A refrigerator

Abstract

This application relates to the field of home appliance technology, and in particular to a refrigerator. The refrigerator proposed in this application includes a body, a control module, a support device, a robotic arm, and a sensing module. The support device includes a support member and a drive assembly connected to each other. The drive assembly is communicatively connected to the control module, which can control the drive assembly to move the support member along the depth direction of the refrigerator, allowing the support member to switch between a first state and a second state. Users do not need to contact the food support structure; they can trigger the support member to extend from the receiving cavity simply by issuing a first control command. The robotic arm then automatically retrieves the food and stores it in the compartment, significantly improving ease of use. Simultaneously, the design of the support member retracting into the receiving cavity avoids the support structure being exposed and occupying external space, ensuring the overall neatness of the refrigerator's appearance. The design of the robotic arm being housed within the compartment also prevents the exposed robotic arm from being damaged by collisions with the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of home appliance technology, and in particular to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of smart home technology, the intelligence level of refrigeration equipment (such as refrigerators) is constantly improving, and food management functions have become an important direction for enhancing user experience. Currently, existing technologies mostly rely on sensors such as cameras installed inside the refrigeration equipment to detect food and thus manage it. However, this method has many pain points and fails to meet users' needs for convenient and efficient food management. On the one hand, the compartment space of refrigeration equipment is limited, and food is easily piled up and obstructed after being placed inside, making it difficult for the camera to fully identify the food and accurately grasp the available space capacity and food distribution within the compartment, thus hindering the proper storage of food. On the other hand, Chinese consumers are accustomed to placing food packaged in plastic bags directly into refrigeration equipment, further exacerbating the problems of food piling up and obstruction, significantly reducing the recognition accuracy and practicality of existing food management methods.

[0003] Furthermore, existing technologies lack structures and methods for actively organizing and storing ingredients. The storage of ingredients relies entirely on manual operation. Users need to manually place the ingredients into the compartments and organize them, which is cumbersome, labor-intensive, and makes it difficult to centrally store similar ingredients. It is also extremely inconvenient to find and retrieve ingredients later, which cannot meet users' needs for intelligent and convenient ingredient management. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a refrigerator that can automatically collect, identify, and store food in a reasonable manner, eliminating the need for manual organization and storage, thereby improving the efficiency of food management and enhancing the user experience.

[0005] This application discloses a refrigerator, comprising:

[0006] The main body has compartments and accommodating cavities arranged at intervals.

[0007] The control module is located within the main body;

[0008] A carrying device, disposed within the receiving cavity, includes a carrying member and a driving assembly connected to each other. The driving assembly is communicatively connected to the control module. The control module can control the driving assembly to drive the carrying member to move along the depth direction of the refrigerator, so that the carrying member switches between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the carrying member is configured to retract into the receiving cavity. In the second state, a portion of the carrying member is configured to extend out of the receiving cavity to carry food.

[0009] A robotic arm is disposed in the compartment and is communicatively connected to the control module. The control module can control the robotic arm to extend out of the compartment or be housed in the compartment.

[0010] The sensing module, which is communicatively connected to the control module, is configured to receive a first control command issued by the user.

[0011] In response to the first control command, the control module can control the drive component to switch the carrier from a first state to a second state to carry food ingredients, and can control the robotic arm to extend out of the compartment, grab the food ingredients on the carrier, and transport them into the compartment.

[0012] Optionally, in the refrigerator, the sensing module is configured to receive a second control command issued by the user;

[0013] In response to the second control command, the control module can control the robotic arm to retract into the compartment and control the drive assembly to drive the carrier to switch from the second state to the first state to retract into the receiving cavity.

[0014] Optionally, in the refrigerator, the robotic arm is equipped with a camera, which is used to identify whether there is food on the carrier, and can generate a first sensing signal when there is food.

[0015] In response to the first sensing signal, the control module can control the robotic arm to grab the food on the carrier and transport it into the compartment;

[0016] When there is no food on the carrier, the camera can generate a second sensing signal;

[0017] In response to the second sensing signal, the control module can control the drive component to switch the carrier from the second state to the first state, so that the carrier retracts into the receiving cavity.

[0018] Optionally, in the refrigerator, the camera is capable of capturing images of the interior environment of the compartment and calculating the available space capacity and food space distribution within the compartment;

[0019] Based on the available space capacity and the spatial distribution of ingredients, the control module can control the robotic arm to place the grasped ingredients in an empty position inside the room.

[0020] Optionally, in the refrigerator, the camera can also identify the type of food grabbed by the robotic arm and the type of food stored in the compartment. Based on the type of food grabbed by the robotic arm, the control module can control the robotic arm to move the grabbed food to the location of the same type of food in the compartment.

[0021] Optionally, the refrigerator has a door on the compartment;

[0022] In response to the first control command, the carrier component switches from the first state to the second state, and the control module can control the door to open;

[0023] In response to the second control command, the carrier switches from the second state to the first state, and the control module can control the door to close.

[0024] Optionally, the refrigerator has a door on the compartment;

[0025] In the second state, when the camera identifies that there is no food on the carrier, the control module can control the door to close.

[0026] Optionally, in the refrigerator, the carrying device includes a driving component and a connecting component, the driving component is communicatively connected to the control module, and the driving component is connected to the carrying component through the connecting component;

[0027] The connector includes a fixed rail and a movable rail movably disposed on the fixed rail along the depth direction of the refrigerator.

[0028] The carrier is mounted on the movable rail, and the driving member can drive the movable rail to move relative to the fixed rail along the depth direction, and drive the carrier to move along the depth direction through the movable rail, so that the carrier can switch between the first state and the second state.

[0029] Optionally, in the refrigerator, the drive assembly further includes a transmission assembly; the transmission assembly includes a first gear, a rack, and a connecting shaft, the rack extending along the depth direction and disposed on the fixed rail, the first gear being rotatably sleeved on the connecting shaft, and the connecting shaft being inserted into the movable rail;

[0030] The output end of the drive unit is connected to the first gear, and the drive unit can drive the first gear to rotate to move along the rack. The first gear drives the movable rail and the carrier to move along the depth direction through the connecting shaft.

