Nitrogen making device and refrigerator
By adding a drying component and a heating unit to the air inlet of the refrigerator's nitrogen generator, the problem of shortened lifespan caused by the adsorption of moisture and impurities in the nitrogen generator has been solved, achieving a longer lifespan and more efficient operation of the nitrogen generator, and improving the refrigerator's preservation capabilities.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520428312.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing refrigerator nitrogen generators suffer from reduced or even lost performance due to the adsorption of moisture and other impurities, resulting in a short lifespan and an inability to meet the needs of large food storage capacity.
A drying component, including an adsorption unit and a heating unit, is added to the air inlet of the nitrogen generator. The adsorption unit adsorbs moisture from the air, and the heating unit heats the adsorption unit during the nitrogen generation cycle to remove the adsorbed moisture and extend the life of the adsorption unit. The combined design of the drying component and the heating unit improves the overall life of the nitrogen generator.
By combining the drying components and heating units, the lifespan of the nitrogen generator is significantly extended, ensuring nitrogen purity and system stability, and improving the refrigerator's preservation effect.
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Figure CN223832077U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator preservation, and in particular to a nitrogen generator and a refrigerator. Background Technology
[0002] As people's living standards improve, their demands for refrigerator storage capacity and preservation effects are also gradually increasing, thus posing a significant challenge to the preservation capabilities of refrigerators. Refrigerators typically use a nitrogen-generating module to reduce the oxygen content in the preservation compartment, creating a low-oxygen, high-nitrogen environment. This utilizes the principle that low oxygen inhibits the respiration and metabolism of fruits and vegetables, thereby improving the oxygen control level in the refrigerator's preservation space and ultimately enhancing its preservation capabilities.
[0003] Because refrigerators also need to accommodate large food storage capacity, the nitrogen generator in a refrigerator is relatively small. In addition, existing nitrogen generators mainly use high-performance nitrogen molecular sieves to adsorb moisture and other impurities to create a low-oxygen, high-nitrogen environment, which weakens or even destroys the performance of the nitrogen generator, further shortening the lifespan of the entire nitrogen generator.
[0004] There is currently no effective solution to the problem of extending the service life of nitrogen generation devices in related technologies. Utility Model Content
[0005] This embodiment provides a nitrogen generator and a refrigerator to address the problem of extending the service life of nitrogen generators in related technologies.
[0006] In a first aspect, this embodiment provides a nitrogen generator, which is installed in a refrigerator. The air inlet of the nitrogen generator is connected to the air inlet of the refrigerator to allow access to external air; the air outlet of the nitrogen generator is connected to the crisper compartment of the refrigerator; the nitrogen generator includes an air pump assembly and a nitrogen generator assembly; the output end of the air pump assembly is connected to the input end of the nitrogen generator assembly, and the air pump assembly is used to deliver external air to the nitrogen generator assembly, so that the nitrogen generator assembly generates nitrogen based on the external air; the nitrogen generator also includes a drying assembly.
[0007] The drying component is installed on the air inlet pipe of the air pump component;
[0008] The drying assembly includes an adsorption unit and a heating unit; the adsorption unit is connected to the heating unit.
[0009] The adsorption unit is used to adsorb moisture in the air flowing through the drying component; the heating unit is used to heat the adsorption unit based on the nitrogen generation cycle of the nitrogen generator, and discharge the adsorbed moisture in the adsorption unit out of the air inlet pipe of the air pump component.
[0010] In some embodiments, the nitrogen generator further includes an inlet solenoid valve;
[0011] The input end of the intake solenoid valve is connected to the output end of the drying component.
[0012] In some embodiments, the nitrogen generator further includes an exhaust solenoid valve;
[0013] The input end of the exhaust solenoid valve is connected to the non-nitrogen gas output end of the nitrogen generation component.
[0014] In some embodiments, the nitrogen generator further includes an intake muffler;
[0015] One end of the intake muffler is connected to the output end of the intake solenoid valve; the other end of the intake muffler is connected to the input end of the air pump assembly.
[0016] In some embodiments, the nitrogen generating device further includes a nitrogen venting check valve;
[0017] The input end of the nitrogen venting check valve is connected to the nitrogen output end of the nitrogen generating component, and the output end of the nitrogen venting check valve is connected to the preservation chamber.
