Ion sterilization refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides an ion sterilization refrigerator, which comprises a cabinet, a reserved space in the cabinet, a door body pivoted to one side of the cabinet, a sterilization function chamber arranged in the reserved space of the cabinet, an ion generating assembly configured to generate negative ions when the refrigerator is not performing a defrosting program, and an air duct assembly constituting a ventilation circuit with the sterilization function chamber and configured to determine whether to open or close the ventilation circuit between the sterilization function chamber according to the sterilization condition of the sterilization function chamber by the ion generating assembly. When the ventilation circuit is closed, the negative ions generated by the ion generating assembly are deposited on the inner surface of the sterilization function chamber. The preparation material of the refrigerator comprises an antibacterial component, including but not limited to a copper ion antibacterial agent, a silver ion antibacterial agent and a zinc ion antibacterial agent. The above-mentioned refrigerator solves the problem that the existing ion sterilization technology cannot effectively sterilize the surface of the objects in the refrigerator.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of refrigerator sterilization, in particular to an ion sterilization refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[0002] The refrigerator sterilization technology mainly includes ion, photocatalysis, chlorine dioxide, deep ultraviolet and ozone technologies. From the effect, the above technologies or technology application schemes have great defects. Ion mainly achieves the sterilization of bacteria in the air through its own electrification, but the sterilization effect on the surface of the object is poor. Ozone and chlorine dioxide mainly achieve the sterilization of bacteria through oxidizing components, but the oxidizing property will cause the accelerated aging of materials. Photocatalysis achieves sterilization in a small range by generating free radicals (the half-life of free radicals is very short). Deep ultraviolet (UVC) has poor penetration effect due to its short wavelength, so the technology is mainly applied in a small range.

[0003] Among them, although ion sterilization cannot effectively sterilize the surface of the object, it will not affect the material, and some studies have found that negative ions have certain benefits for human health; therefore, solving the problem that ion sterilization cannot effectively sterilize the surface of the object can make ion sterilization technology be used in a larger range. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides an ion sterilization refrigerator to solve the problem that the existing ion sterilization technology cannot effectively sterilize the surface of the object inside the refrigerator.

[0005] The refrigerator comprises:

[0006] a cabinet, the cabinet has a reserved space inside;

[0007] a door body, the door body is pivotally connected to one side of the cabinet;

[0008] a sterilization function chamber, the sterilization function chamber is arranged in the reserved space of the cabinet;

[0009] an ion generating assembly, the ion generating assembly is configured to generate negative ions when the refrigerator does not perform a defrosting program;

[0010] an air duct assembly, the air duct assembly and the sterilization function chamber constitute a ventilation circuit, the air duct assembly is configured to determine whether to open or close the ventilation circuit between the sterilization function chamber according to the sterilization condition of the sterilization function chamber by the ion generating assembly; when the ventilation circuit is closed, the negative ions generated by the ion generating assembly are deposited on the inner surface of the sterilization function chamber;

[0011] The preparation material of the refrigerator comprises an antibacterial component, which includes but is not limited to copper ion antibacterial agent, silver ion antibacterial agent and zinc ion antibacterial agent.

[0012] Preferably, the ion generating assembly is arranged at one of the following positions: inside the cabinet, inside the door, inside the sterilization function chamber, or in the air duct assembly.

[0013] The ion generating assembly is further configured to:

[0014] The negative ions are intermittently generated when the refrigerator is not performing a defrosting program.

[0015] Preferably, the refrigerator further comprises:

[0016] A refrigeration assembly configured to provide low-temperature air to the sterilization function chamber.

[0017] A temperature sensor arranged in the sterilization function chamber; the temperature sensor is configured to obtain a real-time temperature of the sterilization function chamber.

[0018] The air duct assembly is further configured to:

[0019] Whether to open or close the ventilation loop between the sterilization function chamber is determined according to the real-time temperature.

[0020] Preferably, the refrigeration assembly is further configured to:

[0021] A duration of providing low-temperature air to the sterilization function chamber is recorded.

[0022] The air duct assembly is further configured to:

[0023] Whether to open or close the ventilation loop between the sterilization function chamber is determined according to the duration.

[0024] Preferably, the refrigerator further comprises:

[0025] A controller arranged at the top end of the cabinet; the controller is configured to:

[0026] The real-time temperature and the duration are obtained when the refrigerator is not performing a defrosting program.

[0027] An air duct control instruction is generated according to the duration or the real-time temperature; the air duct control instruction is used to open or close the ventilation loop between the air duct assembly and the sterilization function chamber.

