阅读说明：本技术 使用臭氧从器具的密封容积中检测和去除气味和细菌的系统和方法 (System and method for detecting and removing odors and bacteria from an enclosed volume of an appliance using ozone ) 是由 尹智权 李在孝 于 2020-02-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种方法和系统,其包含用于在除味循环中操作器具的特征。在一方面,器具(200)具有限定可密封容积(212)的外壳(210),并包含臭氧发生器(232)、臭氧检测设备(234)和控制器(220)。在除味循环中,控制器(220)促使臭氧发生器(232)以预定的注入间隔将预定剂量的臭氧注入到器具(200)的可密封容积(212)中。控制器(220)基于从臭氧检测设备(234)接收的输入,在每次注入之后监测可密封容积(212)内的浓度水平。控制器(220)查明浓度水平何时达到最大浓度水平阈值,并且当这一情况发生时,控制器(220)可以停止注入并且可以激活一个或多个臭氧去除设备(238)。(A method and system are provided that include features for operating a fixture in an odor elimination cycle. In one aspect, an appliance (200) has a housing (210) defining a sealable volume (212) and contains an ozone generator (232), an ozone detection device (234), and a controller (220). In the odor elimination cycle, the controller (220) causes the ozone generator (232) to inject a predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable volume (212) of the appliance (200) at predetermined injection intervals. The controller (220) monitors the concentration level within the sealable volume (212) after each injection based on input received from the ozone detection device (234). The controller (220) ascertains when the concentration level reaches a maximum concentration level threshold, and when this occurs, the controller (220) may stop the injection and may activate one or more ozone removal devices (238).)

1. An appliance, comprising:

an enclosure defining a sealable volume;

an ozone generator operable to dispense ozone into the sealable volume;

an ozone detection device operable to detect an ozone concentration level within the sealable volume; and

a controller communicatively coupled with the ozone generator and the ozone detection device, the controller configured to:

i) causing the ozone generator to inject a predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable volume at a predetermined injection interval;

ii) receive an input from the ozone detecting device indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume;

iii) determining the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume based at least in part on the received input; and

iv) ascertaining whether the determined concentration level has reached a maximum concentration level threshold, and

wherein the controller iteratively i) causes, ii) receives, iii) determines, and iv) ascertains until the determined concentration level reaches the maximum concentration level threshold or a maximum generator turn-on time has elapsed.

2. The appliance of claim 1, wherein if the determined concentration level reaches the maximum concentration level threshold, the controller is further configured to:

receiving a second input from the ozone detecting device indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume;

determining the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume based at least in part on the received second input; and

ascertaining whether the determined concentration level has reached a minimum concentration level threshold.

3. The appliance of claim 2, wherein if the determined concentration level does not reach the minimum concentration level threshold within a predetermined removal time, the controller is further configured to:

detecting a fault condition; and

a fault condition flag associated with the detected fault condition is set.

4. The appliance of claim 1, wherein if the determined concentration level does not reach the maximum concentration level threshold before the maximum generator turn-on time elapses, the controller is further configured to:

detecting a fault condition; and

a fault condition flag associated with the detected fault condition is set.

5. The appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

an ozone destructor apparatus operable to reduce the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume, and

wherein, if the determined concentration level reaches the maximum concentration level threshold, the controller is further configured to:

activating the ozone destructor device to reduce the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume;

receiving a second input from the ozone detecting device indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume;

determining the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume based at least in part on the received second input; and

ascertaining whether the determined concentration level has reached a minimum concentration level threshold.

6. The appliance of claim 5, wherein if the determined concentration level does not reach the minimum concentration level threshold within a predetermined ozone destruction time, the controller is further configured to:

setting a fault condition flag; and

deactivating the ozone destructor apparatus.

7. The appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a ventilation conduit fluidly connecting the sealable volume with a second volume;

a damper positioned along the ventilation conduit and movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the damper prevents fluid flow through the ventilation conduit, and wherein in the open position the damper allows fluid flow through the ventilation conduit, and

wherein if the determined concentration level reaches the maximum concentration level threshold before the maximum generator turn-on time has elapsed, the controller is further configured to:

causing the damper to move to the open position;

receiving a second input from the ozone detecting device indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume;

determining the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume based at least in part on the received second input;

ascertaining whether the determined concentration level has reached a minimum concentration level threshold; and

causing the damper to move to the closed position if the determined concentration level has reached the minimum concentration level threshold.

8. The appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

an air handler operable to move air within the sealable volume;

wherein if the determined concentration level reaches the maximum concentration level threshold before the maximum generator turn-on time has elapsed, the controller is further configured to:

causing the air handler to move air within the sealable volume.

9. The appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a door operatively coupled with the enclosure for providing selective access to the sealable volume, the door being movable between a closed position in which the sealable volume is hermetically sealed and an open position in which the sealable volume is not hermetically sealed; and

a door lock for selectively locking the door, the door lock communicatively coupled with the controller, an

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

causing the door lock to lock the door in the closed position prior to causing the ozone generator to inject the predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable volume;

receiving a second input from the ozone detecting device indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume;

determining the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume based at least in part on the received second input;

ascertaining whether the determined concentration level has reached a minimum concentration level threshold; and

causing the door lock to unlock the door if the determined strength level has reached the minimum strength level threshold.

10. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance is one of a washing machine appliance, a drying machine appliance, a dishwashing machine appliance, a microwave oven appliance, an oven appliance, and an air conditioning appliance.

11. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance is a refrigeration appliance and the sealable volume is a cooling chamber of the refrigeration appliance.

