WO2023169343A1

WO2023169343A1 - Vacuum storage apparatus, control method, and refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2023169343A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/079734
Authority: WO
Inventors: 吕鹏; 张�浩; 娄喜才
Original assignee: 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司; 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority date: 2022-03-09
Filing date: 2023-03-06
Publication date: 2023-09-14
Also published as: CN116772484A

Abstract

Provided in the present invention are a vacuum storage apparatus, a control method, and a refrigerator. The control method for a vacuum storage apparatus comprises: when it is detected that a storage box is placed in a placement recess, acquiring a pressure signal which is received by a pressure sensor and is triggered by an air pressure indication column; and controlling an action of a vacuum pump on the basis of the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor. The present invention has simple vacuuming control logic, easy operation and a high control efficiency.

Description

Vacuum storage device, control method and refrigerator

Technical field

The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigeration and freezing, and in particular to a vacuum storage device, a control method and a refrigerator.

Background technique

With the improvement of people's living standards, consumers' demand for refrigerators is also getting higher and higher. In order to improve the freshness preservation performance of refrigerators, refrigerators with vacuum functions have appeared in the existing technology, and have been favored by consumers. The principle of this kind of refrigerator is to use a vacuum pump to evacuate a certain compartment of the refrigerator. There is a problem of inconvenience in picking up and placing food. In addition, the components of the vacuum preservation part are unreasonably arranged, resulting in a reduction in the effective use volume of the refrigerator.

Contents of the invention

An object of the present invention is to overcome at least one defect in the prior art and provide a vacuum storage device with convenient and rapid air extraction control.

A further object of the invention is to achieve a visual display of the status of the vacuum storage device.

In particular, the present invention provides a method for controlling a vacuum storage device. The vacuum storage device includes an air extraction base and a storage box, wherein a placement slot is formed on the air extraction base, and a first air extraction port is formed at the placement slot. A vacuum pump is also provided in the air extraction base. A storage space is defined in the storage box and an air extraction port is formed. The vacuum pump extracts part or all of the air in the storage space through the first air extraction port and the air extraction port in sequence; the bottom of the storage box An air pressure indicating column connected to the storage space is provided, and a pressure sensor is provided on the air extraction base at a position corresponding to the air pressure indicating column; the method includes:

When it is detected that a storage box is placed in the placement slot, the air pressure received by the pressure sensor is obtained. The pressure signal triggered by the pressure indicating column;

Based on the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor, the action of the vacuum pump is controlled.

Optionally, based on the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor, the step of controlling the action of the vacuum pump includes:

Obtain the location information of the pressure signal;

Compare the position of the pressure signal with a pre-stored pressure signal position set, where the pressure signal position set includes an immediate pumping position and a non-immediate pumping position;

When the pressure signal is in the immediate pumping position, the vacuum pump is controlled to turn on and start pumping.

Optionally, the vacuum storage device further includes: an indicator light; the method further includes:

Based on the position information of the pressure signal, the working state of the indicator light is adjusted to show the state of the vacuum storage device, wherein the working state defines one or more of the color, brightness, and flashing frequency of the indicator light.

Optionally, the non-immediate pumping position includes a first position, a second position, and a third position; based on the position information of the pressure signal, the step of adjusting the working state of the indicator light includes:

When the pressure signal is in the immediate pumping position, the control indicator light is in the first working state to remind the user that pumping is in progress;

When the pressure signal is in the first position, the control indicator light is in the second working state to remind the user that the air needs to be pumped;

When the pressure signal is in the second position, the control indicator light is in the third working state to remind the user that the air can be pumped;

When the pressure signal is in the third position, the control indicator light is in the fourth working state to remind the user that there is no need to pump air.

Optionally, the vacuum storage device is provided in the refrigerator; after detecting that a storage box is placed in the placement slot, the method further includes:

Determine whether the closing time of the refrigerator door is greater than the first preset closing time threshold;

If so, obtain the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor and triggered by the air pressure indicating column.

Optionally, multiple placement slots are formed on the air extraction base, and each placement slot corresponds to a storage tank. storage box, air pressure indicating column and pressure sensor; when no storage box is detected to be placed in the storage slot, the method also includes:

Determine whether the closing time of the door is greater than the second preset closing time threshold;

If so, obtain the position information of the pressure signals of all pressure sensors;

Determine whether there is a pressure signal at the first position;

When there is a pressure signal at the first position, the vacuum pump is controlled to turn on and start pumping.