[0018] In some embodiments, the one-way valve is used to deliver nitrogen gas output from the nitrogen generator to the preservation chamber.
[0019] In some of these embodiments, activated carbon is provided in the adsorption unit.
[0020] In some embodiments, the heating unit is provided with a heating wire.
[0021] In some of these embodiments, at least one of the heating wires is embedded inside the activated carbon.
[0022] Secondly, this embodiment provides a refrigerator, which includes the nitrogen generator and the freshness compartment described in the first aspect.
[0023] Compared with related technologies, the nitrogen generator and refrigerator provided in this embodiment reduce the moisture content in the gas delivered to the molecular sieve tower by adding a drying component to the air inlet of the existing nitrogen generator module and adsorbing moisture from the outside air through the adsorption unit in the drying component. At the same time, the moisture in the adsorption unit is treated in conjunction with the heating unit and the nitrogen generation cycle, thereby improving the service life of the adsorption unit and further improving the service life of the entire nitrogen generator.
[0024] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of this application more readily apparent. Attached Figure Description
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:
[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a nitrogen generator provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gas pipeline structure of another nitrogen generator provided in this specific embodiment;
[0028] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the refrigerator nitrogen generation method provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0029] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of the application terminal for the refrigerator nitrogen generation method provided in the embodiments of this application.
[0030] Reference numerals: 100, nitrogen generator; 10, air pump assembly; 20, nitrogen generator assembly; 30, drying assembly; 31, adsorption unit; 32, heating unit; 41, inlet solenoid valve; 42, exhaust solenoid valve; 43, nitrogen exhaust check valve; 50, inlet silencer; 102, processor; 104, memory; 106, transmission equipment; 108, input / output equipment. Detailed Implementation
[0031] To better understand the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application, the application is described and illustrated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0032] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the general meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Words such as “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “these,” used in this application, do not indicate quantitative limitation and may be singular or plural. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or modules (units) but may include steps or modules (units) not listed, or may include other steps or modules (units) inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms “connected,” “linked,” and “coupled,” used in this application, are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The term “multiple” used in this application refers to two or more. The "and / or" operator describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Typically, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., used in this application are merely for distinguishing similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects.
[0033] With people's increasing pursuit of better refrigerator preservation, improving the oxygen control level in the refrigerator's preservation compartment has become an urgent problem to be solved. Improving the oxygen control level in the refrigerator's preservation compartment aims to enhance the refrigerator's preservation ability by reducing the oxygen content in the preservation chamber and creating a low-oxygen, high-nitrogen environment, thereby inhibiting the respiration and metabolism of fruits and vegetables. However, in the design of existing refrigerators, to ensure a large food storage capacity, the preservation module is designed to be relatively small and the system is simple, resulting in lower performance of the preservation module. At the same time, because high-performance nitrogen-generating molecular sieves adsorb moisture and other impurities, the performance of the preservation module is weakened or even lost, leading to a short lifespan for the preservation modules in existing technologies.
[0034] Therefore, in order to improve the lifespan of the preservation module in a refrigerator, this embodiment provides a nitrogen generator. Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a nitrogen generator provided in an embodiment of this application; see reference. Figure 1A nitrogen generator 100 is installed in a refrigerator. The air inlet of the nitrogen generator 100 is connected to the air inlet of the refrigerator to allow access to outside air. The air outlet of the nitrogen generator 100 is connected to the crisper compartment of the refrigerator. The nitrogen generator 100 includes an air pump assembly 10 and a nitrogen generator assembly 20. The output end of the air pump assembly 10 is connected to the input end of the nitrogen generator assembly 20. The air pump assembly 10 is used to deliver outside air to the nitrogen generator assembly 20, so that the nitrogen generator assembly 20 generates nitrogen based on the outside air. The nitrogen generator 100 also includes a drying assembly 30. The drying assembly 30 is installed on the air inlet pipe of the air pump assembly 10. The drying assembly 30 includes an adsorption unit 31 and a heating unit 32. The adsorption unit 31 is connected to the heating unit 32. The adsorption unit 31 is used to adsorb moisture in the air flowing through the drying assembly 30. The heating unit 32 is used to heat the adsorption unit 31 based on the nitrogen generation cycle of the nitrogen generator 100, and discharge the adsorbed moisture in the adsorption unit 31 from the air inlet pipe of the air pump assembly 10.
