Keep-fresh container

Abstract

A keep-fresh container (1), in particular in the form of a vacuum-drawer device, for food, comprising at least one main container body (2) and a container lid (3), which can be placed on the at least one main container body (2), wherein the container lid (3) comprises a control device (4) and at least one sensor system (5), wherein the at least one sensor system (5) is designed for determining a CO2 content, a temperature and / or a percentage of organic compounds, in particular volatile organic compounds, in an atmosphere (6) contained within the at least one main container body (2), and the at least one control device (4) is designed to adapt the CO2 content, the temperature and / or the percentage of organic compounds in the atmosphere (6).

Description

[0001] Fresh-keeping container

[0002] The invention relates to a freshness container, in particular in the form of a vacuum drawer device, for food, comprising at least one container base body and a container lid that can be placed on the at least one container base body, wherein the container lid comprises a control and / or regulating device and at least one sensor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a piece of furniture with such a freshness container, the use of a supply container for adjusting an atmosphere within a drawer and a method for opening such a freshness container. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for regulating an atmosphere of such a freshness container and a computer program product.

[0003] Such a freshness container is already known from the writing

[0004] EP 3 740 099 A1 is known in which a container lid comprises an evacuation means in the form of a control in conjunction with valves in order to generate a negative pressure in a drawer device.

[0005] Such a freshness container is already known from document EP 4 073 442 A1, in which a monitoring method for a drawer interior is provided and a humidity sensor is present.

[0006] Such a freshness container is already known from document EP 4 073 443 A1, in which a lifting device for a vacuum-sealed drawer with sealing fittings is used.

[0007] Such a freshness container is already known from document EP 4 073 444 A, in which a multi-layer container lid with a circuit board and a dehumidification channel is used.

[0008] A disadvantage of the current state of the art is that food quality can only be adequately maintained for a limited time using freshness containers, so that there is an ecological and economic need to be able to further reduce food waste.

[0009] The objective technical object of the present invention is therefore to provide a freshness container which is improved over the prior art and in which the disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially eliminated and which is characterized in particular by increased functionality and / or by the suitability for increasing the shelf life of food.

[0010] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0011] It is therefore provided according to the invention that at least one sensor is designed to determine a CO2 content, a temperature and / or a proportion of, in particular, volatile, organic compounds in an atmosphere arranged within the at least one container base body and the at least one control and / or regulating device is designed to adapt the CO2 content, the temperature and / or the proportion of organic compounds in the atmosphere.

[0012] This makes it possible - if necessary in addition to conventional measures such as dehumidification or pressure regulation - to extend the shelf life of food to a significant extent.

[0013] Relevant factors influencing food quality, shelf life, or the condition of food are the temporal environmental conditions in the atmosphere surrounding the food, which can be monitored by the freshness container via sensors and regulated by the control and / or regulation device. In this regard, criteria such as temperature and gas composition are regulated, for example, by reducing moisture by binding or removing it from food and / or the atmosphere, or by ensuring cooling or heating.In addition, food fermentation, chemical preservation, exposure to electromagnetic - particularly UV or ionizing - radiation, food fermentation, chemical preservation, mechanical energy - particularly in the form of pressure or shear forces, or mechanical removal of microorganisms from food can generally be carried out in order to influence the ripening process or reduce contamination by microorganisms. However, UV treatment of food has only a minor impact on the shelf life of food due to the limited penetration depth, as only surface disinfection is possible.

[0014] Fruits, for example, have a metabolism; they consume oxygen and produce heat, CO2, water vapor, and aromatic compounds as a function of the oxidation of carbohydrates, sugar, and acids in the fruit's tissue. The relationship to shelf life varies greatly from individual to individual, and the freshness container can take this into account. If necessary, control parameters for the degradation process, such as the vitamins and acids involved, ethylene production, and chlorophyll breakdown, can be included, taking into account the specific interaction with potential damage to the respective fruit, such as storage diseases or core browning.

[0015] For example, the control and / or regulation system can utilize physical or chemical propellants such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, argon, helium, or nitrous oxide, which can positively (and potentially negatively) influence the metabolism of food as a whole through all enzymatic reactions. The relationship can be based, for example, on the so-called Arrhenius equation, where, for example, the formation of ethylene can adversely affect the acceleration of the aging process.

