Sterilization assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, and provides a sterilization assembly and a refrigerator, the sterilization assembly comprises a protection structure, a discharge tube, a first electrode and a second electrode, the protection structure is provided with a containing cavity and an opening, and the containing cavity is communicated with the opening; the first electrode is arranged at the first end of the discharge tube, the second electrode is arranged at the second end of the discharge tube, the first end is opposite to the second end, the discharge tube, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in the accommodating cavity, the first electrode is suitable for performing ionization discharge on the second electrode and is used for exciting ultraviolet light generated by the discharge tube, and the ultraviolet light generated by the discharge tube leaves the accommodating cavity through the opening. According to the sterilization assembly, it can be ensured that only ultraviolet light in the specific direction can pass through smoothly, and leakage of the ultraviolet light is effectively prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to sterilization components and refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, ultraviolet (UV) light, due to its powerful sterilization ability, is widely used in various applications to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. However, despite the many advantages of UV sterilization technology, it is difficult to directly apply it to refrigerators. Specifically, existing UV sterilization components typically include a discharge tube that generates UV light when energized. However, this UV light, in addition to its sterilization effect, also possesses a certain amount of energy, which may adversely affect the materials inside the refrigerator. The interior of a refrigerator usually contains various materials, such as plastics, rubber, and coatings. These materials are prone to aging when exposed to UV light for extended periods, such as hardening, brittleness, and color fading. This aging not only affects the lifespan of the refrigerator but can also negatively impact its cooling performance. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. To this end, this application proposes a sterilization component.

[0004] This application also proposes a refrigerator.

[0005] A sterilization component according to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application includes:

[0006] The protective structure includes a receiving cavity and an opening, wherein the receiving cavity is connected to the opening;

[0007] Discharge tube;

[0008] The first electrode is disposed at the first end of the discharge tube;

[0009] The second electrode is disposed at the second end of the discharge tube, with the first end and the second end facing each other. The discharge tube, the first electrode, and the second electrode are disposed in the receiving cavity. The first electrode is adapted to ionize and discharge the second electrode to excite the ultraviolet light generated by the discharge tube. The ultraviolet light generated by the discharge tube leaves the receiving cavity through the opening.

[0010] The sterilization component according to the embodiments of this application ensures that only ultraviolet light from a specific direction can pass through smoothly through a protective structure, thereby effectively preventing ultraviolet light leakage. This improves the safety of the sterilization component and also avoids potential damage to other sensitive materials inside the refrigerator caused by ultraviolet light.

[0011] Ultraviolet light can effectively disinfect bacteria in areas where it cannot reach, and it can also disinfect bacteria through charged ions in areas where it cannot reach, thus expanding the sterilization range and enabling the sterilization components to kill bacteria inside the refrigerator more effectively.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the inner wall of the protective structure is provided with an ultraviolet light reflecting layer or an ultraviolet light absorbing layer to block ultraviolet light from propagating toward the inner wall.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the protective structure includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, a fourth sidewall, and a fifth sidewall. The first sidewall and the third sidewall are disposed opposite to each other to block the propagation of ultraviolet light from the discharge tube along a first direction. The second sidewall and the opening are disposed opposite to each other to block the propagation of ultraviolet light from the discharge tube toward the second sidewall. The fourth sidewall and the fifth sidewall are disposed opposite to each other, and the first electrode and the second electrode are located between the fourth sidewall and the fifth sidewall to block the propagation of ultraviolet light from the discharge tube along a second direction.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, it further includes a first support plate and a second support plate, the first support plate being spaced apart from the fourth side wall, the second support plate being spaced apart from the fifth side wall, a discharge space being formed between the first support plate and the second support plate, the first electrode and the second electrode being located in the discharge space, the first support plate and the second support plate being respectively provided with a fixing structure, and the discharge tube being inserted into the fixing structure.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, the protective structure is cylindrical or cuboid, and the opening is circular or rectangular.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the first electrode is one of an aluminum counter electrode, a mesh electrode, or a spring-shaped electrode;

[0017] And / or,

[0018] The second electrode is one of an aluminum counter electrode, a mesh electrode, or a spring-shaped electrode.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this application, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is 4mm-20mm;

[0020] And / or,

[0021] The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged around the discharge tube.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this application, a light-transmitting device is further included, which can cover the opening connected thereto, and the light-transmitting device has a light-transmitting area corresponding to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the discharge tube between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0023] According to one embodiment of this application, the light-transmitting device is provided with a filter layer or filter film for filtering out ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 222nm.