[0031] Optionally, in the refrigerator, the transmission assembly further includes a synchronizing rod, and the connecting members are provided in two sets. The two sets of connecting members are arranged on both sides of the bearing member along the length direction of the refrigerator, and each set of connecting members corresponds to a set of the transmission assembly.

[0032] The driving component is connected to one of the transmission components, and the synchronizing rod is fixedly connected between the first gears of the two transmission components. The driving component drives the first gear and the synchronizing rod of one of the transmission components to rotate, thereby driving the first gear of the other transmission component to rotate synchronously, thus realizing the synchronous movement of the two connecting components.

[0033] Optionally, in the refrigerator, the driving element and the synchronizing rod are arranged at intervals; the transmission assembly further includes a second gear and a third gear that mesh with each other, the second gear being sleeved on the output end of the driving element, and the third gear being sleeved on one end of the synchronizing rod adjacent to one of the first gears along the length direction;

[0034] The driving component drives the second gear to rotate, the second gear meshes and drives the third gear to rotate, the third gear drives the synchronizing rod to rotate, and the synchronizing rod drives the first gear to rotate.

[0035] Optionally, in the refrigerator, the drive assembly further includes a limiting component, the limiting component comprising:

[0036] A limiting body is disposed between the fixed rail and the movable rail and connected to the fixed rail. The limiting body is provided with a guide portion extending along the depth direction.

[0037] A guide rod is movably inserted into the guide portion, one end of the guide rod is connected to the movable rail, the movable rail can drive the guide rod to move relative to the guide portion, and the guide portion forms a guide for the movable rail to move along the depth direction.

[0038] Optionally, in the refrigerator, the supporting device includes a housing, one end of which is provided with an opening, and the driving assembly is disposed in the housing and located at the end away from the opening;

[0039] In the first state, the support member blocks the opening;

[0040] In the second state, one end of the carrier along the depth direction is located in the housing, and the other end extends to the outside of the opening.

[0041] The refrigerator proposed in this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0042] The refrigerator proposed in this application includes a main body, a control module, a support device, a robotic arm, and a sensing module. The support device includes a support member and a drive assembly connected to each other. The drive assembly is communicatively connected to the control module, which can control the drive assembly to move the support member along the depth direction of the refrigerator, allowing the support member to switch between a first state and a second state. Users do not need to contact the food support structure; they can trigger the support member to extend from the receiving cavity simply by issuing a first control command (such as a voice command or gesture command). The robotic arm then automatically retrieves the food and stores it in the compartment, significantly improving ease of use. Simultaneously, the design of the support member retracting into the receiving cavity avoids the support structure being exposed and occupying external space, ensuring the overall neatness of the refrigerator's appearance. The design of the robotic arm being housed within the compartment also prevents the exposed robotic arm from being damaged by external collisions, extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the control of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of this application when the door of the refrigerator compartment and the supporting device are in the extended state;

[0045] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the refrigerator compartment door and the supporting device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support device according to one embodiment of this application after removing the housing;

[0048] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the supporting device after removing the supporting part and the shielding part;

[0049] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0050] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the supporting device from another perspective;

[0051] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0052] Figure 10 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the supporting device from another perspective;

[0053] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0054] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed rail and rack provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 13 A structural schematic diagram of the support device provided in one embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0056] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Enlarged view of point D;

[0057] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting block of the limiting component provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the support device provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0060] 100 - Refrigerator;

[0061] 10-Main body; 101-Cavity; 102-Receiving cavity; 11-Door body;

[0062] 20 - Control Module;

[0063] 30-Bearing device; 31-Bearing component; 311-Bearing part; 312-Shielding part; 32-Drive assembly; 321-Driver; 322-Connector; 3221-Fixed rail; 3222-Moving rail; 323-Transmission assembly; 3231-First gear; 3232-Rack; 3233-Connecting shaft; 3234-Synchronizing rod; 3235-Second gear; 3236-Third gear; 324-Limiting assembly; 3241-Limiting body; 32411-Guide part; 3242-Guide rod; 3243-Connecting block; 32431-Through hole; 32432-Snap-fit ​​part; 32433-Sliding part; 3244-Elastic element; 33-Housing shell;

[0064] 40 - Robotic arm; 41 - Camera;

[0065] 50 - Sensing module;

[0066] Y - Depth direction; X - Length direction; Z - Height direction. Detailed Implementation

[0067] To make the technical solution and beneficial effects of this application more apparent and understandable, a detailed description is provided below by listing specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and local features may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly show the details of the local features; unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those in the technical field to which this application pertains.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, this application proposes a refrigerator 100, including: a body 10, a control module 20, a support device 30, a robotic arm 40, and a sensing module 50. The body 10 has compartments 101 and receiving cavities 102 arranged at intervals. The control module 20 is disposed in the body 10. The support device 30 is disposed in the receiving cavity 102 and includes a support member 31 and a drive assembly 32 interconnected. The drive assembly 32 is communicatively connected to the control module 20. The control module 20 can control the drive assembly 32 to drive the support member 31 to move along the depth direction Y of the refrigerator 100, so that the support member 31 switches between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the support member 31 is configured to retract into the receiving cavity 102; in the second state, a portion of the support member 31 is configured to extend out of the receiving cavity 102 to carry food. The robotic arm 40 is disposed in the compartment 101 and is communicatively connected to the control module 20. The control module 20 can control the robotic arm 40 to extend out of or be contained within the compartment 101. The sensing module 50 is communicatively connected to the control module 20 and is configured to receive a first control command issued by the user. In response to the first control command, the control module 20 can control the drive assembly 32 to drive the carrier 31 to switch from a first state to a second state to carry food, and can control the robotic arm 40 to extend out of the compartment 101, grab the food on the carrier 31, and transport it into the compartment 101.