[0016] Undesirable condensation can be effectively counteracted, although a mere airtight seal is generally not sufficient to ensure particularly high food quality over a long period of time, since the interaction between the required air humidity and the necessary dehumidification - particularly depending on the type of food and the empty volume present in the freshness container - should be taken into account in order to inhibit detrimental metabolism and / or to prevent undesirable bacterial infestation and fungal growth.

[0017] The at least one sensor system can generally be designed as a common unit for a plurality of sensor signals to be detected and / or as spatially separate sensor units in order to provide information that can be used to reduce food waste through improved storage conditions and food quality. Preferably, one sensor system is located directly above the respective container base body.

[0018] The control and / or regulation device can be used to optimise the storage conditions of foodstuffs located in the freshness container by adjustment, whereby, for example, an air exchange can be generated by means of valves on the container lid or by opening the container lid.

[0019] The freshness container is preferably in the form of a furniture drawer, whereby in general a drawer can comprise the freshness container and other furniture parts such as furniture flaps, boxes or the like are conceivable.

[0020] For example, an environment can be created for tomatoes, whereby the shelf life of the tomatoes is longer, in the range of days or weeks, than if they were stored in a refrigerator and / or freely in a kitchen.

[0021] As stated at the outset, protection is also sought for a piece of furniture comprising a furniture body and at least one such freshness container which is displaceable relative to the furniture body, the freshness container being designed as a drawer.

[0022] For example, moisture separation via the freshness container can escape through slots or openings in the furniture body or can be carried away via a hose or a container. Alternatively or additionally, a gap or an opening can be provided between drawer fronts and / or - preferably in a furniture body rear wall - to remove moisture in order to transfer moisture from an interior of the freshness container to an exterior space (similar to a ventilation grille in refrigerators) by evaporation or vaporization. Moisture is preferably evaporated from the furniture body through at least one ventilation slot on the furniture body and / or a recess in a drawer rear wall for a supply container.

[0023] As stated at the beginning , protection is also required for the use of a supply container for adjusting an atmosphere inside a drawer .

[0024] Supply containers - in particular CO2 containers - can be used according to the invention to regulate a ripening process of foodstuffs located in a drawer by inhibiting or intensifying a ripening process.

[0025] As stated at the outset, protection is also sought for a method for opening such a fresh-keeping container, in which the following process steps are carried out:

[0026] - a trigger mechanism detects an operator's desire to open the freshness container, preferably by means of an over-pressing movement

[0027] - the container lid is raised relative to the at least one container base body via the trigger mechanism and the at least one container base body is displaced, in particular with a time delay, relative to a furniture body in the opening direction via the trigger mechanism and by a drive device.

[0028] A collision between the container lid and the at least one container base body can be prevented by means of the trigger mechanism - in particular by integrating a time delay - wherein a proper release of the container lid from the at least one container base body chronologically before the movement of the at least one container base body in the opening direction upon detection of an opening request by an operator can maintain the functionality of the freshness container over a long service life.

[0029] As stated at the outset, protection is also sought for a computer-implemented method for regulating an atmosphere of such a fresh-keeping container, wherein a control and / or regulating device records sensor data from at least one sensor system relating to a CO2 content, a temperature and / or a proportion of organic compounds in an atmosphere arranged within a container base body and adapts the atmosphere.

[0030] For example, depending on the desired mode of operation and / or the food located in the freshness container, a circuit can be initiated by the control and / or regulating device in which a negative pressure or a vacuum (rough vacuum, fine vacuum or high vacuum) is generated or maintained within the at least one container base body, physical variables are measured by means of the at least one sensor system, air is exchanged or air is circulated, dehumidification is effected, a drying process is generated and / or a drying process takes place.

[0031] Particularly preferably, a humidity and / or a pressure is detected by at least one sensor in a computer-aided manner and the humidity and / or the pressure in the atmosphere is adjusted.

[0032] As stated at the outset, protection is also sought for a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing unit, cause it to carry out such a computer-implemented method.

[0033] For example, the computing unit can be an integral part of the control and / or regulating device and / or can be in data connection with a storage unit or can be brought into such a storage unit, wherein sensor data - in particular with a history - can be or is stored on the storage unit.

[0034] A computer algorithm can, for example, be in the form of a two-point control for humidity control, where parameters such as target pressure, pump-down interval, hysteresis values ​​for C02, bVOC (biogenic volatile organic compound as special organic compounds) and humidity can be modified via a configuration file.

