Refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a refrigerator which comprises a purification device arranged in a containing space or an air duct formed by an inner container. The purification device comprises a shell on which an air return port and an air supply port are formed, a purification fan arranged in the shell, a power supply part used for providing voltage, a catalyst assembly arranged in the shell and an electrode assembly arranged on the side, close to the air return port, of the catalyst assembly, the catalyst assembly comprises a main body with a porous structure and a catalyst layer coated on the surface of the main body, the main body is used for adsorbing peculiar smell molecules in airflow, at least one of the catalyst layer and the main body is conductive, and the catalyst assembly, the electrode assembly and the power supply component are electrically connected to form a catalytic electric field therebetween. The catalytic layer utilizes a catalytic electric field to catalyze and decompose adsorbed peculiar smell molecules, and the purification efficiency can be effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of refrigerators, and in particular relates to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Currently, users have significantly increased their demands for refrigerator purification. Related technologies use catalytic technology for refrigerator purification. Specifically, this technology uses electric field-activated catalytic purification. Its basic structure consists of a catalyst block sandwiched between two electrodes. A high-voltage electric field is used to excite the catalyst and catalyze the decomposition of odor molecules. However, in this structure, the two electrodes form opposing electrodes, and when discharged, a high concentration of ozone is generated, exceeding the human sensory threshold. Therefore, the voltage must be set below the discharge threshold voltage to excite the catalyst using a high-voltage electric field.

[0003] However, in the above technology, since the relative voltage between the two electrodes needs to be controlled below the discharge threshold voltage, the electric field strength is relatively low, which cannot fully stimulate the catalyst catalysis and the catalytic efficiency is low.

[0004] In view of this, this application is filed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In this application, a catalytic electric field is formed between the catalyst assembly and the electrode assembly, at least by stimulating the catalyst through the catalytic electric field to quickly catalytically decompose the odor molecules adsorbed by the catalyst block to achieve more efficient and faster purification, and the refrigerator compartment can also be actively sterilized by releasing ions.

[0006] The present application provides a refrigerator, which includes:

[0007] box shell;

[0008] The inner container is arranged inside the box shell, and a receiving space is formed inside the inner container;

[0009] An air duct assembly is provided on the rear side or the front side of the rear wall of the inner container, the air duct assembly is structured to form an air duct, and the air duct is connected to the accommodation space;

[0010] A purification device is provided in the accommodation space or the air duct, and includes:

[0011] a housing having an air return port and an air supply port formed thereon;

[0012] A purification fan is provided in the housing. Under the action of the purification fan, the air flows into the housing through the return air port and then into the accommodation space through the air supply port;

[0013] A power supply component for providing voltage;

[0014] The catalyst assembly is disposed in the housing and is electrically connected to the power supply component. The catalyst assembly includes:

[0015] The main body is configured as a porous structure to absorb odor molecules in the air flow;

[0016] a catalytic layer coated on a surface of the main body, wherein at least one of the catalytic layer and the main body is electrically conductive;

[0017] The electrode assembly is arranged on the side of the catalyst assembly close to the return air outlet, with a certain distance between the electrode assembly and the catalyst assembly; the electrode assembly is electrically connected to the power supply component to form a catalytic electric field between the electrode assembly and the catalyst assembly.

[0018] In the above scheme, the power supply component is connected through the electrode assembly and the catalyst assembly, so that the electrode assembly is at the high potential end and the catalyst assembly is at the low potential end, and a catalytic electric field is formed between the electrode assembly and the catalyst assembly; the catalytic layer on the surface of the catalyst assembly efficiently catalytically decomposes the odor molecules adsorbed by the main body under the action of the catalytic electric field, effectively improving the odor removal efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0019] When electricity is applied to the electrode assembly, an electron concentration area is formed, and ionization is generated in this area to produce ions.

[0020] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes an electrode body, and at least one vent is formed on the electrode body for air flow to pass through. The air flow entering the shell through the return air port flows through the vent and flows through the catalyst assembly, so that the catalytic layer catalytically decomposes the odor molecules adsorbed by the body.

[0021] In the above solution, a vent is provided on the electrode assembly to avoid obstruction of air flow due to the electrode assembly being placed in the cavity.

[0022] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a tip electrode, which is disposed along an edge of the vent and electrically connected to the power supply component.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the tip electrode can release ions under the action of high voltage electricity, and the released ions can flow to the catalyst component through the vent, so that the catalytic layer can catalytically decompose the adsorbed odor molecules under the synergistic action of the catalytic electric field and ions, effectively improving the odor removal efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0024] In some embodiments, the purification device further includes an air duct baffle disposed within the housing. The air duct baffle extends from one side of the catalyst assembly to one side of the purification fan. The air duct baffle and the housing opposite thereto together define an internal air duct of the purification device, thereby reducing the airflow path and increasing the airflow rate.