[0028] Preferably, the air duct assembly comprises:

[0029] A function chamber air duct arranged on the side of the sterilization function chamber away from the door.

[0030] an air inlet, the air inlet being arranged at the top of the degerming functional chamber away from the door body, the air inlet being connected to the functional chamber air duct and the degerming functional chamber respectively;

[0031] an air return, the air return being arranged at the bottom of the degerming functional chamber away from the door body, the air return being connected to the functional chamber air duct and the degerming functional chamber respectively;

[0032] the functional chamber air duct, the air inlet, the air return and the degerming functional chamber form a ventilation loop.

[0033] Preferably, the air duct assembly further comprises:

[0034] an electric damper, the electric damper being arranged at the air return; the electric damper being configured to open and close according to the air duct control instruction.

[0035] Preferably, the controller is further configured to:

[0036] determine whether the duration is greater than a first threshold when the refrigerator is not performing a defrosting program;

[0037] generate a first air duct control instruction when the duration is less than the first threshold, the first air duct control instruction being used to close the electric damper;

[0038] generate a second air duct control instruction when the duration is not greater than the first threshold, the second air duct control instruction being used to open the electric damper.

[0039] Preferably, the controller is further configured to:

[0040] determine whether the real-time temperature is lower than a second threshold when the refrigerator is not performing a defrosting program;

[0041] generate a third air duct control instruction when the real-time temperature is lower than the second threshold, the third air duct control instruction being used to open the electric damper;

[0042] generate a fourth air duct control instruction when the real-time temperature is not lower than the second threshold, the third air duct control instruction being used to close the electric damper.

[0043] Preferably, the air duct assembly further comprises:

[0044] a variable frequency fan, the variable frequency fan being arranged in the functional chamber air duct; the variable frequency fan being configured to deliver low-temperature air to the degerming functional chamber through the air inlet when the electric damper is opened.

[0045] From the above, the present application provides an ion sterilization refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a cabinet, the cabinet having a reserved space inside; a door body, the door body being pivotally connected to one side of the cabinet; a sterilization function chamber, the sterilization function chamber being arranged in the reserved space of the cabinet; an ion generating assembly, the ion generating assembly being configured to generate negative ions when the refrigerator is not performing a defrosting program; an air duct assembly, the air duct assembly and the sterilization function chamber constituting a ventilation circuit, the air duct assembly being configured to determine whether to open or close the ventilation circuit between the sterilization function chamber according to the sterilization condition of the sterilization function chamber by the ion generating assembly; when the ventilation circuit is closed, the negative ions generated by the ion generating assembly are deposited on the inner surface of the sterilization function chamber; the preparation material of the refrigerator comprises an antibacterial component, which includes but is not limited to copper ion antibacterial agent, silver ion antibacterial agent, zinc ion antibacterial agent. The above-mentioned refrigerator solves the problem that the existing ion sterilization technology cannot effectively sterilize the surface of the objects inside the refrigerator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiments will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can also be obtained without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the ion sterilization refrigerator of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0049] Ion sterilization technology: its core lies in the use of the electrification of ions (especially negative ions) to attract and neutralize bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in the air through electrostatic action, thereby achieving sterilization effect. Although ion technology performs well in the air and can effectively reduce the number of suspended microorganisms, its direct sterilization ability on the inner wall of the refrigerator and the surface of the stored food is relatively weak. In addition, the problem of rapid deposition of ions is also one of the key factors restricting its wide application. Although negative ions have certain benefits to human health, such as improving air quality and promoting metabolism, if the deposition speed cannot be effectively controlled, it is difficult to achieve all-round and long-lasting sterilization effect in the refrigerator. Therefore, the development of efficient and stable ion deposition technology has become the key to improving the application effect of ion sterilization technology in the refrigerator.

[0050] Ozone and chlorine dioxide sterilization technologies: Both methods rely on their strong oxidizing properties to destroy the cellular structure of bacteria, thereby achieving highly efficient sterilization. However, it is precisely this strong oxidizing property that makes them prone to accelerating the aging of materials inside the refrigerator when in contact with them, including discoloration of plastic parts and corrosion of metal parts, affecting the refrigerator's lifespan and overall performance. Therefore, when using these technologies, the concentration and release method of ozone or chlorine dioxide must be strictly controlled to minimize damage to materials.

[0051] Photocatalytic sterilization technology: This technology uses a specific light source to excite a catalyst (such as titanium dioxide) to generate highly oxidizing free radicals. These free radicals can rapidly contact bacteria within a small area and destroy their structure. However, the extremely short half-life of free radicals limits the expansion of its sterilization range. Furthermore, the photocatalytic efficiency is affected by various factors such as light source intensity, catalyst distribution uniformity, and reaction environment, which limits the effectiveness of this technology in enclosed spaces with limited light, such as refrigerators.

