Refrigerator odor elimination damper, assembly, refrigerator, and control method

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator deodorization air door, a component, a refrigerator and a control method, wherein the refrigerator deodorization air door comprises a baffle and a first automatic switch mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the baffle; and an ionization device arranged on the air inlet side or the air outlet side of the baffle, which can solve the technical problem of poor deodorization effect in the prior art, leading to odor cross-contamination between different compartments of the refrigerator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator deodorization technology, and in particular to a refrigerator deodorization damper, component, refrigerator, and control method. Background Technology

[0002] In the sealed environment of a refrigerator, the odors naturally present in food, as well as the unpleasant smells produced by food in the event of a power outage or other emergencies, cannot dissipate, causing discomfort to the user.

[0003] Currently, there are two methods for dealing with odors in refrigerators.

[0004] The first method is adsorption, which uses materials and devices with adsorption properties to remove odors from the refrigerator. However, this method is only effective in the initial stage when the adsorption material is highly effective. As time goes on, the deodorization effect decreases until the adsorption becomes saturated, at which point it no longer functions to remove odors and may even become a source of pollution after saturation. Furthermore, the adsorption material needs to be replaced, which is costly and environmentally unfriendly, or it requires periodic manual desorption, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0005] The second method is oxidation, which uses ionization, ozone, catalysts, etc. to oxidize odor molecules. However, because the deodorizing effect is not strong, excessive odors can easily cause cross-contamination of odors inside the refrigerator. In addition, the temperature inside the refrigerator is low, so the oxidation is incomplete, and some harmful substances are still produced. Even in the final product, the conservation of sulfur and nitrogen elements still causes sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides to accumulate inside the refrigerator, which has a certain impact on food and human health.

[0006] There is currently no effective solution to the technical problem of poor odor removal in the aforementioned technologies, which leads to odors spreading between different compartments of the refrigerator. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and provide a refrigerator deodorizing damper, component, refrigerator and control method to solve the technical problem of odor mixing between different compartments of the refrigerator in related technologies.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator deodorizing damper is provided, comprising:

[0010] A wind deflector, and a first automatic switching mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the wind deflector;

[0011] An ionization device is provided on the air inlet side or air outlet side of the baffle plate.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator deodorizing component is provided, characterized in that the refrigerator deodorizing damper is disposed at the air supply and return air inlet of the refrigerator compartment.

[0013] An odor sensor is used to detect the concentration of odors inside the refrigerator compartment;

[0014] The controller has its input terminal connected to the odor sensor signal and its output terminal connected to the first automatic switching mechanism and ionization device of the refrigerator deodorizing door signal.

[0015] Optionally, the refrigerator compartment is a cold storage compartment, and the return air vent of the cold storage compartment includes a left return air vent and a right return air vent. The refrigerator deodorizing damper is provided at the air supply vent, the left return air vent and the right return air vent of the cold storage compartment.

[0016] Optionally, the refrigerator compartment further includes a second automatic switching mechanism, which is connected to the compartment door of the refrigerator compartment to control the automatic opening and closing of the compartment door; the output of the controller is also signal-connected to the second automatic switching mechanism.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a refrigerator is also provided, comprising at least two refrigerator compartments, wherein at least one refrigerator compartment is provided with the aforementioned refrigerator deodorizing component.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator deodorization control method is also provided for controlling the refrigerator deodorization component of the above-mentioned refrigerator, the control method comprising:

[0019] The concentration of odors inside the refrigerator compartment was detected;

[0020] When the odor concentration is determined to be less than the first threshold, the low-concentration deodorization mode is maintained, the refrigerator deodorization damper is kept open, and deodorization is performed through the ionization device.

[0021] When the odor concentration is determined to be greater than or equal to the first threshold, the high-concentration deodorization mode is activated. With the refrigerator compartment door open, the refrigerator deodorization dampers at the air inlet and air outlet are controlled to open or close according to a predetermined strategy to prevent the odor from spreading from the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization to other compartments of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization is deodorized by blowing air.

[0022] Optionally, when the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment is determined to be greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the door of the refrigerator compartment is open, the refrigerator deodorizing dampers at the air inlet and air outlet are controlled to open or close according to a predetermined strategy to prevent odors from spreading from the refrigerator compartment requiring deodorization to other compartments of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator compartment requiring deodorization is deodorized by blowing air, including:

[0023] The refrigerator deodorizing damper at the return air vent of the refrigerator compartment is closed, while the refrigerator deodorizing damper at the air supply vent is opened, and the refrigerator's refrigeration fan is kept on to blow air and deodorize the refrigerator compartment.