[0069] This embodiment automates and simplifies food storage, effectively addressing the pain points of traditional refrigerators where users have to manually open the door, bend over, or reach in to retrieve food. Users do not need to touch the refrigerator door 11 or the food-carrying structure; they can simply issue a first control command (such as a voice command or gesture command) to trigger the carrier 31 to extend out of the receiving cavity 102. The robotic arm 40 then automatically retrieves the food and stores it in the compartment 101, significantly improving ease of use. Furthermore, the design of the carrier 31 retracting into the receiving cavity 102 prevents the exposed structure from occupying external space, ensuring the overall neatness of the refrigerator 100. The design of the robotic arm 40 being housed within the compartment 101 also prevents it from being exposed and damaged by external collisions, extending its lifespan.

[0070] It is understood that the refrigerator 100 referred to in this application includes household or commercial refrigerators such as built-in freezers.

[0071] In some embodiments, the control commands in the refrigerator 100 described above include voice commands and / or action commands. These voice commands and / or action commands drive the drive component 32, causing the carrier 31 to switch between a first state and a second state. In this embodiment, setting the control commands as voice commands and / or action commands enriches the user's operating methods, improves the convenience and intelligence of operation, and adapts to the usage habits of different users. For users whose hands are occupied by food or tableware, voice commands can be used to quickly control the extension and retraction of the carrier 31, eliminating the need for manual operation, freeing the user's hands, and improving the user experience. For scenarios where it is inconvenient to issue voice commands, users can control the movements of the carrier device 30 and the robotic arm 40 through action commands (such as gestures, touch, etc.), providing flexible and diverse operation.

[0072] In some embodiments, the sensing module 50 includes a voice control unit with a microphone and a speaker. The microphone collects user voice commands and transmits them to the controller, while the speaker receives food information and broadcasts it via voice. Users can control the device and automatically transfer food without contact when their hands are wet or oily, or when touch is inconvenient. In other embodiments, the sensing module 50 includes a gesture control unit located on the user-facing side of the refrigerator body 100. This unit recognizes gesture commands and transmits them to the controller. Gesture control eliminates the need for contact with the panel, enabling quick, close-range operation and adapting to different usage habits and environments. In this embodiment, the gesture control unit can employ an infrared sensor or a visual sensor, capable of recognizing preset actions such as waving, swiping, and hovering.

[0073] In some embodiments, the sensing module 50 includes both a voice control unit and a gesture control unit, both of which are communicatively connected to the control module 20. The dual contactless control modes of voice and gesture can complement each other. Voice is suitable for scenarios involving long-distance, complex command operations, while gestures are suitable for short-distance, quick, and easy operations, significantly improving the flexibility of food interaction.

[0074] In some embodiments, in the refrigerator 100 described above, the sensing module 50 is configured to receive a second control command issued by the user. In response to the second control command, the control module 20 can control the robotic arm 40 to retract into the compartment 101 and control the drive assembly 32 to drive the carrier 31 from a second state to a first state to retract into the receiving cavity 102. In this embodiment, a closed-loop automation of the storage and retrieval process is achieved, further enhancing the user experience and the intelligence level of the refrigerator 100. After placing the food, the user does not need to manually operate the robotic arm 40 to retract and the carrier 31 to retract; the subsequent reset operation can be triggered simply by the second control command, avoiding space occupation, dust accumulation, or structural damage caused by forgetting to retract the carrier 31. Simultaneously, the automatic reset of the robotic arm 40 and the carrier 31 ensures that the internal structure of the refrigerator 100 is in a regular state. The robotic arm 40 housed in the compartment 101 prevents it from colliding with food, protecting both the robotic arm 40 and the food; the retraction of the carrier 31 into the receiving cavity 102 prevents it from being collided with external objects and also avoids safety hazards caused by children accidentally touching the carrier 31.

[0075] In some embodiments, in the refrigerator 100 described above, such as Figure 3 As shown, a camera 41 is installed on the robotic arm 40. The camera 41 is used to identify whether there is food on the carrier 31. When food is present, it generates a first sensing signal. In response to the first sensing signal, the control module 20 can control the robotic arm 40 to grab the food on the carrier 31 and transport it into the compartment 101. When there is no food on the carrier 31, the camera 41 generates a second sensing signal. In response to the second sensing signal, the control module 20 can control the drive assembly 32 to drive the carrier 31 to switch from the second state to the first state, so that the carrier 31 retracts into the receiving cavity 102.

[0076] In this embodiment, by setting a camera 41 on the robotic arm 40 to achieve food identification and signal feedback, the refrigerator 100 achieves "autonomous judgment and automatic response," further reducing user operating costs and improving the level of intelligence. On the one hand, the camera 41 can automatically identify whether there is food on the carrier 31 without the user issuing an additional grabbing command. When food is detected, the robotic arm 40 is automatically triggered to grab it, avoiding the problem of food being left on the carrier 31 for a long time due to the user forgetting to issue a command, thus failing to keep it fresh in time. On the other hand, when no food is detected on the carrier 31, the carrier 31 is automatically triggered to retract and reset, without the need for manual control by the user, reducing user operation redundancy and avoiding various problems caused by the long-term exposure of the carrier 31.

[0077] In some embodiments, in the refrigerator 100 described above, the camera 41 can capture images of the internal environment of the compartment 101 and calculate the available space capacity and food distribution within the compartment 101. Based on the available space capacity and food distribution, the control module 20 can control the robotic arm 40 to place the grabbed food into an empty position inside the compartment 101. In this embodiment, the space utilization of the compartment 101 is optimized, and the neatness and preservation effect of food storage are improved. When storing food in a traditional refrigerator, users often do not know the empty space inside the compartment 101, resulting in messy food storage, wasted space, and even some food being crushed and damaged. In this embodiment, by capturing images of the interior of the compartment 101 and calculating the available space and food distribution, the control module 20 can control the robotic arm 40 to place the food into an empty position, maximizing the utilization of the space in the compartment 101 and avoiding space waste. At the same time, neat food placement can reduce mutual compression between food items, reducing the probability of food damage and spoilage.

