refrigerator

Abstract

This invention discloses a refrigerator, including a cabinet, an oxygen removal module, a gas supply device, and a dehumidification component. The oxygen removal module includes a gas box, an electrode assembly, and a liquid storage box. The gas box has a gas chamber, and the liquid storage box has a liquid storage chamber. An oxygen vent is located at the top of the liquid storage box. The gas box is connected to the liquid storage box and has an inlet and an outlet connecting to the gas chamber. The electrode assembly includes a cathode, a diaphragm, and an anode. The cathode is coated with an oxygen reduction reaction catalyst, and the anode is coated with an oxygen evolution reaction catalyst. The gas supply device is connected to the oxygen removal module. The inlet of the gas supply device connects to the storage chamber of the storage box, and the outlet of the gas supply device connects to the inlet. The dehumidification component includes a gas pipe and a drainage device. The drainage device is located at the lowest point of the gas pipe, and both ends of the gas pipe connect to the outlet and the storage chamber. The dehumidification component is located in a low-temperature region. The oxygen removal module effectively reduces the oxygen concentration, and the dehumidification component dehumidifies, which is beneficial for preserving fruits and vegetables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is a freezing device that maintains a stable low temperature to keep food or other items at a low temperature. For the preservation of fruits and vegetables, a low-oxygen environment can inhibit respiration, suppress the activity of certain enzymes, inhibit ethylene production, and effectively inhibit the growth and reproduction of aerobic bacteria, which is beneficial for fruit and vegetable preservation.

[0003] In related technologies, some refrigerators use oxygen control systems to separate oxygen and create a low-oxygen environment to help preserve fruits and vegetables. The transpiration of fruits and vegetables increases humidity, making the storage space more humid and prone to condensation, which can cause food to rot. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a refrigerator that can effectively reduce the oxygen concentration and dehumidify the storage space, which is beneficial for the preservation of fruits and vegetables.

[0005] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet, an oxygen removal module, a gas supply device, and a dehumidification assembly. The cabinet has an internal compartment containing a storage box. The oxygen removal module is located within the compartment and includes a gas box, an electrode assembly, and a liquid storage box. The gas box has a gas chamber, and the liquid storage box has a liquid storage chamber. An oxygen vent is located at the upper end of the liquid storage box. The gas box is connected to the liquid storage box. The gas box has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the gas chamber. The electrode assembly includes a cathode, a diaphragm, and an anode. The cathode is coated with an oxygen reduction reaction catalyst. The anode is coated with an oxygen evolution reaction catalyst. The cathode and the anode are distributed on both sides of the diaphragm, which is located between the gas chamber and the liquid storage chamber. The gas supply device is connected to the deoxygenation module. The gas inlet of the gas supply device is connected to the storage chamber of the storage box, and the gas outlet of the gas supply device is connected to the gas inlet. The dehumidification component includes a gas supply pipe and a drainage device. The drainage device is located at the lowest point of the gas supply pipe. Both ends of the gas supply pipe are connected to the gas outlet and the storage chamber. The dehumidification component is located in a low-temperature region, and the temperature of the low-temperature region is lower than the temperature of the storage chamber to condense water vapor.