[0025] In some embodiments, the purification device further comprises:

[0026] A mounting base for mounting a catalyst assembly;

[0027] The contact spring is provided on one side of the mounting base and is used to connect the power supply component and the catalyst component. The contact spring includes:

[0028] a connecting portion connected to a power supply component;

[0029] an elastic component extending from the connecting portion toward the catalytic layer;

[0030] When the catalyst component is mounted on the mounting seat, the elastic component is in contact with the catalyst component, so that the catalyst component receives the voltage from the power supply component.

[0031] By setting it as a contact spring, the effective connection between the catalyst component and the power supply component can be guaranteed, ensuring the stable transmission of voltage.

[0032] In some embodiments, the shell includes a body and a cover plate, wherein: the body and the cover plate jointly define a cavity for accommodating components, and a return air outlet and an air supply outlet are formed on the body; and the cover plate is snap-connected to the body.

[0033] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a door and a door detection device, wherein the door is used to open or close the storage space; and the door detection device is disposed on the door or the housing and is used to detect whether the door is open or closed, thereby ensuring the sealing of the storage space during the purification process and ensuring the purification effect.

[0034] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is configured as a mesh electrode, which is arranged opposite to the main body; the mesh electrode has a plurality of first electrodes and second electrodes that are staggered with each other, and the intersection of the first electrode and the second electrode forms a discharge component, which can ionize the air to generate ions under certain conditions, and use the ion-cooperative catalytic electric field to catalytically decompose the adsorbed odor molecules.

[0035] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is configured as a plurality of linear electrodes, the linear electrodes are disposed opposite to the main body, and the linear electrodes are electrically connected to the power supply component to receive voltage from the power supply component.

[0036] In the above solution, the electrode body is set as a linear electrode, and the linear electrode and the catalyst assembly are used to form a catalytic electric field, and the linear electrode can also generate ions to ensure the effectiveness of the catalytic efficiency.

[0037] The embodiment of the present application further proposes a refrigerator, comprising:

[0038] box shell;

[0039] The inner container is arranged inside the box shell, and a receiving space is formed inside the inner container;

[0040] An air duct assembly is provided at the rear or front side of the inner container, the air duct assembly is structured to form an air duct, and the air duct is connected to the accommodation space;

[0041] A purification device is provided in the accommodation space or the air duct, and includes:

[0042] a housing having an air return port and an air supply port formed thereon;

[0043] A purification fan is provided in the housing. Under the action of the purification fan, the air flows into the housing through the return air port and then into the accommodation space through the air supply port;

[0044] A power supply component for providing voltage;

[0045] A catalyst component is disposed in the housing and has a porous structure;

[0046] The electrode assembly is arranged on a side of the catalyst assembly close to the return air outlet, with a certain distance between the electrode assembly and the catalyst assembly; the electrode assembly is electrically connected to the power supply component.

[0047] In the above scheme, the power supply component is connected through the electrode assembly to generate a catalytic electric field. The catalytic layer on the surface of the catalyst assembly at least efficiently catalytically decomposes the absorbed odor molecules under the action of the catalytic electric field, effectively improving the odor removal efficiency of the refrigerator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 is a partial structural diagram of a refrigerator in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 2 is a partial exploded view of a refrigerator in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 3 is a partial exploded view of a purification device in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a purification device in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 5 is another exploded view of a purification device in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Middle partial enlarged view;

[0055] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of a purification device in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of the middle C position;

[0057] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of a purification device and a protective housing in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Cross-section at the middle AA position;

[0059] Figure 11 is an exploded view of a purification device and a protective housing in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of a purification device in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Cross-section at the mid-CC position;

[0062] Figure 14 is the energy level transition curve of oxygen molecule;

[0063] Figure 15 is the electron energy distribution curve in the plasma;

[0064] In the above picture:

[0065] Box shell 1; inner tank 2; air duct assembly 3; purification device 4; housing 41; purification fan 42; power supply component 43;

[0066] Catalyst assembly 44; mounting base 45; contact spring 46; connecting portion 461; elastic member 462;

[0067] Electrode assembly 6; air duct baffle 47; protective housing 7; return air outlet 48; air supply outlet 49;

[0068] Protrusion 50; buckle 51. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The following will provide a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0070] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are 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, rather than indicating or implying 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 limiting the present invention.

[0071] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0072] Reference Figure 1 The refrigerator in the embodiment of the present application includes a housing 1. The housing 1 is used to form the outer contour of the entire refrigerator. The housing 1 is a shell 41 structure with an open front side, providing space for the installation of other components of the refrigerator.

[0073] The refrigerator includes a door. The door is disposed on the front side of the housing 1 and is used to open or close the refrigerator's storage space. The housing 1 and the door may be connected by a hinge, allowing the door to rotate about the hinge axis to open and close the door, thereby opening or closing the storage compartment.

[0074] The refrigerator includes an inner liner 2. An accommodating space is formed inside the inner liner 2. The inner liner 2 includes a refrigerating inner liner 2 and a freezing inner liner 2. In some embodiments, the refrigerating inner liner 2 forms a refrigerating chamber, and the freezing inner liner 2 forms a freezing chamber.