[0035] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that an air humidity and / or a pressure of the atmosphere can be detected via the at least one sensor system and the control and / or regulating device is designed to adapt the air humidity and / or the pressure of the atmosphere.

[0037] The atmosphere can be provided particularly favorably within the at least one container base body via the pressure and / or the air humidity in order to ensure advantageous conditions for individual foodstuffs.

[0038] Advantageously, it is provided that at least one dehumidification unit for reducing the air humidity of the atmosphere, preferably comprising a fan, and / or a pressure adjustment unit for adjusting the pressure of the atmosphere is provided.

[0039] For example, the pressure adjustment unit can comprise a pressure reducer with an adjustment wheel in order to be able to adjust the pressure present within the at least one container base body on a valve connected to the pressure adjustment unit.

[0040] It has proven advantageous that the pressure adjustment unit comprises a vacuum pump and / or the dehumidification unit comprises a diaphragm pump and / or a condensate pump.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one sensor system and / or the control and / or regulating device is connected to at least one supply container, preferably a CO2 container, comprising at least one propellant, preferably CO2, wherein it is preferably provided that the at least one supply container is arranged horizontally or vertically and / or at least partially inside and / or outside the freshness container.

[0042] The at least one supply container allows a gas composition within the at least one container base body to be controlled, whereby, for example, a ripening process can be slowed down by adding CO2 to the atmosphere. For example, the at least one supply container can be arranged in the drawer or in a holder surrounding the at least one container base body, with an arrangement outside the drawer being preferred.

[0043] Particularly preferably, the at least one supply container is arranged upright or oriented in a vertical direction in order to prevent an outflow of contents, which can lead to icing of valves, for example due to heat extraction. In general, the at least one supply container can interact with a

[0044] Radial fan must be switched on.

[0045] An advantageous variant of the present invention consists in that at least one heat transfer unit, preferably a Peltier element, is provided for adjusting the temperature of the atmosphere, wherein it is preferably provided that the heat transfer unit can be used for removing moisture from the atmosphere.

[0046] A Peltier element can be used to set a desired temperature within the at least one container base body, with additional moisture being able to be removed from the atmosphere. For example, a cooling element can be provided, via which moisture can be collected in a water tray. For example, air humidity can condense on a Peltier element arranged above the container base body and drip as condensate into a collection tray for removal.

[0047] It is particularly preferred that a ventilation device is provided with which the composition of the atmosphere can be changed by air exchange with an outer region of the freshness container. For example, slots can be provided in the container lid and / or in the at least one container base body for an air inlet or an air outlet. Alternatively or additionally, air exchange can be achieved via valves or by opening the container lid. Air can be circulated by a fan - preferably arranged above the at least one container base body - to mix the atmosphere. Disinfectants can be used if necessary.

[0048] The ventilation device preferably comprises a, preferably replaceable, air filter and / or a, preferably removable, impeller. Particularly preferably, the air inlet and air outlet are as far apart from each other as possible—for example, arranged on opposite side walls of the container base body—and / or directed toward the container base body side walls. Air can be distributed particularly effectively via a slot or with a plurality of openings. Air can be exchanged via the ventilation device, for example, by means of lifting magnets with seals and a radial fan with valves.

[0049] Preferably, the ventilation device comprises a water tank for moisture extracted from the atmosphere.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the container lid and the at least one container base body are connected to one another in an essentially airtight manner by a sealing means in at least one operating position of the freshness container.

[0051] The sealing means can significantly reduce the ingress of ambient air. The sealing means is preferably in the form of an elastic sealing lip - particularly preferably designed with a cross-section as a flexible rectangle, circle or D-profile. The material of the sealing means can consist, for example, of foam, gel material or sponge rubber, with a low surface roughness being particularly preferred. It is particularly preferably provided that the container lid and / or the at least one container base body is designed from metal.

[0052] A microbial load in the fresh-keeping container can be reduced by using a metal container base or a region of the container lid that faces the container base.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the freshness container comprises a drive device for moving the at least one container base body relative to a furniture body, wherein it is preferably provided that the drive device is designed as an ejection device and / or can be activated in an overpressure position of the drive device.

[0054] This increases the ease of use of the fresh-keeping container. A desire to open the drawer can be detected, for example, by applying pressure to the drawer into an over-press position, tactilely (e.g., through touch detection), and / or electronically (e.g., via radio control) by a trigger mechanism.

