External fresh-keeping device and fresh-keeping system for refrigeration equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides an external fresh-keeping device which is characterized by comprising a shell (301), a fresh-keeping device body (301) and a fresh-keeping device body (301), and the shell (301) defines an internal space; and a body located in the interior space, the body comprising: a gas acceleration element (302), a heater (303), the heater (303) being located downstream of the gas acceleration element (302); and a temperature swing adsorbent material pack (304), the temperature swing adsorbent material pack (304) being located downstream of the heater (303); wherein the external fresh-keeping device (300) is configured to be capable of being arranged outside the refrigeration equipment and capable of being in fluid communication with an internal fresh-keeping device (200) located in the refrigeration equipment, so that the external fresh-keeping device (300) can perform operation of reducing the oxygen content on gas contained in the internal fresh-keeping device (200) in a temperature swing adsorption mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an external preservation device. For example, such an external preservation device is arranged outside a refrigeration device as a component of a preservation system for such refrigeration device. This application also relates to a preservation system for a refrigeration device. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, the application of refrigeration equipment (such as refrigerators) used to generate and maintain low-temperature environments is becoming increasingly widespread. By using refrigeration equipment, food and other products can be kept in a relatively reasonable low-temperature environment, thus maintaining their nutritional value and other qualities over a longer period of time.

[0003] However, in order to further improve the quality of life, it is hoped that the shelf life of food stored by refrigeration equipment (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) can be further extended, thereby reducing waste caused by food spoilage and improving economic efficiency.

[0004] It is already known that oxygen promotes cellular respiration, thus accelerating food spoilage. Accordingly, removing oxygen from refrigeration equipment can improve preservation.

[0005] Accordingly, several oxygen removal and preservation technologies have been developed in the existing field. For example, vacuum extraction technology: this method removes all air, thus removing oxygen from the air as well. Another example is pressure swing adsorption technology: this technology removes oxygen by changing the pressure to separate it from nitrogen. Yet another example is electrochemical deoxygenation, which uses the principles of electrolysis and electrodeposition to reduce oxygen to water, thereby removing oxygen.

[0006] However, the aforementioned methods still suffer from drawbacks such as complex hardware and / or high cost. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a novel preservation device and / or system to overcome or at least alleviate these problems. Utility Model Content

[0007] This application aims to provide an external preservation device that is advantageous over the prior art in at least one respect.

[0008] To this end, this application provides an external preservation device, characterized in that it comprises: a housing defining an internal space; and a body located within the internal space, the body comprising: a gas accelerating element, a heater located downstream of the gas accelerating element; and a temperature-switching adsorption material package located downstream of the heater; wherein the external preservation device is configured to be arranged outside a refrigeration device and to be in fluid communication with an internal preservation device located within the refrigeration device, such that the external preservation device can reduce the oxygen content of the gas contained in the internal preservation device through temperature-switching adsorption.

[0009] According to a feasible exemplary embodiment, the gas acceleration element is fastened to the inner wall of the housing by means of snapping and / or elastic force.

[0010] According to a feasible exemplary embodiment, the gas acceleration element is fastened to the inner wall of the housing by adhesive bonding, threading, and / or welding.

[0011] According to a feasible exemplary embodiment, the heater is a resistance wire heater and is configured such that, when a gas acceleration element blows gas into the external preservation device through the heater, the temperature of the gas is increased for use in the adsorption and / or desorption process of the temperature-varying adsorption material package.

[0012] According to one feasible exemplary embodiment, the heater is configured to be securely connected to the gas acceleration element.

[0013] According to one feasible exemplary embodiment, the temperature-changing adsorbent material comprises a temperature-changing adsorbent material, wherein the content of the adsorbent material is configured to be related to the volume of the internal preservation device.

[0014] According to one feasible exemplary embodiment, the external preservation device further includes a cooler arranged downstream of the temperature-changing adsorption material package.

[0015] According to one feasible exemplary embodiment, the temperature-changing adsorbent material package is arranged to be spaced apart from the heater, and wherein the cooler is configured to be spaced apart from the temperature-changing adsorbent material package.

[0016] According to a feasible exemplary embodiment, the external preservation device further includes a valve located on the housing and configured to control the inflow and outflow of gas into and out of the housing to control the gas in the internal preservation device to maintain fluid communication with the gas in the housing.