[0035] The refrigerator currently includes at least one oxygen-controlled preservation space for storing food, namely the freshness compartment. A nitrogen generator 100 outputs nitrogen gas to the inlet of this space. The nitrogen generator 100 produces high-concentration nitrogen from outside air and fills the freshness compartment with this high-concentration nitrogen for preservation. The nitrogen generator 100 includes at least one air pump assembly 10 and a nitrogen generator assembly 20. The air pump assembly 10 delivers outside air from the refrigerator compartment to the nitrogen generator assembly 20. The nitrogen generator assembly 20 contains a molecular sieve tower for nitrogen generation, filled with high-performance nitrogen-generating molecular sieves. The nitrogen generator assembly 20 generates nitrogen from outside air via the molecular sieve tower. Specifically, the high-performance nitrogen-generating molecular sieve is an adsorbent material specifically designed to separate nitrogen from air. Based on the selective adsorption characteristics of molecular sieves, it can effectively separate high-purity nitrogen. Molecular sieves are materials with a uniform microporous structure, and their pore size can be matched to the size of different gas molecules. In nitrogen production, carbon molecular sieves or zeolite molecular sieves are typically used, as they have different affinities for oxygen and nitrogen. Through pressure swing adsorption or vacuum pressure swing adsorption technology, oxygen and other impurities in the air can be efficiently removed at room temperature to obtain the desired nitrogen.
[0036] Currently, the MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) nitrogen generating modules used in refrigerators have at least one oxygen-controlled preservation space for storing food. The high-concentration nitrogen generated by the MAP nitrogen generating module is injected into this space, replacing the normal air inside with the outside air, in order to create a high-nitrogen, low-oxygen food preservation environment within the space. After the module reduces the oxygen in the preservation space, in order to maintain the low-oxygen state in the space for a long time, the preservation space has good sealing properties, that is, unless the user opens it, the space will only have slow air exchange with the outside air, or even no air exchange at all.
[0037] The MAP nitrogen generator module should have at least one molecular sieve tower filled with high-performance nitrogen-generating molecular sieves. When outside air is introduced, the molecular sieves selectively and preferentially adsorb and intercept oxygen, while releasing nitrogen, thus achieving nitrogen generation efficiency. During this process, the molecular sieves also preferentially and significantly adsorb moisture from the air. The MAP nitrogen generator module should have at least one air pump, which is used to fill the molecular sieve tower with outside air from the refrigerator / cold compartment, causing the high-performance molecular sieves to start generating nitrogen. During this process, the gas pressure inside the sieve tower increases, and the nitrogen-generating molecular sieves selectively and preferentially adsorb oxygen. The MAP nitrogen generator module should have at least one solenoid valve located at the oxygen venting end of the molecular sieve tower. When the solenoid valve is opened, the molecular sieve tower is connected to the outside through the solenoid valve, the gas pressure inside the sieve tower decreases, the oxygen-rich gas adsorbed by the molecular sieve is released, and discharged to the outside through the solenoid valve. During this process, the gas pressure inside the sieve tower decreases to the same level as the outside air.
[0038] It can be seen that the performance of the MAP nitrogen generator module currently used in refrigerators is weakened or even lost due to the adsorption of moisture and other impurities by the nitrogen-generating molecular sieve, resulting in a shortened lifespan of the entire MAP nitrogen generator module. The general solution to this problem is to add logic that is linked to the refrigerator door opening and closing, cooling, etc., but this method can only slightly increase the lifespan of the MAP nitrogen generator to a certain extent.
