Sterilizing and deodorizing functional module and refrigerator
By employing ion wind synergistic catalysis technology in the refrigerator, high-energy ions are generated using a high-voltage power supply, needle electrodes, mesh electrodes, and catalyst modules. This solves the problems of low efficiency and high cost in refrigerator sterilization and deodorization, achieving efficient sterilization and rapid deodorization while avoiding the impact of refrigeration efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520019889.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing sterilization and deodorization technologies in refrigerators suffer from low efficiency, high cost, high noise, and reduced cooling efficiency. These problems are particularly common when negative ion and plasma technologies are used in refrigerators.
Employing ion wind synergistic catalysis technology, the refrigerator uses a high-voltage power supply, needle electrodes, mesh electrodes, and catalyst modules to generate charged high-energy ions that react with odor molecules and microorganisms in the air. The synergistic effect of the metal catalyst achieves efficient sterilization and rapid odor removal.
It achieves efficient sterilization and rapid deodorization, avoids affecting the refrigerator's cooling efficiency and saves costs, while the generated ion wind is perceptible to the user.
Smart Images
Figure CN223760153U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of home appliance technology, and in particular to a sterilization and deodorization functional module and a refrigerator. Background Technology
[0002] The sterilization and deodorization technologies commonly used in the refrigerator industry are mainly divided into two methods: physical adsorption and chemical decomposition. Physical adsorption has low deodorization efficiency and saturates after adsorption reaches a certain level. Chemical decomposition methods have relatively higher purification efficiency and longer service life, and mainly include negative ion technology, plasma technology, photocatalysis technology, metal catalyst catalysis, and ozone oxidation decomposition. Among these, negative ion technology and plasma technology are widely used in refrigerators. However, due to the short half-life and limited diffusion distance of the generated ions, they are usually installed inside the refrigerator's air duct or integrated with a fan, which can easily lead to reduced refrigerator cooling efficiency, increased costs, and noise generation. Utility Model Content
[0003] This application provides a sterilization and deodorization module and a refrigerator, which achieves sterilization and deodorization functions through ion wind synergistic catalysis technology. When the module is working, the high-energy ions carried by the ion wind react with odor molecules and microorganisms in the air, and further through synergistic action with metal catalyst materials, it can achieve efficient sterilization and rapid deodorization, solving the problem of easy bacterial contamination and strong odor in the refrigerator's internal environment.
[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a sterilization and deodorization functional module, including:
[0005] The box body has a cavity inside, and air inlets and air outlets are respectively provided on both sides of the box body. The air inlets and air outlets are connected to the cavity to form a ventilation duct.
[0006] A high-voltage power supply, a needle electrode, a mesh electrode, and a catalyst module are disposed within the cavity. The high-voltage power supply has a positive high-voltage terminal and a negative high-voltage terminal. The needle electrode is electrically connected to the negative high-voltage terminal of the high-voltage power supply, and the mesh electrode is electrically connected to the positive high-voltage terminal of the high-voltage power supply. The catalyst module is disposed in the middle of the cavity, dividing the cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity. The air inlet and the air outlet are respectively connected to the first cavity and the second cavity. The needle electrode and the mesh electrode are respectively disposed within the first cavity and the second cavity.
[0007] A corona discharge is generated between the needle electrode and the mesh electrode, producing charged high-energy ions. Under the influence of the electric field, the high-energy ions move from the needle electrode to the mesh electrode, generating an ion wind, which passes through the catalyst module.
[0008] By synergistically combining ion wind and a metal catalyst, highly charged high-energy ions and reactive oxygen free radicals are generated, achieving efficient sterilization and rapid deodorization. The module does not require installation in the refrigerator's air duct or a fan, saving costs, and the generated ion wind is perceptible to the user.
[0009] This application utilizes a synergistic technology of ion wind and metal catalyst to oxidize and decompose odor molecules in the refrigerator compartment air and kill bacteria, effectively solving the problem of refrigerator sterilization and deodorization. This application also avoids the need for traditional sterilization and deodorization modules to be installed in air ducts or equipped with fans, thus preventing impact on refrigerator cooling efficiency and saving costs.
