Shelf and refrigerator

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a shelf and a refrigerator, the shelf comprising: a shelf body having a plurality of sensing areas; and a sensing device arranged on the shelf body, the sensing device being configured to detect the weight of an object carried by each of the sensing areas. The weight of the object carried by each of the sensing areas is detected by the sensing device to determine the sensing area where the object is located, so as to facilitate control of the air volume and direction of cold air blown to the sensing area, thereby avoiding waste of cold air resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of refrigerators, and more particularly to a shelf and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerators typically have a storage compartment and shelves, with the shelves dividing the compartment into multiple spaces for layered storage. However, in some refrigerator technologies, the airflow to different compartments within the storage compartment cannot be controlled when the number of items on each shelf varies, leading to wasted cooling resources. Furthermore, when items are placed on the shelves, the airflow direction cannot be adjusted based on the item's placement, resulting in slower cooling. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, this disclosure provides a shelf and a refrigerator.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a shelf is provided, the shelf comprising:

[0005] A shelf body having multiple sensing areas;

[0006] A sensing device is disposed on the shelf body, and the sensing device is used to detect the weight of the items carried in each of the sensing areas.

[0007] In this embodiment, the sensing device can detect the weight of the items carried in each sensing area, thereby determining the sensing area where the items are located. This allows for control of blowing cold air into the sensing area where the items are located and control of the airflow volume, thereby improving the cooling rate of the items and avoiding waste of cold air resources.

[0008] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device is configured such that, when an item is placed in the sensing area, the weight of the item can change the electrical parameter value of the sensing device.

[0009] In this embodiment, the weight of the item can change the electrical parameter value of the sensing device. Therefore, the weight of the item carried in each sensing area is determined based on the changed electrical parameter value. The air volume and direction of the air blown into the sensing area where the item is located are controlled based on the weight of the item carried in each sensing area, thereby improving the efficiency of cold air utilization.

[0010] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device includes sensing units corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of sensing areas, and the weight of the object carried by the sensing area can change the electrical parameter value of the corresponding sensing unit.

[0011] In this embodiment, the weight of the object carried in the sensing area can change the electrical parameter value of the corresponding sensing unit. Therefore, the change in the electrical parameter value of the sensing unit can be used to determine whether there is an object in the sensing area and the weight of the object carried in each sensing area can be determined. Based on the weight of the object carried in each sensing area, the air volume and direction of the air blown into the sensing area where the object is located can be controlled to improve the efficiency of cold air utilization.

[0012] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing unit includes at least one strain gauge, which is attached to the surface of the shelf body or embedded in the shelf body.

[0013] In this embodiment, the resistance value of the strain gauge is changed by the weight of the items carried by the shelf. The weight of the items carried in each sensing area and the sensing area carrying the items are determined based on the changed resistance value of the strain gauge. Then, the air volume and direction of the air blown into the sensing area where the items are located are controlled based on the weight of the items carried in each sensing area and the sensing area carrying the items, thereby improving the efficiency of cold air utilization.

[0014] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing unit includes:

[0015] The first electrode plate is disposed on the first surface of the shelf body or embedded in the shelf body;

[0016] The second electrode plate is disposed on the second surface of the shelf body that is opposite to the first surface or embedded in the shelf body, and the second electrode plate is opposite to and spaced apart from the first electrode plate.

[0017] In this embodiment, the capacitance value of the sensing unit is changed by the weight of the items carried by the shelf. The weight of the items carried in each sensing area and the sensing area carrying the items are determined based on the changed capacitance value of the sensing unit. The air volume and direction of the air blown into the sensing area where the items are located are controlled based on the weight of the items carried in each sensing area and the sensing area carrying the items, thereby improving the efficiency of cold air utilization.

[0018] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing device includes:

[0019] A first electrode line layer, the first electrode line layer includes a plurality of first electrode lines arranged at intervals along a first direction, the first electrode lines extending along a second direction, the second direction being set at an angle to the first direction;

[0020] The second electrode line layer is spaced apart from the first electrode line layer along the thickness direction of the shelf body. The second electrode line layer includes a plurality of second electrode lines spaced apart along the second direction, and the second electrode lines extend along the first direction.

[0021] Multiple first electrode lines and multiple second electrode lines intersect each other to form multiple intersection points, and each sensing region has at least one of the intersection points.

