Degradation device, control method and refrigeration appliance
By designing an automatically switching degradation module in the refrigerator, and utilizing temperature-driven adsorption and catalytic degradation states, the problem of low TVOC purification efficiency in refrigerators is solved, achieving efficient and safe TVOC treatment, extending the adsorbent life, and improving the user experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511732609.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing volatile organic compound (TVOC) purification solutions in refrigerators are difficult to adapt to periodic temperature changes, resulting in low purification efficiency. Furthermore, traditional adsorbents become secondary pollution sources after saturation, leading to a poor user experience.
Design a degradation device that drives the degradation module to switch between adsorption and catalytic degradation states through the opening and closing action of the shell cover. The device automatically adjusts the working mode by utilizing temperature changes. It includes an adsorption catalytic layer, an encapsulation layer, and a temperature-sensitive coating. Combined with a heating module to provide thermal energy, it achieves a dynamic balance between adsorption and catalytic degradation.
It achieves instantaneous TVOC treatment, improves purification efficiency, avoids the adsorbent becoming a secondary pollution source after saturation, conforms to the energy-saving concept of refrigerators, extends the service life of the adsorbent, and enhances the user experience.
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Figure CN121371997A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of refrigeration appliances, and particularly relates to a degradation device, a control method and a refrigeration appliance. BACKGROUND
[0002] Refrigeration appliances, such as refrigerators, refrigerators, refrigerated display cabinets and the like, are indispensable devices in modern life, and with the improvement of people's living standards, more and more attention is paid to the safety and health of the food storage environment in the refrigerator. The volatile organic compounds in the refrigerator are mainly derived from the metabolism of food materials (if vegetables, meat spoilage) and the release of plastic packaging materials, which are prone to accumulate volatile organic compounds (TVOC), which not only cause food odor, but also some components (such as formaldehyde, benzene series) pose a potential threat to human health, therefore, it is of great significance to develop efficient and safe air purification technology in the refrigerator.
[0003] For the purification scheme of TVOC in the refrigerator, the most typical one is to use activated carbon and other adsorbents. Although this kind of technology has low cost, its adsorption capacity is limited, and it is only a kind of enrichment and phase transfer of pollutants, and it has not achieved complete degradation. When saturated adsorption, not only will lose the purification effect, but also may become a secondary pollution source, which needs to be replaced frequently by the user, and the user experience is not good. Although the photocatalytic oxidation technology can degrade TVOC, its high efficiency work can rely on continuous ultraviolet irradiation and specific temperature conditions, and in the low temperature, closed and no built-in ultraviolet light source environment of the refrigerator, its catalytic efficiency is greatly reduced. At the same time, the working temperature required for maintaining the ultraviolet lamp and the catalytic reaction needs to consume additional electric energy, which is contrary to the energy saving concept of the refrigerator. The conventional biological enzyme purification technology directly fixes the biological enzyme on the carrier and uses its catalytic action to degrade pollutants, however, the refrigerator is in a low temperature environment for a long time, which greatly inhibits the catalytic activity of the biological enzyme, resulting in that its purification efficiency is very low in most of the time, and it cannot realize instant and efficient purification. SUMMARY
[0004] The present application provides a degradation device, a control method and a refrigeration appliance, which can solve the technical problem that the existing purification scheme of volatile organic compounds is difficult to adapt to periodic temperature changes to complete degradation.
[0005] The present application provides a degradation device, which comprises a shell and a degradation module. The inner cavity of the shell is a storage cavity, and an openable or closable cover is arranged on the shell, so that the temperature of the storage cavity changes during opening or closing the cover. The degradation module is installed in the shell, and the working state of the degradation module is driven by the temperature change of the storage cavity, and the working state of the degradation module includes an adsorption state and a catalytic degradation state. When the cover is closed, the degradation module is in the adsorption state, and the degradation module adsorbs the organic compounds in the storage cavity; when the cover is opened, the degradation module is in the catalytic degradation state, and the degradation module degrades the adsorbed organic compounds.
[0006] In some embodiments, the degradation module comprises an adsorption and catalysis layer and an encapsulation layer, the adsorption and catalysis layer is encapsulated in the encapsulation layer, and the organic compounds in the storage cavity are adsorbed by the adsorption and catalysis layer through the encapsulation layer.
[0007] In some embodiments, the adsorption and catalysis layer comprises a carrier and a catalyst, the carrier is uniformly distributed with a plurality of mesopores, and the catalyst is loaded in the mesopores, and the organic compounds in the storage cavity are adsorbed by the mesopores and the catalyst.
[0008] In some embodiments, the surface of the carrier is provided with a temperature response layer, and the temperature response layer covers the pore entrance area of the mesopores, and the temperature response layer adjusts the opening and closing state of the pores according to the temperature change of the storage cavity, thereby forming a temperature-sensitive gate structure at the pore entrance of the mesopores.
[0009] In some embodiments, the temperature response layer is a temperature-sensitive coating, when the cover is closed, the temperature-sensitive coating is in a hydrophilic and relaxed state, the organic compounds in the storage cavity enter the inside of the mesopores, and the degradation module is in the adsorption state; when the cover is opened, the temperature-sensitive coating is in a hydrophobic and contracted state, and generates an outward pushing force on the products after the degradation of the organic compounds, and the degradation module is in the catalytic degradation state.
[0010] In some embodiments, a heating module is further included, the heating module is thermally coupled with the degradation module, and the heating module provides heat energy to the degradation module to trigger or promote the catalytic degradation function of the degradation module.
[0011] In some embodiments, the heating module comprises a mounting panel and a plurality of heating sheets, the plurality of heating sheets are uniformly distributed on the mounting panel, the degradation module has a first end surface and a second end surface, the first end surface faces the cover, and the mounting panel is oppositely arranged with the second end surface.
[0012] In some embodiments, the shell is provided with an air return inlet and an air return outlet, a fan is arranged at the air return inlet, the fan sends air in the external environment into the storage cavity, and the air in the storage cavity is discharged from the air return outlet.