[0078] In some embodiments, in the refrigerator 100 described above, the camera 41 can also identify the type of food grabbed by the robotic arm 40 and the type of food stored in the compartment 101. Based on the type of food grabbed by the robotic arm 40, the control module 20 can control the robotic arm 40 to transport the grabbed food to the location of the same type of food in the compartment 101. In this embodiment, by identifying and classifying food types, the standardization of food storage is improved, making it easier for users to access the food and optimizing the food preservation effect. On the one hand, storing the same type of food together eliminates the need for users to search for food one by one later, greatly improving retrieval efficiency, which is especially suitable for families with a large variety of food. On the other hand, different types of food have different preservation requirements (such as the optimal storage temperature and humidity for vegetables, fruits, and meats differ). Classifying and storing food allows the refrigerator 100 to accurately control the temperature and humidity for different types of food, extending the shelf life of food and reducing food waste.

[0079] In some embodiments, in the refrigerator 100 described above, such as Figure 4As shown, a door 11 is provided on the compartment 101. In response to a first control command, the support member 31 switches from a first state to a second state, and the control module 20 can control the door 11 to open. In response to a second control command, the support member 31 switches from a second state to a first state, and the control module 20 can control the door 11 to close. In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the door 11 is linked with the actions of the support member 31 and the robotic arm 40, realizing a fully automated closed-loop storage and retrieval process, further improving ease of use, while reducing cold loss and saving energy. After the user issues the first control command, the refrigerator 100 can automatically complete a series of actions such as opening the door 11, extending the support member 31, and the robotic arm 40 grasping and storing the item, without requiring the user to manually open the door; after completing the operation, issuing the second control command, the refrigerator 100 automatically completes the retraction of the support member 31 and the closing of the door 11, avoiding significant cold loss due to the user forgetting to close the door, reducing energy consumption, and preventing external dust and bacteria from entering, protecting food hygiene.

[0080] In some embodiments, the door 11 of compartment 101 automatically opens and closes via a hinge drive mechanism. Specifically, an electric hinge assembly is provided between the side wall of the refrigerator 100 and the door 11. The electric hinge assembly includes a stepper motor, a reduction gear set, and a hinge shaft. The stepper motor is fixedly installed inside the side wall of the refrigerator, and its output shaft is driven by the reduction gear set to the hinge shaft. The hinge shaft is fixedly connected to the door 11. When a food management command is received, the control module 20 sends an opening signal to the stepper motor. After the stepper motor is reduced in speed and torque by the reduction gear set, it drives the hinge shaft to rotate, causing the door 11 to flip outward around the hinge shaft and open. When it is determined that the food storage or retrieval is completed, the control module 20 sends a closing signal, and the stepper motor rotates in the opposite direction, driving the door 11 to flip inward and close. The design of the reduction gear set makes the opening and closing speed of the door 11 smooth and controllable, avoiding cold air leakage or mechanical impact caused by rapid opening and closing. An angle encoder can also be installed at the hinge shaft to provide real-time feedback on the opening angle of the door 11. When an obstacle is detected, the door will automatically stop or reverse to achieve anti-pinch protection.

[0081] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 described above has a door 11 on the compartment 101. In the second state, when the camera 41 detects that there is no food on the support 31, the control module 20 can control the door 11 to close. In this embodiment, the automation process is further optimized to avoid energy waste and food damage caused by human negligence, and to improve the intelligence and reliability of the equipment. In actual use, the user may forget to issue the second control command after placing food, resulting in the support 31 being in the extended state and the door 11 being in the open state, which in turn causes cold air loss and food spoilage. In this embodiment, after the camera 41 detects that there is no food on the support 31, it automatically triggers the door 11 to close without user intervention, effectively avoiding the above problems, saving energy and protecting the preservation environment of the food inside the compartment 101. In addition, this design also simplifies user operation. The user only needs to place the food, and the subsequent closing of the door 11 and retraction of the support 31 are automatically completed by the refrigerator 100, further improving the user experience.

[0082] In some embodiments, in the refrigerator 100 described above, such as Figure 5-7 As shown, the drive assembly 32 of the support device 30 includes a drive component 321 and a connector 322. The drive component 321 is communicatively connected to the control module 20, and the drive component 321 is connected to the support component 31 via the connector 322. The connector 322 includes a fixed rail 3221 and a movable rail 3222 movably disposed on the fixed rail 3221 along the depth direction Y of the refrigerator 100. The support component 31 is mounted on the movable rail 3222. The drive component 321 can drive the movable rail 3222 to move relative to the fixed rail 3221 along the depth direction Y, and drive the support component 31 to move along the depth direction Y via the movable rail 3222, so that the support component 31 switches between a first state and a second state. In this embodiment, the cooperative design of the fixed rail 3221 and the movable rail 3222 improves the stability and smoothness of the movement of the support component 31 and extends the service life of the support device 30. The fixed rail 3221 provides stable support and guidance for the movable rail 3222, ensuring that the movable rail 3222 does not deviate or wobble when moving along the depth direction Y of the refrigerator 100. This, in turn, drives the carrier 31 to move smoothly, preventing food on the carrier 31 from falling or being damaged due to shaking. Simultaneously, the rail-type connection structure has low frictional resistance, requiring less effort to drive the drive component 321, reducing energy consumption and extending its service life. Furthermore, the simple structure of the fixed rail 3221 and movable rail 3222 facilitates assembly and maintenance, reducing the production and after-sales maintenance costs of the refrigerator 100.

[0083] Specifically, the fixed rail 3221 can be fixed to the inner wall of the refrigerator 100's accommodating space with bolts, and the movable rail 3222 can be fixed to the side wall of the bearing device 30. The gap between the two is controlled within 0.5mm to ensure that the bearing device 30 can move stably even when carrying about 5kg of food.

