Refrigerator equipped with ultrasonic assisted processing equipment

Abstract

A refrigerator equipped with an ultrasonic auxiliary processing device includes a first signal detection device configured to detect a placement state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device and output a first detection signal corresponding to the placement state, a second signal detection device configured to detect an open / closed state of the refrigerator door body and output a second detection signal corresponding to the open / closed state of the door body, a third signal detection device configured to detect a function selection state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device and output a third detection signal corresponding to the function selection state, and an ultrasonic control device configured to obtain detection results of the first detection signal, the second detection signal, and the third detection signal, and control power supply from a power source to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device after it is determined that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is placed in a predetermined position, the door body is closed, and function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is triggered. The refrigerator realizes multi-layer power supply control and effectively ensures the safety of use for users.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigerators, in particular to refrigerators equipped with ultrasonic assisted processing devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Nowadays, the evaluation of the storage performance of a refrigerator is no longer limited to simply extending the storage time, and some users are demanding certain auxiliary functions (such as a pickling auxiliary function or a cleaning auxiliary function).

[0003] In order to meet the needs of users, the prior art has proposed many improvement methods, such as adding an ultrasonic processing device inside the storage compartment of a refrigerator. However, in such methods, the ultrasonic transducer in the ultrasonic processing device needs to be driven using an AC signal centered on the transducer, and the voltage of the AC signal is high, which is dangerous if the user accidentally touches it or a short circuit occurs, so it needs to be adequately protected.

[0004] In addition, when the temperature during the operation of the ultrasonic treatment device becomes too high, the ultrasonic treatment device needs to be turned on and off frequently. In the current method, a relay is used to control the power on and off, but the service life of the relay cannot meet the requirements, and the device is easily damaged, so there is still room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to solve the safety problem of preventing electric shock in ultrasonic auxiliary processing devices.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to avoid frequent closing and opening of the relay and ensure the service life of the relay.

[0007] In particular, the present invention provides a refrigerator equipped with an ultrasonic assisted processing device, the refrigerator comprising: a first signal detection device configured to detect a placement state of the ultrasound auxiliary processing device and output a first detection signal corresponding to the placement state; a second signal detection device configured to detect an open / closed state of a door body of the refrigerator and output a second detection signal corresponding to the open / closed state of the door body; a third signal detection device configured to detect a function selection state of the ultrasound auxiliary processing device and output a third detection signal corresponding to the function selection state; and an ultrasonic control device configured to acquire detection results of the first detection signal, the second detection signal, and the third detection signal, and control the power supply from the power source to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device after it is determined that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device has been placed in a predetermined position, the door body has been closed, and function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device has been triggered.

[0008] Optionally, the ultrasonic control device includes a main control board and a relay, the main control board is connected to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device via the relay and is configured to control the relay to close after it is determined that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is placed in a predetermined position and the door body is closed, triggering function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device.

[0009] Optionally, a signal processing module is integrated on the main control board, and the input end of the signal processing module is respectively connected to the transmitting end of the first signal detection device, the transmitting end of the second signal detection device and the transmitting end of the third signal detection device, and the output end of the signal processing module is connected to the relay.

[0010] Optionally, the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device includes an ultrasonic generator and an ultrasonic transducer, one end of the ultrasonic generator is connected to the relay and the other end is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and after the relay is closed, a drive signal is controlled to be sent to the ultrasonic transducer.

[0011] Optionally, a control pin is provided in the ultrasonic generator, and a first wiring is connected between the control pin and the main control board, and the first wiring is configured to transmit an on / off signal transmitted from the main control board to the control pin, and the ultrasonic generator is configured to selectively transmit a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer in accordance with the on / off signal.

[0012] Optionally, a second wiring is further connected between the control pin and the main control board, and the second wiring is configured to transmit a fault signal generated by the ultrasonic generator to the main control board, and the main control board controls the disconnection of the relay.

[0013] Optionally, the ultrasonic control device further includes an optocoupler isolator, the input end of which is connected to the main control board and the output end of which is connected to the ultrasonic generator.

[0014] Optionally, the optocoupler isolator is integrated onto the main control board, or integrated onto the ultrasonic generator, or disposed between the main control board and the ultrasonic generator.

[0015] Optionally, an isolation transformer is disposed between the ultrasonic generator and the ultrasonic transducer, and the drive signal generated by the ultrasonic generator is output via the isolation transformer.

[0016] Optionally, the ultrasonic assisted processing device further includes a processing vessel, the ultrasonic transducer is fixed to the bottom of the processing vessel, and a ground wire is connected on the housing of the processing vessel.

