Fresh-keeping device for refrigerator, and refrigerator

Abstract

Provided are a fresh-keeping device (100) for a refrigerator (1000), and a refrigerator (1000). The refrigerator (1000) has at least two mutually independent fresh-keeping compartments (210). The fresh-keeping device (100) comprises an oxygen-enriching assembly (1) and a gas extraction device (3). The oxygen-enriching assembly (1) comprises an oxygen-enriching membrane (11) and a collection cavity (12), and the oxygen-enriching assembly (1) is configured for enabling oxygen in the fresh-keeping compartments (210) to permeate through the oxygen-enriching membrane (11) and enter the collection cavity (12) to a greater extent than nitrogen. A gas inlet end of the gas extraction device (3) is in communication with the collection cavity (12) of the oxygen-enriching assembly (1). The fresh-keeping device (100) is connected to the at least two fresh-keeping compartments (210), and the connection / disconnection between the fresh-keeping device (100) and at least one fresh-keeping compartment (210) is adjustable, or the oxygen intake amount of the fresh-keeping device (100) from the at least two fresh-keeping compartments (210) differs.

Description

Preservation devices for refrigerators and refrigerators

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese patent applications No. 2024233196017 (filed on 2024-12-31) and No. 2024233195673 (filed on 2024-12-31), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of refrigerators, and in particular to a preservation device for refrigerators and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0004] Low oxygen levels are a good way to preserve food. The benefits of low oxygen for fruits and vegetables lie in its ability to effectively inhibit respiration, reduce the consumption of organic matter, and thus extend their shelf life. Therefore, increasingly more technologies for oxygen-controlled preservation, such as MSA (modified atmosphere packaging), are appearing on the market.

[0005] In existing technologies, multi-compartment preservation solutions typically involve a large number of components and are costly. Therefore, controlling costs and implementing multi-compartment preservation solutions with simpler structures is one of the research directions that needs to be addressed in current technologies. Furthermore, different types of food require different oxygen concentrations; therefore, designing differentiated oxygen concentrations is also a research direction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a preservation device and refrigerator for refrigerators, which can achieve a multi-compartment preservation solution through a simple structure and low cost.

[0007] According to an embodiment of this application, a preservation device for a refrigerator has at least two independent preservation compartments. The preservation device includes: an oxygen-enriching component comprising an oxygen-enriching membrane and a collection chamber, the oxygen-enriching component being used to allow more oxygen from the preservation compartment to permeate through the oxygen-enriching membrane and enter the collection chamber than nitrogen; and an air extraction device, the air inlet of which is connected to the collection chamber of the oxygen-enriching component to draw gas from the collection chamber into the air extraction device; the preservation device is connected to at least two of the preservation compartments, and the connection between the preservation device and at least one of the preservation compartments is adjustable, or the amount of oxygen drawn by the preservation device from the at least two preservation compartments is unequal.

[0008] The preservation device for refrigerators according to the embodiments of this application enables at least two preservation compartments to have different oxygen reduction capabilities, thereby achieving differentiated design of oxygen concentration to meet the oxygen concentration requirements of different types of food.

[0009] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of this application includes a cabinet, wherein at least two independent preservation compartments are provided in the cabinet; the refrigerator also includes the above-mentioned preservation device for refrigerator, which connects the at least two preservation compartments.

[0010] According to the refrigerator of the present application embodiment, the oxygen concentration of at least two fresh-keeping compartments of the refrigerator can be differentiated by the fresh-keeping device to adapt to the oxygen concentration requirements of different types of food.

[0011] 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

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the assembly relationship between the preservation device and the preservation chamber in some embodiments;

[0014] Figure 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the box body in some embodiments;

[0015] Figure 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the oxygen-enriching component in some other embodiments;

[0016] Figure 5 shows the assembly relationship between the switch and multiple vents in some other embodiments;

[0017] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the assembly relationship between the preservation device and the preservation chamber in some other embodiments;

[0018] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the assembly relationship between the preservation device and the preservation chamber in some embodiments;

[0019] Figure 8 shows the location of the flow-limiting structure on the exhaust pipe in some other embodiments of the preservation device.

[0020] Figure label:

[0021] Refrigerator 1000;

[0022] 100 units of preservation equipment;

[0023] Oxygen-enriched component 1;

[0024] Box body 10; oxygen-enriching membrane 11; collection chamber 12; oxygen-reducing chamber 13; vent 131;

[0025] 3. Air extraction device; 31. Air extraction pump; 41. Air extraction pipe; 42. Air inlet pipe;

[0026] Flow limiting structure 5; Flow limiting ring 51; Vent 511; Necked section 52;

[0027] Switch component 61; switch door panel 611; vent pipe 62;

[0028] Fan 7;

[0029] Container size 200; Fresh food compartment size 210. Embodiments of the present invention

[0030] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] The following description, with reference to Figures 1-8, describes a preservation device 100 and a refrigerator 1000 according to embodiments of this application.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the refrigerator 1000 has at least two independent fresh-keeping compartments 210. The location of the fresh-keeping compartments 210 is not limited; they can be located within the same compartment of the refrigerator 1000, for example, both can be located in the refrigerator compartment, the middle compartment, or other compartments such as the freezer compartment. Alternatively, the at least two fresh-keeping compartments 210 can be located in different compartments of the refrigerator 1000; for example, some fresh-keeping compartments 210 can be located in the refrigerator compartment, and some can be located in the middle compartment or the freezer compartment. The at least two independent fresh-keeping compartments 210 mean that after the refrigerator door is closed, air does not circulate between the compartments, forming relatively independent fresh-keeping environments.

