Method for controlling an ion generator and refrigerator

Abstract

This invention discloses a control method for an ion generator and a refrigerator, relating to the field of refrigerator technology. The ion generation control method includes an ion generator, a control panel, and a control board. The control board is connected to both the ion generator and the control panel. The ion generator includes a first ion generator and a second ion generator. The first ion generator has a higher negative ion generation rate than the second ion generator, and the second ion generator has a higher ozone generation rate than the first ion generator. The control board controls the on / off operation of the first and second ion generators based on common operating time periods and defrosting cycles, thus creating two ion generator operating modes. This invention controls the on / off operation of the ion generator by using common operating time periods and defrosting cycles, preventing prolonged continuous operation from affecting its service life and reducing product energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and more particularly to a control method for an ion generator and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Ion generators are used in refrigerators primarily to address the long-term issue of odor mixing between refrigerated and frozen foods in air-cooled refrigerators. Currently, once the ion generator is in purification mode, it remains continuously running, significantly reducing its lifespan. Furthermore, even after many years of use, when the ion generator has reached the end of its lifespan and can no longer meet the user's sterilization and purification needs, users often fail to notice and replace it. Ion generators purify the air by producing ozone, but because they operate continuously and ozone is a gas with a pungent odor, it greatly affects the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In response to the problems of the aforementioned ion generators, which not only have a reduced lifespan and increased energy consumption due to prolonged operation, but also generate excessive ozone that affects normal user operation, this invention provides a control method for an ion generator and a refrigerator.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A control method for an ion generator includes an ion generator, a control panel, and a control board. The control board is connected to both the ion generator and the control panel. The ion generator includes a first ion generator and a second ion generator. The first ion generator has a higher negative ion generation rate than the second ion generator, and the second ion generator has a higher ozone generation rate than the first ion generator. The control board controls the first and second ion generators to turn on or off based on common time periods and defrosting cycles, thereby creating two operating modes for the ion generator: operating mode one and operating mode two. The specific steps of the control method for the ion generator include:

[0006] S1: User or system sets a frequently used time period;

[0007] S2: Determine if the current time is within the commonly used time period. If it is, turn off the ion generator and proceed to S1. If it is not within the commonly used time period, proceed to S3.

[0008] S3: Determine if the current time is within the refrigerator's defrosting cycle. If it is within the defrosting cycle, run working mode one. After the defrosting cycle ends, proceed to S1. If it is not within the defrosting cycle, proceed to S4.

[0009] S4: The timer starts counting, and the second working mode is run. The timer continuously checks whether the working time of the ion generator is greater than the purification limit. If it is not greater than the purification limit, the timer continues to count and the second working mode continues to run. If it is greater than the purification limit, the process proceeds to S5.

[0010] S5: The ion generator is turned off for a certain period of time, the timer is reset to zero, and the process proceeds to S1.

[0011] Furthermore, the system has preset commonly used time periods, which users can reset through the control panel.

[0012] Furthermore, the system can add the times when users frequently open and close the refrigerator door to the commonly used time period.

[0013] Furthermore, in the first operating mode, the first ion generator is turned off, and the second ion generator is turned on and periodically alternates between being turned on and off.

[0014] Furthermore, in the second operating mode, the first ion generator is turned on and operates continuously, while the second ion generator is turned off.

[0015] Furthermore, the purification specification value is the time required for the ion generator to produce ozone concentrations in the range of 0.03ppm-0.08ppm in a 450L refrigerator.

[0016] Furthermore, in S5, the first ion generator is shut down for one hour.

[0017] A refrigerator includes a cabinet and a control method employing an ion generator as described in any of the above claims, wherein the ion generator and a control board are disposed within the cabinet, and the control panel is embedded in the outer wall of the refrigerator.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention controls the on / off operation of the ion generator based on common time periods, defrosting cycles, and user habits, preventing the ion generator from running continuously for extended periods and affecting its lifespan, thus reducing product energy consumption. Simultaneously, it eliminates the odor caused by the large amount of ozone produced by the ion generator, improving the user experience. This invention can enhance sterilization and deodorization capabilities by varying the control method of the ion generator under different refrigerator conditions, meeting user needs. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a flowchart of one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] This invention discloses a control method for an ion generator and a refrigerator. The following describes one embodiment of the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] A control method for an ion generator includes an ion generator, a control panel, and a control board. The control board is connected to both the ion generator and the control panel, and the system parameters within the control board can be modified via the control panel. The ion generator includes a first ion generator and a second ion generator. The first ion generator has a higher negative ion generation rate than the second ion generator, and the second ion generator has a higher ozone generation rate than the first ion generator. The ion generator is controlled to turn on or off by the control board based on commonly used time periods and defrosting cycles, thus forming two operating modes for the ion generator. These operating modes are called Operating Mode One and Operating Mode Two.