12. A method for operating a fixture in an odor elimination cycle, the method comprising:

injecting a predetermined dose of ozone into a sealable volume of the appliance at predetermined injection intervals;

measuring an ozone concentration level within the sealable volume of the appliance after each injection of the predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable volume; and

ascertaining whether the concentration level has reached a maximum concentration level threshold, and wherein, if the concentration level has reached the maximum concentration level threshold, no further injection of the predetermined dose of ozone occurs.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein if the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume reaches the maximum concentration level threshold, the method further comprises:

measuring the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume; and

ascertaining whether the concentration level has reached a minimum concentration level threshold within a predetermined removal time.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein measuring the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume if the concentration level reaches the maximum concentration level threshold comprises:

receiving a second input from a detection device indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume; and

determining the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume based at least in part on the received second input.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein if the determined concentration level does not reach the minimum concentration level threshold within the predetermined removal time, the method further comprises:

detecting a fault condition; and

a fault condition flag associated with the detected fault condition is set.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the predetermined dose of the ozone is injected into the sealable volume of the appliance by an ozone generator at the predetermined injection interval, and wherein, if the concentration level does not reach the maximum concentration level threshold within a predetermined generator on time, the method further comprises:

detecting a fault condition; and

a fault condition flag associated with the detected fault condition is set.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the appliance comprises a destroyer apparatus operable to reduce the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume, and wherein, if the determined concentration level reaches the maximum concentration level threshold, the method further comprises:

activating the destroyer apparatus to reduce the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume;

receiving a second input from a detection device indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume;

determining the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume based at least in part on the received second input; and

ascertaining whether the determined concentration level has reached a minimum concentration level threshold.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the appliance comprises a vent conduit fluidly connecting the sealable volume with a second volume, the appliance further comprising a damper positioned along the vent conduit and movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the damper prevents fluid flow through the vent conduit, and wherein in the open position the damper allows fluid flow through the vent conduit

Wherein if the determined concentration level reaches the maximum concentration level threshold before the maximum generator turn-on time elapses, the method further comprises:

causing the damper to move to the open position;

receiving a second input from an ozone detection device indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume;

determining the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume based at least in part on the received second input;

ascertaining whether the determined concentration level has reached a minimum concentration level threshold; and

causing the damper to move to the closed position if the determined concentration level has reached the minimum concentration level threshold.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

activating an air handler to facilitate diffusion of ozone within the sealable volume.

Technical Field

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for detecting and removing odors and bacteria from a sealable volume of an appliance using ozone.

Background

Odors and bacteria within the sealed volume of the appliance can be unpleasant to the consumer. Many different types of appliances contain a sealed volume in which bacteria can grow and odors can emanate if left untreated. For example, a refrigeration appliance may contain one or more cooling compartments for storing food. Food storage for an extended period of time can result in mold and bacteria, including psychrophiles, that can survive in cold environments. In order to remove odors from the cooling chamber, consumers are often instructed to use baking soda. Although the baking soda technology can remove odors, this technology cannot remove any bacteria in the cooling chamber. Therefore, the odor is likely to be returned. Further, washing machines and dryers also contain sealable volumes. To remove odors/bacteria therefrom, consumers are typically instructed to run a complete wash cycle or a drying cycle. Running a complete cycle to remove the odor/bacteria can require a significant amount of time and energy. Dishwashers, air conditioners and microwave ovens/toasters may also contain sealable volumes. Dishwashers do not normally contain odour removal systems and in some cases unpleasant odours are absorbed by the gaskets and plastic parts thereof. For air conditioners, the evaporator can emit an unpleasant odor if it is not operated for a period of time and does not completely remove the moisture. With microwave ovens or ovens, the constant heating of various types of food can produce odors in various parts of the microwave/oven (fans, turntables, etc.).

Ozone can be an effective disinfectant and oxidizer for removing odors, bacteria and viruses within the sealable volume. An ozone generator may be used to inject ozone into the sealable volume. However, there is currently no satisfactory system or method to ensure that the amount of ozone within the sealable volume does not exceed unsafe levels. Consumers must avoid exposure to ozone because high concentrations of ozone can damage the consumer's respiratory system. Thus, when ozone is used to deodorize or remove bacteria from a sealable volume, the consumer is instructed to leave the area and only return after ozone is reduced to oxygen. This can be inconvenient for the user and current systems may be ineffective in actually removing the scent/bacteria from the sealed volume. Furthermore, in some cases, conventional systems inject too little ozone into the sealed volume. In this case, ozone injection is not effective for removing bacteria/odors from the sealed volume.

Accordingly, systems and methods that address one or more of the challenges described above would be useful.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one aspect, an appliance is provided. The appliance comprises an enclosure defining a sealable volume. The appliance also includes an ozone generator operable to dispense ozone into the sealable volume. Further, the appliance comprises an ozone detection device operable to detect the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume. Further, the appliance includes a controller communicatively coupled to the ozone generator and the ozone detection device. The controller is configured to: i) causing the ozone generator to inject a predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable volume at predetermined injection intervals; ii) receiving an input from the ozone detecting device indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume; iii) determining an ozone concentration level within the sealable volume based at least in part on the received input; and iv) ascertaining whether the determined concentration level has reached a maximum concentration level threshold. Further, the controller iteratively i) causes, ii) receives, iii) determines, and iv) ascertains until the determined concentration level reaches a maximum concentration level threshold or a maximum generator on time has elapsed.

In another aspect, a method for operating a fixture in an odor elimination cycle is provided. The method comprises injecting a predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable volume of the appliance at predetermined injection intervals. Further, the method includes measuring the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume of the appliance after each injection of a predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable volume. Further, the method includes ascertaining whether the concentration level has reached a maximum concentration level threshold, and wherein if the concentration level has reached the maximum concentration level threshold, then no further ozone is injected at the predetermined dose.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Drawings

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the preferred modes thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 with the refrigeration door of the refrigeration appliance shown in an open position to reveal the fresh food compartment of the refrigeration appliance;

FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary appliance equipped with an ozone monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 4 provides a flow chart of a method for operating a fixture in an odor elimination cycle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter; and

fig. 5, 6, and 7 provide graphs of ozone concentration levels as a function of time for three different scenarios in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

Detailed Description

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. As used herein, approximate terms such as "approximately," "substantially," or "approximately" refer to within fifteen percent (15%) of the error.

