Odor removal device and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of net taste device and refrigerator.Net taste device includes: photocatalytic module, including carrier and photocatalyst, carrier is configured as adsorbing odor molecule, photocatalyst is set on the surface of carrier;Light source, configured as providing excitation light irradiated on photocatalytic module, for exciting photocatalyst;And humidifying piece, configured as providing moisture to the surface of photocatalytic module.Carrier utilizes adsorption method to adsorb odor gas, even in low temperature environment, can rapidly and efficiently deodorization;And by light source provides excitation light irradiated on photocatalytic module, for exciting photocatalyst, so that active substance generated by photocatalyst being excited and odor molecule occur catalytic decomposition reaction, to remove odor;And by humidifying piece to the surface of photocatalytic module provides moisture, improve the force of carrier adsorbing odor molecule, simultaneously, in catalytic oxidation process, water molecule also participates in reaction, provides hydroxyl group for reaction, improves catalytic efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air purification technology, and in particular to an odor removal device and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the development of the home appliance industry and technological advancements, active odor removal has become one of the main selling points of refrigerators, and a key focus and challenge for major refrigerator manufacturers in their research and development. The odors inside a refrigerator mainly come from small-molecule organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the polymer plastics that make up the refrigerator, the smell of the stored items themselves, and the sour smell produced by food spoiling over a long period. Generally, these three odor gases are continuously generated, and since the refrigerator interior remains a closed environment except when users open the door to access items, these odor gases constantly accumulate and are generated inside. Therefore, the refrigerator's ability to continuously and effectively remove odors is particularly important and is key to maintaining clean air inside the refrigerator. Utility Model Content

[0003] Some embodiments of this utility model propose an odor removal device and a refrigerator to alleviate the problem of poor continuous odor removal effect of the odor removal device.

[0004] In one aspect of this utility model, an odor-eliminating device is provided, comprising:

[0005] A photocatalytic module includes a carrier and a photocatalyst, wherein the carrier is configured to adsorb odor molecules and the photocatalyst is disposed on the surface of the carrier;

[0006] A light source is configured to provide excitation light illuminating the photocatalytic module for exciting the photocatalyst; and

[0007] A humidifier is configured to provide moisture to the surface of the photocatalytic module.

[0008] In some embodiments, the odor removal device further includes a receiving box having an inlet and an outlet, and the photocatalytic module is disposed within the receiving box and located between the inlet and the outlet, so that the airflow introduced by the inlet flows through the photocatalytic module to the outlet.

[0009] In some embodiments, the carrier is provided with a plurality of through holes, which allow airflow introduced by the inlet to flow through to the outlet.

[0010] In some embodiments, the humidifier is disposed within the housing and located upstream of the photocatalytic module along the airflow direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the light source is disposed within the housing and located downstream of the photocatalytic module along the airflow direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the odor removal device further includes a fan disposed within the housing, the fan being configured to provide power to introduce airflow from the inlet, pass through the photocatalytic module, and exit from the outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fan is located upstream of the photocatalytic module along the airflow direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the odor removal device further includes a deflector plate disposed at the outlet of the fan, the deflector plate being configured to guide the airflow from the fan toward the photocatalytic module.

[0015] In some embodiments, the number of the deflector plates is at least two, and the humidifier is disposed on at least two of the deflector plates.

[0016] In some embodiments, the carrier is made of a porous material.

[0017] In some embodiments, the odor-eliminating device further includes:

[0018] A fan is configured to provide power to direct airflow toward the photocatalytic module.

[0019] A controller, electrically connected to the light source, the humidifier, and the fan, is configured to control the fan, the light source, and the humidifier to turn on when odor removal is required.

[0020] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to control the fan to turn off and control the light source and the humidifier to remain on when it is determined that the photocatalytic module has finished adsorbing odor molecules but has not finished decomposing odor molecules.

[0021] In another aspect of this invention, a refrigerator is also provided, including the aforementioned deodorizing device.

[0022] Based on the above technical solution, this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0023] In some embodiments, the carrier is configured to adsorb odor molecules using van der Waals forces, i.e., to adsorb odor gases using an adsorption method. This method can quickly and efficiently remove odors even at low temperatures. Furthermore, an excitation light source is provided to the photocatalytic module to excite the photocatalyst, causing it to generate active substances. These active substances then undergo a catalytic decomposition reaction with the odor molecules to remove the odor. Simultaneously, while the excitation light from the light source excites the photocatalyst, a humidifier provides moisture to the surface of the photocatalytic module. Water molecules act as a "binder," binding with both the carrier and the odor gas through hydrogen bonds, transforming the original adsorbed van der Waals forces into stronger hydrogen bonds. This allows odor molecules to be adsorbed more quickly and in greater quantities, reducing the probability of desorption and mitigating the problem of odor molecule desorption from the carrier. This also reduces odor molecule leakage and alleviates the problem of incomplete odor removal. Simultaneously, water molecules also participate in the catalytic oxidation process, providing hydroxyl groups to enhance catalytic efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the odor-eliminating device provided according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the odor-eliminating device provided according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A top-down view;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a photocatalytic module provided in some embodiments of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of local structure A in the image;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for deodorizing a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] The symbols in the attached image are explained as follows:

[0032] 1-Photocatalytic module; 11-Carrier; 12-Photocatalyst; 13-Through pore; 14-Pore; 15-Odor molecule; 16-Water molecule;

[0033] 2-Light source;

[0034] 3-Humidifier components;

[0035] 4-Container; 41-Inlet; 42-Outlet; 43-Box body; 44-Lid;

[0036] 5- Fan;

[0037] 6-Guide plate.