[0039] Furthermore, this embodiment employs an electrical and structural design that adds a heatable desiccant to the existing nitrogen generation module. (Reference) Figure 1 The nitrogen generator 100 in this embodiment also includes a drying component 30. This drying component 30 is installed on the air inlet pipe of the air pump assembly 10 to adsorb external air drawn into the nitrogen generator 100. Specifically, the drying component 30 adsorbs water and impurities from the external air. Impurities generally include hydrocarbon compounds, oil mist, particulate matter, and odor substances. The drying component 30 removes moisture from the air to prevent damage to downstream equipment (such as molecular sieves) and ensures that the final nitrogen produced has high purity and dryness. The drying assembly 30 includes an adsorption unit 31 and a heating unit 32. The adsorption unit 31 is connected to the heating unit 32. The adsorption unit 31 is used to adsorb moisture in the air flowing through the drying assembly 30. The heating unit 32 is used to increase its own temperature based on the nitrogen generation cycle of the nitrogen generator 100, thereby heating the adsorption unit 31 and discharging the adsorbed moisture from the adsorption unit 31 into the air inlet pipe of the air pump assembly 10. This solves the regeneration problem of the adsorption unit 31, thereby improving the service life of the adsorption unit 31 and further improving the service life of the entire nitrogen generator 100.
[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gas pipeline structure of another nitrogen generator provided in this specific embodiment, where the arrows represent the gas transmission direction in the pipeline; see reference. Figure 2 The nitrogen generator 100 also includes an intake solenoid valve 41; the input end of the intake solenoid valve 41 is connected to the output end of the drying assembly 30. The nitrogen generator 100 also includes an intake muffler 50; one end of the intake muffler 50 is connected to the output end of the intake solenoid valve 41; the other end of the intake muffler 50 is connected to the input end of the air pump assembly 10.
[0041] The intake solenoid valve 41 is connected to the output of the drying component 30 to ensure that the dried air enters the next stage. The intake solenoid valve 41 controls the flow of gas, opening or closing as needed by the nitrogen generator 100. It is usually adjusted based on parameters such as pressure and flow rate, which are not specifically limited here.
[0042] One end of the intake muffler 50 is connected to the output end of the intake solenoid valve 41 to receive the gas regulated by the solenoid valve; the other end is connected to the input end of the air pump assembly 10 to introduce the processed gas into the air pump, thereby reducing the noise generated during the gas flow process. Especially when high-pressure or high-speed gas passes through the pipeline, it can effectively reduce noise pollution and improve the working environment.
[0043] In some embodiments, the nitrogen generator 100 further includes a nitrogen venting check valve 43; the input end of the nitrogen venting check valve 43 is connected to the nitrogen output end of the nitrogen generator assembly 20, and the output end of the nitrogen venting check valve 43 is connected to the preservation chamber; the nitrogen venting check valve 43 is used to deliver the nitrogen output from the nitrogen generator assembly 20 to the preservation chamber. The nitrogen generator 100 also includes an exhaust solenoid valve 42; the input end of the exhaust solenoid valve 42 is connected to the non-nitrogen gas output end of the nitrogen generator assembly 20.
[0044] After the nitrogen generating component 20 in the nitrogen generating device 100 produces high-concentration nitrogen, it is output to the preservation chamber through the exhaust check valve to provide sufficient nitrogen for the preservation chamber. The nitrogen exhaust check valve 43 is used to control and protect the flow direction of nitrogen, ensuring that nitrogen can only flow from the nitrogen generating component 20 to the preservation chamber and that backflow will not occur. The input end of the nitrogen exhaust check valve 43 is connected to the nitrogen output end of the nitrogen generating component 20. This means that high-purity nitrogen after separation or adsorption treatment will be delivered to the preservation chamber through the nitrogen exhaust check valve 43. The output end of the nitrogen exhaust check valve 43 is connected to the preservation chamber. In this way, high-purity nitrogen can directly enter the preservation chamber. The design of the check valve can effectively prevent gas backflow; even under pressure fluctuations, it can ensure that nitrogen will not flow back into the nitrogen generating component 20, thereby avoiding contamination or affecting the purity of nitrogen.
[0045] By opening or closing the exhaust solenoid valve 42, the emission of non-nitrogen gases can be precisely controlled. This helps maintain the pressure balance inside the nitrogen generator 100 and ensures the purity and output of nitrogen. Furthermore, the state of the exhaust solenoid valve 42 is dynamically adjusted according to factors such as nitrogen demand, purity requirements, and system pressure. By installing the nitrogen exhaust check valve 43 and the exhaust solenoid valve 42 in the nitrogen generator 100, the nitrogen generator 100 can operate efficiently and stably, ensuring the safe delivery of high-purity nitrogen and the effective emission of non-nitrogen gases.