[0084] In some embodiments, in the refrigerator 100 described above, such as Figure 7 , Figure 10-11 As shown, the drive assembly 32 also includes a transmission assembly 323. The transmission assembly 323 includes a first gear 3231, a rack 3232, and a connecting shaft 3233. The rack 3232 extends along the depth direction Y and is mounted on a fixed rail 3221. The first gear 3231 is rotatably fitted onto the connecting shaft 3233, which is inserted into the movable rail 3222. The output end of the drive assembly 321 is connected to the first gear 3231, enabling the drive assembly 3231 to rotate and move along the rack 3232. The first gear 3231, through the connecting shaft 3233, drives the movable rail 3222 and the support member 31 to move along the depth direction Y. In this embodiment, the gear-rack transmission structure design improves the accuracy and controllability of the movement of the support member 31, while also enhancing transmission efficiency and structural stability. The gear and rack meshing transmission features precise transmission ratio and high transmission efficiency. The drive component 321 can control the rotation angle of the first gear 3231 to control the movement distance of the movable rail 3222 and the carrier component 31, ensuring that the carrier component 31 can accurately extend to the designated position and retract into the receiving cavity 102, avoiding structural damage or inconvenience caused by excessive or insufficient movement. In addition, the gear-rack transmission has a strong load-bearing capacity and can stably transmit the power of the drive component 321, driving the carrier component 31 and the food to move smoothly. At the same time, the transmission process has low noise and low wear, extending the service life of the transmission component 323 and the drive component 321.

[0085] For example, when the drive unit 321 (motor) drives the first gear 3231 to rotate, the gear and the rack 3232 mesh precisely. Each rotation can drive the movable rail 3222 to move 10cm. The user can preset the extension length according to the needs to achieve precise control of the extension and retraction of the bearing device 30 and meet the bearing needs of different scenarios.

[0086] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, the rack 3232 and the fixed rail 3221 are an integral structure, resulting in higher overall strength and greater stability of the load-bearing device 30 during movement. In other embodiments, the rack 3232 and the fixed rail 3221 can also be separate structures, fixedly connected by welding or riveting, reducing the processing difficulty of the parts.

[0087] It is understandable that the driving method of the driving component 321 for the movable rail 3222 can also be telescopic drive, such as the driving component 321 being a cylinder structure, thereby driving the movable rail 3222 to slide relative to the fixed rail 3221 along the depth direction Y of the refrigerator 100, realizing the telescopic movement of the bearing component 31.

[0088] In some embodiments, in the refrigerator 100 described above, such as Figure 8 As shown, the transmission assembly 323 also includes a synchronizing rod 3234. Two sets of connecting members 322 are provided, arranged along the length X of the refrigerator 100 on both sides of the support member 31. Each set of connecting members 322 corresponds to a set of transmission assemblies 323. The driving member 321 is connected to one set of transmission assemblies 323. A synchronizing rod 3234 is fixedly connected between the first gears 3231 of the two sets of transmission assemblies 323. The driving member 321 drives the first gear 3231 and synchronizing rod 3234 of one set of transmission assemblies 323 to rotate, thereby driving the first gear 3231 of the other set of transmission assemblies 323 to rotate synchronously, thus achieving synchronous movement of the two sets of connecting members 322. In this embodiment, by providing two sets of connecting members 322 and synchronizing rods 3234, the synchronous movement of both ends of the support member 31 is ensured, improving the stability of the movement of the support member 31 and preventing food from falling or structural damage. In this embodiment, two sets of connectors 322 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support member 31. The synchronous rod 3234 drives the two sets of transmission components 323 to move synchronously, ensuring that both ends of the support member 31 maintain the same moving speed and distance. This ensures that the support member 31 remains horizontal, effectively preventing food from falling due to tilting of the support member 31. Simultaneously, the symmetrically arranged connectors 322 and transmission components 323 can distribute the force on the support member 31, reducing the load on individual components and extending the overall service life of the support device 30.

[0089] In some embodiments, in the refrigerator 100 described above, the drive element 321 and the synchronizing rod 3234 are arranged at intervals. For example... Figure 8-9As shown, the transmission assembly 323 also includes a second gear 3235 and a third gear 3236 that mesh with each other. The second gear 3235 is sleeved on the output end of the drive member 321, and the third gear 3236 is sleeved on one end of the synchronizing rod 3234 adjacent to a first gear 3231 along the length direction X. The drive member 321 drives the second gear 3235 to rotate, the second gear 3235 meshes and drives the third gear 3236 to rotate, the third gear 3236 drives the synchronizing rod 3234 to rotate, and the synchronizing rod 3234 drives the first gear 3231 to rotate. In this embodiment, the meshing of the second gear 3235 and the third gear 3236 improves transmission efficiency and the rationality of the structural layout. The design of the drive member 321 and the synchronizing rod 3234 being spaced apart makes reasonable use of the internal space of the receiving cavity 102, avoids interference between the drive member 321 and the synchronizing rod 3234, and facilitates subsequent assembly and maintenance. The meshing transmission between the second gear 3235 and the third gear 3236 enables flexible power transmission, precisely transferring the rotational power of the drive component 321 to the synchronizing rod 3234, thereby driving the two sets of transmission components 323 to move synchronously and ensuring the smooth movement of the load-bearing component 31. In addition, the gear meshing transmission has high transmission efficiency and low power loss, which can reduce the energy consumption of the drive component 321.

[0090] In some embodiments, in the refrigerator 100 described above, such as Figure 13-14 As shown, the drive assembly 32 also includes a limiting assembly 324, which includes a limiting body 3241 and a guide rod 3242. The limiting body 3241 is disposed between the fixed rail 3221 and the movable rail 3222 and is connected to the fixed rail 3221. The limiting body 3241 is provided with a guide portion 32411 extending along the depth direction Y. The guide rod 3242 is movably inserted into the guide portion 32411, and one end of the guide rod 3242 is connected to the movable rail 3222. The movable rail 3222 can drive the guide rod 3242 to move relative to the guide portion 32411. The guide portion 32411 provides guidance for the movable rail 3222 to move along the depth direction Y.