[0013] A control method for controlling a degradation device, the degradation device is the degradation device described above, and the control method comprises: When the cover is closed, the temperature in the storage cavity is maintained in a first temperature range, the degradation module is in the adsorption state, and the degradation module adsorbs the organic compounds in the storage cavity; When the cover is opened, the temperature of the storage cavity is maintained in a second temperature range, the second temperature range is greater than the first temperature range, the temperature in the storage cavity is increased, the degradation module is in the catalytic degradation state, and the degradation module degrades the adsorbed organic compounds.
[0014] A refrigeration electric appliance comprises the degradation device.
[0015] The degradation device, the control method and the refrigeration electric appliance have the following beneficial effects: In the present application, by combining the switching action of the cover with the working state of the degradation module, the device can automatically switch the working mode without manual operation or additional control equipment. This automatic setting greatly improves the user experience. The user only needs to use the refrigerator normally, and the device can automatically complete the adsorption and degradation process. Each time the cover is opened or closed, the device will quickly switch the working state to ensure that TVOC can be processed in time during the use of the refrigerator. This instant response mechanism enables the device to adapt to the frequent use of the refrigerator and always maintain good purification effect. The closing of the cover causes the temperature of the storage cavity to decrease, and at this time, the degradation module enters the adsorption state. The low temperature condition enhances the adsorption capacity of the degradation module for TVOC. Low temperature can make the adsorption performance of the adsorbent better because lower temperature helps TVOC molecules to be more stably attached to the surface of the adsorbent. When the cover is opened, the storage cavity is in contact with the external environment, and the temperature is increased. This not only causes the degradation module to release the adsorbed TVOC, but also activates the catalytic action, making it enter the high-efficiency degradation state. The dual use of temperature change enables the adsorption and degradation process to seamlessly connect, maximizing the purification efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or prior art description. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only exemplary, and those skilled in the art can also obtain other embodiments of the drawings according to the provided drawings without creating any creative labor.
[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the degradation device of the embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 A front view longitudinal sectional schematic diagram of the degradation device of the embodiment of the present application; Figure 3A side view of a longitudinal section of a degradation device according to an embodiment of the application; Figure 4 A side view of a longitudinal section of a degradation device according to an embodiment of the application; Figure 3 A detailed view of the degradation device according to an embodiment of the application; Figure 5 A side view of a longitudinal section of a degradation device according to an embodiment of the application; Figure 6 A side view of a longitudinal section of a degradation device according to an embodiment of the application; Figure 7 A side view of a longitudinal section of a degradation device according to an embodiment of the application; Figure 8 A side view of a longitudinal section of a degradation device according to an embodiment of the application;
[0018] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the application, and are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application. In the drawings: DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the application, rather than all the embodiments of the application. The description of the at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative in nature and by no means constitutes any limitation on the application and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without any creative effort fall within the protection scope of the application.
[0020] In the description of the application, it should be understood that the orientation words such as “front, back, up, down, left, right”, “transverse, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal” and “top, bottom” and the like indicate the orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the application and simplifying the description, and these orientation words do not indicate and imply that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the protection scope of the application; the orientation words “inner, outer” refer to the inner and outer relative to the contour of each component.
[0021] For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial
[0022] With reference to the drawings Figures 1 to 7 As shown, according to the embodiment of the present application, a degradation device is provided, which comprises a shell 1 and a degradation module 2; the inner cavity of the shell 1 is a storage cavity 101, and the shell 1 is provided with an openable or closable cover 3, so that the temperature of the storage cavity 101 changes when the cover 3 is opened or closed; the degradation module 2 is installed in the shell 1, and the working state of the degradation module 2 is driven by the temperature change of the storage cavity 101, and the working state of the degradation module 2 includes an adsorption state and a catalytic degradation state; when the cover 3 is closed, the degradation module 2 is in the adsorption state, and the degradation module 2 adsorbs volatile organic compounds in the storage cavity 101; when the cover 3 is opened, the degradation module 2 is in the catalytic degradation state, and the degradation module 2 degrades the adsorbed volatile organic compounds.
[0023] It is worth noting that the main body of the device is a shell 1 with a storage cavity 101, the storage cavity 101 is a degradation interval, the storage cavity 101 is used to store food materials and other articles, and the shell 1 has an openable or closable cover 3, the opening and closing operation of the cover 3 directly affects the temperature change in the storage cavity 101, and the degradation module 2 is the core part of the device, which is installed inside the shell 1, and the degradation module 2 has two working states: adsorption state and catalytic degradation state, and the switching between the two states is driven by the temperature change of the storage cavity 101.
[0024] Specifically, when the cover 3 is closed, the storage cavity 101 is in a relatively closed state, and the internal temperature will gradually decrease (similar to the normal operation state of a refrigerator), and under low-temperature conditions, the degradation module 2 enters an adsorption state, at this time, the adsorbent material in the module begins to adsorb volatile organic compounds (TVOC) in the storage cavity 101, which are mainly derived from food metabolism (ethylene released by vegetables, amines produced by meat spoilage, etc.) and organic matter released by plastic packaging materials. When the user opens the cover 3, the storage cavity 101 is in contact with the external environment, and the temperature will rise rapidly (because the external environment temperature can be higher than the internal temperature of the refrigerator), and the temperature rise triggers the degradation module 2 to switch from the adsorption state to the catalytic degradation state, and under higher temperature, the TVOC molecules adsorbed on the degradation module 2 are released and catalytically degraded, and the degradation module 2 decomposes these TVOC molecules into harmless small molecular substances (such as carbon dioxide and water), thereby achieving complete degradation of the TVOC. After the degradation process is completed, when the user closes the cover 3 again, the device reenters the adsorption state, preparing for the next cycle.