[0046] In some embodiments, the adsorption unit includes activated carbon. The heating unit includes a heating wire. At least one heating wire is embedded within the activated carbon.
[0047] Activated carbon, a porous material with an extremely large specific surface area, effectively adsorbs impurities, volatile organic compounds, and moisture from the air, ensuring the efficiency and lifespan of subsequent separation components. The heating wire embedded within the activated carbon is designed for efficient regeneration. Once the activated carbon is saturated, heating is required to desorb and remove adsorbed impurities, restoring its adsorption capacity. The heating wire evenly distributes heat, rapidly raising the temperature within the activated carbon bed and accelerating the desorption process.
[0048] To determine the nitrogen generation cycle of the nitrogen generator, when the activated carbon adsorption reaches saturation, the heating unit is activated. At this time, the heating wire embedded inside the activated carbon is energized, gradually increasing the temperature of the activated carbon bed. As the temperature rises, impurity molecules adsorbed on the activated carbon gain sufficient energy to detach from the activated carbon surface and re-enter the gas phase. These desorbed gases are discharged from the nitrogen generator. Once desorption is complete, heating stops, and the activated carbon bed gradually cools, preparing for the next adsorption cycle.
[0049] By embedding the heating wire directly into the activated carbon, the entire activated carbon bed can be heated more evenly, improving desorption efficiency and shortening regeneration time. At the same time, regular and effective regeneration can significantly extend the service life of the activated carbon.
[0050] Furthermore, in order to extend the lifespan of the drying component, this embodiment also provides a refrigerator nitrogen generation method. This method is based on the refrigerator nitrogen generation device provided in the foregoing embodiment. Combined with the nitrogen generation cycle of the nitrogen generation device, the drying component is heated, which effectively improves the drying effect of the external air flowing into the nitrogen generation device and extends the service life of the drying component.
[0051] Specifically, the humidity and time thresholds for initiating regeneration are set based on the performance parameters of the desiccant in the drying assembly. For example, the regeneration process may be triggered when the desiccant's water absorption reaches a certain critical value, or at regular intervals (e.g., every 8 hours), without specific limitations.
[0052] Furthermore, the waste heat generated during refrigerator heating is used to preheat the external air flowing into the nitrogen generator, thereby improving system energy efficiency.
[0053] This embodiment provides a method for generating nitrogen from a refrigerator. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the refrigerator nitrogen generation method provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the process includes the following steps:
[0054] Step S310: Determine whether the nitrogen production cycle has reached the preset number of cycles.
[0055] If yes, proceed to step S320; otherwise, repeat step S310. Optionally, the preset number of cycles can be set to 8. It is understood that the preset number of cycles can be modified according to requirements, and no specific limitation is made here.
[0056] Step S320: Heat the drying component.
[0057] Specifically, the air pump assembly, exhaust solenoid valve, and nitrogen venting check valve are shut down, and the drying assembly is heated. After shutting down the air pump assembly, exhaust solenoid valve, and nitrogen venting check valve, the nitrogen generation module stops operating.
[0058] Step S330: Continue heating until the heating time reaches N minutes.
[0059] The process involves determining whether the heating time has reached N minutes. If yes, proceed to step S340. If not, continue to step S330.
[0060] Step S340: Turn off the heating and wait M minutes.
[0061] In step S350, the nitrogen generation module begins operation.
[0062] By adding a heating wire inside the desiccant and controlling it with certain logic, the desiccant is heated, thereby expelling moisture from the activated carbon. This solves the problem of activated carbon regeneration and greatly extends the lifespan of the entire nitrogen generator.
[0063] It should be noted that the steps shown in the above process or in the flowchart of the accompanying figures can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than that shown here.
