Bacteria removing device and air conditioner
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510228588.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-28
AI Technical Summary
然而,这种单一依赖紫外线照射的模式存在局限性,静态光源难以覆盖动态气流中的悬浮微生物,导致整体杀菌效率不足,同时由于紫外汞灯的强辐射特性存在泄漏风险,若空调面板意外开启或密封失效,外泄紫外线可能直接危害人体健康
[0005]The sterilization device provided according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the first electrode, the lamp tube, and the second electrode constitute a dielectric barrier discharge structure. Since the cross-sectional size of the first electrode is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the inner wall of the lamp tube, the gap between the inner wall of the lamp tube and the first electrode forms a sterilization air duct. Both the sterilization air duct and the air outlet are located within the air outlet duct of the air conditioner. When voltage is applied, the luminescent gas filled in the gas storage cavity inside the lamp tube will excite ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light can penetrate the lamp tube to sterilize the air inside the sterilization air duct and the air inside the air conditioner. A filter structure is provided at the axial port of the lamp tube. This filter structure acts as a safety barrier, blocking the leakage of harmful wavelengths and achieving high efficiency. The device achieves a balance between effective sterilization and human-machine coexistence. Simultaneously, the air within the sterilization duct generates plasma for sterilization under the action of dielectric barrier discharge. This plasma decomposes air pollutants. Furthermore, the photoionization effect of ultraviolet light irradiating the sterilization duct reduces the breakdown voltage of the dielectric barrier discharge, improving discharge uniformity and making it easier to break bonds and decompose air pollutants. The sterilized and deodorized gas is then blown into the room through the sterilization duct and air outlet to sterilize and deodorize the indoor environment. Therefore, the sterilization device combines plasma sterilization generated by dielectric barrier discharge with ultraviolet sterilization to achieve a dual synergistic sterilization effect, improving the decomposition efficiency of pollutants within the sterilization duct.
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Figure CN122650464A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, and in particular to a sterilization device and an air conditioner. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, ultraviolet (UV) sterilization technology has become a widely adopted solution in the air conditioning industry due to its broad-spectrum inactivation properties. Typically, UV lamps are installed inside the air conditioner to inhibit the growth of microorganisms on environmental surfaces, and the high radiation intensity of the light source enhances localized sterilization efficiency. However, this single-source UV irradiation model has limitations. Static light sources are insufficient to cover suspended microorganisms in dynamic airflow, resulting in insufficient overall sterilization efficiency. Furthermore, the strong radiation of UV mercury lamps poses a risk of leakage; if the air conditioner panel is accidentally opened or the seal fails, leaked UV light could directly harm human health. These shortcomings make it difficult for existing UV sterilization solutions to simultaneously achieve high efficiency, safety, and functional expansion, thus limiting their practical application in complex indoor environments. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a sterilization device and air conditioner that can efficiently sterilize and deodorize the indoor environment.
[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a sterilization device applied to an air conditioner, the sterilization device comprising: The lamp tube has axial openings at both ends, and the inner wall of the lamp tube and the outer wall of the lamp tube form a gas storage cavity for storing luminescent gas. A first electrode is disposed inside the lamp tube. The cross-sectional dimension of the first electrode is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall of the lamp tube. A sterilization air duct is formed between the inner wall of the lamp tube and the first electrode. The sterilization air duct is integrated into the air outlet duct of the air conditioner. The second electrode is disposed on the outer side of the outer wall of the lamp tube; A light filter structure is located on the axial end face of the lamp tube, and the light filter structure has an air outlet that communicates with the sterilization air duct.
[0005] The sterilization device provided according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the first electrode, the lamp tube, and the second electrode constitute a dielectric barrier discharge structure. Since the cross-sectional size of the first electrode is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the inner wall of the lamp tube, the gap between the inner wall of the lamp tube and the first electrode forms a sterilization air duct. Both the sterilization air duct and the air outlet are located within the air outlet duct of the air conditioner. When voltage is applied, the luminescent gas filled in the gas storage cavity inside the lamp tube will excite ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light can penetrate the lamp tube to sterilize the air inside the sterilization air duct and the air inside the air conditioner. A filter structure is provided at the axial port of the lamp tube. This filter structure acts as a safety barrier, blocking the leakage of harmful wavelengths and achieving high efficiency. The device achieves a balance between effective sterilization and human-machine coexistence. Simultaneously, the air within the sterilization duct generates plasma for sterilization under the action of dielectric barrier discharge. This plasma decomposes air pollutants. Furthermore, the photoionization effect of ultraviolet light irradiating the sterilization duct reduces the breakdown voltage of the dielectric barrier discharge, improving discharge uniformity and making it easier to break bonds and decompose air pollutants. The sterilized and deodorized gas is then blown into the room through the sterilization duct and air outlet to sterilize and deodorize the indoor environment. Therefore, the sterilization device combines plasma sterilization generated by dielectric barrier discharge with ultraviolet sterilization to achieve a dual synergistic sterilization effect, improving the decomposition efficiency of pollutants within the sterilization duct.
[0006] In the sterilization device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the sterilization device further includes at least one sub-electrode for being overlaid on the outer layer of the first electrode, and the cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode formed by the sub-electrode and the first electrode is less than or equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall of the lamp tube.
[0007] In the sterilization device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the sterilization device further includes a first drive motor for driving the sub-electrodes to overlap or separate from the first electrode.
[0008] In the sterilization device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the sterilization device further includes a position adjustment component for adjusting the position of the lamp tube inside the air conditioner. When the cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall of the lamp tube, the lamp tube is adjusted to the first position state by the position adjustment component. The first position state indicates that the axial opening of the lamp tube faces the air outlet duct of the air conditioner.
[0009] In the sterilization device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the sterilization device further includes a filter plate. When the cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall of the lamp tube, the lamp tube is adjusted to the second position state by the position adjustment component. The second position state indicates that the outer wall of the lamp tube is facing the filter plate.
[0010] In the sterilization device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the sterilization device further includes an electrode storage compartment for storing the sub-electrode.
[0011] In the sterilization device provided in this embodiment of the invention, the sterilization device further includes a sterilization controller connected to the first drive motor and the position adjustment component respectively, the sterilization controller being used for: In response to a sterilization command, the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode and the target position state of the lamp tube are determined, and the first drive motor is controlled to drive the sub-electrode to overlap or separate from the first electrode, so that the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size.
[0012] The position adjustment component is controlled to adjust the lamp tube to the target position.
[0013] In the sterilization device provided in this embodiment of the invention, the sterilization controller is further used for: The duration of operation of the sterilization device in the first position state and / or the duration of operation in the second position state is obtained, and a sterilization command is generated based on the duration of operation.
[0014] In the sterilization device provided in this embodiment of the invention, the sterilization device further includes an air sensor connected to the sterilization controller, and the sterilization controller is further configured to: The air environment parameters of the air sensor are obtained, and a sterilization command is generated based on the air environment parameters.
[0015] In the sterilization device provided in this embodiment of the invention, the sterilization device further includes a sterilization controller connected to the first drive motor and the position adjustment component respectively, the sterilization controller being used for: In response to a sterilization command, the fan speed adjustment level of the air conditioner is obtained; Based on the sterilization command and the wind speed adjustment level, the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode and the target position of the lamp tube are determined, and the first drive motor is controlled to drive the sub-electrode to overlap or separate from the first electrode, so that the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size.
[0016] The position adjustment component is controlled to adjust the lamp tube to the target position.
[0017] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide an air conditioner including the sterilization device described in the first aspect embodiment above.