[0035] Referring to Figures 2 and 7, the preservation device 100 includes an oxygen-enriching component 1, which comprises an oxygen-enriching membrane 11 and a collection chamber 12. The oxygen-enriching component 1 allows more oxygen from the preservation chamber 210 to permeate through the oxygen-enriching membrane 11 and enter the collection chamber 12 compared to nitrogen. The preservation device 100 is connected to at least two preservation chambers 210, thereby allowing the oxygen-enriching component 1 to absorb oxygen from the preservation chambers 210, creating a nitrogen-rich and oxygen-poor gas atmosphere conducive to food preservation. This gas atmosphere reduces the oxygen content in the fruit and vegetable storage space, thereby reducing the intensity of aerobic respiration while ensuring basic respiration and inhibiting anaerobic respiration, thus promoting long-term preservation of fruits and vegetables.

[0036] Referring to Figure 2, the preservation device 100 further includes an air extraction device 3, which has an air inlet end. The air inlet end of the air extraction device 3 is connected to the collection chamber 12 of the oxygen-enriching component 1 to draw gas from the collection chamber 12 into the air extraction device 3. Optionally, an air extraction pipe 41 may be provided between the air inlet end of the air extraction device 3 and the collection chamber 12 of the oxygen-enriching component 1.

[0037] Optionally, the air extraction device 3 includes an air extraction pump 31, and the air inlet end of the air extraction device 3 is also the air inlet end of the air extraction pump 31. Using the air extraction pump 31 provides stable operation, high reliability, and a small size. Of course, some solutions can also use a blower to achieve the air extraction function. For simplicity, the following description will use the air extraction pump 31 as an example.

[0038] In other words, the vacuum pump 31 can draw the gas out of the collection chamber 12, thereby creating a negative pressure inside the collection chamber 12. Driven by the pressure difference, gas can be drawn into the preservation chamber 210. In this way, the air in the preservation chamber 210 can flow towards the oxygen-enriching component 1, and under the action of the oxygen-enriching component 1, some or all of the oxygen in the air in the preservation chamber 210 can enter the collection chamber 12, and then be discharged from the preservation chamber 210 through the vacuum pipe 41 and the vacuum pump 31, thereby obtaining a nitrogen-rich and oxygen-poor gas atmosphere in the preservation chamber 210 to facilitate the preservation of food.

[0039] Understandably, during refrigerator use, users frequently open the refrigerator door to take out and put in food. Therefore, each time the fresh food compartment 210 is opened, outside air fills it. After the refrigerator door is closed, the fresh food compartment 210 is isolated from the external environment, becoming an independent space. The air extraction device 3 operates to extract the air from the fresh food compartment 210. The extracted air has a higher oxygen content, thus reducing both the amount of air and the oxygen content in the fresh food compartment 210. The process repeats the next time the refrigerator door is opened, so the amount of air and the oxygen content in the fresh food compartment 210 fluctuate. However, the purpose of the fresh food preservation device 100 is to ensure that after the oxygen reduction operation, the fresh food compartment 210 eventually reaches a relatively stable oxygen content. This allows the food to be in a relatively stable low-oxygen environment for a longer period of time when the refrigerator door is not opened.

[0040] Alternatively, since different types of food require different oxygen concentrations, some foods, such as blueberries, have antioxidants like anthocyanins and vitamin C that are easily oxidized, thus requiring a lower oxygen concentration. Other foods, however, only need a slight reduction in oxygen concentration to significantly inhibit respiration and achieve preservation.

[0041] In order to achieve differentiated oxygen concentration design for the preservation compartments 210, in this application, the connection and disconnection between the preservation device 100 and at least one preservation compartment 210 are adjustable, or the amount of oxygen drawn into the preservation device 100 from at least two preservation compartments 210 is different.

[0042] Thus, the present application allows for differentiated oxygen concentration designs in at least two preservation compartments 210. The different oxygen reduction capabilities of the at least two preservation compartments 210, enabling differentiated oxygen concentration designs, are beneficial for preserving food items with varying oxygen concentration requirements.