[0022] In this embodiment, when an item is placed on the shelf body, the item changes the capacitance value between the first electrode line and the second electrode line at the intersection point of the sensing area under the action of gravity. The change in capacitance value between the first electrode line and the second electrode line at the intersection point determines whether an item is placed in the sensing area and the weight of the item placed in each sensing area can be determined. The refrigerator controls the air volume and direction of the air blown into the sensing area where the item is located based on the weight of the item placed in each sensing area and the sensing area where the item is placed, which can improve the cooling rate of the item and improve the utilization rate of cold air resources.

[0023] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the plurality of the sensing regions are arranged in an array.

[0024] In this embodiment, by arranging the array, each sensing area has its unique coordinate position in the array. When the sensing device detects a change in the weight of a certain sensing area, it can accurately determine the specific location of each item, providing a foundation for subsequent precise control.

[0025] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet and a shelf as described above, wherein the cabinet has a receiving cavity, and the shelf is disposed within the receiving cavity and divides the receiving cavity into a plurality of storage spaces.

[0026] In this embodiment, the sensing device detects the weight of the items carried in each sensing area, thereby determining the sensing area where the items are located. This facilitates the control of the refrigerator to blow air into the sensing area where the items are located, thereby improving the cooling rate of the items. At the same time, the air volume blown by the refrigerator into the sensing area where the items are located is controlled by the weight of the items carried in each sensing area, avoiding waste of cold air resources and improving the utilization rate of cold air resources.

[0027] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator further includes:

[0028] A control device, which is electrically connected to the sensing device.

[0029] In this embodiment, the electrical parameter values ​​of the sensing device are transmitted to the control device via electrical signals. The control device processes the changed electrical parameters of each sensing unit in the sensing device to determine the sensing area where the item is located and the weight of the item. The control device then controls the refrigerator to blow air into the sensing area where the item is located to improve the cooling rate of the item. At the same time, the control device controls the air volume of the refrigerator to blow into the sensing area where the item is located based on the weight of the item carried in each sensing area, so as to avoid wasting cold air resources and improve the utilization rate of cold air resources.

[0030] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator further includes:

[0031] An image acquisition device is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the image acquisition device acquires images of the items on the shelf. At least one image acquisition device is respectively disposed in each storage space.

[0032] The image acquisition device is electrically connected to the control device.

[0033] In this embodiment, the accuracy of detecting the location of an item in a sensing area is improved by using images acquired by the image acquisition device and the weight of the item carried in each sensing area monitored by the sensing device. The image acquisition device and the sensing device complement each other; if one device malfunctions, the other can still provide the item's location information, ensuring the system's operation.

[0034] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator further includes:

[0035] An inner liner is disposed within the box body, and the receiving cavity is disposed inside the inner liner;

[0036] An air-cooling device is disposed on the inner liner, and the air-cooling device includes:

[0037] An air outlet structure is provided on the inner liner;

[0038] An air guide assembly is disposed within the air outlet structure. The air guide assembly is electrically connected to a control device, which is used to control the air delivery direction and air volume of the air guide assembly to the shelf.

[0039] In this embodiment, the control device determines the sensing area of ​​the shelf where the item is located by using the image acquired by the image acquisition device and the weight of the items carried in each sensing area monitored by the sensing device. The control device controls the air guide assembly to blow air into the sensing area of ​​the shelf where the item is located and controls the air volume according to the weight of the item carried in the sensing area, so as to improve the cooling rate of the item and the utilization rate of cold air, so that the cold air resources are rationally allocated.

[0040] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the air guiding assembly includes:

[0041] An air guide plate is provided at the air outlet structure;

[0042] An air guide drive mechanism is connected to the air guide plate in a transmission manner. The air guide drive mechanism drives the air guide plate to rotate relative to the air outlet structure to change the air outlet direction of the air outlet structure.

[0043] In this embodiment, the control device determines the sensing area of ​​the shelf where the item is located by using the image acquired by the image acquisition device and the weight of the item carried in each sensing area monitored by the sensing device. The control device controls the operation of the air guide drive mechanism to drive the air guide plate to turn to the sensing area of ​​the shelf where the item is located, so that the cold air blown out by the air guide structure blows towards the sensing area of ​​the shelf where the item is located, thereby improving the cooling rate of the item.