Fig. 1 and 2 provide various views of a refrigeration appliance 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. In particular, fig. 1 provides a perspective view of the refrigeration appliance 100, and fig. 2 provides a perspective view of the refrigeration appliance 100 with a plurality of refrigeration doors 128 in an open position. As shown, the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a cabinet or body 120 extending in a vertical direction V between the top 101 and bottom 102. The cabinet 120 also extends in a lateral direction L and a transverse direction T, each of the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the transverse direction T being mutually perpendicular to each other. Further, the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the lateral direction T define an orthogonal directional system.

The cabinet 120 includes an inner bladder 121 defining one or more sealable volumes. For the present embodiment, the sealable volume is a cooling chamber configured to receive stored food. In particular, the inner container 121 defines a fresh food compartment 122 positioned at or adjacent the top 101 of the cabinet 120 and a freezer compartment 124 disposed at or adjacent the bottom 102 of the cabinet 120. As such, the refrigeration appliance 100 is commonly referred to as a bottom-mount refrigerator. However, it should be appreciated that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of appliances, such as, for example, top mount refrigeration appliances, side-by-side refrigeration appliances, or range appliances. Further, as will be explained herein, the benefits of the present disclosure are also applicable to other types of appliances. Thus, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit any particular refrigeration compartment configuration in any way.

A refrigeration door 128 is rotatably hinged to an edge of the cabinet 120 for selective access to the fresh food compartment 122. In addition, a freezing door 130 is disposed below the refrigerating door 128 for selectively accessing the freezing compartment 124. The freezer door 130 is attached to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within the freezer compartment 124. The refrigeration door 128 and the freezer door 130 are shown in a closed configuration in fig. 1.

In some embodiments, the refrigeration appliance 100 further includes a dispensing assembly 140 for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. The dispensing assembly 140 includes a dispenser 142 positioned or mounted on the exterior of the refrigeration appliance 100, for example, on one of the refrigeration doors 128. The dispenser 142 includes a discharge outlet 144 for harvesting ice and liquid water. An actuating mechanism 146, shown as a paddle, is mounted below the discharge outlet 144 for operating the distributor 142. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuation mechanism may be used to operate the dispenser 142. For example, instead of a paddle, the dispenser 142 may contain a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button. A user interface panel 148 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, the user interface panel 148 includes a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispense button and an ice dispense button (e.g., for selecting a desired mode of operation, such as crushed ice or non-crushed ice).

The discharge outlet 144 and the actuating mechanism 146 are external portions of the dispenser 142 and are mounted in a dispenser recess 150. The dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a predetermined height to facilitate access to ice or water by a user and to allow access to ice without the user having to bend over and without opening the refrigeration door 128.

According to the illustrated embodiment, various storage components are mounted within the fresh food compartment 122 to facilitate storage of food therein, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include a storage cabinet 166, a drawer 168, and a shelf 170 mounted within the fresh food compartment 122. The storage bin 166, drawer 168, and shelf 170 are configured to receive food (e.g., beverages and/or solid food), and may assist in organizing such food. By way of example, the drawer 168 may contain fresh food (e.g., vegetables, fruits, and/or cheese) and increase the useful life of such fresh food.

The operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 may be controlled or regulated by the controller 190. As will be described in detail below, the controller 190 may include a variety of operating modes or sequences that control or regulate various portions of the refrigeration appliance 100 according to one or more discrete criteria.

In some embodiments, the controller 190 is operatively coupled to the user interface panel 148 and/or various other components, as described below. The user interface panel 148 provides a user with a choice to operate the refrigeration appliance 100. By way of example, the user interface panel 148 may provide for selection between full or crushed ice, chilled water, and/or a particular mode of operation. The controller 190 may operate various components of the refrigeration appliance 100 in response to one or more input signals (e.g., from user operation of the user interface panel 148 and/or one or more sensor signals).

The controller 190 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like (such as a general purpose microprocessor or a special purpose microprocessor) operable to execute programming instructions or microcontrol code associated with the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100. The memory may represent a random access memory such as a DRAM, or a read only memory such as a ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor executes non-transitory programming instructions stored in the memory. For some embodiments, the instructions comprise a software package configured to operate the appliance 100 and, for example, execute an operational routine comprising the example method (300) described below with reference to fig. 4. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be contained on board the processor. Alternatively, the controller 190 may be constructed without the use of a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog AND/or digital logic circuits (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.) to perform the control functions, rather than relying on software.

The controller 190 or portions thereof can be positioned at various locations throughout the refrigeration appliance 100. In the exemplary embodiment, controller 190 is located within user interface panel 148 as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the controller 190 may be positioned at any suitable location within the refrigeration appliance 100, such as, for example, within a fresh food compartment, a freezer door, or the like. In additional or alternative embodiments, the controller 190 is formed from a plurality of components mounted in discrete locations within the refrigeration appliance 100 or on the refrigeration appliance 100. Input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between the controller 190 and various operating components of the refrigeration appliance 100. For example, the user interface panel 148 may be operatively coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly electrically coupled) to the controller 190 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.

Further, as shown in fig. 2, the refrigeration appliance 100 may include an ozone monitoring system, as shown at 195. The ozone monitoring system 195 is operable to detect odors/bacteria/viruses in sealed (or airtight) areas of the refrigeration appliance 100, such as, for example, the fresh food compartment 122 and/or the freezer compartment 124. The various components of the ozone monitoring system 195 can be communicatively coupled to and controlled by the controller 190. An exemplary monitoring system for an appliance is provided below.

Fig. 3 provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary appliance 200 equipped with an ozone monitoring system 230, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. For example, the appliance 200 of fig. 3 may be the refrigeration appliance 100 of fig. 1 and 2, and the ozone monitoring system 230 may be the ozone monitoring system 195 shown in fig. 2. However, the appliance 200 of fig. 3 may be any suitable appliance having a sealable volume and ozone monitoring features described below. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, appliance 200 of FIG. 3 may be a washing machine appliance, a drying machine appliance, a microwave oven appliance, an oven appliance, or an air conditioning appliance. Furthermore, the appliance 200 of fig. 3 may be a refrigeration appliance having a different configuration than the refrigeration appliance 100 of fig. 1 and 2.