[0024] Optionally, when the odor concentration in the flash-freezing compartment or deep-freezing compartment of the refrigerator is determined to be greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the door of the flash-freezing compartment or deep-freezing compartment is in the open state, the refrigerator deodorizing dampers at the air inlet and return air inlet are controlled to open or close according to a predetermined strategy to prevent odors from spreading from the refrigerator compartment requiring deodorization to other compartments of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator compartment requiring deodorization is deodorized by blowing air, including:

[0025] The refrigerator deodorizing dampers at the return air vent and the air supply vent of the refrigerator compartment are closed, while the refrigerator's refrigeration fan is kept on to blow air and deodorize the flash-freezing compartment or deep-freezing compartment.

[0026] Optionally, when it is detected that the odor removal of the flash-freezing compartment or deep-freezing compartment has been carried out for a predetermined time, it is determined whether the odor concentration of the flash-freezing compartment or deep-freezing compartment is less than a second threshold. If so, the refrigerator deodorizing dampers at the return air vent and the air supply vent of the refrigerator compartment are opened, and the refrigerator compressor is stopped. The second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0027] Optionally, when it is determined that the odor concentration in both the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment of the refrigerator is greater than or equal to a first threshold, in the high-concentration deodorization mode, the method further includes:

[0028] With both the refrigerator and freezer compartments open, the deodorizing dampers at the air return and air supply vents of the refrigerator compartment are opened, and the refrigerator's refrigeration fan is kept on to blow air and deodorize the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

[0029] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0030] After blowing air into the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization for a predetermined time, if the odor concentration is detected to be less than a second threshold, the high-concentration deodorization mode ends and the low-concentration deodorization mode is switched; wherein, the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0031] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0032] When it is determined that the high-concentration deodorization mode needs to be activated, a door opening prompt signal is generated to prompt the user to open the door of the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization, or the door of the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization is controlled to open automatically.

[0033] Once the high-concentration deodorization mode has ended, a door closing prompt signal is generated to remind the user to close the door of the deodorized refrigerator compartment, or to control the door of the deodorized refrigerator compartment to close automatically.

[0034] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0035] After the high-concentration deodorization mode ends, a prompt signal to lower the cooling temperature is generated, or the cooling temperature is automatically lowered.

[0036] This invention provides a refrigerator deodorizing damper, component, refrigerator, and control method. The damper includes an openable and closable baffle and a set of ionization devices. The damper can be installed at the air supply and return vents of the refrigerator compartments. When the odor concentration inside the refrigerator compartment is low, the damper can be opened, and the ionization devices can be used for ionization deodorization. When the odor concentration is high, the baffle can be controlled to close the damper, thus preventing the odor from spreading to other compartments while activating a more effective deodorization mode. This solves the technical problem in related technologies where poor deodorization results in odor cross-contamination between refrigerator compartments. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator deodorizing damper in the open state, provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the deodorizing damper of a refrigerator from another angle;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator deodorizing damper in the closed state, provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator deodorizing component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart of a refrigerator deodorization control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart of a refrigerator deodorization control method provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] In the picture:

[0044] 1. Wind deflector 2. Ionization device 3. First automatic switching mechanism 4. Air damper body. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0046] In related technologies, the deodorization effect of refrigerator compartments is poor, resulting in excessively high odor concentrations and causing odors to spread between different compartments of the refrigerator. Currently, there is no effective solution to this technical problem.

[0047] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a refrigerator deodorizing damper. A detailed description follows.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator deodorizing damper is provided, combined with Figure 1-3 The refrigerator deodorizing damper includes a baffle plate 1, with its two sides being the air inlet and air outlet sides of the refrigerator compartment, respectively. The baffle plate 1 is connected to a first automatic switch mechanism to control its opening and closing. In the open state, the damper is open, allowing air to be supplied or returned according to its specific setting position. Conversely, in the closed state, the damper is closed, preventing air from flowing through it.