[0091] In this embodiment, the limiting component 324 further enhances the stability and safety of the movement of the movable rail 3222 and the carrier 31, preventing structural damage caused by excessive movement. The guiding part 32411 guides the guide rod 3242, assisting the cooperation between the fixed rail 3221 and the movable rail 3222, further limiting the movement direction of the movable rail 3222, ensuring that the movable rail 3222 always moves along the depth direction Y of the refrigerator 100 without lateral deviation or wobbling, thereby driving the carrier 31 to move smoothly and protecting the food on the carrier 31. At the same time, the limiting component 324 can indirectly limit the movement stroke of the movable rail 3222, preventing the movable rail 3222 from moving excessively and colliding with the inner wall of the receiving cavity 102 or other components, damaging the movable rail 3222, the driving component 321, or the carrier 31, and extending the service life of the driving component 32.

[0092] It is understandable that the guide part 32411 can be a groove or a through hole penetrating the limiting body 3241, which can serve to guide the guide rod 3242.

[0093] In other embodiments, the limiting component 324 further includes a connecting block 3243 and an elastic element 3244, such as Figure 15 As shown, the connecting block 3243 is also provided with a through hole 32431, a snap-fit ​​part 32432, and a sliding part 32433. One end of the elastic member 3244 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​part 32432, and the other end is connected to the limiting body 3241. The connecting block 3243 is slidably connected to the limiting body 3241 on both sides along the third direction Z through the sliding part 32433.

[0094] In some embodiments, in the refrigerator 100 described above, such as Figure 16 As shown, the supporting device 30 includes a housing 33 with an opening at one end. The driving component 32 is disposed within the housing 33 and located at the end furthest from the opening. In a first state, the supporting member 31 blocks the opening. In a second state, one end of the supporting member 31 along the depth direction Y is located within the housing 33, and the other end extends to the outside of the opening. In this embodiment, the housing 33 encloses the driving component 32, effectively isolating it from the low temperature and moisture inside the refrigerator 100, as well as from external dust and impurities. This prevents the driving component 32 from being damaged due to moisture and dust accumulation, extends its service life, and reduces the noise generated by the driving component 32 during operation. Furthermore, the design of the housing 33 conceals the internal structure of the supporting device 30, making the refrigerator 100 more aesthetically pleasing and enhancing the product's appearance and user experience. Simultaneously, the housing 33 also provides some protection for the user, preventing accidental contact with moving parts such as the driving component 32 and the transmission component 323, thus improving safety.

[0095] Specifically, in some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the support member 31 includes a support portion 311 and a shielding portion 312. In the first state, the support portion 311 is retracted into the refrigerator 100, and the shielding portion 312 is flush with the door 11 of the refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, the support portion 311 is used to support food, while the shielding portion 312 serves a sealing and decorative function, improving the integration and aesthetics of the support device 30 and the refrigerator 100. When the support member 31 is in the retracted state, the shielding portion 312 is flush with the door 11 of the refrigerator 100, effectively shielding the installation gap left after the support member 31 is retracted, preventing dust, debris, etc. from entering the device, protecting the food storage environment inside the device, and avoiding the gap from affecting the overall appearance coordination of the device, making the device more neat and beautiful. For example, when the support member 31 is retracted, the shielding portion 312 is completely flush with the door 11 of the refrigerator 100 (a common door of the refrigerator 100), and the structure of the support device 30 inside the device is not visible from the outside, making it consistent with the appearance of an ordinary refrigerator.

[0096] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 described above also includes two load cells symmetrically arranged on both sides of the bottom of the support portion 311, with the sensing area covering the main load-bearing area of ​​the support portion 311. The load cells are fixed to a sheet metal component, which is fixedly connected to the front panel / shielding portion 312 of the support device 30. The symmetrically arranged load cells on both sides can evenly collect the load at various points on the support portion 311, effectively improving the weighing deviation caused by uneven or localized placement of food, making weight detection more uniform and accurate. When food is placed on the support portion 31, the load cells can weigh the food and record the weight data.

[0097] In some embodiments, the support portion 311 has a bottom wall with reinforcing ribs on its lower surface. A load cell is disposed below the bottom wall, with its sensing surface abutting against the lower surface of the bottom wall. The reinforcing ribs on the bottom wall improve the structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the support portion 311, preventing deformation when heavy food items are placed on it, which would affect weighing accuracy. Direct contact between the load cell and the bottom wall ensures direct and stable weight signal transmission, reduces force transmission loss, and improves detection accuracy. For example, the reinforcing ribs can be uniformly distributed in a grid or strip pattern and integrally injection molded with the bottom wall. In another embodiment, an elastic buffer sheet can be provided between the load cell and the bottom wall to ensure efficient force transmission while preventing damage to the sensor from rigid contact.

[0098] In some embodiments, for the above-mentioned refrigerator 100, the robotic arm 40 is configured to have a deployed state and a retracted state. In the retracted state, the robotic arm 40 shrinks and hides inside the compartment 101. In the deployed state, the robotic arm 40 extends to grasp and transport food ingredients. By configuring the robotic arm 40 to have a deployed state and a retracted state, the robotic arm 40 can shrink and hide inside the compartment 101 in the non-working state, thus effectively avoiding the occupation of the storage space of the compartment 101 by the robotic arm 40, ensuring the integrity and usability of the internal storage area of the compartment 101, and facilitating the user to flexibly store or retrieve items. At the same time, when the robotic arm 40 is in the retracted state, it is not exposed to the storage environment of the compartment 101, which can reduce the risk of contact, collision or cross-contamination with food ingredients or storage containers, and helps to keep the inside of the compartment 101 clean and hygienic. In addition, when it is necessary to perform a food ingredient transportation task, the robotic arm 40 can automatically switch to the deployed state for grasping operations, realizing the on-demand switching of the working state of the robotic arm 40.

