Refrigerator with air drying function
By designing a refrigerator with a drying function, and using an air supply component and control module to regulate temperature and humidity, the problem of refrigerators lacking drying treatment is solved, achieving the effect of efficiently removing fishy smells and preserving original flavors. It is suitable for drying high-end ingredients.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHANGHONG MEILING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing refrigerators lack the function of air-drying high-end ingredients, traditional pickling methods mask the original flavor of ingredients and raise food safety concerns, and physical pretreatment methods are not widely used in the field of high-end ingredients.
Design a refrigerator with air drying function, including a sealed area, an air supply component and a control module. The control module receives air drying instructions, and the air supply component adjusts the temperature and humidity of the sealed area to achieve natural air drying of food.
It effectively removes the fishy smell of meat, preserves the original flavor of ingredients, enhances umami, and ensures food safety. It is suitable for air-drying high-end ingredients.
Smart Images
Figure CN121898078A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to a refrigerator with a drying function. Background Technology
[0002] As living standards improve, consumers are increasingly demanding high-end ingredients such as steak and salmon, which are widely favored for their unique fresh flavor and nutritional value. However, some people are sensitive to the fishy smell of meat, and even with minimal seasoning in home cooking, it is difficult to completely eliminate the odor, which to some extent affects the dining experience of high-end ingredients.
[0003] Currently, the food processing industry primarily uses marinating with auxiliary ingredients and masking with additives to remove the fishy smell from meat. Marinating with auxiliary ingredients involves adding salt, sugar, spices, etc., which improve the flavor of the meat through osmosis; masking with additives uses chemical substances to directly neutralize or mask the fishy smell components. In home cooking, consumers often use spices to marinate meat in order to remove the fishy smell and enhance the aroma. These methods can alleviate the fishy smell problem to some extent and are particularly suitable for processing common ingredients.
[0004] However, traditional pickling methods have significant limitations for high-end ingredients. On the one hand, the addition of spices and other seasonings can mask the original freshness of the ingredients, violating the principle of high-end ingredients that emphasizes preserving the original flavor. On the other hand, the use of additives may raise food safety and health concerns, which does not align with modern consumers' pursuit of natural and healthy foods. Furthermore, the potential of physical pretreatment methods in removing fishy odors and preserving freshness has not yet been fully explored, especially green processing technologies such as additive-free and natural air-drying, which are still largely unexplored in the high-end ingredient sector. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This application provides a refrigerator with a drying function to solve the technical problem that existing refrigerators do not have a function for drying food.
[0006] This application provides a refrigerator with a drying function, comprising: The cabinet contains a refrigerator compartment, which has a sealed area. A drawer assembly is slidably connected to the sealed area. The sealed area is connected to an air supply assembly. And, a storage box disposed within the drawer assembly, the storage box having a plurality of ventilation holes on its outer side, the interior of the storage box being connected to the sealed zone through the ventilation holes; the storage box is used to store meat to be processed; A control module, connected to the air supply assembly, is configured to: Upon receiving a drying command, the air supply component is activated to bring the temperature within the sealed area to the first set temperature range. Once the drying time reaches the first set time, a set voice prompt is issued.
[0007] In some embodiments, the storage box includes: The box body has several first ventilation holes on its outer side; A cover body, which is connected to the box body, and a plurality of second ventilation holes are provided on the cover body; The interior of the storage box is connected to the sealed area through the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole.
[0008] In some embodiments, at least one ventilation plate is provided inside the storage box, and the ventilation plate is engaged with the storage box via a slot provided inside the storage box; the ventilation plate is provided with a plurality of third ventilation holes; The second ventilation hole is disposed between the ventilation plate and the adjacent ventilation plate or between the storage box.
[0009] In some embodiments, the air supply assembly includes: A refrigeration duct, one end of which is connected to the sealed area via an electric damper; the other end of which is connected to the evaporator; and a refrigeration fan is installed inside the refrigeration duct.
[0010] In some embodiments, a sterilization component is provided inside the cooling duct; the sterilization component is used to sterilize the cooling duct.
