Electrolytic oxygen removal device and refrigerator having the same

Abstract

This invention provides an electrolytic oxygen removal device and a refrigerator having the same. The electrolytic oxygen removal device includes: an electrolytic oxygen removal component for performing an electrochemical reaction to consume oxygen under the action of an electrolytic voltage; and a shell defining a reaction space and a liquid storage space. The reaction space is used to assemble the electrolytic oxygen removal component, and the liquid storage space is used to hold liquid and is connected to the reaction space to replenish the reaction space. The electrolytic oxygen removal device of this invention can replenish the reaction space using its own liquid storage space, thus enabling the device to have its own liquid replenishment function. It features a compact structure and high safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to food preservation equipment, and more particularly to an electrolytic deoxygenation device and a refrigerator having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Electrolytic deoxygenation devices can consume oxygen through electrochemical reactions, thereby reducing the oxygen concentration in the working environment.

[0003] The inventors recognized that the electrochemical reaction in the electrolytic oxygen desiccation device needs to take place in an electrolyte, which is consumed and gradually decreases as the electrochemical reaction continues. When the electrolyte level decreases to a certain point, it affects the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction and may even prevent the reaction from taking place at all. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and to provide an electrolytic deoxygenation device and a refrigerator having the same.

[0005] A further objective of the present invention is to enable the electrolytic deoxygenation device to have its own liquid replenishment function.

[0006] Another further objective of the present invention is to simplify the structure of an electrolytic deoxygenation device with a liquid replenishment function.

[0007] Another further objective of the present invention is to maintain a high liquid level in the reaction space of the electrolytic deoxygenation device at all times.

[0008] Another further objective of the present invention is to improve the deoxygenation efficiency of the electrolytic deoxygenation device.

[0009] In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, an electrolytic oxygen removal device is provided, comprising: an electrolytic oxygen removal component for performing an electrochemical reaction to consume oxygen under the action of an electrolytic voltage; and a housing defining a reaction space and a liquid storage space therein; wherein the reaction space is used to assemble the electrolytic oxygen removal component, and the liquid storage space is used to hold liquid and communicates with the reaction space to replenish the reaction space.

[0010] Optionally, the electrolytic deoxygenation device further includes: a first partition, disposed inside the housing, to separate a reaction space and a liquid storage space inside the housing; and the first partition has a first communication port for connecting the reaction space and the liquid storage space.

[0011] Optionally, the first partition is vertically arranged so that the reaction space and the liquid storage space are horizontally parallel; and the first connecting port is located in the bottom section of the first partition.

[0012] Optionally, a liquid inlet is provided on the shell, which connects the liquid storage space with the external environment of the shell, so as to allow liquid from the external environment of the shell to flow into the liquid storage space.

[0013] Optionally, the electrolytic deoxygenation device further includes: a replenishment container, which forms a replenishment space for storing liquid, and the replenishment container is provided with a supply port for connecting to the replenishment port to replenish the liquid storage space.

[0014] Optionally, the electrolytic deoxygenation device further includes: a liquid level switch, which has a switch body, is disposed in the liquid storage space and is correspondingly disposed with the liquid replenishment port, and is used to open or close the liquid replenishment port according to the movement of the liquid level in the liquid storage space.

[0015] Optionally, the level switch further includes: a float, fixedly connected to the switch body or integral with the switch body, for moving the switch body by floating or sinking around a shaft within the liquid storage space; a rotating shaft, fixed to the liquid storage space; and a connector, fixedly connected to the float or integral with the float, having a shaft hole formed therein for the rotating shaft to extend into, thereby achieving a rotatable connection; the connector also has a mounting hole for a portion of the switch body to be inserted therein, thereby achieving a fixed assembly.

[0016] Optionally, the reaction space is internally defined by multiple reaction subspaces; and there are multiple electrolytic deoxygenation components, which are set one-to-one with the reaction subspaces, with each electrolytic deoxygenation component set in a reaction subspace.