As shown in fig. 3, the appliance 200 includes an enclosure 210 defining a sealable volume 212. For example, the enclosure 210 may be the cabinet 120 of the refrigeration appliance 100, and the sealable volume 212 may be one of its cooling chambers 122, 124. A door 214 is operatively coupled with the housing 210 for providing selective access to the sealable volume 212. The door 214 is movable between a closed position in which the sealable volume 212 is sealed and an open position. In some embodiments, in the closed position, the door 214 hermetically seals the sealable volume 212 such that the sealable volume 212 is a sealed volume. In the open position, the door 214 does not hermetically seal the sealable volume 212; thus, when the door 214 is in the open position, the sealable volume 212 is not sealed. For this embodiment, the door 214 includes a door lock 216 for selectively locking the door 214, e.g., in a closed position. As will be explained herein, during an odor elimination cycle, controller 220 of appliance 200 can cause door lock 216 to hold or maintain door 214 in the closed position, e.g., until the cycle is complete.

The appliance 200 also includes an ozone monitoring system 230. In general, the ozone monitoring system 230 is operable to remove bacteria and odors from the sealable volume 212 in a safe and effective manner. The ozone monitoring system 230 includes an ozone generator 232 operable to dispense or inject ozone into the sealable volume 212. For example, ozone generator 232 pumps ozone O as shown in FIG. 3₃Into the sealable volume 212. Ozone O infused into the sealable volume 212 if odors, bacteria and/or viruses are present within it₃Can be "consumed" or reduced to molecular oxygen after destruction of odors, bacteria and/or viruses. Ozone O₃Is a suitable disinfectant and oxidizer that effectively destroys odors, bacteria, and viruses within the sealable volume 212. In some alternative embodiments, the generator device 232 may generate another disinfectant/oxidizer, such as, for example, suitable ozone O₃A variant of (a).

Ozone monitoring system 230 also includes ozone detection device 234. The ozone detecting device 234 may be any suitable sensor operable to sense or detect the concentration of ozone within the sealable volume 212. For example, after the ozone generator 232 injects a predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable volume 212, the ozone detection apparatus 234 may sense the concentration of ozone within the sealable volume 212. One or more signals indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume 212 may be routed from the ozone detecting device 234 to the controller 220 for processing, as shown in fig. 3, which may be communicatively coupled to the ozone detecting device.

In some exemplary embodiments, ozone monitoring system 230 optionally includes an air handler 236 (e.g., a fan). The air handler 236 is operable to promote ozone O₃Diffusion within the sealable volume 212. For example, ozone O is supplied to the ozone generator 232₃Before, simultaneously with, or after injection into the sealable volume 212, the controller 220 may activate the air handler 236 to move air around the sealable volume 212. Thus, the air handler 236 facilitates ozone O₃Mixing with the existing air within the sealable volume 212. This may, for example, promote ozone O₃And the existing air within the sealable volume 212. Controller 220 may also deactivate air handler 236, for example, at the end of the odor elimination cycle.

Further, in some exemplary embodiments, ozone monitoring system 230 optionally includes an ozone destructor apparatus 238. The ozone destructor apparatus 238 is operable to reduce the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume 212. Example (b)E.g., ozone O within sealable volume 212₃Can be provided by the ozone destructor device 238 via a gas such as, for example, manganese dioxide MnO₂Is destroyed. Ozone destructor apparatus 238 may destroy ozone O within sealable volume 212 at any suitable time₃. For example, as will be explained in detail herein, when the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume 212 reaches a threshold value, the controller 220 may cause the ozone destructor device 238 to destroy or reduce ozone O₃The concentration level of (c). Further, in some embodiments, the ozone destructor apparatus 238 may transfer heat into the sealable volume 212. In this manner, ozone O within the sealable volume 212 may be destroyed₃。

The controller 220 of the appliance 200 is also a component of the system 230. In some embodiments, controller 220 of system 230 may be dedicated to performing operations to operate appliance 200 in an odor elimination cycle. In yet another embodiment, controller 220 can perform other operations associated with appliance 200 in addition to performing operations to operate appliance 200 in an odor elimination cycle. The controller 220 can be configured the same as or similar to the controller 190 of the refrigeration appliance 100 of fig. 1 and 2. In particular, the controller 220 may include one or more memory devices and one or more processing devices. For example, the processing device may be a microprocessor, CPU, or the like (such as a general purpose microprocessor or a special purpose microprocessor) operable to execute programming instructions or microcontrol code associated with the operation of the appliance 200. The memory device may contain random access memory, such as DRAM, and/or read only memory, such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, one or more processing devices execute non-transitory programming instructions stored in one or more memory devices. For certain embodiments, the instructions comprise a software package configured to operate the appliance 200, for example, in an odor elimination cycle. The one or more memory devices may be a separate component from the one or more processors or may be included on-board the processors. Alternatively, the controller 220 may be constructed without the use of a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog AND/or digital logic circuits (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.) to perform the control functions, rather than relying on software.

Controller 220 may send and receive signals from various components of appliance 200, particularly components of ozone monitoring system 230. As shown in fig. 3, controller 220 is communicatively coupled with ozone generator 232, ozone detection device 234, air handler 236, ozone destructor device 238, and door lock 216. Controller 220 may also be communicatively coupled with other components of appliance 200. Controller 220 may be communicatively coupled with these various devices in any suitable manner (e.g., suitable wired or wireless communication links). Controller 220 may control tool 200 in the odor elimination cycle in a manner described below in method (300).