[0064] The method embodiments provided in this example can be executed in a refrigerator, computer, or similar computing device. For example, it can be run on a refrigerator. Figure 4This is a hardware structure block diagram of the application terminal for the refrigerator nitrogen generation method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a refrigerator may include one or more ( Figure 4 Only one is shown in the image. A processor 102 and a memory 104 for storing data are also included. The processor 102 may be, but is not limited to, a microprocessor (MCU) or a programmable logic device (FPGA). The refrigerator may also include a transmission device 106 for communication functions and an input / output device 108. Those skilled in the art will understand that… Figure 4 The structure shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the structure of the refrigerator described above. For example, the refrigerator may also include components that are larger than... Figure 4 The more or fewer components shown, or having the same Figure 4 The different configurations shown are illustrated.
[0065] The memory 104 can be used to store computer programs, such as application software programs and modules, like the computer program corresponding to the refrigerator nitrogen generation method in this embodiment. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer program stored in the memory 104, thereby implementing the above-described method. The memory 104 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some instances, the memory 104 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories can be connected to the refrigerator via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.
[0066] The transmission device 106 is used to receive or send data via a network. This network includes a wireless network provided by the refrigerator's communication provider. In one example, the transmission device 106 includes a Network Interface Controller (NIC), which can connect to other network devices via a base station to communicate with the Internet. In another example, the transmission device 106 can be a Radio Frequency (RF) module for wireless communication with the Internet.
[0067] It should be noted that the above modules can be functional modules or program modules, and can be implemented through software or hardware. For modules implemented through hardware, the above modules can reside in the same processor; or the above modules can be located in different processors in any combination.
[0068] It should be noted that the specific examples in this embodiment can refer to the examples described in the above embodiments and optional implementations, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.
[0069] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the application and not intended to limit it. All other embodiments derived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0070] Obviously, the accompanying drawings are merely some examples or embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other similar situations based on these drawings without any creative effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the work done in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art, certain design, manufacturing, or production modifications made based on the technical content disclosed in this application are merely conventional technical means and should not be considered as insufficient disclosure of this application.
[0071] The term "embodiment" in this application refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment that may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily imply the same embodiment, nor does it imply that it is mutually exclusive with or independent of other embodiments. It will be clearly or implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.
[0072] 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 patent protection. 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 scope of protection of this application should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A nitrogen generator, wherein the nitrogen generator is disposed in a refrigerator, the air inlet of the nitrogen generator is connected to the air inlet of the refrigerator to access external air; the air outlet of the nitrogen generator is connected to the crisper compartment of the refrigerator; the nitrogen generator includes an air pump assembly and a nitrogen generator assembly; the output end of the air pump assembly is connected to the input end of the nitrogen generator assembly, the air pump assembly being used to deliver external air to the nitrogen generator assembly, so that the nitrogen generator assembly generates nitrogen based on the external air; characterized in that, The nitrogen generator also includes a drying component; The drying component is installed on the air inlet pipe of the air pump component; The drying assembly includes an adsorption unit and a heating unit; the adsorption unit is connected to the heating unit. The adsorption unit is used to adsorb moisture in the air flowing through the drying component; the heating unit heats the adsorption unit based on the nitrogen generation cycle of the nitrogen generator, and discharges the adsorbed moisture in the adsorption unit out of the air inlet pipe of the air pump component.
2. The nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nitrogen generator also includes an intake solenoid valve; The input end of the intake solenoid valve is connected to the output end of the drying component.
3. The nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nitrogen generator also includes an exhaust solenoid valve; The input end of the exhaust solenoid valve is connected to the non-nitrogen gas output end of the nitrogen generation component.
4. The nitrogen generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nitrogen generator also includes an air intake silencer; One end of the intake muffler is connected to the output end of the intake solenoid valve; the other end of the intake muffler is connected to the input end of the air pump assembly.
5. The nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nitrogen generating device also includes a nitrogen discharge check valve; The input end of the nitrogen venting check valve is connected to the nitrogen output end of the nitrogen generating component, and the output end of the nitrogen venting check valve is connected to the preservation chamber.
6. The nitrogen generator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The one-way valve is used to deliver nitrogen gas output from the nitrogen generating unit to the preservation chamber.
7. The nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adsorption unit is equipped with activated carbon.
8. The nitrogen generator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heating unit is equipped with a heating wire.
9. The nitrogen generator according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least one of the heating wires is embedded inside the activated carbon.
10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a nitrogen generating device and a fresh-keeping compartment as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.