Door seal and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model provides a door sealing strip and a refrigerator. The door sealing strip comprises a sealing piece. The antibacterial metal layer is arranged on the sealing element; the antibacterial metal layer comprises a plurality of layers of nano-copper nets, and the plurality of layers of nano-copper nets are stacked; the nanometer copper net comprises a plurality of copper wires which are arranged in a staggered mode. The door seal can effectively resist bacteria.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sealing technology, and in particular to a door seal and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As an indispensable household appliance in modern families, the refrigerator's internal environment becomes a potential breeding ground for bacteria due to the long-term storage of various foods. In particular, the refrigerator door seal, due to its special location and structure, is frequently exposed to outside air during daily use and easily accumulates various stains during the opening and closing of the door. These conditions together make the refrigerator door seal a breeding ground for bacteria.

[0003] Traditional refrigerator door seals often neglect the importance of antibacterial properties and lack effective antibacterial measures. Therefore, over long-term use, bacterial growth on the door seals is difficult to inhibit, posing a threat not only to the overall hygiene of the refrigerator's interior but also to the safety of stored food, ultimately negatively impacting the user's health. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a door seal and a refrigerator, the door seal being effective in preventing bacteria.

[0005] This application provides a door seal, including:

[0006] Seals;

[0007] An antibacterial metal layer is disposed on the seal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the antibacterial metal layer comprises multiple layers of copper nanomesh, wherein the multiple layers of copper nanomesh are stacked; the copper nanomesh comprises multiple copper wires, wherein the multiple copper wires are interlaced.

[0009] In some embodiments, the thickness of the antibacterial metal layer is 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0010] In some embodiments, the nano-copper mesh has a plurality of rectangular holes, the long side of which is 100 nm to 500 nm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the seal is provided with a receiving groove, and the antibacterial metal layer is disposed within the receiving groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the material of the seal includes one or more of PVC, ABS, silicone, or rubber.

[0013] In some embodiments, the door seal further includes a sealing cover plate disposed on the side of the antibacterial metal layer away from the sealant, the sealing cover plate being connected to the sealant, and the sealing cover plate having a plurality of through holes.

[0014] In some embodiments, the thickness of the encapsulation cover is less than 1 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the encapsulation cover is transparent or opaque.

[0016] This application also provides a refrigerator, including:

[0017] The box has a receiving space;

[0018] A door, which is rotatably connected to the housing, is configured to close or open the receiving space;

[0019] The door seal is the aforementioned door seal, and the door seal is disposed on the edge of the door body. The antibacterial metal layer is disposed on the side of the seal near the box body.

[0020] The door seal and refrigerator provided in this application embodiment include a sealing element and an antibacterial metal layer, the antibacterial metal layer being disposed on the sealing element. The sealing element, as an important component of the refrigerator door, primarily functions to ensure a tight seal between the refrigerator door and the refrigerator body, preventing cold air leakage and thus maintaining a low-temperature environment inside the refrigerator. The antibacterial metal layer can be made of metals or metal alloys with excellent antibacterial properties, such as silver or copper. The antibacterial metal layer effectively kills or inhibits bacterial growth by releasing ions. Due to the effective antibacterial effect of the door seal, the hygiene level of the refrigerator's internal environment is significantly improved. The reduction in bacterial growth helps extend the shelf life of food and reduces the generation of odors and contaminants. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of a door seal provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of part A.

[0024] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the antibacterial metal layer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the nano-copper mesh provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing element provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional diagram of BB.

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified schematic diagram of part C.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of a door seal provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of DD.

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A magnified schematic diagram of part E. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] This application provides a door seal and a refrigerator, the door seal being effectively antibacterial. The following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of a door seal provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] This application provides a door seal 100, which is a sealing device for the edge of a refrigerator door. It is used to ensure a tight fit between the refrigerator door and the refrigerator body, prevent cold air leakage, and maintain a low-temperature environment inside the refrigerator.

[0036] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 for Figure 1A magnified schematic diagram of part A. The door seal 100 includes a sealing element 10 and an antibacterial metal layer 20, the antibacterial metal layer 20 being disposed on the sealing element 10. The sealing element 10 is the main component of the door seal 100, typically made of an elastic material, possessing good flexibility and sealing performance. The antibacterial metal layer 20, an additional functional metal layer on the sealing element 10, is made of a metal or metal alloy with antibacterial properties, used to kill or inhibit bacterial growth. The sealing element 10 can be a frame-like structure.