[0038] It should be understood that the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Furthermore, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided to make the present invention thorough and complete, and to fully express the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the composition of materials, numerical expressions, and values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting.

[0040] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. Words such as "including" or "comprising" mean that the element preceding the word encompasses the element listed after it, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are only used to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0041] In this invention, when a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, an intermediary device may or may not exist between the specific device and the first or second device. When a specific device is described as being connected to other devices, the specific device may be directly connected to the other devices without an intermediary device, or it may not be directly connected to the other devices but may have an intermediary device.

[0042] All terms used in this invention (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art, and not as idealized or highly formalized, unless expressly defined herein.

[0043] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0044] refer to Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the odor removal device includes a photocatalytic module 1, a light source 2, and a humidifying element 3.

[0045] refer to Figure 4 The photocatalytic module 1 includes a carrier 11 and a photocatalyst 12. The carrier 11 is configured to adsorb odor molecules, and the photocatalyst 12 is disposed on the surface of the carrier 11. Optionally, the photocatalyst 12 is coated on the surface of the carrier 11 to form an extremely thin (nanoscale) photocatalyst layer.

[0046] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The light source 2 is configured to provide excitation light that irradiates the photocatalytic module 1 to excite the photocatalyst 12, so that the photocatalyst 12 catalyzes the decomposition of odor molecules adsorbed on the carrier 11.

[0047] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The humidifier 3 is configured to provide moisture to the surface of the photocatalytic module 1 to improve the adsorption of odor molecules to the carrier 11 and to increase the rate at which the photocatalyst 12 catalyzes the decomposition of odor molecules.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the carrier 11 is configured to adsorb odor molecules using van der Waals forces, that is, to adsorb odor gases using an adsorption method. This method can quickly and efficiently remove odors even in low-temperature environments. In order to alleviate the problem of the carrier 11 becoming saturated after a period of adsorption, a photocatalyst 12 is provided on the surface of the carrier 11. Excitation light is provided by the light source 2 to irradiate the photocatalytic module 1 to excite the photocatalyst 12, so that the photocatalyst 12 is excited to produce active substances. These active substances undergo a catalytic decomposition reaction with odor molecules to remove odors, realizing the "adsorption first, decomposition later" approach to quickly and efficiently adsorb and decompose odors, thereby achieving the purpose of continuous and efficient odor removal.

[0049] Furthermore, while the light source 2 provides excitation light to excite the photocatalyst 12, the humidifier 3 provides moisture to the surface of the photocatalytic module 1. Water molecules act as a "binder," combining with the carrier 11 and the odor gas through hydrogen bonds, transforming the original adsorbed "van der Waals forces" into stronger "hydrogen bonds." This allows odor molecules to be adsorbed more quickly and in greater quantities, reducing the probability of desorption and alleviating the problem of odor molecules desorbing from the carrier 11 due to increased temperature or excessively high local odor gas concentration. This also reduces odor molecule leakage and alleviates the problem of incomplete odor removal. During the catalytic reaction, the photocatalyst 12 is excited to generate holes and electrons. The holes react with the H2O adsorbed on the surface of the photocatalyst 12 to form highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals (·OH), while the electrons react with the oxygen molecules adsorbed on the surface to generate superoxide ion radicals (·O2). － The photocatalyst 12 contains hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and other free radicals. These free radicals are highly reactive and oxidizing, capable of directly oxidizing and decomposing various organic substances attached to the surface of the photocatalyst into inorganic small molecules such as CO2 and H2O. This enables the decomposition of organic odors, the decomposition of ethylene gas, and the removal of microorganisms from the air. Therefore, water molecules can also participate in the reaction during catalytic oxidation, providing hydroxyl groups and enhancing catalytic efficiency.

[0050] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the carrier 11 is made of a porous material.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the carrier 11 is made of a porous material with tiny pores 14 distributed throughout it. Odor gas molecules or other small molecules can be adsorbed into the pores 14 by van der Waals forces. Therefore, the porous material can quickly adsorb odor gases.

[0052] refer to Figure 5 The porous material has many pores 14, and multiple pores 14 connect to form a branch-like structure. Figure 5 The diagram uses a V-shaped groove for simplification. In the pores 14 of the carrier 11, one pore contains no water molecules 16, only odor molecules 15, illustrating adsorption without water molecules 16; the other pore contains both water molecules 16 and odor molecules 15, illustrating adsorption with water molecules 16. Water molecules 16 act as a "binder," binding to both the carrier 11 and the odor gas via hydrogen bonds. This transforms the original adsorption of van der Waals forces into stronger hydrogen bonds, resulting in faster and greater adsorption of odor molecules and a reduced probability of desorption.

