Refrigerator purification control method and system with long-term purification function

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerator purification control method and system with long-term purification function. The method comprises: obtaining the deodorization efficiency in a preset test period, comparing the actual deodorization efficiency with the preset activity threshold, and determining the activity state of the module; if the efficiency is not lower than the threshold, normal operation is maintained; if the efficiency is lower than the threshold, the ion generating unit is started to generate ozone and hydroxyl radicals to regenerate the cold catalyst module until the deodorization efficiency recovers to above the threshold and then stops; then the purification mode is restored, and the above closed-loop control is cyclically executed; and an invalidation determination mechanism is additionally provided, and when the efficiency still does not meet the standard after continuous regeneration for multiple times, a replacement reminder is output. The application effectively delays the performance degradation of the cold catalyst, reduces the accumulation of odor molecules and the risk of secondary pollution, prolongs the service life of the module, reduces the replacement frequency of the user, and improves the long-term purification stability of the refrigerator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator purification control technology, and more specifically to a refrigerator purification control method and system with long-lasting purification function. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of refrigerator air purification, cold catalyst technology is widely used in various refrigerator products because it can catalytically decompose harmful gases and odor molecules at normal temperature and pressure. A typical cold catalyst module uses porous materials such as activated carbon as a substrate, providing loading sites for active components and also assisting in the removal of pollutants. While this technology initially improved indoor air quality, as households increasingly demand long-term stability in refrigerator preservation and odor control, maintaining the purification module's performance throughout its entire lifecycle has become a common industry challenge.

[0003] Current refrigerator cold catalyst purification systems employ a "modular installation—passive operation—periodic replacement" maintenance approach. When the module is working, various molecules adsorb at the blank sites on the substrate. Due to the low-temperature, high-humidity, and enclosed environment of the refrigerator, these adsorbed substances are difficult to desorb naturally and accumulate. Most products lack sophisticated online performance monitoring and regeneration mechanisms, relying solely on timed UV / ozone assisted treatment or manual cleaning / replacement by the user.

[0004] The current extensive management approach has two problems: First, the occupation of blank sites reduces the effective specific surface area of ​​the substrate, and the purification performance decreases with the use time; second, the adsorbed odor molecules may be released again, making the purification module a secondary source of pollution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application addresses the problems of existing extensive management methods, such as the reduction of effective specific surface area of ​​the substrate due to occupied blank sites and the potential re-release of adsorbed odor molecules, leading to secondary pollution. It provides a refrigerator purification control method with long-lasting purification function, comprising the following steps: Obtain the odor removal efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module within a preset test period; The deodorization efficiency is compared with a preset activity threshold to determine the activity status of the cold catalyst purification module. When the odor removal efficiency is greater than or equal to the activity threshold, the cold catalyst purification module maintains its normal purification operation. When the odor removal efficiency is less than the activity threshold, ozone and hydroxyl radicals are used to perform an activity regeneration treatment on the cold catalyst purification module until the odor removal efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module is restored to a level greater than or equal to the activity threshold, at which point the activity regeneration treatment is stopped. The cold catalyst purification module is restored to its normal purification operation state, and the aforementioned operations are repeated to achieve closed-loop long-term control of the purification process.

[0006] In one feasible implementation, the odor removal efficiency is the removal rate of odor molecules by the cold catalyst purification module within the preset test cycle; The formula for calculating the odor removal efficiency is as follows: V1 = (C0 - C1) / C0 × 100%; Wherein, V1 is the odor removal efficiency, C0 is the initial odor concentration at the start of the preset test cycle, and C1 is the residual odor concentration at the end of the preset test cycle.

[0007] In one feasible implementation, the activity threshold is 50% to 90% of the initial deodorization efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module, and the ozone concentration is controlled at 0.05 mg / m³ during the activity regeneration process. 3 ~0.3mg / m 3 Within the range.

[0008] In one feasible implementation, after performing the active regeneration process a preset number of times, the following steps are included: If the odor removal efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module fails to recover to a level greater than or equal to the activity threshold within several consecutive preset test cycles, the cold catalyst purification module is deemed to have failed, and a corresponding failure reminder message is output.

