Air sterilization module for refrigerating machine
The combination of ultraviolet lamps and photocatalyst tubes solves the problem of high ozone concentration in refrigerators, achieves efficient sterilization without ozone, and improves the user experience of refrigerators.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422556578.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-23
AI Technical Summary
The air sterilization module in the existing refrigerator uses UV lamps to generate ozone, resulting in high ozone concentration, affecting user health and causing odor problems.
A combination of ultraviolet lamps and photocatalyst tubes is used for sterilization. The ultraviolet lamp destroys the bacterial cell membrane, and the photocatalyst tubes decompose bacteria and viruses, avoiding the production of ozone.
It achieves efficient sterilization effect while avoiding the generation of ozone, improving the health experience of users without affecting the quality of ice cubes.
Smart Images

Figure CN223323819U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of an air sterilization module for a refrigerator. Background Art
[0002] The refrigerator is equipped with an air sterilization module that repeatedly draws air from the ice storage space and sterilizes the air passing through it. Currently, UV lamps (with a wavelength of approximately 185nm) are commonly used on the market to sterilize the interior of ice makers. The ozone generated by these lamps is dispersed throughout the ice maker by a fan, providing a good sterilization effect. However, this method suffers from high ozone concentrations. Users can notice a noticeable ozone smell when turning on the ice maker, which not only creates a poor user experience but can also be harmful to health if used for a long time. Utility Model Content
[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides an ice making machine sterilization module which has good sterilization effect and does not affect the quality of ice cubes.
[0004] An air sterilization module for a refrigerator includes a sterilization body, a fan and a sterilization module assembly, wherein:
[0005] The sterilization body is provided with an air inlet channel, a sterilization channel and an air outlet channel which are connected in sequence, and is also provided with an installation cavity which is arranged between the air inlet channel and the sterilization channel, or between the sterilization channel and the air outlet channel.
[0006] The fan is installed in the installation cavity and functions to draw air. The air inlet of the air inlet channel extends to the outside of the sterilizer body and forms a suction port through the fan. The air outlet of the air outlet channel extends to the outside of the sterilizer body and forms an exhaust port through the fan, thereby drawing air from the ice storage chamber of the ice maker.
[0007] The sterilization module assembly includes a UV lamp and a photocatalyst tube. The UV lamp is installed within the photocatalyst tube, which is installed within the sterilization channel and connects the sterilization channel's air inlet and outlet. The photocatalyst tube is made of a photocatalytic material. Under UV light, it can destroy cell membranes, causing cytoplasm loss, thereby killing bacteria and inhibiting viral activity. Therefore, it can kill various bacteria and viruses and effectively decompose mold.
[0008] The air sterilization module for refrigerators provided by the utility model adopts the combination of ultraviolet lamps and photocatalyst tubes. Compared with traditional equipment, it does not generate ozone while sterilizing, and will not cause the problem of ice cubes bringing odor to users.
[0009] Preferably, in order to facilitate cleaning or replacement of the sterilization module assembly, the sterilization channel is provided with an exposed insertion port, the sterilization module assembly is installed into the sterilization channel through the insertion port, and the end of the sterilization module assembly is provided with an end cap for sealing the insertion port.
[0010] Preferably, in order to improve the installation firmness of the sterilization module assembly, the end cover and the sterilization body are assembled by screws, snaps or threaded docking.
[0011] Preferably, a pull ring is provided on the outward side of the end cover to facilitate the user to pull the sterilization module assembly out of the insertion port.
[0012] Preferably, the sterilization module assembly further includes a heat sink lamp holder, a quartz glass tube, and a sealing cover. The heat sink lamp holder is assembled with the end cap at one end and the sealing cover at the other end. The quartz glass tube and the photocatalyst tube are coaxially arranged and sequentially sleeved around the outer periphery of the heat sink lamp holder, with their ends respectively connected to the end cap and the sealing cover. The ultraviolet lamp is mounted on the heat sink lamp holder.
[0013] Preferably, the end cover is provided with a perforation, and the wire of the ultraviolet lamp extends out through the perforation, or, the periphery of the sterilization module assembly is provided with a first conductive metal sheet connected to the wire of the ultraviolet lamp, and the interior of the sterilization channel is provided with a second conductive metal sheet connected to the power supply, and the sterilization module assembly is installed in the sterilization channel, and the first conductive metal sheet and the second conductive metal sheet are in contact and energized.
[0014] Preferably, the ultraviolet lamp adopts an ultraviolet LED light board, selects the 200nm-410nm band, and has two pieces, which are respectively installed on both sides of the heat dissipation lamp frame, thereby increasing the light and improving the sterilization effect.
[0015] Preferably, the photocatalyst tube is provided with air holes around its periphery, which not only increases the air circulation, but also increases the contact area between the air and the photocatalyst tube, thereby improving the sterilization effect.
[0016] Preferably, the fan is a turbo fan, and the installation cavity is arranged between the sterilization channel and the air outlet channel, so that the fan is placed in the sterilized air flow to avoid the accumulation and growth of bacteria in the fan.