[0025] In this embodiment, by combining the switch action of the cover 3 with the working state of the degradation module 2, the device can automatically switch the working mode without manual operation or additional control equipment, and this automatic setting greatly improves the user experience, and the user only needs to use the refrigerator normally, and the device can automatically complete the adsorption and degradation process, and each time the cover 3 is opened or closed, the device will quickly switch the working state, ensuring that the TVOC can be processed in time during the user's use of the refrigerator, and this instant response mechanism enables the device to adapt to the frequent use of the refrigerator, and always maintains good purification effect. The closing of the cover 3 causes the temperature of the storage cavity 101 to decrease, at which time the degradation module 2 enters an adsorption state, and the low-temperature condition enhances the adsorption capacity of the degradation module 2 for TVOC, and low temperature can make the adsorbent have better adsorption performance, because lower temperature helps the TVOC molecules to be more stably attached to the surface of the adsorbent, when the cover 3 is opened, the storage cavity 101 is in contact with the external environment, and the temperature rises, which not only promotes the degradation module 2 to release the adsorbed TVOC, but also activates the catalytic action, so that it enters an efficient degradation state, and this dual use of temperature change enables the adsorption and degradation process to seamlessly connect, and maximizes the purification efficiency.
[0026] In this embodiment, the natural temperature change generated by the refrigerator cover 3 switch is used to drive the degradation module 2, without the need for additional energy input (such as heating elements or ultraviolet light sources), which is in line with the energy-saving concept of the refrigerator and does not increase the energy consumption of the refrigerator, while achieving efficient purification function. Through the dual mechanisms of adsorption and degradation, the device can effectively remove TVOC in the refrigerator, prevent food from being flavored and accumulation of harmful substances. This synergistic effect not only solves the problem of saturation of traditional adsorbents, but also avoids the low efficiency of photocatalytic technology in low temperature environment. In the adsorption state, the degradation module 2 can efficiently adsorb TVOC to prevent its diffusion in the refrigerator; while in the degradation state, the device can completely decompose the adsorbed TVOC into harmless substances (such as carbon dioxide and water). This synergistic effect ensures that the adsorbent will not become a secondary pollution source due to saturation, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the device. Through the periodic adsorption and degradation process, the adsorbent can continuously release the adsorbed TVOC and degrade it, thereby prolonging its service life. This dynamic balance mechanism ensures that the adsorbent always maintains high adsorption efficiency, reducing the frequency of replacing the adsorbent and reducing the use cost.
[0027] For reference Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the degradation module 2 includes an adsorption and catalysis layer 201 and a packaging layer 202. The adsorption and catalysis layer 201 is packaged in the packaging layer 202, and the volatile organic compounds in the storage cavity 101 are adsorbed by the adsorption and catalysis layer 201 through the packaging layer 202. The adsorption and catalysis layer 201 is the core part of the degradation module 2, responsible for adsorbing and catalytically degrading volatile organic compounds (TVOC), which can be composed of high-efficiency adsorbents (such as activated carbon, molecular sieve, etc.) and catalytic materials (such as metal oxide catalysts, photocatalysts, etc.). The adsorbent is used to adsorb TVOC, while the catalytic material is used to decompose the adsorbed TVOC into harmless substances under appropriate conditions. The role of the packaging layer 202 is to wrap the adsorption and catalysis layer 201, while allowing the air (including TVOC) in the storage cavity 101 to pass through. The packaging layer 202 can be made of materials with good air permeability, such as microporous membranes, air-permeable fabrics or special porous materials, which can protect the adsorption and catalysis layer 201 from physical damage and ensure that TVOC can enter the adsorption and catalysis layer 201 smoothly. The air-permeable packaging layer 202 is a flexible thin film with high gas permeability, which is configured to allow gas molecules to pass through.
[0028] Specifically, when the cover 3 is closed, the temperature in the storage cavity 101 gradually decreases, and this temperature change triggers the degradation module 2 to enter the adsorption state. The TVOC (such as ethylene, aldehydes produced by food metabolism, or organic matter released by packaging materials) in the storage cavity 101 enters the adsorption catalytic layer 201 through the micropores or air permeation channels of the encapsulation layer 202. The adsorption catalytic layer 201 adsorbs the TVOC molecules on its surface. At this time, the catalytic material is in a relatively low temperature state and mainly plays an adsorption function, temporarily not performing a degradation reaction. The TVOC is continuously adsorbed and accumulated in the adsorption catalytic layer 201, waiting for the subsequent degradation process. When the cover 3 is opened, the storage cavity 101 is in contact with the external environment, and the temperature rapidly rises. This temperature change triggers the degradation module 2 to switch from the adsorption state to the catalytic degradation state. As the temperature rises, the adsorbed TVOC molecules in the adsorption catalytic layer 201 are gradually released and begin to catalyze the degradation reaction. The released TVOC is decomposed into harmless small molecular substances, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). After the degradation is completed, the air in the storage cavity 101 is purified, the concentration of TVOC is significantly reduced, and the adsorption catalytic layer 201 returns to the initial state, preparing for the next adsorption process.
[0029] In this embodiment, the encapsulation layer 202 provides a relatively stable operating environment for the adsorption and catalysis layer 201, ensuring that the adsorbent and catalytic materials maintain good performance over a long period of use. At the same time, the air permeability of the encapsulation layer 202 ensures that TVOC can efficiently enter the adsorption and catalysis layer 201, thereby achieving rapid adsorption and purification. In the adsorption state, the adsorption and catalysis layer 201 continuously adsorbs TVOC, and over time, the adsorbent will gradually approach saturation. However, in the catalytic degradation state, the adsorbent releases the adsorbed TVOC and degrades it, thereby restoring the adsorption capacity. The air permeability of the encapsulation layer 202 not only allows TVOC to enter the adsorption and catalysis layer 201, but also promotes air circulation during the degradation process, accelerating the release and degradation of TVOC. This arrangement enables the adsorption and catalysis layer 201 to achieve a dynamic balance between adsorption and degradation, extending its service life. The encapsulation layer controls the entry and exit of gas, providing physical support for the dynamic balance of the adsorption and catalysis layer 201. This synergy enables the device to maintain high purification capacity over a long period of use, reducing the frequency of module replacement for the user. The adsorption and catalytic performance of the adsorption and catalysis layer 201 is closely related to temperature. Low temperature is conducive to the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent, while high temperature helps to activate the catalytic material and release TVOC. The encapsulation layer 202 adjusts temperature changes, providing more suitable working conditions for the adsorption and catalysis layer 201. This synergy enables the device to operate efficiently in different temperature environments, especially in environments with large temperature fluctuations such as refrigerators. The encapsulation layer 202 isolates the adsorption and catalysis layer 201 from the external environment, preventing the adsorbent and catalytic material from being directly exposed to the storage cavity 101. This not only protects the adsorption and catalysis layer 201, but also avoids possible chemical leakage or contamination. The isolation function of the encapsulation layer 202 combined with the degradation function of the adsorption and catalysis layer 201 ensures that the device does not cause secondary pollution to the food or environment in the storage cavity 101 during operation, significantly improving the safety and reliability of the device.