[0017] A refrigerator equipped with an ultrasonic auxiliary processing device of the present invention detects the placement state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device, the open / close state of the refrigerator door body, and the function selection state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device by a first signal detection device, a second signal detection device, and a third signal detection device, respectively, in conjunction with a user's usage scenario. Only when the three conditions that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is placed in a predetermined position, the door body is closed, and the function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is triggered are simultaneously met, the ultrasonic control device controls the power supply from the power source to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device, thereby realizing multi-layer power supply control and effectively ensuring the safety of user use.

[0018] Furthermore, in a refrigerator equipped with the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device of the present invention, by providing a control pin in the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device, when the relay is closed, a start signal is sent to the control pin via the main control board, and the ultrasonic generator selectively sends a drive signal to the ultrasonic vibrator according to the on / off signal, thereby avoiding frequent closing and opening of the relay and ensuring the service life of the relay.

[0019] These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are used only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the accompanying drawings.

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an ultrasonic auxiliary processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an ultrasonic auxiliary processing device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator equipped with an ultrasonic assisted processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments herein, but may be embodied in various forms. Rather, these embodiments are provided to more thoroughly understand the present disclosure and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0023] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 10 generally includes a body 100, in which one or more storage compartments 110 are formed, and the storage compartments 110 can be configured to form a refrigerated storage compartment, a freezer storage compartment, a temperature-variable storage compartment, etc. according to the freezing temperature. Specifically, the number, functions, and layout manner of the storage compartments 110 can be set as required.

[0024] The ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is disposed in the storage compartment 110. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is disposed in the refrigerated storage compartment of the refrigerator 10. Of course, in some cases, the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 may be disposed in a freezer storage compartment or a temperature-variable storage compartment. The functions of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 include, but are not limited to, marinating assistance, freezing assistance, and the like. The ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 may be disposed in the refrigerated storage compartment as a drawer, or may be disposed directly in the refrigerated storage compartment.

[0025] 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an ultrasonic assisted processing device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes at least a processing container 210, an ultrasonic generator 220, an ultrasonic transducer 230, and an ultrasonic base 240 (not shown in FIG. 2). Here, the ultrasonic base 240 is disposed in a refrigerated storage compartment, and the processing container 210 is placed on the ultrasonic base 240 to receive the food material to be processed. The ultrasonic transducer 230 is disposed at the bottom of the processing container 210, and the ultrasonic generator 220 is disposed at the rear side of the refrigerator 10. The ultrasonic generator 220 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 230, and the ultrasonic transducer 230 vibrates by providing a driving signal to the ultrasonic transducer 230. The operation principle of the ultrasonic assisted processing device 200 is well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be repeated here.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator 10 of an ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the refrigerator 10 of this embodiment may further include a first signal detection device 310, a second signal detection device 320, a third signal detection device 330, and an ultrasonic control device, and the first signal detection device 310 is configured to detect the placement state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 and output a first detection signal corresponding to the placement state. The second signal detection device 320 is configured to detect the door body opening / closing state of the refrigerator 10 and output a second detection signal corresponding to the door body opening / closing state. The third signal detection device 330 is configured to detect the function selection state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 and output a third detection signal corresponding to the function selection state. The ultrasonic control device is configured to acquire detection results of the first detection signal, the second detection signal, and the third detection signal, and control the power supply from the power source to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 after it is determined that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is placed in a predetermined position, the door body is closed, and function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is triggered.

[0027] In the refrigerator 10 equipped with the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 of the present invention, in conjunction with the user's usage scenario, the first signal detection device 310, the second signal detection device 320 and the third signal detection device 330 respectively detect the placement state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200, the open / close state of the door of the refrigerator 10 and the function selection state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200, and only when the three conditions that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is placed in a predetermined position, the door body is closed, and the function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is triggered are simultaneously met, the ultrasonic control device controls the power supply from the power source to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200, thereby realizing multi-layer power supply control and effectively ensuring the safety of user use.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the ultrasonic control device includes a main control board 410 and a relay 420, and the main control board 410 is connected to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 through the relay 420, and controls the relay 420 to close after it is determined that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is placed in a predetermined position, the door body is closed, and the function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is triggered. That is, the main control board 410 controls the relay 420 to close only after the user places the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 in a predetermined position, closes the door body of the refrigerator 10, and triggers the function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200, and the main control board 410 does not supply power if any of the conditions is not met. In this way, it is possible to prevent the user from being exposed to a risk of electric shock during normal use.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, a signal processing module 430 is integrated on the main control board 410. The signal processing module 430 is an AND gate chip integrated on the main control board 410, whose input terminals are respectively connected to the transmitting terminal of the first signal detection device 310, the transmitting terminal of the second signal detection device 320 and the transmitting terminal of the third signal detection device 330, and whose output terminals are connected to the relay 420. The signal processing module 430 can relatively accurately identify the placement state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200, the opening and closing state of the door body, and the function selection state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200, and can avoid supplying power to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 when the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is not placed, the door body is not closed, or the function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is not triggered.

