Nitrogen-oxygen separation device of refrigerator and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of refrigerator preservation, in particular to a nitrogen-oxygen separation device of a refrigerator and the refrigerator. A nitrogen-oxygen separation device of a refrigerator comprises a nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly, an air pump and a flow limiting ring, and the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly is provided with an air inlet and a nitrogen outlet; the air pump communicates with the air inlet and is used for providing compressed air for the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly, and the output pressure value of the air pump can be adjusted; the flow limiting ring is communicated with the nitrogen outlet, the flow limiting ring is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the ratio of the caliber of the outlet to the caliber of the inlet is set to be R, and R is larger than or equal to 1 / 3 and smaller than or equal to 1 / 2. Through cooperation of the flow limiting ring and the air pump, the nitrogen concentration and the nitrogen flow can be regulated and controlled through the air pump and the flow limiting ring, and the structure is simple. In addition, small-range nitrogen concentration and nitrogen flow adjustment can be achieved only by adjusting and controlling the power of the air pump, and operation steps can be simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator preservation technology, and in particular to a nitrogen-oxygen separation device for a refrigerator and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As people's demands for food preservation quality continue to increase, refrigerator preservation technology is also constantly developing and innovating. Nitrogen preservation, as an emerging preservation method, has gradually gained attention due to its advantages such as inhibiting microbial growth and slowing down oxidation. In the process of achieving nitrogen preservation, a highly efficient and stable nitrogen-oxygen separation device is crucial.

[0003] Currently, nitrogen-oxygen separation technology mainly involves compressing air before it enters a nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane to separate nitrogen and oxygen. The separation is then achieved by adjusting the pressure difference between the air inside and outside the membrane using valves, and the flow rate of nitrogen output is controlled by the valves as well. However, the valve structure is complex, requires manual operation, and suffers from insufficient stability and reliability in practical applications. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a nitrogen-oxygen separation device for refrigerators that is simple to operate and has high control stability.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A nitrogen-oxygen separation device for a refrigerator, the nitrogen-oxygen separation device comprising:

[0007] The nitrogen-oxygen separation unit has an air inlet and a nitrogen outlet;

[0008] An air pump, connected to the air inlet, is used to supply compressed air to the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly, and the output pressure of the air pump can be adjusted.

[0009] A flow-limiting ring is connected to the nitrogen outlet. The flow-limiting ring has an inlet and an outlet. The ratio between the diameter of the outlet and the diameter of the inlet is set to R, where 1 / 3 ≤ R ≤ 1 / 2.

[0010] Understandably, by setting up a flow-limiting ring, the pressure difference between the air inside and outside the nitrogen-oxygen separation component is created, which is beneficial for the separation of nitrogen and oxygen. By setting the inlet-to-outlet diameter ratio of the flow-limiting ring to 1 / 3 ≤ R ≤ 1 / 2, and by coordinating the flow-limiting ring with an air pump, the nitrogen concentration and flow rate can be controlled through the interaction between the air pump and the flow-limiting ring, resulting in a simple structure. Furthermore, only the power of the air pump needs to be adjusted to achieve small-range regulation of nitrogen concentration and flow rate, simplifying the operation process.

[0011] In one embodiment, the output pressure value of the air pump is set to P, where 0.2 MPa ≤ P ≤ 0.35 MPa.

[0012] In one embodiment, the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly includes a nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane unit, wherein the equivalent circle diameter of the cross-section of the nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane unit is set to D, wherein 25mm≤D≤40mm.

[0013] In one embodiment, the air pump is used to communicate with the freezer compartment of the refrigerator;

[0014] The nitrogen-oxygen separation device further includes a heat exchange component, which is disposed between the air pump and the nitrogen-oxygen separation component and is connected to both the air pump and the nitrogen-oxygen separation component, for heating the air pumped from the refrigeration zone (210).

[0015] Understandably, the air in the freezing zone is clean and has low humidity. By using the air in the freezing zone for nitrogen-oxygen separation, the risk of nitrogen-oxygen separation components being clogged by particulate matter can be reduced. On the other hand, because the air in the freezing zone has low moisture content, the corrosion of nitrogen-oxygen separation components is reduced, which helps to improve the lifespan of nitrogen-oxygen separation components.

[0016] In one embodiment, the heat exchange assembly includes a heat exchanger, and the outlet is connected to the nitrogen preservation compartment of the refrigerator after passing through the heat exchanger.

[0017] The air pumped into the heat exchanger by the air pump can exchange heat with the nitrogen discharged from the outlet of the flow-limiting ring within the heat exchanger.

[0018] It is understandable that heating the air entering the nitrogen-oxygen separation unit by setting up a heat exchanger helps to ensure that it meets the operating temperature required by the nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane.

