Sterilization device and refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides a sterilization device and a refrigerator. The sterilization device is applied to the refrigerator and comprises a Fenton reaction assembly and an atomization assembly. The Fenton reaction assembly is used for generating a Fenton reaction to generate an aqueous solution with a first sterilization substance. The atomization assembly is connected with the Fenton reaction assembly and is used for atomizing and spraying the aqueous solution into the storage compartment of the refrigerator to sterilize the inside of the storage compartment. The sterilization device of the application generates an aqueous solution with a sterilization effect by using the Fenton reaction, and sprays the aqueous solution into the storage compartment of the refrigerator by the atomization assembly to sterilize, deodorize and moisturize the inside of the compartment. The sterilization device can improve the preservation effect and preservation time of food materials in the refrigerator and avoid strong odor in the refrigerator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of refrigerator technology, and particularly relates to a sterilization device and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards improve, people have higher and higher requirements for refrigerator preservation. Microorganisms are introduced into the refrigerator during the food storage process, and the activity of microorganisms can affect the preservation effect of fruits and vegetables stored in the refrigerator. In addition, the humidity of the air inside the refrigerator also affects the preservation effect of food.

[0003] Currently, refrigerators on the market use a variety of sterilization methods, including photocatalysis, plasma, negative ions, ultraviolet light, ozone, and silver ion sterilization. However, their sterilization effect is difficult to guarantee, and they cannot provide a good preservation effect for fresh food. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a sterilization device and a refrigerator, which can solve the problem of how to make the refrigerator have better sterilization and preservation effects.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A sterilization device is used in a refrigerator, the sterilization device comprising:

[0007] Fenton reaction assembly for initiating the Fenton reaction to generate an aqueous solution containing a primary bactericidal substance;

[0008] An atomizing component, connected to the Fenton reaction component, is used to atomize and spray the aqueous solution into the storage compartment of the refrigerator to sterilize the storage compartment.

[0009] In some embodiments, the Fenton reaction assembly includes:

[0010] The box body forms a reaction chamber with a water inlet for injecting water solvent into the reaction chamber.

[0011] The first dispensing module is used to dispense a first reactive substance into the reaction chamber, the first reactive substance comprising ferrous ions;

[0012] The second dispensing module is used to dispense a second reactant into the reaction chamber. The second reactant contains hydrogen peroxide. The first reactant and the second reactant undergo a Fenton reaction in the aqueous solvent to generate the aqueous solution.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first delivery module includes:

[0014] A first storage chamber is used to store the first reactant, and the first storage chamber has a first inlet, which is connected to the reaction chamber.

[0015] A first door is installed in the first storage chamber. The first door is used to close or open the first inlet so that the first reactant flows out of the first inlet into the reaction chamber.

[0016] The second delivery module includes:

[0017] A second storage chamber is used to store the second reactant. The second storage chamber has a second inlet, which is connected to the reaction chamber.

[0018] The second door is installed in the second storage chamber. The second door is used to close or open the second inlet so that the second reactant flows out of the second inlet into the reaction chamber.

[0019] In some embodiments, the Fenton reaction assembly further includes a photocatalytic module installed in the housing for irradiating the reaction chamber with ultraviolet light to improve the efficiency of the Fenton reaction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the photocatalytic module includes:

[0021] The catalyst support has a hollow structure;

[0022] Photocatalyst, disposed on the catalyst support;

[0023] An ultraviolet lamp assembly is disposed on the catalyst carrier and is used to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the reaction chamber. The ultraviolet lamp assembly is also used to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the photocatalyst so that the photocatalyst undergoes a photocatalytic reaction to produce a second bactericidal substance. The second bactericidal substance is released into the storage chamber through the hollow structure to sterilize and deodorize the storage chamber.

[0024] In some embodiments, the catalyst carrier is mounted on the outer wall of the housing;

[0025] The box body is provided with a light-transmitting part, and the ultraviolet lamp group is disposed between the light-transmitting part and the catalyst. The ultraviolet light irradiates the catalyst and then irradiates the reaction chamber through the light-transmitting part.

[0026] In some embodiments, the photocatalytic module is partially disposed inside the storage room, and the ultraviolet lamp group is also used to directly irradiate ultraviolet light into the storage room to sterilize and disinfect the storage room.