FIG. 4 provides a flow chart of a method (300) for operating a fixture in an odor elimination cycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. For example, method (300) may be implemented to operate appliance 200 of fig. 3 in an odor elimination cycle. Appliance 200 may be any suitable type of appliance including, but not limited to, a refrigeration appliance, a washing appliance, a dryer appliance, a microwave oven appliance, an oven appliance, or an air conditioning appliance. Reference numerals used to represent certain features of the appliance 200 of fig. 3 will be used below to provide context for the method (300). Further, it should be understood that the method (300) may be modified, adjusted, expanded, rearranged and/or omitted in various ways without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

At (302), method (300) comprises initiating an odor elimination cycle. The deodorizing cycle can be initiated in a number of suitable ways. For example, the user may manually initiate an odor elimination cycle. For example, a user may manipulate one or more controls of a user interface of appliance 200. As another example, a user may initiate an odor elimination cycle by utilizing an application on a remote user device communicatively coupled to controller 220 of fixture 200. Another suitable way of initiating an odor elimination cycle may include initiating the odor elimination cycle at predetermined intervals, such as, for example, weekly, monthly, etc. In this manner, the odor elimination cycle can be performed without user interaction with the appliance 200.

At (304), the method (300) includes injecting a predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable chamber of the appliance at predetermined intervalsIn the closed volume. For example, referring to fig. 3, the controller 220 may cause the ozone generator 232 to dose a predetermined dose of ozone O₃Into the sealable volume 212. The predetermined dose of ozone may be known as ozone O₃Amount of the compound (A). Therefore, when the predetermined dosage of ozone O₃While being injected into the sealable volume 212, the controller 220 can track the ozone O dispensed or injected into the sealable volume 212₃Amount or volume of. As will be explained in further detail below, the controller 220 may repeatedly cause the ozone generator 232 to dose a predetermined dose of ozone O at predetermined time intervals₃Into the sealable volume 212. The predetermined time interval may be set based at least in part on the dose and the volume of the sealable volume 212, among other possible criteria.

At (306), optionally, the method (300) includes activating an air handler to facilitate diffusion of ozone within the sealable volume. For example, the air handler may be the air handler 236 of FIG. 4. At ozone generator 232, ozone O is introduced at (304)₃Before, simultaneously with, or after injection into the sealable volume 212, the controller 220 may activate the air handler 236 to move air around the sealable volume 212. Therefore, the injected ozone O₃Can be mixed more quickly with the existing air within the sealable volume 212. As previously mentioned, this drives in ozone O₃Faster diffusion with the existing air within the sealable volume 212. The air handler 236 may be activated at each injection dose and may run for a predetermined time, may be activated after the first dose, and may run the entire odor elimination cycle, or may be activated until some event occurs (such as, for example, when ozone, O, within the sealable volume 212₃When the concentration level of (c) reaches a maximum concentration level threshold), among other possibilities.

At (308), the method (300) includes measuring an ozone concentration level within the sealable volume of the appliance after each injection of a predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable volume. In some embodiments, measuring the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume comprises receiving an input from the ozone detection apparatus indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume, and then determining the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume based at least in part on the received input.

For example, referring to fig. 3, the controller 220 can receive an indication of ozone O within the sealable volume 212 from the ozone detecting device 234₃The input of the concentration level of (c). For example, the controller 220 can receive an indication of ozone O within the sealable volume 212₃The concentration level of (a). The controller 220 can receive such signals or inputs, and can determine ozone O within the sealable volume 212 based at least in part on the received inputs₃The concentration level of (c). The controller 220 can determine the ozone O within the sealable volume 212 in any suitable unit₃Such as, for example, parts per million (ppm). Controller 220 may control ozone O at each predetermined dosage₃The predetermined diffusion time thereafter measures or determines ozone O within the sealable volume 212₃The concentration level of (c). For example, controller 220 may control ozone O at each predetermined dosage₃Measuring ozone O within the sealable volume 212 twenty (20) seconds (i.e., a predetermined diffusion time) after being injected into the sealable volume 212₃The concentration level of (c).

At (310), the method (300) includes ascertaining whether the concentration level has reached a maximum concentration level threshold. If the concentration level has reached the maximum concentration level threshold, no further ozone is injected at the predetermined dose. For example, referring to fig. 3, the controller 220 may ascertain whether the determined concentration level has reached a maximum concentration level threshold. Notably, the controller 220 repeatedly i) prompts the ozone generator 232 to deliver a predetermined dose of ozone O₃Injected into the sealable volume 212, ii) receives an indication of ozone O within the sealable volume 212₃Iii) determining ozone O within the sealable volume 212 based at least in part on the received input₃And iv) ascertaining whether the concentration level reaches a maximum concentration level threshold at a predetermined time interval until the determined concentration level reaches the maximum concentration level threshold as determined at (310) or the maximum generator on time as determined at (312) has elapsed.

At (312), if the concentration level does not reach the maximum concentration level threshold T_MAXThen the method (300) includes determining whether a maximum generator turn-on time has elapsed. For example, the controller 220 may maintain a timer or clock. A timer may be started when a first ozone dose is injected into the sealable volume 212 at (304), and may be terminated at the end of the maximum generator turn-on time. In this manner, the ozone generator 232 is prevented from operating indefinitely in the event of a fault condition. If the maximum generator on time determined at (312) has not elapsed, the method (300) returns to (304) so that the ozone generator 232 can inject another predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable volume 212. However, if the determined maximum generator on time has elapsed at (312), the method (300) proceeds to (322), where the controller 220 determines that a fault condition is detected and may set a flag indicating that a fault is detected.

Fig. 5, 6, and 7 present three (3) exemplary scenarios in which method (300) may proceed to (304) through (312). In particular, fig. 5, 6, and 7 provide graphs depicting ozone concentration levels as a function of time for three different scenarios in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

Referring to fig. 5, in a first scenario, negligible or no odors, bacteria, viruses, and/or other contaminants may be removed from the sealable volume 212. In such cases, the injected ozone O₃Will not be "consumed", so ozone O₃Will follow each injected predetermined dose of ozone O₃And accumulated. As an example, as shown in fig. 5, a plurality of doses of ozone are injected into the sealable volume 212, including a first dose D1, a second dose D2, a third dose D3, a fourth dose D4, and a fifth dose D5. Ozone dose D1, ozone dose D2, ozone dose D3, ozone dose D4, and ozone dose D5 were implanted at predetermined implant intervals, as shown in I.