Optionally, the air extraction base also includes: an air extraction box, which is buckled below the first air extraction port. A second air extraction port is provided on the air extraction box to connect to the vacuum pump, and an overpressure relief valve is provided in the air extraction box. ;The steps of controlling the vacuum pump to turn on and start pumping include:

Determine whether the pressure signals of all pressure sensors are in the third position;

If so, control the vacuum pump to shut down;

If not, determine whether the overpressure relief valve operates;

When the overpressure relief valve is activated, the vacuum pump is controlled to shut down.

Optionally, a magnetic switch is also provided at the placement slot, and a magnet is provided on the bottom wall of the storage box corresponding to the magnetic switch; the step of detecting whether a storage box is placed in the placement slot includes:

Detect whether a magnetic switch is triggered;

If so, make sure a storage box is placed in the slot.

The invention also provides a vacuum storage device, including:

An air extraction base has a placement groove formed on it, and a first air extraction port is formed at the placement groove. A vacuum pump is also provided in the air extraction base, and an indicator light is also provided on the air extraction base;

The storage box includes a box body and a lid body. The box body includes an inner box body and an outer box body. The inner box body defines a storage space; the outer box body is set outside the inner box body and has a gap between it and the inner box body. , an air extraction port is formed on the outer box, and the vacuum pump sequentially extracts part or all of the gas in the storage space through the first air extraction port, the air extraction port, and the gap; the bottom of the outer box is provided with an air pressure indicating column connected to the storage space, and the air is extracted A pressure sensor is provided on the base at a position corresponding to the air pressure indicating column; and

The controller includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a machine executable program. When the machine executable program is executed by the processor, the aforementioned control method is implemented.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator having the aforementioned vacuum storage device.

The vacuum storage device of the present invention is provided with an air pressure indicating column connected to the storage space at the bottom of the storage box, and a pressure sensor is provided on the air extraction base at a position corresponding to the air pressure indicating column, thereby detecting the presence of stored items. The box is placed into the slot to obtain the pressure signal triggered by the air pressure indicating column received by the pressure sensor, and then the action of the vacuum pump is controlled based on the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor, making the pumping control logic of the vacuum storage device simple. , easy to operate and high control efficiency. The vacuum storage device of the present invention forms a placement groove on the air extraction base, forms a first air extraction port at the placement groove, sets a vacuum pump in the air extraction base, forms a storage box with an air extraction port, and the vacuum pump passes through the first air extraction port in sequence. , the air extraction port extracts part or all of the air in the storage space, so that the same air extraction base can be used for a variety of storage boxes, with a wider range of applications, and can easily access ingredients into the storage box, improving the user experience.

Furthermore, the vacuum storage device of the present invention also includes an indicator light, and the working state of the indicator light is adjusted based on the position information of the pressure signal, so that the status of the vacuum storage device can be intuitively and clearly displayed, further improving the user experience. .

From the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will further understand the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention.

Description of the drawings

Some specific embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in the drawings identify the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the attached picture:

Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator equipped with a vacuum storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the door lining and vacuum storage device of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is an exploded exploded view of the vacuum storage device of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the box body and the air extraction base of the vacuum storage device shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the air extraction box and the overpressure relief valve of the vacuum storage device shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the components of the vacuum storage device shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of the control method of the vacuum storage device shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 8 is a detailed flow chart of the control method of the vacuum storage device shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 9 is another detailed flowchart of the control method of the vacuum storage device shown in FIG. 3 .

Detailed ways

Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator 100 equipped with a vacuum storage device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the door lining 120 and the vacuum storage device 200 of the refrigerator 100 shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is an exploded exploded view of the vacuum storage device 200 of the refrigerator 100 shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the box 406 and the air extraction base 300 of the vacuum storage device 200 shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the air extraction box 304 and the overpressure relief valve 345 of the vacuum storage device 200 shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the components of the vacuum storage device 200 shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of the control method of the vacuum storage device 200 shown in FIG. 3 .

The embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator 100, which may generally include a box body 101, a door body 102, and a vacuum storage device 200. The box 101 defines at least one storage compartment with an open front side, usually multiple storage compartments, such as a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a changing room, and the like. The number and functions of specific storage compartments can be configured according to prior needs. The storage temperature of the refrigerator can be 2 to 9°C, or 4 to 7°C; the storage temperature of the freezer can be -22 to -14 ℃. The greenhouse can be adapted to suit your needs, to store suitable foods, or as a fresh storage room. In the refrigerator 100 shown in FIG. 1 , a pivoting door 102 is provided on the front side of the refrigerator compartment, the first drawer 103 is a changing compartment, and the second drawer 104 is a freezing compartment. Storage rooms can be cooled by a compression refrigeration system. The vacuum storage device 200 is disposed inside the door body 102 , and the air extraction base 300 is fixed to the door lining 120 of the door body 102 . The vacuum storage device 200 can be precious food materials (such as ginseng, Sea cucumber, wolfberry, tonic herbs, condiments, etc.) provide a sealed space, and vacuum processing is performed in the sealed space to reduce oxidative deterioration and prevent the odor of the food ingredients. At the same time, since the vacuum storage device 200 is disposed inside the door 102, it can be easily accessed by the user at any time without having to go deep into the box 101 to pick up and place food. As shown in FIG. 2 , a hanging ear 121 is provided on the inside of the door lining 120 , and a hanging slot 314 is formed on the air extraction base 300 of the vacuum storage device 200 . By fitting the hanging slot 314 on the hanging ear 121 , the door body 102 can be installed. A vacuum storage device 200 is provided inside.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the vacuum storage device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention generally includes: an air extraction base 300 and a storage box 400 . A placement groove 311 is formed on the air extraction base 300, and a first air extraction port 310 is formed at the placement groove 311. A vacuum pump 302 is also provided in the air extraction base 300 . A storage space 410 is defined in the storage box 400 and an air extraction port 420 is formed therein. The vacuum pump 302 sequentially extracts part or all of the air in the storage space 410 through the first air extraction port 310 and the air extraction port 420 . The bottom of the storage box 400 is provided with an air pressure indicating column 601 that communicates with the storage space 410 . A pressure sensor 602 is provided on the air extraction base 300 at a position corresponding to the air pressure indicating column 601 . As shown in Figure 7, the control method of the vacuum storage device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

S102: When it is detected that the storage box 400 is placed in the placement slot 311, obtain the pressure signal triggered by the air pressure indicating column 601 received by the pressure sensor 602;

S104: Based on the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor 602, control the action of the vacuum pump 302.

The vacuum storage device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with an air pressure indicating column 601 connected to the storage space 410 at the bottom of the storage box 400, and a pressure sensor 602 is provided on the air extraction base 300 at a position corresponding to the air pressure indicating column 601. Furthermore, when it is detected that the storage box 400 is placed in the placement slot 311, the pressure signal triggered by the air pressure indicating column 601 received by the pressure sensor 602 can be obtained, and then the vacuum pump 302 can be controlled based on the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor 602. The action makes the air extraction control logic of the vacuum storage device 200 simple, easy to operate, and high in control efficiency.

The vacuum storage device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention forms a placement groove 311 on the air extraction base 300, forms a first air extraction port 310 at the placement groove 311, and sets a vacuum in the air extraction base 300. The air pump 302 and the storage box 400 are formed with an air extraction port 420. The vacuum pump 302 sequentially extracts part or all of the air in the storage space 410 through the first air extraction port 310 and the air extraction port 420, so that the same air extraction base 300 can be applied to a variety of storage spaces. The storage box 400 has a wider application range, and can easily access ingredients into the storage box 400, thereby improving the user experience. The air pressure indicating column 601 is connected with the storage space 410. The air pressure indicating column 601 is deformed up and down due to the different air pressure inside the storage space 410. Therefore, when the storage box 400 is placed at the placement slot 311, the air pressure indicating column 601 will be aligned with the storage space 410. The pressure of the pressure sensor 602 is different, so that the difference of the air pressure inside the storage space 410 can be shown according to the difference of the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor 602, and then whether the vacuum pump 302 can be evacuated can be controlled.

The storage box 400 of the vacuum storage device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is detachably fixed to the air extraction base 300. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the storage box 400 includes a box body 406 and a cover body 500. The box body 406 includes an inner box body 401 and an outer box body 402, wherein the inner box body 401 defines a storage space 410; the outer box body 401 defines a storage space 410; The box body 402 is set outside the inner box body 401 and has a gap 403 between it and the inner box body 401. An air extraction port 420 is formed on the outer box body 402. The vacuum pump 302 is drawn out through the first air extraction port 310, the air extraction port 420, and the gap 403 in sequence. Some or all of the gas in the storage space 410. By arranging the storage box 400 to include an inner box 401 and an outer box 402, and by placing the outer box 402 outside the inner box 401 with a gap 403 between it and the inner box 401, the outer box 402 The air extraction port 420 is formed so that the vacuum pump 302 sequentially extracts part or all of the gas in the storage space 410 through the first air extraction port 310, the air extraction port 420, and the gap 403, so as to avoid the food materials in the storage space 410 from falling and blocking the air extraction port 420. . The cover 500 can be configured to be detachably sealed and fixed with the outer box 402 to open and close the storage space 410 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , an air pressure indicating column 601 connected to the storage space 410 is provided at the bottom of the outer box 402 , and a pressure sensor 602 is provided on the air extraction base 300 at a position corresponding to the air pressure indicating column 601 . Specifically, the peripheral area of the bottom wall of the outer box 402 bulges upward to form a space for accommodating the air pressure indicating column 601. A through hole 421 is opened at the top of the raised portion, and the top of the air pressure indicating column 601 is provided corresponding to the through hole 421. The air pressure indicating column 601 may be an elastic deformation member. The bottom end of the air pressure indicating column 601 deforms upward or downward depending on the air pressure inside the storage space 410 .