[0017] Optionally, the electrolytic deoxygenation device further includes: at least one second partition, disposed within the reaction space, to divide the interior of the reaction space into multiple reaction subspaces; each second partition is provided with a second connecting port for connecting adjacent reaction subspaces; and each second partition is vertically disposed, such that the multiple reaction subspaces are arranged horizontally side by side; the second connecting port is located in the bottom section of the corresponding second partition.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, a refrigerator is also provided, comprising an electrolytic deoxygenation device as described in any of the above claims.

[0019] The electrolytic deoxygenation device and the refrigerator having the present invention define a reaction space and a liquid storage space within the housing of the electrolytic deoxygenation device, assemble an electrolytic deoxygenation component within the reaction space, and connect the liquid storage space with the reaction space. This allows the electrolytic deoxygenation device to replenish the reaction space using its own liquid storage space, thus enabling the electrolytic deoxygenation device to have a liquid replenishment function.

[0020] Furthermore, the electrolytic deoxygenation device and the refrigerator incorporating it of the present invention integrate the reaction space and the liquid storage space within the housing, forming an integrated liquid replenishment-consumption structure. This greatly simplifies the overall structure of the device and reduces the number of necessary components; for example, the piping structure connecting the liquid storage space and the reaction space can be omitted. Moreover, since the liquid replenishment process can be carried out inside the housing, this improves the safety of the liquid replenishment process.

[0021] Furthermore, in the electrolytic deoxygenation device and refrigerator of the present invention, since a liquid replenishment port is provided on the shell, which connects the liquid storage space to the external environment of the shell, when the liquid storage space decreases, liquid can be replenished from the outside of the shell to the liquid storage space. This allows the liquid storage space to continuously supply electrolyte to the reaction space, thereby keeping the liquid level in the reaction space of the electrolytic deoxygenation device at a high level.

[0022] Furthermore, the electrolytic deoxygenation device and the refrigerator having the present invention, since there are multiple electrolytic deoxygenation components and each electrolytic deoxygenation component is located in a reaction subspace that can receive electrolyte from the storage space, can ensure that multiple electrolytic deoxygenation components can carry out electrochemical reactions simultaneously. Therefore, the electrolytic deoxygenation device of the present invention has a high deoxygenation efficiency.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electrolytic oxygen desiccant device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the casing of the electrolytic deoxygenation device shown;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electrolytic deoxygenation device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electrolytic oxygen desorption apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5This is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid level switch of an electrolytic deoxygenation device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic exploded view of the level switch of the electrolytic deoxygenation device shown;

[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of the level switch of the electrolytic deoxygenation device shown;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 of this embodiment is used to be installed on a refrigerator 1 and is used to consume the oxygen in the storage space of the refrigerator 1 through an electrochemical reaction, thereby assisting the refrigerator 1 in creating a low-oxygen preservation atmosphere.

[0034] The electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 may generally include an electrolytic deoxygenation assembly 100 and a housing 200.

[0035] The electrolytic oxygen removal component 100 is used to carry out an electrochemical reaction to consume oxygen under the action of an electrolysis voltage. The electrolytic oxygen removal component 100 may include multiple electrochemical reaction elements for carrying out the electrochemical reaction. The electrochemical reaction can refer to any electrochemical reaction using oxygen as a reactant, such as the reaction of electrolyzing water.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the electrolytic oxygenation device 10. The interior of the housing 200 defines a reaction space 210 and a liquid storage space 220. The reaction space 210 is used to assemble the electrolytic oxygenation assembly 100; that is, the electrolytic oxygenation assembly 100 is assembled into the reaction space 210, making the reaction space 210 the site of the electrochemical reaction. The liquid storage space 220 is used to hold liquid and is in communication with the reaction space 210 to replenish the reaction space 210. The type of liquid held in the liquid storage space 220 can be determined according to the type of electrochemical reaction, generally being the substance consumed in the electrochemical reaction. For example, when the electrochemical reaction is the electrolysis of water, the liquid held in the liquid storage space 220 is water.