[0053] In some embodiments, the porous material includes activated carbon, zeolite, etc. Optionally, the porous material is X-type porous honeycomb zeolite.

[0054] This utility model embodiment uses an "adsorption first, decomposition later" method for odor removal, or more accurately, an "adsorption first, decomposition later, adsorption and decomposition simultaneously" method. This is because, for a single odor molecule, it may directly react with the photocatalyst without being adsorbed by the porous material. However, since there are many odor gases, the photocatalytic reaction cannot quickly decompose all odor molecules. Therefore, the carrier is made of a porous material, which can increase the contact area between the photocatalyst and the odor gas, so that the odor molecules are quickly adsorbed by the carrier and then decomposed through reaction with the photocatalyst.

[0055] For example, suppose there is 100g of odorous gas, and the photocatalytic decomposition rate is 1g / s. The odorous gas will all pass through photocatalytic module 1 within 1 second. If the adsorption capacity of carrier 11 is set to 100g, it can adsorb 99g of odorous gas in 1 second and decompose 1g of odorous gas simultaneously. Then, it takes another 99 seconds to decompose the remaining 99g of odorous gas. Therefore, although decomposition also occurs during adsorption, the amount adsorbed is much greater than the amount decomposed, hence the term "adsorption first, then decomposition, adsorption and decomposition simultaneously."

[0056] In some embodiments, the photocatalyst 12 includes titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, tin dioxide, etc. Optionally, the photocatalyst 12 uses 5nm nanoscale titanium dioxide.

[0057] In some embodiments, the light source 2 includes an ultraviolet lamp.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the photocatalyst 12, combined with a high-power ultraviolet light source, decomposes odor molecules into harmless carbon dioxide and water through a photocatalytic reaction.

[0059] In some embodiments, the number of light sources 2 is at least two, and the at least two light sources 2 are spaced apart downstream of the photocatalytic module 1.

[0060] In the above embodiments, at least two light sources 2 include two or more light sources 2. By setting at least two light sources 2, more sufficient and uniform excitation light can be provided to the photocatalytic module 1.

[0061] In some embodiments, the humidifier 3 includes an air source humidifier, an ultrasonic humidifier, a waterless mist humidifier, etc.

[0062] Because odor gas molecules are adsorbed onto porous materials by van der Waals forces, desorption may occur if the temperature rises due to the heat from the UV lamp or the local concentration of odor gas becomes too high, resulting in odor gas leakage and incomplete odor removal.

[0063] Based on this, during the "adsorption" process at the front end of the photocatalytic reaction, water molecules are provided to the surface of the porous adsorption material through active humidification. The water molecules act as a "binder" and combine with the porous adsorption material and odor molecules through hydrogen bonds, transforming the original adsorption "van der Waals forces" into stronger "hydrogen bonds". This allows odor molecules to be adsorbed more quickly and in greater quantities, reducing the probability of desorption. This alleviates the problem of odor molecules desorbing due to increased temperature or excessively high local odor gas concentration, which can lead to odor gas leakage and incomplete odor removal.

[0064] In addition, water molecules can also participate in the reaction during catalytic oxidation, thereby improving catalytic efficiency.

[0065] After decomposition, the surface of the porous material can be directly blown with low-humidity cold air from inside a refrigerator to remove moisture and restore the material's adsorption capacity.

[0066] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the odor removal device further includes a container 4, which has an inlet 41 and an outlet 42. The photocatalytic module 1 is disposed in the container 4 and located between the inlet 41 and the outlet 42, so that the airflow introduced by the inlet 41 flows through the photocatalytic module 1 to the outlet 42.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the odor gas enters the container 4 through the inlet 41 and is quickly adsorbed and enriched by the carrier 11 made of porous material, which can meet the user's requirement for rapid odor removal. Furthermore, water molecules are provided to the surface of the photocatalytic module 1 by the active humidification of the humidifier 3. The water molecules act as a "binder" and combine with the porous material and the odor gas through hydrogen bonds, thereby increasing the concentration and binding force of the odor gas in the pores and allowing the odor molecules to come into close contact with the photocatalyst 12, thereby achieving efficient catalysis and more complete decomposition.

[0068] In some embodiments, the carrier 11 is provided with a plurality of through holes 13, which allow the airflow introduced by the inlet 41 to flow through to the outlet 42.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the carrier 11 is provided with a plurality of through holes 13 to reduce the air resistance of the airflow passing through the photocatalytic module 1, and at the same time to increase the contact area between the airflow and the photocatalytic module 1.

[0070] Alternatively, the carrier 11 is configured as a honeycomb structure.

[0071] In some embodiments, the receiving box 4 includes a box body 43 and a cover 44. The box body 43 forms a receiving space, and the cover 44 is disposed at the open end of the box body 43. The cover 44 and the box body 43 are connected to form a closed receiving cavity. Components such as the photocatalytic module 1, the light source 2, and the humidifier 3 are disposed in the receiving cavity.