The vacuum storage device 200 of the embodiment of the present invention also includes: a controller 305, including a memory 352 and a processor 351, where the memory 352 stores a machine executable program 353. When the machine executable program 353 is executed by the processor 351, the aforementioned Control Method.

FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of the control method of the vacuum storage device 200 shown in FIG. 3 . The control method of the vacuum storage device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

S202: Determine whether a storage box 400 is placed in the placement slot 311. When the judgment result in step S202 is yes, step S204 is executed.

S204: Acquire the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor 602 and triggered by the air pressure indicating column 601.

S206: Obtain the position information of the pressure signal.

S208: Compare the position of the pressure signal with a pre-stored pressure signal position set, where the pressure signal position set includes an immediate pumping position and a non-immediate pumping position.

S210: When the pressure signal is at the immediate pumping position, control the vacuum pump 302 to turn on and start pumping.

The pressure sensor 602 will be displaced when it is touched by the air pressure indicating column 601 . Due to the different air pressure inside the storage space 410, the pressure transmitted from the air pressure indicating column 601 to the pressure sensor 602 is different, the displacement of the pressure sensor 602 is different, and the pressure signal is in a different position. The pre-stored pressure signal position set may be determined through multiple tests during the manufacturing process of the vacuum storage device 200 . The immediate pumping position means that the pressure of the storage space 410 has been almost completely released, and the pressure margin of the storage space 410 is completely unable to meet the vacuum storage conditions. In the control method of the vacuum storage device 200 in the embodiment of the present invention, by obtaining the position information of the pressure signal and comparing the position of the pressure signal with a pre-stored pressure signal position set, the vacuum pump is controlled when the pressure signal is in the immediate pumping position. 302 is turned on. Compared with using the numerical value of the pressure value of the pressure sensor 602 to control the control logic of the vacuum pump 302, the control method of the embodiment of the present invention is simpler and the control efficiency is higher.

As shown in FIG. 4 , a magnetic switch 307 is also provided at the placement slot 311 , and a magnet 405 is provided on the bottom wall of the storage box 400 corresponding to the magnetic switch 307 . Magnet 405 may be a block magnet. In step S202, the step of detecting whether a storage box 400 is placed in the placement slot 311 includes:

Detect whether the magnetic switch 307 is triggered;

If so, it is determined that the storage box 400 is placed in the placement slot 311 .

In some embodiments, the vacuum storage device 200 of the embodiment of the present invention also includes: an indicator light 603; the control method further includes: based on the position information of the pressure signal, adjusting the working state of the indicator light 603 to show that the vacuum storage device 200 The working state is defined to be one or more of the color, brightness, and flashing frequency of the indicator light 603. The vacuum storage device 200 in the embodiment of the present invention is configured to further include an indicator light 603 and adjusts the working state of the indicator light 603 based on the position information of the pressure signal, so that the status of the vacuum storage device 200 can be intuitively and clearly displayed. , to further enhance user experience. The indicator light 603 may be integrated on the air extraction base 300 , for example, on a side of the air extraction base 300 facing the user. The indicator light 603 may also be provided away from the air extraction base 300 , for example, on the display screen of the door 102 of the refrigerator 100 . Alternatively, an indicator light 603 can be provided on the air extraction base 300, and an indicator light 603 icon can be provided on the display screen of the door body 102.

In some embodiments, in the control method of the vacuum storage device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the non-immediate pumping position includes a first position, a second position, and a third position; based on the position information of the pressure signal, the indicator light 603 is adjusted The steps for working status include:

When the pressure signal is in the immediate pumping position, the control indicator light 603 is in the first working state to remind the user that the pump is being pumped;

When the pressure signal is in the first position, the control indicator light 603 is in the second working state to remind the user that the air needs to be pumped;

When the pressure signal is in the second position, the control indicator light 603 is in the third working state to remind the user that the air can be pumped;

When the pressure signal is in the third position, the control indicator light 603 is in the fourth working state to remind the user that there is no need to pump air.

