Electrochemical reaction device and refrigerator having the same

Abstract

The application provides an electrochemical reaction device and a refrigerator with the same. The electrochemical reaction device comprises a shell, at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The shell is formed with an electrolytic cavity for accommodating electrolyte. The first electrode and the second electrode are fixed to the shell and in contact with the electrolyte to react with the electrolyte. The first electrode is arranged to consume reaction gas or generate less reaction gas than the second electrode, and the total area of the at least one second electrode is smaller than the total area of the at least one first electrode. The refrigerator comprises a cabinet, a fresh-keeping container and the electrochemical reaction device in communication with the fresh-keeping container. The application reduces the production cost by making the total area of the second electrode with more reaction gas smaller, and makes the gas generated by the second electrode be discharged more quickly, so that the reaction efficiency of the electrochemical reaction device is improved without increasing energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food preservation, and in particular to an electrochemical reaction device and a refrigerator having the electrochemical reaction device. Background Technology

[0002] Modified atmosphere storage technology extends the shelf life of food by adjusting the composition of ambient gases. Electrochemical reaction devices can process oxygen through chemical reactions at electrodes, creating either a low-oxygen or high-oxygen preservation atmosphere.

[0003] The efficiency of a chemical reaction is usually positively correlated with parameters such as electrode area and power supply voltage. However, increasing the electrode area and power supply voltage will not only occupy more installation space and increase production and operating costs, but will also lead to a faster temperature rise of the electrodes, which puts forward higher requirements for the safety performance, heat dissipation performance and oxygen transport capacity of the reaction device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and to provide an electrochemical reaction apparatus.

[0005] A further objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to reduce production costs.

[0006] Another further objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of exhaust gas.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator having the electrochemical reaction device.

[0008] In particular, the present invention provides an electrochemical reaction apparatus, characterized in that it comprises:

[0009] The casing has an electrolytic cavity for containing the electrolyte; and

[0010] At least one first electrode and at least one second electrode are fixed to the housing and in contact with the electrolyte to react chemically with the electrolyte; wherein,

[0011] The first electrode is configured such that the reaction consumes gas, or the reaction generates less gas than the reaction generated by the second electrode; and

[0012] The total area of ​​the at least one second electrode is less than the total area of ​​the at least one first electrode.

[0013] Optionally, the top and bottom ends of the second electrode are lower than the top and bottom ends of the first electrode, respectively.

[0014] Optionally, the width of the tip of the second electrode is greater than or equal to the width of the tip of the second electrode; and / or

[0015] The tip of the second electrode is located at 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 of the height of the first electrode; and / or

[0016] The number of first electrodes is multiple, and the multiple first electrodes are respectively disposed on both sides of the at least one second electrode.

[0017] Optionally, the width of the bottom end of the first electrode is less than or equal to 500 mm, and the ratio of the width of the bottom end of the second electrode to the width of the bottom end of the first electrode is greater than or equal to 1 / 3; or

[0018] The width of the bottom end of the first electrode is greater than 500 mm, and the ratio of the width of the bottom end of the second electrode to the width of the bottom end of the first electrode is greater than or equal to 1 / 2.

[0019] Optionally, the second electrode includes:

[0020] First reaction section;

[0021] The second reaction section is disposed above the first reaction section; and

[0022] The connecting part is configured to connect the first reaction part and the second reaction part; wherein,

[0023] The maximum width of the connecting portion is less than the minimum width of the first reaction portion and less than the minimum width of the second reaction portion; and / or

[0024] The first reaction section is located below the first electrode; and / or

[0025] The height of the first reaction section is smaller than the height of the second reaction section.

[0026] Optionally, the height of the connecting part is less than or equal to 200 mm, and the ratio of the width to the height of the connecting part is greater than or equal to 1 / 10; or

[0027] The height of the connecting part is greater than 200 mm, and the ratio of the width to the height of the connecting part is greater than or equal to 1 / 8.

[0028] Optionally, the second electrode is in the shape of an inverted right trapezoid.

[0029] Optionally, each of the second electrodes is arranged parallel to and opposite to one of the first electrodes; and

[0030] The distance between the second electrode and its opposite first electrode is 3 mm to 20 mm.