[0072] In some embodiments, the humidifier 3 is disposed within the housing 4 and is located upstream of the photocatalytic module 1 along the airflow direction.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the humidifier 3 is located upstream of the photocatalytic module 1 along the airflow direction, which can pre-humidify the gas entering the photocatalytic module 1, so that it is properly moistened before entering the photocatalytic module 1, which helps the odor molecules to be more firmly and densely adsorbed on the carrier 11; and, providing moisture upstream of the photocatalytic module 1 helps to ensure that the moisture is evenly distributed in the entire airflow, so that a uniform water film is formed on the surface of the photocatalytic module 1, thereby ensuring the consistency and high efficiency of the photocatalytic reaction.

[0074] In some embodiments, the light source 2 is disposed within the housing 4 and is located downstream of the photocatalytic module 1 along the airflow direction.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the odor gas stream passes through the photocatalytic module 1 and is first fully adsorbed by the photocatalytic module 1, so that the odor molecules are enriched on the carrier 11. A light source 2 is set downstream of the photocatalytic module 1, and then the light source 2 excites the photocatalyst 12, so that the odor molecules react with the photocatalyst 12, thereby improving the decomposition efficiency of the odor molecules.

[0076] In some embodiments, the odor removal device further includes a fan 5 disposed within the housing 4, the fan 5 being configured to provide power to introduce airflow from the inlet 41, pass through the photocatalytic module 1, and exit from the outlet 42.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the fan 5 can provide power to make the odor gas enter the container 4 more quickly, thereby increasing the odor removal speed. Furthermore, by adjusting the speed of the fan 5, the airflow speed can be made more conducive to the contact between the odor molecules and the carrier 11, so that they can be fully adsorbed.

[0078] In some embodiments, the fan 5 is located upstream of the photocatalytic module 1 along the airflow direction.

[0079] In the above embodiments, by drawing airflow from the environment through the fan 5, the odor gas can flow through the photocatalytic module 1 more quickly, stably and evenly, thereby improving the efficiency of odor removal.

[0080] In some embodiments, the fan 5 includes a centrifugal fan.

[0081] In some embodiments, the odor removal device further includes a deflector plate 6, which is disposed at the outlet of the fan 5 and is configured to guide the airflow from the fan 5 toward the photocatalytic module 1.

[0082] In the above embodiment, a guide plate 6 is provided at the outlet of the fan 5. The guide plate 6 helps to guide the airflow to the photocatalytic module 1 evenly and fully, avoid odor leakage, and improve the odor removal effect.

[0083] In some embodiments, the number of guide vanes 6 is at least two, and the humidifying element 3 is disposed on at least two guide vanes 6.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the humidifier 3 is located at the outlet of the fan 5 and upstream of the photocatalytic module 1. It can pre-humidify the airflow at the outlet of the fan 5, so that the airflow is properly moistened before entering the photocatalytic module 1, which helps the odor molecules to be more firmly and concentratedly adsorbed on the carrier 11. There are at least two guide plates 6, which can evenly divide the airflow at the outlet of the fan 5 into multiple channels, which helps to guide the airflow to the photocatalytic module 1 more evenly. Furthermore, the humidifier 3 is fixed by at least two guide plates 6, eliminating the need for a separate component to fix the humidifier 3. This allows for reasonable use of the space inside the housing 4, simplifies the structure, improves structural compactness, and reduces the volume of the odor removal device.

[0085] In some embodiments, the humidifier 3 is configured as a pipe, and the length extension direction of the humidifier 3 is consistent with the length extension direction of the photocatalytic module 1.

[0086] In some embodiments, the humidifier 3 is provided with at least two humidifying sections spaced apart to provide uniform moisture to the entire surface of the photocatalytic module 1.

[0087] In some embodiments, the guide plate 6 is provided with mounting holes, and the humidifier 3 passes through the mounting holes.

[0088] In some embodiments, inlet 41 is located on the side wall of the receiving box 4 in the first direction X, and outlet 42 is located on the side wall of the receiving box 4 in the second direction Y. The second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0089] The fan 5, humidifier 3, photocatalytic module 1, light source 2 and outlet 42 are arranged sequentially along the second direction Y.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the inlet 41 and outlet 42 are set to correspond to the air inlet and air outlet of the fan 5. The fan 5, humidifier 3, photocatalytic module 1, light source 2 and outlet 42 are arranged in sequence along the second direction Y, making reasonable use of the space inside the housing 4. The structure is compact and the size is small.

[0091] In some embodiments, inlet 41 is provided at the inlet of fan 5, and inlet 41 includes a plurality of vent holes.

[0092] In some embodiments, the outlet 42 includes a plurality of strip holes, which are spaced apart along a third direction Z, and the length extension direction of the strip holes is consistent with the first direction X.

[0093] The first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y, the second direction Y is perpendicular to the third direction Z, and the first direction X is perpendicular to the third direction Z. The receiving box 4 is square. The length of the receiving box 4 is aligned with the second direction Y, the width of the receiving box 4 is aligned with the third direction Z, and the height of the receiving box 4 is aligned with the first direction X. The receiving box 4 is a flat square box, and its height is less than its width. The width of the receiving box 4 is less than its length.