When the pressure signal is in the first position, it means that the pressure in the storage space 410 has been relieved but not completely. It needs to be pumped out but does not need to be pumped out immediately. The pressure signal is in the second position, which means the storage is empty. The pressure margin of room 410 is close to the critical value, which can basically meet the vacuum storage conditions, and it can be pumped or not. When the pressure signal is in the third position, it means that the pressure margin of the storage space 410 is sufficient to meet the vacuum storage conditions, and there is no need to pump air. By setting the non-immediate air pumping positions to include the first position, the second position, and the third position, respectively corresponding to the states of the storage space 410 that need to be pumped, can be pumped, and do not need to be pumped, the impact on the storage space 410 is covered. The storage effect and several important air pressure nodes of the switch of the vacuum pump 302 allow the user to intuitively know the status of the vacuum storage device 200. At the same time, the pressure signal position set is not too complicated, and the working status of the indicator light 603 is not too many, reducing costs and energy. Consumption. The first working state of the indicator light 603 may be to flash twice repeatedly, the second working state may be to flash slowly, the third working state may be to flash quickly, and the fourth working state may be to be always on.

In some embodiments, the vacuum storage device 200 of the embodiment of the present invention is installed in the refrigerator 100; after detecting that the storage box 400 is placed in the placement slot 311, the control method further includes:

Determine whether the closing time of the door 102 of the refrigerator 100 is greater than the first preset closing time threshold;

If so, obtain the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor 602 and triggered by the air pressure indicating column 601 .

When the closing time of the door 102 exceeds the first preset closing time threshold, it means that the door 102 has been in a closed state for a period of time after the storage box 400 is placed, which means that the user will not take or store it again in a short period of time. The storage box 400 can obtain the pressure signal at this time to control the vacuum pump 302. By adding the step of determining the closing time of the door 102, it is possible to avoid the problem that the user keeps taking/storing the storage box 400 in a short period of time, which may cause the vacuum pump 302 to open and close continuously, thereby accelerating the life span of the vacuum pump 302. The closing time of the door 102 can be realized by setting the door detection device 604 to sense the closing time of the door switch. The first preset door closing duration threshold may be, for example, 5-10 minutes.

In some embodiments, a plurality of placement slots 311 are formed on the air extraction base 300 of the embodiment of the present invention, and each placement slot 311 corresponds to a storage box 400, an air pressure indicating column 601 and a pressure sensor 602 respectively; when no detection There is a storage box 400 placed in the placement slot 311. The control method Also includes:

Determine whether the closing time of the door 102 is greater than the second preset closing time threshold;

If so, obtain the position information of the pressure signals of all pressure sensors 602;

Determine whether there is a pressure signal at the first position;

When there is a pressure signal at the first position, the vacuum pump 302 is controlled to turn on and start pumping.

When it is not detected that the storage box 400 is placed in the placement slot 311 and the closing time of the door 102 exceeds the second preset closing time threshold, it means that the door 102 is always in a closed state. At this time, the position information of the pressure signals of all pressure sensors 602 is obtained. When there is a pressure signal at the first position, it means that there is a storage box 400 that needs to be pumped, and the vacuum pump 302 is controlled to be turned on to pump to ensure that all stored items The storage effect of box 400.

In some embodiments, the air extraction base 300 of the embodiment of the present invention further includes: an air extraction box 304, which is buckled below the first air extraction port 310. The air extraction box 304 is provided with a second air extraction port 340 to communicate with the vacuum pump 302. connected, and an overpressure relief valve 345 is provided in the air extraction box 304; the step of controlling the vacuum pump 302 to open and starting air extraction also includes:

Determine whether the pressure signals of all pressure sensors 602 are in the third position;

If so, control the vacuum pump 302 to shut down;

If not, determine whether the overpressure relief valve 345 has acted;

When the overpressure relief valve 345 is activated, the vacuum pump 302 is controlled to shut down.

By setting the air extraction box 304 and introducing the overpressure relief valve 345, the switch control of the vacuum pump 302 can be made more precise. When the pressure signals of all pressure sensors 602 are in the third position, it means that the pressure of all storage boxes 400 has reached the target. If the unevenness is in the third position, it is determined whether the overpressure relief valve 345 has a pressure relief action. If the overpressure relief valve 345 has a pressure relief action, it means that the pressure has been relieved after exceeding the target, and there is no need to pump air again; if the overpressure relief valve 345 has no pressure relief action, it means that the pressure of at least one storage box 400 has not reached the target. , need to continue pumping. Whether the overpressure relief valve 345 operates can be determined by setting an action detection device 605 .

