Defrosting period food material processing method, controller and refrigeration equipment

Abstract

The application discloses a food material processing method, a controller and a refrigeration equipment in a defrosting period. In the process of freezing the food material, a first electric field with a relatively large intensity is applied by controlling an electric field generating device to assist the freezing of the food material to below the freezing temperature, so that the formation and quantity of ice crystals in the freezing process of the food material can be regulated. After the freezing is completed, the food material is stored in a storage space. When the defrosting period of the refrigeration equipment is entered, a second electric field with a relatively small intensity is applied by controlling the electric field generating device, so that the ice crystal recrystallization of the food material caused by the temperature fluctuation of the storage space in the defrosting period can be reduced, the damage degree of the cells of the food material can be effectively controlled, the frozen fresh-keeping quality of the food material is improved, and the dry consumption rate of the food material in the freezing and the juice loss rate in the thawing are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator application technology, and in particular to a method for food processing, a controller, and a refrigeration device during the defrosting period. Background Technology

[0002] Freezing effectively inhibits the growth and proliferation of microorganisms, extending the shelf life of food. However, during the freezing process and long-term low-temperature storage, water in the food forms ice crystals, which recrystallize over time, leading to a deterioration in food quality. Related technologies utilize physical fields to assist the freezing process, such as electric and magnetic fields, to reduce ice crystal damage, improve freezing efficiency, and enhance the texture and taste of the food.

[0003] Because of the defrosting period inside the refrigerator, the temperature of frozen food will repeatedly rise and fall during the freezing storage process, causing ice crystal recrystallization, which can easily damage the food cells and seriously affect the nutrition and taste. The physical field of the aforementioned related technologies only assists in the freezing process of food and does not take into account the freezing storage conditions of food. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method, controller, and refrigeration equipment for food processing during the defrosting period, which can effectively control the recrystallization of ice crystals in food during the defrosting period and improve the frozen preservation quality of food.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for processing food during the defrosting period, applied to a refrigeration device, wherein the refrigeration device is equipped with an electric field generating device and a storage space for frozen food; the method includes:

[0006] In response to detecting that the temperature of the food in the storage space is higher than the freezing temperature, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a first electric field;

[0007] After the food in the storage space is frozen, in response to the refrigeration equipment entering the defrosting state, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a second electric field, the electric field strength of the second electric field being lower than that of the first electric field.

[0008] In some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes a freezer drawer, the freezer drawer having the storage space inside; controlling the electric field generating device to apply a first electric field includes:

[0009] In response to detecting that the freezer drawer is closed, the temperature of the food in the storage space is determined by a temperature sensor;

[0010] When it is determined that there is at least one food ingredient in the storage space with a temperature higher than the freezing temperature, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a first electric field according to the first preset parameters.

[0011] In some embodiments, after controlling the electric field generating device to apply a first electric field, the method further includes:

[0012] In response to the detection that the temperature of all food items in the storage space is below the freezing temperature, the electric field generating device is turned off.

[0013] Alternatively, in response to detecting that the freezer drawer has been opened, the electric field generating device is turned off.

[0014] In some embodiments, controlling the electric field generating device to apply a second electric field includes:

[0015] In response to detecting that the space temperature of the storage space continues to rise within a preset time period and the rise value within the preset time period exceeds a preset temperature value, it is determined that the refrigeration equipment is in defrosting mode.

[0016] If it is determined that the refrigeration equipment is in defrosting mode and all the food in the storage space is frozen, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a second electric field to the food according to the second preset parameters.

[0017] In some embodiments, controlling the electric field generating device to apply a second electric field to the food includes:

[0018] The defrosting period is determined based on the defrosting cycle of the refrigeration equipment.

[0019] If the current time is during the defrosting period and all the food in the storage space is frozen, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a second electric field to the food according to the second preset parameters.

[0020] In some embodiments, after controlling the electric field generating device to apply a second electric field, the method further includes:

[0021] In response to detecting that the refrigeration equipment has exited the defrosting mode, the electric field generating device is turned off;

[0022] Alternatively, in response to detecting that the freezer drawer containing the storage space has been opened, the electric field generating device is turned off.