[0043] It should be noted that the oxygen-enriched membrane 11 is a thin film material that can enrich oxygen on one side of the membrane. Its working principle is mainly based on the diffusion and selective permeation of gas molecules. Diffusion occurs when there is a concentration difference or partial pressure difference between the two sides of the membrane. From the perspective of molecular polarity, the molecular structure of the membrane material may contain groups that have an affinity for oxygen molecules. Therefore, the so-called selective permeation refers to the fact that the oxygen-enriched membrane 11 preferentially adsorbs and transfers oxygen molecules.

[0044] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the oxygen-enriching component 1 includes an oxygen-enriching membrane 11, a collection chamber 12, and an oxygen-degrading chamber 13. The collection chamber 12 and the oxygen-degrading chamber 13 are located on opposite sides of the oxygen-enriching membrane 11. The oxygen-enriching component 1 is used to allow oxygen in the oxygen-degrading chamber 13 to permeate through the oxygen-enriching membrane 11 and enter the collection chamber 12 in greater quantities than nitrogen. The oxygen-degrading chamber 13 has at least two vents 131, which are used to connect at least two preservation chambers 210.

[0045] The oxygen-enriching component 1 is used to allow more oxygen in the oxygen-de-oxygenating chamber 13 to permeate through the oxygen-enriching membrane 11 and enter the collection chamber 12 compared to nitrogen. The oxygen-de-oxygenating chamber 13 has at least two vents 131, which are used to connect at least two preservation chambers 210.

[0046] Therefore, the oxygen-enriching component 1 can create a nitrogen-rich, oxygen-deficient gas atmosphere within the oxygen-de-oxygenating chamber 13, which is beneficial for food preservation. Since the oxygen-de-oxygenating chamber 13 is connected to the preservation chamber 210 via the vent 131, the gas in the preservation chamber 210 and the gas in the oxygen-de-oxygenating chamber 13 will diffuse and convection, thus creating a nitrogen-rich, oxygen-deficient gas atmosphere within the preservation chamber 210 as well. This gas atmosphere reduces the oxygen content in the fruit and vegetable storage space, decreasing the intensity of aerobic respiration while ensuring basic respiration and inhibiting anaerobic respiration, thereby promoting long-term preservation of fruits and vegetables.

[0047] The preservation device 100 for a refrigerator 1000 according to the embodiments of this application can achieve a solution of efficient oxygen reduction in at least two preservation compartments 210 by a single air extraction device 3. The number of air extraction devices 3 is reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0048] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the preservation device 100 further includes a switch 61, which controls the opening and closing of at least one vent 131 and adjusts the ratio of the flow area of ​​at least two vents 131.

[0049] When the vent 131 connected to a preservation compartment 210 is adjustable, the oxygen reduction capacity of that preservation compartment 210 is also adjustable. Thus, when the oxygen concentration required for preserving food is low, the vent 131 connected to the preservation compartment 210 can be kept open for an extended period, enhancing the oxygen reduction capacity of the preservation compartment 210 and allowing it to quickly reach a low-oxygen state. When the oxygen concentration requirement for preserving food is not high, the vent 131 connected to the preservation compartment 210 can be opened for a certain period and then closed, reducing the oxygen reduction capacity of the preservation compartment 210 and quickly reaching the required oxygen concentration, thus minimizing oxygen consumption.

[0050] At least two preservation compartments 210 share one oxygen-enriching component 1. Reducing the number of oxygen-enriching components 1 also lowers costs. In this application, the oxygen-enriching component 1 is configured such that at least two preservation compartments 210 share one oxygen-reducing chamber 13. The air in at least two preservation compartments 210 enters the oxygen-reducing chamber 13 for buffering. At this time, the oxygen-reducing chamber 13 can be set to be larger, which is conducive to the relative stability of the air pressure on both sides of the oxygen-enriching membrane 11, thereby ensuring the stability of gas passing through the oxygen-enriching membrane 11 and improving the overall oxygen absorption capacity.

[0051] Understandably, when the vacuum device 3 is operating and the switch 61 is open, the vacuum device 3 draws air out of at least two crisper compartments 210. When the vacuum device 3 is operating and the switch 61 is closed, if the vent 131 is still open, the vacuum device 3 will draw air out of the corresponding crisper compartment 210. Thus, the operation of the vacuum device 3 reduces the flow of air between crisper compartments 210 through the vent 131. Therefore, it can be considered that at least two crisper compartments 210 are independent of each other; that is, after the refrigerator door is closed and the vacuum device 3 is operating, the air between the crisper compartments 210 does not flow between them, forming a relatively independent crisper environment and preventing air from one crisper compartment 210 from entering another and affecting the preservation of the food therein.

[0052] In this application, at least two vents 131 are connected to at least two preservation compartments 210. The switch 61 can control the opening and closing of at least one vent 131 and can adjust the ratio of the flow area of ​​at least two vents 131. This can be achieved through a variety of technical solutions.