[0011] In some embodiments, sealing panels are provided on both sides and the bottom of the sealing area; a drawer cover is provided on the top of the sealing area; and an air outlet is provided on the sealing panel located at the bottom of the sealing area.
[0012] In some embodiments, a temperature and humidity sensor is provided on the drawer cover; the temperature and humidity sensor is configured to: Obtain the temperature and humidity values within the sealed area; The control module is further configured as follows: Upon receiving a drying command, the air supply component is activated to bring the temperature within the sealed area to a first set temperature range. After the drying time reaches the first set time, a set voice message and set information are sent to a set device. The set device is an electronic device capable of receiving electronic information. In addition, the temperature within the sealed zone is brought to the set storage temperature range.
[0013] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor is disposed on the outside of the evaporator, and the temperature sensor is configured to: Obtain the surface temperature value of the evaporator; The control module is also configured to: Upon receiving a drying command, when the temperature value within the sealed zone reaches the first set temperature range and the evaporator is turned off, the cooling fan is turned off after the surface temperature value reaches the second set temperature range.
[0014] In some embodiments, after the step of receiving the air-drying instruction, the method further includes: When the humidity value in the sealed area is greater than the first set humidity range, the cooling fan is turned off; When the humidity value in the sealed area is less than the lower limit of the first set humidity range, the cooling fan is turned on; when the surface temperature value reaches the third set temperature range, the cooling fan is turned off. When the humidity value in the sealed area is within the second set humidity range, the following steps are executed: when the temperature value in the sealed area reaches the first set temperature range and the evaporator is turned off, the cooling fan is turned off after the surface temperature value reaches the second set temperature range.
[0015] In some embodiments, after the step of receiving the air-drying instruction, the method further includes: The sterilization component is activated once every first predetermined time interval; the sterilization component is activated intermittently at a predetermined frequency for a second predetermined time interval and then deactivated. If the sterilization component is in the on state during the defrosting stage of the evaporator, the sterilization component is turned off. After the defrosting of the evaporator is completed, the sterilization component is turned on and the timer is reset.
[0016] This application provides a refrigerator with a drying function, comprising: a cabinet, wherein a refrigerator compartment is provided inside the cabinet, and a sealed area is provided inside the refrigerator compartment; a drawer assembly is provided in the sealed area, and the drawer assembly is slidably connected to the sealed area; the sealed area is connected to an air supply assembly; and a storage box disposed in the drawer assembly, wherein a plurality of ventilation holes are provided on the outside of the storage box, and the inside of the storage box is connected to the sealed area through the ventilation holes; the storage box is used to store meat to be processed; and a control module, wherein the control module is connected to the air supply assembly, and the control module is configured to: receive a drying command, turn on the air supply assembly to make the temperature in the sealed area reach a first set temperature range, and after the drying time reaches a first set time, issue a set voice, so as to realize that the refrigerator has a drying function for food. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the storage box structure in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box in this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the air supply component in this application.
[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1-Cabinet body; 11-Refrigerator compartment; 2-Sealed area; 21-Sealed panel; 211-Air outlet; 22-Drawer cover; 221-Temperature and humidity sensor; 3-Drawer assembly; 4-Air supply assembly; 41-Refrigeration duct; 42-Electric damper; 43-Evaporator; 431-Temperature sensor; 44-Refrigeration fan; 45-Sterilization assembly; 5-Storage box; 51-Ventilation hole; 52-Box body; 521-First ventilation hole; 53-Lid; 531-Second ventilation hole; 54-Ventilation plate; 541-Third ventilation hole; 6-Control module. Detailed Implementation
[0020] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this application.