[0055] It is preferably provided that the container lid comprises at least one, preferably two diagonally arranged on the container lid and / or electric, lifting motor for lifting the container lid relative to the at least one container base body.

[0056] For example, a linear drive can be used to ventilate the fresh-keeping container. In the closed position, the container lid can be pressed against the seals. A vertical stroke by the lifting motor can be generated, for example, by a linear guide via elongated holes, spacers such as shims, or a linkage in conjunction with a rack. A motor stop can generally be detected via limit switches. A delay in the motor stop can be implemented through software and / or mechanical means.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a guide device is arranged on the container lid, by means of which the container lid can be lifted relative to the at least one container base body via the at least one lifting motor, wherein it is preferably provided that the guide device comprises an inclined plane and / or a groove in connection with a sliding block.

[0058] The container lid can be opened in the use position in a vertical and / or horizontal direction. It is generally conceivable to design the container lid so that it can pivot relative to the at least one container base body for increased accessibility of stored items. A vertical movement of the container lid can be achieved indirectly via a translational movement.

[0059] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that a trigger mechanism is provided for activating the drive device and / or the at least one lifting motor, with which first the container lid can be lifted and then the at least one container base body can be moved in the opening direction, wherein the trigger mechanism preferably comprises a button and / or a proximity sensor.

[0060] In this way, for example, the negative pressure within the freshness container can first be released and then at least one container base body can be extended contactlessly relative to the container lid.

[0061] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a plurality of container base bodies separated from one another by a separation device, preferably of varying extent, and exactly one container lid are provided for the plurality of container base bodies, wherein the control and / or regulating device is configured to individually adapt the atmospheres of the plurality of container base bodies.

[0062] If multiple container base bodies are present, varying food types can be specifically addressed via the atmosphere, whereby the empty volume of a specific container base body can also be reduced. The dimensions can generally differ in a maximum width and / or depth. It is particularly preferred that a plurality of valves be arranged on the container lid, connected to a tubing system of the container lid, for detecting and / or changing the atmosphere.

[0063] The respective atmosphere of a plurality of container base bodies can be supplied to at least one sensor via the tubing and the atmospheres can be individually adjusted.

[0064] Advantageously, it can be provided that the at least one supply container is arranged at least partially between a container rear wall and a furniture body rear wall and / or in a further furniture body and / or the furniture body rear wall has a recess for at least partially arranging the at least one supply container within the furniture body rear wall.

[0065] By arranging the container behind the back panel or the container lid, the available storage space can be increased. A recess can prevent the need to replace or adapt standard drawer dimensions. Furthermore, the leak-tightness of the supply container can be increased by using a supply container in use.

[0066] If the at least one supply container is arranged in another, preferably adjacent, furniture body, an existing infrastructure—preferably in conjunction with fittings—can be efficiently utilized by connecting it to the freshness container. The at least one supply container can generally be fixed to a static or movable furniture part, for example, to a bottle pull-out or waste pull-out.

[0067] Further details and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the description of the figures and the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Therein: Fig. 1, 2 show a piece of furniture with a freshness container according to a preferred exemplary embodiment in a perspective view with an enlarged detail in the area of ​​a supply container,

[0068] Fig. 3, 4 a freshness container according to a particularly preferred embodiment in a perspective view in the closed position and in a view from above,

[0069] Fig. 5, 6 the freshness container according to the embodiment of Fig. 3 in a side view with a detailed representation of a guide device and in a state of a dismantled container lid in a perspective view,

[0070] Fig. 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating the control of a fresh-keeping container by a control and / or regulating device.

[0071] Fig. 1 shows a piece of furniture 36 comprising a furniture body 21 and a freshness container 1 in the form of drawers 37 that can be moved relative to the furniture body 21. The number of drawers 37 and freshness containers 1 is generally arbitrary. For example, the lower drawer 37 can be a conventional drawer 37 and the upper drawer 37 can be a freshness container 1, wherein in this exemplary embodiment, a panel for the electronics and infrastructure of the freshness container 1 is provided above the freshness container 1.

[0072] Fig. 2 shows the furniture 36 with a view towards a furniture body rear wall 39, wherein a supply container 12 is used for adjusting an atmosphere 6 within a drawer 37, wherein the supply container 12 is arranged between a container rear wall 38 (and a container lid rear wall) and the furniture body rear wall 39.