[0030] For reference Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the figure, the adsorption and catalysis layer 201 includes a carrier 211 and a catalyst. The carrier 211 is uniformly distributed with a plurality of mesopores 212, and the mesopores 212 are loaded with the catalyst. The volatile organic compounds in the storage cavity 101 are adsorbed by the mesopores 212 and the catalyst. The carrier 211 is the basic structure of the adsorption and catalysis layer 201, made of porous materials such as diatomite, activated carbon fiber, and alumina. The surface and interior of the carrier 211 are uniformly distributed with a plurality of mesopores 212, which provide a large number of adsorption sites to efficiently capture TVOC. The catalyst is loaded in the mesopores 212 of the carrier 211, and the catalyst functions to decompose the adsorbed TVOC into harmless substances (such as carbon dioxide and water) under appropriate conditions (such as temperature rise).
[0031] Specifically, when the cover 3 is closed, the temperature in the storage cavity 101 gradually decreases, and the TVOC in the storage cavity 101 enters the adsorption catalytic layer 201 through the micropores of the encapsulation layer 202. The TVOC molecules are first captured by the mesopores 212 of the carrier 211. The high specific surface area and suitable pore size distribution of the mesopores 212 enable the TVOC molecules to enter the pores efficiently and adhere to the pore walls. The TVOC molecules also undergo chemical adsorption with the catalyst loaded in the mesopores 212. The active sites on the surface of the catalyst can form chemical bonds with the TVOC molecules, further enhancing the adsorption capacity. When the cover 3 is opened, the storage cavity 101 is in contact with the external environment, and the temperature rises rapidly. As the temperature rises, the TVOC molecules adsorbed in the mesopores 212 gradually gain enough energy and are released from the pores. The catalyst loaded in the mesopores 212 is activated at a higher temperature, and the active sites on its surface can efficiently catalyze the TVOC. After the degradation is completed, the air in the storage cavity 101 is purified, and the concentration of TVOC is significantly reduced. At the same time, the adsorption catalytic layer 201 returns to the initial state, preparing for the next adsorption process.
[0032] In this embodiment, the mesoporous 212 has a very high specific surface area, which means that the carrier 211 can provide a large number of adsorption sites per unit volume. This high specific surface area enables the adsorption catalyst layer 201 to efficiently capture volatile organic compounds (TVOC) in the storage cavity 101, thereby significantly improving the adsorption efficiency. The pore size of the mesoporous 212 matches the size of the TVOC molecules, which can effectively adsorb organic molecules of various sizes. This pore size distribution not only increases the adsorption capacity, but also enhances the selective adsorption ability of specific TVOC. The catalyst is loaded in the mesoporous 212, so that the active sites of the catalyst can be uniformly distributed inside and on the surface of the carrier 211. This distribution maximizes the contact area between the catalyst and the TVOC molecules, thereby improving the efficiency of the catalytic reaction. The mesoporous 212 structure is beneficial to the rapid mass transfer of TVOC molecules during adsorption and degradation. In the adsorption stage, TVOC molecules can quickly enter the mesoporous 212 and be adsorbed. In the degradation stage, the released TVOC molecules can quickly diffuse to the surface of the catalyst, thereby accelerating the catalytic reaction. The catalyst in the mesoporous 212 plays a dual role in the adsorption and degradation processes. At low temperatures, the active sites on the surface of the catalyst can assist physical adsorption, further enhancing the adsorption capacity. At high temperatures, the catalyst is activated and efficiently catalyzes the degradation of adsorbed TVOC. This synergistic effect enables the adsorption catalyst layer 201 to achieve a dynamic balance between adsorption and degradation, extending the service life. Through periodic adsorption and degradation, the adsorption catalyst layer 201 can release adsorbed TVOC in time and degrade it, avoiding the problem of adsorbent saturation and failure. This dynamic balance mechanism significantly improves the stability and reliability of the device. By loading the catalyst in the mesoporous 212, the adsorbed TVOC can be immediately degraded into harmless substances (such as carbon dioxide and water) every time the cover 3 is opened. This immediate degradation mechanism effectively prevents secondary pollution caused by the release of TVOC after the adsorbent is saturated, significantly improving the safety of the device. The mesoporous 212 structure provides physical protection for the catalyst, preventing the catalyst from being deactivated due to physical impact or chemical corrosion during long-term use. This protection mechanism significantly extends the service life of the catalyst.
[0033] For reference Figures 1 to 4As shown, the surface of the carrier member 211 is provided with a temperature-responsive layer, and the temperature-responsive layer covers the pore entrance area of the mesopore 212. The temperature-responsive layer adjusts the opening and closing state of the pore according to the temperature change of the storage cavity 101, thereby forming a temperature-sensitive door control structure at the pore entrance of the mesopore 212. The surface of the carrier member 211 is provided with a temperature-responsive layer, and the temperature-responsive layer covers the pore entrance area of the mesopore 212. The temperature-responsive layer adjusts the opening and closing state of the pore according to the temperature change of the storage cavity 101, thereby forming a temperature-sensitive door control structure at the pore entrance of the mesopore 212. The temperature-responsive layer automatically adjusts the opening and closing state of the mesopore 212 pore when the temperature of the storage cavity 101 changes, for example, the pore is opened at low temperature, and the pore is shrunk at high temperature, forming an intelligent temperature-sensitive door control mechanism.