[0018] The air conditioner provided according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: A dielectric barrier discharge structure is formed by the first electrode, the lamp tube, and the second electrode of the sterilization device. Since the cross-sectional size of the first electrode is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the inner wall of the lamp tube, the gap between the inner wall of the lamp tube and the first electrode forms a sterilization air duct. Both the sterilization air duct and the air outlet are located within the air outlet duct of the air conditioner. When voltage is applied, the luminescent gas filled in the gas storage cavity inside the lamp tube will excite ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light can pass through the lamp tube to sterilize the air inside the sterilization air duct and the air inside the air conditioner. A filter structure is provided at the axial port of the lamp tube, which acts as a safety barrier to block the leakage of harmful wavelengths. This device achieves a balance between efficient sterilization and human-machine coexistence. Simultaneously, the air within the sterilization duct generates plasma for sterilization under the action of dielectric barrier discharge. This plasma decomposes air pollutants. Furthermore, the photoionization effect of ultraviolet light irradiating the sterilization duct reduces the breakdown voltage of the dielectric barrier discharge, improving discharge uniformity and making it easier to break bonds and decompose air pollutants. The sterilized and deodorized gas is then blown into the room through the sterilization duct and air outlet to sterilize and deodorize the indoor environment. Therefore, the sterilization device combines plasma sterilization generated by dielectric barrier discharge with ultraviolet sterilization to achieve a dual synergistic sterilization effect, improving the decomposition efficiency of pollutants within the sterilization duct.
[0019] The air conditioner provided in the embodiments of the present invention also includes an air outlet duct, the side wall of which is provided with a sterilization window for moving the sterilization device into the air outlet duct so that the axial opening of the lamp tube faces the air outlet duct, and an air duct baffle for opening or closing the sterilization window.
[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the technical solutions of the present invention, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the present invention.
[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments; Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the internal electrode provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in the embodiment of the present invention in pure ultraviolet irradiation mode; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of the lamp tube being in the first position state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of the lamp tube being in the second position state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of mode switching provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the sterilization device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the operation process of the sterilization device provided in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of mode switching provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0023] This section will describe in detail specific embodiments of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and overall technical solution of the present invention, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0024] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc. are understood to exclude the number itself, while "above," "below," "within," etc. are understood to include the number itself. "Any one" refers to one or more, and "at least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features or the order of the indicated technical features.
[0025] It should be noted that the terms "setting," "installing," and "connecting" in the embodiments of this invention should be interpreted broadly. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution. For example, the term "connection" can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for mutual communication; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.
[0026] It should be noted that the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0027] Currently, ultraviolet (UV) sterilization technology has become a widely adopted solution in the air conditioning industry due to its broad-spectrum inactivation properties. Typically, UV lamps are installed inside the air conditioner to inhibit the growth of microorganisms on environmental surfaces, and the high radiation intensity of the light source enhances localized sterilization efficiency. However, this single-source UV irradiation model has limitations. Static light sources are insufficient to cover suspended microorganisms in dynamic airflow, resulting in insufficient overall sterilization efficiency. Furthermore, the strong radiation of UV mercury lamps poses a risk of leakage; if the air conditioner panel is accidentally opened or the seal fails, leaked UV light could directly harm human health. These shortcomings make it difficult for existing UV sterilization solutions to simultaneously achieve high efficiency, safety, and functional expansion, thus limiting their practical application in complex indoor environments.
[0028] Based on this, the present invention proposes a sterilization device and an air conditioner. The sterilization device combines the plasma sterilization method generated by dielectric barrier discharge with the ultraviolet sterilization method to achieve a dual synergistic sterilization effect, improve the decomposition efficiency of pollutants in the sterilization duct, and efficiently sterilize and deodorize the indoor environment.
[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0030] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. It can be understood that the sterilization device includes a lamp tube 110, a first electrode 120, a second electrode 130, and a filter structure 140. The sterilization device can be applied in air conditioners to sterilize and deodorize the air blown out by the air conditioner. Specifically, the lamp tube 110 can be a quartz tube made of silicon dioxide. A sealed gas storage cavity 113 is provided between the inner and outer walls of the lamp tube 110. The gas storage cavity 113 stores luminescent gas for emitting ultraviolet light. The lamp tube 110 is hollow and axially open at both ends. The first electrode 120 is located inside the lamp tube 110, and the second electrode 130 is located outside the lamp tube 110. Figure 1 As shown, the first electrode 120 can be a solid electrode, and the second electrode 130 can be a mesh electrode covering the surface of the outer wall 112 of the lamp tube. The first electrode 120 is connected to the power supply through the electrode connection line 121. Under the voltage excitation between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 130, the luminescent gas in the lamp tube 110 can generate ultraviolet radiation, which is then irradiated and sterilized through the inner wall 111, the outer wall and the axial ports at both ends of the lamp tube to the circulating air or the surface of the components of the air conditioner.
[0031] The first electrode 120, the lamp tube 110, and the second electrode 130 can constitute a dielectric barrier discharge system. Since the cross-sectional dimension of the first electrode 120 is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, the gap between the first electrode 120 and the inner wall 111 forms a sterilization duct 150. Air can flow within the sterilization duct 150. Under the action of dielectric barrier discharge, the air within the sterilization duct 150 generates plasma for sterilization. The plasma can decompose air pollutants. The photoionization effect of ultraviolet light irradiating the sterilization duct 150 reduces the breakdown voltage of the dielectric barrier discharge, improves discharge uniformity, and makes it easier for air pollutants to break bonds and decompose. The sterilized and deodorized gas can be blown into the room through the sterilization duct 150. After circulating through the indoor air environment, it achieves deodorization and sterilization of the indoor environment. Compared to related technologies that use either dielectric barrier discharge or ultraviolet irradiation for sterilization, which has limitations, ultraviolet irradiation is difficult to cover... Suspended microorganisms in dynamic airflow lead to insufficient overall sterilization efficiency. Furthermore, the strong radiation of ultraviolet mercury lamps poses a risk of leakage; if the air conditioner panel is accidentally opened or the seal fails, leaked ultraviolet light could directly harm human health. These shortcomings make it difficult for existing ultraviolet sterilization solutions to simultaneously achieve high efficiency, safety, and functional expansion, limiting their practical application in complex indoor environments. While dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) power generation involves energy distribution between photon transitions and plasma formation from ionized air, it cannot reconcile the different functional requirements of surface sterilization and deodorization. Although simultaneously arranging ultraviolet mercury lamps and DBD excimer lamps within the air conditioner provides good deodorization and sterilization effects, the application cost is high. The sterilization device in this invention combines DBD discharge plasma sterilization with ultraviolet sterilization, achieving a dual synergistic sterilization effect, improving the decomposition efficiency of pollutants within the sterilization duct 150, and providing highly efficient sterilization and deodorization of the indoor environment.
[0032] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in another embodiment of the present invention. It can be understood that the sterilization device also includes a filter structure 140, which is disposed on the axial end face of the lamp tube 110. The filter structure 140 covers the axial end face between the outer wall 112 and the inner wall of the lamp tube, and is used to filter out some wavelengths of ultraviolet light. Therefore, when the sterilization duct 150 is located in the air outlet duct of the air conditioner, the filter structure 140 can block the leakage of some harmful wavelengths when facing the indoor environment, achieving a balance between efficient sterilization and human-machine coexistence. Simultaneously, an air outlet is also provided in the filter structure 140, which is connected to the sterilization channel. When the sterilization duct 150 is located in the air outlet duct of the air conditioner, some of the regulated gas in the air conditioner flows into the sterilization duct 150 from the air outlet duct and is then blown into the indoor environment through the air outlet. The filter structure 140 can change with the shape of the lamp tube 110, such as... Figure 2 As shown, assuming the lamp tube 110 is a hollow cylinder with open ends, the filter structure 140 can be an annular filter plate 320 located on the axial open end face of the lamp tube 110. The annular filter plate 320 can completely cover the tube wall of the lamp tube 110 to block the leakage of ultraviolet rays. At the same time, the circular hole in the middle of the annular filter structure 140 is the air outlet, which is used to blow out the gas in the sterilization air duct 150. Alternatively, assuming the lamp tube 110 is a hollow cuboid with open ends, the filter structure 140 can be a square annular filter plate 320. Similarly, the gap left in the middle of the square annular filter plate 320 is the air outlet. In other words, the shape of the lamp tube 110 can be adjusted according to the internal structure of the air conditioner and the air volume. The filter structure 140 extends from the outer wall of the axial end face of the lamp tube 110 to the inner wall, covering the edge of the end face. That is, the area of the filter structure 140 increases with the thickness of the lamp tube 110 wall. The shape and size of the air outlet also change with the shape of the lamp tube 110 to prevent ultraviolet rays from leaking directly.
