Electric water heater with bathroom space odor removing and bacterium inhibiting functions

Abstract

The invention discloses an electric water heater with bathroom space odor removal and bacteriostasis functions, and relates to the technical field of electric water heaters. The electric water heater comprises an electric water heater body and an air purification module, and the air purification module is fixed to one side of the electric water heater. The air purification module comprises a controller, a reaction cavity, an ultraviolet light source and a fan, and the controller is connected with the ultraviolet light source and the fan. A honeycomb-shaped porous structure is arranged on the inner wall of the reaction cavity, a TiO2 coating is arranged on the inner wall of the reaction cavity, and the ultraviolet light source is arranged in the reaction cavity; an inlet is formed in one side of the reaction cavity, a filter screen is arranged at the inlet, an outlet is formed in the other side of the reaction cavity, and the fan is arranged at the outlet. The strong oxidizing capacity of hydroxyl free radicals is utilized, peculiar smell gas, volatile organic compounds and the like are effectively degraded, pathogenic bacteria can be fully inactivated, pollution and residues are avoided, and the air quality of the bathroom space is remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric water heater technology, and in particular to an electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial functions in the bathroom. Background Technology

[0002] In modern family life, electric water heaters are an indispensable device for daily washing and bathing. However, electric water heaters on the market generally have some problems, such as poor performance in odor removal and antibacterial properties in the bathroom.

[0003] Firstly, from the perspective of the electric water heater itself, because the inside of an electric water heater is a relatively closed environment that stores water for a long time, a large number of bacteria, such as common E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, can easily grow in the water when the temperature is suitable. These bacteria not only affect the quality of the hot water and cause it to have an odor, but long-term use may also harm human skin health, causing problems such as itching and allergies. Moreover, with the increase in usage time, scale will accumulate on the inner tank wall, providing a more favorable living environment for bacteria and further aggravating the problem of bacterial growth. Secondly, regarding the bathroom environment, bathrooms are usually relatively humid spaces with limited ventilation. After people use electric water heaters for washing and showering, the air humidity in the bathroom will increase significantly, and the temperature will also be more suitable, creating ideal conditions for the rapid reproduction of bacteria and mold. At the same time, various organic substances produced during the bathing process, such as dander and hair, will also become a nutrient source for bacteria, making them multiply even faster. The proliferation of a large number of bacteria will produce unpleasant odors, such as a damp smell, which seriously affects the air quality of the bathroom and has a significant negative impact on people's user experience.

[0004] Existing methods for odor removal and antibacterial treatment in bathrooms have several shortcomings. Some users choose to use chemical disinfectants, deodorizers, or air fresheners to address odors and bacteria in their bathrooms. However, these chemical agents require regular manual application, making them inconvenient to use. Furthermore, improper use may pose health and environmental risks. Other methods employ large ozone generators for sterilization and deodorization, which are not only costly but may also generate high concentrations of ozone, potentially harming the respiratory system and making them unsuitable for daily household use. While some electric water heaters on the market offer antibacterial functions, such as simple high-temperature sterilization, they only sterilize the water inside the tank and cannot effectively remove odors and inhibit bacteria throughout the entire bathroom. Their limited functionality fails to meet users' overall needs for a clean and healthy bathroom. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problem that current electric water heaters only have antibacterial functions within their own inner tank and cannot clean and purify the air in the bathroom, this invention provides an electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial functions for the bathroom.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial functions for bathroom spaces includes a water heater body and an air purification module, the air purification module being fixed to one side of the water heater. The air purification module includes a controller, a reaction chamber, an ultraviolet light source, and a fan. The controller is connected to both the ultraviolet light source and the fan. The inner wall of the reaction chamber has a honeycomb porous structure and a TiO2 coating. The ultraviolet light source is disposed within the reaction chamber. An inlet with a filter is located on one side of the reaction chamber, and an outlet with the fan located at the outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the ultraviolet light source adopts a UV-LED light source array, with each ultraviolet light source disposed on the tube body and irradiating the inner wall of the reaction chamber through a quartz glass window.

[0009] Furthermore, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light source is deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 275nm.

[0010] Furthermore, the TiO2 coating is anatase TiO2 layer with a thickness ranging from 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0011] Furthermore, the TiO2 in the TiO2 coating is doped with 1% silver or 1% nitrogen.

[0012] Furthermore, the specific surface area of ​​the TiO2 coating is ≥200m². 2 / g.

[0013] Furthermore, the air purification module also includes a sensor detection unit, which includes an optical dust sensor, a temperature and humidity sensor, and several air quality sensors. The controller is connected to the optical dust sensor, the temperature and humidity sensor, and each air quality sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, when the controller detects that the VOC concentration is greater than 1.5 ppm or the humidity is greater than 70% RH through the air quality sensor and the temperature and humidity sensor, the controller adjusts the ultraviolet light source to operate at 50% power.