[0050] An ionization device 2 is also installed on the air inlet or outlet side of the baffle 1. When air flows through the ionization device 2, it can decompose odors and bacteria in the air, achieving the effect of deodorization and sterilization. However, as mentioned above, in related technologies, simple ionization, ozone, catalysts, etc., although they can decompose odor molecules, the deodorization effect is not strong. When the odor concentration is too high, the odor in the refrigerator compartment may spread to other adjacent compartments, causing cross-odor problems. Therefore, in some embodiments described below, a better deodorization mode can be activated for deodorization. At the same time, the baffle 1 can be controlled to close the air damper to prevent the excessively high concentration of odor from spreading to other compartments before it is completely decomposed. This solves the technical problem of poor deodorization effect in the refrigerator compartments, resulting in excessively high odor concentration and cross-odor between the refrigerator compartments.

[0051] In addition, by placing the ionization device 2 on the damper, the airflow can be used to avoid the situation where dust accumulates on the ionization device 2, which would weaken its effect, as is often caused by placing the ionization device 2 in the refrigerator compartment of a conventional refrigerator.

[0052] As an example, the refrigerator deodorizing damper includes a damper body 4, which serves as the mounting base for the baffle plate 1 and the ionization device 2. It can be flexibly designed into a suitable structure according to the actual structure of the refrigerator compartments. For example, in this embodiment, the damper body 4 is generally a square cover, with a flange protruding to one side from the center. Several parallel ionization wires are arranged inside the flange to serve as the ionization device 2. A baffle plate 1 is located outside the ionization device 2, with its upper end hinged to the upper edge of the cover (not shown in the figure). When the baffle plate 1 is rotated via the hinge to a state substantially perpendicular to the ionization device 2, the damper opens, allowing air to flow through the ionization device 2. Odor molecules in the air decompose under the electric field of the ionization device 2, achieving a deodorizing effect. The deodorized clean air flows through the gaps between the ionization wires into the damper. When the baffle plate 1 is rotated via the hinge to a state substantially parallel to the ionization device 2, the damper closes.

[0053] In some embodiments, the wind deflector 1 is connected to a first automatic switching mechanism 3. This first automatic switching mechanism 3 can take various forms. For example, it may include a motor, the output shaft of which is connected to a hinge that drives the wind deflector 1 to rotate, thereby controlling the rotation of the wind deflector 1 (not shown in the figure). Alternatively, the output shaft of the motor is connected to a primary gear, which meshes with a secondary gear. A drive shaft is located in the middle of the secondary gear and is coaxially connected to the hinge (not shown in the figure). That is, the motor drives the primary gear to rotate, transmitting the driving force to the drive shaft of the secondary gear, causing it to rotate, which in turn drives the hinge to rotate, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the wind deflector 1. Of course, the above is only an exemplary description of the wind deflector transmission mechanism. In other embodiments, other types of traditional mechanisms, such as worm gears, racks and pinions, can be flexibly selected according to actual conditions.

[0054] Using the refrigerator deodorizing damper described above, a refrigerator deodorizing assembly can be formed. In one embodiment, the refrigerator deodorizing assembly includes the refrigerator deodorizing damper described in the above embodiment, which can be installed at the air supply and return vents of the refrigerator compartment. Combined with... Figure 4 Furthermore, the refrigerator deodorizing component also includes an odor sensor for detecting the odor concentration inside the refrigerator compartment. A controller is also included; the input terminal of the controller is connected to the odor sensor to receive the odor concentration signal collected by the odor sensor, and the output terminal of the controller is connected to the first automatic switching mechanism and ionization device of the refrigerator deodorizing damper, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the damper and the activation and deactivation of the ionization device.

[0055] As mentioned earlier, when the controller determines that the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment is low, such as below a certain set threshold, based on the odor concentration signal returned by the odor sensor, it can keep the baffle 1 open, i.e., keep the air door open, and simultaneously keep the ionization device 2 powered on to perform ionization deodorization and sterilization. When the controller determines that the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment is high, such as above a certain set threshold, based on the odor concentration signal returned by the odor sensor, it controls the baffle 1 to close, i.e., switch the air door to a closed state, and simultaneously stop the ionization device 2, switching to other more effective deodorization modes. At the same time, because the air door is closed, it can prevent excessively strong odors from spreading to other adjacent refrigerator compartments, thus achieving the effect of preventing odor cross-contamination while deodorizing.

[0056] Furthermore, the controller's signal output is also connected to the refrigeration fan, so that when the refrigeration fan is turned on, it blows air to deodorize the refrigerator compartments.