[0075] It is understood that multiple doors can be provided, corresponding to different types of storage compartments; or, multiple doors can simultaneously open and close a storage compartment. The storage compartment of a refrigerator can be divided into a freezer compartment, a refrigerator compartment, a temperature-controlled compartment, etc. according to different refrigeration needs.

[0076] The refrigeration liner 2 and the freezing liner 2 in the embodiment of the present application are both installed in the box shell 1. In some embodiments, the freezing liner 2 is located below the refrigeration liner 2.

[0077] There is a partition between the refrigeration liner 2 and the freezing liner 2, so that the refrigeration chamber and the freezing chamber are separated from each other, and the refrigeration chamber and the freezing chamber do not affect each other without setting up complicated insulation and sealing.

[0078] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a storage drawer disposed within the storage space. The storage drawer may be installed in the refrigerator compartment. In some embodiments, the storage drawer is installed in the freezer compartment.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present application, the refrigerator further includes an air duct assembly 3. In some embodiments, the air duct assembly 3 is mounted on the rear side of the rear wall of the inner container 2. The air duct assembly 3 is configured to form an air duct. The air duct connects the storage space to achieve air circulation in the refrigerator.

[0080] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 The air duct assembly 3 is mounted on the front side of the rear wall of the inner container 2. The air duct assembly 3 is constructed to form an air duct. The air duct is connected to the storage space to achieve air circulation in the refrigerator.

[0081] In some embodiments, the air duct assembly 3 is further formed with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air flow in the air duct enters the accommodation space through the air inlet and then flows back through the air outlet, thereby realizing the circulation of air inside the refrigerator.

[0082] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a purification device 4. The purification device 4 is installed in the storage space. The deodorization device can directly sterilize and remove odors from the air in the storage space.

[0083] In some embodiments, in order to ensure the overall beauty of the accommodating cavity. Figure 9-11 A protective shell 7 is provided at the installation position of the purification device 4. In some embodiments, the protective shell 7 is provided on the top wall of the accommodating space.

[0084] The protective shell 7 is provided with air outlets at the positions where the return air outlet 48 and the supply air outlet 49 of the purification device 4 are installed, so as to ensure the normal circulation of air flow and thus ensure the purification effect.

[0085] In some embodiments, the purification device 4 of the refrigerator is installed in the air duct. The purification device 4 can sterilize and remove odors from the air in the air duct and the receiving space.

[0086] In some embodiments, the refrigerator purification device 4 is installed in the storage drawer. The purification device 4 is used to remove odors or sterilize the storage drawer.

[0087] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a controller 21. The controller 21 is configured to send instructions to the refrigerator to control the working process of the refrigerator.

[0088] The controller 21 is used to coordinate the operation of the entire refrigerator, including receiving user instructions, operating in cooling mode, heating mode, blowing mode, shutdown mode, cleaning mode, self-cleaning mode, etc., and uploading the refrigerator's operating status to the cloud.

[0089] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the cleaning mode in the present disclosure includes a sterilization mode and a deodorization mode. The deodorization mode utilizes an electric field and / or an ion catalytic catalyst component 44 to decompose odor molecules, thereby cleaning and deodorizing the interior of the refrigerator.

[0090] In some embodiments, the purification device 4 adopts a basic structure in which a catalyst block is disposed between two electrode plates. The high voltage electric field generated by the two electrode plates excites the catalyst to achieve rapid catalytic decomposition of odor molecules.

[0091] However, since the basic structure of the above embodiment includes opposing electrodes, a high concentration of ozone will be generated when discharging, which is higher than the human sensory threshold. Therefore, the voltage can only be set below the discharge threshold to excite the catalyst through a high-voltage electric field.

[0092] This results in the need to balance the relationship between the excitation effect and the released ozone concentration in order to reduce ozone production while ensuring the catalytic efficiency of the catalyst.

[0093] In the above, the principle of ozone generation by the electrode plate-catalyst-electrode plate structure is as follows:

[0094] In 1987, Eliasson et al. used quantum mechanics theory to establish a micro-discharge model for the generation of ozone by high-voltage discharge, which promoted the theoretical and experimental research on the generation of ozone by high-voltage discharge. The intensity of the micro-discharge electric field determines the generation of ozone and the concentration of ozone by high-voltage discharge.

[0095] In high-voltage discharge, the discharge electric field strength of the discharge gap can be expressed by the following formula:

[0096]

[0097] in, is the peak voltage, l g is the discharge gap, l d is the dielectric thickness, ε d is the relative dielectric constant of the gas, ε g is the relative dielectric constant of the medium.

[0098] From the above expression, we can know that the discharge electric field intensity E g With peak voltage Proportional to the discharge gap l g Inversely proportional.

[0099] In the discharge gap, electrons obtain energy from the external electric field and transfer almost all of it to heavy particles. At this time, the energy obtained by electrons in the non-equilibrium plasma is expressed as:

[0100]

[0101] Among them, ne is the electron concentration, m e 、m h are the masses of electrons and heavy particles respectively, k is the Boltzmann constant, υ e is the electron collision frequency, E g is the discharge electric field strength.