[0023] In some embodiments, the duration of the second electric field is equal to the duration of the defrosting period, the duration of the first electric field is less than the duration of the second electric field, and the frequency of the first electric field is higher than the frequency of the second electric field.

[0024] In some embodiments, the electric field strength of the first electric field is greater than 1 kV / m, and the electric field strength of the second electric field is less than 1 kV / m.

[0025] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a controller including at least one processor and a memory for communicatively connecting to the at least one processor; the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method as described in the first aspect.

[0026] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a refrigeration device, including a controller as described in the second aspect.

[0027] The food processing method, controller, and refrigeration equipment during the defrosting period of this application have at least the following beneficial effects: During the freezing process of food, by controlling the electric field generator to apply a first electric field with a relatively high intensity to assist the food freezing to below the freezing temperature, the formation and quantity of ice crystals in the food during the freezing process can be regulated; after freezing, the food is stored frozen in the storage space. When entering the defrosting period of the refrigeration equipment, by controlling the electric field generator to apply a second electric field with a relatively low intensity, the recrystallization of ice crystals in the food caused by temperature fluctuations in the storage space during the defrosting period can be reduced, effectively controlling the degree of damage to food cells, improving the frozen preservation quality of food, thereby reducing the dry loss rate of frozen food and the juice loss rate during thawing.

[0028] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is an overall flowchart of a food processing method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 A flowchart for triggering the application of a first electric field is provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 A flowchart of a trigger-to-shutdown electric field generator provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 A flowchart for triggering the application of a second electric field is provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 Another flowchart for triggering the application of a second electric field provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 A flowchart of a trigger-to-shutdown electric field generator provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 7 The overall flowchart of the food processing method provided in this application is as an example.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of a controller provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various implementations. Simultaneously, the steps or actions described in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are merely for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a mandatory order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0038] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0039] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0040] Refrigerators typically have a freezer compartment to freeze food below zero degrees Celsius, extending its shelf life and effectively inhibiting the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. However, during the freezing process and long-term low-temperature storage, water in the food forms ice crystals. These tiny ice crystals gradually merge over time, growing into larger crystals. Larger ice crystals can damage the cellular structure of the food, causing mechanical damage. This leads to increased juice loss after thawing, affecting the flavor and nutritional value of the food. Related technologies typically address the number and size of ice crystals formed during freezing by applying a physical field in the frozen storage space. This breaks the hydrogen bonds in water molecule clusters, generating smaller ice crystals, reducing juice loss after thawing and thus preserving the texture. These physical fields can be electric fields, magnetic fields, or ultrasound. Applying these fields can reduce damage caused by ice crystals, improve freezing efficiency, and enhance the texture and taste of the food.

[0041] Due to the working principle of refrigerators, the temperature of the frozen storage space is affected by the defrosting period. During the defrosting period, the temperature of the frozen storage space fluctuates, causing ice crystals in the food to recrystallize. The physical field mentioned above is only applied during the freezing process. Once the food is frozen to the freezing temperature, the physical field is stopped. There is no control over the recrystallization of ice crystals during the defrosting period.

[0042] Based on this, this application provides a food processing method, controller, and refrigeration equipment during the defrosting period. During the freezing process, a first electric field with a relatively high intensity is applied by controlling the electric field generator to assist the food freezing to below the freezing temperature, which can regulate the formation and quantity of ice crystals during the freezing process. After freezing, the food is stored frozen in a storage space. When the defrosting period of the refrigeration equipment begins, a second electric field with a relatively low intensity is applied by controlling the electric field generator to reduce the recrystallization of ice crystals caused by temperature fluctuations in the storage space during the defrosting period. This effectively controls the degree of cell damage to the food, improves the frozen preservation quality of the food, and thereby reduces the dry loss rate of frozen food and the juice loss rate during thawing.