[0052] Deep ultraviolet (UVC) sterilization technology: UVC light, due to its short wavelength and high energy, can directly destroy the DNA or RNA of bacteria, thus achieving rapid sterilization. However, UVC light has extremely poor penetrating power and cannot penetrate most solid materials. Therefore, it is mostly used in the air circulation system inside refrigerators to sterilize the circulating air, but it is difficult to reach areas inside the refrigerator such as corners and gaps between densely stored foods. Furthermore, UVC light is harmful to humans, so it is essential to ensure that it does not leak outside the refrigerator during use.

[0053] However, except for ion sterilization technology, the above-mentioned sterilization technologies will affect the internal materials of the refrigerator, and ion sterilization technology cannot effectively sterilize the surface of objects. Based on this, this application provides the following embodiments.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ion sterilization refrigerator according to this application.

[0055] See Figure 1 As can be seen, this embodiment provides an ion sterilization refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising:

[0056] The cabinet 100 has a reserved space inside. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cabinet 100 is used to support the main body of the refrigerator.

[0057] The refrigerator also includes:

[0058] The door 200 is pivotally connected to one side of the refrigerator body 100. Specifically, in this embodiment, the door 200 is used to open and close the refrigerator.

[0059] The refrigerator further comprises:

[0060] The degerming function chamber 300 is arranged in the reserved space of the cabinet 100, and in this embodiment, the degerming function chamber 300 is a core area to be degermed in this embodiment, wherein the degerming function chamber 300 can be a refrigerating chamber, a freezing chamber or a specific function chamber.

[0061] It should be noted that the arrangement position of the ion generating assembly 400 includes the inside of the cabinet 100, the inside of the door 200, the internal space of the degerming function chamber 300 or the air duct assembly 500, that is, the ion generating assembly 400 can be arranged at a position for sterilizing the degerming function chamber 300.

[0062] In this embodiment, the ion generating assembly 400 does not continuously generate negative ions, but generates negative ions for a period of time every time interval when the refrigerator is not performing the defrosting program.

[0063] The refrigerator further comprises:

[0064] The ion generating assembly 400 is configured to generate negative ions when the refrigerator is not performing the defrosting program, and in this embodiment, the ion generating assembly 400 generates negative ions for sterilization, and the working time of the ion generating assembly 400 needs to be separated from the time of performing the defrosting program of the refrigerator.

[0065] The refrigerator further comprises:

[0066] The air duct assembly 500 forms a ventilation circuit with the degerming function chamber 300, and the air duct assembly 500 is configured to determine whether to open or close the ventilation circuit between the degerming function chamber 300 according to the degerming condition of the degerming function chamber 300 by the ion generating assembly 400; when the ventilation circuit is closed, the negative ions generated by the ion generating assembly 400 are deposited on the inner surface of the degerming function chamber 300.

[0067] The preparation material of the refrigerator comprises an antibacterial component, which includes but is not limited to a copper ion antibacterial agent, a silver ion antibacterial agent and a zinc ion antibacterial agent.

[0068] Specifically, in the embodiment, the ion deposition and the refrigeration of the refrigerator are realized by opening or closing the ventilation loop of the air duct assembly 500, and the effective sterilization of the interior of the sterilization function chamber 300 and the surface of the objects stored in the sterilization function chamber 300 is realized by the ion deposition.

[0069] It should be noted that, in order to avoid the problem of poor ion deposition effect of parts such as the inner liner of the refrigerator, the embodiment adds an antibacterial component to the material of such components, and further improves the sterilization effect through the antibacterial component.

[0070] Further, in some embodiments, the refrigerator further comprises:

[0071] The refrigeration assembly 600 is configured to provide low-temperature air for the sterilization function chamber 300;

[0072] The temperature sensor 700 is arranged in the sterilization function chamber 300; the temperature sensor 700 is configured to obtain the real-time temperature of the sterilization function chamber 300;

[0073] The air duct assembly 500 is further configured to:

[0074] According to the real-time temperature, it is judged whether to open or close the ventilation loop with the sterilization function chamber 300.

[0075] Specifically, in the embodiment, the refrigeration assembly 600 is a conventional component in the refrigerator, and the refrigeration assembly 600 provides low-temperature air for the interior of the refrigerator to achieve the effect of refrigeration; the temperature sensor 700 is used to obtain the real-time temperature of the interior of the sterilization function chamber 300.