[0031] Optionally, the housing is provided with at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet; and

[0032] The first electrode is configured to consume oxygen entering the housing through the air inlet through a reduction reaction, and the second electrode is configured to generate oxygen through an oxidation reaction and discharge it through the air outlet.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, characterized in that it comprises:

[0034] The enclosure is limited to having at least one storage compartment;

[0035] A food preservation container is provided in one of the aforementioned storage rooms; and

[0036] The electrochemical reaction device described above is configured to be connected to the preservation container to adjust the oxygen content in the preservation container.

[0037] This invention reduces production costs by making the total area of ​​the second electrode, which generates more gas, smaller than the total area of ​​the first electrode, which consumes or generates less gas. It also allows the gas generated by the second electrode to be discharged more quickly. Compared to having the total area of ​​the second electrode equal to that of the first electrode, this invention improves the reaction efficiency of the electrochemical reactor without increasing energy consumption.

[0038] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have creatively recognized that if the gas generated by the second electrode is not discharged as soon as possible, it will adhere to the second electrode or accumulate around the second electrode, affecting the contact between the second electrode and the electrolyte and thus reducing the reaction efficiency. The present invention sets the second electrode with its geometric center lower than that of the first electrode, and makes the bottom and / or middle of the second electrode narrower than its top, reducing the resistance to the upward flow of gas. This allows the gas generated at the top of the second electrode to move upward under the influence of the bubbles formed by the gas generated at the bottom, further improving the reaction efficiency of the electrochemical reaction device.

[0039] Furthermore, the second electrode of the present invention includes a first reaction part, a second reaction part disposed above the first reaction part, and a connecting part connecting the first reaction part and the second reaction part, and the width of the connecting part is smaller than the width of the first reaction part and the second reaction part, thereby further improving the overall gas discharge efficiency and saving energy while saving costs.

[0040] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic isometric view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 Looking from back to front Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a schematic axonometric view, with the outer casing removed.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochemical reaction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic front view of the anode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic front view of the anode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic isometric view of the central replenishment device;

[0048] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of the fluid replenishment device shown;

[0049] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic enlarged view of a portion of the central region A;

[0050] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A schematic full sectional view of the fluid replenishment device shown;

[0051] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic magnified view of a portion of the central region B. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic isometric view of a refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 Looking from back to front Figure 1 A schematic isometric view of the refrigerator 100 shown, with the outer casing 111 removed. See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The refrigerator 100 may include a cabinet, at least one food preservation container 120, an electrochemical reaction device 300, and a liquid replenishment device 200. In this invention, at least one may be one, two, or more than two.

[0053] The enclosure may include an outer casing 111, at least one inner liner 112, and insulation material disposed between the outer casing 111 and at least one inner liner 112. Each inner liner 112 may define a storage compartment. The insulation material may be formed between the outer casing 111 and the inner liner 112 by a foaming process.

[0054] Each preservation container 120 can be installed in a storage room. The electrochemical reaction device 300 can be connected to the preservation container 120 and can adjust the oxygen content in the preservation container 120.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochemical reaction apparatus 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also Figure 3 The electrochemical reaction device 300 may include a housing, at least one first electrode fixed to the housing, and at least one second electrode.

[0056] The housing may have an electrolysis chamber for containing electrolyte. The housing may be provided with at least one air inlet 311 and at least one air outlet 321.

[0057] The first and second electrodes can be fixed to the housing and in contact with the electrolyte to react chemically with it.

[0058] The first electrode can be a cathode 330 that consumes oxygen entering the casing through the air inlet 311 via a reduction reaction (e.g., O2 + 2H2O + 4e- → 4OH-). The cathode 330 can be a conductive oxygen-permeable membrane.

[0059] The second electrode can be an anode 340 that generates oxygen through an oxidation reaction and is discharged from the outlet 321 (e.g., 4OH-→O2+2H2O+4e-).

[0060] The housing may be formed by assembling at least one cathode fixing shell 310 and at least one anode fixing shell 320. Each cathode fixing shell 310 and each anode fixing shell 320 may be provided with at least one cathode 330 and at least one anode 340, respectively.

[0061] An installation box 130 may be provided on the outside of the thermal insulation material. The electrochemical reaction device 300 may be installed inside the installation box 130 for heat dissipation.

[0062] In particular, the total area of ​​the anode 340 can be smaller than that of the cathode 330 to reduce production costs and allow the gas generated by the anode 340 to be discharged more quickly.

[0063] In some embodiments, each anode 340 may be arranged parallel to and opposite to a cathode 330. The distance between the anode 340 and its opposite cathode 330 may be 3 mm to 20 mm, such as 3 mm, 5 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, or 20 mm, to ensure reaction efficiency and improve safety.