[0034] Specifically, after the temperature-responsive layer senses the low-temperature environment, it automatically adjusts the entrance area of the mesopore 212 to be open. This open state allows TVOC molecules in the storage cavity 101 to enter the mesopore 212. The TVOC molecules enter the mesopore 212 through the open pore and are adsorbed on the surface of the mesopore 212 of the carrier member 211. The high specific surface area and suitable pore size distribution of the mesopore 212 enable the TVOC molecules to efficiently enter the pore and adhere to the pore wall. When the cover 3 is opened, the storage cavity 101 is in contact with the external environment, and the temperature rises rapidly. After the temperature-responsive layer senses the temperature rise, it automatically adjusts the entrance area of the mesopore 212 to be closed. The TVOC molecules adsorbed in the mesopore 212 gain enough energy when the temperature rises and gradually release from the inside of the pore, and are finally decomposed into harmless small molecular substances (such as carbon dioxide and water).
[0035] In this embodiment, the temperature-responsive layer is a material with temperature sensitivity, which can automatically adjust the opening and closing state of the mesopore 212 according to the temperature change in the storage cavity 101. The intelligent adjustment function of the temperature-responsive layer enables the device to selectively adsorb TVOC according to the temperature change, avoiding the adsorption of too many impurities at high temperature, thereby improving the targeting and efficiency of adsorption. The temperature-responsive layer adjusts the opening and closing state of the pore by intelligent adjustment, realizes the dynamic balance of the adsorption and degradation process, and this dynamic balance mechanism enables the adsorption and catalysis layer 201 to efficiently switch between adsorption and degradation, prolonging its service life. After each degradation is completed, the device returns to the initial state, preparing for the next adsorption process. This regeneration capability enables the device to operate stably for a long time, reducing the frequency of module replacement by the user.
[0036] For reference Figures 1 to 4As shown, the temperature response layer is a temperature-sensitive coating. When the cover 3 is closed, the temperature-sensitive coating is in a hydrophilic relaxed state, and the organic compounds in the storage cavity 101 enter the interior of the mesopores 212, and the degradation module 2 is in an adsorption state. When the cover 3 is opened, the temperature-sensitive coating is in a hydrophobic contracted state, which generates an outward pushing force on the products after the degradation of the organic compounds, and the degradation module 2 is in a catalytic degradation state. The temperature-sensitive coating covers the surface of the carrier member 211, especially the entrance area of the pores of the mesopores 212. This coating has temperature sensitivity and can be in a hydrophilic relaxed state or a hydrophobic contracted state at different temperatures.
[0037] Specifically, when the cover 3 is closed, the temperature in the storage cavity 101 gradually decreases, and the low temperature causes the temperature-sensitive coating to be in a hydrophilic relaxed state, and the pores are relaxed and open. This state allows the TVOC molecules in the storage cavity 101 to smoothly enter the interior of the mesopores 212. The TVOC molecules enter the mesopores 212 through the relaxed pores and are adsorbed on the surface of the mesopores 212 of the carrier member 211, and chemically adsorbed with the catalyst loaded in the mesopores 212, further enhancing the adsorption capacity. When the cover 3 is opened, the storage cavity 101 is in contact with the external environment, and the temperature rapidly rises. The high temperature causes the temperature-sensitive coating to be in a hydrophobic contracted state, and the pores are contracted and closed. This state not only prevents foreign matter from entering the mesopores 212, but also generates an outward pushing force on the degradation products. Although the pores are closed, the TVOC molecules adsorbed in the mesopores 212 obtain sufficient energy when the temperature rises, and are gradually released from the interior of the pores. The catalyst loaded in the mesopores 212 is activated at a higher temperature, and the active sites on its surface can efficiently catalyze the oxidation of TVOC. The released TVOC molecules contact the active sites on the surface of the catalyst, and a catalytic oxidation reaction occurs, and the TVOC molecules are eventually decomposed into harmless small molecular substances (such as carbon dioxide and water). The hydrophobic contracted state of the temperature-sensitive coating generates an outward pushing force on the degradation products (such as CO2 and H2O), and the degradation products are discharged from the pores, further purifying the air in the storage cavity 101.
[0038] In the present embodiment, the temperature-sensitive coating is a material with temperature sensitivity, which can automatically adjust its physical and chemical properties according to changes in the ambient temperature. This coating covers the mesoporous 212 channel entrance area of the carrier 211, and through the change of its hydrophilic and hydrophobic state, it realizes intelligent control of the channel. The temperature-sensitive coating can sense the temperature change in the storage cavity 101 and automatically adjust the opening and closing state of the channel according to the temperature. This intelligent control mechanism enables the device to automatically switch between different working modes according to different use scenarios (such as the cover 3 being closed or open), without the need for additional control equipment. The response of the temperature-sensitive coating is completely dependent on temperature changes, without the need for additional energy input, which is in line with the energy-saving concept of refrigerators. When the cover 3 is closed and the temperature of the storage cavity 101 decreases, the temperature-sensitive coating enters a hydrophilic relaxed state. At this time, the pores of the coating are relaxed and open, allowing volatile organic compounds (TVOC) in the storage cavity 101 to enter the mesoporous 212. The hydrophilic relaxed state allows the pores of the temperature-sensitive coating to be completely open, providing a smooth channel for TVOC molecules to enter the mesoporous 212. The hydrophilic nature of the coating surface makes it easier to adsorb TVOC molecules, further improving the adsorption efficiency. This setup makes full use of the high adsorption capacity of the adsorbent in a low-temperature environment, ensuring efficient capture of TVOC in low-temperature conditions. After the TVOC molecules enter the mesoporous 212, they are adsorbed on the surface of the mesoporous 212 and the catalyst, gradually accumulating and waiting for the subsequent degradation process. The temperature-sensitive coating realizes the dynamic balance between adsorption and degradation by switching between the hydrophilic relaxed state and the hydrophobic contracted state. This dynamic balance mechanism enables the adsorption and catalysis layer 201 to efficiently switch between adsorption and degradation, extending its service life.