[0024] A refrigerator according to a second aspect of this application includes:

[0025] The container has a storage compartment and an opening;

[0026] The aforementioned sterilization components are installed within the storage cavity, and at least one side wall of the protective structure restricts ultraviolet light from irradiating the open side.

[0027] And / or,

[0028] At least one sidewall of the protective structure restricts ultraviolet light from irradiating the left wall of the storage cavity.

[0029] And / or,

[0030] The protective structure has at least one sidewall that restricts ultraviolet light from reaching the right wall of the storage cavity.

[0031] And / or,

[0032] The protective structure has at least one sidewall that restricts ultraviolet light from irradiating the rear wall of the storage cavity.

[0033] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying 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.

[0035] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of a sterilization component provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the sterilization component provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the protective structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the plasma structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0039] Figure 5 This is an exploded structural diagram of a sterilization component provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 6 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure label:

[0043] 10. Sterilization components;

[0044] 20. Box body; 21. Storage cavity; 22. Opening;

[0045] 100. Protective structure; 101. Receiving cavity; 102. Opening; 110. First sidewall; 120. Second sidewall; 130. Third sidewall; 140. Fourth sidewall; 150. Fifth sidewall; 160. First support plate; 170. Second support plate; 180. Fixing structure;

[0046] 210. Discharge tube; 220. First electrode; 230. Second electrode;

[0047] 300. Light-transmitting device. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application.

[0049] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections, wherein a fixed connection can include an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0052] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0053] The following is combined Figures 1 to 7 This application describes the sterilization components and the refrigerator.

[0054] A sterilization component 10 according to an embodiment of this application includes a protective structure 100, a discharge tube 210, a first electrode 220, and a second electrode 230. The protective structure 100 has a receiving cavity 101 and an opening 102, with the receiving cavity 101 communicating with the opening 102. The first electrode 220 is disposed at a first end of the discharge tube 210, and the second electrode 230 is disposed at a second end of the discharge tube 210, with the first end and the second end facing each other. The discharge tube 210, the first electrode 220, and the second electrode 230 are disposed in the receiving cavity 101. The first electrode 220 is adapted to ionize and discharge the second electrode 230 to excite the discharge tube 210 to generate ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light generated by the discharge tube 210 leaves the receiving cavity 101 through the opening 102.

[0055] According to the sterilization component 10 of this application embodiment, the protective structure 100 ensures that only ultraviolet light from a specific direction can pass through smoothly, thereby effectively preventing ultraviolet light leakage. This improves the safety of the sterilization component 10 and also avoids potential damage to other sensitive materials inside the refrigerator caused by ultraviolet light. In addition, the ionization discharge of the first electrode 220 to the second electrode 230 can also generate charged ions. The charged ions generated during the ionization discharge of the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 230 can actively seek out and kill bacteria, forming a synergistic sterilization effect with ultraviolet light.

[0056] The location irradiated by ultraviolet light can effectively disinfect bacteria, and the location where ultraviolet light cannot irradiate can be disinfected by charged ions, thus expanding the sterilization range and enabling the sterilization component 10 to kill bacteria inside the refrigerator more effectively.

[0057] Understandably, the protective structure 100, by providing a receiving cavity 101 and an opening 102, offers a relatively enclosed working environment for the discharge tube 210, the first electrode 220, and the second electrode 230. The opening 102 precisely controls the propagation path of the ultraviolet light, effectively preventing leakage. This design ensures both sterilization effectiveness and avoids potential damage to other materials inside the refrigerator from ultraviolet light.

[0058] When the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 230 are energized, the discharge tube 210 generates ultraviolet light. At the same time, it can ionize the air to produce charged ions. Some of the air is ionized to produce ions (such as positive ions and negative ions) and active substances (such as oxygen atoms O, hydroxyl groups OH, ozone O3, etc.). These ions and active substances have extremely strong oxidizing and bactericidal capabilities and can actively seek out and kill bacteria.

[0059] The discharge tube 210 is filled with a krypton (Kr)-containing substance and a chlorine (Cl)-containing substance. Under high pressure, the mixture of krypton (Kr) and chlorine (Cl) can generate ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength through high-voltage breakdown. In one embodiment, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light is 222 nm. 222 nm ultraviolet light has higher energy and a shorter wavelength, enabling it to penetrate the bacterial cell wall more deeply and achieve a more thorough sterilization effect. Furthermore, 222 nm ultraviolet light has weaker penetrating power through human skin, making it safer to use.

[0060] The ions and active substances generated by ionization work synergistically with 222nm ultraviolet light to kill bacteria. On one hand, the ions and active substances can destroy the cell wall and cell membrane of bacteria, rendering them inactive; on the other hand, the 222nm ultraviolet light can penetrate deep into the bacteria and destroy their DNA structure. The combined effect achieves a more comprehensive and efficient sterilization.