The air extraction box 304 of the air extraction base 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention is arranged in the base 301 and buckled Located below the first air extraction port 310, the air extraction box 304 is provided with a second air extraction port 340; the vacuum pump 302 and the second air extraction port 340 are connected through an air extraction pipeline (not shown in the figure). By providing the air extraction box 304, the connection between the vacuum pump 302 and the first air extraction port 310 can be made easier. As shown in FIG. 5 , an overpressure relief port 342 is provided on the bottom wall of the air extraction box 304 of the air extraction base 300 in the embodiment of the present invention; the overpressure relief valve 345 includes a second spring 343 provided in the air extraction box 304 and a sealing gasket 344, wherein the sealing gasket 344 is disposed at the overpressure relief port 342. One end of the second spring 343 abuts the inside of the top wall of the seat 301, and the other end abuts the sealing gasket 344. By arranging the overpressure relief port 342 on the bottom wall of the air extraction box 304, various parts of the structure and components of the vacuum storage device 200 can be protected, the air pressure can be controlled to be stable, and the negative pressure encountered when the storage box 400 is exhausted can be avoided. Too big a problem. Specifically, when the air pressure in the air extraction box 304 is less than the rated air pressure, the second spring 343 will move upward along with the sealing gasket 344 due to the external atmospheric pressure, and the overpressure relief port 342 will open, allowing the inside of the air extraction box 304 to communicate with the outside air. , the internal air pressure of the air extraction box 304 no longer drops and stabilizes at the rated air pressure, thus avoiding the problem of excessive air extraction negative pressure in the storage box 400. When the air extraction base 300 has multiple first air extraction ports 310, the number of the air extraction boxes 304 may be one or multiple. The number of overpressure relief valves 345 may be one or multiple.

FIG. 9 is another detailed flowchart of the control method of the vacuum storage device 200 shown in FIG. 3 . The control method of the vacuum storage device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

S302: Whether any magnetic switch 307 is triggered. When the judgment result in step S302 is yes, step S304 is executed. When the judgment result in step S302 is no, step S318 is executed.

S304: Determine whether the closing time of the door 102 of the refrigerator 100 is greater than the first preset closing time threshold. When the judgment result in step S304 is yes, step S306 is executed.

S306: Obtain the pressure signal triggered by the air pressure indicating column 601 and received by the pressure sensor 602.

S308: Compare the position of the pressure signal with a pre-stored pressure signal position set, where the pressure signal position set includes an immediate air pumping position and a non-immediate air pumping position, and the non-immediate air pumping position includes the first position, the second position, and the third position. .

S310: When the pressure signal is in the immediate pumping position, control the vacuum pump 302 to turn on and start pumping; at the same time, control the indicator light 603 to the first working state to remind the user that pumping is in progress.

S312: When the pressure signal is in the first position, control the indicator light 603 to the second working state to remind the user that he needs to pump air.

S314: When the pressure signal is in the second position, control the indicator light 603 to the third working state to remind the user that the air can be pumped.

S316: When the pressure signal is in the third position, control the indicator light 603 to the fourth working state to remind the user that there is no need to pump air.

S318: Determine whether the closing time of the door 102 is greater than the second preset closing duration threshold. When the determination result in step S318 is yes, step S320 is executed.

S320: Obtain the position information of the pressure signals of all pressure sensors 602.

S322: Determine whether there is a pressure signal at the first position. When the determination result in step S322 is yes, steps S324 to S330 are executed.

S324: When there is a pressure signal at the first position, control the vacuum pump 302 to turn on and start pumping.

S326: Determine whether the pressure signals of all pressure sensors 602 are in the third position. When the determination result in step S326 is yes, step S330 is executed. When the judgment result in step S326 is no, step S328 is executed.

S328: Determine whether the overpressure relief valve 345 has acted. When the judgment result in step S328 is yes, step S330 is executed.

S330: Control the vacuum pump 302 to shut down.

The control logic of the vacuum storage device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is simple, easy to operate, has high control efficiency, and can intuitively and clearly display the status of the vacuum storage device 200, further improving the user experience.

The structure of the vacuum storage device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be further described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .

The air extraction base 300 is usually formed with a plurality of placement slots 311, and each placement slot 311 is A first air extraction port 310 is formed, and the number of the vacuum pump 302 can be one. Each storage box 400 defines a storage space 410 and is formed with an air extraction port 420. The vacuum pump 302 passes through the first air extraction port 310 and the air extraction port 420 in sequence. Extract part or all of the air in the storage space 410; by integrating a vacuum pump 302 in the air extraction base 300, multiple storage boxes 400 can be evacuated simultaneously, making the structure of the air extraction components simple.