[0073] The furniture body rear wall 39 comprises a recess 40 for the partial arrangement of the supply container 12 within the furniture body rear wall 39.

[0074] Fig. 3 shows the freshness container 1 in the form of a vacuum drawer device for foodstuffs comprising three container base bodies 2 (hidden in the illustration - see Fig. 6), wherein the number of container base bodies 2 is generally arbitrary, and a container lid 3 which can be placed on the container base bodies 2.

[0075] The container lid 3 comprises a control and / or regulating device 4 and a sensor system 5, wherein the sensor system 5 is designed to determine a CO2 content, a temperature and a proportion of organic compounds (such as volatile bVOCs) of an atmosphere 6 arranged within the respective container base body 2. The atmosphere 6 can be analyzed separately for each container base body 2, although this is generally not absolutely necessary. The control and / or regulating device 4 (the positioning and / or integration into component parts is generally arbitrary) is designed to adapt the CO2 content, the temperature and the proportion of organic compounds in the atmosphere 6.

[0076] The sensor system 5 determines the air humidity and the pressure of the atmosphere 6, wherein the control and / or regulating device 4 is configured to adjust the air humidity and the pressure of the atmosphere 6.

[0077] The freshness container 1 comprises a dehumidification unit 7 for reducing the humidity of the atmosphere 6, wherein the dehumidification unit 7 has a fan 8, and a pressure adjustment unit 9 for adjusting the pressure of the atmosphere 6.

[0078] A liquid container 42 is arranged on the dehumidification unit 7 , in which condensate from the atmosphere 6 can be collected.

[0079] The pressure adjustment unit 9 comprises a vacuum pump 10 (for generating a negative pressure within a container base body 2) and the dehumidification unit 7 comprises a diaphragm pump 11, which can alternatively or additionally be designed as a condensate pump.

[0080] The freshness container 1 has a heat transfer unit 14 comprising a Peltier element 15 for adjusting the temperature of the atmosphere 6, wherein the heat transfer unit 14 can be used to remove moisture from the atmosphere 6. The Peltier element 15 is arranged below the dehumidification unit 7.

[0081] The freshness container 1 comprises a ventilation device 16, with which the composition of the atmosphere 6 can be changed by air exchange with an outer area 17 of the freshness container 1. Alternatively or additionally, the ventilation device 16 can generate a circulation of the atmosphere 6 (recirculation mode).

[0082] Adjacent to the ventilation device 16, a linear actuator is connected, with which, depending on the position of the linear actuator, a line of the ventilation device 16 can be released so that air can be sucked in outside the freshness container 1.

[0083] Fig. 4 shows that the control and / or regulating device 4 is arranged adjacent to the heat transfer unit 14, wherein the positioning is generally arbitrary and can, for example, also be arranged on the container base body 2, the drawer 37 or the furniture body 21.

[0084] The sensor system 5 and the control and / or regulating device 4 are connected to the supply container 12, which is designed as a CO2 container 13 with CO2 as the propellant. However, the supply container 12 can generally comprise other chemical or physical propellants in addition or as an alternative.

[0085] The control and / or regulating device 4 can be designed, for example, as a computer unit or as a processor unit - optionally with a memory unit and / or an HMI.

[0086] In the use position of the fresh-keeping container 1, the supply container 12 is arranged upright and outside the fresh-keeping container 1.

[0087] The freshness container 1 comprises a drive device 20 for moving the container base body 2 relative to the furniture body 21, wherein the drive device 20 is designed as an ejection device 22 and can be activated in an overpressure position of the drawer 37 or the drive device 20.

[0088] The container lid 3 has two electric lifting motors 23 arranged diagonally on the container lid 3 for lifting the container lid 3 relative to the container base bodies 2, wherein a lifting movement in the vertical direction is generated by a translatory movement in the opening direction 29.

[0089] The freshness container 1 has a trigger mechanism 28 for activating the drive device 20 and the lifting motors 23, with which first the container lid 3 can be lifted and then the container base body 2 can be moved in the opening direction 29.

[0090] In this embodiment, a trigger mechanism 28 is arranged on the drive device 20 and a trigger mechanism 28 is arranged on the freshness container 1, wherein one trigger mechanism is designed in the form of a button 30 and one trigger mechanism is designed as a proximity sensor 31.