[0053] For example, there are two fresh-keeping compartments 210, and the vents 131 corresponding to the two fresh-keeping compartments 210 have equal areas. The switch 61 can only control the opening and closing of one vent 131, thus the oxygen reduction capacity of one fresh-keeping compartment 210 is adjustable, while the oxygen reduction capacity of the other fresh-keeping compartment 210 is not adjustable. Therefore, the two fresh-keeping compartments 210 have different oxygen reduction capacities, allowing for fresh-keeping compartments 210 with different oxygen concentrations. When the switch 61 is open, the ratio of the flow areas of the two vents 131 is 1:1. When the switch 61 is closed, the ratio of the flow areas of the two vents 131 is 1:0.

[0054] For example, there are two fresh-keeping compartments 210, and the vents 131 corresponding to the two compartments 210 have equal areas. There are two switches 61, each controlling the opening and closing of one vent 131. This allows the oxygen reduction capacity of both fresh-keeping compartments 210 to be adjusted. Thus, both fresh-keeping compartments 210 have the same oxygen reduction capacity, and can also provide fresh-keeping compartments 210 with different oxygen concentrations. When both switches 61 are open, the ratio of the flow areas of the two vents 131 is 1:1. When one switch 61 is open and the other is closed, the ratio of the flow areas of the two vents 131 is 1:0. When the closing states of the two switches 61 are reversed, the ratio of the flow areas of the two vents 131 is 0:1.

[0055] For example, there are two fresh-keeping compartments 210, and the vents 131 corresponding to the two fresh-keeping compartments 210 have equal areas. There can be one or two switching elements 61, which allow either of the two vents 131 to be opened, and when one vent 131 is opened, the other vent 131 is closed. In this way, the oxygen reduction capacity of both fresh-keeping compartments 210 is adjustable, but the oxygen reduction capacity of the two fresh-keeping compartments 210 is different at any given time. In both cases, the ratio of the flow area of ​​the two vents 131 is 1:0 and 0:1, respectively.

[0056] In this application, when at least one vent 131 is open, the negative pressure generated at the air inlet of the suction device 3 can act on the oxygen-enriching membrane 11 through the collection chamber 12. The pressure difference on both sides drives gas molecules to pass through the oxygen-enriching membrane 11 and enter the collection chamber 12. With at least one vent 131 open, oxygen molecules in the connected preservation chamber 210 can continuously and selectively permeate into the oxygen-enriching membrane 11.

[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the oxygen-enriching component 1 includes a box body 10, the cavity of the box body 10 forming a collection chamber 12, at least one wall of the box body 10 being an oxygen-enriching membrane 11, and the box body 10 located in an oxygen-reducing chamber 13. This arrangement ensures that the entire box body 10 is situated within the oxygen-reducing chamber 13, allowing air entering the larger oxygen-reducing chamber 13 from the preservation compartment 210 to be buffered, and also relatively easing and stabilizing the air pressure outside the oxygen-enriching membrane 11.

[0058] Optionally, the two opposite walls of the box body 10 are both oxygen-enriching membranes 11, with a collection cavity 12 sandwiched between the two oxygen-enriching membranes 11, thereby increasing the area of ​​the oxygen-enriching membranes 11 and increasing or decreasing the oxygen permeability. Optionally, the box body 10 is flat, with the two largest walls of the box body 10 being oxygen-enriching membranes 11, and the remaining walls being support walls. The exhaust pipe 41 is connected to the support wall of the box body 10.

[0059] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the side walls of the box body 10 and the oxygen reduction chamber 13 are spaced apart. This allows the oxygen reduction chamber 13 to surround the entire box body 10, forming an annular cavity between the side walls of the box body 10 and the oxygen reduction chamber 13. This facilitates airflow and promotes uniform air distribution within the oxygen reduction chamber 13, thereby improving the overall oxygen reduction capacity.

[0060] Of course, when the box body 10 and the side wall of the oxygen reduction chamber 13 are spaced apart, the box body 10 can be fixed in the oxygen reduction chamber 13 in various ways. For example, the box body 10 can be suspended in the oxygen reduction chamber 13 by a rope, in which case the suction pipe 41 is preferably a flexible hose. Alternatively, the oxygen reduction chamber 13 can be equipped with a support column to fix the box body 10 in place and prevent the box body 10 from shaking or falling.

[0061] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG4, the oxygen enrichment component 1 is generally box-shaped, with an oxygen enrichment membrane 11 as the middle layer of the box. One side of the oxygen enrichment membrane 11 is a collection chamber 12, and the other side is an oxygen reduction chamber 13. One side wall of the oxygen enrichment membrane 11 is connected to an air extraction pipe 41, and the opposite side wall is provided with at least two air vents 131.

[0062] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the air extraction device 3 is located outside the oxygen reduction chamber 13. The air inlet of the air extraction device 3 is connected to the collection chamber 12 via an air extraction pipe 41, which passes through the side wall of the oxygen reduction chamber 13. This limits the volume of the oxygen reduction chamber 13, allowing the air extraction device 3 to be placed in another space, preventing the oxygen reduction chamber 13 from becoming too large and encroaching on the storage space of the refrigerator 1000. Furthermore, since the separately placed air extraction device 3 generates some vibration and noise during operation, it can be placed in a location that facilitates noise reduction.