[0043] The following description, with reference to the accompanying diagram, explains the food processing methods, controller, and refrigeration equipment during the defrosting period.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a food processing method during the defrosting period provided in this application embodiment. The food processing method of this application embodiment is applied to a refrigeration device. The refrigeration device is equipped with an electric field generating device and a storage space for frozen food. The storage space is provided in a freezer drawer, freezer compartment, or other relatively enclosed structure. After the user places the food into the storage space, the refrigeration device cools the food with cold air and controls the temperature of the storage space near the user-set freezing temperature. The electric field generating device generates an electric field by applying voltage, and this electric field can cover the area in the storage space where the food is placed. The food processing method of this application embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0045] Step S110: In response to detecting that the temperature of the food in the storage space is higher than the freezing temperature, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a first electric field;

[0046] In step S120, after the food in the storage space is frozen, in response to the refrigeration equipment entering the defrosting state, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a second electric field, the electric field strength of the second electric field being lower than that of the first electric field.

[0047] Temperature sensors within the storage space detect the temperature of the food. When the food temperature exceeds the freezing point—for example, when a user places room-temperature food into the storage space of a refrigeration unit—the electric field generator is activated after the refrigeration unit's door is closed, or the door of the relatively enclosed structure containing the storage space is closed. Because the temperature within the storage space is maintained near the freezing point, the water in the food is quickly frozen to that temperature. Combined with the electric field applied by the electric field generator, the formation and quantity of ice crystals in the food can be effectively controlled during the freezing process.

[0048] Food ingredients are frozen below freezing temperature and are in the frozen storage stage within the storage space. Due to the working principle of a refrigerator, the temperature of the frozen storage space is affected by the defrosting period. During the defrosting period, the temperature of the frozen storage space fluctuates, causing ice crystals in the food to recrystallize. The degree of recrystallization directly depends on the number and magnitude of temperature fluctuations per unit time. The greater the amplitude and the more frequent the temperature fluctuations, the deeper the recrystallization, which causes the ice crystal particles to rapidly increase in size and decrease in number, severely damaging the food's structure and causing it to lose its elasticity after thawing. Therefore, during the defrosting period of the frozen storage stage, the food processing method of this embodiment triggers the activation of an electric field generating device. The electric field controls the number and size of ice crystal recrystallization during the defrosting period, reducing the number of recrystallized crystals and decreasing the volume of ice crystal particles, thus preserving the quality of the food as much as possible during the defrosting period.

[0049] In this embodiment, the electric field strength of the first electric field during the freezing process is higher than that of the second electric field during the defrosting phase of the frozen storage process. A larger electric field strength is used to control the water freezing process, thereby controlling the formation and quantity of ice crystals during freezing with the assistance of the electric field. Furthermore, the freezing process is short and fast, so providing a large electric field strength for a short time has minimal impact on the lifespan of the electric field generating device. During the defrosting phase, a smaller electric field strength is used to control the recrystallization process of ice crystals, reducing the number of recrystallized crystals and decreasing the size of ice crystal particles with the assistance of the electric field. Since the defrosting period is relatively long and the food temperature does not fluctuate significantly, a smaller electric field strength is suitable.

[0050] The freezing temperature mentioned above is related to the set temperature of the storage space. When the food reaches the freezing temperature, it means that the food has frozen and is suitable for long-term frozen storage. Due to the operating characteristics of the compressor in the refrigeration equipment, the actual temperature of the storage space fluctuates around the set temperature. Therefore, the freezing temperature can be different from the set temperature of the storage space to ensure that the food has been frozen. For example, if the set temperature is -20℃ and the freezing temperature is set to -21℃, the food is considered frozen and enters the frozen storage stage only after its temperature reaches -21℃.

[0051] Reference Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes a freezer drawer, the interior of which has a storage space; the step S110 above, controlling the electric field generating device to apply a first electric field, includes:

[0052] S210, in response to detecting that the freezer drawer is closed, determines the temperature of the food in the storage space using a temperature sensor;

[0053] S220, when it is determined that there is at least one food ingredient in the storage space with a temperature higher than the freezing temperature, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a first electric field according to the first preset parameters.