[0019] In one embodiment, the heat exchange assembly includes a heat exchange coil assembly, and the air pump is connected to the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly through the heat exchange coil assembly for heating the air pumped by the air pump;

[0020] The heat exchange coil assembly is mounted on the refrigerator's compressor.

[0021] Understandably, by installing a heat exchange coil assembly on the refrigerator compressor, the heat from the compressor can be used to heat the air pumped by the air pump, ensuring that the air entering the nitrogen-oxygen separation unit has a higher temperature, which helps it reach the operating temperature required by the nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane. At the same time, the cooler air is used to cool the compressor, thus reducing the refrigerator's energy consumption.

[0022] In one embodiment, the heat exchange assembly includes a heat exchanger and a heat exchange coil assembly. The air pump, the heat exchanger, the heat exchange coil assembly, and the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly are connected in sequence along the air flow direction. The air pumped into the heat exchanger can exchange heat with the nitrogen discharged from the outlet within the heat exchanger. The heat exchange coil assembly is mounted on the compressor of the refrigerator.

[0023] Understandably, by installing a heat exchange coil assembly on the refrigerator compressor, the heat from the compressor can be used to reheat the air output from the heat exchanger, which helps to ensure that the air meets the operating temperature requirements of the nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane. A suitable temperature can improve the activity and diffusion properties of air molecules, thus contributing to increased nitrogen-oxygen separation efficiency.

[0024] This application also provides the following technical solutions:

[0025] A refrigerator includes a nitrogen-oxygen separation device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0026] In one embodiment, the refrigerator includes a nitrogen preservation compartment and an oxygen preservation compartment, and the outlet of the flow-limiting ring is connected to the nitrogen preservation compartment.

[0027] The nitrogen-oxygen separation component has an oxygen outlet, which is connected to the oxygen preservation chamber.

[0028] Understandably, by setting up nitrogen and oxygen preservation compartments inside the refrigerator, the nitrogen compartment, filled with nitrogen, can achieve better preservation. The oxygen compartment can be used to store living organisms that require oxygen. In this way, the refrigerator can not only preserve vegetables and fresh food, but also store living organisms, thus expanding the refrigerator's usage scenarios.

[0029] In one embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a freezing compartment connected to the air pump for supplying air to the air pump;

[0030] The nitrogen preservation chamber and the freezing area are connected by a first one-way valve, and the nitrogen preservation chamber can discharge air into the freezing area through the first one-way valve.

[0031] Understandably, by setting up the first one-way valve, air circulation can be achieved in the nitrogen preservation compartment, the freezing area, and the nitrogen-oxygen separation device, reducing the entry of external air and lowering the refrigerator's energy consumption.

[0032] Compared with existing technologies, the nitrogen-oxygen separation device and the refrigerator described herein are connected in sequence via an air pump, a nitrogen-oxygen separation component, and a flow-limiting ring. The ratio between the outlet diameter of the flow-limiting ring and the inlet diameter is R, where 1 / 3 ≤ R ≤ 1 / 2. The flow-limiting effect of the flow-limiting ring creates a pressure difference between the air inside and outside the nitrogen-oxygen separation component, which is beneficial for the separation of nitrogen from other air. Simultaneously, the air pump and the flow-limiting ring work together to adjust the air pump power, enabling small-range regulation of nitrogen concentration and flow rate, and the adjustment method is simple. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the nitrogen-oxygen separation device for the refrigerator provided in this application.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the nitrogen and oxygen separation membrane unit provided in this application.

[0036] The component labels are as follows:

[0037] 100. Nitrogen-oxygen separation unit; 10. Air pump; 20. Nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly; 21. Air inlet; 22. Nitrogen outlet; 23. Nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane unit; 24. Oxygen outlet; 30. Flow limiting ring; 31. Inlet; 32. Outlet; 40. Heat exchange assembly; 41. Heat exchanger; 42. Heat exchange coil assembly;

[0038] 200. Refrigerator; 210. Freezer compartment; 220. Nitrogen preservation compartment; 221. First one-way valve; 230. Oxygen preservation compartment; 231. Second one-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0040] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0041] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a nitrogen-oxygen separation device 100 for a refrigerator 200. The nitrogen-oxygen separation device 100 includes a nitrogen-oxygen separation component 20, an air pump 10, and a flow-limiting ring 30. The nitrogen-oxygen separation component 20 has an air inlet 21 and a nitrogen outlet 22. The air pump 10 is connected to the air inlet 21 and is used to provide compressed air to the nitrogen-oxygen separation component 20. The output pressure value of the air pump 10 can be adjusted. The flow-limiting ring 30 is connected to the nitrogen outlet 22 and has an inlet 31 and an outlet 32. The ratio between the diameter of the outlet 32 ​​and the diameter of the inlet 31 is set to R, where 1 / 3 ≤ R ≤ 1 / 2.