[0037] By defining a reaction space 210 and a liquid storage space 220 within the housing 200 of the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10, and assembling the electrolytic deoxygenation component 100 within the reaction space 210, and making the liquid storage space 220 communicate with the reaction space 210, the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 can replenish the reaction space 210 using its own liquid storage space 220, thus enabling the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 to have a liquid replenishment function.

[0038] Since both the reaction space 210 and the liquid storage space 220 are integrated within the housing 200, a single liquid replenishment-consumption structure is formed. This greatly simplifies the overall structure of the device and reduces the number of necessary components; for example, the piping connecting the liquid storage space 220 and the reaction space 210 can be omitted. Furthermore, since the liquid replenishment process can be carried out inside the housing 200, this improves the safety of the liquid replenishment process.

[0039] By temporarily storing a specific amount of liquid in the liquid storage space 220, the replenishment requirements of the electrolytic oxygenation component 100 can be met within a certain range, reducing or avoiding the problem of the electrolytic oxygenation component 100 failing to work properly due to insufficient electrolyte. This is beneficial to improving the working performance of the electrolytic oxygenation component 100.

[0040] Since the reaction space 210 and the liquid storage space 220 form an integrated liquid replenishment-liquid consumption structure, a shell 200 with a specific spatial layout structure can be obtained through molding process. The process is simple, and compared with the split liquid replenishment structure, it omits the complicated assembly process and ensures the sealed connection between the reaction space 210 and the liquid storage space 220.

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the housing 200 of the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 shown.

[0042] In some alternative embodiments, the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 may further include a first separator 400 disposed within the housing 200 to separate the reaction space 210 and the liquid storage space 220 within the housing 200. For example, the first separator 400 may be a partition that can be formed inside the housing 200 by a molding process.

[0043] The first separator 400 has a first connecting port 410 for connecting the reaction space 210 and the liquid storage space 220. Liquid in the liquid storage space 220 can flow into the reaction space 210 through the first connecting port 410 to replenish the reaction space 210.

[0044] The electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 of this embodiment can connect the liquid storage space 220 and the reaction space 210 by opening a first communication port 410 on the first separator 400, which has the advantage of a compact structure.

[0045] In some optional embodiments, the first partition 400 is vertically arranged, so that the reaction space 210 and the liquid storage space 220 are horizontally aligned side by side. The first connecting port 410 is located in the bottom section of the first partition 400, which allows the liquid in the liquid storage space 220 to flow into the reaction space 210 by its own gravity through the first connecting port 410. The flow of liquid from the liquid storage space 220 to the reaction space 210 does not require a driving force from a pump or other driving module, and the liquid replenishment process can be carried out automatically.

[0046] It should be noted that terms such as "vertical" and "horizontal" that indicate direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship in the state of use. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the described device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0047] In some optional embodiments, the housing 200 has a liquid inlet 202, which connects the liquid storage space 220 to the external environment of the housing 200, allowing liquid from the external environment of the housing 200 to flow into the liquid storage space 220. The liquid inlet 202 can be located at the top of the housing 200, for example, on the top wall used to seal the liquid storage space 220. In some optional embodiments, the liquid inlet 202 can also be located inside the housing 200, and a buffer zone is formed inside the housing 200 connecting the liquid inlet 202 to the external environment of the housing 200.

[0048] Since the housing 200 is provided with a liquid replenishment port 202, which connects the liquid storage space 220 with the external environment of the housing 200, when the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage space 220 decreases, liquid can be replenished from the outside of the housing 200 to the liquid storage space 220. This allows the liquid storage space 220 to continuously supply electrolyte to the reaction space 210, thereby keeping the liquid level in the reaction space 210 of the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 at a high level.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] In some optional embodiments, the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 may further include a replenishment container 500, which has an internal replenishment space 510 for storing liquid, and a supply port 520 is provided on the replenishment container 500 for communicating with the replenishment port 202 of the housing 200 to replenish the liquid storage space 220. That is, in addition to the liquid storage space 220 as a "liquid supply unit", the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 of this embodiment also has another "liquid supply unit", namely, the replenishment container 500.