[0054] The refrigeration device in this embodiment is equipped with a freezer drawer, which is located in the freezer compartment. The drawer's interior is the aforementioned storage space. Users can access food from the freezer drawer by opening the door and pulling it out. After the user places food with a temperature higher than freezing into the freezer drawer and closes it, a temperature sensor detects the temperature of the food inside the drawer. If food with a temperature higher than freezing is present, an electric field generator is triggered to apply a first electric field to the food. It is worth noting that if both fully frozen and partially frozen food are present in the freezer drawer, this also constitutes a situation where at least one food with a temperature higher than freezing exists in the storage space, and the electric field generator is also triggered. If, after the freezer drawer is closed, the temperature sensor detects that all food in the storage space is below freezing (assuming all food is fully frozen), the electric field generator will not be triggered.

[0055] The first preset parameter is used to control the electric field strength of the first electric field. For example, if the electric field strength of the first electric field is 5 kV / m, then the first preset parameter includes a first voltage. By applying the first voltage to the electric field generating device, the electric field strength generated by the electric field generating device is made equal to 5 kV / m. Additionally, the first preset parameter may also include a first frequency, used to set the frequency of the first electric field.

[0056] Reference Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, after the control electric field generating device applies the first electric field in step S220, the food processing method further includes:

[0057] Step S310: In response to detecting that the temperature of all food items in the storage space is lower than the freezing temperature, the electric field generating device is turned off.

[0058] Alternatively, in step S320, in response to detecting that the freezer drawer has been opened, the electric field generating device is turned off.

[0059] While the first electric field is applied, the food items in the storage space that are above the freezing temperature are also gradually cooling down. When the temperature of all the food items drops to or below the freezing temperature, it is determined that the food items in the freezer drawer are completely frozen, and the electric field generator can be turned off. Alternatively, if the electric field generator is currently operating and the user opens the freezer drawer, the electric field generator should be turned off to ensure the user's safety, stopping the application of the electric field. After the user closes the freezer drawer, steps S210 and S220 can be repeated to determine whether the electric field generator needs to be triggered again.

[0060] Reference Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the step S120 above, controlling the electric field generating device to apply a second electric field, includes:

[0061] Step S410: In response to detecting that the space temperature of the storage space continues to rise within a preset time period and the rise value within the preset time period exceeds the preset temperature value, it is determined that the refrigeration equipment is in defrosting mode.

[0062] Step S420: If it is determined that the refrigeration equipment is in defrosting mode and all food in the storage space has been frozen, the electric field generator is controlled to apply a second electric field to the food according to the second preset parameters.

[0063] This embodiment determines whether the refrigeration equipment has entered the defrosting period by detecting changes in the temperature of the storage space. Unlike detecting the temperature of the food, the refrigeration equipment uses another temperature sensor to periodically detect the temperature of the storage space, obtaining multiple temperature readings within a preset time period and analyzing the temperature changes over that time. When the temperature continues to rise and the increase exceeds a preset temperature value within the preset time period, it indicates that the storage space is heating up rapidly, and the system is determined to be in the defrosting period. At this point, an electric field generator is triggered to apply a second electric field to the food.

[0064] The second preset parameter is used to control the electric field strength of the second electric field. For example, if the electric field strength of the second electric field is 0.8 kV / m, then the second preset parameter includes a second voltage. By applying the second voltage to the electric field generating device, the electric field strength generated by the electric field generating device is made equal to 0.8 kV / m. Additionally, the second preset parameter may also include a second frequency, used to set the frequency of the second electric field.

[0065] Reference Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, step S120 above, controlling the electric field generating device to apply a second electric field to the food, includes:

[0066] Step S510: Determine the defrosting period based on the defrosting cycle of the refrigeration equipment;

[0067] Step S520: If the current time is during the defrosting period and all the food in the storage space has been frozen, control the electric field generator to apply a second electric field to the food according to the second preset parameters.