[0063] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, a switch element 61 is provided at only one of the at least two vents 131. This makes switch control very convenient.

[0064] In some embodiments, at least two vents 131 share the same switch element 61, while in other embodiments, each vent 131 has a separate switch element 61. This allows for a variety of configurations, providing greater flexibility in product design.

[0065] In some specific embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the switch 61 is a sliding door, and the driving component of the switch 61 only needs to drive the switch 61 to move in one direction. The switch 61 can be configured as a flat plate, thereby avoiding occupying too much space.

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 2, the sliding door moves in one direction and can act as the opening and closing door for a vent 131. When the switch 61 is a sliding door, and two vents 131 are located on the sliding door's movement path, the sliding door can also control the opening and closing of the two vents 131. This also allows adjustment of the flow area ratio of the two vents 131. For example, when the sliding door is at one vent 131 and the other vent 131 is open, the flow area ratio is 1:0. When the sliding door is between two vents 131 and both vents 131 are open, the flow area ratio is 1:1. When the sliding door is at another vent 131 and the first vent 131 is open, the flow area ratio is 0:1.

[0067] In some specific embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the switch 61 is a rotating door, so that the opening and closing of the corresponding ventilation port 131 can be adjusted by rotating the switch 61 to different positions. Here, the rotating door can control the opening and closing of a single ventilation port 131, or it can control the opening and closing of multiple ventilation ports 131. For example, in Figure 5, multiple ventilation ports 131 are provided on the side wall of the oxygen reduction chamber 13. The rotating door is rotatably provided on the side wall of the oxygen reduction chamber 13, and the rotating door includes multiple switch door plates 611, which can be adjusted in number when rotating. For example, there are three ventilation ports 131, and the rotating door has three switch door plates 611. Figure 5 shows the state when all three ventilation ports 131 are open. When the rotating door rotates 60 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, one switch door plate 611 is engaged at the ventilation port 131, at which time two ventilation ports 131 are open. When the revolving door rotates 120 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, two door panels 611 engage with the vent 131, leaving one vent 131 open. When the revolving door rotates 180 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, three door panels 611 engage with the vent 131, closing all three vents 131.

[0068] Of course, the switch 61 can also adopt other structural forms, which are not limited here.

[0069] In some embodiments, the preservation device 100 further includes: vent pipes 62, of which there are at least two vent pipes 62. One end of each vent pipe 62 is connected to the oxygen-reducing chamber 13 to form a vent 131, and the other end of each vent pipe 62 is used to connect to at least one preservation compartment 210. Different preservation compartments 210 are connected to different vent pipes 62. That is, by connecting the oxygen-reducing chamber 13 and the preservation compartment 210 through pipes, it is possible to facilitate the flexible placement of the oxygen-enriching component 1 and avoid the oxygen-enriching component 1 being too close to the preservation compartment 210 and thus encroaching on the volume of the preservation compartment 210. Optionally, the oxygen-enriching component 1 is flat and can be horizontally arranged on the top of the preservation compartment 210. Alternatively, the oxygen-enriching component 1 is flat and sandwiched between two preservation compartments 210, or the oxygen-enriching component 1 is flat and arranged inside the side wall of the refrigerator 1000. Alternatively, the oxygen-enriching component 1 may be arranged in the interlayer of the refrigerator 1000, for example, in the interlayer between the freezer and the refrigerator compartment.

[0070] Optionally, the position of the switch 61 is flexible; it can be located on the vent pipe 62 or at the end of the vent pipe 62. For example, as shown in Figure 6, one end of the vent pipe 62 is connected to the fresh-keeping compartment 210, and the switch 61 can be located on the side wall of the fresh-keeping compartment 210, corresponding to the end of the vent pipe 62.

[0071] In some embodiments, the preservation device 100 further includes a fan 7, which is located at least one of the preservation chamber 210 and the oxygen reduction chamber 13. When the fan 7 is located in the preservation chamber 210, as shown in FIG2, the fan 7 can promote uniform gas circulation in the preservation chamber 210, and the oxygen content in the preservation chamber 210 is relatively uniform and consistent.

[0072] When the blower 7 is installed in the oxygen reduction chamber 13, as shown in Figure 2, the blower 7 can promote uniform gas flow in the oxygen reduction chamber 13, and the oxygen content in the oxygen reduction chamber 13 is relatively uniform and consistent.

[0073] This allows more air to flow through the upstream side of the oxygen-enriching membrane 11, carrying oxygen through the membrane and into the collection chamber 12. This improves oxygen collection efficiency.

[0074] Optionally, there are at least two fans 7, with a fan 7 installed at each vent 131. In this way, the airflow direction can be forcibly guided from the vent 131, reducing air movement between different preservation compartments 210.