[0039] As a specific embodiment, the mesoporous 212 adopts a silicon material (pore size 5-20 nm), and the mesoporous 212 silica is a material widely studied in nanomaterial science. Its specific surface area and easy-to-modify surface characteristics make it widely used in the fields of adsorption, drug loading, and catalysis. The catalyst is a biological enzyme (such as lipase, formaldehyde dehydrogenase, and polyphenol oxidase) for degrading TVOC. Among them, the mesoporous 212 silicon material can adsorb TVOC molecules within the degradation interval, and the temperature-sensitive coating is covered on the outer surface and the entrance of the pore of the mesoporous 212 silicon material (without blocking the internal pore). The temperature-sensitive coating is hydrophilic and relaxed at a temperature < 16°C, the entrance of the pore is completely open, and TVOC can freely enter. When the temperature is > 16°C, it is hydrophobic and shrinks, the molecular chain diameter shrinks, and an extrusion effect is formed, pushing the adsorbed TVOC in the pore to the surface of the mesoporous 212 (simulating the pumping action), and the encapsulation layer 202 adopts a food-grade film with high air permeability, allowing TVOC molecules to pass through. In this embodiment, the poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide) chain will undergo a sharp conformational transition (relaxation / shrinkage) when the temperature changes, which is its basic physical and chemical property. This conformational transition is ingeniously applied to the entrance of the mesoporous 212 pore, not only serving as an on-off switch, but also using the physical force during shrinkage to actively push the adsorbed TVOC molecules to the inner surface of the pore loaded with biological enzymes. This dynamic and active pumping or extrusion concept is more effective than simply setting a switch control.
[0040] For reference Figures 1 to 6As shown, the degradation device further comprises a heating module 4, which is thermally coupled with the degradation module 2 and provides heat energy to the degradation module 2 to trigger or promote the catalytic degradation function of the degradation module 2. The introduction of the heating module 4 into the degradation device and the thermal coupling with the degradation module 2 can significantly improve the catalytic degradation efficiency of the degradation module 2. The thermal coupling can be achieved by direct contact or heat transfer through a certain spatial interval, and the key is to ensure that the heat generated by the heating module 4 can be effectively transferred to the degradation module 2. The following are several specific ways to achieve thermal coupling: physical contact, i.e. direct contact between the heating module 4 and the degradation module 2, for example, the heating element (such as an electric heating wire or a heating sheet 402) is closely attached to the packaging layer 202 of the degradation module 2. This arrangement can ensure that the heat is directly transferred to the degradation module 2, reducing heat loss. Direct contact type thermal coupling can ensure efficient heat transfer while saving space; a certain air gap is left between the heating module 4 and the degradation module 2, and the heat is transferred to the degradation module 2 through air convection. This arrangement can avoid direct friction or damage between the heating module 4 and the degradation module 2. A heat-conducting medium (such as heat-conducting silicone or heat-conducting gel) can be placed between the heating module 4 and the degradation module 2 to fill the air gap and improve heat conduction efficiency; a radiation heating element (such as an infrared heater) is used as the heating module 4 to transfer heat to the degradation module 2 by radiation. This arrangement does not require physical contact, and the heat can act directly on the degradation module 2 through radiation.
[0041] Specifically, the degradation module 2 comprises a carrier 211, a catalyst, and a temperature-sensitive coating. The carrier 211 has mesopores 212 and loads the catalyst, which is used to adsorb and degrade volatile organic compounds (TVOC). The temperature-sensitive coating covers the entrance area of the mesopores 212 and adjusts the opening and closing state of the pores according to temperature changes. When the cover 3 is closed, the temperature in the storage cavity 101 gradually decreases, and the low temperature causes the temperature-sensitive coating to assume a hydrophilic relaxed state, and the pores are relaxed and opened. This state allows TVOC molecules in the storage cavity 101 to enter the mesopores 212 smoothly. If the refrigerator is turned on for a long time and the temperature at the location of the degradation module 2 is too low (<0°C), the enzyme molecules are prone to freeze-thaw denaturation. In this case, the heating module 4 needs to be turned on for temperature maintenance or control. When the temperature rises to 4°C, the heating module 4 is turned off. If the storage cavity 101 is in a low-temperature state for a long time (the continuous time in the temperature range of 0-8°C is ≥48h), the temperature-sensitive material continues to relax, and the enzyme activity remains at a low level, resulting in the inability to degrade TVOC after adsorption. In this case, the heating module 4 is turned on, and when the temperature is detected to rise to 16°C, the heating module 4 is turned off.
[0042] In this embodiment, the heating module 4 is automatically started when the temperature is detected to be lower than 0℃, providing heat for the degradation module 2, ensuring that its temperature is maintained at about 4℃, preventing the freeze-thaw denaturation of enzyme molecules, and by maintaining a suitable temperature, the heating module 4 protects the activity of the catalyst, ensuring that it can still maintain high catalytic efficiency in a low-temperature environment. When the temperature rises to 4℃, the heating module 4 is automatically turned off to avoid overheating, save energy and maintain a stable operating environment. When the storage cavity 101 is in a long-term low-temperature state (0~8℃, continuous duration ≥48 hours), the temperature-sensitive material continues to relax, and the enzyme activity is maintained at a low level, resulting in the inability to timely degrade TVOC after adsorption, and the accumulation of too much TVOC. When the heating module 4 detects a long-term low-temperature state, it starts to raise the temperature to 16℃, activates the catalyst, and promotes the degradation reaction of TVOC. By increasing the temperature, the heating module 4 significantly improves the rate of the degradation reaction, ensuring that the adsorbed TVOC can be degraded in a timely manner, avoiding its accumulation in the degradation module 2. When the temperature reaches 16℃, the heating module 4 is automatically turned off to ensure that the degradation module 2 returns to the appropriate low-temperature state after efficient degradation, maintaining a dynamic balance. In different low-temperature scenarios, the operating efficiency and stability of the degradation module 2 are affected by temperature changes. The heating module 4 ensures that the degradation module 2 can operate stably in different low-temperature scenarios through intelligent temperature control, avoiding performance degradation due to temperature fluctuations. By preventing freeze-thaw denaturation of enzyme molecules and maintaining a suitable operating temperature, the heating module 4 significantly extends the service life of the degradation module 2, reducing maintenance costs. In this embodiment, the synergistic effect of the heating module 4 and the temperature-sensitive coating ensures that the degradation module 2 achieves a dynamic balance between adsorption and degradation. After each degradation is completed, the device returns to the initial state, preparing for the next adsorption process. This synergistic effect allows the device to automatically switch between operating modes according to the opening and closing actions of the cover 3, without the need for user manual intervention, improving user experience.