[0102] From the above, it can be seen that the energy obtained by electrons in the plasma from the external electric field is related to the electric field strength and gas concentration. The electric field strength and gas concentration play a decisive role in the amount of energy obtained by electrons in the plasma.

[0103] The reduced electric field intensity E / n (unit: Td, 1Td = 10-17 V·cm2) is used to characterize the gas discharge intensity and ionization intensity. The purification device 4 used in household appliances operates under normal pressure conditions. Therefore, increasing the discharge electric field intensity can produce high-energy electrons with high energy density, thereby generating ozone.

[0104] According to Eliasson's ozone microdischarge model, the equivalent electric field strength (E / n) of ozone generated during high-voltage discharge (Td) is approximately 100 Td, corresponding to an average electron energy of approximately 5 eV. When the equivalent electric field strength (E / n) reaches 300 Td, the energy of most electrons reaches the oxygen molecule decomposition threshold of 8.4 eV, and the ozone concentration generated by the high-voltage discharge increases significantly.

[0105] In DBD discharge, corona discharge and other discharges with strongly conductive opposing electrodes, the electrons in the discharge gap gain energy and accelerate under the action of an external electric field. When these electrons collide inelastically with oxygen molecules, the electrons transfer energy to the oxygen molecules. After the gas is excited, an electron avalanche occurs.

[0106] At the same time, avalanche electrons generate numerous space charges as they pass through the electrode gap. The intrinsic electric field generated by these space charges, combined with the external electric field, further accelerates the avalanche electrons, allowing them to rapidly pass through the electrode gap and create a conductive path. During this process, some excited atoms or molecules also exit their excited states, generating photons. These photons also promote ionization in the discharge gap, accelerating gas breakdown and the establishment of a conductive path.

[0107] The process of establishing this conductive channel corresponds to a "microdischarge" process. At room temperature and pressure, these microdischarges appear as filaments, typically lasting from a few to a dozen nanoseconds. In a high-voltage electric field-activated catalytic purification scheme with a catalyst block sandwiched between two opposing electrodes, because the catalyst block is designed in a continuous honeycomb pattern for ventilation and purification, the microdischarge cannot be contained by the intact insulating medium of a normal DBD discharge. This causes the spatial field strength to rapidly increase, even exceeding the spatial breakdown field strength. The equivalent electric field strength E / n can easily reach over 100Td, generating ozone.

[0108] The following is the plasma reaction process and specific mechanism of ozone generation during discharge: The main process of decomposition and ionization of oxygen molecules and ozone molecules is shown in the following formula:

[0109] O2(X 3 Σg - )+e→O2(A 3 Σu + )+e→O( 3 P)+O( 3 P)+e

[0110] O2(X 3 Σg - )+e→O2(B 3 Σu - )+e→O( 3 P)+O( 1 P)+e

[0111] O2(X 3 Σg - )+e→O2(A 2 Πu)+e→O( 3 P)+O+( 4 S 0 )+2e

[0112]

[0113] O3( 3 A2+ 1 A2)+e→O2(a)+O( 1 D)

[0114] M is the third party involved in the collision. In oxygen, it can be O, O2, or O3, and in air, it can also be N and N2. O3 is an excited ozone molecule that exists momentarily and is the initial product of the three-body recombination reaction.

[0115] Reference Figure 14 The energy level transition curve of oxygen molecules shown in the figure illustrates the change process of oxygen. Among them, the excitation process of the collision between accelerated electrons and oxygen atoms is extremely short and almost a vertical excitation process.3 ∑g - ) ground state excited to O2(A 3 ∑u + )、O2(C 3 Δu)、O2(C 1 ∑u - ) state, its vertical excitation energy is 6.1eV, which is a forbidden transition. When the excitation energy reaches 8.4eV or above, it transitions to O2(B 3 ∑u - ) state, only when the electrons obtain energy greater than 8.4eV from the discharge electric field can the oxygen molecules be decomposed, ionized, and decomposed. The intensity of the attachment also determines the concentration of ozone produced.

[0116] Reference Figure 15 The electron energy distribution curve in the plasma is shown. In line 1, E / n = 100Td, in line 2, E / n = 300Td, and in line 3, E / n = 800Td. The decomposition and ionization energy of ozone molecules is 2eV, so electron pairs with energies between 2 and 8.4eV are useless for ozone production. This energy seems to be used solely for ozone decomposition. The number of electrons with this energy should be minimized to achieve high ozone concentrations.

[0117] As can be seen from the above, when the input voltage is too high and the generated electric field strength is too strong, ozone will be generated between the electrode plates. During the high-voltage discharge process, the presence of an opposing electrode and the distance between the opposing electrode and the discharge electrode will directly affect the electric field strength.

[0118] When there is an opposing electrode, the equivalent electric field strength E / n can be adjusted by adjusting the voltage of the discharge electrode and the distance between the discharge electrode and the opposing electrode. When E / n is lower than 100Td required for ozone generation, basically no ozone is generated.

[0119] When E / n≥100Td, ozone begins to be produced; when E / n≥300Td, ozone is produced in large quantities.

[0120] The following describes a specific configuration scheme for the purification device 4 in the embodiment of the present application, in which the catalyst assembly and the electrode assembly form opposing electrodes.

