to prevent temperature runaway in storage chamber 1 caused by the collision of external air and internal airflow. After the second sensor 6 detects that storage chamber 1 is closed, the air outlet of the air guide assembly 3 can be opened to continue airflow into storage chamber 1.

[0081] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, controller 5 is signal-connected to air supply assembly 2, and controller 5 is configured to control the start and stop of air supply assembly 2 according to the opening and closing state of storage chamber 1.

[0082] The controller 5 controls the start and stop of the air supply component 2 according to the opening and closing status of the storage chamber 1. It can control the start and stop of the air supply component 2 simultaneously with the opening and closing of the air guide component 3. For example, when the air guide component 3 is closed, the air supply component 2 can be closed at the same time, avoiding continued power consumption and air supply in the storage chamber 1 when the door is open, saving energy and further reducing air convection between the storage chamber 1 and the outside air, thus helping to maintain a stable temperature inside the storage chamber 1; conversely, when the air guide component 3 is opened, the air supply component 2 is opened simultaneously.

[0083] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the storage room 1 is provided with an air inlet 11, and the air guide assembly 3 includes an air guide plate 31, which is rotatably disposed at the air inlet 11.

[0084] By installing an air guide plate 31 at the air inlet 11 of the storage chamber 1, the air guide plate 31 is rotatably installed at the air inlet 11, thus realizing the function of adjustable air outlet direction of the air guide assembly 3. Moreover, the air guide plate 31 rotates relative to the storage chamber 1, which makes the overall structure of the air guide assembly 3 more compact, the air guide assembly 3 occupies less space, and the cost is lower.

[0085] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the air guide plate 31 is configured to rotate relative to the storage chamber 1 at an angle ranging from 0° to 180°, such as 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, or 180°.

[0086] Specifically, when the air guide plate 31 rotates at an angle of 0° relative to the storage chamber 1, the air outlet is in a completely closed state; when the air guide plate 31 rotates at an angle of 180° relative to the storage chamber 1, the air outlet is in a completely open state.

[0087] Setting the rotation angle of the air guide plate 31 relative to the storage chamber 1 to 0° to 180° helps to direct the air to all corners of the storage chamber 1 and reduces heat exchange dead zones.

[0088] In some embodiments, the air guide plate 31 rotates at an angle ranging from 45° to 180° relative to the storage chamber 1, such as 45°, 75°, 105°, 135°, 175°, or 180°.

[0089] In some embodiments, the air guide plate 31 rotates at an angle ranging from 60° to 150° relative to the storage chamber 1, such as 60°, 80°, 100°, 120°, 140°, or 150°.

[0090] Setting the angle range of the air guide plate 31 relative to the storage chamber 1 to 60° to 150° can ensure that cold air covers more than half of the space in the storage chamber 1, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0091] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, both the air inlet 11 and the air guide plate 31 are elongated, and the length of both the air inlet 11 and the air guide plate 31 is not less than 1 / 2 of the length of the storage room 1 along the extension direction of the air inlet 11.

[0092] Both the air inlet 11 and the air guide plate 31 are designed as elongated strips, which facilitates the diffusion of airflow into the storage chamber 1 through the air inlet 11. Under the premise of the same width, the elongated strip structure can effectively increase the air outlet area and expand the coverage of cold air.

[0093] By setting the lengths of the air inlet 11 and the air guide plate 31 to be no less than 1 / 2 of the length of the storage chamber 1 along the length extension direction of the air inlet 11, the air inlet 11 can cover at least 1 / 2 of the length of the storage chamber 1, effectively expanding the air outlet area and the cold air coverage range. This is beneficial to improving the temperature uniformity along the length direction of the air inlet 11, and also helps to avoid airflow concentration and local overcooling caused by the air inlet 11 being too small.

[0094] In some embodiments, the air guide assembly 3 further includes a drive member 37 configured to drive the air guide plate 31 to rotate relative to the storage chamber 1.

[0095] The drive unit 37 can be a stepper motor or a DC geared motor, etc.

[0096] In some embodiments, the air guide assembly 3 further includes an angle detection device configured to detect the angle of rotation of the air guide plate 31 relative to the storage chamber 1. The controller 5 is signal-connected to the angle detection device, and the controller 5 controls the air guide plate 31 to rotate relative to the storage chamber 1 according to the angle detected by the angle detection device.