[0017] On the other hand, this application also provides a preservation system for a refrigeration device, characterized in that it includes: an external preservation device as described above; and an internal preservation device, wherein the external preservation device is configured to be arranged outside the refrigeration device and to be in fluid communication with the internal preservation device located inside the refrigeration device, such that the external preservation device can perform an operation to reduce the oxygen content of the gas contained in the internal preservation device by means of temperature-changing adsorption.

[0018] According to the external preservation device and / or preservation system for refrigeration equipment of this application, an integrated solution with simple structure and easy installation, maintenance and / or replacement is achieved through temperature-variable adsorption. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A preservation system for a refrigeration device according to one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 An external preservation device according to one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 An external preservation device according to another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0022] Figure 4 A preservation system for a refrigeration device according to one embodiment of the present application is shown, which utilizes the adsorption and desorption of oxygen to remove oxygen from the refrigeration device.

[0023] Figure 5 A preservation system for a refrigeration device according to one embodiment of the present application is shown, which utilizes the adsorption and desorption of nitrogen to remove oxygen from the refrigeration device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Some feasible embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to scale. Some details may be enlarged for clarity, while some details that are not necessary to show have been omitted.

[0025] The term "refrigeration equipment" as used herein can include refrigerators, such as devices used to keep food or other related or similar items at low temperatures within a specified temperature range. Refrigerators can be commercial refrigerators or (more commonly, household) refrigerators. A refrigerator can include a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment.

[0026] like Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic block diagram of a preservation system 100 for a refrigeration device according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0027] The preservation system 100 includes an internal preservation device 200 and an external preservation device 300. The external preservation device 300 is configured to be in fluid communication with the internal preservation device 200, enabling the external preservation device 300 to reduce the oxygen content of the gas contained in the internal preservation device 200 through temperature-dependent adsorption. This achieves a preservation effect.

[0028] The internal preservation device 200 can be configured as a sealable container within a refrigeration unit. The sealable container can be stored in a closed state within the refrigeration unit during normal operation. Additionally, the sealable container can be configured to open when the refrigeration unit is opened. The sealable container can be, for example, shaped like a drawer or having a substantially drawer shape. The internal preservation device 200 can be arranged in the refrigerator compartment and / or freezer compartment (if applicable) of the refrigeration unit. It is understood that the refrigerator compartment of the refrigeration unit, with its temperature generally between 0-10°C, is more suitable for housing the internal preservation device 200 in practical use.

[0029] The external preservation device 300 can be arranged outside the refrigeration equipment, for example, installed and fixed to the outside (outer surface) of the refrigeration equipment. Alternatively, it can be covered by a casing to protect both the preservation system 100 (especially the external preservation device 300) and the refrigeration equipment from external environmental contamination or damage. This approach is frequently used in the case of household refrigerators. For example, the external preservation device 300 can be arranged adjacent to the refrigerator's compressor. The external preservation device 300 is arranged to be in fluid communication with the interior of the refrigeration equipment, allowing it to reduce the oxygen content within the refrigeration equipment through temperature-dependent adsorption.

[0030] like Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the external preservation device 300. The external preservation device 300 includes a housing 301 and a body disposed within an internal space defined by the housing 301. The body includes a gas acceleration element 302 (e.g., a fan), a heater 303, and a temperature-changing adsorption material package 304.

[0031] The housing 301 can be formed into a generally cylindrical shape, such as a can. This facilitates the flow of gas within the external preservation device 300. Optionally or alternatively, the housing 301 can be formed into a generally prismatic shape. This facilitates attachment of the external preservation device 300 to the surface of the refrigeration equipment. It is understood that the housing 301 can also adopt any other suitable shape as needed. The material constituting the housing 301 can be plastic, and / or metal or alloy materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc.

[0032] The gas acceleration element 302 can drive the flow of gas inside the external preservation device 300. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the gas acceleration element 302 can be arranged on the side of the external preservation device 300 adjacent to its inlet. The gas acceleration element 302 can be fastened to the inner wall of the housing 301 by snap-fit ​​and / or elastic force. In this way, the gas acceleration element 302 can be detachably incorporated into the external preservation device 300, facilitating inspection and / or maintenance during use. Alternatively, the gas acceleration element 302 can also be fastened to the inner wall of the housing 301 by adhesive bonding, threading, and / or welding. This permanent fastening method further enhances the stability and robustness of the gas acceleration element 302.

[0033] The power to drive the gas acceleration element 302 can come from a battery (not shown). The battery can be installed within the internal space defined by the housing 301. This further optimizes the integration of the external preservation device 300. Alternatively, the battery can be mounted on the outer surface of the housing 301. This facilitates battery removal and / or maintenance. Advantageously, the battery can be a rechargeable battery, thereby facilitating repeated recycling.