[0121] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 3-4 The purification device 4 includes a housing 41. The housing 41 is used to form the outer contour of the purification device 4. The interior of the housing 41 forms a cavity for accommodating various components.

[0122] The housing 41 includes a body and a cover. Figure 3The body is provided with a protrusion 50 and the cover is provided with a buckle 51. The protrusion 50 and the buckle 51 are provided correspondingly so that the body and the cover are snap-fitted, and the body and the cover together define a cavity for accommodating various components.

[0123] The housing 41 is formed with a return air port 48 and a supply air port 49. Figure 10 The return air port 48 and the supply air port 49 are connected to the cavity, and the air flow enters the cavity through the return air port 48 and flows out of the shell 41 through the supply air port 49.

[0124] In some embodiments, an air duct baffle 47 is provided inside the cavity. Figure 4 The air duct baffle 47 extends from one side of the catalyst assembly 44 to one side of the purification fan 42 , and the air duct baffle 47 and the inner wall of the shell 41 opposite thereto jointly define an internal air duct of the purification device 4 .

[0125] In some embodiments, the purification device 4 includes a purification fan 42. The purification fan 42 is installed in the cavity. Under the action of the purification fan 42, the air flow rate is accelerated, so that the air enters the cavity through the return air port 48 and then enters the accommodation space through the air supply port 49, thereby improving the purification efficiency.

[0126] In some embodiments, the purification fan 42 is configured as a centrifugal fan. In some embodiments, the purification fan 42 can also be configured as an axial flow fan or a cross flow fan.

[0127] In some embodiments, the purification device 4 includes a power supply 43. The power supply 43 is used to provide voltage. The power supply 43 can be used to provide voltage to the purification blower 42 to ensure stable operation of the purification blower 42. In some embodiments, the power supply 43 can also be used to generate an electric field to improve catalytic efficiency.

[0128] In some embodiments, the purification device 4 includes a power supply component 43. Figure 4-5 The power supply component 43 is installed inside the housing 41. The power supply component 43 is at least used to provide voltage for components in the purification device 4.

[0129] In some embodiments, the power supply component 43 is installed outside the housing 41. A wire hole is provided on the housing 41. The power supply component 43 is connected to components that need to be provided with voltage through wires.

[0130] In some embodiments, the purification device 4 includes a catalyst assembly 44. The catalyst assembly 44 is installed in the cavity. The catalyst assembly 44 is electrically connected to the power supply component 43. The catalyst assembly is arranged on a side of the purification fan near the return air outlet.

[0131] In some embodiments, the purification device 4 includes an electrode assembly. Figure 12The electrode assembly is arranged on the side of the catalyst assembly close to the return air outlet. The electrode assembly and the catalyst assembly are arranged opposite to each other with a certain distance between them.

[0132] The electrode assembly is electrically connected to the power supply component to form a catalytic electric field between the electrode assembly and the catalyst assembly. This high voltage excites the catalyst, increasing its catalytic decomposition efficiency and rapidly decomposing adsorbed odor molecules, achieving rapid purification and deodorization.

[0133] In some embodiments, the present application first proposes a structure of a purification device 4 in which no opposing electrode is provided. In this case, when the discharge electrode is at a certain discharge high voltage, when there is no opposing electrode, it can be understood that the earth is the zero potential end. At this time, the discharge electrode is very far away from the zero potential end, and the equivalent electric field strength is lower than the 100Td required for ozone generation, so no ozone is generated.

[0134] In some embodiments, the purification device 4 does not include an opposing electrode for catalytically decomposing odor molecules. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is connected to a power supply component, while the catalyst assembly is not connected to the power supply component. This creates a potential difference between the power supply component and the ground, creating an electric field around the catalyst assembly. The catalytic layer on the surface of the catalyst assembly can catalytically decompose adsorbed odor molecules under the action of the electric field.

[0135] In some embodiments, catalyst assembly 44 includes a main body and a catalytic layer disposed on a surface of the main body. The main body is disposed within a cavity. At least one of the main body and the catalytic layer is electrically conductive, and the catalytic layer and / or the main body are electrically connected to the power supply component to generate a catalytic electric field around the catalytic layer.

[0136] In some embodiments, the main body is configured as a porous structure to facilitate adsorption of odor molecules in the air flow.

[0137] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the power supply component 43 to provide voltage to the catalyst assembly 44 and the electrode assembly so as to form a catalytic electric field between the electrode assembly and the catalyst assembly 44;

[0138] When the air flow enters the cavity through the return air port and flows through the catalytic layer, the catalytic layer catalytically decomposes the odor molecules adsorbed by the main body under the action of the catalytic electric field.

[0139] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the purification fan to operate to increase the airflow rate when the catalyst component 44 is used to catalytically decompose odor molecules.

[0140] In some embodiments, the catalyst assembly 44 includes a conductive body with a porous structure to absorb odor molecules in the air. The conductive body forms the main structure of the catalyst assembly 44. The conductive body is disposed in the cavity and is electrically connected to the power supply component 43.