[0044] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the air guide assembly further includes:

[0045] A wind deflector is provided at the air outlet structure;

[0046] A wind deflector drive mechanism is connected to the wind deflector plate, and the wind deflector drive mechanism is used to drive the wind deflector plate to move at the air outlet structure to change the air outlet area of ​​the air outlet structure.

[0047] In this embodiment, the control device determines the sensing area of ​​the shelf where the item is located by monitoring the weight of the items carried in each sensing area by the sensing device. The control device controls the operation of the wind deflector drive mechanism to drive the wind deflector to move at the air outlet structure, change the air outlet area of ​​the air outlet structure, and thus change the air volume of the air-cooling device, thereby rationally allocating cold air resources and improving the utilization rate of cold air resources.

[0048] In some embodiments of this disclosure, each of the storage spaces is provided with at least one of the air-cooling devices.

[0049] In this embodiment, multiple air-cooling devices can improve the refrigerator's cooling effect and user experience, accelerate the cooling speed of items, and improve the preservation quality of items. Moreover, when one air-cooling device fails, the other air-cooling devices in the same storage space can still cool normally, reducing the impact on the overall storage.

[0050] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the inner liner includes: a first inner wall, a second inner wall, and a third inner wall, the second inner wall being connected to the first inner wall and the third inner wall respectively, the two ends of the shelf being connected to the first inner wall and the third inner wall respectively, and the air outlet structure being disposed on the second inner wall, the air outlet structure extending continuously from the side of the second inner wall near the first inner wall to the side near the third inner wall.

[0051] In this embodiment, the air outlet structure extends continuously from the side of the second inner wall closest to the first inner wall to the side closest to the third inner wall. This increases the air outlet range, making air circulation inside the refrigerator smoother, reducing temperature dead zones and airflow turbulence, and lowering energy consumption. Simultaneously, it better coordinates with the sensing and control devices to precisely deliver cold air to each sensing area, achieving highly efficient and energy-saving refrigeration control.

[0052] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0053] The shelf provided in this disclosure has a sensing device that can detect the weight of the items carried in each sensing area, thereby determining the sensing area where the items are located. On the one hand, this facilitates the control of blowing cold air into the sensing area where the items are located to improve the cooling rate of the items. On the other hand, by controlling the airflow into the sensing area where the items are located based on the weight of the items carried in each sensing area, the airflow can be controlled to avoid wasting cold air resources.

[0054] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0055] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the shelf structure according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0057] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a shelf shown according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the shelf structure according to yet another exemplary embodiment;

[0059] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a shelf shown according to yet another exemplary embodiment;

[0060] Figure 5 This is a side view of the inner liner according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the inner liner according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0062] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air-cooled device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0063] In the picture:

[0064] 1. Shelf; 11. Shelf body; 111. Sensing area; 12. Sensing device; 13. Sensing unit; 131. Strain gauge; 132. First electrode plate; 133. Second electrode plate; 134. First electrode wire layer; 1341. First electrode wire; 135. Second electrode wire layer; 1351. Second electrode wire; 136. Intersection point; 2. Receiving cavity; 21. Storage space; 3. Image acquisition device; 4. Inner liner; 41. First inner wall; 42. Second inner wall; 43. Third inner wall; 5. Air cooling device; 51. Air outlet structure; 52. Air guide assembly; 521. Air guide plate; 522. Air guide drive mechanism; 523. Wind deflector; 524. Wind deflector drive mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0066] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a shelf 1, see [link to example]. Figures 1-7 Shelf 1 includes: shelf body 11 and sensing device 12.

[0067] See Figures 1-4 The shelf body 11 can be configured as a flat plate. The shelf body 11 has multiple sensing areas 111, and items can be placed on each sensing area 111 of the shelf body 11.

[0068] In some embodiments, a sensing device 12 is disposed on the shelf body 11, and the sensing device 12 is used to detect the weight of the items carried in each sensing area 111. Exemplarily, the sensing device 12 may be disposed inside the shelf body 11, or the sensing device 12 may be disposed on the surface of the shelf body 11.

[0069] In this embodiment, the shelf 1 can be installed inside a refrigerator, and items can be placed on the shelf 1. The sensing device 12 detects the weight of the items carried in each sensing area 111, thereby determining the sensing area 111 where the items are located. This facilitates control of the refrigerator to blow air into the sensing area 111 where the items are located, thereby improving the cooling rate of the items. At the same time, the airflow from the refrigerator to the sensing area 111 is controlled by the weight of the items carried in each sensing area 111, avoiding waste of cold air resources. For example, the heavier the items carried in the sensing area 111, the greater the airflow from the refrigerator to that sensing area 111; the lighter the items carried in the sensing area 111, the smaller the airflow from the refrigerator to that sensing area 111.