[0034] The heater 303 is arranged downstream of the gas accelerating element 302, for example, at a position (generally directly) below the gas accelerating element 302. The heater 303 can be configured to be securely connected to the gas accelerating element 302, for example, by means of snap-fit ​​and / or adhesive bonding. The heater 303 can be configured as a resistance wire heater based on resistance heating. When the gas accelerating element 302 blows gas entering the external preservation device 300 through the heater 303, the temperature of the gas is increased for adsorption and / or desorption processes in the temperature-varying adsorption material package 304.

[0035] The temperature-changing adsorbent material package 304 can be arranged downstream of the heater 303, as shown in the figure, at a position (generally directly) below the heater 303. The temperature-changing adsorbent material package 304 can be arranged spaced apart from the heater 303. This avoids (localized, e.g., top) overheating of the temperature-changing adsorbent material package 304. The temperature-changing adsorbent material package 304 contains temperature-changing adsorbent material. The content of the adsorbent material can be configured to be related to (e.g., directly proportional to) the volume of the internal preservation device 200.

[0036] The external preservation device 300 can be configured as an oxygen adsorption device 300a or a nitrogen desorption device 300b (see the following description for details). Accordingly, for the oxygen adsorption device 300a, the temperature-switching adsorption material package 304 can be configured as an oxygen temperature-switching adsorption material package (e.g., carbon molecular sieve), and for the nitrogen desorption device 300b, the temperature-switching adsorption material package 304 can be configured as a nitrogen temperature-switching adsorption material package (e.g., silicon-aluminum molecular sieve).

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the body of the external preservation device 300 may further include a cooler 305 for cooling the gas from the temperature-changing adsorption material package 304. The cooler 305 is arranged downstream of the temperature-changing adsorption material package 304, for example, below it. The cooler 305 is configured to be spaced apart from the temperature-changing adsorption material package 304. This prevents overheating of the temperature-changing adsorption material package 304 (locally, for example, at the bottom). The cooler 305 may, for example, employ semiconductor cooling. In this way, the requirements for miniaturization and integration of the external preservation device 300 can be met.

[0038] The external preservation device 300 may further include a valve 306, located on the housing 301 and configured to control the inflow and outflow of gas from the housing 301. The valve 306 may be configured to control fluid communication between the gas within the internal preservation device 200 and the gas in the housing 301. Alternatively, the valve 306 may also be configured to connect the gas within the housing 301 to the atmospheric environment. Figure 2 As shown, the valves are illustrated as three-way valves located at the inlet and outlet ends of the external preservation device 300, respectively. It is understood that other suitable valves are also conceivable, such as replacing one three-way valve with two separate two-way valves.

[0039] like Figure 4The illustration shows an exemplary embodiment of an external preservation device 300 configured as an oxygen adsorption device 300a. For the oxygen adsorption device 300a, the temperature-switching adsorption material package 304 contains a temperature-switching oxygen adsorbent configured to adsorb oxygen at a first temperature (low temperature) (adsorption operation state) and desorb oxygen at a second temperature (high temperature) (desorption operation state). It is understood that the first temperature is lower than the second temperature. It is also understood that the temperature referred to in this application can refer to a temperature range or a temperature point as needed.

[0040] Since the internal preservation device 200 is arranged within the refrigeration equipment, the internal preservation device 200 and the air contained therein are in a low-temperature environment. The raw air contained in the internal preservation device 200 is driven by pump 1 and transferred to the oxygen adsorption device 300a via the first fluid passage 2. Due to the low temperature of the raw air from the internal preservation device 200, the oxygen in the raw air is adsorbed in the oxygen adsorption device 300a, thereby reducing the oxygen content in the remaining air. The remaining air is returned to the internal preservation device 200 via the second fluid passage 3 (driven by pump 1, or driven by a separate pump 4). Because the oxygen content in the remaining air is reduced, the oxygen content in the internal preservation device 200 is also reduced, thereby achieving a preservation effect. This method can be referred to as the adsorption operation state of the external preservation device 300.