[0033] It is worth noting that the filter structure 140 can also extend from the axial end face of the lamp tube 110 to the outer wall of the lamp tube 110, which means that the filter structure 140 can also cover the outer wall 112 of the lamp tube and the second electrode 130, so that when the sterilization air duct 150 is located in the air outlet air duct of the air conditioner, the filter structure 140 is facing the indoor environment to ensure the leakage of harmful wavelengths.
[0034] It is understood that the sterilization device also includes at least one sub-electrode 210. The sub-electrode 210 is hollow inside and has an opening at at least one end to form an internal electrode cavity. The electrode cavity can accommodate the first electrode 120. That is, the sub-electrode 210 can be stacked on the outside of the first electrode 120 and the inner wall of the electrode cavity is in close contact with the outer wall of the first electrode 120, thereby ensuring electrical conduction between the first electrode 120 and the sub-electrode 210 to form an internal electrode. It is worth noting that there can be multiple sub-electrodes 210, each with a different cross-sectional dimension of its electrode cavity. These sub-electrodes 210 can be sequentially stacked around the first electrode 120, forming an inner electrode from the first electrode 120 and the stacked sub-electrodes 210. The cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode does not exceed the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube; that is, the inner electrode remains inside the lamp tube 110. When the cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, the inner electrode, the air gap between the inner electrode and the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, and the second electrode 130 can form a dielectric barrier discharge system to sterilize the air gap between the inner electrode and the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube. Taking a solid cylindrical electrode as the first electrode 120 and a hollow cylindrical electrode as an example, refer to... Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the inner electrodes provided in an embodiment of the present invention. For example, there can be three sub-electrodes 210. Each sub-electrode 210 can be the same length as the first electrode 120 in the axial direction. They are arranged in ascending order of the cross-sectional dimensions of the electrode cavities as the first sub-electrode, the second sub-electrode, and the third sub-electrode. The cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall of the electrode cavity of the first sub-electrode is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the first electrode 120. Therefore, the first sub-electrode can be nested on the outside of the first electrode 120, and the outer wall of the first electrode 120 is in close contact with the inner wall of the electrode cavity of the first sub-electrode, forming a first-level inner electrode. Similarly, the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall of the electrode cavity of the second sub-electrode is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the outer wall of the first sub-electrode. Therefore, the second sub-electrode can be nested on the outside of the first sub-electrode, and the outer wall of the first sub-electrode is in close contact with the inner wall of the electrode cavity of the second sub-electrode, forming a second-level inner electrode. Likewise, the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall of the electrode cavity of the third sub-electrode is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the outer wall of the second sub-electrode. Therefore, the third sub-electrode can be nested on the outside of the second sub-electrode, and the outer wall of the second sub-electrode is in close contact with the inner wall of the electrode cavity of the third sub-electrode. The electrodes are stacked together to form a three-level inner electrode. It is worth noting that as the sub-electrodes 210 are continuously stacked on the outside of the first electrode 120, the cross-sectional size of the resulting inner electrode continuously increases. Due to the increased cross-sectional size of the inner electrode, the distance between the inner electrode and the second electrode 130 becomes closer, resulting in a stronger electric field. This leads to a greater excitation intensity of the luminescent gas within the gas storage cavity 113, a quieter discharge sound, and higher ultraviolet sterilization efficiency. Simultaneously, airborne pollutants are more easily decomposed. However, as the distance between the inner electrode and the second electrode 130 decreases, the inner electrode... The reduced gap between the lamp tube and the inner wall 111 reduces the amount of gas flowing in the sterilization duct 150, resulting in a decrease in the amount of active substances generated by the dielectric barrier discharge in the gas within the sterilization duct 150, thus reducing the sterilization efficiency. Therefore, when using the dielectric barrier discharge method for sterilization, the ratio of the cross-sectional dimension of the first electrode 120 (composed of the sub-electrode 210 and the first electrode 120) to the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube needs to be maintained within the target ratio range to adjust the amount of gas flowing in the sterilization duct 150 and ensure the sterilization efficiency of the dielectric barrier discharge method.
[0035] It is worth noting that, referring to Figure 4 , Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in this embodiment of the invention in pure ultraviolet irradiation mode. When the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is equal to the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, the distance between the inner electrode and the second electrode 130 is the smallest. At this time, the electric field strength between the inner electrode and the second electrode 130 is the largest, the excitation intensity of the luminescent gas in the gas storage cavity 113 is the largest, and the discharge sound is the smallest. That is to say, the ultraviolet sterilization efficiency is the highest. However, since there is no gap between the inner electrode and the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, plasma cannot be generated by discharge through dielectric barrier for sterilization. At this time, the sterilization device is in pure ultraviolet irradiation mode for sterilization. Therefore, in order to ensure the quietness of the indoor environment while sterilizing and deodorizing, the sub-electrode 210 can be stacked on the outside of the first electrode 120, so that the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is equal to the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, thereby minimizing the discharge noise during sterilization and maximizing the ultraviolet sterilization efficiency.
[0036] It is understandable that the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode inside the lamp tube 110 in the sterilization device can be varied. This cross-sectional size is less than or equal to the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube. When the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111, the gap between the electrode and the inner wall 111 forms a sterilization duct 150. Gas from the air conditioner can flow into the sterilization duct 150. Under the voltage action of the inner and outer electrodes of the lamp tube 110, the luminescent gas in the gas storage cavity 113 is excited to emit ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light is used to sterilize and deodorize the gas in the sterilization duct 150, and can also sterilize the surfaces of components inside the air conditioner. Simultaneously, the air in the sterilization duct 150 serves as the discharge medium for dielectric barrier discharge. Plasma is generated through dielectric barrier discharge to sterilize the gas in the sterilization duct 150. Therefore, the use of ultraviolet light and dielectric barrier discharge... The plasma generated by the discharge sterilizes and deodorizes the air in the sterilization duct 150, achieving a dual synergistic sterilization effect and improving the decomposition efficiency of pollutants in the sterilization duct 150. As the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode increases, the distance between the inner electrode and the second electrode 130 becomes closer, the electric field strength increases, and the intensity of ultraviolet light excited by the luminescent gas in the gas storage chamber 113 also increases. At this time, the ultraviolet sterilization efficiency increases accordingly. However, due to the reduction in the distance between the inner electrode and the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, the amount of gas entering the sterilization duct 150 decreases, resulting in a decrease in the amount of plasma generated by the dielectric barrier discharge and a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the dielectric barrier discharge. Therefore, by adjusting the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode in the lamp tube 110 to balance the sterilization efficiency of ultraviolet light and the sterilization efficiency of the dielectric barrier discharge, different needs such as surface sterilization, air sterilization, and deodorization can be met simultaneously.
[0037] It is worth noting that, in addition to using a sub-electrode 210 stacked on top of the first electrode 120 to change the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode, the sterilization device can also be equipped with multiple candidate electrodes with different cross-sectional sizes. By replacing the first electrode 120 inside the lamp tube 110 with candidate electrodes of different cross-sectional sizes, the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode inside the lamp tube 110 can be changed, thereby adjusting the ultraviolet sterilization effect and the dielectric barrier discharge sterilization effect. For example, the sterilization device can be equipped with three candidate electrodes, which are arranged in ascending order of cross-sectional size as the first candidate electrode, the second candidate electrode, and the third candidate electrode. The cross-sectional size of the first candidate electrode is larger than that of the first electrode 120, while the cross-sectional size of the third candidate electrode is smaller than that of the first electrode 120. The surface dimension is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube. When a higher ultraviolet sterilization effect is required, i.e., a device surface sterilization effect, or a lower requirement for dielectric barrier discharge sterilization effect, i.e., air sterilization effect, the first electrode 120 can be replaced with a first candidate electrode, a second candidate electrode, or a third candidate electrode with a larger cross-sectional dimension. If only ultraviolet sterilization is required, the first electrode 120 can be replaced with a third candidate electrode, so that the inner electrode inside the lamp tube 110 matches the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, maximizing the electric field strength and the ultraviolet excitation intensity. At the same time, it reduces the noise when air flows into the sterilization duct 150 and the noise of dielectric barrier discharge. Correspondingly, when a higher dielectric barrier discharge sterilization effect, i.e., an air sterilization effect, is required, It is understood that the sterilization device may also be equipped with a driving component for adjusting the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode. Specifically, it may be a first driving motor for moving the sub-electrode 210. The first driving motor can drive the sub-electrode 210 to move relative to the first electrode 120, thereby moving the sub-electrode 210 to overlap the outside of the first electrode 120, increasing the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode, or moving the sub-electrode 210 to separate it from the outside of the first electrode 120, reducing the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode. In addition, the sterilization device also includes an electrode sensor connected to the first driving motor. The electrode sensor is used to detect the current position of the sub-electrode 210 and the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode, and to assist the first driving motor in driving the sub-electrode 210 to overlap or separate from the first electrode 120. Alternatively, the driving component can also be a second driving electrode for replacing the electrode. The second driving electrode can drive the candidate electrode and the first electrode 120 to move relative to the lamp tube 110, thereby driving the first electrode 120 to separate from the lamp tube 110 and driving the candidate electrode into the lamp tube 110, thereby replacing the first electrode 120 with the candidate electrode and changing the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode in the lamp tube 110.