[0097] By setting an angle detection device, the actual size of the rotation angle of the air guide plate 31 can be detected in real time and fed back to the controller 5. The controller 5 can then control the rotation of the air guide plate 31 according to the actual size of the rotation angle, thereby forming a closed-loop control and improving the air guiding accuracy of the air guide plate 31.

[0098] Angle detection devices can employ position feedback encoders, etc.

[0099] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the storage container also includes a diversion component 7, which is disposed between the air supply component 2 and the air guide component 3. The diversion component 7 is configured to rectify the air supplied by the air supply component 2 to the air guide component 3.

[0100] By setting the diversion component 7, the turbulent airflow in the cold air delivered by the air supply component 2 can be evenly distributed, stabilized, and directional corrected, making the airflow output to the air guide component 3 more stable and uniform. It also helps to reduce the failure of the air guide plate 31 to adjust or the deviation of the wind direction caused by upstream airflow disturbance.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the diversion assembly 7 includes a diversion plate 71 and a plurality of ribs 72 disposed on the diversion plate 71. The plurality of ribs 72 are arranged at intervals, and a diversion channel 73 is formed between two adjacent ribs 72.

[0102] By setting multiple spaced ribs 72 on the flow divider 71, and forming a flow divider channel 73 between two adjacent ribs 72, the purpose of rectification can be achieved by using multiple flow divider channels 73. This helps to block the lateral disturbance between vortices and airflow, and helps to suppress mutual interference between airflows. This allows the airflow to be evenly distributed and discharged through multiple different flow divider channels 73, improving the overall airflow uniformity and avoiding concentrated jetting from a single air outlet, which can lead to local overcooling.

[0103] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the air supply assembly 2 includes an air outlet 21, and a rib 72 extends from one end of the diverter plate 71 near the air outlet 21 to the other end away from the air outlet 21.

[0104] By setting the rib 72 to extend from the end near the air outlet 21 to the end away from the air outlet 21, the length of the diversion channel 73 can be extended as much as possible. This allows the cold air to enter the diversion channel 73 as soon as possible after being discharged from the air outlet 21 of the air supply assembly 2, so as to be rectified and constrained and guided as early as possible. After being rectified by the diversion channel 73, the cold air enters the air guide assembly 3 as soon as possible, avoiding mixing of the cold air before entering the air guide assembly 3 and improving the consistency of the direction and speed of the airflow in the air guide assembly 3.

[0105] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the air supply assembly 2 includes an air outlet 21, and the diversion channel 73 includes a gradually widening section, the width of which gradually increases from the end near the air outlet 21 to the end away from the air outlet 21.

[0106] By setting a gradually expanding section, the cold air can gradually slow down and stabilize after entering the diversion channel 73 from the air outlet 21, achieving rectification and flow stabilization effects. The reduced speed of the cold air can also decrease the drying rate of the items. At the same time, the diversion channel 73 can gradually transition from being connected to the air outlet 21 to covering a larger area of ​​the air outlet of the air guide component 3, improving the uniformity of cold air distribution at the air outlet of the air guide component 3.

[0107] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the air supply assembly 2 includes an air outlet 21. The width of the diversion channel 73, from the end near the air outlet 21 to the end away from the air outlet 21, first remains constant, then gradually increases, and then remains constant again.

[0108] The diversion channel 73 adopts a flow channel setting of first equal width, then gradually widening, and then equal width again. The equal width flow channel first stabilizes the airflow input from the air outlet 21. Then the gradually widening flow channel can reduce the airflow velocity to stabilize the airflow. Then a section of equal width flow channel helps to reduce the turbulence intensity in the airflow, which helps to improve the effect of the diversion component 7 in stabilizing the airflow.

[0109] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the air supply assembly 2 includes two air outlets 21, and the diversion plate 71 is provided with two diversion cavities 74 that are respectively connected to the two air outlets 21. Each diversion cavity 74 is provided with multiple ribs 72.

[0110] In an embodiment where the air supply assembly 2 includes two air outlets 21, the corresponding provision of two diversion chambers 74 helps to avoid the mixing and interference of the two airflows upstream, reducing turbulence in the airflow. Providing a diversion chamber 74 at each air outlet 21 also facilitates the provision of diversion channels 73 of equal width at the front, allowing the airflow to enter each diversion channel 73 evenly.