[0057] As an example, refrigerator deodorizing dampers can be installed on the air supply and return vents of the refrigerator compartment, with the return vents including a left and right return vent. Installing deodorizing dampers on both return vents allows for simultaneous cutting off of return air from both sides when odor concentration is too high, promptly preventing odor diffusion. Deodorizing dampers installed at the air supply vents can remain open when the dampers at the return vents on both sides are closed, blowing air only into the refrigerator compartment for deodorization. At this time, the refrigerator compartment door is open, allowing odors to be quickly blown into the external environment, improving the deodorization effect. Simultaneously, since the return vent dampers are closed, there is no need to worry about odors spreading to adjacent compartments, such as the freezer compartment, deep freezer compartment, and flash freezer compartment, during the deodorization process. Therefore, combined with... Figure 4 In this embodiment, the signal output terminal of the controller is connected to the refrigeration air damper (i.e., the air damper of the air supply outlet of the refrigeration compartment), the left return air damper, the right return air damper, and the ionization device.

[0058] In some embodiments, the refrigerator compartment further includes an automatic compartment door, specifically a second automatic opening and closing mechanism. The second automatic opening and closing mechanism is connected to the compartment door of the refrigerator compartment to control the automatic opening and closing of the compartment door. The output terminal of the controller is also connected to the automatic compartment door opening and closing signal, which in this embodiment may specifically be connected to the signal of the second automatic opening and closing mechanism.

[0059] The second automatic opening and closing mechanism can take various forms. For example, it can be a motor, with the motor's output shaft connected to a telescopic column via a transmission mechanism. The end of the telescopic column is connected to the refrigerator compartment door, thereby automatically opening or closing the refrigerator compartment door (not shown in the figure). It should be understood that refrigerator compartment doors with this automatic opening and closing mechanism are existing technology. One of the improvements of this invention is that, through a controller, when an excessively high odor concentration is detected, the corresponding refrigerator compartment door requiring deodorization is automatically opened. This allows the interior and exterior environments of the refrigerator compartment to connect, facilitating the diffusion of odors to the outside environment under a more effective deodorization mode, resulting in a more thorough deodorization effect.

[0060] As an example, this invention provides a refrigerator that includes multiple compartments, such as a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a deep-freeze compartment, a flash-freeze compartment, etc. Each of these compartments may experience excessively high odor concentrations. Therefore, odor sensors can be installed in the compartments that may require high-concentration deodorization to detect the odor concentration in those compartments. These odor sensors are all connected to the input signal of a controller so that the odor concentration signals from each compartment are transmitted back to the controller, allowing the controller to identify which refrigerator compartment the excessively strong odor originates from.

[0061] In these refrigerator compartments, at least some sections are equipped with the air dampers from the refrigerator deodorizing components described above. As an example, the refrigerator deodorizing components described above are installed in the refrigerator compartment. Specifically, air dampers from the refrigerator deodorizing components are installed at the left and right return air vents and the air supply vents of the refrigerator compartment.

[0062] Based on the refrigerator and its deodorizing component, this invention also provides a refrigerator deodorizing control method for controlling the refrigerator deodorizing component, combined with... Figure 5 The control method includes:

[0063] S101, Detect the odor concentration inside the refrigerator compartment;

[0064] S103, when it is determined that the odor concentration is less than the first threshold, the low concentration deodorization mode is maintained, the refrigerator deodorization door is kept open, and deodorization is performed through the ionization device;

[0065] S105, when the odor concentration is determined to be greater than or equal to the first threshold, the high-concentration deodorization mode is activated. When the door of the refrigerator compartment is open, the refrigerator deodorization dampers at the air supply and return air inlets are controlled to open or close according to a predetermined strategy to prevent the odor from spreading from the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization to other compartments of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization is deodorized by blowing air.

[0066] In the low-concentration deodorization mode of step S103, the deodorization damper of the refrigerator, with its baffle 1 in the open state, allows the odor-laden air to flow through the ionization device 2 for ionization deodorization.

[0067] When an excessively high odor concentration is detected in the refrigerator compartment, step S105 is executed, switching to a high-concentration deodorization mode. In this mode, the door of the refrigerator compartment requiring deodorization is kept open. For example, when the proximity switch detects the door is open, air is blown into the compartment to deodorize it, dispersing the odor into the external environment. Because the interior and exterior of the refrigerator compartment are kept in a circulating state, the odor is removed efficiently, which is more effective than ionization deodorization. At the same time, a predetermined control strategy can control the opening or closing of the corresponding refrigerator deodorization damper according to the location and connection between the refrigerator compartments, preventing the odor from spreading from the compartment requiring deodorization to other compartments of the refrigerator.