[0070] In some embodiments, the sensing device 12 is configured such that, when an item is placed in the sensing area 111, the weight of the item changes the electrical parameter value of the sensing device 12. The item placed on the shelf body 11 exerts pressure on the shelf body 11 under gravity, causing the shelf body 11 to deform. The deformed shelf body 11 exerts pressure on the sensing device 12, causing the sensing device 12 to deform as well, thereby changing the electrical parameter value of the sensing device 12. Based on the changed electrical parameter value, the weight of the item placed in each sensing area 111 is determined. The refrigerator controls the airflow volume and direction directed towards the sensing area 111 containing the item based on the weight of the item placed in each sensing area 111, thereby improving the efficiency of cold air utilization. Exemplarily, the electrical parameter value can be a resistance value or a voltage value.

[0071] In some embodiments, the sensing device 12 includes sensing units 13 corresponding one-to-one with a plurality of sensing areas 111. At least two sensing areas 111 may be provided. The number of sensing units 13 is the same as or greater than the number of sensing devices 12, ensuring that at least one sensing unit 13 is provided in each sensing area 111. The weight of an item carried in a sensing area 111 can change the electrical parameter value of the corresponding sensing unit 13. The change in the electrical parameter value of the sensing unit 13 is used to determine whether an item is carried in the sensing area 111. Furthermore, the weight of the item carried in each sensing area 111 can be determined. The refrigerator controls the airflow volume and direction directed towards the sensing area 111 containing the item based on the weight of the item carried in each sensing area 111, thereby improving the efficiency of cold air utilization.

[0072] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The sensing unit 13 includes at least one strain gauge 131, which is either attached to the surface of the shelf body 11 or embedded within the shelf body 11. When the shelf 1 carries an item, the item is placed on a sensing area 111, and the item applies pressure to the shelf body 11, causing the shelf body 11 in the sensing area 111 to deform. The deformed shelf body 11 applies pressure to the strain gauge 131 in the sensing area 111, causing the strain gauge 131 to bend and deform. The resistance value of the bent strain gauge 131 changes; the greater the degree of bending of the strain gauge 131, the greater the change in its resistance value. The weight of the item carried by the shelf 1 changes the resistance value of the strain gauge 131, and the weight of the item carried in each sensing area 111 and the sensing area 111 carrying the item are determined based on the changed resistance value of the strain gauge 131. For example, when the shelf 1 is installed in the refrigerator, the refrigerator controls the air volume and direction of the air blowing to the sensing area 111 where the items are located based on the weight of the items carried in each sensing area 111 and the sensing area 111 carrying the items, thereby improving the efficiency of cold air utilization.

[0073] For example, when the change in resistance is less than the first preset value, it indicates that the mass of the item in the sensing area 111 is small and there is no need to cool the sensing area 111 by blowing air, or it indicates that there is no item in the sensing area 111. In this case, air is not controlled to blow air into the sensing area 111.

[0074] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 The sensing unit 13 includes a first electrode plate 132 and a second electrode plate 133. The shelf body 11 includes a first surface and a second surface, which are disposed opposite to each other. The first surface is disposed above the second surface, and items can be placed on the first surface. The first electrode plate 132 is disposed on the first surface of the shelf body 11, or the first electrode plate 132 is embedded in the shelf body 11. The second electrode plate 133 is disposed on the second surface of the shelf body 11 that is opposite to the first surface, or is embedded in the shelf body 11. The second electrode plate 133 is opposite to and spaced apart from the first electrode plate 132.

[0075] When an item is placed on the shelf body 11, the item exerts pressure on the shelf body 11 under the action of gravity. The first electrode plate 132 can move closer to the second electrode plate 133 as the shelf body 11 deforms, thereby changing the capacitance value between the first electrode plate 132 and the second electrode plate 133. The closer the distance between the first electrode plate 132 and the second electrode plate 133, the larger the capacitance value of the sensing unit 13. The weight of the item carried by the shelf 1 changes the capacitance value of the sensing unit 13, and the weight of the item carried in each sensing area 111 and the sensing area 111 carrying the item are determined based on the changed capacitance value of the sensing unit 13. For example, when the shelf 1 is installed in a refrigerator, the refrigerator controls the air volume and direction of the airflow to the sensing area 111 where the item is located based on the weight of the item carried in each sensing area 111 and the sensing area 111 carrying the item, thereby improving the efficiency of cold air utilization.