[0006] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0007] The deoxygenation module's storage chamber contains electrolyte, which contacts the anode. Air from the storage space is supplied to the gas chamber via a gas supply device. The air contacts the cathode, and under the influence of a negative potential and an oxygen reduction catalyst, oxygen is converted into ionic oxygen. The ionic oxygen passes through the diaphragm and moves to the storage chamber. Under the influence of a positive potential and an oxygen evolution catalyst, the ionic oxygen is converted into oxygen and released. The released oxygen is discharged through the oxygen vent. After separating the oxygen, the remaining nitrogen enters the dehumidification component's gas supply pipe. Passing through a low-temperature zone, the water vapor in the nitrogen is condensed and drained away through a drainage device, reducing the nitrogen's humidity. The nitrogen eventually returns to the storage space, reducing the oxygen concentration and humidity of the storage space, which is beneficial for preserving fruits and vegetables.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the low-temperature zone is the air outlet near the compartment.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the compartment includes a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, and the low-temperature zone is located in the freezer compartment.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drainage device includes a valve body and a float ball. The valve body is provided with an inner cavity and a drain outlet. The inner cavity is connected to the gas supply pipe, and the drain outlet is connected to the lowest point of the inner cavity. The float ball is located in the inner cavity and is capable of sealing the drain outlet.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the lower end of the inner cavity is provided as a cone, and the lower end of the float is provided with a cone-shaped surface that matches the inner cavity.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a guide rod is provided at the lower end of the float, a guide block is fitted onto the guide rod, the guide block is located in the drain outlet, and the guide block is provided with multiple through holes.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drainage device includes a housing and a sealing plate. The housing is provided with a water collection cavity communicating with the gas supply pipe. The lower end of the housing is provided with a water outlet communicating with the water collection cavity. The sealing plate is located below the water outlet and is connected to a tension spring to close the water outlet.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the gas transmission pipe is provided with a U-shaped pipe section, and the drainage device is arranged at the lowest point of the U-shaped pipe section.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid storage box is provided with a communication port, and a plurality of support rods are arranged in the communication port, and the electrode assembly is connected to the plurality of support rods.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid storage box is connected to a pressure plate, the pressure plate is located in the liquid storage cavity, the pressure plate is a flat plate and abuts against the anode, and the pressure plate is provided with a plurality of vent holes.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid storage box is provided with a sealing groove on the side facing the gas box, the sealing groove surrounds the communication port, and the gas box is provided with a sealing strip that cooperates with the sealing groove.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid storage box is provided with a detachable end cap, the oxygen vent is provided on the end cap, and the end cap is provided with a water inlet.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air supply device is a centrifugal fan, and the centrifugal fan is connected to the outer wall of the storage box.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and readily understood in conjunction with the following description of the embodiments, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the deoxygenation module, the air supply device, and the dehumidification component in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the deoxygenation module, air supply device, and dehumidification component in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the deoxygenation module in some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the deoxygenation module in some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the dehumidification component in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] The attached icons are numbered as follows:

[0028] Deoxygenation module 100, gas box 110, gas chamber 111, air inlet 112, air outlet 113, sealing strip 114, electrode assembly 120, cathode 121, diaphragm 122, anode 123, liquid storage box 130, liquid storage chamber 131, oxygen vent 132, support rod 133, pressure plate 134, sealing groove 135, end cap 136, water inlet 137;

[0029] Gas supply device 200;

[0030] Dehumidification component 300, air supply pipe 310, U-shaped pipe section 311, drainage device 320, valve body 321, inner cavity 3211, drain outlet 3212, float ball 322, guide rod 3221, guide block 3222. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, the use of "first" and "second" is for the purpose of distinguishing technical features only, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated or the order of the technical features indicated.

[0034] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0035] Refrigerators are appliances used to provide a low-temperature environment for storing food and other items. They are widely used and loved by people. Because refrigerators mainly use a frost-free cooling method, the direct blowing of cold air causes the humidity inside the refrigerator to be too low. This leads to faster moisture loss from the food inside, which is not conducive to the preservation of fruits and vegetables and seriously affects their taste.

[0036] Therefore, in related technologies, refrigerators are equipped with oxygen control devices to reduce the oxygen content in the storage space. A low-oxygen environment can inhibit respiration, suppress the activity of certain enzymes, inhibit ethylene production, and effectively inhibit the growth and reproduction of aerobic bacteria, which is beneficial for food preservation. Currently, commonly used oxygen control methods include membrane separation and pressure swing adsorption (PSA). Membrane separation utilizes the different permeabilities of oxygen and nitrogen in an oxygen-enriched membrane. Under a certain pressure difference, oxygen preferentially permeates through the membrane, achieving oxygen separation. However, limited by the technology of oxygen-enriched membranes, the oxygen control level is generally around 18%, which is not very effective. Furthermore, creating the pressure difference requires specialized power equipment, resulting in high equipment costs. PSA uses molecular sieves to selectively adsorb oxygen and nitrogen, achieving oxygen and nitrogen separation. However, its oxygen removal efficiency is relatively low, and the molecular sieves and air pumps have limited lifespans, requiring regular replacement, leading to high consumable costs and a poor user experience.