[0061] The ions and active substances generated by ionization can diffuse throughout the space, achieving spatial sterilization. At the same time, because these ions and active substances have a small volume and strong penetrating ability, they can also penetrate some packaging materials to sterilize packaged food.

[0062] The sterilization component of this application is particularly suitable for refrigeration equipment such as refrigerators, and can effectively kill bacteria inside the refrigerator, maintaining the freshness and hygiene of food.

[0063] The first electrode 220 and the second electrode 230 are connected to the positive and negative output terminals of the high-voltage power supply. The high-voltage power supply can be AC ​​high voltage or pulse high voltage, and the output voltage range is 2kV~10kV.

[0064] In one embodiment, the discharge tube 210 is a quartz discharge tube, wherein the thickness of the discharge tube 210 is 1mm-2mm and the diameter of the discharge tube 210 is 4mm-20mm.

[0065] In one embodiment, the chlorine content inside the discharge tube 210 is less than 1%.

[0066] According to one embodiment of this application, the inner wall of the protective structure 100 is provided with an ultraviolet light reflective layer or an ultraviolet light absorber layer to block ultraviolet light from propagating toward the inner wall.

[0067] The main function of the ultraviolet reflective layer is to block and reflect ultraviolet light propagating towards the inner wall of the protective structure 100, ensuring that ultraviolet light mainly propagates in the designated direction (i.e., through the opening 102). This not only improves the utilization rate of ultraviolet light, allowing more ultraviolet light to reach the target sterilization area, but also effectively reduces the potential damage of ultraviolet light to the internal materials of the protective structure 100.

[0068] The main function of the ultraviolet light absorbing layer is to absorb and consume ultraviolet light propagating towards the inner wall of the protective structure 100. This reduces the reflection and scattering of ultraviolet light inside the protective structure 100, reduces the risk of ultraviolet light leakage, and protects the internal materials of the protective structure 100 from damage by ultraviolet light.

[0069] According to one embodiment of this application, the protective structure 100 includes a first sidewall 110, a second sidewall 120, a third sidewall 130, a fourth sidewall 140, and a fifth sidewall 150. The first sidewall 110 and the third sidewall 130 are disposed opposite to each other to block the propagation of ultraviolet light in a first direction of the discharge tube 210. The second sidewall 120 and the opening 102 are disposed opposite to each other to block the propagation of ultraviolet light in the direction of the discharge tube 210 toward the second sidewall 120. The fourth sidewall 140 and the fifth sidewall 150 are disposed opposite to each other, and the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 230 are located between the fourth sidewall 140 and the fifth sidewall 150 to block the propagation of ultraviolet light in a second direction of the discharge tube 210.

[0070] In one embodiment, a first sidewall 110 is connected to a second sidewall 120, a third sidewall 130 is connected to a second sidewall 120, the first sidewall 110 and the third sidewall 130 are perpendicular to the second sidewall 120, a fourth sidewall 140 is connected to a first sidewall 110 and a second sidewall 120, a fifth sidewall 150 is connected to a first sidewall 110 and a second sidewall 120, the fourth sidewall 140 is perpendicular to the first sidewall 110, and the fifth sidewall 150 is perpendicular to the first sidewall 110.

[0071] Of course, in addition to a vertical relationship, it can also be set at an angle, which will not be elaborated here.

[0072] In one embodiment, the second sidewall 120 is a curved structure. Of course, the second sidewall 120 can also be a planar structure, which will not be elaborated here.

[0073] According to one embodiment of this application, it further includes a first support plate 160 and a second support plate 170. The first support plate 160 is spaced apart from the fourth side wall 140, and the second support plate 170 is spaced apart from the fifth side wall 150. A discharge space is formed between the first support plate 160 and the second support plate 170. The first electrode 220 and the second electrode 230 are located in the discharge space. The first support plate 160 and the second support plate 170 are respectively provided with a fixing structure 180. The discharge tube is inserted into the fixing structure 180 to ensure that the discharge tube 210 can be firmly installed inside the protective structure 100.

[0074] The fixing structure 180 can be a hole-like opening 102, or a groove, snap-fit, bolt hole, or other form of connector. Through the fixing structure 180, the discharge tube 210 is stably supported, reducing the risk of displacement or damage due to vibration or impact.

[0075] The first support plate 160 is spaced apart from the fourth side wall 140, and the second support plate 170 is spaced apart from the fifth side wall 150, which increases the side protection of the protective structure 100 and provides more stable support for the internal component discharge tube 210.