[0076] For example, when the change in capacitance between the first electrode 132 and the second electrode 133 is less than the second preset value, it indicates that the mass of the object in the sensing area 111 is small and there is no need to cool the sensing area 111 by blowing air, or it indicates that there is no object in the sensing area 111. In this case, air is not controlled to blow air into the sensing area 111.

[0077] In some embodiments, see Figures 3-4 The sensing device 12 includes a first electrode line layer 134 and a second electrode line layer 135. The first electrode line layer 134 is disposed on the first surface of the shelf body 11 or embedded in the interior of the shelf body 11. The first electrode line layer 134 includes a plurality of first electrode lines 1341 arranged at intervals along a first direction. The first electrode lines 1341 extend along a second direction, and the second direction is set at an angle to the first direction.

[0078] The second electrode wire layer 135 is disposed on the second surface of the shelf body 11 or embedded inside the shelf body 11. The second electrode wire layer 135 is disposed below the first electrode wire layer 134, and the second electrode wire layer 135 is spaced apart from the first electrode wire layer 134 along the thickness direction of the shelf body 11. The second electrode wire layer 135 includes a plurality of second electrode wires 1351 arranged at intervals along a second direction, and the second electrode wires 1351 extend along a first direction.

[0079] The first electrode line 1341 and the second electrode line 1351 are not connected. On the projection of the shelf body 11 in the thickness direction, multiple first electrode lines 1341 and multiple second electrode lines 1351 intersect each other to form multiple intersection points 136, and each sensing area 111 has at least one intersection point 136.

[0080] When an item is placed on the shelf body 11, the item exerts pressure on the shelf body 11 under the action of gravity, and the sensing area 111 corresponding to the shelf body 11 deforms. The first electrode line 1341 in the sensing area 111 can move closer to the second electrode line 1351 as the shelf body 11 deforms, thereby changing the capacitance value between the first electrode line 1341 and the second electrode line 1351 at the intersection 136 in the sensing area 111. The closer the distance between the first electrode line 1341 and the second electrode line 1351 at the intersection 136, the greater the capacitance value of the sensing unit 13 at the intersection 136. The refrigerator determines whether an item is being carried in the sensing area 111 by measuring the change in capacitance between the first electrode line 1341 and the second electrode line 1351 at the intersection point 136, and can also determine the weight of the item carried in each sensing area 111. Based on the weight of the item carried in each sensing area 111 and the sensing area 111 carrying the item, the refrigerator controls the airflow and direction of the airflow to the sensing area 111 where the item is located, which can improve the cooling rate of the item and improve the utilization rate of cold air resources.

[0081] For example, when the change in capacitance between the first electrode line 1341 and the second electrode line 1351 at the intersection 136 is less than a third preset value, it indicates that the mass of the object in the sensing area 111 is small and there is no need to blow air to cool the sensing area 111, or it indicates that there is no object in the sensing area 111, and at this time, air is not controlled to blow air to the sensing area 111.

[0082] In some embodiments, multiple sensing areas 111 are arranged in an array. By arranging them in an array, each sensing area 111 has a unique coordinate position in the array. When the sensing device 12 detects a weight change in a certain sensing area 111, it can accurately determine the specific location of each item, providing a basis for subsequent precise control.

[0083] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a refrigerator, see [link to relevant documentation] Figures 1-7 The refrigerator includes a cabinet and a shelf 1, wherein the shelf 1 is the shelf 1 described above.

[0084] See Figures 5-7 The container has a storage cavity 2 inside, which is used to store food. Exemplarily, the storage cavity 2 includes a refrigeration cavity and a freezing cavity.

[0085] Shelves 1 are disposed within the receiving cavity 2 and divide the receiving cavity 2 into multiple storage spaces 21. Items are placed on the shelves 1 corresponding to the storage space 21 to store food within that storage space 21. For example, shelves 1 may be disposed within a refrigerator cavity or a freezer cavity.