[0037] In addition, the transpiration of fruits and vegetables increases the humidity of the storage space. Excessive humidity can easily lead to condensation, which in turn promotes bacterial growth, causing the food to rot and hindering its preservation.

[0038] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention propose a refrigerator with an oxygen removal system. The oxygen removal system separates oxygen based on electrochemical principles, which can rapidly reduce the oxygen content in the storage space. Moreover, the oxygen removal system has a dehumidification function, which can effectively reduce the humidity in the storage space.

[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The present invention provides an oxygen removal system for a refrigerator and a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet, and a compartment is provided inside the cabinet. The compartment can be a refrigerator compartment and / or a freezer compartment. A storage box is arranged in the compartment. The storage cavity of the storage box is a storage space for placing fruits, vegetables and other food. The oxygen removal system is connected to the storage box. The oxygen removal system can reduce the oxygen concentration and humidity of the storage space, help preserve fruits, vegetables and other food, increase storage time and maintain taste.

[0040] The deoxygenation system includes a deoxygenation module 100, a gas supply device 200, and a dehumidification component 300. The deoxygenation system is arranged in the compartment of the refrigerator. The deoxygenation module 100 includes a gas box 110, an electrode assembly 120, and a liquid storage box 130. The gas box 110 and the liquid storage box 130 are connected and fixed as one unit. A gas chamber 111 is formed inside the gas box 110, and a liquid storage chamber 131 is formed inside the liquid storage box 130. The gas chamber 111 and the liquid storage chamber 131 are interconnected. The gas chamber 111 is used to contain air, and the liquid storage chamber 131 is used to contain electrolyte. The electrolyte can be an acidic solution or an alkaline solution, depending on the electrode assembly 120. For example, the electrolyte can be an alkaline solution such as potassium carbonate solution or potassium hydroxide solution, or an acidic solution such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid.

[0041] The function of the air supply device 200 is to drive the air flow. An air inlet 112 and an air outlet 113 that connect to the gas chamber 111 are provided on the outer wall of the gas box 110. The air supply device 200 is connected to the deoxygenation module 100. The air inlet of the air supply device 200 is connected to the storage chamber of the storage box, and the air outlet of the air supply device 200 is connected to the air inlet 112. The air supply device 200 draws air from the storage chamber and then inputs it into the gas chamber 111 of the gas box 110.

[0042] Electrode assembly 120 includes a cathode 121, a diaphragm 122, and an anode 123. The cathode 121 and anode 123 are located on opposite sides of the diaphragm 122, with the cathode 121 positioned closer to the gas chamber 111 and the anode 123 positioned closer to the liquid storage chamber 131. The diaphragm 122 has insulating properties, serving as a separator and also blocking the electrolyte, ensuring that most of the electrolyte remains in the liquid storage chamber 131 area where the anode 123 is located. The electrolyte keeps the diaphragm 150 moist, meeting the requirements for ionized oxygen permeation. The extremely small distance between the cathode 121 and anode 123 helps reduce resistance and heat generation, contributing to the stable operation of the oxygen control system. The cathode 121 is coated with an oxygen reduction reaction catalyst, and the anode 123 is coated with an oxygen evolution reaction catalyst. When air comes into contact with the cathode 121, under the action of a negative potential and the oxygen reduction catalyst, the oxygen is converted into ionic oxygen. The ionic oxygen passes through the diaphragm 122 and enters the liquid storage chamber 131. Under the action of a positive potential and the oxygen evolution reaction catalyst, the ionic oxygen is converted into oxygen molecules and released. An oxygen vent 132 is provided at the upper end of the liquid storage box 130, and the oxygen is discharged from the oxygen vent 132.