[0021] Since some technologies lack a food drying function in refrigerators, this application provides a refrigerator with a drying function to address this technical problem. The structure of each part of the refrigerator with the drying function is described below: This application provides a refrigerator with a drying function, comprising: Box 1, the box 1 is provided with a refrigerator compartment 11, the refrigerator compartment 11 is provided with a sealed area 2, such as Figure 2 As shown; a drawer assembly 3 is provided in the sealed area 2, and the drawer assembly 3 is slidably connected to the sealed area 2; the sealed area 2 is connected to the air supply assembly 4; the air supply assembly 4 is used to provide cold air to the sealed area 2, on the one hand to maintain the temperature in the sealed area 2 to provide a storage temperature for the food, and on the other hand to air dry the food.
[0022] In addition, a storage box 5 is disposed within the drawer assembly 3. The storage box 5 has several ventilation holes 51 on its outer side, and the interior of the storage box 5 is connected to the sealed zone 2 through the ventilation holes 51. The storage box 5 is used to store meat to be processed. The storage box 5 is independently disposed within the drawer assembly 3. When the user needs to air-dry food, the storage box 5 is placed in the drawer assembly 3, and the food to be air-dried is placed in the storage box 5. When the air-drying function is not needed, the storage box 5 is removed, and the drawer assembly 3 can be used directly without affecting the normal use of the refrigerator or reducing the normal usable area of the refrigerator.
[0023] Control module 6, connected to the air supply assembly 4, is configured to: Upon receiving the air-drying command, the air supply component 4 is turned on, so that the temperature in the sealed zone 2 reaches the first set temperature range. After the air-drying time reaches the first set time (7~21 days), a set voice message is issued.
[0024] Specifically, this application provides a refrigerator with a drying function. When a user wants to dry food, they first place the storage box 5 into the drawer assembly 3, then place the food to be dried into the storage box 5. Afterwards, the refrigerator's drying function can be turned on through the display panel of the cabinet 1. When the refrigerator receives the drying command, it turns on the air supply assembly 4. Cold air flows over the surface of the food to be dried, removing the moisture from the food, thus achieving the drying function. After the drying time reaches the first set time, and the food is dried, the refrigerator's voice module emits a voice prompt and displays it on the display panel of the cabinet 1 to remind the user to take out the dried food. Then, the storage box 5 can be removed from the drawer assembly 3, and the refrigerator can still be used normally according to the original usable space area.
[0025] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the storage box 5 in this application.
[0026] In this embodiment, the storage box 5 includes: The storage box 52 has several first ventilation holes 521 on its outer side; the lid 53 is connected to the storage box 52 and has several second ventilation holes 531 on its surface; the interior of the storage box 5 is connected to the sealed area 2 through the first ventilation holes 521 and the second ventilation holes 531. The first ventilation holes 521 and the second ventilation holes 531 allow for the circulation of cold air within the storage box 5, thereby drying the food items inside.
[0027] In this embodiment, at least one ventilation plate 54 is provided inside the storage box 5. The ventilation plate 54 is engaged with the storage box 5 via a slot provided inside the storage box 5. The ventilation plate 54 is provided with a plurality of third ventilation holes 541. The ventilation plate 54 divides the storage box 5 into multiple areas for placing food to be dried. To ensure that the food to be dried dries more evenly on all sides, the food to be dried can be placed upright in each placement area or placed horizontally or at an angle. Ventilation holes 51 are opened on each side of the storage box 5 to facilitate air circulation and avoid the existence of blind spots in the airflow, which would prevent the moisture of the food to be dried from being discharged in time, resulting in condensation and affecting the drying effect of the food to be dried.
[0028] The storage box 5 may have an uneven, corrugated bottom or a support with through holes. Ventilation holes 51 are also provided at the bottom of the storage box 5 to allow air circulation within it. The second ventilation hole 531 is located between the ventilation plate 54 and adjacent ventilation plates 54, or between the storage boxes 5. The cover 53 also has ventilation holes 51, located at the center above each drying area. The ventilation holes in each area may be arranged in a single row of long holes, a row of multiple short holes, or multiple rows of multiple short holes; no limitation is imposed here.
[0029] like Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the air supply component 4 in this application.