[0091] An exemplary method for opening the fresh-keeping container 1 can be carried out as follows: By means of the trigger mechanism 28, an opening request of an operator of the fresh-keeping container 1 is detected by means of an overpressure movement on the drawer 37, the container lid 3 is lifted via the trigger mechanism 28 relative to the container base bodies 2 and the container base bodies 2 are moved with a time delay via the trigger mechanism 28 and by the drive device 20 relative to the furniture body 21 in the opening direction

[0092] 29 postponed .

[0093] In general, however, a lifting movement of the container lid 3 occurring during the opening movement of the container base body 2 is also possible, wherein a release process of the container lid 3 occurs simultaneously with or during the linear movement of the container base body 2 in the opening direction 29. A plurality of valves 34 are arranged on the container lid 3 in connection with a hose system 35 (schematically indicated in dotted lines) of the container lid 3 for detecting and changing the atmosphere 6.

[0094] Fig. 5 shows that a guide device 24 is arranged on the container lid 3, by means of which the container lid 3 can be lifted relative to the container base bodies 2 via the lifting motors 23. The guide device 24 comprises an inclined plane 25, which is designed as a groove 26 and in which a sliding block 27 is arranged.

[0095] In the operating position 18 of the closed state (see Fig. 3) of the freshness container 1, the container lid 3 and the container base body 2 are hermetically connected to one another by sealing means 19, the sealing means 19 being indicated schematically in dotted lines.

[0096] In Fig. 6 it can be seen that the freshness container 1 has three compartments separated from each other by a separating device 32.

[0097] Container base body 2 comprises, wherein the shape, number and positioning of the container base body 2 is generally arbitrary.

[0098] The container base bodies 2 have different length and width dimensions as varying dimensions 33. For the container base bodies 2, exactly one container lid 3 is provided for the plurality of container base bodies 2, wherein the control and / or regulating device 4 is programmed to individually adapt the atmospheres 6 of the plurality of container base bodies 2.

[0099] The container base bodies 2 are made of metal. The container lid 3 is made partly of metal and partly of wood, whereby it is preferred that the container lid 3 be made of metal in some areas—in the closed position in the area of ​​the container base bodies 2.

[0100] Fig. 7 visualizes the components of the freshness container 1 in the form of a circuit diagram. A plurality of valves 34 are connected to the three container base bodies 2, which in turn are connected to an air inlet 43 and (in this embodiment) three air outlets 44. A filter 41 is provided between the ventilation device 16 and the pressure adjustment device, whereby, for example, the adjacent supply container 12 can be omitted.

[0101] A liquid container 42 is connected between a valve 34 and an air outlet 44, via which condensate bound from the atmosphere can be removed - however, this is generally not absolutely necessary.

[0102] In general, moisture can be removed or ventilated via pipes. For example, liquid can be removed from the freshness container 1 or an interior of the freshness container 1 by evaporation in a collecting tray on the fan 8 and / or the Peltier element 15 from the furniture body 21 via ventilation slots, through a hose 35 and / or through the liquid container 42 in the form of a collecting container for condensate.

[0103] A computer-implemented method for controlling the atmosphere 6 of the freshness container 1 can be explained as follows: The control and / or regulating device 4 determines sensor data from the sensor system 5 with regard to the existing CO2 content, the temperature or the proportion of organic compounds within the atmosphere 6 of the container base body 2 or the atmospheres 6 of the container base body 2 and adapts the atmosphere(s) 6 according to predefined or desired atmosphere properties / compositions.

[0104] For this purpose, a computer program product can be provided as an algorithm, which comprises instructions which, when executed by a computing unit, cause the computing unit to carry out the method for regulating the atmosphere 6. The computer program product can be stored on a volatile or non-volatile storage medium or transmitted via a data signal.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A freshness container (1), in particular in the form of a vacuum drawer device, for food, comprising at least one container base body (2) and a container lid (3) which can be placed on the at least one container base body (2), wherein the container lid (3) comprises a control and / or regulating device (4) and at least one sensor (5), characterized in that the at least one sensor (5) is designed to determine a CO2 content, a temperature and / or a proportion of, in particular volatile, organic compounds in an atmosphere (6) arranged within the at least one container base body (2) and the at least one control and / or regulating device (4) is designed to adapt the CO2 content, the temperature and / or the proportion of organic compounds in the atmosphere (6).

2. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to claim 1, wherein an air humidity and / or a pressure of the atmosphere (6) can be detected via the at least one sensor system (5) and the control and / or regulating device (4) is designed to adapt the air humidity and / or the pressure of the atmosphere (6).

3. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one dehumidification unit (7) for reducing the air humidity of the atmosphere (6), preferably comprising a fan (8), and / or a pressure adjustment unit (9) for adjusting the pressure of the atmosphere (6) is provided.

4. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to claim 3, wherein the Pressure adjustment unit (9) a vacuum pump (10) and / or the Dehumidification unit (7) comprises a diaphragm pump (11) and / or a condensate pump.

5. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (5) and / or the control and / or control device (4) in connection with at least one supply container (12), preferably CO2 container (13), comprising at least one propellant, preferably CO2, wherein it is preferably provided that the at least one supply container (12) is arranged horizontally or vertically and / or at least partially inside and / or outside the Fresh-keeping container (1).

6. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one heat transfer unit (14), preferably a Peltier element (15), is provided for adjusting the temperature of the atmosphere (6), wherein it is preferably provided that the heat transfer unit (14) can be used for separating moisture from the atmosphere (6).

7. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a ventilation device (16) is provided with which a composition of the atmosphere (6) can be changed by air exchange with an outer region (17) of the fresh-keeping container (1).

8. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container lid (3) and the at least one container base body (2) are connected to one another in a substantially airtight manner by a sealing means (19) in at least one operating position (18) of the fresh-keeping container (1).

9. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container lid (3) and / or the at least one container base body (2) is made of metal.

10. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fresh-keeping container (1) comprises a drive device (20) for moving the at least one container base body (2) relative to a furniture body (21), wherein it is preferably provided that the drive device (20) is designed as an ejection device (22) and / or in an overpressure position of the drive device (20) can be activated.

11. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container lid (3) comprises at least one, preferably two diagonally arranged on the container lid (3) and / or electric, lifting motor (23) for lifting the container lid (3) relative to the at least one container base body (2).

12. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to claim 11, wherein a guide device (24) is arranged on the container lid (3), by means of which the container lid (3) can be lifted relative to the at least one container base body (2) via the at least one lifting motor (23), wherein it is preferably provided that the guide device (24) comprises an inclined plane (25) and / or a groove (26) in conjunction with a sliding block (27).

13. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to claim 10 and / or 11, wherein a trigger mechanism (28) is provided for activating the drive device (20) and / or the at least one lifting motor (23), with which first the container lid (3) can be lifted and then the at least one container base body (2) can be moved in the opening direction (29), wherein the Trigger mechanism (28) preferably comprises a button (30) and / or a proximity sensor (31).

14. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of container base bodies (2) separated from one another by a separating device (32), preferably of varying extent (33), and precisely one container lid (3) are provided for the plurality of container base bodies (2), wherein the control and / or regulating device (4) is configured to individually adapt the atmospheres (6) of the plurality of container base bodies (2).

15. Fresh-keeping container (1) according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein on the container lid (3) a plurality of Valves (34) are arranged in connection with a hose system (35) of the container lid (3) for detecting and / or changing the atmosphere (6).

16. A piece of furniture (36) comprising a furniture body (21) and at least one freshness container (1) displaceable relative to the furniture body (21) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the freshness container (1) is designed as a drawer (37).

17. Furniture (36) according to claim 16, wherein the at least one supply container (12) is arranged at least partially between a container rear wall (38) and a furniture body rear wall (39) and / or in a further furniture body (21) and / or the furniture body rear wall (39) has a recess (40) for at least partially arranging the at least one supply container (12) within the furniture body rear wall (39).

18. Use of a supply container (12) for adjusting an atmosphere (6) within a drawer (37).

19. A method for opening a fresh-keeping container (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by the following method steps: - a trigger mechanism (28) detects an opening request from an operator of the freshness container (1), preferably via an overpressure movement - the container lid (3) is raised relative to the at least one container base body (2) via the trigger mechanism (28) and the at least one container base body (2) is displaced, in particular with a time delay, relative to a furniture body (21) in the opening direction (29) via the trigger mechanism (28) and by a drive device (20).

20. Computer-implemented method for controlling an atmosphere (6) of a freshness container (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that a Control and / or regulating device (4) detects sensor data from at least one sensor (5) relating to a CO2 content, a temperature and / or a proportion of organic compounds in an atmosphere (6) arranged within a container base body (2) and adapts the atmosphere (6).

21. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing unit, cause the computing unit to carry out the method according to claim 20.

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