[0038] It is understood that the first electrode 120 and the sub-electrode 210 can be directly supported and fixed inside the lamp tube 110 by the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, or the first electrode 120 and the sub-electrode 210 can be fixed inside the lamp tube 110 by a fixing component. For example, the fixing component can be a first connector provided on the axial end face of the lamp tube 110, with the first electrode 120 mounted on the first connector, so that the first electrode 120 is fixed inside the lamp tube 110, and the sub-electrode 210 can be coaxially fixed inside the lamp tube 110 by the support of the first electrode 120. Alternatively, the fixing component can be... A second connector is provided at the axial position of the light filter structure 140 extending into the lamp tube 110. The first electrode 120 is mounted on the second connector, which can also fix the first electrode 120 inside the lamp tube 110. The first electrode 120 can be located at the axial position inside the lamp tube 110, while the sub-electrode 210 can be coaxially fixed inside the lamp tube 110 by the support of the first electrode 120. It is worth noting that the first electrode 120 and the sub-electrode 210 are not limited to being fixed at the axial position inside the lamp tube 110. The first electrode 120 and the sub-electrode 210 only need to be located inside the lamp tube 110.
[0039] It is understood that the sterilization device also includes a position adjustment component 310, which can adjust the position of the lamp tube 110 inside the air conditioner, thereby assisting in switching the sterilization mode of the sterilization device. When the sterilization device is in different sterilization modes, the position of the lamp tube 110 inside the air conditioner is different. When the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, a gap is left between the inner electrode and the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube. Under voltage excitation, the gas between the inner electrode and the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube generates plasma under the action of dielectric barrier discharge. At the same time, the luminescent gas inside the lamp tube 110 excites ultraviolet light. At this time, the sterilization device is in a mixed sterilization mode of dielectric barrier discharge and ultraviolet irradiation. The sterilization device in the mixed sterilization mode can efficiently sterilize the gas flowing into the sterilization air duct 150. Specifically, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of the lamp tube 110 in the first position state according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the mixed sterilization mode, the position adjustment component 310 adjusts the lamp tube 110 to the first position state, so that the axial opening of the lamp tube 110 faces the air outlet duct of the air conditioner. The air after being conditioned by the air conditioner flows into the sterilization duct 150, where it undergoes efficient sterilization and deodorization using plasma generated by ultraviolet irradiation and dielectric barrier discharge, and is then blown into the indoor environment to achieve sterilization and deodorization of the indoor environment. Figure 5As shown, the lamp tube 110 is located in the air outlet duct of the air conditioner. The axial opening of the lamp tube 110 and the air outlet of the filter structure 140 both face the indoor environment. At this time, due to the function of the filter structure 140, the ultraviolet rays that are excited are filtered out of harmful bands and then irradiate the indoor environment, which can sterilize the surface of objects in the indoor environment. Therefore, in the mixed sterilization mode, the sterilization device can not only efficiently sterilize and deodorize the gas in the sterilization duct 150, but also use ultraviolet rays to irradiate and sterilize the indoor environment, thus achieving a balance between efficient sterilization and human-machine coexistence.
[0040] When the cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, there is no gap between the inner electrode and the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube. At this time, the sterilization device is in pure ultraviolet irradiation mode, allowing the outer wall 112 of the lamp tube to face the indoor environment, resulting in a wider ultraviolet irradiation area and higher sterilization efficiency. To ensure that harmful ultraviolet wavelengths are not leaked, the sterilization device is also equipped with a filter plate 320. The filter plate 320 and the filter structure 140 operate on the same principle, both used to filter out harmful ultraviolet wavelengths emitted by the luminescent gas inside the lamp tube 110. (Refer to...) Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of the lamp tube 110 in the second position state provided in this embodiment of the invention. The lamp tube 110 can be adjusted to the second position state using the position adjustment component 310. In this state, the lamp tube 110 is no longer located within the air outlet duct of the air conditioner. Instead, it is positioned on the side of the filter plate 320 away from the indoor environment, with the outer wall 112 of the lamp tube facing the filter plate 320. Ultraviolet rays emitted by the luminescent gas pass through the outer wall 112 of the lamp tube and irradiate the filter plate 320. After harmful wavelengths are filtered out by the filter plate 320, the ultraviolet rays are then directed towards the indoor environment. The outer wall of the air conditioner may have an irradiation window, the size of which is consistent with the size of the filter plate 320. The filter plate 320 is installed within the irradiation window of the air conditioner. It is worth noting that the irradiation window can be located on one side of the air conditioner's air outlet, thus facilitating the adjustment of the lamp tube 110's position state by the sterilization device during mode switching.
[0041] It is understood that the position adjustment component 310 can be a rotating component, which is rotatably connected to the filter plate 320 and the filter structure 140 respectively. The filter plate 320 is installed on the outer wall of the air conditioner, and the rotating component is connected to the lamp tube 110 through the filter structure 140. Therefore, the lamp tube 110, the first electrode 120, the second electrode 130, and the filter structure 140 can be installed on the air conditioner through the rotating component. The rotating component allows the lamp tube 110 to rotate relative to the filter plate 320. Figure 7 , Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the mode switching effect provided in the embodiment of the present invention. By rotating the component, the filter structure 140 can be rotated to the same plane as the filter plate 320, so that the axial port of the lamp tube 110 faces the indoor environment, that is, the lamp tube 110 is in the first position state. By rotating the component, the filter structure 140 can be rotated to the plane perpendicular to the filter plate 320, so that the outer wall 112 of the lamp tube faces the filter plate 320, that is, the lamp tube 110 is in the second position state. Therefore, depending on the sterilization mode in which the sterilization device is running, the lamp tube 110 can be rotated to the corresponding position state by using the rotating component.
[0042] It is worth noting that the rotating part can be located on the left or right side of the air conditioning vent, or it can be located on the top side of the air conditioning vent.
[0043] It is understood that the sterilization device may also be provided with an electrode storage compartment 410. The electrode storage compartment 410 can store sub-electrodes 210 that are nested on the first electrode 120, or sub-electrodes 210 separated from the first electrode 120. The electrode storage compartment 410 may be located on one side of the filter plate 320, and the filter structure 140 may be disposed on one axial end face of the lamp tube 110. The first driving electrode may drive the sub-electrodes 210 to move from the electrode storage compartment 410 to the other axial end face of the lamp tube 110, so that the sub-electrodes 210 can be nested on the first electrode 120. Similarly, the first driving electrode may drive the sub-electrodes 210 to separate from the first electrode 120 and move to the electrode storage compartment 410 on the other axial end face of the lamp tube 110 for storage. The electrode storage compartment 410 may store multiple sub-electrodes 210, which may be nested or arranged sequentially according to their cross-sectional dimensions to facilitate adjustment of the cross-sectional dimensions of the inner electrodes. It should be noted that when the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is adjusted, the lamp tube 110 is in the second position state, so that the other axial end face of the lamp tube 110 faces the electrode storage chamber 410, which facilitates the first driving electrode to drive the sub-electrode 210 to move into or out of the electrode storage chamber 410.