[0030] In this embodiment, the air supply assembly 4 includes: A cooling duct 41 is provided, with one end connected to the sealed area 2 via an electric damper 42; the other end of the cooling duct 41 is connected to the evaporator 43; and a cooling fan 44 is installed inside the cooling duct 41. The air supply assembly 4 provides cold air to the storage box 5, which generates cooling capacity through the evaporator 43, and then the cold air is delivered to the sealed area 2 via the cooling duct 41, the cooling fan 44, and the electric damper 42.
[0031] In this embodiment, a sterilization component 45 is provided inside the cooling duct 41; the sterilization component 45 is used to sterilize the cooling duct 41.
[0032] In this embodiment, sealing panels 21 are provided on both sides and the bottom of the sealing area 2; a drawer cover 22 is provided on the top of the sealing area 2; and an air outlet 211 is provided on the sealing panel 21 located at the bottom of the sealing area 2.
[0033] For example, the food to be dried in the storage box 5 is dried using refrigerated cold air. The airflow path is as follows: cold air enters from the air inlet of the sealed area 2 (the connection between the sealed area 2 and the air supply assembly 4), enters the storage box 5 through the ventilation hole 51 of the upper cover 53, flows over the surface of the food to be dried, and then exits from the side and bottom ventilation holes 51 of the storage box 5, enters the drawer assembly 3, then escapes from the top of the drawer assembly 3, and exits from the air outlet 211 of the bottom sealing panel 21 of the sealed area 2, entering the return air vent of the refrigerator compartment.
[0034] In this embodiment, a temperature and humidity sensor 221 is provided on the drawer cover 22; the temperature and humidity sensor 221 is configured as follows: Obtain the temperature and humidity values within the sealed zone 2.
[0035] The control module 6 is further configured as follows: Upon receiving a drying command, the air supply component 4 is activated to bring the temperature within the sealed zone 2 to a first set temperature range. After the drying time reaches the first set time, a setting voice message and setting information are sent to the setting device, which is an electronic device capable of receiving electronic information. The setting device also brings the temperature within the sealed zone 2 to a set storage temperature range.
[0036] Specifically, when the user activates the drying function, the control module 6 receives the drying command, the electric damper 42 opens, and the refrigeration fan 44 delivers cold air to the sealed zone 2, bringing the temperature within the sealed zone 2 to the first set temperature range (4~-5°C). Simultaneously, the food to be dried in the storage box 5 is dried. When the drying time reaches the first set time (7~21 days), the drying process ends, and the user is reminded to remove the food. The temperature of the sealed zone 2 is automatically adjusted from the first set temperature range to the set storage temperature range (-4~-8°C) to prevent spoilage if the food is not removed in time.
[0037] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor 431 is provided on the outside of the evaporator 43, and the temperature sensor 431 is configured as follows: Obtain the surface temperature value of the evaporator 43.
[0038] The control module 6 is also configured to: Upon receiving a drying command, when the temperature value within the sealed zone 2 reaches the first set temperature range and the evaporator 43 is turned off, the cooling fan 44 is turned off after the surface temperature value reaches the second set temperature range.
[0039] Specifically, to ensure that dried foods of different quantities have a tender texture, humidification and moisture retention are required during the drying process. When the first set temperature range is reached, the evaporator 43 in the refrigerator compartment shuts off, and the refrigeration fan 44 in the refrigeration duct 41 shuts off after a delay. This allows the high-humidity air generated during the defrosting water phase change to be blown through the refrigeration fan 44 in the refrigeration duct 41 to the sealed area 2 until the temperature collected by the temperature sensor 431 near the evaporator 43 reaches the second set temperature (2~4°C). The temperature and humidity sensor 221 on the drawer cover 22 monitors the humidity in the sealed area 2 in real time. When the humidity exceeds the first set humidity range (35%~80%), humidification stops (the refrigeration fan 44 is turned off). Once the monitored humidity reaches the lower limit of the first set humidity range (50%), the second stage of humidification logic is activated.
[0040] In this embodiment, after the step of receiving the air-drying instruction, the method further includes: When the humidity value in the sealed area 2 is greater than the first set humidity range, the cooling fan 44 is turned off; when the humidity value in the sealed area 2 is less than the lower limit of the first set humidity range, the cooling fan 44 is turned on; and when the surface temperature value reaches the third set temperature range, the cooling fan 44 is turned off.