[0064] In some embodiments, the top and bottom ends of the anode 340 may be lower than the top and bottom ends of the cathode 330, respectively. That is, the geometric center of the anode 340 may be lower than the geometric center of the cathode 330 to reduce resistance to the upward flow of gas.

[0065] In some further embodiments, the width of the tip of the anode 340 may be greater than or equal to the width of the tip of the anode 340 to ensure reaction efficiency.

[0066] In some further embodiments, the top of the anode 340 may be located at 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 of the height of the cathode 330, in order to reduce the resistance to the upward flow of gas while ensuring reaction efficiency.

[0067] In some embodiments, when the width of the bottom end of the cathode 330 is less than or equal to 500 mm, the ratio of the width of the bottom end of the anode 340 to the width of the bottom end of the cathode 330 can be greater than or equal to 1 / 3; when the width of the bottom end of the cathode 330 is greater than 500 mm, the ratio of the width of the bottom end of the anode 340 to the width of the bottom end of the cathode 330 can be greater than or equal to 1 / 2, so as to effectively utilize the reaction capability of the cathode 330 while allowing the gas generated at the top of the anode 340 to move upward under the influence of the bubbles formed by the gas generated at the bottom.

[0068] In some embodiments, the number of cathodes 330 may be multiple. At least one cathode 330 may be provided on both sides of each anode 340 to make full use of the anode 340 and improve reaction efficiency.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a schematic front view of an anode 340 according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also Figure 4 In some embodiments, the anode 340 may include a first reaction section 341, a second reaction section 342 disposed above the first reaction section 341, and a connecting section 343.

[0070] The connecting part 343 can be configured to connect the first reaction part 341 and the second reaction part 342. The maximum width W2 of the connecting part 343 can be smaller than the minimum width of the first reaction part 341 and smaller than the minimum width of the second reaction part 342, so as to improve the overall gas discharge efficiency and save energy while saving costs.

[0071] In some further embodiments, the first reaction section 341 may be located below the cathode 330 to improve the reaction efficiency of the anode 340 and facilitate gas discharge.

[0072] In some further embodiments, the height of the first reaction section 341 may be smaller than the height of the second reaction section 342, so as to comprehensively improve the reaction efficiency of the anode 340 and avoid material waste.

[0073] In some further embodiments, when the height dimension H of the connecting portion 343 is less than or equal to 200 mm, the ratio of the width dimension W2 of the connecting portion 343 to the height dimension H can be greater than or equal to 1 / 10; when the height dimension H of the connecting portion 343 is greater than 200 mm, the ratio of the width dimension W2 of the connecting portion 343 to the height dimension H can be greater than or equal to 1 / 8, so as to ensure structural strength.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a schematic front view of the anode 340 according to another embodiment of the present invention. See also Figure 5 In other embodiments, the anode 340 may be in the shape of an inverted right trapezoid to facilitate gas venting and simplify the production process.

[0075] In some other embodiments, the anode 340 may also be rectangular.

[0076] It should be noted that the structure of the electrochemical reaction device 300 of the present invention is also applicable to other reaction devices in which the first electrode reaction consumes gas or the gas generated by the reaction is less than the gas generated by the second electrode reaction, such as electrolysis of water to generate oxygen and hydrogen.

[0077] The heat generated during the operation of the electrochemical reaction device 300 not only causes the solvent (water) of the electrolyte to evaporate, but also carries away some of the solvent when the gas is discharged from the gas outlet, affecting the reaction efficiency.

[0078] The electrolyte replenishment device 200 can be used to receive and store the electrolyte that participates in the operation of the electrochemical reaction device 300. The electrolyte replenishment device 200 can be configured to be connected to the electrochemical reaction device 300 to replenish the electrolyte to the electrochemical reaction device 300.

[0079] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Schematic isometric view of the liquid replenishment device 200; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of the fluid replenishment device 200 shown; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic enlarged view of a central region A. See also Figures 6 to 8 Specifically, the electrolyte replenishment device 200 may include a water tank 210 for containing electrolyte, a float 220, a slider 230, and a sensor 240.

[0080] The float 220 can be placed inside the water box 210 and can be configured to move under the buoyancy of the liquid inside the water box 210.

[0081] The slider 230 can be configured to be driven by the float 220 and generate vertical movement.