[0015] Furthermore, when the controller detects NH3 or H2S through the air quality sensor, the controller adjusts the ultraviolet light source to operate at 100% power, and at the same time adjusts the fan speed to 3000 rpm.

[0016] Furthermore, at night, the controller automatically switches to intermittent operation mode, which involves running for 10 minutes, stopping for 50 minutes, and repeating this cycle to maintain the ·OH concentration within the range of 0.02 mg / m³. 3 Up to 0.08 mg / m 3 between.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention utilizes the strong oxidizing power of hydroxyl radicals, which, compared with traditional activated carbon, can not only effectively improve the degradation rate of odorous gases such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, but also improve the inactivation rate of common pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and mold. Compared with traditional ozone technology, it has a wide range of applicability, can decompose volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and VOCs, and avoids the harm of residual ozone to the human body. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structural principle of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The front view of the air purification module shows its internal structure.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The bottom view of the air purification module shows its internal structure.

[0021] Figure 4 As shown Figure 1 Right view of the air purification module.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The right view of the air purification module shows its internal structure.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Electric water heater body; 2. Air purification module; 3. Reaction chamber; 4. Ultraviolet light source; 5. Fan; 6. Controller; 7. Filter. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This invention discloses an electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial functions in the bathroom. The following describes one embodiment of the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown, an electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial functions for bathroom spaces includes a water heater body 1 and an air purification module 2. The water heater body 1 includes an inner tank, a heating element, an insulation layer, and an outer shell. The inner tank, as a container for storing hot water, is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant stainless steel to ensure that it is not easily damaged during long-term use and will not pollute the water quality. The heating element is installed at the bottom of the inner tank and heats the water in the inner tank to a set temperature by electric heating. The insulation layer surrounds the inner tank and uses high-efficiency insulation materials, such as polyurethane foam, to effectively reduce heat loss and lower energy consumption. The outer shell protects the internal structure and enhances the appearance, and is made of sturdy plastic with a certain degree of water resistance. The air purification module 2 is installed on the right side of the control box in the water heater, facilitating the better dissemination of purified air into the space.

[0026] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the air purification module 2 includes a controller 6, a hydroxyl radical reaction chamber 3, a catalyst support, an ultraviolet light source 4, a fan 5, and a sensor unit. The controller 6 is connected to the reaction chamber 3, the ultraviolet light source 4, the fan 5, and the sensor unit. The reaction chamber 3 is made of corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy (surface anodized) or 316L stainless steel. The inner wall of the reaction chamber 3 has a honeycomb porous structure, which increases the contact area with air. The catalyst support is a TiO2 coating, which is applied to the surface of the inner wall of the reaction chamber 3 using a sol-gel method to form an anatase TiO2 layer with a thickness ranging from 50 mm to 100 mm. The specific surface area of ​​the TiO2 coating is ≥200 m². 2 / g. The TiO2 in the TiO2 coating can be doped according to the ambient light. For example, to be suitable for low UV intensity scenarios, 1% silver or 1% nitrogen can be doped to improve visible light response.

[0027] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the ultraviolet light source 4 is configured inside the reaction chamber 3. The ultraviolet light source 4 uses a UV-LED light source array, emitting 275nm deep ultraviolet light to destroy bacterial DNA. Each UV-LED has a power of 0.5W, and the total power of the UV-LED light source array is ≤10W. Each ultraviolet light source 4 is mounted on the tube body, irradiating the inner wall of the reaction chamber 3 360° through a quartz glass window. The quartz glass window is used to isolate the ultraviolet light source 4 from air contact, preventing it from affecting its lifespan. The controller 6 uses constant current PWM dimming control, supporting brightness adjustment from 10% to 100% to match different purification needs. An inlet with a filter 7 is located at the right end of the reaction chamber 3, and an outlet with a fan 5 is located at the bottom left side of the reaction chamber 3. The fan 5 is a miniature centrifugal fan with a diameter of 40mm and an airflow of 2.5CFM, capable of drawing in air from the bathroom through the inlet of the reaction chamber 3, purifying it within the reaction chamber 3, and then discharging it through the outlet of the control box.