[0086] In this embodiment, shelf 1 is installed inside the refrigerator. Items can be placed on shelf 1. The sensing device 12 detects the weight of the items carried in each sensing area 111, thereby determining the sensing area 111 where the items are located. This facilitates control of the refrigerator's airflow towards the sensing area 111 where the items are located, improving the cooling rate of the items. Simultaneously, the airflow from the refrigerator towards the sensing area 111 is controlled by the weight of the items carried in each sensing area 111, avoiding waste of cold air resources and improving the utilization rate of cold air resources. For example, the heavier the items carried in the sensing area 111, the greater the airflow from the refrigerator towards that sensing area 111; conversely, the lighter the items carried in the sensing area 111, the smaller the airflow from the refrigerator towards that sensing area 111.

[0087] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a control device electrically connected to the sensing device 12. The electrical parameter values ​​of the sensing device 12 are transmitted to the control device via electrical signals. The control device processes the changed electrical parameters of each sensing unit 13 in the sensing device 12 to determine the sensing area 111 where the item is located and the weight of the item. The control device then controls the refrigerator to blow air into the sensing area 111 where the item is located to improve the cooling rate of the item. At the same time, the control device controls the air volume blown by the refrigerator into the sensing area 111 where the item is located based on the weight of the item carried in each sensing area 111, so as to avoid wasting cold air resources and improve the utilization rate of cold air resources.

[0088] In some embodiments, see Figures 5-7The refrigerator also includes an image acquisition device 3, which is disposed within the receiving cavity 2. At least one image acquisition device 3 is disposed in each storage space 21. The image acquisition device 3 is electrically connected to the control device. The image acquisition device 3 acquires images of items on the shelf 1, and the acquired images are transmitted to the control device as electrical signals. The control device processes the acquired images to determine the position of the sensing area 111 containing the items. The control device then controls the refrigerator to blow air towards the sensing area 111 where the items are located to improve the cooling rate of the items. For example, the image acquisition device 3 can be an infrared sensor or a camera.

[0089] This embodiment improves the accuracy of detecting the location of items in each sensing area 111 by using images acquired by the image acquisition device 3 and the weight of items carried in each sensing area 111 monitored by the sensing device 12. The image acquisition device 3 and the sensing device 12 complement each other; if one device malfunctions, the other can still provide the item's location information, ensuring system operation. Simultaneously, the control device can compare the information transmitted by the image acquisition device 3 and the sensing device 12 to promptly detect malfunctions in both devices and issue alarm prompts, facilitating timely maintenance by the user.

[0090] In some embodiments, the control device includes multiple control units. One control unit processes the altered electrical parameters of each sensing unit 13 in the sensing device 12 to determine the sensing area 111 where the item is located and the weight of the item. This allows the control unit to control the refrigerator to blow air into the sensing area 111 where the item is located and to control the airflow volume, thereby improving the cooling rate of the item and increasing the utilization rate of cold air resources. Another control unit processes the acquired image of the item to determine the position of the sensing area 111 carrying the item. The control device then controls the refrigerator to blow air into the sensing area 111 where the item is located to improve the cooling rate of the item.

[0091] In some embodiments, see Figures 5-7 The refrigerator also includes an inner liner 4 and a cooling system 5. The inner liner 4 is located inside the refrigerator body, and the receiving cavity 2 is located inside the inner liner 4. The cooling system 5 is located on the inner liner 4 and is used to blow cold air into the receiving cavity 2 to cool the items. The cooling system 5 includes an air outlet structure 51 and an air guide assembly 52. ​​The air outlet structure 51 is located on the inner liner 4 and is connected to the inner liner 4. The cooling system 5 blows cold air into the receiving cavity 2 through the air outlet structure 51. The air guide assembly 52 is located inside the air outlet structure 51 and is electrically connected to a control device. The control device is used to control the air direction and air volume of the air guide assembly 52 towards the shelf 1.

[0092] In this embodiment, the control device determines the sensing area 111 of the shelf 1 where the item is located by using the image acquired by the image acquisition device 3 and the weight of the items carried in each sensing area 111 monitored by the sensing device 12. The control device controls the air guide assembly 52 to blow air into the sensing area 111 of the shelf 1 where the item is located and controls the air volume according to the weight of the item carried in the sensing area 111, so as to improve the cooling rate of the item and the utilization rate of the cold air, so that the cold air resources are rationally allocated.