[0037] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the antibacterial metal layer provided in an embodiment of this application. The antibacterial metal layer 20 uses metals or metal alloys with excellent antibacterial properties, such as silver and copper. By releasing ions or generating other antibacterial mechanisms, it can effectively kill or inhibit bacteria upon contact, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth. Furthermore, the antibacterial metal layer 20 can not only kill bacteria immediately, but also form a durable antibacterial protective layer on the surface of the sealing element 10 by continuously releasing antibacterial ions, further prolonging the antibacterial effect.

[0038] Thanks to the presence of the antibacterial metal layer 20, bacterial growth on the door seal 100 is effectively controlled, reducing sources of contamination inside the refrigerator. This reduction in bacterial growth helps extend the shelf life of food and decreases the risk of food spoilage due to bacterial contamination.

[0039] Therefore, the door seal 100 design in this application embodiment not only solves the problem of bacteria growth in traditional door seals 100, but also maintains the original sealing performance of the door seal 100, ensuring the normal use of the refrigerator.

[0040] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the nano-copper mesh provided in an embodiment of this application. The antibacterial metal layer 20 includes multiple layers of nano-copper mesh 21, which are stacked together. The nano-scale mesh structure of the nano-copper mesh 21, made of copper material, has excellent antibacterial properties. The design of the multiple layers of nano-copper mesh 21 makes the antibacterial metal layer 20 have stronger antibacterial capabilities. Due to the excellent antibacterial properties of nano-copper itself, the specific antibacterial mechanism is as follows: when bacteria come into contact with the surface of the nano-copper mesh 21, the copper ions released by the nano-copper mesh 21 will interact with the bacterial cell membrane, intracellular proteins, and other biomolecules. The copper ions can change the permeability of the cell membrane, causing leakage of intracellular substances, and at the same time interfere with the normal structure and function of proteins and other biomolecules, thereby destroying the normal physiological structure of bacteria, blocking their metabolic and reproductive processes, and ultimately achieving the antibacterial purpose of effectively inhibiting bacterial growth and reproduction.

[0041] The multi-layered nano-copper mesh 21 can more effectively kill or inhibit bacterial growth, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial proliferation. The stacked arrangement of the multi-layered nano-copper mesh 21 increases the overall strength and stability of the antibacterial metal layer 20. This structural design makes the antibacterial metal layer 20 less prone to deformation or damage during long-term use, ensuring its long-lasting antibacterial effect.

[0042] Please continue reading. Figure 4 The nano-copper mesh 21 comprises multiple copper wires 211, which constitute the basic unit of the nano-copper mesh 21 and are fine filamentary structures made of copper material. The multiple copper wires 211 are interlaced, giving the nano-copper mesh 21 better flexibility and toughness, allowing it to adapt to various complex shapes and sizes. Simultaneously, the interlaced copper wires 211 increase the surface area of ​​the nano-copper mesh 21, improving its contact area with bacteria and thus enhancing its antibacterial effect.

[0043] The thickness of the antibacterial metal layer 20 is from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, for example, 0.4 mm. This thickness ensures both the strength and stability of the antibacterial metal layer 20, while avoiding increased costs and processing difficulties caused by excessive thickness. At the same time, the antibacterial metal layer 20 within this thickness range can more effectively kill or inhibit bacterial growth, meeting the needs of practical applications.

[0044] The nano-copper mesh 21 has multiple rectangular holes 22, with the long side of each hole ranging from 100 nm to 500 nm, such as 200 nm, 300 nm, or 400 nm. From a structural strength perspective, the size of the rectangular holes 22 in the nano-copper mesh 21 directly affects its overall mechanical properties. Within this size range, the rectangular holes 22 are neither too large to weaken the overall structure of the mesh, nor too small to significantly increase processing difficulty. The interlaced copper wires 211 are interconnected through the rectangular holes 22, forming a tight and stable network structure. This structure not only improves the tensile and tear resistance of the nano-copper mesh 21 but also ensures its stability and durability in various complex environments. Furthermore, the size of the rectangular holes 22 plays a crucial role in preventing dirt accumulation. At the nanoscale, the size of tiny particles such as bacteria and dust is often much larger than the diameter of the rectangular holes 22. Therefore, when these tiny particles attempt to pass through the nano-copper mesh 21, they are blocked by the rectangular holes 22 and cannot penetrate the mesh layer. This screening effect not only effectively reduces the accumulation of dirt on the nano-copper mesh 21, but is also crucial for the long-term maintenance of the high-efficiency antibacterial performance of the antibacterial metal layer 20. In some cases, the rectangular holes 22 of the nano-copper mesh 21 can be square holes. To maintain the uniformity of the structural strength of the nano-copper mesh 21, the rectangular holes 22 are evenly distributed.