[0027] In some embodiments, the Fenton reaction assembly further includes a stirrer disposed in the reaction chamber for stirring the aqueous solvent to improve the efficiency of the Fenton reaction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the housing is further provided with a water outlet, which is connected to the reaction chamber and is used to discharge the aqueous solution to the atomizing component;

[0029] A filter screen is provided at the water outlet to filter solid substances in the aqueous solution.

[0030] A refrigerator, comprising:

[0031] Storage room;

[0032] The aforementioned sterilization device is installed in the storage room.

[0033] The sterilization device and refrigerator provided in this application embodiment utilize the Fenton reaction to generate an aqueous solution with bactericidal effect, and spray the aqueous solution into the storage compartment of the refrigerator through an atomizing component to sterilize, deodorize and moisturize the interior of the compartment, thereby improving the preservation effect and preservation time of food inside the refrigerator and avoiding strong odor inside the refrigerator. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in the embodiments of this application from a first-view perspective.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in the embodiments of this application from a second perspective.

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the sterilization device shown.

[0039] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the sterilization device shown from another perspective.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the photocatalytic module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The photocatalytic module shown is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] This application provides a sterilization device applied to a refrigerator, which may be a double-door refrigerator, a side-by-side refrigerator, a cross-door refrigerator, a French door refrigerator, etc. The sterilization device is used to sterilize and moisturize the interior of the refrigerator, such as the refrigerator compartment, variable temperature compartment, and fresh food compartment, to improve the preservation effect of fresh food stored inside the refrigerator, making it more nutritious and healthy. For an example, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in an embodiment of this application from a first-view perspective. The sterilization device 100 includes a Fenton reaction assembly 110 and an atomizing assembly 120.

[0045] The Fenton reaction assembly 110 is used to initiate the Fenton reaction to generate an aqueous solution containing a first bactericidal substance. It should be noted that the Fenton reaction is an inorganic chemical reaction, and the chemical reaction formula is as follows:

[0046] Fe 2+ +H₂O₂→Fe 3+ +OH - +OH·

[0047] The process involves hydrogen peroxide generating substances with strong oxidizing capabilities, such as hydroxyl radicals, in the presence of ferrous ions. These strong oxidizing substances can degrade organic matter and can be used for sterilization and deodorization. The primary bactericidal substances include the strong oxidizing substances generated in the Fenton reaction.

[0048] The atomizing component 120 is connected to the Fenton reaction component 110 and is used to atomize and spray the aqueous solution containing the first bactericidal substance generated by the Fenton reaction component 110 into the storage compartment of the refrigerator to sterilize and moisturize the storage compartment. Understandably, as the aqueous solution is sprayed into the storage compartment, the strong oxidizing substances contained in the aqueous solution can destroy the cell walls of bacteria in the storage compartment and damage viral proteins, DNA, and RNA, thereby achieving sterilization of the storage compartment; the strong oxidizing substances can also shorten the long chains of odor substances in the storage compartment and oxidize and decompose them into carbon dioxide and water, thereby achieving odor removal. At the same time, the increased humidity inside the storage compartment is also beneficial for the preservation of fresh food.

[0049] The refrigerator sterilization device provided in this application embodiment utilizes the Fenton reaction to generate an aqueous solution with bactericidal effect, and sprays the aqueous solution into the refrigerator's storage compartment through the atomizing component 120 to sterilize, deodorize, and moisturize the interior of the compartment, thereby improving the preservation effect and preservation time of food inside the refrigerator and avoiding strong odors inside the refrigerator.

[0050] For further details, please refer to Figures 2-4 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in the embodiments of this application from a second perspective. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the sterilization device shown. Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the sterilization device shown from another perspective. The Fenton reaction assembly 110 includes a housing 111, a first dispensing module 112, a second dispensing module 113, a photocatalytic module 114, and a stirrer 115.

[0051] The refrigerator features a housing 111 forming a reaction chamber 1112 with a water inlet 1111 for injecting water into the reaction chamber 1112. The housing 111 is, for example, a transparent rectangular housing made of, for example, plastic or glass. The housing 111 includes, for example, a water level sensor for detecting the water level inside the housing. When the water level reaches a preset maximum level, the refrigerator displays, for example, a preset first indicator on a display screen to remind the user to stop adding water; when the water level reaches a preset minimum level, the refrigerator displays, for example, a preset second indicator on a display screen to remind the user to add water to the housing 111.