[0082] The sensor 240 can be configured to detect the position of the slider 230 in the vertical direction to reflect the height of the liquid in the water box 210 and whether water needs to be added to the water box 210.

[0083] The fluid replenishment device 200 of the present invention converts the movement of the float 220 into the lifting and lowering of the slider 230, and controls the fluid replenishment device 200 by detecting the position of the slider 230 through the sensor 240. Compared with directly detecting the position of the float 220 through the sensor 240, the installation position of the sensor 240 is more flexible and less affected by liquid or other components. It has a simple structure, higher accuracy and safety, and helps to reduce the production cost and space occupied by the fluid replenishment device 200.

[0084] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A schematic full sectional view of the fluid replenishment device 200 shown; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic enlarged view of a portion of central region B. See also Figures 7 to 10 In some embodiments, the fluid replenishment device 200 may also include a limiting member 250.

[0085] The limiting member 250 can be disposed in the water box 210 and located above the float 220, forming a first slide 251 extending in the vertical direction.

[0086] One end of the slider 230 can be disposed on the first slide rail 251 and can slide along the first slide rail 251, and the other end can be configured to be movably connected to the float 220 so that the top of the slider 230 can move in the vertical direction.

[0087] In some embodiments, the float 220 may include a float portion 221 and a connecting rod portion 222. The float portion 221 is configured to be buoyant and move under the influence of the liquid in the water box 210.

[0088] The connecting rod 222 can be configured such that one end is rotatably connected to the water box 210 and the other end is connected to the float 221. One end of the sliding member 230 can be movably connected to the connecting rod 222 so that the height change of the liquid in the water box 210 is proportionally reduced to the height change of the sliding member 230.

[0089] In some further embodiments, the slider 230 may include a detection part 231, a driving part 232, and a connecting part 233. The connecting part 233 may be configured to connect the detection part 231 and the driving part 232.

[0090] The detection unit 231 can be disposed on the first slide rail 251 and can slide along the first slide rail 251. The sensor 240 can be configured to detect the position of the detection unit 231 in the vertical direction.

[0091] The float 220 may have a second slide rail 223. The drive unit 232 may be disposed on the second slide rail 223 and slide along the second slide rail 223 to simplify the structure of the slider 230 and reduce production costs. The second slide rail 223 may be formed on the connecting rod portion 222.

[0092] In some further embodiments, the slider 230 may include a detection part 231 and a connecting part 233. One end of the connecting part 233 may be rotatably connected to the detection part 231, and the other end may be rotatably connected to the float 220.

[0093] The sensor 240 can be fixed above the detection unit 231 and is configured to detect the distance between the sensor 240 and the detection unit 231, thereby reflecting the position of the slider 230 in the vertical direction and improving the safety of the sensor 240.

[0094] In some embodiments, the replenishment device 200 may further include a water inlet valve 260. The water inlet valve 260 may be configured to communicate with a water source for injecting water into the water tank 210. The water inlet valve 260 may be located on the top of the water tank 210.

[0095] The inlet valve 260 is configured to allow water to flow out horizontally. The limiting member 250 can be fixed to the bottom of the inlet valve 260. That is, the sensor 240 is located below the inlet valve 260 and within the first slide 251 of the limiting member 250, so as to improve the safety of the sensor 240, eliminate other interference, and have a simple and compact structure, further reducing the volume of the liquid replenishment device 200.

[0096] Specifically, the inlet valve 260 may include an outer cylinder 261 and an inner cylinder 262 disposed inside the outer cylinder 261 and rotatable relative to the outer cylinder 261.

[0097] The outer cylinder 261 and the inner cylinder 262 are respectively provided with a plurality of first through holes 263 and a plurality of second through holes 264. The liquid replenishment device 200 can turn on the water source and the water box 210 by driving one of the outer cylinder 261 and the inner cylinder 262 to rotate (when the projection of at least one second through hole 264 in the radial direction of the outer cylinder 261 intersects or coincides with at least one first through hole 263), or turn off the water source and the water box 210.

[0098] The replenishment device 200 can also adjust the water inlet rate by adjusting the intersection area of ​​the first through hole 263 and the second through hole 264.

[0099] In some embodiments, the top of the water tank 210 may be provided with a replenishment port 211. The replenishment device 200 may also include a cover plate 212 rotatably connected to the water tank 210 for opening and closing the replenishment port 211.