[0045] As can be seen from the above, by setting up the flow-limiting ring 30, a pressure difference is created between the air inside and outside the nitrogen-oxygen separation component 20, which is beneficial for the separation of nitrogen and oxygen. With the inlet and outlet diameter ratio of the flow-limiting ring 30 being 1 / 3 ≤ R ≤ 1 / 2, and by cooperating with the air pump 10, the nitrogen concentration and flow rate can be controlled using the air pump 10 and the flow-limiting ring 30. The structure is simple, and only the power of the air pump 10 needs to be adjusted to achieve small-range regulation of nitrogen concentration and flow rate, simplifying the operation.

[0046] Here, the air pump 10 is used to connect to the freezing zone 210 of the refrigerator 200; the output pressure value of the air pump 10 is set to P, where 0.2Mpa≤P≤0.35Mpa.

[0047] In one embodiment, the nitrogen-oxygen separation component 20 is configured as any one of a polyimide membrane, a ceramic membrane, a metal membrane, or a carbon molecular sieve membrane.

[0048] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly 20 includes a nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane unit 23, and the equivalent circle diameter of the cross-section of the nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane unit 23 is set as D, where 25mm≤D≤40mm.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly 20 has an oxygen outlet 24, through which the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly 20 can discharge oxygen separated from the air.

[0050] In one embodiment, the nitrogen-oxygen separation device 100 further includes a heat exchange component 40, which is disposed between the air pump 10 and the nitrogen-oxygen separation component 20 and is connected to both the air pump 10 and the nitrogen-oxygen separation component 20, respectively, for heating the air pumped by the air pump 10. The air in the freezing zone 210 has high cleanliness and low humidity. By using the air in the freezing zone 210 for nitrogen-oxygen separation, the risk of the nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane unit 23 being blocked by particulate matter can be reduced. On the other hand, since the air in the freezing zone 210 has low moisture content, the erosion of the nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane unit 23 is reduced, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane unit 23.

[0051] In one embodiment, the heat exchange assembly 40 includes a heat exchanger 41, and the outlet 32, after passing through the heat exchanger 41, is connected to the nitrogen preservation compartment 220 of the refrigerator 200. Air pumped into the heat exchanger 41 by the air pump 10 and nitrogen discharged from the outlet 32 ​​can exchange heat within the heat exchanger 41. By setting the heat exchanger 41 to heat the air entering the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly 20, the air is brought to the required operating temperature of the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly 20. A suitable temperature can improve the activity and diffusion properties of air molecules, thus helping to improve the efficiency of nitrogen-oxygen separation.

[0052] In one embodiment, the heat exchange assembly 40 includes a heat exchange coil assembly 42, and the air pump is connected to the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly 20 through the heat exchange coil assembly 42 for heating the air pumped by the air pump 10; wherein, the heat exchange coil assembly 42 is disposed on the refrigerator compressor (not shown).

[0053] In one embodiment, the heat exchange assembly 40 includes a heat exchanger 41 and a heat exchange coil assembly 42. The air pump 10, the heat exchanger 41, the heat exchange coil assembly 42, and the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly 20 are connected sequentially along the air flow direction. The outlet 32 ​​is connected to the nitrogen preservation chamber 220 through the heat exchanger 41. The air pumped into the heat exchanger 41 by the air pump 10 and the nitrogen discharged from the outlet 32 ​​can exchange heat in the heat exchanger 41. The heat exchange coil assembly 42 is disposed on the compressor of the refrigerator 200.

[0054] As can be seen from the above, by installing a heat exchange coil assembly 42 on the compressor of the refrigerator 200, the heat generated during the operation of the refrigerator 200 compressor can be used to reheat the air output by the air pump 10 or the air output by the heat exchanger 41, so that the air entering the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly 20 has a higher temperature, which is beneficial to meet the temperature required for the operation of the nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane unit 23. It should be noted that a suitable temperature can improve the activity and diffusion performance of air molecules, which helps to improve the efficiency of nitrogen-oxygen separation. At the same time, using cooler air to cool the compressor reduces the energy consumption of the refrigerator 200.

[0055] This application also provides a refrigerator 200, including a nitrogen-oxygen separation device 100 as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0056] In one embodiment, the refrigerator 200 further includes a freezing zone 210, which is connected to the air pump 10 and is used to supply air to the air pump 10; here, the freezing zone 210 can be a refrigerator freezer compartment or a freezing air duct.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 200 also includes a nitrogen preservation compartment 220, and the outlet 32 ​​of the flow-limiting ring 30 is connected to the nitrogen preservation compartment 220. The nitrogen preservation compartment 220 and the freezer compartment are connected by a first one-way valve 221, and the nitrogen preservation compartment 220 can discharge air into the freezer compartment via the first one-way valve 221. By setting the first one-way valve 221, air circulation between the nitrogen preservation compartment 220, the freezer compartment 210, and the nitrogen-oxygen separation device 100 can be achieved, reducing the entry of external air and lowering the energy consumption of the refrigerator 200.