[0041] On the other hand, the preservation system 100 is also configured to introduce air meeting the second temperature condition into the oxygen adsorption device 300a through the third fluid passage 5, thereby desorbing the oxygen adsorbed in the oxygen adsorption device 300a, and the desorbed oxygen is carried out of the oxygen adsorption device 300a by the gas meeting the second temperature condition through the fourth fluid passage 6. In this way, the oxygen adsorption device 300a can be regenerated and can re-adsorb oxygen from the internal preservation device 200. This method can be referred to as the desorption operation state of the external preservation device 300. The air meeting the second temperature condition can be obtained by heating air from the atmospheric environment (e.g., by a heater), which is particularly suitable when the atmospheric environment temperature is low (e.g., during winter and / or in high-latitude regions). In this way, ambient temperature air from the atmospheric environment can be heated to a sufficiently high temperature, thereby enabling the variable-temperature oxygen adsorbent in the oxygen adsorption device 300a to desorb oxygen.

[0042] Another possibility is that the air satisfying the second temperature condition can be air from the atmospheric environment, especially in situations where the atmospheric environment is warmer (e.g., during summer and / or in low-latitude regions). In this way, the number of components in the preservation system 100 can be simplified, reducing structural complexity.

[0043] The adsorption and desorption operation states of the oxygen adsorption device 300a can be controlled by valves, for example, a three-way two-way valve can be used to switch between the adsorption and desorption operation states. Alternatively, it is conceivable that two separate two-way one-way valves can be used to independently control the adsorption and desorption operation states of the oxygen adsorption device 300a.

[0044] One possibility is that an oxygen concentration sensor 201 is arranged in the internal preservation device 200 to monitor the oxygen concentration of the gas in the internal preservation device 200. Another possibility is that the oxygen concentration of the gas in the internal preservation device 200 is obtained through calibration (e.g., based on the duration measured from the start of the adsorption operation, the volume of the internal preservation device 200, and / or the adsorption efficiency of the oxygen adsorption device 300a, etc.).

[0045] The preservation system 100 may be configured to switch the oxygen adsorption device 300a from an adsorption operation state to a desorption operation state (e.g., via a valve) when the oxygen concentration of the gas in the internal preservation device 200 decreases to a predetermined threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the preservation system 100 may be configured to switch the oxygen adsorption device 300a from an adsorption operation state to a desorption operation state when the gas concentration in the internal preservation device 200 remains within a predetermined concentration range for a predetermined time period.

[0046] On the other hand, an inlet oxygen concentration sensor 201' and an outlet oxygen concentration sensor 201" can be installed on the inlet and outlet sides of the oxygen adsorption device 300a, respectively, to detect the oxygen concentration at the inlet and outlet sides. The preservation system 100 can be configured to switch the oxygen adsorption device 300a from the desorption operation state to the adsorption operation state when the difference between the oxygen concentration at the inlet side 201' and the oxygen concentration at the outlet side is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0047] Another possible approach is to install an outlet oxygen concentration sensor 201” only on the outlet side of the oxygen adsorption device 300a to detect only the outlet oxygen concentration. The preservation system 100 can be configured to switch the oxygen adsorption device 300a from a desorption operation state to an adsorption operation state when the outlet oxygen concentration drops below a predetermined threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet oxygen concentration can be obtained by calibration (e.g., based on the duration measured from the start of the desorption operation, and / or the adsorption rate of the oxygen adsorption device 300a, etc.).

[0048] The preservation system 100 may further include a pressure balancing device. The pressure balancing device is used to balance the pressure within the internal preservation device 200. For example, the pressure balancing device may be a one-way pressure relief valve 7. The one-way pressure relief valve 7 may be arranged on the internal preservation device 200 and configured to open when the pressure inside the internal preservation device 200 is lower than a predetermined pressure threshold, thereby connecting the inner and outer sides of the internal preservation device 200 to maintain the pressure inside the internal preservation device 200 within a certain range.

[0049] One possible configuration is that the preservation system 100 is configured such that two or more oxygen adsorption devices 300a are fluidly connected to the same internal preservation device 200, and that while at least one of the two or more oxygen adsorption devices 300a is fluidly connected to the internal preservation device 200 to adsorb oxygen, the remaining at least one of the two or more oxygen adsorption devices 300a is fluidly connected to the atmospheric environment to desorb oxygen. In this way, continuous deoxygenation of the internal preservation device 200 can be performed for continuous preservation.

[0050] like Figure 5 The illustration shows an exemplary embodiment of an external preservation device 300 configured as a nitrogen desorption device 300b. The nitrogen desorption device 300b includes a temperature-dependent nitrogen adsorbent configured to adsorb nitrogen at a first temperature (adsorption operation state) and desorb nitrogen at a second temperature (desorption operation state).