[0009] In one feasible implementation, the preset test cycle matches the operating cycle of the application scenario of the cold catalyst purification module, and is set as a single operating cycle or a continuous multi-segment operating cycle. The start time of the preset test cycle corresponds to the time before the start of a single running cycle, and the end time of the preset test cycle corresponds to the time after the end of a single running cycle.

[0010] This application also provides a refrigerator purification control system with long-lasting purification function. The system is used to implement the refrigerator purification control method with long-lasting purification function described in any one of the above-mentioned methods. The system includes: a control panel, a cold catalyst purification module, an ion generation unit, a gas sensing unit, and a human-machine interaction unit. The cold catalyst purification module is fixedly encapsulated in the circulating air duct of the refrigerator compartment, and is used to adsorb and catalytically decompose odor molecules in the air inside the refrigerator that flows through the duct. The ion generating unit is installed in the circulating air duct by a fixed bracket and is located upstream of the air inlet side of the cold catalyst purification module. The power supply control terminal of the ion generating unit is electrically connected to the first drive output port of the control panel to receive the control command of the control panel, generate ozone and hydroxyl radicals and directly act on the cold catalyst purification module with the airflow in the circulating air duct. The gas sensing unit is fixed in the circulating air duct by a sealing bracket and is located downstream of the air outlet side of the cold catalyst purification module. The signal output port of the gas sensing unit is electrically connected to the analog sampling input port of the control panel to collect the air odor concentration data after flowing through the cold catalyst purification module in real time, and transmit the collected odor concentration data to the control panel in real time in the form of an electrical signal. The communication port of the human-computer interaction unit is bidirectionally electrically connected to the interaction communication port of the control panel, and is used to receive and visualize the device status information output by the control panel, and at the same time transmit the configuration commands input by the user to the control panel. The control panel has a built-in control logic unit, which is used to receive and process the odor concentration data transmitted by the gas sensing unit, generate corresponding control commands based on preset configuration, and realize the start and stop control of the ion generation unit and the closed-loop management of the active regeneration of the cold catalyst purification module.

[0011] In one feasible implementation, the control panel has a built-in odor removal efficiency calculation unit; The signal input terminal of the odor removal efficiency calculation unit is electrically connected to the output terminal of the analog sampling input port. It is used to receive odor concentration data collected by the gas sensing unit, calculate the odor removal efficiency value of the cold catalyst purification module within the corresponding period based on the preset test period parameters, and transmit the odor removal efficiency value to the control logic unit.

[0012] In one feasible implementation, the control panel has a built-in parameter configuration storage unit; The parameter configuration storage unit is bidirectionally electrically connected to the control logic unit and is used to store preset activity threshold parameters and ozone concentration limit parameters. The ion generating unit has a built-in concentration adjustment module. The signal input terminal of the concentration adjustment module is electrically connected to the second drive output port of the control panel, and is used to receive the concentration adjustment command output by the control panel to stably control the ozone concentration generated by the ion generating unit within a preset safety limit range.

[0013] In one feasible implementation, the control panel has a built-in module failure judgment unit; The signal input terminal of the module failure judgment unit is electrically connected to the output terminal of the control logic unit. It is used to receive the continuous cycle deodorization efficiency data of the cold catalyst purification module, compare it with the preset failure judgment rules to generate a failure status signal, and transmit the failure status signal to the human-machine interaction unit to trigger the human-machine interaction unit to generate corresponding user reminder information.

[0014] In one feasible implementation, a cooling fan is also provided in the circulating air duct, and the control terminal of the cooling fan is electrically connected to the third drive output port of the control panel. The control panel has a built-in periodic synchronization unit, which is electrically connected to the control terminal of the refrigerator refrigeration system and the sampling control terminal of the gas sensing unit. It is used to synchronize the timing of the refrigeration operation cycle and the test cycle, and to match the operating status of the refrigeration fan with the sampling action of the gas sensing unit and the start / stop action of the ion generating unit.