[0093] In some embodiments, the air guiding assembly 52 includes an air guiding plate 521 and an air guiding drive mechanism 522. The air guiding plate 521 is disposed at the air outlet structure 51 and is rotatably connected to the air outlet structure 51. The direction of the cold air blown out of the air outlet structure 51 can be changed by rotating the air guiding plate 521. For example, multiple air guiding plates 521 can be provided, and the multiple air guiding plates 521 are spaced apart at the air outlet structure 51 in a grid-like manner, which can improve the air guiding efficiency of the air guiding plate 521.

[0094] The air guide drive mechanism 522 is connected to the air guide plate 521. The air guide drive mechanism 522 drives the air guide plate 521 to rotate relative to the air outlet structure 51, thereby changing the air outlet direction of the air outlet structure 51. The control device determines the sensing area 111 of the shelf 1 where the item is located by using the image acquired by the image acquisition device 3 and the weight of the items carried in each sensing area 111 monitored by the sensing device 12. The control device controls the air guide drive mechanism 522 to drive the air guide plate 521 to turn towards the sensing area 111 of the shelf 1 where the item is located, so that the cold air blown out by the air outlet structure blows towards the sensing area 111 of the shelf 1 where the item is located, thereby improving the cooling rate of the item.

[0095] In some embodiments, the air guiding assembly 52 includes a baffle plate 523 and a baffle driving mechanism 524. The baffle plate 523 is disposed at the air outlet structure 51 and can move at the air outlet structure 51. The movement of the baffle plate 523 can change the airflow of the cold air blown out of the air outlet structure 51. The baffle driving mechanism 524 is pultrusively connected to the baffle plate 523 and drives the baffle plate 523 to move at the air outlet structure 51 to change the air outlet area of ​​the air outlet structure 51.

[0096] The control device determines the sensing area 111 of the shelf 1 where the item is located by using the image acquired by the image acquisition device 3 and the weight of the items carried in each sensing area 111 monitored by the sensing device 12. The control device controls the air guide drive mechanism 522 to drive the air guide plate 521 to turn towards the sensing area 111 of the shelf 1 where the item is located, so that the cold air blown out of the air guide structure blows towards the sensing area 111 of the shelf 1 where the item is located, thereby improving the cooling rate of the item. At the same time, the control device controls the wind deflector drive mechanism 524 to drive the wind deflector 523 to move at the air outlet structure 51, thereby changing the air outlet area of ​​the air outlet structure 51, and thus changing the air volume of the air-cooling device 5. By controlling the air outlet area of ​​the air outlet structure 51 according to the weight of the item carried in the sensing area 111, the cold air resources are rationally allocated and the utilization rate of cold air resources is improved. For example, when the item is heavy, the baffle 523 moves to increase the air outlet area of ​​the vent structure 51, and when the item is light, the baffle 523 moves to decrease the air outlet area of ​​the vent structure 51.

[0097] In some embodiments, the air guide plate 521 is positioned relative to the baffle plate 523 on the windward side of the air-cooling device 5 in the air outlet direction. The cold airflow first flows through the air guide plate 521 and then through the baffle plate 523, before being blown onto the object through the air outlet structure 51. Since the original cold airflow is relatively fast when directly blown out of the air-cooling device 5, the air guide plate 521 reduces the wind speed by changing the airflow direction of the cold airflow. After the airflow is controlled by the baffle plate 523, the airflow is blown onto the object in a gentle manner, ensuring cooling efficiency while avoiding moisture loss or uneven temperature caused by strong winds.

[0098] In some embodiments, each storage space 21 is provided with at least one air-cooling device 5. Multiple air-cooling devices 5 can improve the cooling effect and user experience of the refrigerator, accelerate the cooling speed of items, and improve the preservation quality of items. Moreover, when one air-cooling device 5 fails, the other air-cooling devices 5 in the same storage space 21 can still cool normally, reducing the impact on the overall storage.