[0043] It is understandable that the oxygen reduction reaction catalyst coated on cathode 121 can be a platinum-based catalyst. Platinum-based catalysts are a general term for catalysts made with platinum as the main active component. They typically use platinum mesh, platinum black, or platinum supported on alumina or other supports, and may also contain co-catalyst components such as rhenium. Platinum-based catalysts have high catalytic activity, strong selectivity, are easy to manufacture, and require small amounts. Their catalytic performance can be optimized by changing and improving manufacturing methods and by compounding them with other metals or co-catalyst active components. The oxygen evolution reaction catalyst coated on anode 123 can be an iridium-based catalyst. Iridium-based catalysts are typically prepared by impregnating active iridium metal onto alumina or other supports and then subjecting them to special treatment. Depending on the specific application requirements, the active iridium metal content of the catalyst is typically 0.3% to 30%.

[0044] Understandably, after the oxygen in the air is separated, the majority of what remains is nitrogen. The nitrogen exits from the outlet 113 of the gas chamber 110 and enters the dehumidification assembly 300. The dehumidification assembly 300 includes a gas delivery pipe 310 and a drainage device 320. The two ends of the gas delivery pipe 310 connect the outlet 113 and the storage chamber to transport the nitrogen back to the storage chamber, reducing the oxygen concentration and maintaining pressure balance. The dehumidification assembly 300 is placed in a low-temperature zone, where the temperature is lower than that of the storage chamber, promoting the condensation of water vapor in the nitrogen and thus reducing its humidity. The drainage device 320 is located at the lowest point of the gas delivery pipe 310 to drain the condensate.

[0045] Fruits, vegetables, and other food items are placed in the storage cavity of the storage box. The deoxygenation system is activated, and the electrode assembly 120 is energized. Electrolyte is stored in the liquid storage cavity 131 of the deoxygenation module 100, and the anode 123 is submerged in the electrolyte. Air from the storage space is introduced into the gas chamber 111 through the gas supply device 200. The air contacts the cathode 121, and under the negative potential of the cathode 121 and the action of the oxygen reduction catalyst, oxygen is converted into ionized oxygen. The chemical reaction is: O2 + H2O + 2e - =HO2 - +OH - Ionized oxygen can permeate through the membrane 120 and move to the storage chamber 131. Under the positive potential of the anode 123 and the action of the oxygen evolution catalyst, the ionized oxygen is converted into oxygen gas and released. The chemical reaction formula is: HO2 - +OH - -2e - The oxygen is separated by the reaction O2 + H2O, and the released oxygen is discharged through the oxygen vent 132. After the oxygen is separated, the remaining nitrogen enters the gas supply pipe 310 of the dehumidification component 300, flows through the low-temperature zone, and the water vapor in the nitrogen is condensed and discharged through the drainage device 320, reducing the humidity of the nitrogen. The nitrogen eventually returns to the storage space, thereby reducing the oxygen concentration and humidity of the storage space, which is beneficial for the preservation of fruits and vegetables. The oxygen control system uses air as raw material and consumes electrical energy to selectively separate oxygen at normal pressure, thereby reducing the oxygen concentration in the storage space. The dehumidification component 300 utilizes the low-temperature zone of the refrigerator to condense water vapor to reduce humidity, helping to preserve fruits, vegetables and other food products.

[0046] It is understandable that the function of the air supply device 200 is to drive the air flow. The air supply device 200 can be a centrifugal fan or an air pump. If a centrifugal fan is selected, it is installed on the outer wall of the storage box. The storage box can be connected to the centrifugal fan by opening an air vent. The centrifugal fan has a large air volume, which helps to accelerate deoxygenation.

[0047] It should be understood that, as a refrigeration device, a refrigerator has multiple selectable low-temperature zones, such as the air vents near the compartments, the freezer compartment, and the area near the evaporator. Dehumidification components 300 can be installed in these zones to condense water vapor in the nitrogen gas, thus reducing humidity. Typically, the storage compartment is located in the refrigerator's crisper compartment, and part of the dehumidification component 300's air supply pipe 310 extends into the freezer compartment. The low temperature in the freezer compartment then causes water vapor in the nitrogen gas to condense, achieving a dehumidification effect.

[0048] Alternatively, a separate air duct can be installed to direct the cold air passing through the evaporator to the low-temperature area. The low temperature of the cold air will cause the water vapor in the air pipe 310 to condense, thereby achieving the purpose of dehumidification.