[0015] As described above, this application provides a refrigerator purification control method and system with long-lasting purification function. By setting a test cycle synchronized with the refrigerator's operating cycle, the odor removal efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module is transformed from a qualitative perception to a quantitative indicator, solving the problems of performance degradation caused by the occupation of blank sites in the substrate and secondary pollution caused by the re-release of odor molecules. Based on the comparison between measured efficiency and activity threshold, the system only activates the ion generation unit to generate ozone and hydroxyl radicals for active regeneration when the efficiency is insufficient. This avoids the blindness of fixed-time regeneration and achieves intervention through closed-loop control, ensuring the effectiveness of regeneration while controlling energy consumption and ozone risks. This method can extend the service life of the cold catalyst module, postpone the failure and scrapping point, reduce the frequency of user replacement and long-term costs, and maintain a stable and fresh storage environment for the refrigerator during long-term operation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the implementation of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the refrigerator purification control method with long-lasting purification function as shown in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator purification control system with long-lasting purification function as shown in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the embodiments of the invention will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a full understanding of how embodiments of the invention are carried out.

[0019] In the field of refrigerator air purification, cold catalyst technology is widely used in refrigerator products because it can catalytically decompose harmful gases and odor molecules at normal temperature and pressure. Typical cold catalyst modules use porous materials such as activated carbon as the substrate, providing both loading sites and assisting in the removal of pollutants. Current refrigerator cold catalyst purification systems employ a "module installation—passive operation—periodic replacement" maintenance approach. When the module is working, various molecules are adsorbed at the blank sites on the substrate. Due to the low temperature, high humidity, and enclosed environment of the refrigerator, the adsorbed substances are difficult to desorb naturally and accumulate. Therefore, two problems exist: first, the occupied blank sites reduce the effective specific surface area of ​​the substrate, causing the purification performance to decline over time; second, adsorbed odor molecules may be released again, making the purification module a secondary source of pollution.

[0020] To address the aforementioned problems, the first aspect of this application provides a refrigerator purification control method with a long-lasting purification function, referring to... Figure 1 As shown, the steps include: S100: Obtain the odor removal efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module within a preset test period.

[0021] Specifically, after the refrigerator system starts up and operates stably, the built-in cold catalyst purification module enters the normal air purification mode. During this process, the system sets one or more fixed time periods or operating cycles as preset test cycles. Within each preset test cycle, a dedicated gas sensor continuously monitors the odor concentration inside the refrigerator, especially after the air flows through the cold catalyst purification module. The controller records the data related to the odor concentration within that cycle and processes this data according to an algorithm to finally calculate a quantitative value to characterize the ability of the cold catalyst purification module to remove odor molecules within this test cycle; this value is the "odor removal efficiency".

[0022] This step transforms the working efficiency of the cold catalyst module from a qualitative perception to a quantitative indicator through periodic data collection and calculation. This provides an objective and comparable data basis for subsequent judgment of the module's activity status, enabling the entire control process to move away from subjective or fixed time judgments and achieve precise management based on actual performance.

[0023] S200: Compare the odor removal efficiency with the preset activity threshold to determine the activity status of the cold catalyst purification module.

[0024] The refrigerator control system's memory stores a baseline value for the activity threshold. After completing the deodorization efficiency calculation for a preset test cycle, the controller automatically compares the calculated measured deodorization efficiency with the preset activity threshold. Through this simple numerical comparison, the continuous efficiency value is transformed into a discrete state judgment. If the measured efficiency is higher than or equal to the threshold, it indicates that the module's performance is still within an acceptable range; if it is lower than the threshold, it indicates that the module's performance has experienced a detectable decline.

[0025] S300: When the odor removal efficiency is greater than or equal to the activity threshold, the cold catalyst purification module maintains normal purification operation; when the odor removal efficiency is less than the activity threshold, ozone and hydroxyl radicals are used to perform activity regeneration treatment on the cold catalyst purification module until the odor removal efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module recovers to greater than or equal to the activity threshold, at which point the activity regeneration treatment stops.

[0026] Based on the judgment result of step S200, the system executes branch control. If the judgment is that the activity is normal (odor removal efficiency ≥ activity threshold), the controller does not issue any intervention command, and both the cold catalyst purification module and the ion generator maintain their original state, that is, the module continues to purify, and the ion generator is turned off.

[0027] If the system detects activity degradation (odor removal efficiency < activity threshold), the controller immediately activates the ion generator. This generator produces a mixed gas containing ozone and hydroxyl radicals, which are then directed to the surface of the cold catalyst purification module. During regeneration, the system does not continuously run the ion generator for a fixed duration but instead continues to monitor the odor removal efficiency at shorter intervals. Once the odor removal efficiency value is detected to have rebounded and reached or exceeded the activity threshold, the controller immediately shuts down the ion generator, stopping the regeneration process.