[0099] In some embodiments, see Figures 5-7The inner liner 4 includes a first inner wall 41, a second inner wall 42, and a third inner wall 43. The first inner wall 41 is located on the left side of the inner liner 4, the second inner wall 42 is located on the rear side of the inner liner 4, and the third inner wall 43 is located on the right side of the inner liner 4. The second inner wall 42 connects to both the first inner wall 41 and the third inner wall 43. The two ends of the shelf 1 are connected to the first inner wall 41 and the third inner wall 43, respectively. An air outlet structure 51 is located on the second inner wall 42. The air outlet structure 51 extends continuously from the side of the second inner wall 42 closest to the first inner wall 41 to the side closest to the third inner wall 43, which can increase the air outlet range of the air outlet structure 51, making the air circulation inside the refrigerator smoother, reducing temperature dead zones and airflow turbulence, and reducing energy consumption. At the same time, it can better cooperate with the sensing device 12 and the control device to accurately deliver cold air to each sensing area 111, achieving efficient and energy-saving refrigeration control.

[0100] In some embodiments, the air outlet structure 51 is disposed on at least one of the first inner wall 41, the second inner wall 42, and the third inner wall 43. The air outlet structure extends continuously from the top to the bottom of the inner liner 4. The air guide plate 521 is rotatably connected to the air outlet structure 51 and changes the air outlet direction by swinging up and down. By swinging up and down the air guide plate 521 to flexibly cover items of different heights in the storage space 21, the surface temperature of each item can be uniformly cooled.

[0101] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the utility models disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0102] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shelf, characterized in that, The shelf includes: The shelf body has multiple sensing areas arranged in an array. A sensing device is disposed on the shelf body, and the sensing device is used to detect the weight of the items carried in each of the sensing areas.

2. The shelf according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing device is configured such that, when an item is placed in the sensing area, the weight of the item can change the electrical parameter value of the sensing device.

3. The shelf according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensing device includes sensing units that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of sensing areas, and the weight of the object carried by the sensing area can change the electrical parameter value of the corresponding sensing unit.

4. The shelf according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensing unit includes at least one strain gauge, which is attached to the surface of the shelf body or embedded in the shelf body.

5. The shelf according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensing unit includes: The first electrode plate is disposed on the first surface of the shelf body or embedded in the shelf body; The second electrode plate is disposed on the second surface of the shelf body that is opposite to the first surface or embedded in the shelf body. The second electrode plate is opposite to the first electrode plate and is spaced apart.

6. The shelf according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensing device includes: A first electrode line layer, the first electrode line layer includes a plurality of first electrode lines arranged at intervals along a first direction, the first electrode lines extending along a second direction, the second direction being set at an angle to the first direction; The second electrode line layer is spaced apart from the first electrode line layer along the thickness direction of the shelf body. The second electrode line layer includes a plurality of second electrode lines spaced apart along the second direction, and the second electrode lines extend along the first direction. Multiple first electrode lines and multiple second electrode lines intersect each other to form multiple intersection points, and each sensing region has at least one of the intersection points.

7. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The device includes a housing and a shelf as described in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the housing has a receiving cavity, and the shelf is disposed within the receiving cavity and divides the receiving cavity into a plurality of storage spaces.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: A control device, which is electrically connected to the sensing device.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: An image acquisition device is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the image acquisition device acquires images of the items on the shelf. At least one image acquisition device is respectively disposed in each storage space. The image acquisition device is electrically connected to the control device.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: An inner liner is disposed within the box body, and the receiving cavity is disposed inside the inner liner; An air-cooling device is disposed on the inner liner, and the air-cooling device includes: An air outlet structure is provided on the inner liner; An air guide assembly is disposed within the air outlet structure. The air guide assembly is electrically connected to a control device, which is used to control the air delivery direction and air volume of the air guide assembly to the shelf.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The air guide assembly includes: An air guide plate is provided at the air outlet structure; An air guide drive mechanism is connected to the air guide plate in a transmission manner. The air guide drive mechanism drives the air guide plate to rotate relative to the air outlet structure to change the air outlet direction of the air outlet structure.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The air guide assembly also includes: A wind deflector is provided at the air outlet structure; A wind deflector drive mechanism is connected to the wind deflector plate, and the wind deflector drive mechanism is used to drive the wind deflector plate to move at the air outlet structure to change the air outlet area of ​​the air outlet structure.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each of the storage spaces is equipped with at least one of the air-cooling devices.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The inner liner includes a first inner wall, a second inner wall, and a third inner wall. The second inner wall is connected to the first inner wall and the third inner wall. The two ends of the shelf are connected to the first inner wall and the third inner wall, respectively. The air outlet structure is disposed on the second inner wall and extends continuously from the side of the second inner wall near the first inner wall to the side near the third inner wall.

Images