[0094] In some embodiments, the inlet 41, fan 5, humidifier 3, photocatalytic module 1, light source 2, and outlet 42 are arranged sequentially from upstream to downstream along the airflow direction.

[0095] In some embodiments, the odor removal device further includes a fan 5 and a controller.

[0096] Fan 5 is configured to provide power to direct airflow toward photocatalytic module 1.

[0097] The controller is electrically connected to the light source 2, the humidifier 3, and the fan 5. The controller is configured to turn on the fan 5, the light source 2, and the humidifier 3 when odor removal is required.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the fan 5, the light source 2 and the humidifier 3 are turned on simultaneously. The fan 5 draws in the odor gas and makes the odor gas evenly dispersed through the photocatalytic module 1. Since the carrier 11 of the photocatalytic module 1 is made of porous material, the porous material is covered with tiny pores, which can adsorb the odor gas or other small molecules in the pores through van der Waals forces, thereby improving the odor removal speed.

[0099] Research has revealed that van der Waals forces are weak intermolecular forces. When temperatures rise or the concentration of odor-causing gases in a given area becomes too high, desorption can occur, leading to odor leakage and incomplete odor removal. Common odor gases found in refrigerators are typically large organic molecules, such as amines, thiols, aldehydes, and acids. These organic molecules are generally readily soluble in water. Their binding to water molecules is primarily through hydrogen bonds, and the adsorption force of hydrogen bonds is far greater than that of van der Waals forces.

[0100] Based on this, in this embodiment of the invention, when the fan 5 is turned on, the humidifier 3 is also turned on. The humidifier 3 provides water evenly to the surface of the photocatalytic module 1, so that water molecules are added to the carrier 11 during the adsorption of odor molecules as a "binder". The water molecules are located between the porous adsorption material and the odor molecules, and are combined with both by hydrogen bonds. This allows the odor molecules to be adsorbed more quickly and in greater quantities, and reduces the probability of desorption.

[0101] Simultaneously with the activation of fan 5 and humidifier 3, light source 2 is turned on. The excitation light provided by light source 2 irradiates photocatalyst 12. When the absorption threshold of photocatalyst 12 is reached, the valence band electrons of photocatalyst 12 undergo interband transition, that is, they transition from the valence band to the conduction band, thereby generating electron-hole pairs, forming a hole in the valence band and an electron in the conduction band. Typically, the photogenerated holes react with H2O adsorbed on the surface of the photocatalyst particles to form hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which have strong oxidizing properties. In photocatalysts, holes have greater reactivity and are the main energy-carrying component. At the same time, electrons react with oxygen molecules adsorbed on the surface to generate superoxide radicals (·O2). － The photocatalyst contains hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and other free radicals. These free radicals are highly reactive and oxidizing, capable of directly oxidizing and decomposing various organic substances attached to the surface of the photocatalyst into inorganic small molecules such as CO2 and H2O. This enables the decomposition of organic odors, the decomposition of ethylene gas, and the removal of microorganisms from the air. During this catalytic oxidation process, water molecules can also participate in the reaction, providing hydroxyl groups and enhancing catalytic efficiency.

[0102] In some embodiments, the controller is also configured to turn off the fan 5 and keep the light source 2 and humidifier 3 on when it is determined that the photocatalytic module 1 has finished adsorbing odor molecules but has not finished decomposing odor molecules.

[0103] Because the porous material carrier 11 adsorbs odor molecules quickly, and because there are many odor gases, the photocatalytic reaction cannot rapidly decompose all the odor molecules. Therefore, the odor molecules are first rapidly adsorbed through the carrier, and then the light source 2 and humidifier 3 are kept on. The light source 2 provides excitation light to activate the photocatalyst, causing the odor molecules to react with the photocatalyst for decomposition. Furthermore, since water molecules can also participate in the reaction during catalytic oxidation, providing hydroxyl groups and improving catalytic efficiency, the humidifier 3 also needs to be kept on. In this way, the odor gases are continuously and effectively removed.

[0104] In some embodiments, the controller is also configured to turn off the light source 2 and the humidifier 3 when it is determined that the photocatalytic module 1 has finished decomposing odor molecules.

[0105] Some embodiments of this utility model also provide a refrigerator that includes the deodorizing device in any of the above embodiments.

[0106] Some embodiments of this utility model also provide a method for deodorizing a refrigerator, wherein the deodorizing device further includes a fan 5, which is configured to provide power to direct airflow toward the photocatalytic module 1; the deodorizing method includes the following steps:

[0107] When the refrigerator needs to be deodorized, turn on the fan 5 and the light source 2, and at the same time, provide moisture to the surface of the photocatalytic module 1 through the humidifier 3.

[0108] After the photocatalytic module 1 finishes adsorbing odor molecules, the fan 5 is turned off, the light source 2 remains on, and the humidifier 3 continues to supply moisture to the surface of the photocatalytic module 1; and

[0109] After the photocatalytic module 1 has finished decomposing odor molecules, turn off the light source 2 and the humidifier 3.