[0043] For reference Figures 1 to 6 As shown in FIG. 4, the heating module 4 includes a mounting panel 401 and a plurality of heating sheets 402, which are evenly distributed on the mounting panel 401. The degradation module 2 has a first end face and a second end face, with the first end face facing the cover 3, and the mounting panel 401 being oppositely arranged with the second end face.
[0044] In this embodiment, the plurality of heating fins 402 are evenly distributed on the mounting panel 401, which can ensure that the heat is evenly transmitted to the second end face of the degradation module 2. Such an evenly distributed arrangement avoids the problems of local overheating or insufficient heat, ensures uniform temperature distribution of the entire degradation module 2, and directly transmits heat to the key area of the degradation module 2 by arranging the mounting panel 401 opposite to the second end face of the degradation module 2, thereby reducing heat loss and improving heat conduction efficiency. The arrangement of the heating module 4 opposite to the degradation module 2 makes the structure of the entire device more compact, which saves space and is particularly suitable for devices with limited space such as refrigerators. This arrangement facilitates the integration of the heating module 4 and the degradation module 2, simplifies the overall arrangement of the device, and improves reliability and stability. The heating module 4 can quickly raise the temperature of the degradation module 2 when needed, ensuring that the catalytic degradation reaction is carried out in a more efficient temperature range, thereby improving the degradation efficiency. Through precise control and dynamic adjustment, the heating module 4 is only started when needed, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and meeting the energy-saving design concept.
[0045] With reference to Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the housing 1 is provided with a return air inlet 102 and a return air outlet 103. A fan is arranged at the return air inlet 102. The fan sends air in the external environment into the storage cavity 101. The air in the storage cavity 101 is discharged from the return air outlet 103. During the adsorption stage, the micro fan at the return air inlet is turned on to accelerate air circulation and improve the adsorption capacity of the medium pore material. When the user opens the door, the micro fan is turned off, and the degradation module 2 degrades the adsorbed TVOC.
[0046] Specifically, when the cover 3 is closed, the TVOC content in the storage cavity 101 is >1.50 mg / m 3 The air entering the storage cavity 101 forms a circulating flow under the action of the micro fan. The air first enters the storage cavity 101 through the return air inlet 102, then passes through the degradation module 2 (carrier 211 and catalyst), and finally is discharged from the return air outlet 103. The air circulation accelerates the air flow in the storage cavity 101, so that the volatile organic compounds (TVOC) can contact the adsorption material (such as mesoporous 212 material) in the degradation module 2 more quickly, thereby improving the adsorption efficiency. When the user opens the cover 3, the micro fan is turned off, and the air circulation in the storage cavity 101 stops. In the absence of air circulation, the air in the storage cavity 101 is relatively static, and the degradation module 2 degrades the adsorbed TVOC.
[0047] In this embodiment, during the adsorption stage, the fan sends air from the external environment into the storage cavity 101 through the return air inlet 102, and forms a circulating flow in the cavity. This air circulation accelerates the contact between volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and the adsorbent material (such as mesoporous 212 material) in the degradation module 2, thereby significantly improving the adsorption efficiency. Through air circulation, TVOC can be more evenly distributed to each part of the degradation module 2, ensuring the efficiency and uniformity of the adsorption process and avoiding the problem of insufficient local adsorption. During the degradation stage, when the user opens the cover 3, the fan is turned off, and the air in the storage cavity 101 is relatively static. This static environment facilitates the full contact between the catalyst in the degradation module 2 and the adsorbed TVOC, improving the efficiency of the degradation reaction. After the fan is turned off, air circulation stops, reducing the interference of air flow on the degradation process and ensuring that the degradation reaction can be carried out under more stable conditions.
[0048] As a specific embodiment, the shell 1 has a square structure, one side of the shell 1 is an open structure, and the cover plate is mounted on the open structure. The shell 1 is provided with a sliding groove on both sides, and the cover plate can slide up and down along the sliding groove to open and close. The degradation device and the heating device are installed on the inner wall of the shell 1, specifically on the side wall opposite to the open structure. When the cover plate is opened, air can flow smoothly into the degradation module 2. Two degradation modules 2 and heating modules 4 are arranged in the shell 1. In other embodiments, the degradation device further includes a detection module, a timing module, a control module, a judgment module, etc. The detection module includes a temperature sensor and an odor sensor, which can detect the temperature and odor changes in the degradation area. The timing module can record the duration of the degradation area in a low-temperature environment. The modules are connected to the control module, which controls according to the feedback information from the other modules.
[0049] As a specific embodiment, the two end faces of the carrier member 211 are respectively provided with a temperature responsive layer, and each temperature responsive layer is attached to an outer side of a packaging layer 202. The heating module 4 is installed on the inner side of the degradation device. In other embodiments, it is only necessary to ensure that the heat generated by the heating module 4 can be transmitted to the packaging layer 202 and then to the temperature responsive layer.