Notably, ozone O is injected at (304) of the method (300)₃After the first dose of D1, ozone O₃For a period of time (e.g., until the second dose D2 is implanted)Remain relatively constant. This indicates the injected ozone O₃Are not "consumed" or react with odors, bacteria, viruses, and/or other contaminants within the sealable volume 212. After the first dose D1, the controller 220 measures ozone, O, within the sealable volume 212 at (308) of method (300)₃Receives input indicative of the concentration level from ozone-detecting device 234 (e.g., controller 220 receives input indicative of the concentration level from ozone-detecting device 234 and determines the concentration level based at least in part on the received input), and ascertains at (310) that the concentration level has not reached a maximum concentration level threshold T_MAX. Thus, if the maximum generator on time determined at (312) has not elapsed, the method (300) returns to (304).

If the concentration level does not reach the maximum concentration level threshold T_MAXAnd the maximum generator on time has not elapsed, then at (304), the controller 220 again causes the ozone generator 232 to inject a predetermined dose of ozone into the sealable volume 212. For example, as shown in fig. 5, a second dose D2 is injected by the ozone generator 232. At (304) injecting ozone O₃After the second dose D2, ozone O₃For a period of time (e.g., until the third dose D3 is implanted) remains relatively constant. This indicates the injected ozone O₃Are not yet "consumed" or reacted with odors, bacteria, viruses, and/or other contaminants within the sealable volume 212. After the second dose D2, the controller 220 measures ozone, O, within the sealable volume 212 at (308) of method (300)₃And ascertaining (310) that the concentration level has not reached a maximum concentration level threshold T_MAXFor example, as shown in fig. 5. Thus, if it is determined at (312) that the maximum generator on time has not elapsed, the method (300) returns to (304). This process continues until the determined concentration level reaches a maximum concentration level threshold T_MAX(e.g., at time t shown in FIG. 5_X) Or if the maximum generator on time has elapsed. If either of these conditions is met, the controller 220 ceases to cause the ozone generator 232 to inject ozone into the sealable volume 212.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the second scenario, odor, bacteria, diseaseToxic and/or some other contaminants are present in the sealable volume 212 and may be treated with ozone O₃And (5) removing. As an example, as shown in fig. 6, multiple doses of ozone are injected into the sealable volume 212, including a first dose D1, a second dose D2, a third dose D3, a fourth dose D4, and a fifth dose D5, a sixth dose D6, a seventh dose D7, and an eighth dose D8. Ozone dose D1, ozone dose D2, ozone dose D3, ozone dose D4, ozone dose D5, ozone dose D6, ozone dose D7, and ozone dose D8 were injected at predetermined injection intervals, as shown in I. The degree of odour/bacteria is measured based on the time required to remove all odour/bacteria. If the ozone concentration level continues to increase, it indicates that all odors/bacteria have been removed.

At (304) ozone O₃After the first dose D1 is injected into the sealable volume 212, ozone O₃Is reduced (e.g., until a second dose D2 is implanted). This indicates the injected ozone O₃Is being "consumed" or reacts with odors, bacteria, viruses, and/or other contaminants within the sealable volume 212. After the first dose D1, the controller 220 measures ozone, O, within the sealable volume 212 at (308) of method (300)₃And ascertaining (310) that the concentration level has not reached a maximum concentration level threshold T_MAX. Thus, if it is determined at (312) that the maximum generator on time has not elapsed, the method (300) returns to (304). This process continues until the concentration level reaches a maximum concentration level threshold T as determined at (310)_MAXOr if it is determined at (312) that the maximum generator on time has elapsed.

After the method (300) cycles (304) through (312) for the second dose D2 and the third dose D3, a fourth dose D4 of ozone O is injected at (304) of the method (300)₃Then, ozone O₃For a period of time (e.g., until the fifth dose D5 is implanted) remains relatively constant. This indicates the injected ozone O₃Are no longer "consumed" or react with odors, bacteria, viruses, and/or other contaminants within the sealable volume 212. Since there are no more odors, bacteria, viruses, and/or other contaminants within the sealable volume 212 to supply ozone O₃In response thereto, the concentration levels continued to increase in a step function of dose D5, dose D6, dose D7, and dose D8 until ozone O₃Up to a maximum concentration level threshold T_MAX(e.g., at time t as shown in FIG. 6_X)。

Referring to fig. 7, in a third scenario, a dose of ozone O is injected at a predetermined injection interval I₃Injected into the sealable volume 212, ozone O is determined (310) before a maximum generator on time is determined (312) to have elapsed₃Has not reached the maximum concentration level threshold T_MAX. As an example, as shown in fig. 7, multiple doses of ozone are injected into the sealable volume 212, including a first dose D1, a second dose D2, a third dose D3, a fourth dose D4, and a fifth dose D5, a sixth dose D6, a seventh dose D7, an eighth dose D8, and a ninth dose D9. As described above, ozone dose D1, ozone dose D2, ozone dose D3, ozone dose D4, ozone dose D5, ozone dose D6, ozone dose D7, ozone dose D8, and ozone dose D9 are implanted at predetermined implantation interval I.

As shown, each dose of ozone O is delivered to the ozone generator 232₃After implantation into the sealable volume 212, the concentration level is reduced (e.g., until a subsequent dose is implanted). This indicates the injected ozone O₃Is being "consumed" or reacts with odors, bacteria, viruses, and/or other contaminants within the sealable volume 212. Thus, the method (300) continues in the (304) through (312) cycles until the determined concentration level reaches the maximum concentration level threshold T, as determined at (310)_MAXOr if it is determined at (312) that the maximum generator on time has elapsed. In a third scenario, shown in FIG. 7, the determined concentration level does not reach the maximum concentration level threshold T before the maximum generator turn-on time has elapsed_MAX. Thus, as shown in fig. 4, method (300) proceeds to (322).