[0010] In one feasible implementation, the box body includes a liner and a lid, the liner and the lid being connected by a snap-fit, forming the cavity between them;
[0011] The air inlet and the air outlet are respectively located on both sides of the liner box;
[0012] The needle electrode, the mesh electrode, and the catalyst module are all disposed inside the liner.
[0013] In one feasible implementation, the bottom inner wall of the liner is provided with a groove, and the high-voltage power supply is disposed in the groove;
[0014] The high-voltage power supply is encapsulated in the groove using epoxy resin.
[0015] In one feasible implementation, a first limiting groove is provided on one side of the inner wall of the liner, and the needle electrode is disposed in the first limiting groove.
[0016] In one feasible implementation, a second limiting groove is provided on the other side of the inner wall of the bottom end of the liner box, and the mesh electrode is disposed in the second limiting groove.
[0017] In one feasible implementation, a third limiting groove is provided in the middle of the inner wall of the bottom end of the liner, and the catalyst module is disposed in the third limiting groove.
[0018] In one feasible implementation, the catalyst module is a porous honeycomb ceramic module with a metal oxide catalyst coated on its surface.
[0019] The catalyst module uses ceramic as a substrate, and the metal oxide catalyst on the surface of the substrate is one or more of titanium, manganese, copper, silver, platinum, or titanium.
[0020] In one feasible implementation, the voltage range of the high-voltage power supply is 3-15kV.
[0021] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a refrigerator, including;
[0022] The refrigerator body, which contains a refrigerator compartment;
[0023] As described above, the sterilization and deodorization function module is located at the top of the refrigerator compartment.
[0024] In one feasible implementation, the refrigerator further includes;
[0025] A control panel is located on the top of the refrigerator body and is used to control the entire circuit system of the refrigerator.
[0026] The door is hinged to the main body of the refrigerator;
[0027] The display panel is mounted on the door body, and the control panel is electrically connected to both the high-voltage power supply and the display panel.
[0028] Users can activate the sterilization and deodorization function via the buttons on the display panel. When the sterilization and deodorization module is working, the control panel controls the high-voltage power supply to power the needle electrode and the mesh electrode. Corona discharge is generated between the needle electrode and the mesh electrode to form an ion wind, which drives the air in the refrigerator compartment to circulate and work synergistically through the catalyst module to oxidize, decompose and remove odor molecules and bacteria in the air.
[0029] This application provides a sterilization and deodorization module and a refrigerator. The module comprises a high-voltage power supply, needle electrodes, a mesh electrode, and a catalyst module housed within a cavity. The needle electrodes are electrically connected to the negative high-voltage terminal of the power supply, and the mesh electrode is electrically connected to the positive high-voltage terminal. The catalyst module divides the cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity. An air inlet and an air outlet are connected to the first and second cavities, respectively. The needle electrodes and mesh electrodes are respectively disposed within the first and second cavities. During use, a corona discharge occurs between the needle electrodes and the mesh electrode, generating charged high-energy ions. Under the influence of an electric field, these high-energy ions move from the needle electrodes towards the mesh electrodes, generating an ion wind. This ion wind passes through the catalyst module, and through the synergistic effect of the ion wind and the metal catalyst, charged high-energy ions and reactive oxygen free radicals are generated, achieving efficient sterilization and rapid deodorization. The module does not require installation in the refrigerator's air duct or a fan, saving costs, and the generated ion wind is perceptible to the user.
[0030] This application utilizes a synergistic technology of ion wind and metal catalyst to oxidize and decompose odor molecules in the refrigerator compartment air and kill bacteria, effectively solving the problem of refrigerator sterilization and deodorization. This application also avoids the need for traditional sterilization and deodorization modules to be installed in air ducts or equipped with fans, thus preventing impact on refrigerator cooling efficiency and saving costs. Attached Figure Description
[0031] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization and deodorization functional module provided in this application;
[0032] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the sterilization and deodorization function module;
[0033] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the refrigerator provided in this application.
[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0035] 1-Box body; 2-High voltage power supply; 3-Needle electrode; 4-Mesh electrode; 5-Catalyst module; 6-Control panel; 7-Display panel;
[0036] 11- Liner; 12- Lid; 13- Cavity;
[0037] 111-Groove; 112-First limiting groove; 113-Second limiting groove; 114-Third limiting groove; 115-Air inlet; 116-Air outlet. Detailed Implementation
[0038] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this application.