[0051] The preservation system 100 is configured to introduce air meeting a first temperature condition into the nitrogen desorption device 300b via a first fluid passage 10, thereby adsorbing nitrogen from the air into the external preservation device 300b. The remaining air with adsorbed nitrogen is then discharged from the preservation system 100 via a second fluid passage 20. The air meeting the first temperature condition can be ambient air, which is then cooled (e.g., by a refrigerator). Alternatively, when the ambient temperature is sufficiently low, ambient air can be directly introduced into the nitrogen desorption device 300b (without cooling).

[0052] On the other hand, the preservation system 100 is also configured to transfer raw air from the internal preservation device 200 to the nitrogen desorption device 300b via a third fluid passage 30 (e.g., via pump 70), and then flow the air through the heater 303 via the gas acceleration element 302 to form air that meets the second temperature condition. Under the second temperature condition, the nitrogen desorption device 300b desorbs the adsorbed nitrogen into the air that meets the second temperature condition to increase the nitrogen content (while decreasing the oxygen content), and then cools the air that meets the second temperature condition with increased nitrogen content via a cooling operation (e.g., via cooler 305 located in housing 301 or external cooler 60) and returns it to the internal preservation device 200 via a fourth fluid passage 40 (e.g., via pump 80), thereby achieving the preservation effect.

[0053] It is understood that other components and / or arrangements of the external preservation device 300 implemented as a nitrogen desorption device 300b can be similar to those of the external preservation device 300 configured as an oxygen adsorption paper 300a. For the sake of clarity, they will not be elaborated further here.

[0054] The foregoing description of embodiments of this application is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Within the scope of this application, it will be understood that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives listed in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, and / or description and figures, particularly their individual features, can be carried out independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be carried out in any manner and / or combined, unless such features are incompatible. It will be understood that many modifications and variations are available to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described to properly explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of the invention and the various modifications suitable for the intended particular use. The applicant reserves the right to accordingly amend any originally filed claims or file any new claims, including amending any originally filed claims to dependent on and / or incorporate any features of any other claim, even if not originally claimed in this way.

Claims

1. An external freshness keeping device, characterized by, comprising: a housing (301) defining an interior space; and a body located in the interior space, the body comprising: a gas accelerating element (302), a heater (303) located downstream of the gas accelerating element (302); and a temperature swing adsorption material pack (304) located downstream of the heater (303); wherein the external freshness preserving device (300) is configured to be arranged outside a refrigeration appliance and to be in fluid communication with an internal freshness preserving device (200) located inside the refrigeration appliance, such that the external freshness preserving device (300) is capable of performing a reduction of oxygen content operation on a gas contained by the internal freshness preserving device (200) by means of temperature swing adsorption.

2. The external freshness retaining device according to claim 1, characterized in that The gas accelerating element (302) is fastened to the inner wall of the housing (301) by means of a snap and / or elastic force.

3. The external freshness retaining device according to claim 1, wherein The gas accelerating element (302) is fastened to the inner wall of the housing (301) by means of gluing, threading and / or welding.

4. The external freshness retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The heater (303) is a resistance wire heater and is configured to raise the temperature of a gas blown through the heater (303) by the gas accelerating element (302) entering the external freshness preserving device (300) for the adsorption and / or desorption process of the temperature swing adsorption material pack (304).

5. The external freshness retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The heater is configured to be fastened to the gas accelerating element (302).

6. The external freshness retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The temperature swing adsorption material pack (304) contains temperature swing adsorption material and wherein the content of adsorption material is configured to be associated with the volume of the internal freshness preserving device (200).

7. The external freshness retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The body further comprises a cooler (305) arranged in a downstream direction of the temperature swing adsorption material pack (304).

8. The external freshness retaining device according to claim 7, characterized in that The temperature swing adsorption material pack (304) is arranged spaced apart from the heater (303) and wherein the cooler (305) is configured to be spaced apart from the temperature swing adsorption material pack (304).

9. The external freshness retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein Further comprising a valve (306) located on the housing (301) and configured to control the flow of gas into and out of the housing (301) to control the fluid communication of the gas inside the internal freshness preserving device (200) with the gas in the housing (301).

10. A freshness keeping system for a refrigerating appliance, characterized in that, comprising: an external freshness preserving device according to any one of claims 1-9; and an internal freshness preserving device (200), wherein the external freshness preserving device (300) is configured to be arranged outside a refrigeration appliance and to be in fluid communication with an internal freshness preserving device (200) located inside the refrigeration appliance, such that the external freshness preserving device (300) is capable of performing a reduction of oxygen content operation on a gas contained by the internal freshness preserving device (200) by means of temperature swing adsorption.

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