[0041] When the humidity value in the sealed zone 2 is within the second set humidity range, the following steps are executed: when the temperature value in the sealed zone 2 reaches the first set temperature range and the evaporator 43 is turned off, the cooling fan 44 is turned off after the surface temperature value reaches the second set temperature range.
[0042] Specifically, the second stage of humidification logic still utilizes defrost water for humidification, only changing the humidification stop determination temperature. Humidification stops when the temperature sensor 431 near the evaporator 43 reaches the third set temperature range (0~2°C). By lowering the humidification endpoint determination temperature, the humidity within the sealed zone 2 can be reduced, while ensuring that other areas within the refrigerator compartment 11 can still be slightly humidified. When the temperature and humidity sensor 221 detects that the humidity within the sealed zone 2 is within the second set humidity range (30~40%), the first stage of humidification logic restarts (i.e., when the temperature value within the sealed zone 2 reaches the first set temperature range and the evaporator 43 is turned off, the refrigeration fan 44 is turned off after the surface temperature reaches the second set temperature range).
[0043] In this embodiment, after the step of receiving the air-drying instruction, the method further includes: The sterilization component 45 is activated once every first set time interval; the sterilization component 45 operates intermittently at a set frequency for a second set time interval and then is deactivated; if the sterilization component 45 is activated during the defrosting phase of the evaporator 43, the sterilization component 45 is deactivated, and after the evaporator 43 has finished defrosting, the sterilization component 45 is activated and the timing is reset. The sterilization component 45 may be a negative ion generator.
[0044] Specifically, when the drying function of the cabinet 1 is turned on, the sterilization component 45 works intermittently at a set frequency (1-5 seconds on, 10-20 seconds off) for a second set time (10-20 minutes). During normal cooling, it is turned on every 2-6 hours, and the timer is reset after defrosting.
[0045] This application provides a refrigerator with a drying function, which has the following advantages: 1. Place the ingredients to be air-dried in storage box 5 in their unpackaged state to air-dry. By removing moisture and undergoing appropriate oxidation, the bloody smell of meat ingredients is removed. At the same time, the fatty acids that produce the gamey smell are oxidized and converted into aromatic compounds. Furthermore, under the action of microorganisms and enzymes, the proteins are broken down, increasing the content of umami amino acids.
[0046] 2. Place the food to be dried upright or horizontally at an angle through the ventilation board 54 to ensure that all sides of the food are dried more evenly.
[0047] 3. Dynamically adjust the humidity in the sealed zone 2 to ensure the drying effect of food items of different weights and thicknesses.
[0048] 4. By providing ventilation holes 51 on each side of the storage box 5, internal air can circulate, achieving air drying and dehumidification while preventing condensation.
[0049] 5. Sealed Zone 2 is set up as a sealed space, which, together with the humidification logic, achieves the effects of moisturizing and constant temperature.
[0050] 6. By opening ventilation holes at the bottom of storage box 5, the bottom of storage box 5 can also be designed as an uneven, wavy base plate or a bracket with through holes to form a smooth airflow path, so that cold air can pass over the surface of the food to be dried and then flow out of storage box 5.
[0051] The above detailed embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the above are merely specific embodiments of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made on the basis of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.
Claims
1. A refrigerator with a drying function, characterized in that, include: The cabinet (1) has a refrigerator compartment (11) inside, and a sealed area (2) is provided inside the refrigerator compartment (11); a drawer assembly (3) is provided inside the sealed area (2), and the drawer assembly (3) is slidably connected to the sealed area (2); the sealed area (2) is connected to the air supply assembly (4); And, a storage box (5) is provided in the drawer assembly (3), the storage box (5) has a plurality of ventilation holes (51) on the outside, and the interior of the storage box (5) is connected to the sealed area (2) through the ventilation holes (51); the storage box (5) is used to store meat to be processed; Control module (6), the control module (6) being connected to the air supply assembly (4), the control module (6) being configured to: Upon receiving the air-drying command, the air supply component (4) is turned on, so that the temperature in the sealed area (2) reaches the first set temperature range. After the air-drying time reaches the first set time, a set voice is issued.