[0075] In other embodiments, referring to FIG7, the preservation device 100 includes at least two oxygen-enriching components 1, which are configured to correspond to at least two preservation chambers 210. Each oxygen-enriching component 1 includes at least one oxygen-enriching membrane 11 and a collection chamber 12. The oxygen-enriching component 1 allows oxygen in the preservation chamber 210 to permeate through the oxygen-enriching membrane 11 and enter the collection chamber 12 in greater quantities than nitrogen. An air extraction pipe 41 is connected between the air inlet of the air extraction device 3 and the collection chamber 12 of each oxygen-enriching component 1 to draw gas from the collection chamber 12 into the air extraction device 3. An air extraction pump 31 can extract the gas from the collection chamber 12 to the outside, so that the air in the preservation chamber 210 flows toward the oxygen-enriching component 1. Under the action of the oxygen-enriching component 1, some or all of the oxygen in the air in the preservation chamber 210 enters the collection chamber 12 and is then discharged from the preservation chamber 210 via the air extraction pipe 41 and the air extraction pump 31, thereby obtaining a nitrogen-rich and oxygen-poor gas atmosphere in the preservation chamber 210 to facilitate food preservation.

[0076] The preservation device 100 for a refrigerator 1000 in this embodiment of the application uses an air extraction device 3 connected to at least two oxygen-enriching components 1, which can achieve a solution of efficient oxygen reduction for multiple preservation compartments 210 by a single air extraction device 3. The number of air extraction devices 3 is reduced, thus lowering the cost.

[0077] To achieve differentiated oxygen concentration design in the preservation compartment 210, in this application, at least two oxygen-enriching components 1 have unequal flow areas in the oxygen-enriching membrane 11, or at least two exhaust pipes 41 have unequal flow areas. Alternatively, at least two oxygen-enriching components 1 may have unequal flow areas not only in the oxygen-enriching membrane 11, but also in the exhaust pipes 41.

[0078] It should be noted that the oxygen-enriched membrane 11 is a thin film material that can enrich oxygen on one side of the membrane. Its working principle is mainly based on the diffusion and selective permeation of gas molecules. Diffusion occurs when there is a concentration difference or partial pressure difference between the two sides of the membrane. From the perspective of molecular polarity, the molecular structure of the membrane material may contain groups that have an affinity for oxygen molecules. Therefore, the so-called selective permeation refers to the fact that the oxygen-enriched membrane 11 preferentially adsorbs and transfers oxygen molecules.

[0079] Therefore, in this application, by setting at least two oxygen-enriching components 1 with unequal flow areas on the oxygen-enriching membrane 11, the number of oxygen molecules passing through the at least two oxygen-enriching membranes 11 per unit time can be unequal. By limiting the unequal flow areas of the at least two oxygen-enriching components 1 on the extraction pipe 41, the negative pressure applied to the at least two oxygen-enriching membranes 11 during the operation of the extraction device 3 is unequal, thereby resulting in unequal amounts of gas molecules passing through.

[0080] This design allows at least two preservation compartments 210 to have different oxygen reduction capabilities, achieving differentiated oxygen concentration design, which is beneficial for preserving food with different oxygen concentration requirements.

[0081] In some embodiments, limiting the flow areas of at least two oxygen-enriching components 1 on the oxygen-enriching membrane 11 to be unequal mainly involves setting the areas of the oxygen-enriching membrane 11 of the at least two oxygen-enriching components 1 to be unequal. This limitation is simple and can save on the cost of the oxygen-enriching membrane 11 of oxygen-enriching components 1 with low oxygen reduction requirements.

[0082] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 and 8, a flow-limiting structure 5 may be provided to limit the unequal flow areas of at least two oxygen-enriching components 1 in the extraction pipe 41. The flow-limiting structure 5 is provided on at least one extraction pipe 41 to limit the gas flow rate within at least one extraction pipe 41.

[0083] Furthermore, by employing a flow-limiting structure 5, the amount of oxygen extracted from the preservation compartment 210 is limited by restricting the flow rate of the extraction pipe 41, thus helping to maintain the oxygen content in the preservation compartment 210 within a set fluctuation range. Compared to the scheme of directly controlling the operation of the extraction device 3 to control the oxygen content, the flow-limiting structure 5 is simpler to control the oxygen content, and it reduces the structural requirements of the extraction device 3, thereby further reducing the cost of the preservation device 100 and also helping to extend the service life of the extraction device 3.

[0084] Furthermore, the different selections of the flow-limiting structure 5 for different exhaust pipes 41 also facilitate the differentiated setting of oxygen content in multiple preservation compartments 210. For example, some exhaust pipes 41 may not have the flow-limiting structure 5, while others may have it. This results in a decrease in the exhaust volume of the exhaust pipes 41 with the flow-limiting structure 5, leading to a relative increase in the oxygen content of the corresponding preservation compartment 210. Consequently, different preservation compartments 210 can achieve different oxygen contents.

[0085] In some embodiments, each oxygen-enriching component 1 is connected to an exhaust pipe 41 with a flow-limiting structure 5, and the gas flow rates through at least two flow-limiting structures 5 are unequal. This configuration allows for differentiated oxygen content designs within different preservation compartments 210. Compared to other solutions, this method for creating differentiated oxygen content also occupies a smaller volume.