[0022] A refrigerator includes a cabinet and a control method employing the aforementioned ion generator, wherein a first ion generator, a second ion generator, and a control board are disposed within the cabinet, and a control panel is embedded in the outer wall of the cabinet.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the specific steps of the ion generator control method include: First, the system has a commonly used time period preset. Users can reset the commonly used time period in the control panel through the control panel. The system can also add the time when the user frequently uses the refrigerator door to the commonly used time period.

[0024] The second step is to determine whether the current time is within the commonly used time period. If it is, the first and second ion generators are turned off, and the process proceeds to the first step. If it is not within the commonly used time period, the process proceeds to the third step.

[0025] The third step is to determine if the refrigerator is currently in its defrost cycle. If it is, operate in mode one. In mode one, the first ion generator is turned off, and the second ion generator is turned on and runs stably for 20 minutes. Then, it is alternated between being turned on for 4 minutes and off for 8 minutes to maintain the ozone concentration within the range of 0.03ppm-0.08ppm until the defrost cycle ends, at which point the second ion generator is turned off and the process proceeds to step one. During the defrost cycle, the fan stops working, and there is no airflow inside the refrigerator. Due to the adsorption effect of the HIPS on the inner wall and the EPS foam in the air duct, the diffusion of negative ions is hindered, and a significant amount is lost due to adsorption. Therefore, the first ion generator is turned off. However, the ozone generated by the second ion generator can diffuse downwards within the refrigerator, achieving a sterilization and deodorization effect. If the refrigerator is not in its defrost cycle, proceed to step four.

[0026] Step four: The timer starts and operates in mode two. In mode two, the first ion generator is turned on and runs continuously, while the second ion generator is turned off. The refrigerator is currently in continuous cooling mode, and the internal fan is operating normally, resulting in significant airflow within the refrigerator. The high concentration of negative ions continuously generated by the first ion generator is dispersed throughout the refrigerator by the fan, utilizing these negative ions for sterilization and deodorization. Turning off the second ion generator prevents the dissipation of generated ozone and the resulting odor. The control board continuously compares the operating time of the first ion generator, as recorded by the timer, with the specified purification value. If the value is not greater than the specified value, the timer continues, and mode two continues. If the value is greater than the specified value, step five is initiated. The specified purification value is a preset value that cannot be changed. It is related to the refrigerator's volume and ozone concentration; specifically, it is the time required for the ion generator to achieve an ozone concentration between 0.03ppm and 0.08ppm in a 450L refrigerator.

[0027] Fifth step: Turn off the first ion generator for one hour, reset the timer and proceed to the first step.

[0028] Of course, the above description is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples given above. Any changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention should also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of controlling an ion generator, characterized by: The ion generator includes a first ion generator and a second ion generator, the first ion generator has a higher negative ion generation rate than the second ion generator, and the second ion generator has a higher ozone generation rate than the first ion generator; The control panel controls the opening or closing of the first ion generator and the second ion generator according to the normal time period and the defrosting period, thereby forming two ion generator working modes, including working mode one and working mode two, and the control method of the ion generator includes the following steps: S1: the user or the system sets the normal time period; S2: determine whether the current time is within the normal time period, if yes, turn off the ion generator and go to S1, if no, go to S3; S3: determine whether the current time is within the defrosting period of the refrigerator, if yes, run working mode one, and go to S1 after the defrosting period ends, if no, go to S4; S4: the timer starts counting, runs working mode two, and continuously determines whether the working time of the ion generator is greater than the purification specified value, if no, the timer continues to count, and working mode two continues to run, if yes, go to S5; S5: turn off the ion generator for a certain period of time, reset the timer, and go to S1; In the working mode one, the first ion generator is turned off, and the second ion generator is turned on and periodically turned on and off alternately; In the working mode two, the first ion generator is turned on and continuously runs, and the second ion generator is turned off.

2. The control method of an ion generator according to claim 1, characterized by: The system is pre-set with a normal time period, and the user can reset the normal time period through the control panel.

3. A method of controlling an ion generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The system can add the time when the user usually uses the refrigerator door to the normal time period.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein: The purification specified value is the time required for the ion generator to generate ozone in a 450L refrigerator to reach a concentration within the range of 0.03ppm-0.08ppm.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein: In S5, the first ion generator is turned off for one hour.

6. A refrigerator comprising a cabinet and a control method for an ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The ion generator and the control panel are arranged in the box, and the control panel is embedded in the outer wall of the refrigerator.

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