[0058] In one embodiment, the refrigerator 200 further includes an oxygen preservation chamber 230, wherein the oxygen outlet 24 is connected to the oxygen preservation chamber 230. It is understood that by providing the oxygen preservation chamber 230 within the refrigerator 200, the oxygen preservation chamber 230 can be used to store living organisms that require oxygen. Thus, the refrigerator 200 can not only preserve vegetables, fresh food, and other ingredients, but also store living organisms, broadening the application scenarios of the refrigerator 200.

[0059] In this embodiment, the oxygen preservation chamber 230 and the freezing zone 210 are connected by a second one-way valve 231, and the oxygen preservation chamber 230 can discharge air to the freezing zone 210 through the second one-way valve 231. By setting the second one-way valve 231, air circulation between the oxygen preservation chamber 230, the freezing zone 210, and the nitrogen-oxygen separation device 100 can be realized, reducing the entry of external air and lowering the energy consumption of the refrigerator 200.

[0060] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0061] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A nitrogen-oxygen separation device of a refrigerator, characterized by, The nitrogen-oxygen separation device (100) comprises: a nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly (20) having an air inlet (21) and a nitrogen outlet (22); a gas pump (10) in communication with the air inlet (21) for providing compressed air to the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly (20), and the output pressure value of the gas pump (10) can be adjusted; a flow limiting ring (30) in communication with the nitrogen outlet (22), the flow limiting ring (30) having an inlet (31) and an outlet (32), and the ratio between the caliber of the outlet (32) and the caliber of the inlet (31) is set as R, wherein 1 / 3≤R≤1 / 2.

2. The nitrogen-oxygen separation device of the refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output pressure value of the gas pump (10) is set as P, wherein 0.2Mpa≤P≤0.35Mpa.

3. The nitrogen-oxygen separation device of the refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly (20) comprises a nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane unit (23), and the equivalent circle diameter of the cross section of the nitrogen-oxygen separation membrane unit (23) is set as D, wherein 25mm≤D≤40mm.

4. The nitrogen-oxygen separation device of the refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas pump (10) is used to communicate with the refrigeration area (210) of the refrigerator (200); The nitrogen-oxygen separation device further comprises a heat exchange assembly (40) arranged between the gas pump (10) and the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly (20) and in communication with the gas pump (10) and the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly (20) respectively, and used for heating the air pumped by the gas pump (10) from the refrigeration area (210).

5. The nitrogen-oxygen separation device of the refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat exchange assembly (40) comprises a heat exchanger (41), and the outlet (32) is in communication with the nitrogen fresh-keeping compartment (220) of the refrigerator (200) after passing through the heat exchanger (41); The air pumped by the gas pump (10) into the heat exchanger (41) and the nitrogen discharged from the outlet (32) of the flow limiting ring (30) can exchange heat in the heat exchanger (41).

6. The nitrogen-oxygen separation device of the refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat exchange assembly (40) comprises a heat exchange coil assembly (42), and the gas pump is in communication with the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly (20) through the heat exchange coil assembly (42) and used for heating the air pumped by the gas pump (10); The heat exchange coil assembly (42) is arranged on the compressor of the refrigerator.

7. The nitrogen-oxygen separation device of the refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat exchange assembly (40) comprises the heat exchanger (41) and the heat exchange coil assembly (42), the gas pump (10), the heat exchanger (41), the heat exchange coil assembly (42) and the nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly (20) are sequentially communicated along the flow direction of the air, and the air pumped by the gas pump (10) into the heat exchanger (41) and the nitrogen discharged from the outlet (32) can exchange heat in the heat exchanger (41); The heat exchange coil assembly (42) is arranged on the compressor of the refrigerator (200).

8. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: The nitrogen-oxygen separation device (100) comprises the nitrogen-oxygen separation device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The refrigerator (200) comprises a nitrogen fresh-keeping compartment (220) and an oxygen fresh-keeping compartment (230), and the outlet (32) of the flow limiting ring (30) is in communication with the nitrogen fresh-keeping compartment (220); The heat exchange coil assembly (42) is arranged on the compressor of the refrigerator (200). The nitrogen-oxygen separation assembly (20) has an oxygen outlet (24) in communication with the oxygen fresh-keeping cabin (230).

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The refrigerator (200) further comprises a freezing area (210) in communication with the air pump (10) for providing air for the air pump (10). The nitrogen fresh-keeping cabin (220) is in one-way communication with the freezing area (210) through a first one-way valve (221), and the nitrogen fresh-keeping cabin (220) can exhaust air to the freezing area (210) through the first one-way valve (221).

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