[0028] This step involves two operations based on the judgment result: maintaining the original state or performing regeneration. Maintaining the original state ensures the module operates efficiently and with low energy consumption within its validity period; regeneration utilizes the strong oxidizing properties of ozone and hydroxyl radicals to decompose or desorb odor molecules accumulated on the blank sites of the cold catalyst substrate, thereby releasing the occupied active sites and restoring the contact efficiency between the catalyst and pollutants.

[0029] S400: Restore the cold catalyst purification module to normal purification operation.

[0030] Specifically, once the active regeneration process stops due to the odor removal efficiency meeting the standard, the controller switches the system back to the regular purification mode. The ion generator is then shut down, and the cold catalyst purification module, freed from the burden of adsorbing excessive odor molecules, continues to independently perform the task of adsorbing and decomposing odor molecules in the refrigerator, thanks to its restored catalytic activity.

[0031] S500: The aforementioned operations are repeated cyclically to achieve closed-loop long-term control of the purification process.

[0032] The cyclical execution of this step means that the monitoring of module performance is continuous, and performance degradation can be detected and corrected at an early stage.

[0033] Existing cold catalyst purification modules have unloaded sites on their large surface area substrates. Over long-term use, these sites adsorb and accumulate odor molecules, leading to a reduction in the module's effective surface area and purification efficiency. Under certain conditions, desorption may also cause secondary pollution. Current solutions typically require replacement only after the module has completely failed, which is costly and inconvenient.

[0034] The control method provided in this application periodically acquires the odor removal efficiency, converting the occupancy status of blank sites within the module, which is difficult to observe directly, into a measurable performance indicator. When the odor removal efficiency falls below the pre-approved activity threshold, it indirectly reflects that the adsorption of blank sites has seriously affected the overall performance. At this point, treatment is performed using ozone and hydroxyl radicals. These active substances can effectively oxidize and decompose organic odor molecules adsorbed on the blank sites, or desorb them, thereby clearing these sites and re-exposing the masked cold catalyst to restore catalytic contact efficiency. The treatment standard in the method is based on efficiency recovery, ensuring that each intervention is precise and effective. Finally, through cyclical execution, the module can be maintained in a timely manner when efficiency decreases throughout its entire lifespan, thereby suppressing the continuous degradation of performance and the risk of secondary pollution.

[0035] The method provided in this embodiment enables the system to automatically detect module performance degradation and automatically trigger a regeneration mechanism to restore its activity, reducing user intervention and the need for specialized knowledge. Through periodic regeneration, the performance degradation process caused by the accumulation of odor molecules is reversed, delaying the module's eventual failure and reducing the frequency of replacements and long-term operating costs for users. Simultaneously, it avoids odor fluctuations or accumulation inside the refrigerator caused by the performance degradation of the purification module, providing a continuous and stable fresh storage environment and eliminating the risk of secondary pollution caused by the re-release of odor molecules.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, the odor removal efficiency is the removal rate of odor molecules by the cold catalyst purification module within a preset test period. The formula for calculating the odor removal efficiency is: V1 = (C0 - C1) / C0 × 100%.

[0037] Where V1 is the odor removal efficiency, C0 is the initial odor concentration at the start of the preset test cycle, and C1 is the residual odor concentration at the end of the preset test cycle.

[0038] Specifically, at the beginning of each preset test cycle, a gas sensor collects and records the air odor concentration downstream of the cold catalyst purification module in the refrigerator's circulating air duct. This value is defined as the initial odor concentration C0 for that cycle. Subsequently, at the end of the preset test cycle, the same gas sensor collects and records the corresponding odor concentration again. This value is defined as the residual odor concentration C1 for that cycle. The controller then calls the built-in calculation formula: V1=(C0-C1) / C0×100%, where V1 is the calculated odor removal efficiency. This formula directly reflects the percentage reduction in odor concentration relative to the initial concentration within the cycle, directly characterizing the module's immediate purification efficiency.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, the activity threshold is set to 50% to 90% of the initial deodorization efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module. For example, 70% of the initial efficiency can be selected as the threshold. Secondly, during the active regeneration process, the ozone concentration is controlled at 0.05 mg / m³. 3 ~0.3mg / m 3 Within the specified range. The treatment continues, and the deodorization efficiency is monitored simultaneously. Once the efficiency recovers to or exceeds the activity threshold, the treatment is immediately stopped.