[0017] Preferably, in order to facilitate the installation of the air sterilization module for a refrigerator, it further comprises a shell, which covers the sterilization body and is provided with openings for the suction port and the exhaust port to extend out.
[0018] From the above description of the utility model, it can be seen that the utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0019] The air sterilization module for refrigerators provided by the utility model adopts the combination of ultraviolet lamps and photocatalyst tubes. Compared with traditional equipment, it does not produce ozone while sterilizing, or the ozone produced is negligible, and will not cause odor to users.
[0020] The sterilization module assembly adopts an insertion installation method, which is convenient for cleaning or replacement;
[0021] The end of the sterilization module assembly is provided with a pull ring, which facilitates the user to pull the sterilization module assembly out from the insertion port;
[0022] The photocatalyst tube is provided with air holes around it, which not only increases the air circulation, but also increases the contact area between the air and the photocatalyst tube, thereby improving the sterilization effect;
[0023] The installation cavity is arranged between the sterilization channel and the air outlet channel, so that the fan is placed in the sterilized air flow, thereby preventing bacteria from accumulating and growing in the fan. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present invention.
[0025] in:
[0026] Figure 1 This is an axial side view of an air sterilization module for a refrigerator. Figure 1 ;
[0027] Figure 2 This is an axial side view of an air sterilization module for a refrigerator. Figure 2 ;
[0028] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of an air sterilization module for a refrigerator;
[0029] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the sterilization module components;
[0030] Figure 5 This is a front view of an air sterilization module for a refrigerator;
[0031] Figure 6 It is a top view of an air sterilization module for a refrigerator;
[0032] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an air sterilization module for a refrigerator. Figure 1 ;(about Figure 5 AA)
[0033] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view of an air sterilization module for a refrigerator. Figure 2 ;(about Figure 5 BB)
[0034] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of an air sterilization module for a refrigerator. Figure 3 ;(about Figure 5 CC of
[0035] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an air sterilization module for a refrigerator. Figure 4 ;(about Figure 6 DD)
[0036] Figures 1 to 10 The symbols in the figure are: sterilization body 1, air inlet channel 11, suction port 111, sterilization channel 12, insertion port 121, air outlet channel 13, exhaust port 131, installation cavity 14, fan 2, sterilization module assembly 3, UV lamp 31, photocatalyst tube 32, end cover 33, pull ring 331, perforation 332, heat dissipation lamp holder 34, quartz glass tube 35, sealing cover 36, and outer shell 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention more clear and understandable, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0038] See also Figures 1 to 10 , an air sterilization module for a refrigerator, comprising a sterilization body 1, a fan 2 and a sterilization module assembly 3, wherein,
[0039] The sterilization body 1 is provided with an air inlet channel 11, a sterilization channel 12 and an air outlet channel 13 which are connected in sequence, and also provided with an installation cavity 14. The installation cavity 14 is provided between the air inlet channel 11 and the sterilization channel 12, or between the sterilization channel 12 and the air outlet channel 13.
[0040] The fan 2 is installed in the installation cavity 14 and serves to draw air. The air inlet of the air inlet channel 11 extends to the outside of the sterilization main body 1 and forms a suction port 111 through the fan 2. The air outlet of the air outlet channel 13 extends to the outside of the sterilization main body 1 and forms an exhaust port 131 through the fan 2, thereby drawing air from the ice storage chamber of the ice maker. Preferably, the fan 2 is a turbofan. The installation cavity 14 is provided between the sterilization channel 12 and the air outlet channel 13, so that the fan 2 is in the sterilized air flow, thereby preventing the accumulation and growth of bacteria in the fan 2.
[0041] In one embodiment, to facilitate installation of the air sterilization module for a refrigerator, a housing 4 is further included. The housing 4 covers the sterilization body 1 and is provided with openings for the suction port 111 and the exhaust port 131 to extend out.
[0042] The sterilization module assembly 3 includes an ultraviolet lamp 31 and a photocatalyst tube 32. The ultraviolet lamp 31 is installed in the photocatalyst tube 32. The photocatalyst tube 32 is installed in the sterilization channel 12 and is connected to the air inlet and air outlet of the sterilization channel 12. The photocatalyst tube 32 is made of a photocatalyst material. Under the irradiation of the ultraviolet lamp 31, it can destroy the cell membrane and cause the cytoplasm to flow out, thereby causing bacterial death and inhibiting the activity of viruses. Therefore, it can kill various bacteria and viruses and effectively decompose mold. Preferably, the photocatalyst tube 32 is distributed with air holes around it, which not only increases the circulation of air, but also increases the contact area between air and the photocatalyst tube 32, thereby improving the sterilization effect.
[0043] In one embodiment, to facilitate cleaning or replacement of the sterilization module assembly 3, the sterilization channel 12 is provided with an exposed insertion port 121. The sterilization module assembly 3 is inserted into the sterilization channel 12 through the insertion port 121, and an end cap 33 is provided at the end of the sterilization module assembly 3 to block the insertion port 121. Preferably, to enhance the secure installation of the sterilization module assembly 3, the end cap 33 is assembled to the sterilization body 1 by screws, snaps, or threaded connections.