[0068] This embodiment determines whether the refrigeration equipment has entered the defrosting period based on its defrosting cycle. The defrosting cycle of the refrigeration equipment is affected by various factors, such as the compressor's operating time and power, outdoor ambient temperature, and outdoor relative humidity. The refrigeration equipment's electronic control program automatically adjusts the defrosting cycle and duration during operation. Therefore, the electronic control program can also control the electric field generator based on the determined defrosting period. When the refrigeration equipment enters the defrosting state, it simultaneously determines whether all the food in the storage space has been frozen (this can be determined by the food's temperature being lower than the set temperature or lower than the freezing temperature). If so, the electric field generator is triggered to apply a second electric field to the food. It is worth noting that if there are both frozen and unfrozen food items in the storage space, this falls under the aforementioned steps S210 and S220, meaning that there is at least one food item in the storage space with a temperature higher than the freezing temperature. In this case, the electric field generator needs to be triggered to apply a first voltage. That is, whether to apply the first voltage does not require determining whether the defrosting period is in place, but rather whether the food is above the freezing temperature.

[0069] Reference Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, after step S420 or step S520 controls the electric field generating device to apply a second electric field, the food processing method further includes:

[0070] Step S610: In response to detecting that the refrigeration equipment has exited the defrosting mode, the electric field generating device is turned off;

[0071] Alternatively, in step S620, in response to detecting that the freezer drawer containing the storage space has been opened, the electric field generating device is turned off.

[0072] The second electric field is synchronized with the defrosting period. When the refrigeration equipment exits the defrosting mode, the control electric field generator stops applying the second electric field (this allows for further determination of whether there is food in the storage space with a temperature higher than the freezing temperature). The exit from the defrosting mode can be determined in two ways: First, by detecting changes in the storage space temperature, the refrigeration equipment periodically monitors the storage space temperature, obtaining multiple temperatures within a preset time period and analyzing the temperature changes. When the space temperature continues to decrease and the decrease exceeds a preset temperature value within the preset time period, it indicates that the refrigeration equipment is cooling the storage space, and the defrosting mode is exited. Second, the refrigeration equipment's electronic control program determines whether the refrigeration equipment has exited the defrosting mode at the current moment based on the determined defrosting period.

[0073] In addition, if the electric field generator is currently working, and the user opens the freezer drawer, the electric field generator should be turned off to stop applying the electric field in order to ensure the user's safety. After the user closes the freezer drawer, steps S210 and S220 can be repeated to determine whether the electric field generator needs to be triggered.

[0074] In summary, during the freezing process, applying a strong first electric field through the electric field generator to assist in freezing the food to below the freezing temperature can regulate the formation and quantity of ice crystals during freezing. After freezing, the food is stored in a storage space. During the defrosting period of the refrigeration equipment, applying a weaker second electric field through the electric field generator can reduce the recrystallization of ice crystals caused by temperature fluctuations in the storage space during the defrosting period. This effectively controls the degree of cell damage to the food, improves the frozen preservation quality of the food, and reduces the dry loss rate of frozen food and the juice loss rate during thawing.

[0075] The following is a detailed explanation of the food processing method described in this application through a specific example.

[0076] This example applies to the freezer drawer in a refrigerator, which is equipped with an electric field generator (e.g., the electric field generator is located at the bottom of the freezer drawer). The electric field is applied to the freezing process and frozen storage stage of food. During the freezing process, the electric field is applied to reduce the formation and number of ice crystals. The electric field is also combined with the defrosting period of the refrigerator. In the scenario of temperature fluctuations during the defrosting period, the electric field helps to reduce the recrystallization of ice crystals, providing users with high-quality frozen food.

[0077] Reference Figure 7 As shown, specifically, because the moisture content of food changes before and after freezing, the electric field parameters acting during the freezing process and the frozen storage stage are also different.

[0078] (1) For the freezing stage of food (from room temperature to freezing temperature), a large electric field strength is required. Therefore, the electric field parameters ① in the table below are set to control the formation and number of ice crystals.

[0079] (2) During the frozen storage stage of food, if an electric field is continuously applied, it may cause electroporation of the cell membranes of the food, damaging the cell structure and leading to cell death or loss of function. In addition, continuous application of an electric field is prone to damage to electronic devices and is energy-intensive and environmentally unfriendly. Therefore, considering that large temperature fluctuations during the defrosting period of the refrigerator can easily cause food to defrost and deteriorate in quality, the temperature sensor of the freezer drawer is used to identify whether the refrigerator is in the defrosting period during the frozen storage stage. If it is in the defrosting period, electric field parameter ② is applied.