[0051] The replenishment container 500 serves as another liquid supply unit for the reaction space 210. By directly replenishing the liquid storage space 220, it can ensure that the liquid volume in the storage space 220 is sufficient, thereby meeting the replenishment needs of the reaction space 210.

[0052] By constructing a dual liquid supply unit using a replenishment container 500 and a storage space 220, the liquid storage capacity of the electrolytic oxygenation device 10 can be improved, while also avoiding direct manual replenishment of the storage space 220. Directly replenishing the storage space 220 requires disassembling the casing 200, which may involve contact with the electrolyte, resulting in a low safety factor. This embodiment, by adding a replenishment container 500, allows the replenishment of the storage space 220 to be completed indirectly while replenishing the container 500, reducing the operational difficulty of the replenishment process and improving safety.

[0053] The liquid supply port 520 of the liquid replenishment container 500 and the liquid replenishment port 202 of the shell 200 can be connected by an infusion pipeline.

[0054] In some optional embodiments, the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 may further include a liquid level switch 300, which has a switch body 320 disposed in the liquid storage space 220 and correspondingly disposed with the liquid replenishment port 202, for opening or closing the liquid replenishment port 202 according to the movement of the liquid level in the liquid storage space 220.

[0055] For example, the switch body 320 can open the replenishment port 202 when the liquid level in the liquid storage space 220 drops below a preset liquid level, allowing the liquid in the replenishment space 510 to flow through the replenishment port 202 and into the liquid storage space 220. Alternatively, the switch body 320 can also close the replenishment port 202 when the liquid level in the liquid storage space 220 rises above a preset liquid level, thus preventing the liquid in the replenishment space 510 from flowing through the replenishment port 202.

[0056] With sufficient liquid in the replenishment container 500, a level switch 300 is installed in the storage space 220 to ensure that the liquid level in the storage space 220 is always maintained at approximately the preset level value, thereby further ensuring that the liquid level in the reaction space 210 is always maintained above the safe level value. The preset level value can be set according to the safe level value in the reaction space 210. In this embodiment, the storage space 220 and the reaction space 210 form a communicating vessel, and the preset level value is equal to the safe level value.

[0057] In some optional embodiments, the reaction space 210 defines a plurality of reaction subspaces 211. Multiple electrolytic deoxygenation components 100 are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with each reaction subspace 211, with each electrolytic deoxygenation component 100 disposed in a reaction subspace 211. Each reaction subspace 211 can be directly or indirectly connected to the liquid storage space 220, thereby allowing for replenishment using the liquid within the liquid storage space 220.

[0058] Since there are multiple electrolytic deoxygenation components 100, and each electrolytic deoxygenation component 100 is located in a reaction subspace 211 that can receive electrolyte from the storage space 220, this ensures that multiple electrolytic deoxygenation components 100 can carry out electrochemical reactions simultaneously. Therefore, the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 of the present invention has a high deoxygenation efficiency.

[0059] Each electrolytic deoxygenation unit 100 can independently carry out an electrochemical reaction. By controlling the operating status of multiple electrolytic deoxygenation units 100, one or more electrolytic deoxygenation units 100 can be selectively activated to perform deoxygenation work according to actual deoxygenation needs, which helps to improve the flexibility of the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10.

[0060] In some further embodiments, the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 may further include at least one second partition 600 disposed within the reaction space 210 to divide the interior of the reaction space 210 into multiple reaction subspaces 211. Each second partition 600 is provided with a second communication port 610 for connecting adjacent reaction subspaces 211.

[0061] The number of second separators 600 is set according to the number of reaction subspaces 211. For example, when there are two reaction subspaces 211, there is one second separator 600, and when there are four reaction subspaces 211, there are three second separators 600.

[0062] Each second partition 600 is vertically arranged, such that multiple reaction subspaces 211 are arranged horizontally side by side. The second connection port 610 is located in the bottom section of the corresponding second partition 600. For example, the second partition 600 can be a partition plate, which can be formed inside the housing 200 by a molding process.