[0052] The housing 111 may also be provided with a water outlet 1113, which is connected to the reaction chamber 1112 and is used to discharge an aqueous solution containing the first bactericidal substance to the atomizing component 120. It is understood that some solid substances may be generated inside the reaction chamber 1112 during the Fenton reaction, and the injected aqueous solvent may also contain impurities. To prevent solid substances and impurities from entering the atomizing component 120 and affecting its reliability, a filter element 1114, such as a filter screen, can be installed at the water outlet 1113 to filter out solid substances from the aqueous solvent.

[0053] The first dispensing module 112 is used to dispense a first reactant into the reaction chamber 1112. It should be noted that the first reactant contains ferrous ions; for example, the first reactant can be ferrous sulfate powder. The first dispensing module 112 is, for example, disposed inside the housing 111 and above a preset maximum water level in the housing 111 to prevent water from submerging the first dispensing module 112. In some other embodiments, the first dispensing module 112 may also be disposed outside the housing 111, with an opening in the housing 111 through which the first reactant is dispensed into the reaction chamber 1112.

[0054] The second dispensing module 113 is used to dispense a second reactant into the reaction chamber 1112. It should be noted that the second reactant includes hydrogen peroxide; for example, the second reactant can be hydrogen peroxide powder. The second dispensing module 113 is, for example, located inside the housing 111 and above a preset maximum water level in the housing 111 to prevent water from submerging the second dispensing module 113. In some other embodiments, the second dispensing module 113 may also be located outside the housing 111, with an opening in the housing 111 to dispense the second reactant into the reaction chamber 1112.

[0055] The photocatalytic module 114 is used to irradiate the reaction chamber 1112 with ultraviolet light, so that the first reactant and the second reactant undergo a Fenton reaction in an aqueous solvent, thereby generating an aqueous solution containing the first bactericidal substance. It should be noted that the above embodiment uses the photo-Fenton method to improve the Fenton reaction efficiency. Specifically, when there is light radiation (such as ultraviolet light or visible light), there is a synergistic effect between iron ions and ultraviolet light on the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, which greatly improves the oxidation performance of the Fenton reagent, reduces the amount of ferrous ions used, and increases the utilization rate of hydrogen peroxide. In some other embodiments, the electro-Fenton method or the conventional Fenton method can also be used.

[0056] A stirrer 115 is disposed in the reaction chamber 1112 to stir the aqueous solvent in the reaction chamber 1112 to improve the efficiency of the Fenton reaction. The stirrer 115 is, for example, an air stirrer, and may be disposed at the bottom of the housing 111.

[0057] In practical applications, when the refrigerator controller receives a sterilization command for the first time, it controls the first dispensing module 113 and the second dispensing module 114 to dispense the reactant into the reaction chamber 1112, and controls the water level inside the reaction chamber to the maximum level. Simultaneously, the photocatalytic module 114 and the stirrer 115 are activated to rapidly induce a Fenton reaction inside the reaction chamber 1112, generating an aqueous solution with sterilization properties. After the reaction time reaches the preset duration, the controller, for example, activates the atomizing component 120 to spray the aqueous solution into the storage compartment for sterilization and humidification.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first dispensing module 112 includes a first storage chamber 1121 and a first door 1122. The first storage chamber 1121 is used to store a first reactant. The first storage chamber 1121 has a first dispensing port (not shown in the figure), which communicates with the reaction chamber 1112. The first door 1122 is installed in the first storage chamber 1121 and is used to close or open the first dispensing port to allow the first reactant to flow out of the first dispensing port into the reaction chamber 1112.

[0059] The second dispensing module 113 includes a second storage chamber 1131 and a second door 1132. The second storage chamber 1131 is used to store the first reactant. The second storage chamber 1131 has a second dispensing port (not shown in the figure), which communicates with the reaction chamber 1112. The second door 1132 is installed in the second storage chamber 1131 and is used to close or open the second dispensing port to allow the first reactant to flow out of the second dispensing port into the reaction chamber 1112.