[0076] The opening and closing of the air duct assembly 500 are determined by the real-time temperature of the interior of the sterilization function chamber 300, which can be understood as the cooperation of the ion generation assembly 400 and the air duct assembly 500 switch to realize the ion deposition.

[0077] Further, in some embodiments, the refrigeration assembly 600 is further configured to:

[0078] Record the duration of providing low-temperature air for the sterilization function chamber 300;

[0079] The air duct assembly 500 is further configured to:

[0080] According to the duration, it is judged whether to open or close the ventilation loop with the sterilization function chamber 300.

[0081] Specifically, in the present embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned control of the deposition of negative ions by the real-time temperature inside the sterilization function chamber 300, the present embodiment further proposes to control the deposition of negative ions by the duration of providing low-temperature air to the sterilization function chamber 300.

[0082] It should be noted that, in order to avoid the problem of control confusion, the control of the deposition of negative ions by the real-time temperature inside the sterilization function chamber 300 and the control of the deposition of negative ions by the duration of providing low-temperature air cannot be operated at the same time, i.e., only one of the real-time temperature or the duration can be used to control the deposition of negative ions at the same time.

[0083] Further, in some embodiments, the refrigerator further comprises:

[0084] a controller 800, the controller 800 being arranged at the top end of the cabinet 100; the controller 800 being configured to:

[0085] obtain the real-time temperature and the duration when the refrigerator is not performing a defrosting program;

[0086] generate an air duct control instruction according to the duration or the real-time temperature; the air duct control instruction being used to open or close the ventilation circuit between the air duct assembly 500 and the sterilization function chamber 300.

[0087] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the opening and closing of the air duct assembly 500 are controlled by the controller 800, and the opening and closing of the air duct assembly 500 are controlled by the relevant air duct control instruction generated by the controller 800.

[0088] Since the controller 800 needs to generate an air duct control instruction by the duration or the real-time temperature, the controller 800 needs to be communicatively or electrically connected to the temperature sensor 700 and the air duct assembly 500, respectively.

[0089] Further, in some embodiments, the air duct assembly 500 comprises:

[0090] a function chamber air duct 510, the function chamber air duct 510 being arranged at the side of the sterilization function chamber 300 away from the door body 200;

[0091] an air inlet 520, the air inlet 520 being arranged at the top of the side of the sterilization function chamber 300 away from the door body 200, the air inlet 520 being in communication with the function chamber air duct 510 and the sterilization function chamber 300, respectively;

[0092] A return air inlet 530 is arranged at the bottom of the degerming function room 300 away from the door 200, and is connected to the function room air duct 510 and the degerming function room 300 respectively.

[0093] An electric air door 540 is arranged on the return air inlet 530, and is configured to be opened or closed according to the air duct control instruction.

[0094] The function room air duct 510, the air inlet 520, the return air inlet 530 and the degerming function room 300 form a ventilation loop.

[0095] Specifically, in the embodiment, the main structural components of the air duct assembly 500 include the function room air duct 510, the air inlet 520 and the return air inlet 530, wherein the function room air duct 510, the air inlet 520 and the return air inlet 530 are all conventional air duct components, and the electric air door 540 in the air duct assembly 500 is the core control component of the air duct assembly 500 in the embodiment; the opening and closing of the electric air door 540 are controlled by the controller 800 issuing relevant air duct control instructions, so as to realize the deposition of negative ions inside the degerming function room 300, and the air circulation and refrigeration inside the degerming function room 300.

[0096] Specifically, the process of the controller 800 controlling the electric air door 540 includes the following two embodiments:

[0097] The first embodiment:

[0098] When the refrigerator is not performing the defrosting program, it is determined whether the duration is greater than a first threshold value;

[0099] When the duration is less than the first threshold value, a first air duct control instruction is generated, and the first air duct control instruction is used to close the electric air door 540;

[0100] When the duration is not greater than the first threshold value, a second air duct control instruction is generated, and the second air duct control instruction is used to open the electric air door 540.

[0101] The second embodiment:

[0102] When the refrigerator is not performing the defrosting program, it is determined whether the real-time temperature is lower than a second threshold value;

[0103] When the real-time temperature is lower than the second threshold value, a third air duct control instruction is generated, and the third air duct control instruction is used to open the electric air door 540;

[0104] When the real-time temperature is not lower than a second threshold, a fourth air duct control instruction is generated, the third air duct control instruction being used to close the electric damper 540.

[0105] Further, in some embodiments, the air duct assembly 500 further comprises:

[0106] A variable frequency fan 550 is arranged in the functional chamber air duct 510; the variable frequency fan 550 is configured to deliver low-temperature air to the sterilization functional chamber 300 through the air inlet 520 when the electric damper 540 is opened.