[0045] Nanomaterials possess unique physicochemical properties that differ significantly from macroscopic materials. Those skilled in the art require a deep and accurate understanding of the antibacterial principles of nano-copper, the weaving process of nanoscale copper wire 211, the stability of nano-copper mesh 21, and its interaction with the external environment before they can conceive of using nano-copper mesh 21 to achieve the antibacterial function of the refrigerator door seal 100. Furthermore, the field of nanomaterials is relatively specialized and cutting-edge, making it challenging for ordinary technicians to fully grasp and apply it to specific product designs. This necessitates a significant investment of time in studying and researching relevant fundamental theories of nanomaterials and their application cases in antibacterial applications.

[0046] Please see Figures 5 to 7 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seal provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 for Figure 5 In the cross-sectional diagram of BB, Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of part C. The sealing element 10 has a receiving groove 11, and the antibacterial metal layer 20 is disposed within the receiving groove 11. This tight fit not only improves the overall stability of the structure but also effectively prevents the metal layer from shifting or falling off during use. This is crucial for maintaining the sealing performance and antibacterial effect of the refrigerator door seal 100. When the sealing element 10 is frame-shaped, the receiving groove 11 is located on one side of the door seal 100 and is completely and continuously distributed along the extension direction of the sealing element 10; correspondingly, please continue to refer to... Figure 3 The antibacterial metal layer 20 is also distributed completely and continuously along the extension direction of the seal 10.

[0047] For further details, please refer to Figures 8 to 10 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the door seal provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 for Figure 8 In the cross-sectional diagram of DD, Figure 10 for Figure 9 A magnified schematic diagram of part E. The antibacterial metal layer 20, such as the nano-copper mesh 21, can be firmly fixed to the surface of the supporting structure (such as rubber material) through a special embedding process. For example, when the material of the seal 10 is rubber, the process of preparing the door seal 100 can be to heat the rubber until it is soft and malleable, and then press the nano-copper mesh 21 into the rubber surface to a certain depth, so that part of the structure of the copper mesh is embedded in the rubber surface and interior. After the rubber returns to a stable stage (curing is complete or cooling and hardening), the nano-copper mesh 21 is fixed on the rubber, so as to achieve a tight and durable bond between the nano-copper mesh 21 and the rubber.

[0048] The material of the seal 10 includes one or more of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), ABS (Polyvinyl Chloride), silicone, or rubber.

[0049] PVC material is commonly used in the manufacture of refrigerator door seals 100 due to its excellent weather resistance, flame retardancy, and processing performance. PVC seals 10 are not only inexpensive and easy to mold and process, but can also meet the needs of door seals 100 of different shapes and sizes.

[0050] ABS material stands out for its excellent mechanical properties, impact resistance, and surface gloss. ABS seals are not only high in strength and toughness, but also easy to color and surface treat, meeting users' dual needs for aesthetics and practicality.

[0051] The silicone seal 10 is not only non-toxic and odorless, but also has excellent sealing and elasticity, ensuring a tight seal on the refrigerator door and preventing cold air leakage. Furthermore, silicone has good aging resistance, extending the service life of the refrigerator door seal 100.

[0052] Rubber materials are widely used in the manufacture of refrigerator door seals 100 due to their excellent sealing properties, wear resistance, tear resistance, and elasticity. The rubber seal 10 not only effectively isolates external air and moisture, maintaining a constant temperature and humidity environment inside the refrigerator, but also withstands frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator door, ensuring the stability and durability of the door seal 100. In this embodiment, due to the good elasticity of rubber itself and the high coefficient of friction between rubber components, the antibacterial metal layer 20 can be stably bonded to the door seal 100 through the support structure.

[0053] The door seal 100 also includes a sealing cover plate, which is disposed on the side of the antibacterial metal layer 20 away from the sealing element 10. The sealing cover plate is connected to the sealing element 10 (e.g., by snap-fit ​​or adhesive) to improve the stability and durability of the antibacterial metal layer 20. The sealing cover plate is provided with multiple through holes, which ensure that the antibacterial metal layer 20 releases antibacterial substances through the through holes to disinfect the sealing element 10 and extend the service life of the door seal 100.