[0086] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7, the flow-limiting structure 5 includes a flow-limiting ring 51, which is disposed inside the extraction pipe 41, and has a vent hole 511 for gas flow. The flow-limiting ring 51 has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to assemble. Moreover, it can be mass-produced with a low scrap rate.

[0087] Optionally, the flow-limiting ring 51 is interference-fitted inside the suction pipe 41. This configuration securely holds the flow-limiting ring 51 within the suction pipe 41, preventing it from becoming misaligned during impacts and causing flow-limiting failure. Furthermore, the interference fit reduces assembly costs and eliminates the need for excessive drilling in the suction pipe 41, thus helping to maintain its airtightness.

[0088] Optionally, at least two oxygen-enriching components 1 are connected to an exhaust pipe 41, which is equipped with a flow-limiting ring 51. The vents 511 on the at least two flow-limiting rings 51 have unequal orifice areas. That is, the vents 511 on the at least two flow-limiting rings 51 are of different sizes. This method of achieving different oxygen contents in different preservation compartments 210 has an extremely simple structure and low cost. Moreover, when replacement is needed, the oxygen content of the preservation compartment 210 can be changed by replacing the flow-limiting rings 51, resulting in low replacement costs.

[0089] In some embodiments, referring to FIG8, the flow-limiting structure 5 includes a necked section 52 formed on the extraction pipe 41, the flow area of ​​which is smaller than that of the extraction pipe 41. That is, the diameter of a section of the extraction pipe 41 is reduced, thus reducing the gas flow rate. This further reduces the assembly difficulty.

[0090] Optionally, the necked section 52 is integrally formed on the extraction pipe 41, which facilitates sealing. During processing, the diameter of a section of the extraction pipe 41 can be reduced by thermoforming to form the necked section 52. Of course, the present application is not limited to this; the necked section 52 can also be inserted into the extraction pipe 41.

[0091] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7, the flow-limiting structure 5 is disposed adjacent to the suction device 3, and the flow-limiting structure 5 is detachably disposed on the suction pipe 41. This arrangement facilitates the detection of whether the flow-limiting structure 5 is blocked. In particular, both the flow-limiting structure 5 and the suction device 3 can be placed in an easily accessible location within the refrigerator 1000 for convenient replacement. For example, both the flow-limiting structure 5 and the suction device 3 can be placed inside the compressor compartment of the refrigerator 1000.

[0092] Optionally, as shown in Figure 7, multiple suction pipes 41 are connected to the suction device 3 via air inlet pipes 42, and the suction pipes 41 and air inlet pipes 42 constitute a multi-way pipe. For example, in Figure 7, the suction pipes 41 and air inlet pipes 42 are three-way pipes.

[0093] In some embodiments, an oxygen-enriched membrane is a membrane material that can selectively allow oxygen to pass through, thereby enriching oxygen on one side of the membrane.

[0094] The basic structural layers include: a surface layer, an active separation layer, and a support layer. The surface layer is the outermost part of the oxygen-enriched membrane 11 that comes into contact with the gas inside the preservation chamber 210. It usually has a special chemical composition and microstructure, and its main function is to preliminarily screen gas molecules. For example, the surface layer of some oxygen-enriched membranes 11 is composed of polymer materials with oxygen-philic groups, which can preferentially adsorb oxygen molecules.

[0095] The outer layer is very thin, typically on the nanometer to micrometer scale. This is to reduce the path length for gas molecule diffusion, allowing oxygen molecules to quickly enter the membrane for subsequent separation processes.

[0096] The active separation layer is the core structural component of the oxygen-enriched membrane 11. It is composed of polymer materials with a special molecular structure, where gaps and channels exist between the molecular chains of these polymers. Its molecular structure selectively allows oxygen molecules to pass through based on the differences in the size, shape, polarity, and other physicochemical properties of oxygen and other gases (such as nitrogen). For example, oxygen molecules, with their relatively small diameter, can pass through the tiny channels in the active separation layer under certain pressure, while larger nitrogen molecules are blocked. The active separation layer is also very thin, typically around a few hundred nanometers, ensuring a high oxygen permeation flux.

[0097] Located below the active separation layer, its main function is to provide mechanical support for the active separation layer. Because the active separation layer is very thin and relatively fragile, the support layer can prevent it from being damaged by external forces such as pressure and tension during use.

[0098] The support layer is typically made of porous polymer or inorganic materials, which possess high strength and stability. Its porous structure allows gas to pass through smoothly in the vertical direction without significantly hindering oxygen permeation. The support layer is relatively thick, generally ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers.

[0099] A refrigerator 1000 according to an embodiment of this application, referring to FIG1, includes a cabinet 200, and the cabinet 200 has at least two independent fresh-keeping compartments 210. The refrigerator 1000 also includes the aforementioned fresh-keeping device 100 for the refrigerator 1000, which connects to the at least two fresh-keeping compartments 210.