[0040] Limiting the activity threshold range makes the criteria for judging performance degradation more scientific and reasonable. Setting the threshold at 50%-90% of the initial efficiency can effectively capture the decline in module performance and avoid triggering regeneration too early or too late. Controlling the ozone concentration range ensures that there is a sufficient concentration of oxidizing substances to effectively decompose or desorb odor molecules and achieve the regeneration effect. In addition, limiting the concentration to a safe range prevents excessive ozone concentration from adversely affecting the items stored in the refrigerator or causing potential oxidative damage to materials such as the refrigerator liner, thus achieving a balance between effectiveness and safety.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the following steps are also included: S600: If the odor removal efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module fails to recover to a level greater than or equal to the activity threshold after a preset number of continuous active regeneration processes, the cold catalyst purification module is deemed to have failed, and a corresponding failure reminder message is output.

[0042] Understandably, during long-term cyclic operation, the system will count the number of times the active regeneration process is initiated, setting a consecutive cycle number n as the "preset number". If, after starting the ion generator for active regeneration, the deodorization efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module remains below the activity threshold for every calculated efficiency value in the following n consecutive preset test cycles, the controller will make a final determination: the cold catalyst purification module has failed and its performance cannot be restored through the system's active regeneration mechanism. After determining failure, the controller will generate a failure status signal and output clear reminder information to the user through the refrigerator's display panel, indicator lights, or sound prompts, such as "The purification module needs to be replaced".

[0043] This step provides a failure protection mechanism for the entire long-term control system. When the cold catalyst module fails due to permanent deactivation of its components or severe blockage of the substrate, the regeneration process will no longer be effective. This step accurately identifies such failures by monitoring the efficiency recovery after multiple consecutive regeneration cycles. Timely identification and notification to the user to replace the module can prevent the system from performing unnecessary and energy-consuming regeneration cycles when the module has failed, and also ensure that the refrigerator's purification function is not permanently disabled without the user's knowledge.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the preset test cycle matches the operating cycle of the cold catalyst purification module application scenario, and is set as a single operating cycle or a continuous multi-segment operating cycle.

[0045] The start time of the preset test cycle corresponds to the time before the start of a single running cycle, and the end time of the preset test cycle corresponds to the time after the end of a single running cycle.

[0046] Specifically, the preset test cycle is not a fixed clock cycle, but rather matches the inherent operating cycle of the refrigerator scenario in which the cold catalyst purification module is applied. Specifically, it is set to synchronize with the operating cycle of the refrigerator's refrigeration system. It can be a "single-segment operating cycle," such as a complete compressor start-run-stop refrigeration cycle; or it can be "continuous multi-segment operating cycles," such as two or three consecutive complete refrigeration cycles.

[0047] The preset test cycle starts at the moment before the start of a single operating cycle (i.e., the compressor starts and the fan begins running, but the cold catalyst module has not yet started deep air purification), at which point the initial odor concentration C0 is collected. The preset test cycle ends at the moment after the end of a single operating cycle (i.e., after the compressor stops running, the fan may stop with a delay, and the air circulation has basically processed all the odors generated in this cooling cycle), at which point the residual odor concentration C1 is collected.

[0048] This embodiment ensures the accuracy and timeliness of performance diagnosis by synchronizing the evaluation cycle with actual operating conditions, thereby more effectively triggering and maintaining solutions for performance degradation. Efficiency decline occurs during actual refrigerator use. If the testing cycle is out of sync with the refrigerator's actual operating rhythm, the efficiency may appear "normal" when the refrigerator is stationary, but actually be "insufficient" during the next cooling peak, leading to a delay in judgment. This embodiment sets the testing cycle to the "cooling cycle," ensuring that each evaluation occurs after a complete "odor generation-odor removal" cycle. The evaluation results best reflect the module's true performance in handling the current load. This ensures that when the accumulation of adsorption on blank sites causes a decrease in the module's ability to handle the actual load, the system can immediately and accurately detect this degradation after the load is completed and promptly trigger active regeneration treatment. The evaluation results better reflect the module's performance under actual operating conditions, avoiding misjudgments.