[0054] The thickness of the sealing cover is less than 1 mm, such as 500 μm or 800 μm. This ensures sufficient protective performance while avoiding the negative impact of an excessively thick protective layer on the overall performance of the door seal 100. An excessively thick protective layer may increase the thickness and weight of the door seal 100, reducing its elasticity and sealing performance.

[0055] The encapsulation cover is either transparent or semi-transparent. This transparency allows the door seal 100 to maintain its original color and appearance, while also providing a clear view of the antibacterial metal layer 20. Regardless of whether the encapsulation cover is transparent or semi-transparent, it does not alter the basic color and gloss of the door seal 100, ensuring that the door seal 100 maintains a consistent appearance with its surrounding structure after installation. Furthermore, users can observe any changes in the appearance of the antibacterial metal layer 20 without disassembling or damaging the encapsulation cover, simplifying the maintenance process and reducing maintenance costs and time.

[0056] This application provides a refrigerator for storing food and keeping it at a low temperature to delay spoilage and bacterial growth.

[0057] The refrigerator includes the cabinet, the door, and the door seal 100.

[0058] The cabinet has storage space and is the main part of the refrigerator. It is usually made of materials such as metal or plastic, and the interior forms a storage space for refrigeration or freezing.

[0059] The door is rotatably connected to the housing, and the door is configured to either close or open to accommodate space.

[0060] A door seal 100 is disposed on the edge of the door body. The door seal 100 is a sealing element on the edge of the refrigerator door body, used to ensure a tight fit between the door and the refrigerator body, preventing cold air leakage, and also providing sound insulation and dust prevention. The door seal 100 is the same as the door seal 100 in the above embodiment, and the antibacterial metal layer 20 is disposed on the side of the sealing element 10 near the refrigerator body. The door seal 100 can be embedded in the door body.

[0061] Understandably, the door seal 100 fits tightly against the edge of the door, effectively preventing cold air from leaking through the gap between the door and the refrigerator body, thus improving the refrigerator's insulation performance. The antibacterial metal layer 20 does not affect the sealing performance of the door seal 100 and can continuously release antibacterial substances, effectively inhibiting or killing bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms on and near the surface of the door seal 100, reducing the risk of food contamination.

[0062] The door seal 100 and refrigerator provided in this application embodiment include a sealing element 10 and an antibacterial metal layer 20, the antibacterial metal layer 20 being disposed on the sealing element 10. The sealing element 10, as an important component of the refrigerator door, primarily functions to ensure a tight seal between the refrigerator door and the refrigerator body, preventing cold air leakage and thus maintaining a low-temperature environment inside the refrigerator. The antibacterial metal layer 20 can be made of metals or metal alloys with excellent antibacterial properties, such as silver or copper. The antibacterial metal layer 20 effectively kills or inhibits bacterial growth by releasing ions or generating other antibacterial mechanisms. Due to the effective antibacterial effect of the door seal 100, the hygiene level of the refrigerator's internal environment is significantly improved. The reduction in bacterial growth helps extend the shelf life of food and reduces the generation of odors and contaminants.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0064] In the description of this application, 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 one or more features.

[0065] The door seal and refrigerator provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this application, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A door seal, characterized in that, include: Seals; An antibacterial metal layer is disposed on the sealing element; the antibacterial metal layer includes multiple layers of nano-copper mesh, the multiple layers of nano-copper mesh being stacked; the nano-copper mesh includes multiple copper wires, the multiple copper wires being interlaced.

2. The door seal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the antibacterial metal layer is 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

3. The door seal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nano-copper mesh has multiple rectangular holes, the long side of which is 100nm to 500nm.

4. The door seal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sealing element is provided with a receiving groove, and the antibacterial metal layer is disposed in the receiving groove.

5. The door seal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The material of the seal includes one or more of PVC, ABS, silicone, or rubber.

6. The door seal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing cover plate, which is disposed on the side of the antibacterial metal layer away from the sealant. The sealing cover plate is connected to the sealant and has multiple through holes.

7. The door seal of claim 6, wherein, The thickness of the encapsulation cover is less than 1 mm.

8. The door seal according to claim 6, characterized in that, The encapsulation cover can be transparent or opaque.

9. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The box has a receiving space; A door, which is rotatably connected to the housing, is configured to close or open the receiving space; A door seal, wherein the door seal is the door seal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the door seal is disposed on the edge of the door body, and the antibacterial metal layer is disposed on the side of the seal near the box body.

Images