[0063] By arranging multiple reaction subspaces 211 horizontally side by side, it can be ensured that each electrolytic deoxygenation component 100 can come into contact with the air in the working environment, so that each can use oxygen in the air as a reactant to carry out electrochemical reactions.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] In some optional embodiments, the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 may further include a sealing container 800 and a waste storage container 900. The sealing container 800 is encapsulated outside the housing 200 and is used to collect electrolyte overflowing from the housing 200 to prevent electrolyte leakage into the external space of the sealing container 800. The waste storage container 900 is connected to the sealing container 800 and is used to store electrolyte overflowing into the sealing container 800. For example, the waste storage container 900 may be connected to the sealing container 800 via a tubing, and the waste storage container 900 may be positioned below the sealing container 800.

[0066] By adding a sealing container 800 and a waste storage container 900, the leakage of electrolyte inside the shell 200 into the external space other than the sealing container 800 and the waste storage container 900 can be prevented in the event of an accident, thereby improving the safety performance of the entire electrolytic deoxygenation device 10.

[0067] The structure of the electrolytic deoxygenation assembly 100 will be described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment.

[0068] The electrolytic oxygen removal assembly 100 generally includes an anode plate and a cathode plate. When energized, the cathode plate is used to consume oxygen through an electrochemical reaction. For example, oxygen in the air can undergo a reduction reaction at the cathode plate: O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻. - →4OH - The OH- ions generated at the cathode can undergo an oxidation reaction at the anode to produce oxygen, i.e.: 4OH- ions. - →O2 + 2H2O + 4e - Oxygen can be discharged through the vent 201 on the housing 200.

[0069] The housing 200 has an opening on the side wall of the reaction space 210. The cathode plate can be disposed at the opening and together with the housing 200 define the reaction space 210 for holding the electrolyte. The anode plate can be disposed in the reaction space 210 at intervals from the cathode plate.

[0070] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the level switch 300 of the electrolytic oxygenation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic exploded view of the level switch 300 of the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of the level switch 300 of the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10. The structure of the level switch 300 will be described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment.

[0071] The level switch 300 also includes a float 320, which is fixedly connected to the switch body 310 or is an integral part of the switch body 310. It is used to move the switch body 310 by floating or sinking around an axis within the liquid storage space. In other words, the switch body 310 is "driven" by the float 320, and the power required for the float 320 to move is determined by the buoyancy it experiences within the liquid storage space.

[0072] For example, a portion of the float 320 is immersed in a liquid, thus experiencing buoyancy from the liquid. When the liquid level in the storage space changes, the buoyancy on the float 320 also changes, causing a change in the resultant force of the buoyancy and gravity on the float 320. For instance, when the liquid level in the storage space decreases, the buoyancy on the float 320 decreases. If the resultant force of the buoyancy and gravity on the float 320 is downward, it will cause the float 320 to move downward. Conversely, it will cause the float 320 to move upward. The float 320 can rise or fall vertically, or it can rise or fall along a curve.

[0073] In some alternative embodiments, the float 320 is rotatably mounted about an axis. That is, the float 320 in this embodiment does not move up and down along a straight line, but rises or falls by rotating about an axis. With this design, it is only necessary to pivotally connect the float 320 to a fixed axis, without the need to install guide components with high dimensional accuracy. It has the advantages of compact structure, simple assembly process and good device reliability.

[0074] Since the float 320 is rotatable around an axis and has a clear and defined movement trajectory, the float 320 and the switch body 310 in this embodiment can easily move along a clear and defined movement trajectory, thereby improving the reliability of the level switch 300 and reducing or avoiding problems such as poor sealing caused by the free movement of the float 320.

[0075] The level switch 300 may further include a rotating shaft 340 and a connector 330.

[0076] The rotating shaft 340 is fixed to the liquid storage space. For example, the rotating shaft 340 can be fixedly connected to the inner wall of the container of the liquid storage space.