[0060] The refrigerator's controller is used, for example, to control the opening and closing of the first door 1122 and the second door 1132, and also to control the water filling of the compartment. For example, the controller determines a first opening time of the first door 1122 based on the speed at which the first reactant flows out from the first inlet, and a second opening time of the second door 1132 based on the speed at which the second reactant flows out from the second inlet. When it is necessary to add the first and second reactants, the controller controls the opening of the first door 1122 and the second door 1132 according to the first and second opening times, so that the molar ratio of ferrous ions in the added first reactant to hydrogen peroxide in the added second reactant is 2:8.

[0061] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 5-6 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the photocatalytic module provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 for Figure 5The photocatalytic module shown is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction. The photocatalytic module 114 is disposed, for example, on the outer wall of the housing 111, and includes a catalyst carrier 1141, a photocatalyst 1142, and an ultraviolet lamp assembly 1143.

[0062] The catalyst carrier 1141 has a hollow structure. The photocatalyst 1142 is disposed on the catalyst carrier 1141. For example, the catalyst carrier 1141 is a square box, and the photocatalyst 1142 is disposed inside the catalyst carrier 1141 on the side away from the box 111. The catalyst carrier 1141 has multiple through holes on the wall near the photocatalyst 1142 to form a hollow structure.

[0063] The ultraviolet lamp assembly 1143 is disposed, for example, inside the catalyst carrier 1141 on the side near the housing 111. For example, at least one side wall of the catalyst carrier 1141 near the housing 111 is transparent, and the housing 111 is provided with a light-transmitting part, through which the ultraviolet lamp assembly 1143 is used to irradiate ultraviolet light into the reaction chamber 1112.

[0064] The ultraviolet lamp assembly 1143 is also used to irradiate the photocatalyst 1142 with ultraviolet light, so that the photocatalyst 1142 undergoes a photocatalytic reaction under ultraviolet light to produce a second bactericidal substance. The second bactericidal substance is released into the refrigerator's storage compartment through the perforated structure to sterilize and deodorize the storage compartment. Specifically, electrons on the surface of the photocatalyst 122 can be activated under light irradiation, escaping their original orbitals, and positively charged holes are simultaneously formed on the surface of the catalyst particles. Electrons and holes react with O2 and H2O adsorbed on the surface of the photocatalyst 122 to generate active O2 and OH free radicals. Active O2 and OH free radicals have a strong oxidative decomposition ability, which can break the CC bonds, CH bonds, CN bonds, CO bonds, OH bonds, and NH bonds in organic matter, decomposing organic matter (odor molecules) in the air into carbon dioxide and water, thereby achieving the purpose of deodorization and purification.

[0065] Understandably, to conserve energy, the UV lamp assembly 1143 can be turned on only after detecting that a new item has been placed in the storage compartment, and the duration of each activation can be determined based on the type and weight of the new item. Furthermore, to avoid harm to humans from ultraviolet light, the UV lamps can be turned off when the refrigerator door is detected to be open.

[0066] In some embodiments, to improve photocatalytic efficiency, a reflective structure, such as a reflective coating, can be provided on the inner wall of the catalyst carrier 1141 to reflect light onto the surface of the photocatalyst 1142. It is understood that the sterilization device provided in the above embodiments can achieve Fenton reaction-assisted photocatalysis for sterilizing the storage compartments of a refrigerator, and has a better sterilization effect compared to single photocatalytic sterilization.

[0067] In some embodiments, the ultraviolet lamp assembly 1143 is also used to directly irradiate ultraviolet light into the interior of the storage room to sterilize and disinfect the storage room. For example, the photocatalytic module 114 is partially located inside the storage room, and the catalyst carrier 1141 is transparent, for example, so that the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet lamp assembly 1143 can directly irradiate the interior of the storage room through the catalyst carrier 1141.

[0068] The refrigerator sterilization device provided in this application embodiment uses the Fenton reaction to generate an aqueous solution with bactericidal effect to sterilize and moisturize the refrigerator's storage compartment. At the same time, it also uses photocatalysis to generate active groups to deodorize and purify the storage compartment. The sterilization and deodorization method of Fenton reaction combined with photocatalysis makes the refrigerator have a better preservation effect and can avoid strong odors inside the refrigerator, which would affect the user experience.

[0069] This application also provides a refrigerator, for example, please refer to [link to example]. Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application. The refrigerator 10 includes a storage compartment 200 and the sterilization device 100 described above.

[0070] The sterilization device 100 is installed in the storage room 200 and is used to spray an aqueous solution with sterilization effect into the storage room 200.