[0044] It should be noted that the electrode storage compartment 410 can also store multiple candidate electrodes, which facilitates the first drive motor to drive the candidate electrodes in the electrode storage compartment 410 to replace the electrodes in the lamp tube 110. For example, the candidate electrodes in the electrode storage compartment 410 can be driven to replace the first electrode 120 in the lamp tube 110, or a candidate electrode with a larger cross-sectional size in the electrode storage compartment 410 can be driven to replace a candidate electrode with a smaller cross-sectional size in the lamp tube 110. The replaced first electrode 120 can also be stored in the electrode storage compartment 410.
[0045] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the application scenario of the sterilization device provided in the embodiment of the present invention. The sterilization device can be applied to an air conditioner. A filter plate 320 is provided on one side of the air conditioner's air outlet. The sterilization device is installed between the air conditioner's air outlet and the filter plate 320 through a position adjustment component 310. The electrode storage chamber 410 is located on the side of the filter plate 320 away from the position adjustment component 310. When the sterilization device is operating in pure ultraviolet irradiation mode or when sterilization is stopped, the lamp tube 110 is in the second position state. At this time, the outer wall 112 of the lamp tube faces the filter plate 320, and the axial opening at one end of the lamp tube 110 faces the electrode storage chamber 410. The axial opening facing the electrode storage chamber 410 is used to allow the sub-electrode 210 to move from the electrode storage chamber 410 into the lamp tube 110, or from the lamp tube 110 into the electrode storage chamber 410. When the sterilization device is operating in the mixed sterilization mode, the lamp tube 110 of the sterilization device is first in the second position state. The sub-electrode 210 of the electrode storage compartment 410 is moved into the lamp tube 110 or the sub-electrode 210 in the lamp tube 110 is moved into the electrode storage compartment 410. After the adjustment of the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is completed, the lamp tube 110 is moved to the first position state by the position adjustment component 310. At this time, the lamp tube 110 is located in the air outlet duct of the air conditioner. The axial opening of the lamp tube 110, i.e. the sterilization duct 150, faces the air outlet duct of the air conditioner, and the filter structure 140 and the air outlet face the indoor environment.
[0046] It is understood that the sterilization device also includes a sterilization controller. The sterilization controller can be connected to the first drive motor and the position adjustment component 310 respectively. When the sterilization controller receives the sterilization command, it can first determine the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode and the target position state of the lamp tube 110, and control the first drive motor to drive the sub-electrode 210 to overlap or separate from the first electrode 120, and then control the position adjustment component 310 to adjust the lamp tube 110 to the target position state.
[0047] Specifically, the sterilization command may include the sterilization mode of the sterilization device. The sterilization modes include a mixed sterilization mode and a pure ultraviolet irradiation mode. Different sterilization modes correspond to different target cross-sectional dimensions and different target position states. For example, when the sterilization mode is determined to be pure ultraviolet irradiation mode from the sterilization command, the target cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode can be determined to be equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube. Simultaneously, the target position state of the lamp tube 110 can be determined to be the second position state, thereby maximizing the electric field intensity excited by the electrode, maximizing the excitation intensity of the luminescent gas, and maximizing the range of ultraviolet light transmitted through the filter plate 320 to the indoor environment, achieving high-efficiency indoor environment sterilization. At this time, when the cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode does not reach the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube... When the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 is determined, the first drive motor is controlled to drive the sub-electrode 210 to overlap the first electrode 120, so that the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size. For example, when only the first electrode 120 is inside the lamp tube 110, the cross-sectional size of the first electrode 120 is obviously smaller than the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube. Therefore, the first drive motor can be controlled to drive the sub-electrode 210 to overlap the first electrode 120, increasing the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode. If the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode formed by overlapping one sub-electrode 210 on the first electrode 120 is still smaller than the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, then another sub-electrode 210 is driven to overlap the inner electrode until the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is equal to the target cross-sectional size. After the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size, the position adjustment component 310 is controlled to adjust the lamp tube 110 to the second position state, so that the outer wall 112 of the lamp tube faces the filter plate 320, thereby exciting ultraviolet rays that pass through the filter plate 320 to filter out harmful wavelengths and irradiate into the indoor environment.
[0048] When the sterilization mode is determined to be a mixed sterilization mode from the sterilization command, it can be determined that the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube. Simultaneously, the target position state of the lamp tube 110 can be determined to be the first position state. Therefore, the first drive motor can be controlled to move the sub-electrode 210 to adjust the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode. When the current cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is smaller than the target cross-sectional size, the first drive motor can be controlled to drive the sub-electrode 210 to overlap the first electrode 120, increasing the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode until the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size. When the current cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is larger than the target cross-sectional size, the first drive motor can be controlled to drive the sub-electrode 210 to separate from the first electrode 120, reducing the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode until the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size. After the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size, the position adjustment component 310 is controlled to adjust the lamp tube 110 to the first position state, so that the axial opening of the lamp tube 110 is in the same direction as the air outlet duct of the air conditioner, that is, the axial opening of the lamp tube 110 faces the air outlet duct of the air conditioner, and the sterilization duct 150 is connected to the air outlet duct. For example, when switching from pure ultraviolet irradiation mode to mixed sterilization mode, the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is equal to the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, and the lamp tube 110 is in the second position state. The first drive motor can be directly controlled to drive the sub-electrode 210 to separate from the first electrode 120, reducing the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode. If the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is still larger than the target cross-sectional size after separating one sub-electrode 210, the first drive motor is controlled to continue to drive the sub-electrode 210 to separate from the first electrode 120 until the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size, forming a sterilization air duct 150 of appropriate size. When the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size, the position adjustment component 310 is controlled to move the lamp tube 110 from the second position state to the first position state, so that the axial opening of the lamp tube 110 faces the air outlet duct of the air conditioner, that is, the sterilization air duct 150 is connected to the air outlet duct, and the air blown out by the air conditioner can enter the sterilization air duct 150 for sterilization and then be blown into the indoor environment.
[0049] It is worth noting that when the battery storage compartment is located on one side of the light shield, before the sub-electrode 210 is driven to overlap or separate from the first electrode 120 by the first drive motor, or before the candidate electrode is driven to replace the electrode in the lamp tube 110 by the first drive motor, it is necessary to control the position adjustment component 310 to move the lamp tube 110 to the second position state, so that the other axial end face of the lamp tube 110 faces the battery storage compartment, so that the first drive motor can drive the sub-electrode 210 or the candidate electrode to adjust the cross-sectional size of the electrode in the lamp tube 110.
[0050] The target cross-sectional size refers to the cross-sectional size corresponding to the required size of the sterilization duct 150 under the current sterilization command. Different sterilization requirements necessitate different ultraviolet excitation intensities, and the required amount of plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge also varies. The ultraviolet excitation intensity and the amount of plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge are related to the electric field strength, which is related to the distance between the inner electrode and the second electrode 130. Furthermore, the amount of plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge is also related to the amount of reactants (i.e., the amount of air flowing in). Different sizes of the sterilization duct 150 result in different amounts of gas flowing through it. Therefore, the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode affects the ultraviolet excitation intensity and the amount of plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge, thus affecting the ultraviolet sterilization effect and the plasma sterilization effect. Therefore, different sterilization requirements correspond to different inner electrode cross-sectional sizes.
[0051] The target position state refers to the position state of the lamp tube 110 that maximizes the sterilization effect under the current sterilization command. When sterilization is carried out by ultraviolet irradiation, the second position state in which the outer wall 112 of the lamp tube faces the filter plate 320 can fully transmit the excited ultraviolet rays through the filter plate 320 to irradiate the indoor environment, maximizing the ultraviolet irradiation sterilization effect. When air sterilization is carried out by ultraviolet irradiation and plasma, the first position state in which the axial opening of the lamp tube 110 faces the air outlet of the air conditioner and the filter structure 140 faces the indoor environment can allow the air blown out by the air conditioner to flow into the sterilization duct 150 for sterilization by ultraviolet rays and plasma. At the same time, ultraviolet rays can irradiate the indoor environment through the axial end face of the lamp tube 110 and the filter structure 140, achieving a dual synergistic sterilization effect and improving the decomposition efficiency of pollutants in the sterilization duct 150.