[0068] Below, we will introduce some more specific examples of situations where the odor concentration is too high in different refrigerator compartments. It should be noted that in the embodiments below, the refrigerator deodorizing dampers are located at the air supply and return air inlets of the refrigerator compartment. In the embodiments below, the air supply and return air inlets refer to the air supply and return air inlets of the refrigerator compartment, and the corresponding dampers refer to the dampers at the air supply and return air inlets of the refrigerator compartment.

[0069] As an example, when it is determined that the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment is greater than or equal to a first threshold, step S105 further includes:

[0070] The refrigerator deodorizing damper at the return air vent of the refrigerator compartment is closed, while the refrigerator deodorizing damper at the air supply vent is opened, and the refrigerator's refrigeration fan is kept on to blow air and deodorize the refrigerator compartment.

[0071] In this mode, the excessively high concentration of odor originates from the refrigerator compartment. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the deodorizing damper at the return air vent of the refrigerator compartment closed to prevent the odor from spreading to other compartments. At the same time, the refrigerator compartment door is open, while the damper at the air supply vent of the refrigerator compartment (hereinafter referred to as the refrigerator damper) remains open. With the refrigeration fan running, the refrigerator damper blows air into the refrigerator compartment, dispersing the odor into the outside air, thus quickly removing the odor from the refrigerator compartment and reducing its concentration.

[0072] As an example, when it is determined that the odor concentration in the flash-freeze compartment or deep-freeze compartment of the refrigerator is greater than or equal to a first threshold, then step S105 includes:

[0073] The refrigerator deodorizing dampers at the return air vent and the air supply vent of the refrigerator compartment are closed, while the refrigerator's refrigeration fan is kept on to blow air and deodorize the flash-freezing compartment or deep-freezing compartment.

[0074] In this mode, excessively high concentrations of odor originate from the flash-freezing or deep-freezing compartment. To prevent these odors from spreading to the refrigerator compartment, all air dampers in the refrigerator compartment are closed, preventing odors from entering with the air. Simultaneously, the doors of the flash-freezing or deep-freezing compartments are opened, and with the refrigeration fans operating, air is blown into the compartments, dispersing the odors into the outside air. This quickly removes odors from the flash-freezing or deep-freezing compartments and reduces their concentration.

[0075] Optionally, after detecting that the odor removal process in the flash-freezing or deep-freezing compartment has been completed for a predetermined time, it is determined whether the odor concentration in the flash-freezing or deep-freezing compartment is less than a second threshold. If so, the deodorizing dampers at both the return air vent and the supply air vent of the refrigerator compartment are opened, and the refrigerator compressor is stopped, allowing the deodorized air to circulate again between the refrigerator compartments. Since deodorizing the refrigerator compartment with the door open will generate a certain negative pressure at the evaporator after a certain period of operation, which may reduce the airflow, opening the return air damper helps with air circulation inside the refrigerator. Furthermore, the odor concentration inside the refrigerator compartment is low at this time, so there is no need to worry about cross-contamination of odors.

[0076] The second threshold is less than the first threshold. For example, the second threshold can be set to one-twentieth of the first threshold, which can be considered a case where the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment is low.

[0077] Optionally, when it is determined that the odor concentration in both the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment of the refrigerator is greater than or equal to a first threshold, in the high-concentration deodorization mode, the method further includes:

[0078] Step S107: With both the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment doors open, control the refrigerator deodorizing dampers at the return air vent and the air supply vent of the refrigerator compartment to open, and keep the refrigerator's refrigeration fan on to blow air and deodorize the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment.

[0079] In this mode, both the refrigerator and freezer compartments produce excessive odors. Opening all the air vents in the refrigerator compartment and keeping the freezer fan running allows the freezer to expel odors through direct airflow, while the refrigerator compartment expels odors through direct airflow from the air vents. However, if this method is used for a period of time, a certain negative pressure will be generated at the evaporator, which may reduce airflow to some extent. Therefore, opening the air vent at the return air inlet also helps with air circulation inside the refrigerator. Furthermore, since both the refrigerator and freezer compartments have odors at this time, the issue of odor mixing is not considered. Also, since the refrigerator compartment is connected to the outside, the return air contains only a small amount of odorous gas, which is quickly expelled.