[0110] In the above embodiment, when the refrigerator needs deodorization, the fan 5, light source 2, and humidifier 3 are turned on simultaneously. The fan 5 provides power to quickly pass the odor gas through the photocatalytic module 1. The carrier 11 of the photocatalytic module 1 quickly adsorbs the odor molecules, achieving a rapid deodorization effect. At the same time, the airflow and the photocatalytic module 1 are humidified by the humidifier 3. The water provided by the humidifier 3 acts as a "binder," combining with the porous material and the odor gas through hydrogen bonds, transforming the original adsorbed "van der Waals forces" into stronger "hydrogen bonds." This allows the odor molecules to be adsorbed faster and in greater quantities, reducing the probability of desorption and alleviating the problem of odor molecules desorbing from the carrier 11 due to increased temperature or excessively high local odor gas concentration. Simultaneously, the light source 2 provides excitation light to excite the photocatalyst 12, directly oxidizing and decomposing various organic substances attached to the surface of the photocatalytic module 1 into inorganic small molecules such as CO2 and H2O to remove odors.

[0111] Since the carrier 11 adsorbs odor molecules faster than the photocatalyst 12 decomposes odor molecules, after the photocatalytic module 1 finishes adsorbing odor molecules, the fan 5 is turned off, the light source 2 is kept on, and the humidifier 3 keeps spraying water onto the photocatalytic module 1 so that the odor molecules do not detach from the carrier 11. In addition, water molecules can also participate in the reaction during the catalytic oxidation process, providing hydroxyl groups for the reaction and improving the catalytic efficiency.

[0112] After the photocatalytic module 1 has finished decomposing odor molecules, turn off the light source 2 and the humidifier 3.

[0113] In some embodiments, the deodorization method for a refrigerator further includes the steps of: determining whether the refrigerator is cooling; if the refrigerator is not cooling, further determining whether deodorization is required; if the refrigerator is cooling, then only turning on the fan 5.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the deodorizing device is not turned on during the refrigeration process. The refrigerator determines whether deodorization is needed when it is not refrigerating. The entire deodorization process is linked with the refrigeration system to avoid the humidified water provided by the humidifier 3 from frosting on the evaporator due to the deodorizing device being turned on during the refrigeration process, which would affect the refrigeration efficiency.

[0115] In some embodiments, if the refrigerator is cooling, only the fan 5 is turned on, and the method further includes: after the refrigerator finishes cooling, the fan 5 is turned off after a preset time.

[0116] In the above embodiment, after the "decomposition" in the later stage of the photocatalytic reaction is completed, during the next cooling process, only the fan of the deodorizing device is turned on, and the low humidity cold air of the cooling cycle is used to remove the moisture from the surface of the carrier 11 (porous material) and restore the adsorption capacity of the porous material.

[0117] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 6 This document describes in detail some specific embodiments of the odor-removing device, and a method for odor removal in a refrigerator using the specific embodiments of the odor-removing device.

[0118] like Figure 1 As shown, the odor removal device includes a container 4, a photocatalytic module 1, a light source 2, a humidifier 3, a fan 5, and a baffle plate 6.

[0119] The container 4 includes a body 43 and a lid 44. The body 43 has a receiving space and an open end. The lid 44 is located at the open end and is connected to the body 43 to form a relatively closed receiving cavity. The length of the container 4 extends in the same direction as the second direction Y, the width extends in the same direction as the third direction Z, and the height extends in the same direction as the first direction X. The container 4 has a relatively low height; its height is less than its width, and its width is less than its length, making the entire container 4 a flat, rectangular box. The body 43 of the container 4 has an inlet 41 and an outlet 42. The body 43 includes a side wall opposite to the lid 44, two side walls arranged along the second direction Y, and two side walls arranged along the third direction Z. The inlet 41 is located on the side wall of the body 43 opposite to the lid 44 and includes a plurality of spaced-apart circular vent holes arranged in a circular area. The circular area is adapted to the shape of the air inlet of the fan 5. The outlet 42 is located on one side wall of the housing 43 in the second direction Y. The outlet 42 includes multiple strip-shaped holes, which are arranged sequentially along the third direction Z, and the length extension direction of the strip-shaped holes is consistent with the first direction X.

[0120] The photocatalytic module 1, light source 2, humidifier 3, fan 5, and guide plate 6 are housed in the housing box 4.

[0121] The air inlet of the fan 5 is adjacent to and connected to the inlet 41, and the air outlet of the fan 5 is provided with at least two guide vanes 6, which form at least one guide channel. For example Figures 1 to 3The three guide plates 6 shown form two flow channels. Mounting holes are provided on two or more of the guide plates 6, through which the humidifier 3 passes, and is fixedly supported by the guide plates 6. Along the airflow direction from inlet 41 to outlet 42, the photocatalytic module 1 is located downstream of the humidifier 3, and the guide plates 6 guide the airflow from the outlet of the fan 5 to the photocatalytic module 1. A light source 2 is located between the photocatalytic module 1 and the outlet 42. There can be two or more light sources 2, arranged at intervals along the third direction Z, to provide uniform excitation light to the photocatalytic module 1, ensuring complete illumination of the entire surface of the photocatalytic module 1. The arrangement direction of the fan 5 outlet, humidifier 3, photocatalytic module 1, light source 2, and outlet 42 is parallel to the second direction Y.