[0080] Table 1. Electric field parameters at different stages

[0081]

[0082] Using 200g of beef as the experimental subject, the dry loss rate and thawing juice loss rate were tested under different electric field conditions. The specific values ​​are shown in Table 2 below:

[0083] Table 2. Drying loss rate and thawing juice loss rate

[0084]

[0085] Therefore, it can be seen that applying an electric field during the freezing and thawing stages can effectively reduce the dry loss rate and thawing juice loss rate of frozen beef.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a controller 1000 provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0087] The controller 1000 in this embodiment includes one or more processors 1001 and a memory 1002. Figure 8 The example uses a processor 1001 and a memory 1002.

[0088] Processor 1001 and memory 1002 can be connected via a bus or other means. Figure 8 Taking the example of a connection between China and Israel via a bus.

[0089] Memory 1002, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs. Furthermore, memory 1002 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, memory 1002 may optionally include memory 1002 remotely located relative to processor 1001, and these remote memories can be connected to controller 1000 via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 8 The device structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the controller 1000 and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0091] This application also provides a refrigeration device, including the aforementioned controller 1000.

[0092] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network nodes. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0093] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0094] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, and "more than" means two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three cases: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0095] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, instruments, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the instrument embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the shown or discussed mutual couplings, direct couplings, or communication connections may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between instruments or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and components shown as units may or may not be physical units, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0096] It should also be understood that the various implementation methods provided in this application can be combined arbitrarily to achieve different technical effects.

[0097] The above is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of this application. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this application. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A method for processing food during the defrosting period, characterized in that, The method is applied to refrigeration equipment, which includes an electric field generating device and a storage space for frozen food; the method includes: In response to detecting that the temperature of the food in the storage space is higher than the freezing temperature, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a first electric field; After the food in the storage space is frozen, in response to the refrigeration equipment entering the defrosting state, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a second electric field, the electric field strength of the second electric field being lower than that of the first electric field.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment includes a freezer drawer, the freezer drawer having the storage space inside; controlling the electric field generating device to apply a first electric field includes: In response to detecting that the freezer drawer is closed, the temperature of the food in the storage space is determined by a temperature sensor; When it is determined that there is at least one food ingredient in the storage space with a temperature higher than the freezing temperature, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a first electric field according to the first preset parameters.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the electric field generating device applies a first electric field, the method further includes: In response to the detection that the temperature of all food items in the storage space is below the freezing temperature, the electric field generating device is turned off. Alternatively, in response to detecting that the freezer drawer has been opened, the electric field generating device is turned off.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of the electric field generating device to apply the second electric field includes: In response to detecting that the space temperature of the storage space continues to rise within a preset time period and the rise value within the preset time period exceeds a preset temperature value, it is determined that the refrigeration equipment is in defrosting mode. If it is determined that the refrigeration equipment is in defrosting mode and all the food in the storage space is frozen, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a second electric field to the food according to the second preset parameters.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of the electric field generating device to apply a second electric field to the food ingredients includes: The defrosting period is determined based on the defrosting cycle of the refrigeration equipment. If the current time is during the defrosting period and all the food in the storage space is frozen, the electric field generating device is controlled to apply a second electric field to the food according to the second preset parameters.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, After controlling the electric field generating device to apply a second electric field, the method further includes: In response to detecting that the refrigeration equipment has exited the defrosting mode, the electric field generating device is turned off; Alternatively, in response to detecting that the freezer drawer containing the storage space has been opened, the electric field generating device is turned off.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The duration of the second electric field is equal to the duration of the defrosting period, the duration of the first electric field is less than the duration of the second electric field, and the frequency of the first electric field is higher than the frequency of the second electric field.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric field strength of the first electric field is greater than 1 kV / m, and the electric field strength of the second electric field is less than 1 kV / m.

9. A controller, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a memory for communicatively connecting with said at least one processor; The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A refrigeration device comprising the controller of claim 9.

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