2. A refrigerator with a drying function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage box (5) includes: Box body (52), and a plurality of first ventilation holes (521) are provided on the outside of the box body (52); The cover (53) is connected to the box body (52), and the cover (52) is provided with a plurality of second ventilation holes (531). The interior of the storage box (5) is connected to the sealed area (2) through the first ventilation hole (521) and the second ventilation hole (531).
3. A refrigerator with a drying function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The storage box (5) is provided with at least one ventilation plate (54), which is engaged with the storage box (5) through a slot provided in the storage box (5); the ventilation plate (54) is provided with a plurality of third ventilation holes (541). The second ventilation hole (531) is disposed between the ventilation plate (54) and the adjacent ventilation plate (54) or between the storage box (5).
4. A refrigerator with a drying function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air supply assembly (4) includes: A refrigeration duct (41) is provided, one end of which is connected to the sealed area (2) via an electric damper (42); the other end of the refrigeration duct (41) is connected to the evaporator (43); and a refrigeration fan (44) is provided inside the refrigeration duct (41).
5. A refrigerator with a drying function according to claim 4, characterized in that, A sterilization component (45) is provided inside the refrigeration duct (41); the sterilization component (45) is used to sterilize the refrigeration duct (41).
6. A refrigerator with a drying function according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sealing area (2) is provided with sealing panels (21) on both sides and bottom; the sealing area (2) is provided with drawer cover (22) on top; and the sealing panel (21) located at the bottom of the sealing area (2) is provided with an air outlet (211).
7. A refrigerator with a drying function according to claim 6, characterized in that, A temperature and humidity sensor (221) is provided on the drawer cover (22); the temperature and humidity sensor (221) is configured as follows: Obtain the temperature and humidity values within the sealed area (2); The control module (6) is further configured as follows: Upon receiving the air-drying command, the air supply component (4) is turned on, so that the temperature in the sealed area (2) reaches the first set temperature range. After the air-drying time reaches the first set time, the set voice and set information are sent to the set device. The set device is an electronic device that can receive electronic information. In addition, the temperature within the sealed zone (2) is brought to the set storage temperature range.
8. A refrigerator with a drying function according to claim 7, characterized in that, A temperature sensor (431) is provided on the outside of the evaporator (43), and the temperature sensor (431) is configured as follows: Obtain the surface temperature value of the evaporator (43); The control module (6) is also configured to: Upon receiving the air-drying command, when the temperature value in the sealed zone (2) reaches the first set temperature range and the evaporator (43) is closed, the cooling fan (44) is turned off after the surface temperature value reaches the second set temperature range.
9. A refrigerator with a drying function according to claim 8, characterized in that, Following the step of receiving the air-drying instruction, the method further includes: When the humidity value in the sealed area (2) is greater than the first set humidity range, the cooling fan (44) is turned off. When the humidity value in the sealed area (2) is less than the lower limit of the first set humidity range, the cooling fan (44) is turned on. When the surface temperature value reaches the third set temperature range, the cooling fan (44) is turned off. When the humidity value in the sealed area (2) is within the second set humidity range, the following steps are executed: when the temperature value in the sealed area (2) reaches the first set temperature range and the evaporator (43) is closed, the cooling fan (44) is turned off after the surface temperature value reaches the second set temperature range.
10. A refrigerator with a drying function according to claim 7, characterized in that, Following the step of receiving the air-drying instruction, the method further includes: The sterilization component (45) is turned on once every first set time interval; the sterilization component (45) is turned off after running intermittently at a set frequency for a second set time interval. If the sterilization component (45) is in the on state during the defrosting stage of the evaporator (43), the sterilization component (45) is turned off. After the defrosting of the evaporator (43) is completed, the sterilization component (45) is turned on and the timer is restarted.