[0122] The photocatalytic module 1 includes a carrier 11 and a photocatalyst 12. The carrier 11 is made of a porous material, thus having pores 14 distributed throughout it. The carrier 11 also has multiple through holes 13 to allow the airflow introduced through the inlet 41 to pass through the through holes 13 and finally exit from the outlet 42, reducing the resistance to airflow through the photocatalytic module 1. The photocatalyst 12 is coated on the entire surface of the carrier 11. The photocatalytic module 1 is rectangular. The length extension direction of the photocatalytic module 1 is consistent with the width extension direction of the housing 4.

[0123] The photocatalyst 12 includes titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, tin dioxide, etc. Optionally, the photocatalyst 12 is titanium dioxide. Preferably, the photocatalyst 12 is anatase titanium dioxide semiconductor with a particle size of 5 nm. The carrier 11 is made of a porous material, which may include zeolite, activated carbon, etc. Preferably, the porous material is X-type porous honeycomb zeolite.

[0124] Light source 2 includes an ultraviolet lamp.

[0125] The working process of the odor removal device is as follows: when the fan 5 is powered on, gas is drawn in from the inlet 41 of the container box 4, and the gas flows out from the outlet of the fan 5. Under the guidance of the guide plate 6, the gas is evenly dispersed and flows to the photocatalytic module 1.

[0126] The carrier 11 of the photocatalytic module 1 is made of a porous active material. This material has numerous tiny pores that can adsorb odor gas molecules or other small molecules through van der Waals forces. However, since van der Waals forces are weak intermolecular forces, desorption may occur if the temperature rises or the local concentration of odor gas becomes too high, leading to odor leakage and incomplete odor removal. Research has found that common odor gases in refrigerators are generally large organic molecules, such as amines, thiols, aldehydes, and acids, which are generally soluble in water. Their binding with water molecules is mainly through hydrogen bonds, and the adsorption force of hydrogen bonds is much stronger than that of van der Waals forces. Therefore, a humidifier 3 is placed upstream of the photocatalytic module 1 to provide moisture to the surface of the module. This adds water molecules as a "binder" during the odor adsorption process, allowing them to mix between the adsorbent material and the odor gas molecules, binding them to both through hydrogen bonds. This results in faster and more abundant adsorption of odor molecules and a reduced probability of desorption.

[0127] Simultaneously, photocatalyst 12 is excited by the excitation light provided by light source 2 to generate active particles. These active particles are used to oxidize and decompose odor molecules. Specifically, when the excitation light provided by light source 2 irradiates the surface of photocatalytic module 1, and the photon energy is higher than the absorption threshold of photocatalyst 12, the valence band electrons of photocatalyst 12 undergo interband transitions, that is, they transition from the valence band to the conduction band, thereby generating electron-hole pairs, forming a hole in the valence band and an electron in the conduction band. Typically, the photogenerated hole reacts with the H2O adsorbed on the surface of photocatalyst 12 to form a highly oxidizing hydroxyl radical (·OH). In photocatalyst 12, the hole has greater reactivity and is the main energy-carrying component. At the same time, the electron reacts with the oxygen molecules adsorbed on the surface to generate superoxide ion radicals (·O2). － The photocatalyst 12 contains hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and other free radicals. These free radicals are highly reactive and oxidizing, capable of directly oxidizing and decomposing various organic substances attached to the surface of the photocatalyst into inorganic small molecules such as CO2 and H2O. This enables the decomposition of organic odors, the decomposition of ethylene gas, and the removal of microorganisms from the air. Therefore, water molecules can also participate in the reaction during catalytic oxidation, providing hydroxyl groups and enhancing catalytic efficiency.

[0128] The odor-removing device provided in this embodiment can be installed at the top of the refrigerator or in other locations that facilitate air circulation, thereby achieving the purpose of rapid odor removal in the refrigerator.

[0129] refer to Figure 6 The refrigerator uses a deodorizing device to remove odors as follows:

[0130] First, determine if the refrigerator is cooling:

[0131] The deodorizing function is not activated when the refrigerator is in cooling mode to prevent the moisture provided by the humidifier 3 from being carried away by the air circulation to the evaporator and causing frost buildup, which would reduce deodorizing efficiency, increase energy consumption, and decrease cooling efficiency. Therefore, when the refrigerator is in cooling mode, only the deodorizing device's fan is turned on, and the system further determines whether the refrigerator's cooling process has ended. If the refrigerator's cooling process has ended, the deodorizing device's fan 5 is turned off after a preset time. Optionally, this preset time is 5 minutes.