[0111] By setting two air outlets 21 and two diversion chambers 74, the fault tolerance of the air supply assembly 2 is also improved. If one air outlet 21 or diversion chamber 74 is blocked, the other channel can still maintain the basic air supply function.

[0112] In other embodiments, the number of air outlets 21 may be two or more, such as three, four or more, and the number of diversion cavities 74 may be equal to the number of air outlets 21 and correspond one-to-one.

[0113] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, multiple flow channels 73 formed by multiple ribs 72 are evenly arranged from one side of the flow divider plate 71 to the other side of the flow divider plate 71.

[0114] By arranging multiple diversion channels 73 evenly from one side of the diversion plate 71 to the other, the diversion channels 73 can be evenly distributed between the two side walls of the diversion plate 71, allowing cold air to cover the entire width of the diversion plate 71, thereby effectively improving the uniformity and stability of the airflow delivered into the storage chamber 1.

[0115] In some embodiments, the storage container further includes a heat insulation plate 8, the storage chamber 1 is provided with an air inlet 11, and the heat insulation plate 8 is disposed on the side of the diversion assembly 7 away from the air inlet 11.

[0116] By setting up the heat insulation plate 8, the heat exchange between the gas inside the storage chamber 1 and the gas outside the storage chamber 1 can be effectively reduced, maintaining a low-temperature environment inside the storage chamber 1 and improving the preservation effect.

[0117] This disclosure also provides a refrigerator 9, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a storage container including any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0118] The positive technical effects of the storage containers in the above embodiments are also applicable to refrigerators, and will not be described in detail here.

[0119] In addition, this disclosure also provides a method for controlling a storage container, such as Figure 7 As shown, the control method for controlling the storage container in any of the foregoing embodiments includes:

[0120] Detect the temperature and location of items in storage room 1;

[0121] Adjust the airflow direction of the air guide assembly 3 according to the temperature and the position of the items in the storage room 1.

[0122] By detecting the temperature and the position of items in the storage compartment 1 and adjusting the airflow direction of the air guide component 3 accordingly, cold or hot air can be delivered directly to the area that needs the most adjustment, shortening the temperature equalization time in the storage compartment 1 and improving the response speed and energy efficiency ratio of the cooling or heating system.

[0123] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the operation of adjusting the airflow direction of the air guide assembly 3 according to the temperature and the position of the items in the storage room 1 includes: detecting the working mode of the air guide assembly 3; when the air guide assembly 3 is in the direct blowing mode, controlling the air guide assembly 3 to blow directly onto the area with the highest temperature in the storage room 1 according to the temperature in the storage room 1; when the air guide assembly 3 is in the avoidance mode, controlling the air guide assembly 3 to blow towards the area with the highest temperature in the storage room 1 after avoiding the items according to the temperature and the position of the items in the storage room 1.

[0124] By first detecting the operating mode of the air guide component 3 and then adjusting its airflow direction according to the specific operating mode, the operational stability of the storage container can be improved. The direct-blowing mode of the air guide component 3 is suitable for scenarios requiring high cooling speeds and where there are no sensitive items, such as pre-cooling under no-load conditions, storing beverages and metal utensils (items resistant to direct airflow), directly guiding the airflow to the area with the highest temperature to maximize heat exchange efficiency. The avoidance mode of the air guide component 3 is suitable for storing items in the storage compartment 1 that are not resistant to direct airflow, such as leafy vegetables, fresh flowers, and biological agents. The airflow is guided to areas where no items are stored, effectively reducing damage to the items and extending their shelf life.

[0125] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the storage room 1 is provided with an air inlet 11, and the air guide assembly 3 includes an air guide plate 31. The air guide plate 31 is rotatably disposed at the air inlet 11. The control method further includes: after the air supply assembly 2 is started, before detecting the temperature and the position of the items in the storage room 1, the air guide plate 31 is first made to swing back and forth within a preset angle range for a preset time.

[0126] After the air supply component 2 starts supplying air, before detecting the temperature and the position of the items in the storage chamber 1, the air guide plate 31 is made to swing back and forth within a preset angle range for a preset time, such as 5 minutes to 20 minutes. This helps the temperature in the storage chamber 1 to quickly approach the preset temperature and improves the energy efficiency ratio of the air supply component 2.