At (314), in some embodiments, the method (300) comprises activating one or more ozone removal devices. For example, in some embodiments, activating one or more ozone removal devices comprises activating an ozone destructor device238 for reducing ozone O within the sealable volume 212₃The concentration level of (c). For example, if it is determined at (310) that the determined concentration level reaches the maximum concentration level threshold T_MAXThen controller 220 is configured to activate ozone destructor device 238 to reduce the ozone concentration level within sealable volume 212. For example, ozone destructor apparatus 238 may be via a material such as, for example, manganese dioxide, MnO₂To reduce ozone O within the sealable volume 212₃The concentration level of (c). When the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume 212 reaches a maximum concentration level threshold T_MAXIn time, the ozone destructor apparatus 238 may destroy ozone O within the sealable volume 212₃E.g., as shown after the fifth dose D5 in fig. 5 and after the eighth dose D8 in fig. 6. In yet another embodiment of the method (300), the ozone destructor apparatus 238 may reduce ozone O within the sealable volume 212 by imparting heat to the sealable volume 212₃The concentration level of (c).

In some embodiments, activating one or more ozone removal devices at (314) includes causing a damper to move to an open position such that ozone can be expelled from the sealable volume. In such embodiments, ozone O within the sealable volume 212 when the damper is moved to the open position₃The sealable volume 212 may be passively drained. In such embodiments, ozone destructor apparatus 238 may, but need not, be activated at (314). For example, as shown in fig. 3, the appliance 200 includes a ventilation conduit 240 fluidly connecting the sealable volume 212 with a second volume, such as, for example, an ambient environment 244 or some other volume (e.g., another sealable volume of the appliance 200). A damper 242 movable between an open position and a closed position is positioned along the ventilation duct 240. When the damper 242 is in the open position, fluid (e.g., air) is allowed to flow through the ventilation conduit 240 (e.g., from the sealable volume 212 to the ambient environment 244). When the damper 242 is in the closed position, fluid flow through the ventilation conduit 240 is prevented. Thus, the sealable volume 212 is effectively sealed when the damper 242 is in the closed position.

Further, in some embodiments, ozone O₃Can be forced or activeIs exhausted from the sealable volume 212 through the vent conduit 240. In such embodiments, activating one or more ozone removal devices at (314) includes activating an air handler. For example, in such embodiments, when the damper 242 is moved to the open position, the controller 220 may activate the air handler 236 to, for example, more quickly pass ozone O₃And removed from the sealable volume 212. The controller 220 may activate the air handler 236 while causing the damper 242 to move to the open position. Alternatively, the timing may be offset.

At (316), the method (300) includes again measuring the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume of the appliance. In some implementations, measuring the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume includes receiving an input (e.g., a second input) from the ozone detection device indicative of the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume, and then determining the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume based at least in part on the received input (e.g., the received second input).

For example, upon controller 220 determining at (310) that the concentration level has reached the maximum concentration level threshold T_MAXThereafter, the controller 220 can receive an indication of ozone O within the sealable volume 212 from the ozone detecting device 234₃A second input of the concentration level of (c). For example, the controller 220 can receive an indication of ozone O within the sealable volume 212₃The concentration level of (a). The controller 220 may receive such a signal or second input, and may determine ozone, O, within the sealable volume 212 based at least in part on the received second input₃The concentration level of (c). Thus, controller 220 measures ozone, O, within sealable volume 212 of appliance 200 substantially as was done at (308)₃The concentration level of (c).

At (318), the method (300) includes ascertaining whether the determined concentration level has reached a minimum concentration level threshold. For example, based on the ozone O within the sealable volume 212 determined at (314)₃And the controller 220 ascertains whether the determined concentration level has reached the minimum concentration level threshold T_MIN. A minimum concentration level threshold T may be set_MINTo make the water of concentrationThe average is associated with a safety level for humans. For example, the minimum concentration level threshold T_MINMay be set at a level corresponding to the ozone concentration level at which the consumer can safely open the door of the sealable volume 212.

For example, as shown in fig. 5, after the ozone generator 232 injects a fifth dose D5 into the sealable volume 212, the controller 220 ascertains at (310) ozone O in the sealable volume 212₃Has reached a maximum concentration level threshold T_MAXAnd, accordingly, the controller 220 stops causing the ozone generator 232 to inject the predetermined ozone dose into the sealable volume 212. Thereafter, at (318), the controller 220 may ascertain whether the concentration level determined at (316) has reached a minimum concentration level threshold T_MIN. Upon reaching a maximum concentration level threshold T_MAXThereafter, the ozone O within the volume 212 may be sealed₃The concentration level of (c) decreases with time. With ozone O₃May monitor the concentration level (e.g., at (316)), and may ascertain whether the concentration level has reached a minimum concentration level threshold T_MIN. The controller 220 may ascertain, continuously or at predetermined time intervals, whether the concentration level has reached the minimum concentration level threshold T_MIN. Finally, as shown in fig. 5, the determined concentration level reaches the minimum concentration level threshold T_MIN. If the concentration level has reached the minimum concentration level threshold T_MIN(e.g., as shown in the first scenario of fig. 5 and the second scenario of fig. 6, respectively), then method (300) proceeds to (324). If the concentration level does not reach the minimum concentration level threshold T_MINMethod (300) proceeds to (320) and logic remains in (316), (318), and (320) cycles until a minimum concentration level threshold T is reached at (318) the concentration level_MINOr at (320) it is determined that a predetermined removal time has elapsed.