[0076] In one embodiment, the first support plate 160 and the second support plate 170 are provided with an ultraviolet light reflective layer or an ultraviolet light absorber layer, which can be used to block the ultraviolet light propagation of the discharge tube 210 in the second direction.

[0077] Understandably, the first support plate 160 and the second support plate 170 effectively block the propagation of ultraviolet light from the discharge tube 210 in the second direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the first support plate 160 and the second support plate 170), further reducing ultraviolet light leakage and scattering, and improving the safety and efficiency of the sterilization component 10.

[0078] According to one embodiment of this application, the protective structure 100 is cylindrical or cuboid, and the opening 102 is circular or rectangular.

[0079] According to one embodiment of this application, the first electrode 220 is one of an aluminum counter electrode, a mesh electrode, or a spring-shaped electrode.

[0080] According to one embodiment of this application, the second electrode 230 is one of an aluminum counter electrode, a mesh electrode, or a spring-shaped electrode.

[0081] According to one embodiment of this application, the distance between the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 230 is 4mm-20mm.

[0082] According to one embodiment of this application, a first electrode 220 and a second electrode 230 are disposed around a discharge tube 210.

[0083] According to one embodiment of this application, a light-transmitting device 300 is also included. The light-transmitting device 300 can cover the opening 102 and has a light-transmitting area. The light-transmitting area is provided corresponding to the first electrode 220, the second electrode 230 and the discharge tube 210 between the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 230.

[0084] The light-transmitting device 300 can tightly cover or connect to the opening 102 of the protective structure 100, forming a closed and safe environment that effectively prevents the intrusion of external moisture, dust, and other contaminants, providing a clean and dry working environment for the internal discharge tube 210, first electrode 220, and second electrode 230. The light-transmitting device 300 has a light-transmitting area that precisely corresponds to the first electrode 220, second electrode 230, and the discharge tube 210 between them. This design ensures that ultraviolet light can pass through the light-transmitting device 300 without obstruction, achieving the desired sterilization effect.

[0085] In one embodiment, the light-transmitting area of ​​the light-transmitting device 300 is located between the first sidewall 110, the third sidewall 130, the first support plate 160, and the second support plate 170.

[0086] The light-transmitting device 300 and the protective structure 100 can protect the discharge tube 210, the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 230 within the receiving cavity 101, preventing the high humidity environment from affecting the discharge and reducing the possibility of abnormal phenomena such as the discharge tube 210 breaking down or the two electrodes arcing directly in the high humidity environment.

[0087] According to one embodiment of this application, the light-transmitting device 300 is provided with a filter layer or filter film for filtering out ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 222nm.

[0088] According to a second aspect of this application, please refer to a refrigerator. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The refrigerator includes:

[0089] The housing 20 has a storage cavity 21 and an opening 22;

[0090] The aforementioned sterilization component 10 is installed inside the storage cavity 21.

[0091] Understandably, refrigerators can utilize high-pressure breakdown of the krypton-chlorine mixture sealed inside the quartz tube to generate 222nm ultraviolet light, as well as the highly efficient sterilization mechanism of ionizing air to produce ions and active substances, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms inside the refrigerator.

[0092] The interior of a refrigerator is typically a high-humidity environment, and the sterilization component of this application is specifically optimized for this environment. Its protective structure 100 effectively prevents the impact of high humidity on discharge, reducing abnormal phenomena caused by direct discharge between the electrodes and the discharge tube 210 in a high-humidity environment, such as discharge tube 210 breakdown or direct arcing between the two electrodes.

[0093] Through continuous and efficient sterilization, the refrigerator of this application can prevent bacterial growth and cross-contamination, providing users with a healthier and safer food storage environment.

[0094] In one embodiment, at least one sidewall of the protective structure 100 restricts ultraviolet light from reaching the opening 22.

[0095] Understandably, although 222nm ultraviolet light is harmless to the human body, to prevent users from being directly exposed to ultraviolet light when opening the refrigerator door, we specifically designed the side wall of the protective structure 100 to block some ultraviolet light. In this way, when the user opens the refrigerator door, even if the sterilization component 10 is working, the user will not be directly exposed to ultraviolet light, thus ensuring the user's safety.

[0096] This design also helps improve the sterilization efficiency of the sterilization component 10. By limiting the direction of ultraviolet light irradiation, we can concentrate the ultraviolet light mainly within the storage cavity 21, reducing the waste of ultraviolet light. This not only improves the sterilization efficiency of the sterilization component 10, but also helps reduce the impact of ultraviolet light on the external materials of the refrigerator, thereby extending the refrigerator's service life.