[0077] In some alternative embodiments, the rotating shaft 340 can also be detachably fixed to the liquid storage space, which can adjust the height of the rotating shaft 340 as needed, thereby adjusting the liquid level height in the liquid storage space when the replenishment is started.

[0078] The connector 330 is fixedly connected to the float 320 or is an integral part of the float 320. It has a shaft hole 341 formed therein, so that the rotating shaft 340 can be inserted into it and rotatably engaged to achieve a rotatable connection. That is to say, the connector 330 assembles the rotating shaft 340 and the float 320 into an organic whole, so that the float 320 can rotate around the rotating shaft 340.

[0079] By opening a shaft hole 341 on the connector 330 and rotatably engaging the rotating shaft 340 with the shaft hole 341, the float 320 can be rotatably assembled onto the rotating shaft 340. The structure is ingenious and the process is simple.

[0080] The switch body 310 is rod-shaped. A mounting hole 342 is formed on the connector 330 for a portion of the switch body 310 to be inserted into for fixed assembly. In other words, a portion of the switch body 310 is indirectly fixedly connected to the float 320 by being fixedly assembled with the connector 330. For example, the portion of the switch body 310 can be assembled with the mounting hole 342 of the connector 330 by an interference fit.

[0081] The rotating shaft 340 and the switch body 310 are respectively assembled to the connector 330, which is fixedly connected to the float 320 or is an integral part of the float 320, thereby forming the liquid level switch 300, which has a strong overall structure. The switch body 310 and the float 320 are located on the same side of the rotating shaft 340. The switch body 310 and the float 320 being on the same side means that the switch body 310 is located between the rotating shaft 340 and the float 320. This is the key to enabling the switch body 310 to move in the same direction as the float 320 according to the liquid level height inside the liquid storage space, thereby obtaining a larger "lever ratio".

[0082] In this embodiment, the central axis of the rotating shaft 340 extends horizontally and is perpendicular to the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float 320. For example, for a cylindrical float 320, when the two bottom surfaces 321 of the float 320 are arranged opposite each other horizontally, the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float 320 is the longitudinal central section of the float 320 extending vertically. When the switch body 310 closes the liquid inlet 202, the central axis of the mounting hole 342 extends vertically and is parallel to the central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float 320, wherein the central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float 320 is the longitudinal centerline of the longitudinal central section of the float 320 extending vertically. The directional terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are relative to the actual operating state of the liquid level switch 300, with "vertical" roughly referring to the vertical direction.

[0083] In some optional embodiments, the float 320 is a hollow cylinder. In this embodiment, the cylinder of the float 320 has a hollow cavity structure, which can further enhance buoyancy (the overall density is less than the liquid density). The central axis of the float 320 is parallel to the central axis of the shaft hole 341. The central axis of the float 320 is collinear with the centers of the two bottom surfaces 321. Since the central axis of the shaft hole 341 extends horizontally, the central axis of the float 320 also extends horizontally, and the two bottom surfaces 321 of the float 320 are arranged opposite each other in the horizontal direction.

[0084] In some alternative embodiments, the connector 330 is a cantilever that extends obliquely outward and upward from the upper portion of the cylindrical side surface 322 of the float 320. Here, "outward" means radially outward along the cylindrical side surface 322.

[0085] The switch body 310 is a rod-shaped plug, which has an assembly part 311 and a sealing part 312. The assembly part 311 is a rod and is fixedly assembled to the mounting hole 342. The sealing part 312 is a plug and is connected to the top of the assembly part 311 for opening or closing the liquid inlet 202. The plug can be cylindrical with a flat upper surface. Compared with the traditional conical plug and nozzle mating structure, the mating mechanism of the plug and lower annular flange in this embodiment has the advantage of high positional tolerance. The plug does not need to be precisely aligned with the liquid outlet of the lower annular flange; it only needs that the upper surface of the plug can cover the conical nozzle opening. In this embodiment, the plug and rod are a single piece.