The air extraction port 420 is provided on the bottom wall of the outer box body 402 of the storage box 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The storage box 400 in the embodiment of the present invention also includes: a box exhaust switch 404, which is disposed at the air exhaust port 420. The box exhaust switch 404 is an elastic member and is configured such that: the vacuum pump 302 is turned on, and the box exhaust switch 404 moves downward due to the suction force to form an air extraction channel with the air extraction port 420; after the air extraction is completed, the box air extraction switch 404 recovers its deformation upward and closes the air extraction port 420. By setting the box air extraction switch 404, the air extraction port 420 of the storage box 400 can remain sealed after the air extraction is completed. The user can continue to place the storage box 400 on the air extraction base 300, or place the storage box 400 on the air extraction base 300. When the storage box 400 is placed in another space of the refrigerator 100, or the storage box 400 is placed outside the refrigerator 100, the storage box 400 can still maintain a vacuum state, so that the vacuum storage device 200 has various application modes. Specifically, the box exhaust switch 404 may have a vertical portion (not numbered in the figure), a plurality of first horizontal portions (not numbered in the figure) and a second horizontal portion (not numbered in the figure), wherein the box exhaust The vertical portion of the switch 404 is provided through the air extraction port 420 and has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the air extraction port 420. One end of the switch 404 located inside the outer box 402 is provided with a plurality of first horizontal portions spaced along its circumferential direction. A second horizontal part is provided at one end of the exterior. When the vacuum pump 302 is turned on, the box exhaust switch 404 moves downward as a whole, and an exhaust channel is formed between the vertical part of the box exhaust switch 404 and the exhaust port 420, and the exhaust port 420 is opened; after the exhaust is completed, due to When the negative pressure in the air extraction base 300 disappears, the negative pressure in the storage box 400 will cause the second horizontal part to closely adhere to the outer box body 402, thereby acting as a seal.

A first air extraction port 310 is provided on the top wall of the air extraction base 300 of the vacuum storage device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The air extraction base 300 also includes: a base air extraction switch 303, which is provided at the first air extraction port 310, and is configured such that the storage box 400 is placed at the first air extraction port 310, and the base air extraction switch 303 is controlled by the storage box 400. The force of gravity moves downward and between the first air suction port 310 and An air extraction channel is formed; the storage box 400 is removed from the air extraction base 300, and the base air extraction switch 303 moves upward to close the first air extraction port 310. As shown in FIG. 4 , the air extraction base 300 includes a base 301 , and a first air extraction port 310 is opened on the top wall of the base 301 . The air extraction base 300 of the embodiment of the present invention configures the base air extraction switch 303 so that when the storage box 400 is placed at the first air extraction port 310, the air extraction base 300 closes the air extraction port 310 based on the gravity of the storage box 400. An air extraction channel is formed, and after the storage box 400 is removed, the base air extraction switch 303 moves upward to close the first air extraction port 310, so that the opening and closing structure of the first air extraction port 310 of the air extraction base 300 is very clever, and The opening and closing of the first air extraction port 310 are related to the placement of the storage box 400 , which can avoid the problem of the first air extraction port 310 being exposed and causing particles and other debris to enter the air extraction base 300 when the storage box 400 is not placed. , can maintain the internal cleanliness of the air extraction base 300 for a long time.

Specifically, the base air extraction switch 303 of the air extraction base 300 in the embodiment of the present invention may include: a valve body 331, a first spring 332 and a first sealing ring 333; wherein the valve body 331 has a horizontal part (not numbered in the figure) and The vertical part (not numbered in the figure) extends downward from the horizontal part. The vertical part of the valve body 331 is provided through the first air extraction port 310. The outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the first air extraction port 310 and an annular groove is formed in the lower part (Fig. (not numbered); the first spring 332 is sleeved outside the vertical part of the valve body 331 and is sandwiched between the horizontal part of the valve body 331 and the top wall of the air extraction base 300; the first sealing ring 333 is sleeved in the annular The outer diameter of the groove is larger than the inner diameter of the first air extraction port 310 . By arranging the base air extraction switch 303 to include the valve body 331, the first spring 332 and the first sealing ring 333, the structure of the base air extraction switch 303 is easy to configure and has low cost. When the storage box 400 is placed in the air extraction base 300, when the valve body 331 of the base air extraction switch 303 moves downward under the gravity of the storage box 400, the first spring 332 is compressed, and the first sealing ring 333 moves downward, the first air extraction port 310 is opened, and the outer diameter of the vertical part is smaller than the inner diameter of the first air extraction port 310 so that an air extraction channel is formed between the vertical part and the first air extraction port 310; when the storage box is When 400 is removed from the air extraction base 300, the first spring 332 recovers its deformation upward, and the first sealing ring 333 moves upward to block the gap between the first air extraction port 310 and the vertical part, thereby closing the first air extraction port 310.

In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that for the vacuum storage device 200, the term For the orientation or positional relationship indicated by "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in Figure 2. At the same time, this is only to facilitate the description of the present invention and simplify the description, but does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the invention.