[0049] It should be understood that the deoxygenation system can also be applied to other food storage equipment. A separate refrigeration module can be used to create a low-temperature zone, which will cause water vapor in the gas pipe 310 to condense and achieve the purpose of dehumidification.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 It is understandable that water vapor in the gas supply pipe 310 condenses into water droplets, which are then drained away through the drainage device 320. This requires the condensate to be collected first. Utilizing the property of water flowing downwards under gravity, the drainage device 320 is positioned at the lowest point of the gas supply pipe 310. Considering the need to prevent condensate from entering the storage box, a U-shaped pipe section 311 is installed in the gas supply pipe 310. This U-shaped pipe section 311 collects and stores the condensate, and the drainage device 320 is positioned at the lowest point of the U-shaped pipe section 311, allowing it to drain all the condensate. Furthermore, the U-shaped pipe section 311 prevents condensate from flowing away and entering the storage box. The U-shaped pipe section 311 has a certain volume, so even if the drainage device 320 malfunctions, it can still store condensate. The gas supply pipe 310 can be made transparent, allowing direct observation of the condensate in the U-shaped pipe section 311, which helps in troubleshooting any malfunctions in the drainage device 320.

[0051] Understandably, there are other structures that can also collect condensate, such as gas-liquid separators and liquid storage tanks, which can also collect condensate for easy drainage.

[0052] Reference Figure 5In some embodiments, the drainage device 320 adopts a float-type structure. The drainage device 320 includes a valve body 321 and a float 322. An inner cavity 3211 is provided inside the valve body 321. The lower end of the valve body 321 is a drain port 3212 that connects to the inner cavity 3211, and the upper end of the inner cavity 3211 is connected to the gas supply pipe 310. In order to smoothly drain all the condensate, the drain port 3212 is usually set at the lowest point of the valve body 321. The float 322 is arranged in the inner cavity 3211. Due to gravity, the float 322 automatically closes the drain port 3212. When the amount of condensate entering the inner cavity 3211 reaches a set value, the float 322 is floated by the buoyancy of the condensate, thereby opening the drain port 3212. The condensate is drained from the drain port 3212 and can be guided to the water collection box or used for condenser cooling through the pipe. When the amount of condensate is lower than the set value, the float 322 closes the drain port 3212 again. Condensate is continuously generated, and float 322 repeats the above steps to drain the condensate.

[0053] Understandably, when the float 322 seals the drain outlet 3212, to improve sealing, the lower end of the inner cavity 3211 is made into a cone shape, and the float 322 is correspondingly designed to match the cone-shaped surface of the inner cavity 3211. The float 322 and the lower end of the inner cavity 3211 fit together, improving sealing. Moreover, the cone-shaped structure facilitates the float 322's buoyancy, reducing the risk of jamming. Of course, the inner cavity 3211 and the float 322 can also be made into other shapes, such as cylindrical or spherical, as long as they fit together to achieve a seal.

[0054] Reference Figure 5 A guide rod 3221 is provided at the lower end of the float 322, and a guide block 3222 is fitted onto the guide rod 3221. The guide block 3222 is arranged in the drain outlet 3212, and its shape matches the drain outlet 3212. The guide block 3222 also has multiple through holes to allow condensate to flow. The guide block 3222 serves a protective function, preventing debris from entering the drain outlet 3212 and reducing the risk of the float 322 getting stuck.

[0055] In other embodiments, the drainage device 320 includes a housing and a sealing plate. The housing is provided with a water collection point to connect to the gas supply pipe 310. An outlet connecting to the water collection chamber is provided at the lower end of the housing. The sealing plate is arranged below the outlet and is connected to a tension spring. The tension spring keeps the sealing plate closed at the outlet. When the amount of condensate in the water collection chamber increases, and the weight of the condensate exceeds the tension of the spring, the sealing plate moves down and opens the outlet, thereby draining the condensate. When the weight of the condensate in the water collection chamber is less than the tension of the spring, the sealing plate closes the outlet again. As the amount of condensate increases, the outlet repeatedly opens to drain the condensate.