[0086] A central annular flange 342a is formed in the central section of the inner wall of the mounting hole 342 extending radially inward. The diameter of the main body rod 311c of the assembly part 311 is the same as the diameter of the hole of the central annular flange 342a, so as to be inserted into the hole defined by the central annular flange 342a. The assembly part 311 also has an upper annular boss 311a and a lower annular boss 311b extending radially outward from its main body rod 311c, located above and below the central annular flange 342a, respectively, to restrict the degree of freedom of movement of the switch body 310 relative to the mounting hole 342.

[0087] By designing the hole structure of the mounting hole 342 and the rod structure and plug structure of the switch body 310, the structural stability of the overall structure obtained by the fixed assembly between the switch body 310 and the mounting hole 342 can be improved.

[0088] In some optional embodiments, the switch body 310 is made of an acid- and alkali-resistant elastic material, such as EPDM rubber or fluororubber, and achieves a seal by its own elastic deformation compressing the fluid inlet 202 to seal against it. The rotating shaft 340 is made of an acid- and alkali-resistant material, such as chrome-plated metal, ceramic, or plastic. The float 320 can be made of an acid- and alkali-resistant material such as polytetrafluoroethylene or poly(adipamide).

[0089] In some alternative embodiments, the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 may further include a filtration mechanism 700 having a filter container 710 and a filter gas pipe 720. The internal space of the filter container 710 is in communication with the replenishment container 500. The filter gas pipe 720 is disposed in the internal space of the filter container 710 and is used to dissolve specific substances in the gas from the external environment in the internal space of the filter container 710 so that they can enter the replenishment container 500 for recycling.

[0090] In this embodiment, the aforementioned specific substance is a water-soluble substance, such as an electrolyte that is discharged from the shell 200 with the gas.

[0091] Since the internal space of the filter container 710 of the filter mechanism 700 is connected to the replenishment container 500, and the filter gas pipe 720 of the filter mechanism 700 is used to dissolve specific substances in the gas of the external environment into the filter container 710 so that they can enter the replenishment space 510 for recycling, the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 of this embodiment has a filtration and recycling function, so that specific substances in the gas discharged from the housing 200 are separated and recycled, thereby reducing or avoiding pollution caused by gas emissions and improving resource utilization efficiency.

[0092] The filter container 710 is inserted into the replenishment container 500, and its bottom is provided with a liquid outlet for connecting to the replenishment container 500, so as to allow the liquid in the filter container 710 to flow back to the replenishment container 500.

[0093] The filter container 710 is also provided with an air inlet 711 for introducing gas from the housing 200.

[0094] The filter tube 720 is inserted into the internal space of the filter container 710 through the air inlet 711 and extends to the bottom section of the filter container 710 to guide the gas discharged from the housing 200 to the bottom section of the filter container 710, so that specific components in the gas discharged from the housing 200 dissolve in the internal space of the filter container 710 during the gas rise.

[0095] The filter tube 720 is a straight tube, or it may be a vertically bent hook-shaped tube, and it has a straight section extending to the bottom section of the filter container 710 and a curved section extending upward from the end of the straight section. The end of the curved section is slightly higher than the end of the straight section, which is used to guide the gas flowing through it upward.

[0096] The filter container 710 is also provided with an air outlet 712, located at the top of the filter container 710, for discharging the gas that flows through the filter pipe 720 and the filter container 710 and has been separated from specific substances.

[0097] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 1 generally includes a cabinet 20 and an electrolytic oxygen removal device 10 as described in any of the above embodiments. The interior of the cabinet 20 defines a storage space. The electrolytic oxygen removal device 10 is installed in the cabinet 20 and is used to consume oxygen within the storage space. For example, the cathode plate of the electrolytic oxygen removal assembly 100 may be in airflow communication with the storage space.

[0098] The refrigerator 1 in this embodiment is an electrical device with low-temperature storage function, which includes refrigerators in the narrow sense, as well as freezers, storage cabinets and other refrigeration and freezing devices.

[0099] In other embodiments, the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 can also provide oxygen to the storage space to create a high-oxygen preservation atmosphere in the storage space. For example, the exhaust port 201 of the electrolytic deoxygenation assembly 100 can be connected to the airflow of the storage space.