[0141] In some embodiments, the conductive body can be configured as a porous honeycomb conductor. For example, the conductive body can be configured as a porous honeycomb activated carbon.

[0142] In this embodiment, the catalyst assembly 44 includes an insulating catalytic layer coated on the surface of the conductive body and having a plurality of protruding structures formed on the surface of the insulating catalytic layer for decomposing odor molecules.

[0143] In some embodiments, the power supply component 43 provides voltage to the conductive body and the electrode assembly to form a potential difference between the conductive body and the electrode assembly, thereby generating a catalytic electric field around the conductive body;

[0144] When the air flow enters the cavity through the return air port 48 and flows through the insulating catalytic layer, the insulating catalytic layer catalytically decomposes the adsorbed odor molecules at least under the action of the catalytic electric field.

[0145] In some embodiments, the insulating catalytic layer can be provided as metal oxides, silicon-based and carbon-based semiconductor materials, C3N4.

[0146] In some embodiments, the catalyst assembly 44 is configured as a catalyst block with a conductive catalyst coated on its surface.

[0147] In some embodiments, catalyst assembly 44 includes an insulating body having a porous structure to absorb odor molecules in the air. The insulating body can be configured as a porous honeycomb insulator. Exemplary porous honeycomb insulators can be porous honeycomb ceramics, porous honeycomb silicon carbide, porous honeycomb aluminum titanate, porous honeycomb zirconium oxide, porous honeycomb silicon nitride, or a combination thereof.

[0148] In this embodiment, the surface of the insulating body is coated with a conductive catalytic layer. The surface of the conductive catalytic layer is formed with a plurality of protrusion structures. In some embodiments, the conductive catalytic layer is configured as a metal catalyst.

[0149] In some embodiments, the power supply component 43 provides voltage to the conductive catalytic layer and the electrode assembly, so that a potential difference is formed between the conductive catalytic layer and the electrode assembly, and a catalytic electric field is generated around the conductive catalytic layer;

[0150] When the air flow enters the cavity through the return air port 48 and flows through the conductive catalytic layer, the conductive catalytic layer catalytically decomposes the odor molecules adsorbed by the insulating body at least under the action of the catalytic electric field.

[0151] In some embodiments, the catalyst assembly 44 includes a conductive body having a porous structure to absorb odor molecules in the air. In some embodiments, the conductive body can be configured as a porous honeycomb conductor. Exemplarily, the conductive body is configured as a porous honeycomb activated carbon.

[0152] In this embodiment, the surface of the conductive body is coated with a conductive catalytic layer. The surface of the conductive catalytic layer is formed with a plurality of protruding structures. The conductive catalytic layer can be configured as a conductive catalyst.

[0153] In some embodiments, the power supply component 43 provides voltage to the conductive catalytic layer, the conductive body, and the electrode assembly, so that a potential difference is formed between the conductive catalytic layer and the electrode assembly, and a catalytic electric field is generated around the conductive catalytic layer;

[0154] When the air flow enters the cavity through the return air port 48 and flows through the conductive catalytic layer, the conductive catalytic layer catalytically decomposes the odor molecules adsorbed by the insulating body at least under the action of the catalytic electric field.

[0155] In some embodiments, the conductive catalytic layer can also be configured as a mixture of a conductive catalyst and an insulating catalyst. Exemplarily, the conductive catalyst is configured as a metal catalyst, and the insulating catalyst is configured as a metal oxide and / or C3N4.

[0156] In some embodiments, the catalyst assembly 44 is formed by doping a catalyst into a carrier material and integrally formed with the carrier to form a porous honeycomb shape, and the entire catalyst assembly 44 has conductive properties.

[0157] After high voltage is applied to the catalyst assembly 44 and the electrode assembly, the catalyst is excited by the high voltage to improve the catalytic decomposition efficiency of the catalyst, and the adsorbed odor molecules are quickly catalytically decomposed to achieve a rapid purification and deodorization function.

[0158] After a high voltage is applied to the conductive catalyst assembly 44 and the electrode assembly, the catalytic layer is excited by the high voltage to improve the catalytic decomposition efficiency of the catalytic layer, thereby achieving a rapid purification and deodorization function.

[0159] In some embodiments, the catalyst constituting the catalytic layer is doped into the main body and integrally formed with the main body to form a porous honeycomb shape, and the entire catalyst component has conductive properties.

[0160] In some embodiments, the catalyst assembly 44 is disposed near the air outlet of the purification blower, and the electrode assembly is disposed away from the air outlet.

[0161] In some embodiments, the catalyst assembly 44 is positioned near the return air outlet of the purification blower. The electrode assembly is also positioned near the return air outlet. This effectively reduces wind resistance and improves catalytic purification efficiency, given the same structure, honeycomb aperture, and density of the catalyst assembly 44. The power supply 43 provides a high voltage to the catalyst assembly 44, stimulating it to rapidly catalytically decompose adsorbed odor molecules, achieving rapid odor removal.