[0049] Another aspect of this application provides a refrigerator purification control system with a long-lasting purification function. The system is used in any of the refrigerator purification control methods with a long-lasting purification function described in the above embodiments, referring to... Figure 2 As shown, it includes: a control panel, a cold catalyst purification module, an ion generation unit, a gas sensing unit, and a human-machine interaction unit.

[0050] The cold catalyst purification module is fixedly encapsulated within the circulating air duct of the refrigerator compartment. It is typically a porous substrate with a large specific surface area, composed of materials such as honeycomb ceramics and activated carbon, on which platinum or other metal catalysts are loaded. Its function is to utilize its large surface area and catalytic activity to physically adsorb and chemically decompose the air flowing through the circulating air duct, thereby removing odor molecules.

[0051] The ion generating unit is mounted within the circulating air duct via a fixed bracket, located upstream of the cold catalyst purification module on the air inlet side. Its power supply control terminal is electrically connected to a dedicated first drive output port on the control panel via a wire. Upon receiving a start command from the control panel, the ion generating unit produces ozone and hydroxyl radicals through plasma discharge and other methods. Because it is located upstream of the cold catalyst module, these highly reactive oxidizing substances are directly blown onto the surface of the cold catalyst purification module by the airflow within the circulating air duct.

[0052] The gas sensing unit is fixed inside the circulating air duct by a sealed bracket and installed downstream of the cold catalyst purification module's outlet air position. Its signal output port is electrically connected to the analog sampling input port of the control panel. The gas sensing unit is used to collect the odor concentration in the air sample after it has been processed by the cold catalyst purification module in real time and accurately, and convert this chemical concentration signal into a standard electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the control panel in real time.

[0053] The communication port of the human-machine interface unit is bidirectionally electrically connected to the communication port of the control panel. It typically includes the refrigerator's display screen, status indicator lights, or operation buttons. On one hand, it receives device status information output from the control panel and displays it visually to the user in text, graphics, or light displays. On the other hand, it also receives configuration commands input by the user and transmits them to the control panel.

[0054] The control panel has a built-in control logic unit that continuously receives odor concentration data streams from the gas sensing unit via input ports and processes this data according to a preset control algorithm. Based on the processing results and preset configuration, the control logic unit generates corresponding control commands, such as sending "on" or "off" commands to the drive port of the ion generator unit. This enables precise control of the ion generator unit's start and stop, and, based on this, completes the closed-loop management of the active regeneration of the cold catalyst purification module.

[0055] In some embodiments of this application, the control panel has a built-in odor removal efficiency calculation unit.

[0056] The signal input terminal of the odor removal efficiency calculation unit is electrically connected to the output terminal of the analog sampling input port that receives signals from the gas sensing unit. Therefore, the analog electrical signal representing the odor concentration, which is collected in real time by the gas sensing unit, is converted into a digital signal by the analog-to-digital converter at the analog sampling port and then directly sent to the odor removal efficiency calculation unit.

[0057] The odor removal efficiency calculation unit extracts the digital signal value (representing concentration C0) at the start of each test cycle and the digital signal value (representing concentration C1) at the end of each test cycle from the continuous data stream, based on preset test cycle parameters. Then, it calls the embedded calculation formula V1=(C0-C1) / C0. The calculation is performed at 100% to obtain the odor removal efficiency value V1 of the cold catalyst purification module within the current test cycle. After the calculation is completed, the unit transmits this V1 value to the control logic unit in the control panel via the internal data bus for subsequent status judgment.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, the control panel has a built-in parameter configuration storage unit, which is bidirectionally electrically connected to the control logic unit and is used to store preset parameters required for system operation. The preset parameters include at least: preset activity threshold parameters for determining module activity, and ozone concentration limit parameters for ensuring the safety of the regeneration process. The control logic unit reads these parameters from the parameter configuration storage unit when needed.

[0059] Secondly, the ion generating unit integrates a concentration regulation module. When the control logic unit decides to start the ion generating unit for regeneration, it reads the ozone concentration limit parameter from the parameter configuration storage unit and sends a specific concentration regulation command to the concentration regulation module. Based on this command, the concentration regulation module dynamically adjusts the operating voltage, current, or discharge frequency of the ion generating device, thereby precisely and stably controlling the generated ozone concentration within the preset safety limit range.