[0039] During long-term use, refrigerators, due to their enclosed and humid internal environment, are prone to bacterial growth and odors, affecting food preservation quality and user experience. Sources of bacterial contamination inside refrigerators include bacteria on food surfaces and bacteria in the air. Food contaminated with bacteria deteriorates and produces odors; additionally, some foods themselves release odors, such as durian, kimchi, and spices. Currently, sterilization and deodorization technology has become a hot research topic in the refrigerator industry. Ion wind synergistic catalysis technology, as a novel sterilization and deodorization technology, uses corona discharge or dielectric barrier discharge to ionize gas molecules under high voltage, generating charged ions. These charged ions accelerate under an electric field, forming an ion wind. This ion wind then drives air to circulate through a highly active metal catalyst material, achieving sterilization and deodorization effects inside the refrigerator. To meet users' needs for refrigerator sterilization and deodorization, this application designs a sterilization and deodorization functional module to solve the problems of easy bacterial contamination and strong odors in refrigerators.
[0040] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates the sterilization and deodorization functional module and the specific structure of the refrigerator provided in this application.
[0041] Reference Figures 1-2 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a sterilization and deodorization functional module, including:
[0042] Box 1, which can be rectangular or cylindrical, is not limited in shape. Box 1 has a cavity 13 inside. On both sides of box 1, there are air inlets 115 and air outlets 116. Multiple air inlets 115 and air outlets 116 can be provided. Both air inlets 115 and air outlets 116 are connected to the cavity 13 to form a ventilation duct.
[0043] The high-voltage power supply 2, needle electrode 3, mesh electrode 4 and catalyst module 5 are installed in the cavity 13.
[0044] The voltage range of high voltage power supply 2 is 3-15kV, and high voltage power supply 2 has a positive high voltage terminal and a negative high voltage terminal;
[0045] Needle electrodes are a special type of electrode. They are widely used in electrochemical experiments, biomedicine, environmental monitoring, and other fields for electrochemical analysis, electrochemical processing, and electrical measurement. They offer advantages such as high sensitivity, high positioning accuracy, ease of operation, and easy cleaning. Needle electrode 3 is electrically connected to the negative high-voltage terminal of high-voltage power supply 2.
[0046] A mesh electrode is a device with a mesh-like structure, consisting of numerous tiny conductive wires or strips interwoven to form a mesh-like shape. This structure gives the electrode a large specific surface area, increasing the contact area with the substances it interacts with, such as electrolyte solutions and biological tissues. The mesh electrode 4 is electrically connected to the positive high-voltage terminal of the high-voltage power supply 2.
[0047] The catalyst module 5 is located in the middle of the cavity 13. The catalyst module 5 divides the cavity 13 into a first cavity and a second cavity. The air inlet 115 and the air outlet 116 are respectively connected to the first cavity and the second cavity. The needle electrode 3 and the mesh electrode 4 are respectively located in the first cavity and the second cavity.
[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 The direction of the middle arrow indicates the direction of ion wind flow. When a sufficiently high voltage is applied to the needle electrode 3 and the mesh electrode 4, a corona is generated between the needle electrode 3 and the mesh electrode 4, and high-energy charged ions are generated by discharge. At the same time, a strong electric field is formed near the tip of the needle electrode 3, which ionizes the surrounding gas molecules and generates plasma, including electrons, ions, free radicals, etc. Under the action of the electric field, the high-energy ions move from the needle electrode 3 to the mesh electrode 4 to generate ion wind. The ion wind circulates in the refrigerator compartment through the catalyst module 5.
[0049] Ions and other active particles can undergo a series of chemical reactions with odor gas molecules, such as oxidation and decomposition, transforming complex odor molecules into simple, harmless small molecules, such as carbon dioxide and water, thereby achieving the effect of odor removal.
[0050] The air inside the refrigerator compartment is self-circulating. Catalyst module 5 primarily eliminates odors through catalytic oxidation reactions. Precious metal catalysts, such as platinum and palladium, adsorb odor molecules and oxygen molecules, causing them to oxidize on the catalyst surface. Under the action of the metal catalyst, odor molecules are decomposed into odorless small molecules such as carbon dioxide and water. For example, for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air, such as benzene and toluene, the metal catalyst can oxidize and decompose them at relatively low temperatures, achieving the purpose of odor removal.