[0030] The first signal detection device 310, the second signal detection device 320, and the third signal detection device 330 may all be realized by a Hall switch, a mechanical switch, a reed switch, or the like. For example, the first signal detection device 310 may be disposed in the storage compartment 110 of the refrigerator 10, specifically, on the ultrasonic base 240 of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200. The second signal detection device 320 may be disposed on the door body or a trim corresponding to the door body. The third signal detection device 330 may be disposed on a display panel of the refrigerator 10, and a trigger for selecting a function of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 may be selection of the function on the display panel.

[0031] Considering that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 operates in the refrigerator 10, it is necessary to frequently turn on and off the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200, that is, to frequently close and disconnect the relay 420, in order to avoid damage caused by overheating of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200. For example, the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 operates periodically with a startup ratio of 10 seconds on and 20 seconds off. In this way, the relay 420 is opened and closed at a high frequency, which significantly shortens the service life of the relay 420 and makes it difficult to meet the usage requirements. Therefore, to solve this problem, in this embodiment, one end of the ultrasonic generator 220 is connected to the relay 420, and the other end is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 230. The closing (closing) of the relay 420 simply ensures continuous power supply to the ultrasonic generator 220, and the ultrasonic generator 220 may be further configured to be controlled to send a driving signal to the ultrasonic transducer 230.

[0032] In one preferred embodiment, a control pin 221 is provided in the ultrasonic generator 220, and a first wiring 222 is connected between the control pin 221 and the main control board 410, and the first wiring 222 is configured to transmit an on / off signal transmitted from the main control board 410 to the control pin 221, and the ultrasonic generator 220 selectively transmits a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer 230 according to the on / off signal.

[0033] In addition, a second wiring 223 is further connected between the control pin 221 and the main control board 410, and the second wiring 223 is configured to transmit a fault signal generated by the ultrasonic generator 220 to the main control board 410, so that the main control board 410 controls the disconnection of the relay 420. For example, when the current of the ultrasonic generator 220 is too large or the temperature is too high, the ultrasonic generator 220 generates a fault signal, and after feeding back the fault signal to the main control board 410, the main control board 410 controls to disconnect the relay 420 in a timely manner, stop the power supply to the ultrasonic generator 220, and avoid damage to the ultrasonic generator 220.

[0034] The ultrasonic control device further includes an optocoupler isolator 440. The optocoupler isolator 440 may be integrated on the main control board 410, or integrated on the ultrasonic generator 220, or disposed between the main control board 410 and the ultrasonic generator 220, with its input end connected to the main control board 410 and its output end connected to the ultrasonic generator 220, configured to prevent voltage mutual interference between the main control board 410 and the ultrasonic generator 220, and ensure the normal operation of the ultrasonic generator 220.

[0035] Furthermore, an isolation transformer 450 is disposed between the ultrasonic generator 220 and the ultrasonic transducer 230. The drive signal generated by the ultrasonic generator 220 is output via the isolation transformer 450, and the input voltage and output voltage of the ultrasonic generator 220 are insulated via the isolation transformer 450, so that even if a user accidentally touches the output voltage, no electric shock circuit is formed, and the safety of use for the user can be ensured.

[0036] Finally, an earth wire (not shown in the figure) may be connected to the housing of the processing vessel 210. This also makes the housing of the processing vessel 210 completely current-free, reducing the risk of electric shock. Even if a leakage current occurs, the presence of the earth wire makes the human body equipotential to the earth, preventing electric shock and further ensuring the safety of the user.

[0037] By combining any one of the above optional embodiments or multiple optional embodiments, the embodiments of the present invention may have the following beneficial effects.

[0038] In the refrigerator 10 equipped with the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 of the present invention, in conjunction with the user's usage scenario, the first signal detection device 310, the second signal detection device 320 and the third signal detection device 330 respectively detect the placement state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200, the open / close state of the door of the refrigerator 10 and the function selection state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200, and only when the three conditions that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is placed in a predetermined position, the door is closed, and the function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 is triggered are simultaneously met, the ultrasonic control device controls the power supply from the power source to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200, thereby realizing multi-layer power supply control and effectively ensuring the safety of user use.