[0099] In some embodiments, the present application also proposes a control method for a refrigerator 100, which is used in any of the above-mentioned refrigerators 100 and includes:

[0100] Step S10, in response to the received control instruction, control the door 11 of the compartment 101 to open, control the carrying device 30 to move to the second state, and control the robotic arm 40 to switch to the deployed state.

[0101] Step S20, control the camera 41 to collect the environmental image inside the compartment 101 and the image of the food ingredients on the carrying device 30.

[0102] Step S30, calculate the available space capacity and the existing food ingredient space distribution based on the environmental image, and identify the food ingredients to be stored or retrieved based on the food ingredient image.

[0103] Step S40, determine the target storage location according to the available space capacity and the existing food ingredient space distribution, control the robotic arm 40 to grasp the food ingredients to be stored or retrieved and place them at the target storage location.

[0104] In the above steps S10 - S40, each step works together to achieve the automation, intelligence and standardization of food ingredient management: the linkage control in step S10 eliminates the cumbersome manual operation of each component one by one, reduces labor costs and improves execution stability. Step S20 accurately collects images, provides reliable data support for subsequent operations, and avoids deviation and misjudgment in manual observation. Step S30 calculates the space distribution and identifies the types of food ingredients through data analysis, improving the space utilization rate and the standardization of food ingredient management. Step S40 automatically determines the target storage location and completes the grasping and placement through the robotic arm 40, reducing the labor intensity, avoiding operation risks, and reducing food ingredient damage.

[0105] In some embodiments, the control method described above determines the target storage location based on available space capacity and existing food storage space distribution, including: selecting vacant areas with a volume larger than the volume of the food to be stored. If the number of candidate vacant areas is greater than one, the distances between multiple candidate vacant areas and the storage areas of similar food items are calculated, and the candidate vacant area with the smallest distance is selected as the target storage location. In this embodiment, by prioritizing space capacity and then grouping similar items, the physical feasibility and operational safety of food placement are always prioritized over the optimization of storage organization. The first priority serves as a hard constraint, selecting all candidate vacant areas with a volume larger than the volume of the food to be stored from the spatial distribution map. If the number of candidates is zero, a space organization process is triggered; if there is only one, it is directly determined as the target location, fundamentally eliminating problems such as placement failure due to insufficient space, food compression and deformation, or interference from the robotic arm's movement. When the number of candidate vacant areas is greater than one, the system enters the second priority optimization decision stage, calculating the spatial distance between each candidate area and the existing storage areas of similar food items, and selecting the area with the smallest distance as the final target location. This maximizes the aggregation of similar food items while meeting space requirements, facilitating quick searching by category for users. The weight of the first priority is set to absolute priority, that is, the aggregation of similar types is only considered when the space capacity conditions are met. This decision logic provides a clear objective function for the algorithm implementation, with low computational complexity (mainly volume comparison and distance calculation), and at the same time, it is easy to make parameterized adjustments according to different room 101 structures or user preferences.

[0106] In some embodiments, the method for receiving food management instructions in the control method of the refrigerator 100 includes: voice instruction recognition, gesture recognition, remote instructions via mobile application, and touch instructions. In this embodiment, by supporting four input methods—voice instruction recognition, gesture recognition, remote instructions via mobile application, and touch instructions—users can flexibly choose the instruction triggering method according to the actual scenario. When a user holds food in both hands or has oil on their hands, they can perform contactless operation via voice instructions (such as "open food management" or "start storing food") or simple gestures (such as holding their palm facing the door 11 for 3 seconds, with a corresponding sensor on the door 11), avoiding contamination of the door 11 panel or food packaging. When a user is in a supermarket or office far from the refrigerator, they can remotely send instructions via mobile application to pre-activate the extension of the support member 31, allowing the user to place purchased food directly near the refrigerator, saving waiting time. When a user is near the device and their hands are free, they can directly touch the screen of the door 11 panel to operate, obtaining intuitive menu guidance and status feedback. The system operates in parallel with four command receiving methods. By setting priorities, the system ensures the accuracy of command recognition and the timeliness of response, significantly improving the interaction scenarios, lowering the threshold for using the refrigerator, and expanding the scope of intelligent food management services.

[0107] In some embodiments, the control method of the refrigerator 100 calculates the available space capacity and the spatial distribution of existing food items based on the environmental image inside the compartment 101, including: identifying the position and size of existing food items inside the compartment 101, calculating the volume of each vacant area based on the size, and generating a spatial distribution map. In this embodiment, multi-view environmental images inside the compartment 101 are acquired by the end-effector camera 41 of the robotic arm 40, and three-dimensional point cloud data inside the compartment 101 is obtained using stereo vision, thereby identifying the spatial occupancy position and external dimensions (length, width, and height) of existing food items. Based on the occupancy boundaries of each existing food item, the system calculates the discretely distributed vacant areas inside the compartment 101, calculates the volume (length × width × height) of each vacant area, and generates a spatial distribution map in the form of structured data. The spatial distribution map not only records the geometric parameters (volume, position coordinates) of each vacant area, but also marks the accessibility of the area (whether it is blocked by other food items, whether the robotic arm 40 can reach it). The digital spatial representation provides a data foundation for subsequent target storage locations, enabling the robotic arm 40 to plan placement based on quantified spatial information, significantly improving the scientific nature of space utilization and the success rate of placement operations. The spatial distribution map is dynamically updated after each food storage and retrieval operation to ensure real-time accuracy of the data.

[0108] In some embodiments, the control method of the refrigerator 100 further includes: when there is no continuous free area in the compartment 101 larger than the volume of the food to be stored, controlling the robotic arm 40 to move the existing food in the compartment 101 to other positions, so as to integrate fragmented space and release continuous storage area. In this embodiment, when the screening result of the first priority shows that there is no continuous free area in the compartment 101 that meets the volume requirements, it indicates that the space of the compartment 101 has multiple small free areas due to multiple access operations, but lacks a sufficiently large continuous space. At this time, the system actively triggers the space reorganization process, controlling the robotic arm 40 to rearrange and optimize the position of the existing food in the compartment 101: identifying movable small-sized food, moving it from its current position to other free areas, thereby integrating multiple fragmented small free areas into a large continuous storage area that meets the requirements.