[0162] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes an electrode body having at least one vent formed therein for passage of air. Air entering the housing through the return air port flows through the vent and through the catalyst assembly, whereby the catalytic layer catalytically decomposes odor molecules adsorbed by the body.

[0163] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a tip electrode. The tip electrode is positioned along the edge of the vent. The tip electrode is electrically connected to the power supply component. The tip electrode ionizes the air under the action of the voltage to generate ions.

[0164] By providing a vent on the electrode assembly 6, airflow obstruction caused by the electrode assembly 6 being placed in the cavity is avoided. At the same time, by providing a vent and generating ions near the vent, the ions can flow better with the airflow to the catalyst assembly 44, thereby improving the catalytic efficiency.

[0165] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 6 is configured as a mesh electrode. The mesh electrode is disposed opposite the conductive body. The mesh electrode comprises a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes interlaced with each other. The intersections of the first and second electrodes form a discharge component. The discharge component generates ions by discharging.

[0166] In some embodiments, the mesh electrode is further provided with a tip component for collecting electrons and ionizing the air to produce ions. The provision of the tip component on the mesh electrode provides a better electron collection effect and ionization effect than the discharge components formed at the intersection of the mesh electrode.

[0167] In the above solution, the electrode body is set as a mesh electrode, and the mesh electrode and the catalyst assembly 44 are used to form an electric field, and the mesh electrode can also generate ions to ensure the effectiveness of the catalytic efficiency.

[0168] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 6 is configured as a linear electrode. The linear electrode is disposed opposite the conductive body. The linear electrode is connected to a power supply component 43 to receive a voltage from the power supply component. The edge and tip of the linear electrode form a discharge component.

[0169] In the above solution, the electrode body is set as a linear electrode, and the linear electrode and the catalyst assembly 44 are used to form an electric field, and the linear electrode can also generate ions to ensure the effectiveness of the catalytic efficiency.

[0170] In some embodiments, a plurality of linear electrodes may be provided, and the plurality of linear electrodes are arranged at a certain distance.

[0171] In some embodiments, electrode assembly 6 includes a needle-shaped component. The needle-shaped component is electrically connected to a power supply component to receive voltage. When energized, electrons primarily converge on the needle-shaped component. The needle-shaped component and catalyst assembly 44 form an electric field, and the needle-shaped component can also generate ions, thereby ensuring effective catalytic efficiency.

[0172] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a door detection device for detecting whether the door is opened or closed and sending a detection signal to the controller 21 .

[0173] In some embodiments, the controller 21 is configured to determine whether the door is in a closed state before performing the purification function, and if it is in a closed state, control the power supply component 43 to supply power.

[0174] In the above solution, before the refrigerator performs the deodorization or sterilization process, the closedness of the storage space in the box shell 1 is ensured to avoid the introduction of outdoor odor molecules or bacteria, thereby ensuring the efficiency of deodorization or sterilization.

[0175] In some embodiments, the controller 21 is configured to control the power supply component 43 to stop supplying power if it is detected that the door is opened during the purification period.

[0176] In the above solution, during the deodorization or sterilization process of the refrigerator, the closedness of the storage space in the box shell 1 is ensured to avoid the introduction of outdoor odor molecules or bacteria, thereby ensuring the efficiency of deodorization or sterilization.

[0177] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes an odor detection device for detecting the concentration of odor molecules within the refrigerator's storage space or drawer to control whether to perform an odor removal operation. The odor detection device is electrically connected to the controller 21 , detects the concentration of odor molecules, and transmits the data to the controller 21 .

[0178] In some embodiments, when the concentration of odor molecules reaches a preset concentration value, the purification device 4 is controlled to work and perform the purification function.

[0179] In some embodiments, reference Figure 4-8 、 Figure 12-13 The purification device 4 includes a mounting seat 45. The mounting seat 45 is arranged inside the housing 41 and is used to mount the catalyst assembly 44.

[0180] In some embodiments, the purification device 4 includes a contact spring 46. The contact spring 46 is disposed on one side of the mounting base 45 and is used to connect the power supply component 43 and the catalyst assembly 44 so that the catalyst assembly 44 can receive the voltage provided by the power supply component 43, so that the catalyst assembly 44 can form an electric field with the electrode assembly 6.

[0181] In some embodiments, the contact spring 46 includes a connecting portion 461 . The connecting portion 461 is connected to the power supply component 43 .

[0182] In some embodiments, the contact spring 46 includes an elastic component 462. The elastic component 462 is formed by extending the connecting portion 461 toward the catalyst layer.

[0183] When the catalyst layer is conductive, when the catalyst assembly 44 is mounted on the mounting base 45, the elastic member 462 is in contact with the catalyst layer, so that at least the catalyst layer receives voltage. By setting the contact spring 46, the effective connection between the catalyst assembly 44 and the power supply component 43 can be ensured, ensuring the transmission of electrical energy.

[0184] When the catalytic layer is non-conductive, when the catalyst assembly 44 is mounted on the mounting seat 45 , the elastic component 462 is in contact with the main body, so that the main body receives voltage.