[0080] In step S105 described above, the method further includes, after blowing air into the refrigerator compartment requiring deodorization for a predetermined time, if the odor concentration is detected to be less than a second threshold, ending the high-concentration deodorization mode and switching to the low-concentration deodorization mode; wherein the second threshold is less than the first threshold. For example, the second threshold can be set to one-twentieth of the first threshold, and this second threshold can be considered a case where the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment is low.

[0081] For example, after blowing air into the refrigerator compartment for a period of time, such as 3 minutes, a prompt signal can be generated to remind the user to close the refrigerator compartment door, or the door can be automatically closed. Simultaneously, the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment is re-detected. If the odor concentration is greater than a second threshold, it is confirmed that the odor concentration is still high and the expected deodorization standard has not been met. Step S105, the deodorization strategy for the refrigerator compartment, is then repeated: a prompt signal is generated to remind the user to manually or automatically open the refrigerator compartment door; the refrigerator deodorization damper at the return air vent is closed, and the refrigerator deodorization damper at the air supply vent is opened; and the refrigerator's refrigeration fan is kept on to blow air into the refrigerator compartment for deodorization. This deodorization and detection process is repeated until the odor concentration is detected to be less than the second threshold, at which point the high-concentration deodorization mode ends.

[0082] Alternatively, after simultaneously blowing air into both the refrigerator and freezer compartments to remove odors for a period of time, such as 3 minutes, a prompt signal can be generated to remind the user to close the doors of both compartments. Alternatively, the doors can be automatically closed, and the odor concentration in both compartments can be re-detected. If the odor concentration exceeds a second threshold, it is confirmed that the odor concentration is still high and the expected deodorization standard has not been met. Step S105, which involves repeating the deodorization strategy for the refrigerator and freezer compartments, generating a prompt signal to remind the user to manually or automatically open the doors, controlling the deodorization dampers at the return and supply air vents of the refrigerator compartment, and keeping the refrigerator's refrigeration fan on to blow air into the compartments for deodorization. This deodorization and detection process is repeated until the odor concentration is detected to be below the second threshold, at which point the high-concentration deodorization mode ends.

[0083] In the embodiments described above, when it is determined that the high-concentration deodorization mode needs to be activated, a door opening prompt signal is generated to prompt the user to open the door of the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization, or the door of the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization is controlled to open automatically.

[0084] Once the high-concentration deodorization mode has ended, a door closing prompt signal is generated to remind the user to close the door of the deodorized refrigerator compartment, or to control the door of the deodorized refrigerator compartment to close automatically.

[0085] Automatic opening and closing of the air damper enhances the automation and intelligence of the deodorization mode, making it particularly useful when the user is not home. The generated alerts can be displayed on the refrigerator's screen or transmitted via a communication module to the user's smart device, such as a smartphone or wearable device. These smart devices can connect to the refrigerator's controller via a cloud server to send control signals and remotely control the opening and closing of the air damper, enabling switching between high-concentration and low-concentration deodorization modes—again, particularly useful when the user is not home. Alternatively, when the user's smart device receives an alert or the alert is displayed on the refrigerator's screen, the user can manually open the corresponding refrigerator compartment door according to the indicator on the screen.

[0086] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0087] Step S109: After the high-concentration deodorization mode ends, a prompt signal is generated to lower the cooling temperature, or the cooling temperature is automatically lowered. For example, it can be lowered to the lowest cooling temperature. Since the door of the corresponding compartment is opened during the deodorization process, connecting it to the outside, the temperature inside the compartment rises after deodorization is complete. To prevent the compartment temperature from becoming too high, a prompt can be made to manually lower or automatically reduce the cooling temperature to prevent food spoilage inside the compartment.

[0088] This invention also provides another method for controlling refrigerator odor removal, combined with... Figure 6 The method includes the following steps:

[0089] First, an odor sensor collects odor information Q. Then, Q is compared with a preset threshold a to determine if Q is greater than or equal to a. If not, the ionization device is controlled to deodorize normally, maintaining a low-concentration deodorization mode. If Q is greater than or equal to a, a high-concentration deodorization mode is activated, and the compressor starts to cool the food. Here, 'a' can be set to the gas data measured when the food initially begins to spoil.