[0039] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 10 equipped with the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200 of the present invention, by providing the control pin 221 in the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device 200, when the relay 420 is closed, the main control board 410 sends a start-up signal to the control pin 221, and the ultrasonic generator 220 selectively sends a drive signal to the ultrasonic vibrator 230 according to the on / off signal, thereby avoiding frequent closing and opening of the relay 420 and ensuring the service life of the relay 420.

[0040] Although several exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail and comprehensively herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or inferred based on the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is intended to cover all such variations or modifications.

Claims

1. a first signal detection device configured to detect a placement state of the ultrasound auxiliary processing device and output a first detection signal corresponding to the placement state; a second signal detection device configured to detect an open / closed state of a door body of the refrigerator and output a second detection signal corresponding to the open / closed state of the door body; a third signal detection device configured to detect a function selection state of the ultrasound auxiliary processing device and output a third detection signal corresponding to the function selection state; and an ultrasonic control device configured to acquire detection results of the first detection signal, the second detection signal, and the third detection signal, and to control the supply of power from a power source to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device after it is determined that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is placed in a predetermined position, the door body is closed, and function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is triggered, The ultrasonic control device includes a main control board and a relay, the main control board is connected to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device via the relay, and is configured to control the relay to be closed after it is determined that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is placed in a predetermined position, a door body is closed, and function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is triggered; The ultrasonic auxiliary processing device includes an ultrasonic generator and an ultrasonic transducer, one end of the ultrasonic generator is connected to the relay and the other end is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and after the relay is closed, the ultrasonic generator is controlled to send a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer; A refrigerator equipped with an ultrasonic auxiliary processing device, wherein a control pin is provided in the ultrasonic generator, a first wiring is connected between the control pin and the main control board, the first wiring is configured to transmit an on / off signal transmitted from the main control board to the control pin, and the ultrasonic generator is configured to selectively transmit a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer in accordance with the on / off signal.

2. 2. The refrigerator equipped with the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a second wiring connected between the control pin and the main control board, the second wiring configured to transmit a fault signal generated by the ultrasonic generator to the main control board, and the main control board configured to control the disconnection of the relay.

3. 2. The refrigerator equipped with the ultrasonic assisted processing device according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic assisted processing device further includes a processing container, the ultrasonic vibrator is fixed to a bottom of the processing container, and an earth wire is connected to a housing of the processing container.

4. A first signal detection device configured to detect a placement state of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device and output a first detection signal corresponding to the placement state; a second signal detection device configured to detect an open / closed state of a door body of the refrigerator and output a second detection signal corresponding to the open / closed state of the door body; a third signal detection device configured to detect a function selection state of the ultrasound auxiliary processing device and output a third detection signal corresponding to the function selection state; and an ultrasonic control device configured to acquire detection results of the first detection signal, the second detection signal, and the third detection signal, and to control the supply of power from a power source to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device after it is determined that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is placed in a predetermined position, the door body is closed, and function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is triggered, The ultrasonic control device includes a main control board and a relay, the main control board is connected to the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device via the relay, and is configured to control the relay to be closed after it is determined that the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is placed in a predetermined position, a door body is closed, and function selection of the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device is triggered; The ultrasonic auxiliary processing device includes an ultrasonic generator and an ultrasonic transducer, one end of the ultrasonic generator is connected to the relay and the other end is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and after the relay is closed, the ultrasonic generator is controlled to send a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer; A refrigerator equipped with an ultrasonic assisted processing device, wherein the ultrasonic assisted processing device further includes a processing container, the ultrasonic vibrator is fixed to a bottom of the processing container, and an earth wire is connected on a housing of the processing container.

5. 5. The refrigerator equipped with the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device according to claim 1, wherein a signal processing module is integrated on the main control board, an input end of the signal processing module is connected to a transmitting end of the first signal detection device, a transmitting end of the second signal detection device, and a transmitting end of the third signal detection device, respectively, and an output end of the signal processing module is connected to the relay.

6. The ultrasonic control device further includes an optocoupler isolator, an input end of the optocoupler isolator is connected to the main control board, and an output end of the optocoupler isolator is connected to the ultrasonic generator. A refrigerator equipped with an ultrasonic assisted processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. 7. The refrigerator equipped with the ultrasonic assisted processing device according to claim 6, wherein the optocoupler isolator is integrated on the main control board, or integrated on the ultrasonic generator, or disposed between the main control board and the ultrasonic generator.

8. An insulating transformer is disposed between the ultrasonic generator and the ultrasonic vibrator, and a drive signal generated by the ultrasonic generator is output via the insulating transformer. A refrigerator equipped with the ultrasonic auxiliary processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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