[0071] In some embodiments, a humidity detection device 300 and an electronic control board (not shown) may also be installed in the storage room 200. The humidity detection device 300 is used to detect the air humidity inside the storage room 200. The electronic control board is connected to the sterilization device 100 and the humidity detection device 300, and is used to adjust the frequency of the aqueous solution sprayed by the sterilization device 100 according to the air humidity. For example, when the air humidity is detected to be high, the sterilization device 100 is controlled to stop spraying magnetized water or reduce the spraying frequency of the aqueous solution; when the air humidity is detected to be high, the sterilization device 100 is controlled to increase the spraying frequency of the aqueous solution.

[0072] The refrigerator 10 provided in this application embodiment is equipped with a sterilization device 100. The sterilization device 100 can generate an aqueous solution with sterilization effect by using the Fenton reaction, and spray the aqueous solution into the storage compartment 200 of the refrigerator 10 through the atomizing component 120 to sterilize, deodorize and moisturize the inside of the storage compartment 200, so as to improve the preservation effect and preservation time of the food inside the refrigerator, avoid strong odor inside the refrigerator and improve the user's user experience.

[0073] The above provides a detailed description of the sterilization device and refrigerator provided in the embodiments of this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A sterilization device, applied to a refrigerator, characterized in that, The sterilization device includes: Fenton reaction assembly for initiating the Fenton reaction to generate an aqueous solution containing a primary bactericidal substance; An atomizing component, connected to the Fenton reaction component, is used to atomize and spray the aqueous solution into the storage compartment of the refrigerator to sterilize the storage compartment. The Fenton reaction assembly includes a housing and a photocatalytic module. The housing forms a reaction chamber with a water inlet for injecting aqueous solvent into the reaction chamber. The photocatalytic module is installed in the housing and is used to irradiate the reaction chamber with ultraviolet light to improve the efficiency of the Fenton reaction. The photocatalytic module includes: The catalyst support has a hollow structure; Photocatalyst, disposed on the catalyst support; An ultraviolet lamp assembly is disposed on the catalyst carrier and is used to irradiate ultraviolet light into the reaction chamber. The ultraviolet lamp assembly is also used to irradiate ultraviolet light into the photocatalyst so that the photocatalyst undergoes a photocatalytic reaction to produce a second bactericidal substance. The second bactericidal substance diffuses into the storage chamber through the hollow structure to sterilize and deodorize the storage chamber. The catalyst carrier is installed on the outer wall of the box; the box is provided with a light-transmitting part, and the ultraviolet lamp group is disposed between the light-transmitting part and the photocatalyst. The ultraviolet light irradiates the photocatalyst and irradiates the reaction chamber through the light-transmitting part.

2. The sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Fenton reaction assembly includes: The first dispensing module is used to dispense a first reactive substance into the reaction chamber, the first reactive substance comprising ferrous ions; The second dispensing module is used to dispense a second reactant into the reaction chamber. The second reactant contains hydrogen peroxide. The first reactant and the second reactant undergo a Fenton reaction in the aqueous solvent to generate the aqueous solution.

3. The sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first delivery module includes: A first storage chamber is used to store the first reactant, and the first storage chamber has a first inlet, which is connected to the reaction chamber. A first door is installed in the first storage chamber. The first door is used to close or open the first inlet so that the first reactant flows out of the first inlet into the reaction chamber. The second delivery module includes: A second storage chamber is used to store the second reactant. The second storage chamber has a second inlet, which is connected to the reaction chamber. The second door is installed in the second storage chamber. The second door is used to close or open the second inlet so that the second reactant flows out of the second inlet into the reaction chamber.

4. The sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photocatalytic module is partially installed inside the storage room, and the ultraviolet lamp group is also used to directly irradiate ultraviolet light into the storage room to sterilize and disinfect it.

5. The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a stirrer, which is disposed in the reaction chamber and is used to stir the aqueous solvent to improve the efficiency of the Fenton reaction.

6. The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The box body is also provided with a water outlet, which is connected to the reaction chamber and is used to flow the aqueous solution to the atomizing component; A filter element is provided at the water outlet, and the filter element is used to filter solid substances in the aqueous solution.

7. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: Storage room; The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the sterilization device is disposed in the storage room.

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