[0109] In some embodiments, after the robotic arm 40 grasps the food to be stored and places it in the target storage location, the system further includes: updating the food database and pushing the list of stored food, its storage location, and recommended consumption period to the user via a mobile application. In this embodiment, after each food storage / retrieval operation, the system automatically updates the local or cloud-based food database, recording key information such as the type, quantity, storage location coordinates, and storage timestamp of the stored food, and calculates the recommended consumption period based on a preset shelf-life model for the food type. Pushing the list of stored food, its specific storage location, and recommended consumption period to the user in a visual format via a mobile application allows the user to monitor the refrigerator's internal status anytime, anywhere, without needing to remember cumbersome storage details.

[0110] It should be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and are not intended to encompass all possible implementations included in the claims. Various modifications and changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, the various technical features of the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form other embodiments of this application that may not be explicitly described. Therefore, the above embodiments only illustrate several implementations of this application and do not limit the scope of protection of this patent application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The main body has compartments and accommodating cavities arranged at intervals. The control module is located within the main body; A carrying device, disposed within the receiving cavity, includes a carrying member and a driving assembly connected to each other. The driving assembly is communicatively connected to the control module. The control module can control the driving assembly to drive the carrying member to move along the depth direction of the refrigerator, so that the carrying member switches between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the carrying member is configured to retract into the receiving cavity. In the second state, a portion of the carrying member is configured to extend out of the receiving cavity to carry food. A robotic arm is disposed in the compartment and is communicatively connected to the control module. The control module can control the robotic arm to extend out of the compartment or be housed in the compartment. The sensing module, which is communicatively connected to the control module, is configured to receive a first control command issued by the user. In response to the first control command, the control module can control the drive component to switch the carrier from a first state to a second state to carry food ingredients, and can control the robotic arm to extend out of the compartment, grab the food ingredients on the carrier, and transport them into the compartment.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing module is configured to receive a second control command issued by the user; In response to the second control command, the control module can control the robotic arm to retract into the compartment and control the drive assembly to drive the carrier to switch from the second state to the first state to retract into the receiving cavity.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm is equipped with a camera, which is used to identify whether there is food on the carrier and can generate a first sensing signal when there is food. In response to the first sensing signal, the control module can control the robotic arm to grab the food on the carrier and transport it into the compartment; When there is no food on the carrier, the camera can generate a second sensing signal; In response to the second sensing signal, the control module can control the drive component to switch the carrier from the second state to the first state, so that the carrier retracts into the receiving cavity.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The camera is capable of capturing the interior environment of the room and calculating the available space capacity and food space distribution within the room. Based on the available space capacity and the spatial distribution of ingredients, the control module can control the robotic arm to place the grasped ingredients in an empty position inside the room.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The camera can also identify the type of food that the robotic arm grabs and the type of food stored in the compartment. Based on the type of food that the robotic arm grabs, the control module can control the robotic arm to move the grabbed food to the location of the same type of food in the compartment.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The room is equipped with a door; In response to the first control command, the carrier component switches from the first state to the second state, and the control module can control the door to open; In response to the second control command, the carrier switches from the second state to the first state, and the control module can control the door to close.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The room is equipped with a door; In the second state, when the camera identifies that there is no food on the carrier, the control module can control the door to close.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the carrier device, the driving component includes a driving component and a connecting component. The driving component is communicatively connected to the control module, and the driving component is connected to the carrier component through the connecting component. The connector includes a fixed rail and a movable rail movably disposed on the fixed rail along the depth direction of the refrigerator. The carrier is mounted on the movable rail, and the driving member can drive the movable rail to move relative to the fixed rail along the depth direction, and drive the carrier to move along the depth direction through the movable rail, so that the carrier can switch between the first state and the second state.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive assembly further includes a transmission assembly; the transmission assembly includes a first gear, a rack and a connecting shaft, the rack extends along the depth direction and is disposed on the fixed rail, the first gear is rotatably sleeved on the connecting shaft, and the connecting shaft is inserted into the movable rail; The output end of the drive unit is connected to the first gear, and the drive unit can drive the first gear to rotate to move along the rack. The first gear drives the movable rail and the carrier to move along the depth direction through the connecting shaft.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transmission assembly also includes a synchronizing rod. Two sets of connectors are provided, and the two sets of connectors are arranged on both sides of the support member along the length direction of the refrigerator. Each set of connectors corresponds to one set of the transmission assembly. The driving component is connected to one of the transmission components, and the synchronizing rod is fixedly connected between the first gears of the two transmission components. The driving component drives the first gear and the synchronizing rod of one of the transmission components to rotate, thereby driving the first gear of the other transmission component to rotate synchronously, thus realizing the synchronous movement of the two connecting components.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The driving element and the synchronizing rod are arranged at intervals; the transmission assembly also includes a second gear and a third gear that mesh with each other, the second gear being sleeved on the output end of the driving element, and the third gear being sleeved on one end of the synchronizing rod adjacent to one of the first gears along the length direction; The driving component drives the second gear to rotate, the second gear meshes and drives the third gear to rotate, the third gear drives the synchronizing rod to rotate, and the synchronizing rod drives the first gear to rotate.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The driving component further includes a limiting component, the limiting component comprising: A limiting body is disposed between the fixed rail and the movable rail and connected to the fixed rail. The limiting body is provided with a guide portion extending along the depth direction. A guide rod is movably inserted into the guide portion, one end of the guide rod is connected to the movable rail, the movable rail can drive the guide rod to move relative to the guide portion, and the guide portion forms a guide for the movable rail to move along the depth direction.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bearing device includes a housing, one end of which is provided with an opening, and the driving component is disposed in the housing and located at the end away from the opening; In the first state, the support member blocks the opening; In the second state, one end of the carrier along the depth direction is located in the housing, and the other end extends to the outside of the opening.

Images