[0090] Next, determine which compartment of the refrigerator the odor is coming from.

[0091] If the odor originates from the refrigerator compartment, the refrigerator door will open automatically or upon prompting for manual operation. The left and right return air doors of the refrigerator compartment will close, while the refrigerator air door (the air vent for the refrigerator compartment) will open. If the opening and closing status of the air doors is programmed as status parameters, then 0 represents the closed state and 1 represents the open state. Therefore, the status parameters for each air door at this time are: left return air door = 0, right return air door = 0, refrigerator air door = 1. Simultaneously, the refrigeration fan will run at full speed, which can be represented by the status parameter: refrigeration fan = full speed.

[0092] After 3 minutes, the user is prompted to manually close the refrigerator compartment door or allow it to close automatically. Odor information Q is re-collected and compared to the threshold a / 20 to determine if Q is greater than or equal to a / 20. If so, the odor concentration is still high, and the high-concentration deodorization mode needs to be repeated until Q is detected to be less than a / 20. At this point, the door is closed, exiting the high-concentration deodorization mode and returning to the low-concentration deodorization mode for normal ionization deodorization.

[0093] In another scenario, if the odor originates from the deep freezer or flash freezer compartment, the deep freezer or flash freezer door will open automatically or upon prompting, while the left and right return air doors of the refrigerator compartment will close, and the refrigerator air door (the air vent for the refrigerator compartment) will also close. At this time, the status parameters for each door are: left return air door = 0, right return air door = 0, and refrigerator air door = 0. Simultaneously, the refrigeration fan will run at full speed, which can be represented by the status parameter: refrigeration fan = full speed.

[0094] After 3 minutes, the user is prompted to manually close the door of the deep freezer or flash freezer compartment, or the door of the deep freezer or flash freezer compartment will close automatically. Odor information Q is re-collected and compared with the threshold a / 20 to determine if Q is greater than or equal to a / 20. If so, it indicates that the odor concentration is still high, and the high-concentration deodorization mode needs to be repeated until Q is detected to be less than a / 20. At this point, the left and right return air doors of the refrigerator compartment are opened, and the refrigerator door is also opened. The status parameters of each door are: left return air door = 1, right return air door = 1, refrigerator door = 1. The refrigeration fan continues to run at full speed, and the compressor stops. After running in this mode for 50 seconds, the door is closed, exiting the high-concentration deodorization mode and returning to the low-concentration deodorization mode for normal ionization deodorization.

[0095] In another scenario, if the odor originates from both the refrigerator and freezer compartments, the refrigerator and freezer doors (e.g., left and right doors) will open automatically or upon prompting. The left and right return air doors of the refrigerator compartment will also open, as will the refrigerator air vent (the air outlet for the refrigerator compartment). At this time, the status parameters for each air vent are: left return air vent = 1, right return air vent = 1, refrigerator air vent = 1. Simultaneously, the refrigeration fan will run at full speed, which can be represented by the status parameter: refrigeration fan = full speed.

[0096] After 3 minutes, the user is prompted to manually close the freezer and refrigerator compartment doors, or to automatically close them. Odor information Q is re-collected and compared to the threshold a / 20 to determine if Q is greater than or equal to a / 20. If so, the odor concentration is still high, and the high-concentration deodorization mode needs to be repeated until Q is detected to be less than a / 20. At this point, the doors are closed, exiting the high-concentration deodorization mode and returning to the low-concentration deodorization mode for normal ionization deodorization. Finally, the refrigerator compartment temperature is brought back to the normal range.

[0097] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator deodorizing component, comprising: A refrigerator deodorizing damper is provided at the air supply and return vents of the refrigerator compartment. The refrigerator deodorizing damper includes: a baffle plate, and a first automatic switching mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the baffle plate; and an ionization device disposed on the air inlet side or air outlet side of the baffle plate. An odor sensor is used to detect the concentration of odors inside the refrigerator compartment; Controller; the input terminal of the controller is connected to the odor sensor signal, and the output terminal of the controller is connected to the first automatic switching mechanism and ionization device of the refrigerator deodorizing door; The refrigerator compartment also includes a second automatic switching mechanism, which is connected to the compartment door of the refrigerator compartment to control the automatic opening and closing of the compartment door; the output terminal of the controller is also connected to the second automatic switching mechanism. When the odor sensor detects that the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment is too high, the controller controls the baffle to close, stops the ionization device, and controls the second automatic switch mechanism to open the compartment door of the refrigerator compartment, so that the interior of the refrigerator compartment is connected to the external environment.