At (320), if the concentration level does not reach the minimum concentration level threshold T_MINThe method (300) includes determining whether a predetermined removal time has elapsed. For example, the controller 220 may maintain a timer or clock. When controller 220 ascertains at (310) that the concentration level determined at (308) has been reachedReach a maximum concentration level threshold T_MAXOr at another suitable time (e.g., when ozone destructor apparatus 238 is activated at (314)), a timer may be started. If it is determined at (320) that the predetermined removal time has not elapsed, the method (300) returns to (316) and (318) to continue monitoring the concentration level. However, if it is determined at (320) that the predetermined removal time has elapsed, the method (300) proceeds to (322).

In some embodiments, particularly where the appliance 200 contains an ozone destructor apparatus 238 and the ozone destructor apparatus 238 is activated (314), the predetermined removal time may correspond to a maximum destructor on time. In this manner, the ozone detector device 238 is prevented from operating indefinitely in the event of a fault condition. In yet another embodiment, particularly where the appliance 200 includes a ventilation conduit 240 and a damper 242 and causes the damper 242 to move to an open position to allow ozone O₃In the case of evacuation of the sealable volume 212 through the vent conduit 240, the predetermined removal time may correspond to a maximum evacuation time. In this manner, controller 220 need not attempt to discharge ozone O indefinitely₃This may be particularly important if the sealable volume 212 is a cooled or otherwise conditioned chamber.

At (322), the method (300) includes detecting a fault condition and setting a fault condition flag associated with the detected fault condition. For example, as shown in fig. 4, the logic of method (300) may reach the fault detection block (314) through multiple paths. For example, in one path, if the determined concentration level does not reach the maximum concentration level threshold T at (310) before the maximum generator on-time is determined to have elapsed at (312)_MAXThen the method (300) proceeds to (322). Further, in another path, if the predetermined removal time has elapsed at (320), the method (300) proceeds to (322). Thus, the controller 220 first determines a fault condition and then sets a fault condition flag accordingly or based at least in part on the detected fault condition.

As one example, if the determined concentration level does not reach the maximum concentration level threshold T at (310) before the maximum generator on-time is determined to have elapsed at (312)_MAXThe detected fault condition may then be at least one of: 1) ozone generator 232 has failed; 2) ozone detection device 234 has failed; or 3) the sealable volume 212 is not sealed or airtight, and therefore, the injected ozone O₃May leak from the sealable volume 212. Based on the detected fault condition, the controller 220 may set an associated fault condition flag.

As another example, if at (320) a predetermined removal time has elapsed, and therefore the appliance 200 is somehow unable to remove or reduce the ozone concentration level within the sealable volume 212, the detected fault condition may be at least one of: 1) ozone destructor device 238 has failed (and thus the maximum destructor on time has elapsed at (320)); or 2) the damper 242 has failed or is blocked (and thus the maximum discharge time has elapsed at (320), among other possible fault conditions. Based on the detected fault condition, the controller 220 may set an associated fault condition flag. Further, in some embodiments, if the predetermined removal time has elapsed at (320), or more specifically, if the maximum destroyer on time has elapsed at (320), then method (300) may further include deactivating ozone destroyer apparatus 238. Further, in some embodiments, if the predetermined removal time has elapsed at (320), or more specifically, if the maximum discharge time has elapsed at (320), the method (300) may further include deactivating the air handler 236 and/or moving the damper 242 to the closed position.

At (324), if it is ascertained at (318) that the determined concentration level has reached the minimum concentration level threshold T_MINThen the method (300) includes deactivating the one or more ozone removal devices. As one example, if ozone destructor device 238 is activated at (314), and the determined concentration level has reached minimum concentration level threshold T_MINDeactivating one or more ozone removal devices may comprise deactivating ozone destructor device 238. In this manner, ozone destructor apparatus 238 can be shut down. As another example, if ozone destructor apparatus 238 is activated at (314), anAnd the determined concentration level has reached a minimum concentration level threshold T_MINDeactivating the one or more ozone removal devices may then include moving the damper 242 to a closed position, for example, to prevent air from escaping the sealable volume 212 through the exhaust duct 240. As yet another example, deactivating one or more ozone removal devices may include deactivating the air handler 236.

At (326), the method (300) comprises terminating the odor elimination cycle. As shown, the odor elimination cycle may terminate at (326) after deactivating the ozone device at (324), or may terminate after detecting a fault condition at (322). At the end of the odor elimination cycle, various information may be presented, for example, to the user via the display of the appliance 200. For example, the degree or amount of odors, bacteria, viruses, and/or other contaminants within the sealable volume 212 may be measured or calculated based on the amount of time it takes to remove them from the sealable volume 212. For example, time may be measured from a start time to an end time. The start time may be associated with the time at which the first dose of ozone is injected into the sealable volume 212. The ending time may be related to the concentration level reaching a maximum concentration level threshold T_MAXIs correlated with the time of (a). Other information may also be presented to the user.

In some embodiments, method (300) comprises causing a door lock to lock a door of the appliance in a closed position during an odor elimination cycle (e.g., from (302) to (326)). For example, after having the ozone generator 232 at (304) dose the predetermined amount of ozone O₃The controller 220 may cause the door lock 216 to lock the door 214 in the closed position prior to injection into the sealable volume 212. Then, if controller 220 ascertains at (318) that the determined concentration level has reached the minimum concentration level threshold T_MINThe controller 220 may unlock the door lock 216 so that the door 214 may be opened again. Thus, controller 220 can prevent a user from inadvertently interrupting the odor elimination cycle, and can protect the user from exposure to potentially unsafe levels of ozone, O₃In (1).

An appliance equipped with the ozone monitoring system and control logic of the method (300) described herein may provide a number of advantages and benefits. For example, the ozone monitoring system provided herein and implemented by the method can remove odors/bacteria from various appliances, including refrigeration appliances, laundry appliances, and air conditioning appliances. Further, consumer safety is ensured by injecting only a predetermined amount of ozone to remove odors/bacteria, and a door lock mechanism may be included to ensure that the consumer is not inadvertently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone. In addition, the consumer can perform an ozone removal cycle to remove odor/bacteria by using a small amount of energy without using thermal energy.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they contain structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they contain equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.