[0107] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the variable frequency fan 550 plays a role of delivering air to the sterilization functional chamber 300, through which the refrigeration of the sterilization functional chamber 300 can be accelerated, and the bacteria removal efficiency after the sterilization of the sterilization functional chamber 300 is improved.

[0108] The present embodiment has the following advantages:

[0109] By utilizing the effect of negative ion bacteria sedimentation, through the antibacterial treatment of the material surface, combined with the design of the ion generator control rule, the sterilization function of the refrigerator is realized, and the current industry pain points are solved.

Claims

1. An ion sterilization refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes: The housing (100) has reserved space inside; A door (200) is pivotally connected to one side of the housing (100); A sterilization function room (300) is provided in the reserved space of the box body (100); An ion generating component (400) is configured to generate negative ions when the refrigerator is not in a defrosting process; A duct assembly (500) is provided, which forms a ventilation loop with the sterilization functional chamber (300). The duct assembly (500) is configured to determine whether to open or close the ventilation loop with the sterilization functional chamber (300) based on the sterilization status of the sterilization functional chamber (300) by the ion generating assembly (400). When the ventilation loop is closed, the negative ions generated by the ion generating assembly (400) settle on the inner surface of the sterilization functional chamber (300). The refrigerator is made of materials containing antibacterial components, including copper ion antibacterial agents, silver ion antibacterial agents, and zinc ion antibacterial agents. The ion generating component (400) can be installed in the box (100), the inside of the door (200), the internal space of the sterilization function chamber (300), or in the air duct component (500). The ion generating component (400) is further configured to: When the refrigerator is not in the defrosting process, it generates negative ions intermittently. The air duct assembly (500) includes: Functional room air duct (510), wherein the functional room air duct (510) is disposed on the side of the sterilization functional room (300) away from the door (200); An air inlet (520) is provided on the top of the sterilization functional room (300) on the side away from the door (200). The air inlet (520) is connected to the air duct (510) of the functional room and the sterilization functional room (300). Return air vent (530), the return air vent (530) is located at the bottom of the sterilization functional room (300) on the side away from the door (200), the return air vent (530) is connected to the functional room air duct (510) and the sterilization functional room (300) respectively; The functional room air duct (510), the air inlet (520), the return air inlet (530), and the sterilization functional room (300) constitute a ventilation circuit; The air duct assembly (500) also includes: An electric damper (540) is disposed on the return air inlet (530); the electric damper (540) is configured to open and close according to the air duct control command.

2. The ion sterilization refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: A refrigeration unit (600) configured to provide low-temperature air to the sterilization functional compartment (300); A temperature sensor (700) is disposed in the sterilization functional chamber (300); the temperature sensor (700) is configured to acquire the real-time temperature of the sterilization functional chamber (300); The air duct assembly (500) is also configured to: The ventilation circuit between the sterilization function room (300) and the real-time temperature is determined to be turned on or off.

3. The ion sterilization refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cooling component (600) is also configured to: Record the duration for which low-temperature air is provided to the sterilization functional room (300); The air duct assembly (500) is also configured to: The ventilation circuit between the sterilization function room (300) and the ventilation circuit is opened or closed based on the duration.

4. The ion sterilization refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: A controller (800) is disposed at the top of the housing (100); the controller (800) is configured to: When the refrigerator is not in the defrost process, the real-time temperature and the duration are obtained; A duct control command is generated based on the duration or the real-time temperature; the duct control command is used to open or close the ventilation loop between the duct assembly (500) and the sterilization functional compartment (300).

5. The ion sterilization refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The controller (800) is also configured to: When the refrigerator is not in the defrosting process, determine whether the duration is greater than the first threshold. When the duration is less than the first threshold, a first air duct control command is generated, which is used to close the electric damper (540). When the duration is not greater than the first threshold, a second air duct control command is generated, which is used to open the electric damper (540).

6. The ion sterilization refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller (800) is also configured to: When the refrigerator is not in the defrosting process, determine whether the real-time temperature is lower than the second threshold. When the real-time temperature is lower than the second threshold, a third air duct control command is generated, which is used to open the electric damper (540). When the real-time temperature is not lower than the second threshold, a fourth air duct control command is generated, and the third air duct control command is used to close the electric damper (540).

7. The ion sterilization refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct assembly (500) also includes: A variable frequency fan (550) is disposed in the air duct (510) of the functional room; the variable frequency fan (550) is configured to deliver low-temperature air to the sterilization functional room (300) through the air inlet (520) when the electric damper (540) is opened.

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