[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the box body 1 includes a liner 11 and a lid 12. The liner 11 may be a rectangular box body, and the lid 12 matches the liner 11. The liner 11 and the lid 12 are connected by snap-fit or fastening, and a cavity 13 is formed between them.
[0052] Air inlet 115 and air outlet 116 are respectively located on both sides of liner 11;
[0053] The needle electrode 3, the mesh electrode 4, and the catalyst module 5 are all housed inside the liner 11.
[0054] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bottom inner wall of the liner 11 is provided with a groove 111, which can be a rectangular groove, and the high-voltage power supply 2 is disposed in the groove 111.
[0055] Specifically, the high-voltage power supply 2 is encapsulated in the groove 111 with epoxy resin.
[0056] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a first limiting groove 112 is provided on one side of the inner wall of the liner 11. The first limiting groove 112 is a rectangular groove. The first limiting groove 112 is located on the right inner wall of the liner 11, and the needle electrode 3 is located in the first limiting groove 112.
[0057] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a second limiting groove 113 is provided on the other side of the bottom inner wall of the liner 11. The second limiting groove 113 is a rectangular groove and is located on the left side of the bottom inner wall of the liner 11. The mesh electrode 4 is located in the second limiting groove 113.
[0058] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a third limiting groove 114 is provided in the middle of the inner wall of the bottom end of the liner 11. The third limiting groove 114 can be a rectangular groove. The third limiting groove 114 is located in the middle region of the inner wall of the bottom end of the liner 11, and the catalyst module 5 is located in the third limiting groove 114.
[0059] In some embodiments, the catalyst module 5 is a porous honeycomb ceramic module with a metal oxide catalyst coated on its surface.
[0060] Catalyst module 5 uses ceramic as a substrate, and the metal oxide catalyst on the surface of the substrate is one or more of titanium, manganese, copper, silver, platinum or titanium.
[0061] Reference Figure 3 As shown, this application embodiment provides a refrigerator, including;
[0062] The refrigerator body contains a refrigerator compartment, and the refrigerator compartment is located at the top of the refrigerator body. The refrigerator compartment is a conventional compartment.
[0063] As mentioned above, the sterilization and deodorization function module is located at the top of the refrigerator compartment.
[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3The direction of the middle arrow indicates the direction of air self-circulation. When the refrigerator door is closed, the refrigerator compartment is a sealed chamber. When the sterilization and deodorization function module is working, a corona discharge is generated between the needle electrode 3 and the mesh electrode 4, generating charged high-energy ions. At the same time, a strong electric field is formed near the tip of the needle electrode 3, ionizing the surrounding gas molecules and generating plasma, including electrons, ions, free radicals, etc. Under the action of the electric field, the high-energy ions move from the needle electrode 3 to the mesh electrode 4, generating ion wind. The ion wind passes through the catalyst module 5 and self-circulates in the refrigerator compartment. Ions and other active particles can undergo a series of chemical reactions with odor gas molecules, such as oxidation and decomposition, converting complex odor molecules into simple, harmless small molecules, such as carbon dioxide and water, thereby achieving the deodorization effect.
[0065] The air inside the refrigerator is self-circulating and eliminates odors through catalyst module 5, which mainly uses catalytic oxidation reaction.
[0066] Reference Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the refrigerator also includes;
[0067] Control panel 6 is a conventional control system. Control panel 6 can be installed on the top of the refrigerator body. Control panel 6 is used to control the entire circuit system of the refrigerator.
[0068] The door is hinged to the main body of the refrigerator;
[0069] Display panel 7 is installed on the door body. Display panel 7 can be a display screen. Control panel 6 is electrically connected to both high voltage power supply 2 and display panel 7.
[0070] Users can activate the sterilization and deodorization function via the buttons on the display panel 7. When the sterilization and deodorization module is working, the control panel 6 controls the high-voltage power supply 2 to supply power to the needle electrode 3 and the mesh electrode 4. Corona discharge is generated between the needle electrode 3 and the mesh electrode 4 to form an ion wind, which drives the air in the refrigerator compartment to circulate and synergistically interact with the catalyst module 5 to oxidize, decompose, and remove odor molecules and bacteria in the air. The air in the refrigerator compartment enters the module through the air inlet 115. Under the action of a large number of high-energy ions and reactive oxygen free radicals, the odor molecules and bacteria in the air are oxidized, decomposed, and removed, and finally flow out from the air outlet 116 to achieve the purpose of sterilization and deodorization.