[0100] The electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 and the refrigerator 1 having the present invention define a reaction space 210 and a liquid storage space 220 within the housing 200 of the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10, assemble an electrolytic deoxygenation component 100 within the reaction space 210, and make the liquid storage space 220 communicate with the reaction space 210. This allows the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 to replenish the reaction space 210 using its own liquid storage space 220, thus enabling the electrolytic deoxygenation device 10 to have a liquid replenishment function.

[0101] 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 electrolytic oxygen removal device, comprising: An electrolytic oxygen desorption unit is used to carry out an electrochemical reaction to consume oxygen under the action of an electrolysis voltage; and The housing defines a reaction space and a liquid storage space. The reaction space is used to assemble the electrolytic oxygen removal component, and the liquid storage space is used to hold liquid and communicates with the reaction space to replenish the reaction space. The housing has a liquid replenishment port that connects the liquid storage space with the external environment of the housing, allowing liquid from the external environment of the housing to flow into the liquid storage space. A replenishment container has an internal replenishment space for storing liquid, and the replenishment container has a liquid supply port for connecting to the replenishment port to replenish the liquid storage space; A filtration mechanism, which includes a filter container and a filter air tube; The filter container is inserted into the replenishment container, and its bottom is provided with a liquid outlet for connecting to the replenishment container, so as to allow the liquid in the filter container to flow back to the replenishment container; the filter container is also provided with an air inlet for inputting gas from the shell; The filter tube is inserted into the internal space of the filter container from the air inlet and extends to the bottom section of the filter container to guide the gas discharged from the housing to the bottom section of the filter container, so that the electrolyte in the gas discharged from the housing dissolves in the internal space of the filter container during the gas rise. The filter container is also provided with an air outlet located at the top of the filter container, which is used to discharge the gas that flows through the filter pipe and the filter container and is separated from the electrolyte.

2. The electrolytic oxygen removal device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first separator is disposed inside the housing to separate the reaction space and the liquid storage space inside the housing; and The first separator has a first connecting port for connecting the reaction space and the liquid storage space.

3. The electrolytic oxygen removal device according to claim 2, wherein, The first separator is vertically arranged so that the reaction space and the liquid storage space are horizontally aligned side by side; and The first connection port is located in the bottom section of the first separator.

4. The electrolytic oxygen removal device according to claim 1, further comprising: A liquid level switch has a switch body, which is disposed in the liquid storage space and is correspondingly disposed with respect to the liquid replenishment port. It is used to open or close the liquid replenishment port according to the movement of the liquid level in the liquid storage space.

5. The electrolytic oxygen removal device according to claim 4, wherein, The liquid level switch also includes: A float, which is fixedly connected to the switch body or is an integral part of the switch body, is used to move the switch body by floating or sinking around an axis within the liquid storage space. A rotating shaft is fixed to the liquid storage space; and The connector is fixedly connected to the float or is an integral part of the float, and has a shaft hole formed therein for the rotating shaft to extend into, thereby achieving a rotatable connection; the connector also has a mounting hole for a part of the switch body to be inserted into, thereby achieving a fixed assembly.

6. The electrolytic oxygen removal device according to claim 1, wherein, The reaction space internally defines multiple reaction subspaces; and There are multiple electrolytic deoxygenation components, and each of them is arranged in a corresponding reaction subspace. Each electrolytic deoxygenation component is arranged in one of the reaction subspaces.

7. The electrolytic oxygen removal device according to claim 6, further comprising: At least one second separator is disposed within the reaction space to divide the interior of the reaction space into a plurality of reaction subspaces; Each of the second separators has a second connecting port for connecting the adjacent reaction subspaces; and Each of the second partitions is vertically arranged, such that the plurality of reaction subspaces are arranged horizontally side by side; the second connection port is located in the bottom section of the corresponding second partition.

8. A refrigerator, comprising: The electrolytic deoxygenation apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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