[0056] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The liquid storage box 130 is provided with a communication port to connect to the gas chamber 111. In order to install the electrode assembly 120, multiple support rods 133 are arranged in the communication port. The electrode assembly 120 is mounted on the multiple support rods 133. The support rods 133 are small in size to minimize the obstruction to the movement of ionic oxygen. The multiple support rods 133 provide the mounting structure and support to fix the electrode assembly 120.

[0057] The anode 123 can be made of nickel mesh, which is prone to deformation. To keep the anode 123 flat, a pressure plate 134 is connected to the liquid storage box 130. The pressure plate 134 is located in the liquid storage chamber 131 and is a flat plate that abuts against the anode 123. The pressure plate 134 can be made of a rigid metal plate or a plastic plate. By pressing the anode 123 with the pressure plate 134, the anode 123 is kept flat, which is beneficial for the anode 123 to contact the electrolyte and promote the conversion of ionic oxygen into oxygen. Multiple vent holes are provided on the pressure plate 134 to allow the evolved oxygen to escape. The pressure plate 134 and multiple support rods 133 work together to fix the electrode assembly 120, improving stability.

[0058] Understandably, the connection between the liquid storage box 130 and the gas box 110 needs to meet sealing requirements, referring to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 A sealing groove 135 is provided on the side of the liquid storage box 130 facing the gas box 110. The sealing groove 135 surrounds the communication opening. A sealing strip 114 is provided on the gas box 110, and the sealing strip 114 is installed in the sealing groove 135 to achieve a seal. The sealing strip 114 can be an independent component or a structure fixed to the gas box 110. Both the sealing strip 114 and the sealing groove 135 are annular to prevent gas and liquid leakage and improve the operational stability of the deoxygenation module 100. Of course, other sealing structures can also be used for the liquid storage box 130 and the gas box 110, such as sealant, welding, etc.

[0059] Refer to and Figure 4 It is understandable that the electrolyte storage box 130 is equipped with a removable end cap 136, on which an oxygen vent 132 and a water inlet 137 are provided. The water inlet 137 is used for adding and replenishing electrolyte and can be designed with a flared opening for flow guidance to facilitate electrolyte flow. Alternatively, a sealing cap can be provided to close the water inlet 137 to prevent electrolyte leakage.

[0060] The present invention also proposes a refrigerator, which includes a cabinet and a compartment inside the cabinet. The compartment can be a refrigerator compartment and / or a freezer compartment. A storage box is arranged in the compartment. The storage cavity of the storage box is a storage space for placing fruits, vegetables and other food. An oxygen removal system is connected to the storage box. The oxygen removal system includes an oxygen removal module 100, an air supply device 200 and a dehumidification component 300. The oxygen removal module 100 includes a gas box 110, an electrode assembly 120 and a liquid storage box 130. The gas box 110 and the liquid storage box 130 are connected and fixed as one unit. A gas cavity 111 is formed inside the gas box 110 and a liquid storage cavity 131 is formed inside the liquid storage box 130. The gas cavity 111 and the liquid storage cavity 131 are interconnected. The gas cavity 111 is used to contain air and the liquid storage cavity 131 is used to contain electrolyte. The function of the gas supply device 200 is to drive air flow. The electrode assembly 120 includes a cathode 121, a diaphragm 122, and an anode 123. The cathode 121 and the anode 123 are distributed on both sides of the diaphragm 122. The cathode 121 is located on the side closer to the gas chamber 111, and the anode 123 is located on the side closer to the liquid storage chamber 131. The diaphragm 122 has insulating properties and plays a separating role. In addition, the diaphragm 122 also plays a role in blocking the electrolyte, so that most of the electrolyte remains in the liquid storage chamber 131 area where the anode 123 is located. The electrolyte keeps the diaphragm 150 moist, which can meet the requirements of ionized oxygen permeation.