[0185] The discharge products of the above scheme are mainly ions, and basically no ozone is produced or very little ozone is produced (below the human sensory threshold). During the entire purification process, the purification device can continue to operate for a long time, quickly and continuously catalyzing the decomposition of odor molecules. Users cannot perceive the smell of ozone and the ozone will not have a negative impact on user health.

[0186] The ions generated by the discharge of the catalyst component are released to the entire storage space of the refrigerator through air circulation. The ions kill the attached microorganisms on the surface of food and the surface of the refrigerator compartment, and further decompose the odor molecules in the storage space of the refrigerator to further enhance the deodorization effect. Ions can also kill the floating microorganisms in the storage space of the refrigerator.

[0187] In the above scheme, the electrode assembly 6 and catalyst assembly 44 are connected to the power supply 43, placing the catalyst assembly 44 at a low potential and the electrode assembly 6 at a high potential. This creates an electric field between the electrode assembly 6 and the catalyst assembly 44. Current flowing through the electrode assembly 6 creates a concentrated region of electrons, which ionize and generate ions. The catalytic layer on the surface of the catalyst assembly 44, through the synergistic effect of the ions and the electric field, efficiently catalyzes and decomposes odor molecules in the airflow, effectively improving the refrigerator's odor removal efficiency. Under certain conditions, ozone can also be generated to sterilize the refrigerator interior.

[0188] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0189] For ease of explanation, the above description has been presented in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Based on the above teachings, various modifications and variations are possible. The above embodiments have been selected and described to better explain the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the embodiments and various variations of the embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: box shell; An inner container is arranged inside the box shell, and a receiving space is formed inside the inner container; An air duct assembly is provided on the rear side or the front side of the rear wall of the inner container, wherein the air duct assembly is structured to form an air duct, and the air duct is connected to the accommodating space; A purification device is provided in the accommodating space or the air duct, and the purification device includes: a housing having an air return port and an air supply port formed thereon; a purification fan disposed in the housing, wherein, under the action of the purification fan, air flows into the housing through the return air port and then into the accommodating space through the air supply port; A power supply component for providing voltage; A catalyst assembly is disposed in the housing and is electrically connected to the power supply component. The catalyst assembly includes: A main body, wherein the main body is configured as a porous structure to absorb odor molecules in the air flow; A catalytic layer coated on a surface of the main body, wherein at least one of the catalytic layer and the main body is electrically conductive; The electrode assembly is arranged on a side of the catalyst assembly close to the return air outlet, with a certain distance between the electrode assembly and the catalyst assembly; the electrode assembly is electrically connected to the power supply component to form a catalytic electric field between the electrode assembly and the catalyst assembly.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode assembly includes an electrode body, which is formed with at least one vent for air flow to pass through. The air flow entering the shell through the return air port flows through the vent and flows through the catalyst assembly, so that the catalytic layer catalytically decomposes the odor molecules adsorbed by the body.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that The electrode assembly further includes a tip electrode, which is arranged along the edge of the ventilation opening and is electrically connected to the power supply component.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The purification device further includes an air duct baffle, which is arranged inside the shell. The air duct baffle extends from one side of the catalyst assembly to one side of the purification fan. The air duct baffle and the shell opposite thereto jointly define an internal air duct of the purification device.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The purification device also includes: A mounting base, which is used to mount the catalyst assembly; A contact spring, which is provided on one side of the mounting base and is used to connect the power supply component and the catalyst assembly, and the contact spring includes: a connecting portion connected to the power supply component; an elastic component extending from the connecting portion toward the catalytic layer; When the catalyst assembly is mounted on the mounting seat, the elastic component is in contact with and connected to the catalyst assembly, so that the catalyst assembly receives the voltage from the power supply component.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The housing comprises: a main body, on which the return air port and the supply air port are formed; The cover plate is snap-connected to the body and defines a cavity together with the body.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: a door body, which is used to open or close the accommodation space; A door detection device is provided on the door or the box shell and is used to detect whether the door is opened or closed.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode assembly is configured as a mesh electrode, and the mesh electrode is disposed opposite to the main body; the mesh electrode comprises a plurality of first electrodes and second electrodes that are interlaced with each other.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The electrode assembly is configured as a plurality of linear electrodes, the linear electrodes are arranged opposite to the main body, and the linear electrodes are electrically connected to the power supply component to receive voltage from the power supply component.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: box shell; An inner container is arranged inside the box shell, and a receiving space is formed inside the inner container; an air duct assembly, which is arranged on the rear side or the front side of the inner container, the air duct assembly is structured to form an air duct, and the air duct is connected to the accommodating space; A purification device is provided in the accommodating space or the air duct, and the purification device includes: a housing having an air return port and an air supply port formed thereon; a purification fan disposed in the housing, wherein, under the action of the purification fan, air flows into the housing through the return air port and then into the accommodating space through the air supply port; A power supply component for providing voltage; A catalyst component is provided in the housing, wherein the catalyst component is provided with a porous structure. The electrode assembly is arranged on a side of the catalyst assembly close to the return air port, with a certain interval between the electrode assembly and the catalyst assembly; the electrode assembly is electrically connected to the power supply component.

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