[0127] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the control method also includes: detecting the opening and closing status of the storage chamber 1; and controlling the opening and closing of the air outlet of the air guide assembly 3 according to the opening and closing status of the storage chamber 1.

[0128] The control method also includes detecting the opening and closing status of the storage chamber 1, and controlling the opening and closing of the air outlet of the air guide component 3 according to the opening and closing status of the storage chamber 1. This helps to prevent the air outlet of the air guide component 3 from outputting airflow when the storage chamber 1 is open, reduces the exchange of internal airflow and external air between the storage chamber 1, and also helps to stabilize the internal temperature of the storage chamber 1.

[0129] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the control method also includes: detecting the opening and closing status of the storage chamber 1; and controlling the start and stop of the air supply component 2 according to the opening and closing status of the storage chamber 1.

[0130] The control method includes detecting the opening and closing status of the storage chamber 1, and controlling the start and stop of the air supply component 2 according to the opening and closing status of the storage chamber 1. This helps to prevent the air supply component 2 from outputting airflow when the storage chamber 1 is open, which helps to reduce energy waste and improve the energy efficiency ratio of the air supply component 2.

[0131] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 7 The present disclosure provides a more detailed description of storage containers and control methods thereof, as well as refrigerators, based on some embodiments.

[0132] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator 9 includes multiple storage spaces and a return air vent 91. The return air vent 91 is located on the inside of the corresponding storage space, and the storage container is located inside the storage space. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the storage container is located in the storage space at the bottom of the refrigerator 9. This storage container can serve as a variable temperature compartment for storing food items that are sensitive to temperature and humidity, such as fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products.

[0133] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the storage container includes a storage chamber 1, an air supply assembly 2, an air guide assembly 3, a first sensor 4, a controller 5, a second sensor 6, a flow distribution assembly 7, and a heat insulation plate 8.

[0134] Storage compartment 1 is located in the lowermost front section of the refrigerator 9. Air supply assembly 2 is embedded within the refrigerator 9 and is used to deliver cold air, after heat exchange with the evaporator inside the refrigerator 9, into storage compartment 1. Air guide assembly 3 is located at the upper end of storage compartment 1 and serves as a structural component supporting the upper storage container.

[0135] Specifically, the air guide component 3 is as follows Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown. The air guide assembly 3 is installed above the storage compartment 1, dividing the refrigerator 9's storage space into two independent spaces, the lower one being the variable temperature storage area, and the upper one potentially serving as a refrigerator compartment or other functional area. The air guide assembly 3 is a rectangular structure, including a front panel 32 near the opening of the refrigerator 9's storage space, two side panels 33, a bottom panel 34, a top panel 35, and a rear panel 36. An opening on the bottom panel 34 serves as the air inlet 11 for the storage compartment 1. The air guide assembly 3 also includes an air guide plate 31, positioned at the air inlet 11. A drive member 37 is provided on the side panel 33, used to drive the air guide plate 31 to rotate relative to the storage compartment 1, with a rotation angle ranging from 0 to 180°. An opening on the side of the air guide assembly 3 away from the refrigerator 9's storage space opening serves as the air outlet 21 for the air supply assembly 2. The airflow output from the air supply assembly 2 enters the air guide assembly 3 through the air outlet 21. The airflow is rectified by the flow divider 7 inside the air guide assembly 3, and then the airflow is guided into the storage compartment 1 through the air guide plate 31. The air guide assembly 3 is provided with two elongated air guide plates 31. In addition, a heat insulation plate 8 is provided between the flow divider 7 and the top plate 35 inside the air guide assembly 3. The heat insulation plate 8 is used to block the airflow and prevent the airflow from exchanging heat with the items placed on the top plate 35. The heat insulation plate 8 extends from the air outlet 21 to the front plate 32.

[0136] The shunt component 7 is specifically as follows: Figure 5 As shown. The flow distribution assembly 7 includes a flow distribution plate 71, with multiple ribs 72 arranged between the flow distribution plates 71. Along the direction from the air outlet 21 to the front plate 32, at least a portion of the flow distribution channel 73 formed by the flow distribution plates 71 and the ribs 72 gradually widens. The flow distribution assembly 7 also includes two flow distribution chambers 74, corresponding to the two air outlets 21 respectively. The airflow delivered by the air supply assembly 2 passes through the flow distribution channel 73 in the flow distribution chamber 74 and is then guided into the air inlet 11 by the air guide plate 31.