[0100] In this way, a single air extraction device 3 and at least one oxygen-enriching component 1 can be used to efficiently reduce oxygen levels in at least two preservation compartments 210. The reduced number of air extraction devices 3 and oxygen-enriching components 1 lowers the cost.

[0101] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 1000 has a compressor compartment for housing the compressor. The compressor is the core component of the refrigerator's refrigeration system, equivalent to the "heart" of the refrigerator. It increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant gas by compressing it. The compressor compartment is located at the bottom of the refrigerator 1000, where an air extraction device 3 is also installed to concentrate vibration sources at the bottom and dissipate them by conducting them to the ground.

[0102] Other structures of the refrigerator 1000 according to this application, such as the compressor, are all prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0103] In the description of this specification, the references to the terms "embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example 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.

[0104] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A preservation device for a refrigerator, wherein, The refrigerator has at least two independent preservation compartments, and the preservation device includes: An oxygen-enriching component, comprising an oxygen-enriching membrane and a collection chamber, wherein the oxygen-enriching component is used to allow more oxygen in the preservation chamber to permeate through the oxygen-enriching membrane and enter the collection chamber than nitrogen. An air extraction device, wherein the air inlet of the air extraction device is connected to the collection chamber of the oxygen-enriching component, so as to draw the gas in the collection chamber into the air extraction device. The preservation device is connected to at least two of the preservation chambers, and the connection between the preservation device and at least one of the preservation chambers is adjustable, or the amount of oxygen drawn into the preservation device from at least two of the preservation chambers is unequal.

2. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The oxygen-enriching component includes an oxygen-reducing chamber. The oxygen-enriching membrane has a collection chamber and an oxygen-reducing chamber on opposite sides. The oxygen-enriching component is used to allow more oxygen in the oxygen-reducing chamber to permeate through the oxygen-enriching membrane and enter the collection chamber than nitrogen. The oxygen-reducing chamber has at least two vents, and the at least two vents are used to connect at least two of the preservation chambers. The preservation device includes a switch element, which controls the opening and closing of at least one of the vents and adjusts the ratio of the flow areas of at least two of the vents.

3. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The oxygen-enriching component includes a box body, the box cavity of which constitutes the collection chamber, at least one box wall of which is the oxygen-enriching membrane, and the box body is located inside the oxygen-reducing chamber.

4. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The box body is spaced apart from the side wall of the oxygen-reducing chamber; And / or, the air extraction device is located outside the oxygen reduction chamber, the air inlet of the air extraction device is connected to the collection chamber through an air extraction pipe, and the air extraction pipe is installed through the side wall of the oxygen reduction chamber.

5. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, At least two of the vents share the same switching element; or, each of the vents has a separate switching element.

6. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein, The oxygen-enriching component further includes: ventilation pipes, of which there are at least two, one end of each ventilation pipe is connected to the oxygen-reducing chamber to form the ventilation port, and the other end of each ventilation pipe is used to connect to at least one of the preservation chambers, and the preservation chambers connected to by different ventilation pipes are different. The switch is disposed on the vent pipe or located at the end of the vent pipe.

7. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The oxygen-enriching components are at least two, corresponding to at least two of the preservation chambers. Each oxygen-enriching component includes at least one oxygen-enriching membrane and a collection chamber. An air extraction pipe is connected between the air inlet end of the air extraction device and each of the collection chambers. Wherein, at least two of the oxygen-enriching components have unequal flow areas in the oxygen-enriching membrane, and / or, at least two of the exhaust pipes have unequal flow areas.

8. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to claim 7, further comprising: A flow-limiting structure is provided on at least one of the extraction pipes to limit the gas flow rate within at least one of the extraction pipes.

9. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, The flow-limiting structure includes a flow-limiting ring, which is installed inside the extraction pipe, and the flow-limiting ring is provided with a vent hole for gas to flow through. And / or, the flow-limiting structure includes a constricted section formed on the extraction pipe, the flow area of ​​the constricted section being smaller than the flow area of ​​the extraction pipe.

10. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, The flow-limiting ring is interference-fitted inside the extraction pipe; And / or, at least two of the oxygen-enriching components are connected to an air extraction pipe with a flow-limiting ring inside, and the vent holes on the at least two flow-limiting rings have different pore areas.

11. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, The constricted tube section is integrally formed on the extraction tube.

12. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein, The flow-limiting structure is located adjacent to the air extraction device, and the flow-limiting structure is detachably mounted on the air extraction pipe.

13. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 7-12, wherein, The oxygen-enriching membranes of at least two of the oxygen-enriching components have unequal areas.

14. The preservation device for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-13, further comprising: A fan, wherein the fan is located at least one of the preservation compartment and the oxygen-enriching component.

15. A refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, wherein the cabinet has at least two independent food preservation compartments; The refrigerator further includes a preservation device for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-14, and is connected to at least two of the preservation compartments.

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