2. The refrigerator deodorizing component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator compartment is a cold storage compartment. The return air vent of the cold storage compartment includes a left return air vent and a right return air vent. The refrigerator deodorizing damper is provided at the air supply vent, the left return air vent and the right return air vent of the cold storage compartment.

3. A refrigerator, characterized in that, It includes at least two refrigerator compartments, wherein at least one refrigerator compartment is equipped with the refrigerator deodorizing component according to any one of claims 1-2.

4. A refrigerator deodorization control method, characterized in that, The method for controlling the refrigerator deodorizing component of the refrigerator according to claim 3 includes: The concentration of odors inside the refrigerator compartment was detected; When the odor concentration is determined to be less than the first threshold, the low-concentration deodorization mode is maintained, the refrigerator deodorization damper is kept open, and deodorization is performed through the ionization device. When the odor concentration is determined to be greater than or equal to the first threshold, the high-concentration deodorization mode is activated. With the refrigerator compartment door open, the refrigerator deodorization dampers at the air inlet and air outlet are controlled to open or close according to a predetermined strategy to prevent the odor from spreading from the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization to other compartments of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization is deodorized by blowing air.

5. The refrigerator deodorization control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the odor concentration in the refrigerator compartment is determined to be greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the door of the refrigerator compartment is open, the refrigerator deodorizing dampers at the air inlet and return air inlet are opened or closed according to a predetermined strategy to prevent the odor from spreading from the refrigerator compartment requiring deodorization to other compartments of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator compartment requiring deodorization is deodorized by blowing air, including: The refrigerator deodorizing damper at the return air vent of the refrigerator compartment is closed, while the refrigerator deodorizing damper at the air supply vent is opened, and the refrigerator's refrigeration fan is kept on to blow air and deodorize the refrigerator compartment.

6. The refrigerator deodorization control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the odor concentration in the flash-freeze compartment or deep-freeze compartment of the refrigerator is determined to be greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the door of the flash-freeze compartment or deep-freeze compartment is open, the refrigerator deodorizing dampers at the air inlet and return air inlet are controlled to open or close according to a predetermined strategy to prevent odors from spreading from the refrigerator compartment requiring deodorization to other compartments of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator compartment requiring deodorization is deodorized by blowing air, including: The refrigerator deodorizing dampers at the return air vent and the air supply vent of the refrigerator compartment are closed, while the refrigerator's refrigeration fan is kept on to blow air and deodorize the flash-freezing compartment or deep-freezing compartment.

7. The refrigerator deodorization control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When it is detected that the odor removal of the flash-freezing compartment or deep-freezing compartment has been carried out for a predetermined time, it is determined whether the odor concentration of the flash-freezing compartment or deep-freezing compartment is less than a second threshold. If so, the refrigerator deodorizing dampers at the return air vent and the air supply vent of the refrigerator compartment are opened, and the refrigerator compressor is stopped. The second threshold is less than the first threshold.

8. The refrigerator deodorization control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When it is determined that the odor concentration in both the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment of the refrigerator is greater than or equal to a first threshold, then in the high-concentration deodorization mode, the method further includes: With both the refrigerator and freezer compartments open, the deodorizing dampers at the air return and air supply vents of the refrigerator compartment are opened, and the refrigerator's refrigeration fan is kept on to blow air and deodorize the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

9. The refrigerator deodorization control method according to any one of claims 4, 5 and 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: After blowing air into the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization for a predetermined time, if the odor concentration is detected to be less than a second threshold, the high-concentration deodorization mode ends and the low-concentration deodorization mode is switched; wherein, the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

10. The refrigerator deodorization control method according to any one of claims 4-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: When it is determined that the high-concentration deodorization mode needs to be activated, a door opening prompt signal is generated to prompt the user to open the door of the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization, or the door of the refrigerator compartment that needs deodorization is controlled to open automatically. Once the high-concentration deodorization mode has ended, a door closing prompt signal is generated to remind the user to close the door of the deodorized refrigerator compartment, or to control the door of the deodorized refrigerator compartment to close automatically.

11. The refrigerator deodorization control method according to any one of claims 4-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the high-concentration deodorization mode ends, a prompt signal to lower the cooling temperature is generated, or the cooling temperature is automatically lowered.

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