[0052] It is understandable that the sterilization command can be a command sent by an external device, so that the sterilization device can switch between different sterilization modes in response to the externally sent sterilization command.
[0053] Understandably, the sterilization command can also be generated based on the operating status of the sterilization device and the air quality in the indoor environment, enabling automatic adjustment of the sterilization mode of the sterilization device. Specifically, based on the operating time of the sterilization device in different sterilization modes or in different position states, a new sterilization command can be generated. This new command can be used to adjust the operating status of the device, balancing surface sterilization, air sterilization, and odor removal effects. For example, the operating time of the sterilization device in the first position state and / or the second position state can be obtained first. When the lamp 110 of the sterilization device is in the first position... If the duration of operation in the first position state reaches a preset first target duration, a first sterilization command can be generated, indicating that the duration of operation of the sterilization device in the mixed sterilization mode has met the requirements. The first sterilization command instructs the sterilization device to operate in pure ultraviolet irradiation mode, that is, to adjust the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode inside the lamp tube 110 to the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, and at the same time adjust the target position state of the lamp tube 110 to the second position state, that is, to adjust the position state of the lamp tube 110 from the first position state to the second position state; and when the lamp tube 110 of the sterilization device is in the second position state, and the duration of operation in the second position state reaches a preset first target duration, a first sterilization command can be generated, indicating that the duration of operation of the sterilization device in the mixed sterilization mode has met the requirements. Once the preset second target duration is reached, a second sterilization command is generated, indicating that the duration of the sterilization device operating in pure ultraviolet irradiation mode has met the requirements. The second sterilization command instructs the sterilization device to operate in mixed sterilization mode, that is, to adjust the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode inside the lamp tube 110 to a cross-sectional size smaller than the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, and simultaneously adjust the target position state of the lamp tube 110 to the first position state, that is, to adjust the position state of the lamp tube 110 from the second position state to the first position state; when the operating time of the sterilization device in the first position state or the operating time in the second position state reaches the preset third target duration, Then a third sterilization command can be generated, which indicates that the sterilization device is controlled to end sterilization. At this time, the target cross-sectional size can be the cross-sectional size of the first electrode 120, that is, the inner electrode in the lamp tube 110 is restored to the first electrode 120, or the target cross-sectional size can be the current cross-sectional size of the inner electrode in the lamp tube 110, that is, the current cross-sectional size of the inner electrode in the lamp tube 110 is maintained without change, and the target position state is the second position state, so that the sterilization air duct 150 of the lamp tube 110 is located in the air outlet air duct of the air conditioner, avoiding noise caused by air flowing through the sterilization air duct 150, which would affect the user's experience.
[0054] The runtime of the sterilization device in the first and second position states may include the historical cumulative runtime of the lamp 110 in each position state and the continuous runtime of the previous operation. Based on the historical cumulative runtime and / or the continuous runtime of the previous operation, the current sterilization mode is determined, and a new sterilization command is generated. Specifically, the historical cumulative runtime or the continuous runtime of the previous operation is compared between the two position states, and the sterilization mode corresponding to the position state with the smaller historical cumulative runtime or the smaller continuous runtime is selected as the current sterilization mode to balance the sterilization effects of the two modes. For example, if the historical cumulative runtime of the lamp 110 in the first position state is less than the historical cumulative runtime of the lamp 110 in the second position state, then the sterilization mode corresponding to the lamp 110 in the first position state, i.e., the mixed sterilization mode, can be selected. The combined sterilization mode is selected as the current sterilization mode, and a corresponding sterilization command is generated to adjust the cross-sectional size of the internal electrode in the lamp tube 110 and adjust the position state of the lamp tube 110 to the first position state; or, the historical cumulative running time of each position state is weighted and calculated with the continuous running time of the previous run to obtain the weighted running time of each position state, and the sterilization mode corresponding to the position state with the smaller weighted running time is selected as the current sterilization mode; or, the historical cumulative running time of the two position states is added together to obtain the total running time, and it is determined whether the time ratio between the historical cumulative running time of the first position state and the total running time reaches the preset time ratio. If the time ratio between the historical cumulative running time of the first position state and the total running time reaches the preset time ratio, the current sterilization mode is determined to be the pure ultraviolet irradiation mode; if the preset time ratio is not reached, the current sterilization mode is determined to be the mixed sterilization mode.
[0055] Additionally, the current duration ratio can be calculated for the historical cumulative runtime and the previous continuous runtime of each of the two position states. For example, the duration ratio between the historical cumulative runtime of the first position state and the historical cumulative runtime of the second position state is calculated to obtain the cumulative duration ratio. The duration ratio between the previous continuous runtime of the first position state and the previous continuous runtime of the second position state is calculated to obtain the runtime ratio. Based on the cumulative duration ratio and a preset first ratio value, and the runtime ratio and a preset second ratio value, the current sterilization mode is determined. Specifically, when the cumulative duration ratio is less than the first preset ratio value and the runtime ratio is less than the second ratio value, the current sterilization mode is determined to be a mixed sterilization mode. If the timeout ratio is greater than the first preset ratio and the runtime ratio is greater than the second ratio, the current sterilization mode is determined to be a pure ultraviolet irradiation mode. If the cumulative timeout ratio is greater than the first ratio and the runtime ratio is less than the second ratio, or if the cumulative timeout ratio is less than the first ratio and the runtime ratio is greater than the second ratio, then based on the first timeout ratio of the previous continuous runtime of the first position state to the historical cumulative runtime, and the second timeout ratio of the previous continuous runtime of the second position state to the historical cumulative runtime, if the first timeout ratio is greater than the second timeout ratio, the current sterilization mode is determined to be a mixed sterilization mode; if the second timeout ratio is greater than the first timeout ratio, the current sterilization mode is determined to be a pure ultraviolet irradiation mode.
[0056] Understandably, the sterilization device also includes an air sensor. The air sensor can measure the air environment parameters of the environment in which the sterilization device is located. The air environment parameters can refer to reference data such as pollutant concentration and air health index, which are used to judge whether the current environment needs to be sterilized. The air sensor is connected to the sterilization controller. The sterilization controller can obtain the air environment parameters from the air sensor and generate sterilization instructions based on the air environment parameters. Specifically, when the air environment parameter is greater than a first environmental parameter, a sterilization instruction is generated to control the sterilization device to execute a mixed sterilization mode. When the air environment parameter is less than the first environmental parameter but greater than a second environmental parameter, a sterilization instruction is generated to control the sterilization device to execute a pure ultraviolet irradiation mode. When the air environment parameter is less than the second environmental parameter, a sterilization instruction is generated to control the sterilization mode to stop sterilization.
[0057] Since the air environment parameters represent the current health level of the indoor environment, i.e. the sterilization requirements, and the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode in the lamp tube 110 is related to the sterilization effect of the indoor environment, when the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode is small, the amount of gas flowing into the sterilization air duct 150 is large, the amount of plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge is large, and the sterilization effect is high. As the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode increases, the amount of gas flowing into the sterilization air duct 150 decreases, the amount of plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge also decreases, and the sterilization effect also decreases. Therefore, the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode can be determined according to the air environment parameters, so that the air environment parameters can be written into the sterilization command. When the sterilization controller receives the sterilization command, it can extract the air environment parameters from the sterilization command, and then determine the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode according to the air environment parameters.
[0058] The system can include multiple air sensors, which can be configured at different locations to detect the concentration of pollutants in the air and the degree of contamination on object surfaces. For example, one air sensor can be located at a higher level in the indoor environment to detect the concentration of pollutants in the air, while another air sensor can be located at a lower level in the indoor environment to detect the degree of contamination on object surfaces. The sterilization controller acquires the degree of contamination on the object surfaces as a first air environment parameter and the concentration of pollutants in the air as a second air environment parameter. When the first air environment parameter is higher than the third environmental parameter, a sterilization command is generated to control the sterilization device to execute a mixed sterilization mode. When the first air environment parameter is lower than the third environmental parameter and the second air environment parameter is higher than the third environmental parameter, a sterilization command is generated to control the sterilization device to execute a pure ultraviolet irradiation mode. When both the first and second air environment parameters are lower than the third environmental parameter, a sterilization command is generated to control the sterilization mode to stop sterilization.