[0061] Fruits and vegetables are placed in the refrigerator's storage compartment. The deoxygenation system operates, and the electrode assembly 120 is energized. Electrolyte is stored in the liquid storage chamber 131 of the deoxygenation module 100, and the anode 123 is submerged in the electrolyte. Air from the storage space is supplied to the gas chamber 111 via the gas supply device 200. The air contacts the cathode 121, and under the negative potential of the cathode 121 and the action of the oxygen reduction catalyst, oxygen is converted into ionic oxygen. The chemical reaction is: O2 + H2O + 2e - =HO2 - +OH - Ionized oxygen can permeate through the membrane 120 and move to the storage chamber 131. Under the positive potential of the anode 123 and the action of the oxygen evolution catalyst, the ionized oxygen is converted into oxygen gas and released. The chemical reaction formula is: HO2 - +OH - -2e -The oxygen is separated by the reaction O2 + H2O, and the released oxygen is discharged through the oxygen vent 132. After the oxygen is separated, the remaining nitrogen enters the gas supply pipe 310 of the dehumidification component 300, flows through the low-temperature zone, and the water vapor in the nitrogen is condensed and discharged through the drainage device 320, reducing the humidity of the nitrogen. The nitrogen eventually returns to the storage space, thereby reducing the oxygen concentration and humidity of the storage space, which is beneficial for the preservation of fruits and vegetables. The oxygen control system uses air as raw material and consumes electrical energy to selectively separate oxygen at normal pressure, thereby reducing the oxygen concentration in the storage space. The dehumidification component 300 utilizes the low-temperature zone of the refrigerator to condense water vapor to reduce humidity, helping to preserve fruits, vegetables and other food products.

[0062] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The box has an interior compartment containing a storage box. An oxygen removal module is located in the chamber. The oxygen removal module includes a gas box, an electrode assembly, and a liquid storage box. The gas box has a gas chamber, and the liquid storage box has a liquid storage chamber. An oxygen vent is provided at the upper end of the liquid storage box. The gas box is connected to the liquid storage box. The gas box has an inlet and an outlet that communicate with the gas chamber. The electrode assembly includes a cathode, a diaphragm, and an anode. The cathode is coated with an oxygen reduction reaction catalyst, and the anode is coated with an oxygen evolution reaction catalyst. The cathode and the anode are distributed on both sides of the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is located between the gas chamber and the liquid storage chamber. An air supply device is connected to the deoxygenation module. The air inlet of the air supply device is connected to the storage cavity of the storage box, and the air outlet of the air supply device is connected to the air inlet. The dehumidification component includes an air supply pipe and a drainage device. The drainage device is located at the lowest point of the air supply pipe. The two ends of the air supply pipe are connected to the air outlet and the storage cavity. The dehumidification component is located in a low-temperature region, and the temperature of the low-temperature region is lower than the temperature of the storage cavity to condense water vapor.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-temperature zone is the air outlet near the compartment.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compartments include a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, with the low-temperature zone located in the freezer compartment.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage device includes a valve body and a float. The valve body is provided with an inner cavity and a drain outlet. The inner cavity is connected to the gas supply pipe, and the drain outlet is connected to the lowest point of the inner cavity. The float is located in the inner cavity and can close the drain outlet.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower end of the inner cavity is tapered, and the lower end of the float is provided with a tapered surface that matches the inner cavity.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower end of the float is provided with a guide rod, the guide rod is fitted with a guide block, the guide block is located in the drain outlet, and the guide block is provided with multiple through holes.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage device includes a housing and a sealing plate. The housing is provided with a water collection chamber that communicates with the gas supply pipe. The lower end of the housing is provided with a water outlet that communicates with the water collection chamber. The sealing plate is located below the water outlet and is connected to a tension spring to close the water outlet.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas pipeline is provided with a U-shaped section, and the drainage device is located at the lowest point of the U-shaped section.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage box is provided with a communication port, and multiple support rods are arranged in the communication port. The electrode assembly is connected to the multiple support rods.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The liquid storage box is connected to a pressure plate, which is located in the liquid storage cavity. The pressure plate is a flat plate that abuts against the anode, and the pressure plate is provided with multiple vent holes.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The liquid storage box has a sealing groove on its side facing the gas box, the sealing groove surrounds the communication port, and the gas box is provided with a sealing strip that cooperates with the sealing groove.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage box is provided with a detachable end cap, the oxygen vent is provided on the end cap, and the end cap is provided with a water inlet.

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