[0044] On the basis of the above embodiment, a pull ring 331 is provided on the outward side of the end cover 33 to facilitate the user to pull the sterilization module assembly 3 out of the insertion port 121 .
[0045] Regarding the specific structure of the sterilization module assembly 3, further, in another embodiment, the sterilization module assembly 3 further includes a heat sink lamp holder 34, a quartz glass tube 35, and a cover 36. One end of the heat sink lamp holder 34 is assembled with the end cap 33, and the other end is assembled with the cover 36. The quartz glass tube 35 and the photocatalyst tube 32 are coaxial and sequentially sleeved on the outer periphery of the heat sink lamp holder 34, and the two ends are respectively connected to the end cap 33 and the cover 36. The ultraviolet lamp 31 is mounted on the heat sink lamp holder 34. Preferably, the ultraviolet lamp 31 adopts an ultraviolet LED light board, and has two pieces, respectively mounted on both sides of the heat sink lamp holder 34, so as to increase the light and improve the sterilization effect.
[0046] In this embodiment, a perforation 332 is provided on the end cover 33, and the wire of the ultraviolet lamp 31 extends out through the perforation 332, or, in other embodiments, a first conductive metal sheet connected to the wire of the ultraviolet lamp 31 is provided on the periphery of the sterilization module assembly 3, and a second conductive metal sheet connected to the power supply is provided inside the sterilization channel 12. The sterilization module assembly 3 is installed in the sterilization channel 12, and the first conductive metal sheet and the second conductive metal sheet are in contact and energized.
[0047] The air sterilization module for refrigerators provided by the present invention adopts the combination of ultraviolet lamp 31 and photocatalyst tube 32. Compared with traditional equipment, it does not generate ozone while sterilizing, and will not cause the problem of ice cubes bringing odor to users.
[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation to the present invention.
[0049] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of this utility model, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.
[0050] In this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection, or communication; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.
[0051] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.
[0052] In the present invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.
[0053] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention. Changes, modifications, substitutions and variations of the above embodiments made by ordinary technicians in this field are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. An air sterilization module for a refrigerator, characterized in that: Including sterilization body, fan and sterilization module components; The sterilization body is provided with an air inlet channel, a sterilization channel and an air outlet channel which are connected in sequence, and is also provided with an installation cavity; the installation cavity is provided between the air inlet channel and the sterilization channel, or between the sterilization channel and the air outlet channel; The fan is installed in the installation cavity, the air inlet of the air inlet channel extends to the outside of the sterilization body, and the suction port is formed by the fan, and the air outlet of the air outlet channel extends to the outside of the sterilization body, and the exhaust port is formed by the fan; The sterilization module assembly includes an ultraviolet lamp and a photocatalyst tube. The ultraviolet lamp is installed in the photocatalyst tube. The photocatalyst tube is installed in the sterilization channel and connected to the air inlet and air outlet of the sterilization channel. The photocatalyst tube is made of photocatalyst material.
2. The air sterilization module for a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization channel is provided with an exposed insertion port, the sterilization module assembly is installed in the sterilization channel through the insertion port, and an end cap for blocking the insertion port is provided at the end of the sterilization module assembly.
3. The air sterilization module for a refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end cover and the sterilization body are assembled by screws, snaps or threaded joints.
4. The air sterilization module for a refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: A pull ring is provided on the outward side of the end cover.
5. The air sterilization module for a refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sterilization module assembly also includes a heat dissipation lamp holder, a quartz glass tube and a sealing cover. One end of the heat dissipation lamp holder is assembled with the end cover, and the other end is assembled with the sealing cover. The quartz glass tube and the photocatalyst tube are coaxial and sequentially sleeved on the outer circumference of the heat dissipation lamp holder, and the two ends are respectively connected to the end cover and the sealing cover; the ultraviolet lamp is installed on the heat dissipation lamp holder.
6. The air sterilization module for a refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end cover is provided with a perforation, and the wire of the ultraviolet lamp extends out through the perforation, or the periphery of the sterilization module assembly is provided with a first conductive metal sheet connected to the wire of the ultraviolet lamp, and the interior of the sterilization channel is provided with a second conductive metal sheet connected to the power supply. The sterilization module assembly is installed in the sterilization channel, and the first conductive metal sheet and the second conductive metal sheet are in contact and energized.
7. The air sterilization module for a refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ultraviolet lamp adopts an ultraviolet LED light board, selects the 200nm-410nm band, and has two pieces, which are respectively installed on both sides of the heat dissipation lamp frame.
8. The air sterilization module for a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photocatalyst tube is provided with air holes distributed around its periphery.
9. The air sterilization module for a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fan is a turbo fan, and the installation cavity is arranged between the sterilization channel and the air outlet channel.
10. The air sterilization module for a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a shell, which covers the sterilization body and is provided with openings for the suction port and the exhaust port to extend out.