[0137] like Figure 6 As shown, the controller 5 is connected to the air supply assembly 2, the air guide assembly 3, the first sensor 4, and the second sensor 6. The diversion assembly 7 and the heat insulation plate 8 are disposed inside the structure of the air guide assembly 3. The first sensor 4 and the second sensor 6 are respectively disposed on the upper side and the inner side of the inner wall of the lowest storage space of the refrigerator 9. The first sensor 4 is used to detect the temperature and placement of the items stored in the storage compartment 1, and the second sensor 6 is used to detect the open and closed state of the storage compartment 1.

[0138] After the second sensor 6 detects that the storage chamber 1 is closed, the air supply component 2 starts to supply air. The airflow passes through the air guide component 3, and the air guide plate 31 continuously swings to guide the smooth airflow to the air inlet 11. The air that has undergone heat exchange in the storage chamber 1 is discharged from the storage chamber 1 through the return air outlet 91.

[0139] like Figure 7As shown, after the refrigerator 9 is powered on, the air supply component 2 starts to supply air, and the air guide plate 31 starts to oscillate continuously to achieve rapid and uniform cooling. The oscillation angle range is 60° to 150°. After a preset oscillation time (preset time is 5 to 20 minutes), it is detected whether the oscillation time of the air guide plate 31 has reached the preset time. If the preset time has not been reached, the air guide plate 31 continues to oscillate; if the preset time has been reached, the first sensor 4 detects the temperature and position information of the items in the storage compartment 1, and the air guide plate 31 applies the air guiding strategy according to the user-selected "direct blowing mode" or "avoidance mode". In "direct blowing mode", the air guide plate 31 directs the airflow directly to the position of the items, accelerating the heat exchange between the airflow and the items. In "avoidance mode", the air guide plate 31 directs the airflow to areas in the storage compartment 1 where no items are placed, avoiding direct heat exchange between low-temperature or high-temperature airflow and the items. During airflow, the second sensor 6 detects whether the storage chamber 1 is open. If it is, the air supply assembly 2 stops supplying air, and the angle between the air guide plate 31 and the storage chamber 1 is 0°, indicating that the chamber is closed. Otherwise, airflow continues. Simultaneously, the first sensor 4 continuously detects whether the storage temperature has been reached in the storage chamber 1. If it is, the air supply assembly 2 stops supplying air, and the air guide plate 31 closes. Otherwise, the air supply assembly 2 continues supplying air, and the air guide plate 31 maintains its airflow strategy.

[0140] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and not to limit them; although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this disclosure or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features, all of which should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A storage container characterized by, The storage container comprises: a storage chamber (1) configured to store articles; an air supply assembly (2) configured to supply air to the storage chamber (1); and an air guide assembly (3) disposed between the storage chamber (1) and the air supply assembly (2), the air guide assembly (3) being configured to guide the air supplied by the air supply assembly (2) into the storage chamber (1), and the air outlet direction of the air guide assembly (3) being adjustable. The storage container further comprises a first sensor (4) configured to detect the temperature in the storage chamber (1) and the position of the articles, and a controller (5) in signal connection with the first sensor (4) and the air guide assembly (3), the controller (5) being configured to adjust the air outlet direction of the air guide assembly (3) according to the temperature in the storage chamber (1) and the position of the articles.

2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein, The air guide assembly (3) has a direct blowing mode and an avoidance mode, in the direct blowing mode, the controller (5) is configured to control the air guide assembly (3) to directly blow on the area with the highest temperature in the storage chamber (1) according to the temperature in the storage chamber (1), and in the avoidance mode, the controller (5) is configured to control the air guide assembly (3) to blow on the area with the highest temperature in the storage chamber (1) which avoids the articles according to the temperature in the storage chamber (1) and the position of the articles.

3. The storage container of claim 2, wherein, The storage container further comprises a second sensor (6) configured to detect the opening and closing state of the storage chamber (1), and a controller (5) in signal connection with the second sensor (6) and the air guide assembly (3), the controller (5) being configured to control the opening and closing of the air outlet of the air guide assembly (3) according to the opening and closing state of the storage chamber (1).

4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein, The controller (5) is in signal connection with the air supply assembly (2), and the controller (5) is configured to control the start and stop of the air supply assembly (2) according to the opening and closing state of the storage chamber (1).