[0097] In one embodiment, at least one sidewall of the protective structure 100 restricts ultraviolet light from irradiating the left wall of the storage cavity 21.

[0098] In one embodiment, at least one sidewall of the protective structure 100 restricts ultraviolet light from irradiating the right wall of the storage cavity 21.

[0099] In one embodiment, at least one sidewall of the protective structure 100 restricts ultraviolet light from irradiating the rear wall surface of the storage cavity 21.

[0100] Understandably, by using at least one sidewall of the protective structure 100 to limit ultraviolet light from reaching the left / right / rear wall of the storage cavity 21, the ultraviolet light can be more concentrated on key areas within the storage cavity 21, such as the food storage area. This not only improves the sterilization effect but also reduces the waste of ultraviolet light in non-critical areas, ensuring maximum sterilization effectiveness, optimizing sterilization results, and minimizing the impact of ultraviolet light on the internal materials of the refrigerator. Limiting ultraviolet light from reaching the left wall of the storage cavity 21 also reduces the impact of ultraviolet light on the internal materials of the refrigerator. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light may cause some internal materials of the refrigerator to age or discolor, thus affecting the appearance and lifespan of the refrigerator.

[0101] In one embodiment, the protective structure 100 is fixedly connected to the top of the storage cavity 21, with the opening 102 of the protective structure 100 facing the bottom of the storage cavity 21. This ensures that ultraviolet light can evenly irradiate all corners of the storage cavity 21. This design helps reduce blind spots of ultraviolet light within the storage cavity 21, improving the sterilization effect, and also helps reduce the space occupied by the protective structure 100 within the storage cavity 21, allowing users to utilize the space within the storage cavity 21 more flexibly.

[0102] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of this application do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application and should be covered within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A sterilization component, characterized in that, include: The protective structure includes a receiving cavity and an opening, wherein the receiving cavity is connected to the opening; Discharge tube; The first electrode is disposed at the first end of the discharge tube; Second electrode; The second electrode is disposed at the second end of the discharge tube, with the first end and the second end facing each other. The discharge tube, the first electrode, and the second electrode are disposed in the receiving cavity. The first electrode is adapted to ionize and discharge the second electrode to excite the ultraviolet light generated by the discharge tube. The ultraviolet light generated by the discharge tube leaves the receiving cavity through the opening.

2. The sterilization component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the protective structure is provided with an ultraviolet light reflecting layer or an ultraviolet light absorbing layer.

3. The sterilization component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protective structure includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, a fourth sidewall, and a fifth sidewall. The first and third sidewalls are arranged opposite to each other to block the propagation of ultraviolet light from the discharge tube along a first direction. The second sidewall and the opening are arranged opposite to each other to block the propagation of ultraviolet light from the discharge tube toward the second sidewall. The fourth and fifth sidewalls are arranged opposite to each other, and the first and second electrodes are located between the fourth and fifth sidewalls to block the propagation of ultraviolet light from the discharge tube along a second direction.

4. The sterilization component according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a first support plate and a second support plate. The first support plate is spaced apart from the fourth side wall, and the second support plate is spaced apart from the fifth side wall. A discharge space is formed between the first support plate and the second support plate. The first electrode and the second electrode are located in the discharge space. The first support plate and the second support plate are respectively provided with a fixing structure, and the discharge tube is installed in the fixing structure.

5. The sterilization component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective structure is cylindrical or cuboid in shape, and the opening is circular or rectangular.

6. The sterilization component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first electrode is one of an aluminum counter electrode, a mesh electrode, or a spring-shaped electrode; And / or, The second electrode is one of an aluminum counter electrode, a mesh electrode, or a spring-shaped electrode.

7. The sterilization component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is 4mm-20mm; And / or, The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged around the discharge tube.

8. The sterilization component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It also includes a light-transmitting device that can cover the opening, and the light-transmitting device has a light-transmitting area that corresponds to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the discharge tube between the first electrode and the second electrode.

9. The sterilization component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The light-transmitting device is equipped with a filter layer or filter film to filter out ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 222nm.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The container has a storage compartment and an opening; The sterilization component according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is installed in the storage cavity, and at least one sidewall of the protective structure restricts ultraviolet light from irradiating the open side. And / or, At least one sidewall of the protective structure restricts ultraviolet light from irradiating the left wall of the storage cavity. And / or, The protective structure has at least one sidewall that restricts ultraviolet light from reaching the right wall of the storage cavity. And / or, The protective structure has at least one sidewall that restricts ultraviolet light from irradiating the rear wall of the storage cavity.

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