[0060] In some embodiments of this application, a module failure judgment unit is integrated within the control panel. The signal input terminal of the module failure judgment unit is electrically connected to the output terminal of the control logic unit, and is used to monitor the long-term effect after the active regeneration treatment. Specifically, the module failure judgment unit receives deodorization efficiency data of the cold catalyst purification module from the control logic unit over multiple consecutive cycles. The module failure judgment unit has preset failure judgment rules, for example: if the deodorization efficiency of the cold catalyst module fails to recover to above the activity threshold within n consecutive preset test cycles while the ion generator is running continuously, it is judged as a failure.

[0061] When this rule is triggered, the module failure detection unit generates a failure status signal. This signal is transmitted to the human-machine interface unit (HMI). Upon receiving this signal, the HMI triggers a preset alarm or prompt program, such as displaying the text "Purification module has failed, please replace" on the refrigerator display screen, flashing a specific indicator light, or emitting a prompt sound, thereby generating corresponding user reminder information to inform the user that maintenance action is required.

[0062] A refrigerator purification control system with long-lasting purification function is characterized in that a refrigeration fan is also provided in the circulating air duct, and the control end of the refrigeration fan is electrically connected to the third drive output port of the control panel to receive start / stop or speed adjustment control from the control panel.

[0063] Furthermore, the control panel integrates a cycle synchronization unit, which is electrically connected to the control terminal of the refrigerator's refrigeration system, the sampling control terminal of the gas sensing unit, and the start / stop control terminal of the ion generation unit. The cycle synchronization unit is used to synchronize the entire refrigerator's refrigeration operation cycle with the testing cycle, sampling action, and regeneration action timing of the purification control system.

[0064] Specifically, the cycle synchronization unit monitors the operating status of the refrigerator's refrigeration system, defining a complete "refrigeration start-up-run-stop" cycle as a "preset test cycle" for the purification control system. At the start of the cycle, the gas sensing unit is triggered to perform a sampling (obtaining concentration C0), and the refrigeration fan may be activated to ensure air circulation. During the cycle, the intermittent or continuous sampling of the gas sensor is coordinated. At the end of the cycle, the gas sensing unit is triggered again to perform a sampling (obtaining concentration C1), and the odor removal efficiency calculation process is initiated accordingly. Simultaneously, the start-up and shutdown of the ion generation unit are ensured to be staggered or coordinated with the refrigeration cycle, for example, regeneration is performed during refrigeration breaks or standby periods to avoid affecting refrigeration efficiency or causing temperature fluctuations in the compartments. The operation of the refrigeration fan is matched with the requirements of gas sampling and ion generation, for example, ensuring the fan operates to generate airflow when sampling or regeneration is required.

[0065] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0066] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator purification control method with long-lasting purification function, characterized in that, Including the following steps: Obtain the odor removal efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module within a preset test period; The deodorization efficiency is compared with a preset activity threshold to determine the activity status of the cold catalyst purification module. When the odor removal efficiency is greater than or equal to the activity threshold, the cold catalyst purification module maintains its normal purification operation. When the odor removal efficiency is less than the activity threshold, ozone and hydroxyl radicals are used to perform an activity regeneration treatment on the cold catalyst purification module until the odor removal efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module is restored to a level greater than or equal to the activity threshold, at which point the activity regeneration treatment is stopped. The cold catalyst purification module is restored to its normal purification operation state, and the aforementioned operations are repeated to achieve closed-loop long-term control of the purification process.

2. The refrigerator purification control method with long-lasting purification function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The odor removal efficiency is the removal rate of odor molecules by the cold catalyst purification module within the preset test cycle; The formula for calculating the odor removal efficiency is as follows: V1 = (C0 - C1) / C0 × 100%; Wherein, V1 is the odor removal efficiency, C0 is the initial odor concentration at the start of the preset test cycle, and C1 is the residual odor concentration at the end of the preset test cycle.

3. The refrigerator purification control method with long-lasting purification function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The activity threshold is 50% to 90% of the initial deodorization efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module, and the ozone concentration is controlled at 0.05 mg / m³ during the active regeneration process. 3 ~0.3mg / m 3 Within the range.