[0059] The operating time of the sterilization device can be determined based on the air environment parameters detected by the air sensor. For example, the lower the air environment parameter, the longer the operating time of the sterilization device, and the higher the air environment parameter, the shorter the operating time of the sterilization device.
[0060] Understandably, when the sterilization device is operating in mixed sterilization mode, it primarily relies on the plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge through the plasma generated by the airflow from the air conditioner flowing into the sterilization duct 150. When the airflow velocity through the sterilization duct 150 is high, significant wind noise is generated as the airflow passes through the narrow duct. Therefore, during the sterilization process in mixed sterilization mode, it is also necessary to pay attention to the airflow velocity from the air conditioner and adjust the sterilization duct 150 accordingly to avoid generating excessive noise during sterilization and affecting the user experience. Specifically, in response to the sterilization command, the air conditioner's fan speed adjustment level is obtained, and then the target cross-section of the internal electrode is determined based on the sterilization command and the fan speed adjustment level. The first drive motor is controlled to drive the sub-electrode 210 to overlap or separate from the first electrode 120 based on the surface size and target position state of the lamp tube 110. After the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size, the position adjustment component 310 is controlled to adjust the lamp tube 110 to the target position state. When the sterilization command instructs the sterilization device to operate in mixed sterilization mode, the fan speed adjustment level of the air conditioner can be obtained. The fan speed adjustment level includes high speed, medium speed and low speed. At the same time, the target position state of the lamp tube 110 can be determined as the first position state. If the current fan speed adjustment level of the air conditioner is high speed, the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode can be determined as the first cross-sectional size. If the air conditioner's current fan speed setting is medium, the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode can be determined as the second cross-sectional size. If the air conditioner's current fan speed setting is low, the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode can be determined as the third cross-sectional size. The first cross-sectional size is smaller than the second cross-sectional size, and the second cross-sectional size is smaller than the third cross-sectional size. In other words, the higher the airflow speed from the air conditioner, the smaller the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode and the larger the cross-sectional size of the sterilization duct 150. This buffers and slows down the airflow flowing into the sterilization duct 150. At the same time, the increased airflow helps to increase the plasma concentration generated by the dielectric barrier discharge, ensuring the sterilization effect. To reduce wind noise, for example, the ratio between the first cross-sectional dimension and the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube can be 0.3, the ratio between the second cross-sectional dimension and the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube can be 0.5, and the ratio between the third cross-sectional dimension and the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube can be 0.8. In the low-speed mode, by reducing the cross-sectional dimension of the sterilization duct 150, the gas flow rate into the sterilization duct 150 is increased, avoiding local ozone accumulation caused by airflow stagnation and ensuring sterilization efficiency. In the medium-speed mode, a sterilization duct 150 with a medium cross-sectional dimension is formed by an inner electrode with a medium cross-sectional dimension, which can balance noise and sterilization effect.When the sterilization command instructs the sterilization device to operate in pure ultraviolet irradiation mode, it is not necessary to obtain the air conditioner's fan speed setting. The target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode can be set to the cross-sectional size of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, and the target position state of the lamp tube 110 can be set to the second position state. Therefore, when the sterilization device operates in mixed sterilization mode, the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode of the sterilization device can be adaptively adjusted when the air conditioner is operating at different fan speed settings, balancing the sterilization effect and noise control.
[0061] When the air conditioner is running at high speed, the amount of gas flowing into the sterilization duct 150 is large, resulting in more plasma and a higher sterilization effect, but also higher noise. When the air conditioner is running at low speed, the amount of gas flowing into the sterilization duct 150 is small, resulting in less plasma and a relatively lower sterilization effect, but also lower noise. Therefore, when there is a high tolerance for ambient noise or a need for rapid sterilization of the indoor environment, the high speed setting of the air conditioner and the inner electrode of the first cross-sectional size can be used together for rapid sterilization. When there is a low tolerance for ambient noise (such as nighttime sterilization) or a need for rapid sterilization of the indoor environment, the low speed setting of the air conditioner and the inner electrode of the third cross-sectional size can be used together to achieve sterilization while operating with low noise.
[0062] Taking toluene as the pollutant in the indoor environment, with an initial toluene concentration of 500 mg / m³ and a gas flow rate of 0.5 L / s as an example, the sterilization effects of the sterilization device in mixed sterilization mode and pure ultraviolet irradiation mode are shown in Table 1 below. Table 1 is a schematic table illustrating the sterilization effects of mixed sterilization mode and pure ultraviolet irradiation mode.
[0063] Table 1. Schematic diagram of sterilization effects of mixed sterilization mode and pure ultraviolet irradiation mode.
[0064] Referring to the table above, the excimer lamp using dielectric barrier discharge was used as the control group, while the sterilization device provided in this embodiment of the invention was used as the experimental group. The ratio between the cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode of the lamp tube 110 and the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube in both the control and experimental groups was fixed at 0.3. Both operated when the air conditioner's fan speed was at the high speed setting. At this time, when the energy density SED (J / L) was 50, the toluene removal rate of the control group was 4%, while the toluene removal rate of the experimental group was as high as 21%. When the energy density SED (J / L) was increased to 100, the toluene removal rate of the control group increased to 5%, while the toluene removal rate of the experimental group increased to 25%. At this time, the control group had a better sterilization effect on the air, with an air sterilization rate of 90%, but the air sterilization rate of the experimental group was higher, reaching 99.9%. Regarding the surface sterilization rate at 2m, the control group had a moderate sterilization effect on the object surface, with a surface sterilization rate of less than 30%. However, the experimental group, due to the coupling of dielectric barrier discharge and ultraviolet irradiation, achieved a surface sterilization rate of less than 70% at 2m, but it was still higher than the surface sterilization rate of the control group. It is evident that the sterilization device provided in this embodiment of the invention improves the pollutant removal rate, air sterilization rate, and surface sterilization rate under the same environmental conditions compared to related technologies that employ a single sterilization method. Furthermore, the sterilization device provided in this embodiment can adapt to different air conditioner fan speed settings to achieve different sterilization effects. As shown in Table 1, when the air conditioner fan speed is set to medium speed, the ratio of the cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode to the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube in the sterilization device is adjusted to 0.5, and a mixed sterilization mode is run. When the energy density SED (J / L) is 50, the toluene removal rate is slightly lower than that when the size ratio is 0.3, with a toluene removal rate of 15%. However, when the energy density SED (J / L) is increased to 100, the toluene removal rate increases to 20%, and the air sterilization rate is 99%, but the surface sterilization rate for objects at 2m is increased to 90%. When the air conditioner fan speed is set to low speed, the sterilization device... The ratio of the electrode cross-sectional dimension to the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube was adjusted to 0.8, and a mixed sterilization mode was run. When the energy density SED (J / L) was 50, the toluene removal rate was slightly lower than that when the size ratio was 0.5, with a toluene removal rate of 12%. When the energy density SED (J / L) was increased to 100, the toluene removal rate increased to 15%, and the air sterilization rate decreased to 90%, but the sterilization rate of objects at 2m was increased to 99%. Since the sterilization device has a sterilization mode switching function, the sterilization device can be switched to the pure purple irradiation mode, i.e., the UV surface sterilization setting in the table. At this time, although the toluene removal rate and the air sterilization rate are lower, the sterilization rate of objects at 2m is increased to 99.9%, and the noise generated during the sterilization process is minimal.
[0065] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the sterilization device provided in this embodiment of the invention. The sterilization device can operate in response to sterilization commands, switching between automatic and manual modes. Specifically, in automatic mode, the sterilization device can use an air sensor to detect indoor air environment parameters, determine the degree of indoor pollution, generate a sterilization command based on the air environment parameters, and then operate in either a mixed sterilization mode or a pure ultraviolet irradiation mode according to the sterilization command. A sterilization command sent from an external device can trigger the manual mode of the sterilization process. The externally sent sterilization command can include the sterilization mode required by the sterilization device. When the sterilization mode is a mixed sterilization mode, the device obtains the air conditioner's fan speed setting and adjusts the cross-sectional size of the internal electrode according to the fan speed setting. After adjusting the cross-sectional size of the internal electrode, the corresponding sterilization mode is operated. When the running time of the corresponding sterilization mode reaches the system-set running time, sterilization stops; otherwise, the current sterilization mode continues to operate.