5. The storage container of claim 4, wherein, The storage chamber (1) is provided with an air inlet (11), and the air guide assembly (3) comprises an air guide plate (31) rotatably disposed at the air inlet (11).

6. The storage container of claim 1, wherein, The air guide plate (31) is configured to rotate relative to the storage chamber (1) within an angle range of 0° to 180°.

7. The storage container of claim 6, wherein, The air inlet (11) and the air guide plate (31) are both in the shape of a long strip, and the length of the air inlet (11) and the length of the air guide plate (31) are both not less than 1 / 2 of the length of the storage chamber (1) in the extension direction of the air inlet (11).

8. The storage container of claim 6, wherein, The storage container further comprises a flow distribution assembly (7) disposed between the air supply assembly (2) and the air guide assembly (3), the flow distribution assembly (7) being configured to rectify the air supplied by the air supply assembly (2) to the air guide assembly (3).

9. The storage container of claim 1, wherein, ​ 10. The storage container of claim 9, wherein, The shunt assembly (7) comprises a shunt plate (71) and a plurality of ribs (72) arranged on the shunt plate (71), the plurality of ribs (72) are arranged at intervals, and a shunt channel (73) is formed between two adjacent ribs (72).

11. The storage container of claim 10, wherein, The air supply assembly (2) comprises an air supply port (21), and the ribs (72) extend from one end of the shunt plate (71) close to the air supply port (21) to an end away from the air supply port (21).

12. The storage container of claim 10, wherein, The air supply assembly (2) comprises an air supply port (21), and the width of the shunt channel (73) remains unchanged from one end close to the air supply port (21) to an end away from the air supply port (21), then gradually increases, and then remains unchanged.

13. The storage container of claim 10, wherein, The air supply assembly (2) comprises two air supply ports (21), and the shunt plate (71) is provided with two shunt cavities (74) respectively butted with the two air supply ports (21), and a plurality of ribs (72) are arranged in each shunt cavity (74).

14. The storage container of claim 10, wherein, The plurality of shunt channels (73) formed by the plurality of ribs (72) are uniformly arranged from one side of the shunt plate (71) to the other side of the shunt plate (71).

15. The storage container of claim 9, wherein, The storage container further comprises a heat insulation plate (8), the storage chamber (1) is provided with an air inlet (11), and the heat insulation plate (8) is arranged on the side of the shunt assembly (7) away from the air inlet (11).

16. A refrigerator (9) characterized in that, The storage container comprises any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A control method for a storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by The control method comprises: detecting the temperature in the storage chamber (1) and the position of the object; adjusting the air outlet direction of the air guide assembly (3) according to the temperature in the storage chamber (1) and the position of the object.

18. The control method according to claim 17, characterized by, The operation of adjusting the air outlet direction of the air guide assembly (3) according to the temperature in the storage chamber (1) and the position of the object comprises: detecting the working mode of the air guide assembly (3); when the air guide assembly (3) is in the direct blowing mode, controlling the air guide assembly (3) to directly blow on the area with the highest temperature in the storage chamber (1) according to the temperature in the storage chamber (1); when the air guide assembly (3) is in the avoiding mode, controlling the air guide assembly (3) to blow to the area with the highest temperature in the storage chamber (1) which avoids the object according to the temperature in the storage chamber (1) and the position of the object.

19. The control method according to claim 17, wherein The storage chamber (1) is provided with an air inlet (11), the air guide assembly (3) comprises an air guide plate (31), and the air guide plate (31) is rotatably arranged at the air inlet (11), and the control method further comprises: after starting the air supply assembly (2), before detecting the temperature in the storage chamber (1) and the position of the object, the air guide plate (31) is first swung back and forth within a preset angle range for a preset time.

20. The control method according to claim 17, wherein The control method further comprises: detecting the opening and closing state of the storage chamber (1); controlling the opening and closing of the air outlet of the air guide assembly (3) according to the opening and closing state of the storage chamber (1).

21. The control method according to claim 17, wherein The control method further comprises: detecting the opening and closing state of the storage chamber (1); controlling the start and stop of the air supply assembly (2) according to the opening and closing state of the storage chamber (1). The control method further comprises: detecting the opening and closing state of the storage chamber (1); controlling the start and stop of the air supply assembly (2) according to the opening and closing state of the storage chamber (1).

Images