4. The refrigerator purification control method with long-lasting purification function according to claim 1, characterized in that, After performing the active regeneration treatment a preset number of times consecutively, the following steps are included: If the odor removal efficiency of the cold catalyst purification module fails to recover to a level greater than or equal to the activity threshold within several consecutive preset test cycles, the cold catalyst purification module is deemed to have failed, and a corresponding failure reminder message is output.

5. The refrigerator purification control method with long-lasting purification function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset test cycle matches the operating cycle of the application scenario of the cold catalyst purification module, and is set as a single operating cycle or a continuous multi-segment operating cycle. The start time of the preset test cycle corresponds to the time before the start of a single running cycle, and the end time of the preset test cycle corresponds to the time after the end of a single running cycle.

6. A refrigerator purification control system with long-lasting purification function, the system being used to implement the refrigerator purification control method with long-lasting purification function as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The system includes: a control panel, a cold catalyst purification module, an ion generation unit, a gas sensing unit, and a human-machine interaction unit; The cold catalyst purification module is fixedly encapsulated in the circulating air duct of the refrigerator compartment, and is used to adsorb and catalytically decompose odor molecules in the air inside the refrigerator that flows through the duct. The ion generating unit is installed in the circulating air duct by a fixed bracket and is located upstream of the air inlet side of the cold catalyst purification module. The power supply control terminal of the ion generating unit is electrically connected to the first drive output port of the control panel to receive the control command of the control panel, generate ozone and hydroxyl radicals and directly act on the cold catalyst purification module with the airflow in the circulating air duct. The gas sensing unit is fixed in the circulating air duct by a sealing bracket and is located downstream of the air outlet side of the cold catalyst purification module. The signal output port of the gas sensing unit is electrically connected to the analog sampling input port of the control panel to collect the air odor concentration data after flowing through the cold catalyst purification module in real time, and transmit the collected odor concentration data to the control panel in real time in the form of an electrical signal. The communication port of the human-computer interaction unit is bidirectionally electrically connected to the interaction communication port of the control panel, and is used to receive and visualize the device status information output by the control panel, and at the same time transmit the configuration commands input by the user to the control panel. The control panel has a built-in control logic unit, which is used to receive and process the odor concentration data transmitted by the gas sensing unit, generate corresponding control commands based on preset configuration, and realize the start and stop control of the ion generation unit and the closed-loop management of the active regeneration of the cold catalyst purification module.

7. The refrigerator purification control system with long-lasting purification function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control panel has a built-in odor removal efficiency calculation unit; The signal input terminal of the odor removal efficiency calculation unit is electrically connected to the output terminal of the analog sampling input port. It is used to receive odor concentration data collected by the gas sensing unit, calculate the odor removal efficiency value of the cold catalyst purification module within the corresponding period based on the preset test period parameters, and transmit the odor removal efficiency value to the control logic unit.

8. The refrigerator purification control system with long-lasting purification function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control panel has a built-in parameter configuration storage unit; The parameter configuration storage unit is bidirectionally electrically connected to the control logic unit and is used to store preset activity threshold parameters and ozone concentration limit parameters. The ion generating unit has a built-in concentration adjustment module. The signal input terminal of the concentration adjustment module is electrically connected to the second drive output port of the control panel, and is used to receive the concentration adjustment command output by the control panel to stably control the ozone concentration generated by the ion generating unit within a preset safety limit range.

9. The refrigerator purification control system with long-lasting purification function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control panel has a built-in module failure detection unit; The signal input terminal of the module failure judgment unit is electrically connected to the output terminal of the control logic unit. It is used to receive the continuous cycle deodorization efficiency data of the cold catalyst purification module, compare it with the preset failure judgment rules to generate a failure status signal, and transmit the failure status signal to the human-machine interaction unit to trigger the human-machine interaction unit to generate corresponding user reminder information.

10. The refrigerator purification control system with long-lasting purification function according to claim 6, characterized in that, A cooling fan is also installed in the circulating air duct, and the control terminal of the cooling fan is electrically connected to the third drive output port of the control panel. The control panel has a built-in periodic synchronization unit, which is electrically connected to the control terminal of the refrigerator refrigeration system and the sampling control terminal of the gas sensing unit. It is used to synchronize the timing of the refrigeration operation cycle and the test cycle, and to match the operating status of the refrigeration fan with the sampling action of the gas sensing unit and the start / stop action of the ion generating unit.

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