[0071] This application can effectively decompose odors generated in the refrigerator compartments and remove bacteria that contaminate the compartments, achieving sterilization and deodorization effects, thereby improving the user experience and protecting the user's food health.
[0072] It is readily understood that, based on the several embodiments provided in this application, those skilled in the art can combine, split, or reorganize the embodiments of this application to obtain other embodiments, none of which exceed the protection scope of this application.
[0073] The above detailed embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the above are merely specific embodiments of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made on the basis of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.
Claims
1. A sterilization and deodorization functional module, characterized in that: The utility model relates to a sterilization and odor removal functional module, which comprises a box body (1) provided with a cavity (13) therein, an air inlet (115) and an air outlet (116) arranged on two sides of the box body (1) respectively, and a high-voltage power supply (2), a needle electrode (3), a mesh electrode (4) and a catalyst module (5) arranged in the cavity (13). The high-voltage power supply (2) has a positive high-voltage end and a negative high-voltage end, the needle electrode (3) is electrically connected to the negative high-voltage end of the high-voltage power supply (2), and the mesh electrode (4) is electrically connected to the positive high-voltage end of the high-voltage power supply (2). The catalyst module (5) is arranged in the middle of the cavity (13) and divides the cavity (13) into a first cavity and a second cavity, the air inlet (115) and the air outlet (116) are respectively connected to the first cavity and the second cavity, and the needle electrode (3) and the mesh electrode (4) are arranged in the first cavity and the second cavity respectively. The needle electrode (3) and the mesh electrode (4) generate corona between them, and discharge generates high-energy ions, which move from the needle electrode (3) to the mesh electrode (4) under the action of an electric field to generate ion wind, and the ion wind passes through the catalyst module (5).
2. The sterilization and odor removal functional module according to claim 1, wherein the box body (1) comprises a box liner (11) and a box cover (12), the box liner (11) and the box cover (12) are connected by buckling, and the cavity (13) is formed between the box liner (11) and the box cover (12). The air inlet (115) and the air outlet (116) are arranged on two sides of the box liner (11) respectively. The needle electrode (3), the mesh electrode (4) and the catalyst module (5) are arranged in the box liner (11).
3. The sterilization and odor removal functional module according to claim 2, wherein a groove (111) is arranged on the inner wall of the bottom end of the box liner (11), and the high-voltage power supply (2) is arranged in the groove (111). The high-voltage power supply (2) is encapsulated in the groove (111) by epoxy resin.
4. The sterilization and odor removal functional module according to claim 2, wherein a first limiting groove (112) is arranged on one side of the inner wall of the box liner (11), and the needle electrode (3) is arranged in the first limiting groove (112).
5. The sterilization and odor removal functional module according to claim 4, wherein a second limiting groove (113) is arranged on the other side of the inner wall of the bottom end of the box liner (11), and the mesh electrode (4) is arranged in the second limiting groove (113).
6. The sterilization and odor removal functional module according to claim 5, wherein a third limiting groove (114) is arranged in the middle of the inner wall of the bottom end of the box liner (11), and the catalyst module (5) is arranged in the third limiting groove (114). 7. The sterilization and odor removal functional module according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: the catalyst module (5) is a porous honeycomb ceramic module, and the surface is plated with a metal oxide catalyst; the catalyst module (5) is based on ceramic, and the metal oxide catalyst on the surface of the substrate is one or more of titanium, manganese, copper, silver, platinum or titanium.
8. The sterilization and odor removal functional module according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: the voltage range of the high-voltage power supply is 3-15 kV.
9. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: including; a refrigerator body, wherein a refrigeration chamber is arranged in the refrigerator body; the sterilization and odor removal functional module according to any one of claims 1-8 is arranged on the top of the refrigeration chamber.
10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that: further including; a control panel (6) arranged on the top of the refrigerator body, wherein the control panel (6) is used to control the entire circuit system of the refrigerator; a door body hinged to the refrigerator body; a display panel (7) arranged on the door body, wherein the control panel (6) is electrically connected with the high-voltage power supply (2) and the display panel (7).