[0066] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide an air conditioner, which includes a sterilization device as described in the first aspect embodiment above. According to the air conditioner provided by the present invention, a dielectric barrier discharge structure is formed by a first electrode 120, a lamp tube 110, and a second electrode 130 in the sterilization device. Since the cross-sectional dimension of the first electrode 120 is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube, the gap between the inner wall 111 of the lamp tube and the first electrode 120 forms a sterilization air duct 150. The sterilization air duct 150 and the air outlet are both located within the air outlet duct of the air conditioner. When a voltage is applied, the luminescent gas filled in the gas storage cavity 113 inside the lamp tube 110 will excite ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light can pass through the lamp tube 110 to sterilize the air inside the sterilization air duct 150 and the air conditioner. A sterilization device is provided at the axial port of the lamp tube 110. The filter structure 140 acts as a safety barrier, blocking the leakage of harmful wavelengths and achieving a balance between efficient sterilization and human-machine coexistence. Simultaneously, the air in the sterilization duct 150 generates plasma for sterilization under the action of dielectric barrier discharge. The plasma can decompose air pollutants, while the photoionization effect of ultraviolet light irradiating the sterilization duct 150 can reduce the breakdown voltage of the dielectric barrier discharge, improve the discharge uniformity, and make it easier for air pollutants to break bonds and decompose. The sterilized and deodorized gas can be blown into the room through the sterilization duct 150 and the air outlet to sterilize and deodorize the indoor environment. Therefore, the sterilization device combines the plasma sterilization method generated by dielectric barrier discharge with the ultraviolet sterilization method to achieve a dual synergistic sterilization effect and improve the decomposition efficiency of pollutants in the sterilization duct 150.
[0067] It is understandable that the air conditioner is equipped with an air outlet duct, which, together with the air conditioning vent, forms part of the air outlet duct. The side wall of the air outlet duct has a sterilization window 510 and an air duct baffle 520. The sterilization device is installed on one side of the sterilization window 510 and close to the air outlet via a position adjustment component 310. When the sterilization device is operating in mixed sterilization mode, the air conditioner opens the sterilization window 510 by adjusting the air duct baffle 520. Thus, when the lamp 110 of the sterilization device is in the first position, the lamp 110... The sterilization window 510 can be moved into the air outlet duct, with the axial opening of the lamp tube 110 facing the air outlet duct, so that the sterilization air duct 150 is connected to the air outlet duct. When the sterilization device is operating in pure ultraviolet irradiation mode, the air conditioner can close the sterilization window 510 by adjusting the air duct baffle 520. At this time, the lamp tube 110 of the sterilization device is in the second position, with the outer wall 112 of the lamp tube facing the filter plate 320. After the sterilization window 510 is closed, it prevents the air blown out by the air conditioner from leaking from the sterilization window 510 in the air outlet duct. Specifically, refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of mode switching provided in this embodiment of the invention. It can be seen that the position adjustment component 310 can be a rotating component. The filter plate 320 is located on one side of the sterilization window 510 in the air outlet duct, and the position adjustment component 310 is located at the connection between the filter plate 320 and the side wall of the air outlet duct. A guide rail is provided on the side wall of the air outlet duct, and the air duct baffle 520 is installed on the side wall of the air outlet duct via the guide rail. By moving the air duct baffle 520, the sterilization window 510 on the side wall of the air outlet duct can be opened or closed. When the sterilization device is operating in pure ultraviolet irradiation mode, i.e., when the lamp tube 110 is in the second position, the air duct baffle 520 can be moved to close the sterilization window 510, thereby preventing the airflow from the air conditioner from leaking through the sterilization window 510. When the sterilization device is in operating mode... When switching from pure ultraviolet irradiation mode to mixed sterilization mode, lamp 110 needs to move from the second position to the first position. At this time, the air duct baffle 520 needs to be moved to open the sterilization window 510, so that the position adjustment component 310 can rotate lamp 110 so that the axial opening at one end of lamp 110 faces the air outlet duct and the axial opening at the other end faces the indoor environment. Thus, the airflow blown out by the air conditioner can flow into the sterilization duct 150 for sterilization. When the sterilization device ends the mixed sterilization mode, lamp 110 needs to move from the first position to the second position. At this time, the sterilization window 510 is kept open. After the lamp 110 is moved to the second position by rotating lamp 110 using the position adjustment component 310, the air duct baffle 520 is moved to close the sterilization window 510.
[0068] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Claims
1. A sterilization device, applied to an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The lamp tube has axial openings at both ends, and the inner wall of the lamp tube and the outer wall of the lamp tube form a gas storage cavity for storing luminescent gas. A first electrode is disposed inside the lamp tube. The cross-sectional dimension of the first electrode is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall of the lamp tube. A sterilization air duct is formed between the inner wall of the lamp tube and the first electrode. The sterilization air duct is integrated into the air outlet duct of the air conditioner. The second electrode is disposed on the outer side of the outer wall of the lamp tube; A light filter structure is located on the axial end face of the lamp tube, and the light filter structure has an air outlet that communicates with the sterilization air duct.
2. The sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterilization device further includes at least one sub-electrode for overlaying the outer layer of the first electrode, wherein the cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode formed by the sub-electrode and the first electrode is less than or equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall of the lamp tube.
3. The sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sterilization device also includes a first drive motor for driving the sub-electrodes to overlap or separate from the first electrode.
4. The sterilization device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sterilization device also includes a position adjustment component for adjusting the position of the lamp tube inside the air conditioner. When the cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall of the lamp tube, the lamp tube is adjusted to the first position state by the position adjustment component. The first position state indicates that the axial opening of the lamp tube faces the air outlet duct of the air conditioner.
5. The sterilization device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sterilization device also includes a filter plate. When the cross-sectional dimension of the inner electrode is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the inner wall of the lamp tube, the lamp tube is adjusted to the second position state by the position adjustment component. The second position state indicates that the outer wall of the lamp tube is facing the filter plate.
6. The sterilization device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sterilization device also includes an electrode storage compartment for storing the sub-electrodes.
7. The sterilization device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sterilization device further includes a sterilization controller connected to the first drive motor and the position adjustment component respectively, the sterilization controller being used for: In response to a sterilization command, the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode and the target position state of the lamp tube are determined, and the first drive motor is controlled to drive the sub-electrode to overlap or separate from the first electrode, so that the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size. The position adjustment component is controlled to adjust the lamp tube to the target position.
8. The sterilization device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sterilization controller is also used for: The duration of operation of the sterilization device in the first position state and / or the duration of operation in the second position state is obtained, and a sterilization command is generated based on the duration of operation.
9. The sterilization device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sterilization device further includes an air sensor connected to the sterilization controller, and the sterilization controller is further configured to: The air environment parameters of the air sensor are obtained, and a sterilization command is generated based on the air environment parameters.
10. The sterilization device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sterilization device further includes a sterilization controller connected to the first drive motor and the position adjustment component respectively, the sterilization controller being used for: In response to a sterilization command, the fan speed adjustment level of the air conditioner is obtained; Based on the sterilization command and the wind speed adjustment level, the target cross-sectional size of the inner electrode and the target position of the lamp tube are determined, and the first drive motor is controlled to drive the sub-electrode to overlap or separate from the first electrode, so that the cross-sectional size of the inner electrode reaches the target cross-sectional size. The position adjustment component is controlled to adjust the lamp tube to the target position.
11. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the sterilization device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. The air conditioner according to claim 11, characterized in that, The device includes the sterilization device as described in claim 5, and further includes an air outlet duct, wherein the side wall of the air outlet duct is provided with a sterilization window for moving the sterilization device into the air outlet duct so that the axial opening of the lamp tube faces the air outlet duct, and an air duct baffle for opening or closing the sterilization window.