[0050] For reference Figures 1 to 8 A control method for controlling the degradation device, the degradation device being the degradation device described above, the control method comprising: When the cover 3 is closed, the continuous duration of the refrigerator running in a low-temperature environment is <48h, and the detected TVOC content in the storage cavity 101 is <1.50mg / m 3, the temperature in the storage cavity 101 is maintained in a first temperature range (0-8℃), i.e. the conventional refrigeration temperature of a refrigerator, which is lower than the LCST (16℃) of the temperature-sensitive coating, the temperature-sensitive coating relaxes, the mesoporous 212 channels are open, TVOC diffuses into the channels through the concentration difference, is adsorbed by the mesoporous 212 surface groups and enzyme molecules (low activity state), and the degradation module 2 is in an adsorption state, and the degradation module 2 adsorbs the volatile organic compounds in the storage cavity 101; When the cover 3 is opened, external air enters, the local temperature in the refrigerator rises, the temperature sensor detects that the temperature rises to 16-25℃, the temperature of the storage cavity 101 is maintained in a second temperature range, the second temperature range is greater than the first temperature range, the temperature in the storage cavity 101 rises, the degradation module 2 is in a catalytic degradation state, the temperature-sensitive coating shrinks, and TVOC in the channel is pressed to the mesoporous 212 surface, and meanwhile the temperature rise promotes the enzyme activity, the enzyme molecules specifically bind to the TVOC, and the TVOC molecules are degraded (such as formaldehyde→CO2+H2O, toluene→benzoic acid→CO2+H2O), and the degradation products diffuse to the refrigerator through the encapsulation layer 202 and are metabolized by naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria, yeast and the like, and the degradation module 2 degrades the adsorbed volatile organic compounds; When the detected TVOC content in the storage cavity 101 is >1.50mg / m 3 When the detected TVOC content in the storage cavity 101 is >1.50mg / m
[0051] The control method further comprises, when the heating module 4 is provided, actively intervening in temperature rise and degradation, specifically: When the temperature in the storage cavity is too low (<0℃), if the refrigerator is opened for a long time, the temperature in the position where the degradation module 2 is located is too low (<0℃), which easily leads to freeze-thaw denaturation of the enzyme molecules, at this time, the heating module 4 needs to be turned on for temperature preservation or temperature control processing, and when the temperature rises to 4℃, the heating module 4 is turned off; When the degradation interval is in a low-temperature state for a long time (the continuous time length in 0-8℃ is ≥48h), the temperature-responsive layer continuously relaxes and the enzyme activity is maintained at a low level, which leads to the fact that the adsorbed TVOC cannot be degraded in time, at this time, the heating module 4 is turned on, and when it is detected that the temperature rises to 16℃, the heating module 4 is turned off.
[0052] A refrigeration appliance comprises the degradation device, the degradation device is the degradation device described above, and when the refrigeration appliance is a refrigerator, the cover 3 in the degradation device is the opening and closing door of the refrigerator, and the shell 1 is installed in the refrigerator in the form of a drawer.
[0053] It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the above advantageous modes can be freely combined and superimposed without conflict.
[0054] The above merely preferred embodiments of the present application and are not used to limit the present application, any modification, equivalent replacement and improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application. The above is only the preferred embodiment of the present application, it should be pointed out that, for ordinary skilled in the art, without departing from the technical principles of the present application, a number of improvements and variations can also be made, these improvements and variations should be considered as the protection scope of the present application.
Claims
1. A degradation device, characterized in that, include: The shell (1) and the degradation module (2); The inner cavity of the housing (1) is a storage cavity (101), and the housing (1) is provided with a cover (3) that can be opened or closed, so that the storage cavity (101) will generate temperature changes during the process of opening or closing the cover (3); The degradation module (2) is installed in the housing (1). The working state of the degradation module (2) is driven by the temperature change of the storage cavity (101). The working state of the degradation module (2) includes adsorption state and catalytic degradation state. When the cover (3) is closed, the degradation module (2) is in the adsorption state, and the degradation module (2) adsorbs the organic compounds in the storage cavity (101); when the cover (3) is opened, the degradation module (2) is in the catalytic degradation state, and the degradation module (2) degrades the adsorbed organic compounds.
2. The degradation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The degradation module (2) includes an adsorption catalyst layer (201) and an encapsulation layer (202). The adsorption catalyst layer (201) is encapsulated in the encapsulation layer (202). Organic compounds in the storage cavity (101) pass through the encapsulation layer (202) and are adsorbed by the adsorption catalyst layer (201).
3. The degradation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adsorption catalyst layer (201) includes a support (211) and a catalyst. The support (211) has a plurality of mesopores (212) evenly distributed on it. The catalyst is loaded in the mesopores (212). The organic compounds in the storage cavity (101) are adsorbed by the mesopores (212) and the catalyst.
4. The degradation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The surface of the carrier (211) is provided with a temperature-responsive layer, and the temperature-responsive layer covers the channel entrance area of the mesopore (212). The temperature-responsive layer adjusts the opening and closing state of the mesopore (212) according to the temperature change of the storage cavity (101), thereby forming a temperature-sensitive gating structure at the channel entrance of the mesopore (212).
5. The degradation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature-responsive layer is a thermosensitive coating. When the cover (3) is closed, the thermosensitive coating is in a hydrophilic and expansive state, and the organic compounds in the storage cavity (101) enter the interior of the mesopore (212), and the degradation module (2) is in the adsorption state. When the cover (3) is opened, the thermosensitive coating is in a hydrophobic and contractile state, and it exerts an outward thrust on the products after degrading the organic compounds, and the degradation module (2) is in the catalytic degradation state.
6. The degradation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a heating module (4), which is thermally coupled to the degradation module (2). The heating module (4) provides heat energy to the degradation module (2) to trigger or promote the catalytic degradation function of the degradation module (2).
7. The degradation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heating module (4) includes a mounting panel (401) and a plurality of heating elements (402), the plurality of heating elements (402) are evenly distributed on the mounting panel (401), the degradation module (2) has a first end face and a second end face, the first end face faces the cover (3), and the mounting panel (401) is disposed opposite to the second end face.
8. The degradation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is provided with a return air inlet (102) and a return air outlet (103). A fan is provided at the return air inlet (102). The fan sends air from the external environment into the storage cavity (101), and the air in the storage cavity (101) is discharged from the return air outlet (103).
9. A control method for controlling a degradation device, characterized in that, The degradation device is the degradation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and the control method includes: When the cover (3) is closed, the temperature in the storage cavity (101) is maintained within the first temperature range, the degradation module (2) is in the adsorption state, and the degradation module (2) adsorbs the organic compounds in the storage cavity (101); When the cover (3) is opened, the temperature of the storage cavity (101) is maintained within a second temperature range, which is greater than the first temperature range. The temperature in the storage cavity (101) rises, and the degradation module (2) is in the catalytic degradation state. The degradation module (2) degrades the adsorbed organic compounds.
10. A refrigeration appliance, comprising a degradation device, characterized in that, The degradation device is the degradation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.