[0132] When the refrigerator is not in a cooling state, it determines whether odor removal is needed (there are several ways to determine this, such as the user actively turning on odor removal, the odor sensor detecting that the odor concentration has reached a preset value, or the cumulative time has been reached, etc.). If odor removal is needed, the fan of the odor removal device is turned on, the ultraviolet lamp is turned on, and moisture is delivered to the photocatalyst surface at the same time.

[0133] During the above process, it is determined whether the adsorption of odor by the photocatalytic module 1 has ended (this can be determined based on the odor gas concentration and adsorption time). When it is determined that the adsorption stage has ended, the fan of the odor removal device is turned off, the ultraviolet lamp is kept on, and the humidifying element continues to deliver moisture to the photocatalyst surface.

[0134] During the above process, it is further determined whether the decomposition of odor molecules by photocatalytic module 1 has ended (this can be determined based on the concentration of odor gas and the adsorption time). When it is determined that the decomposition stage has ended, the fan of the deodorizing device is turned off, the ultraviolet lamp is turned off, and moisture is no longer delivered to the photocatalyst surface.

[0135] Subsequently, when the refrigerator enters the next cooling state, the refrigeration system will deliver low-temperature, low-humidity cold air into the refrigerator. At this time, the deodorizing device's fan will be turned on, and the low-humidity cold air from the refrigeration cycle will carry away the moisture on the surface of the porous material (at this time, the odor molecules have been decomposed). The deodorizing device's fan will be turned off after a 5-minute delay until the refrigerator finishes cooling, thereby restoring the porous material's adsorption capacity.

[0136] As described in the above embodiments, the photocatalytic module 1 relies solely on van der Waals forces to adsorb odor gases. This force is unstable and prone to desorption, leading to odor gas leakage and incomplete odor removal, thus affecting the user experience of the refrigerator. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention uses a humidifier 3 to deliver water molecules to the surface of the adsorption material. These water molecules act as a "binder," binding with both the porous material and the odor gases via hydrogen bonds. This allows for faster and more extensive adsorption of odor molecules during the refrigerator's odor removal process, reducing the probability of desorption and improving the efficiency of photocatalytic oxidation and decomposition of odors, thereby enhancing the user experience of the refrigerator's odor removal function. While chemical decomposition technology is highly efficient under high temperature and high concentration conditions, its efficiency is lower under the low temperature conditions inside a refrigerator, making it difficult to remove low-concentration odors. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention uses a light source to provide excitation light to irradiate the photocatalyst, activating it to catalyze the decomposition of organic odors, ethylene gas, and the removal of microorganisms from the air. Furthermore, water molecules can also participate in the reaction during catalytic oxidation, providing hydroxyl groups and improving catalytic efficiency.

[0137] Based on the above embodiments of the present invention, in the absence of explicit denial or conflict, the technical features of one embodiment can be advantageously combined with one or more other embodiments.

[0138] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A deodorizing device, characterized in that, include: A photocatalytic module (1) includes a carrier (11) and a photocatalyst (12), wherein the carrier (11) is configured to adsorb odor molecules and the photocatalyst (12) is disposed on the surface of the carrier (11); The light source (2) is configured to provide excitation light that irradiates the photocatalytic module (1) for exciting the photocatalyst (12); as well as The humidifier (3) is configured to provide moisture to the surface of the photocatalytic module (1).

2. The odor-eliminating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a container (4), which has an inlet (41) and an outlet (42). The photocatalytic module (1) is located inside the container (4) and between the inlet (41) and the outlet (42), so that the airflow introduced by the inlet (41) flows through the photocatalytic module (1) to the outlet (42).

3. The odor-eliminating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The carrier (11) is provided with a plurality of through holes (13), which allow the airflow introduced by the inlet (41) to flow through to the outlet (42).

4. The odor-eliminating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The humidifier (3) is disposed in the container (4) and is located upstream of the photocatalytic module (1) along the airflow direction.

5. The odor-eliminating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light source (2) is located inside the housing (4) and downstream of the photocatalytic module (1) along the airflow direction.

6. The odor-eliminating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a fan (5) disposed in the housing (4) and the fan (5) is configured to provide power so that airflow is introduced from the inlet (41), passes through the photocatalytic module (1) and flows out from the outlet (42).

7. The odor-eliminating device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fan (5) is located upstream of the photocatalytic module (1) along the airflow direction.

8. The odor-eliminating device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a guide plate (6), which is located at the outlet of the fan (5) and is configured to guide the airflow from the fan (5) toward the photocatalytic module (1).

9. The odor-eliminating device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The number of the guide plates (6) is at least two, and the humidifying element (3) is inserted on at least two of the guide plates (6).

10. The odor-eliminating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier (11) is made of porous material.

11. The odor-eliminating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A fan (5) is configured to provide power to direct airflow toward the photocatalytic module (1); The controller is electrically connected to the light source (2), the humidifier (3) and the fan (5), and is configured to control the fan (5), the light source (2) and the humidifier (3) to turn on when odor removal is required.

12. The odor-eliminating device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to turn off the fan (5) and keep the light source (2) and the humidifier (3) on when it is determined that the photocatalytic module (1) has finished adsorbing odor molecules but has not finished decomposing odor molecules.

13. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the odor-eliminating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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