[0028] The sensor unit includes an optical dust sensor, a temperature and humidity sensor, and several air quality sensors. The controller 6 is connected to the optical dust sensor, the temperature and humidity sensor, and each air quality sensor. The optical dust sensor uses a PM2.5 laser sensor; since bacteria often attach to particulate matter, bacteria can be indirectly detected by detecting particulate matter. The air quality sensors use MQ-135 and MQ-136; the MQ-135 detects VOCs or ammonia, and the MQ-136 detects hydrogen sulfide. Both the MQ-135 and MQ-136 have a detection accuracy of ±5% FS. The temperature and humidity sensor uses an SHT30 module, with a humidity detection accuracy of ±2% RH and a temperature detection accuracy of ±0.3℃.

[0029] When controller 6 detects a VOC concentration greater than 1.5 ppm or a humidity greater than 70% RH via air quality and temperature / humidity sensors, controller 6 adjusts the ultraviolet light source 4 to operate at 50% power. When controller 6 detects NH3 or H2S via air quality sensors, controller 6 adjusts the ultraviolet light source 4 to operate at 100% power, and simultaneously adjusts the fan 5 speed to 3000 rpm. At night, controller 6 automatically switches to intermittent operation mode, which involves running for 10 minutes, stopping for 50 minutes, and repeating this cycle to maintain an OH concentration of 0.05 mg / m³. 3 .

[0030] During operation, the controller 6 detects odors or bacteria in the bathroom space using various sensors. When the odor or bacteria levels exceed a threshold, the controller 6 activates the UV-LED light source array and fan 5. Fan 5 then draws air from the bathroom space into the reaction chamber 3 through the inlet. A filter 7 is installed at the inlet to prevent impurities from entering the reaction chamber 3. The UV-LED light source array emits deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 275nm, which irradiates the inner wall of the reaction chamber 3 to excite the nano-TiO2 catalyst to generate ·OH radicals. These hydroxyl radicals oxidize and decompose organic matter in the air entering the reaction chamber 3 and inactivate microorganisms, purifying the air before it is discharged into the bathroom space through the outlet. After prolonged use, the TiO2 coating can be cleaned with citric acid and can be reused for at least five years, reducing user costs.

[0031] Of course, the above description is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples given above. Any changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention should also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial functions in bathroom spaces, characterized in that: The electric water heater body (1) and the air purification module (2) are fixed on one side of the electric water heater. The air purification module (2) includes a controller (6), a reaction chamber (3), an ultraviolet light source (4), and a fan (5). The controller (6) is connected to the ultraviolet light source (4) and the fan (5) respectively. The inner wall of the reaction chamber (3) is provided with a honeycomb porous structure. The inner wall of the reaction chamber (3) is provided with a TiO2 coating. The ultraviolet light source (4) is disposed in the reaction chamber (3). An inlet is provided on one side of the reaction chamber (3). A filter screen (7) is disposed at the inlet. An outlet is provided on the other side. The fan (5) is disposed at the outlet.

2. An electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial functions in bathroom spaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultraviolet light source (4) adopts a UV-LED light source array. Each ultraviolet light source (4) is set on the tube body and shines on the inner wall of the reaction chamber (3) through a quartz glass window.

3. An electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial functions in bathroom spaces according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ultraviolet light source (4) has a wavelength of 275nm deep ultraviolet light.

4. An electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial function in bathroom space according to claim 1, characterized in that: The TiO2 coating is anatase TiO2 layer with a thickness ranging from 50 mm to 100 mm.

5. An electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial function in bathroom space according to claim 4, characterized in that: The TiO2 coating contains 1% silver or 1% nitrogen doped in TiO2.

6. An electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial function in bathroom space according to claim 4, characterized in that: The specific surface area of ​​the TiO2 coating is ≥200m². 2 / g.

7. An electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial functions in bathroom spaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air purification module (2) also includes a sensor detection unit, which includes an optical dust sensor, a temperature and humidity sensor and several air quality sensors. The controller (6) is connected to the optical dust sensor, the temperature and humidity sensor and each air quality sensor respectively.

8. An electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial function in bathroom space according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the controller (6) detects that the VOC concentration is greater than 1.5ppm or the humidity is greater than 70%RH through the air quality sensor and the temperature and humidity sensor, the controller (6) adjusts the ultraviolet light source (4) to operate at 50% power.

9. An electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial function in bathroom space according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the controller (6) detects NH3 or H2S through the air quality sensor, the controller (6) adjusts the ultraviolet light source (4) to operate at 100% power, and at the same time adjusts the speed of the fan (5) to 3000 rpm.

10. An electric water heater with deodorizing and antibacterial function in bathroom space according to claim 7, characterized in that: At night, the controller (6) automatically switches to intermittent operation mode, which involves running for 10 minutes, stopping for 50 minutes, and repeating the cycle to maintain the concentration of ·OH within the range of 0.02 mg / m³. 3 Up to 0.08 mg / m 3 between.

Images