[0100] The water tank 210 can be located at the front of an inner liner 112, with the replenishment port 211 exposed inside the storage compartment, so that the user can manually replenish the electrolyte to the water tank 210.

[0101] The side wall of the water tank 210 near the user can be made of transparent or translucent material, and the water tank 210 can be equipped with a scale 213 to facilitate the user to obtain information on the remaining liquid level.

[0102] The inner tank 112 may have an installation opening. The water box 210 may be installed at the installation opening. Insulation material may be partially installed directly between the water box 210 and the outer casing 111.

[0103] The electrochemical reaction device 300 can be installed on the outside of the insulation material to facilitate heat dissipation and ensure the effective volume of the refrigerator 100.

[0104] In an embodiment where an electrochemical reaction occurs in the electrochemical reaction device 300, the gas outlet of the electrochemical reaction device 300 can be configured to communicate with the water box 210 so that the gas flowing out from the gas outlet can be filtered by the liquid in the water box 210, the solvent can be recovered and the soluble impurities in the gas can be removed.

[0105] The liquid replenishment device 200 may also include a filter pipe 271 and an outlet pipe 272. The filter pipe 271 is connected to the outlet port of the electrochemical reaction device 300, and the bottom end of the filter pipe 271 is inserted into the liquid in the water box 210; the bottom end of the outlet pipe 272 is located above the liquid in the water box 210 and is connected to the preservation container 120.

[0106] The replenishment device 200 may also include a partition 273. The partition 273 is disposed in the water box 210 and horizontally separates the air filter pipe 271 and the air outlet pipe 272 from the water inlet valve 260.

[0107] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. An electrochemical reaction apparatus, characterized in that, include: The shell has an electrolytic cavity for containing the electrolyte; as well as At least one first electrode and at least one second electrode are fixed to the housing and in contact with the electrolyte to react chemically with the electrolyte; wherein, The first electrode is configured such that the reaction consumes gas, or the reaction generates less gas than the reaction generated by the second electrode. The total area of ​​the at least one second electrode is smaller than the total area of ​​the at least one first electrode; The top and bottom ends of the second electrode are respectively lower than the top and bottom ends of the first electrode; and The width of the top of the second electrode is greater than the width of the middle part of the second electrode, and / or the width of the top of the second electrode is greater than the width of the bottom of the second electrode.

2. The electrochemical reaction apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tip of the second electrode is located at 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 of the height of the first electrode; and / or The number of first electrodes is multiple, and the multiple first electrodes are respectively disposed on both sides of the at least one second electrode.

3. The electrochemical reaction apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the bottom end of the first electrode is less than or equal to 500 mm, and the ratio of the width of the bottom end of the second electrode to the width of the bottom end of the first electrode is greater than or equal to 1 / 3; or The width of the bottom end of the first electrode is greater than 500 mm, and the ratio of the width of the bottom end of the second electrode to the width of the bottom end of the first electrode is greater than or equal to 1 / 2.

4. The electrochemical reaction apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second electrode includes: First reaction section; The second reaction section is disposed above the first reaction section; and The connecting part is configured to connect the first reaction part and the second reaction part; wherein, The maximum width of the connecting portion is less than the minimum width of the first reaction portion and less than the minimum width of the second reaction portion; and / or The first reaction section is located below the first electrode; and / or The height of the first reaction section is smaller than the height of the second reaction section.

5. The electrochemical reaction apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The height of the connecting part is less than or equal to 200 mm, and the ratio of the width to the height of the connecting part is greater than or equal to 1 / 10; or The height of the connecting part is greater than 200 mm, and the ratio of the width to the height of the connecting part is greater than or equal to 1 / 8.

6. The electrochemical reaction apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second electrode is in the shape of an inverted right trapezoid.

7. The electrochemical reaction apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the second electrodes is arranged parallel to and opposite to one of the first electrodes; and The distance between the second electrode and its opposite first electrode is 3 mm to 20 mm.

8. The electrochemical reaction apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is provided with at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet; and The first electrode is configured to consume oxygen entering the housing through the air inlet through a reduction reaction, and the second electrode is configured to generate oxygen through an oxidation reaction and discharge it through the air outlet.

9. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The enclosure is limited to having at least one storage compartment; A food preservation container is provided in one of the aforementioned storage rooms; as well as The electrochemical reaction device according to any one of claims 1-8 is configured to be connected to the preservation container to adjust the oxygen content in the preservation container.

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