By now, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although a number of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, the disclosed embodiments may still be practiced in accordance with the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The content directly identifies or leads to many other variations or modifications consistent with the principles of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed to cover all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

A control method for a vacuum storage device. The vacuum storage device includes an air extraction base and a storage box, wherein a placement groove is formed on the air extraction base, and a first air extraction port is formed at the placement groove, so A vacuum pump is also provided in the air extraction base. A storage space is defined in the storage box and an air extraction port is formed therein. The vacuum pump extracts the contents of the storage space through the first air extraction port and the air extraction port in sequence. part or all of the air; the bottom of the storage box is provided with an air pressure indicating column connected to the storage space, and a pressure sensor is provided on the air extraction base at a position corresponding to the air pressure indicating column; wherein the method include:

When it is detected that the storage box is placed in the placement slot, obtain the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor and triggered by the air pressure indicating column;

Based on the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor, the action of the vacuum pump is controlled.
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of controlling the action of the vacuum pump based on the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor includes:

Obtain the position information of the pressure signal;

Comparing the position of the pressure signal with a pre-stored pressure signal position set, wherein the pressure signal position set includes an immediate pumping position and a non-immediate pumping position;

When the pressure signal is at the instant pumping position, the vacuum pump is controlled to turn on and start pumping.
The method of claim 2, wherein the vacuum storage device further includes: an indicator light; the method further includes:

Based on the position information of the pressure signal, the working state of the indicator light is adjusted to show the state of the vacuum storage device, wherein the working state defines the color, brightness, and flashing frequency of the indicator light. one or more.
The method according to claim 3, wherein the non-immediate air pumping position includes a first position, a second position, and a third position; and the position information based on the pressure signal adjusts the working state of the indicator light. The steps include:

When the pressure signal is in the immediate pumping position, control the indicator light to the first working state to remind the user that pumping is in progress;

When the pressure signal is in the first position, control the indicator light to a second working state to prompt the user to pump air;

When the pressure signal is in the second position, control the indicator light to a third working state to remind the user that air can be pumped;

When the pressure signal is in the third position, the indicator light is controlled to a fourth working state to remind the user that there is no need to pump air.
The method according to claim 4, wherein the vacuum storage device is installed in the refrigerator; after detecting that the storage box is placed in the placement slot, the method further includes:

Determine whether the closing time of the refrigerator door is greater than the first preset closing time threshold;

If so, obtain the pressure signal received by the pressure sensor and triggered by the air pressure indicating column.
The method according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of placement slots are formed on the air extraction base, and each placement slot corresponds to the storage box, the air pressure indicating column and the pressure Sensor; when it is not detected that the storage box is placed in the placement slot, the method further includes:

Determine whether the closing time of the door is greater than the second preset closing time threshold;

If so, obtain the position information of the pressure signals of all the pressure sensors;

Determine whether there is the pressure signal at the first position;

When the pressure signal at the first position is present, the vacuum pump is controlled to be turned on, Start pumping.
The method according to claim 6, wherein the air extraction base further includes an air extraction box buckled below the first air extraction port, and a second air extraction port is opened on the air extraction box to connect with the first air extraction port. The vacuum pump is connected, and an overpressure relief valve is provided in the air extraction box; the step of controlling the vacuum pump to open and start air extraction also includes:

Determine whether the pressure signals of all the pressure sensors are in the third position;

If so, control the vacuum pump to shut down;

If not, determine whether the overpressure relief valve has acted;

When the overpressure relief valve acts, the vacuum pump is controlled to shut down.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the placement slot is further provided with a magnetic sensitive switch, and the bottom wall of the storage box is provided with a magnet corresponding to the magnetic sensitive switch; detecting whether the storage box is The steps of placing into the placement slot include:

Detect whether the magnetic switch is triggered;

If so, it is determined that the storage box is placed in the placement slot.
A vacuum storage device including:

An air extraction base has a placement slot formed on it, and a first air extraction port is formed at the placement slot. A vacuum pump is also provided in the air extraction base, and an indicator light is also provided on the air extraction base;

The storage box includes a box body and a cover body. The box body includes an inner box body and an outer box body, wherein the inner box body defines a storage space; the outer box body is set outside the inner box body and There is a gap between the outer box and the inner box, and an air extraction port is formed on the outer box. The vacuum pump sequentially extracts the portion of the storage space through the first air extraction port, the air extraction port, and the gap. Or all gas; the bottom of the outer box is provided with a pressure indicating column connected to the storage space, and a pressure sensor is provided on the exhaust base at a position corresponding to the pressure indicating column; and

A controller, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable Program, when the machine executable program is executed by a processor, the control method according to any one of claims 1-8 is implemented.
A refrigerator, characterized by having a vacuum storage device according to claim 9.