Sterilization control method, device, system and sterilization equipment

Abstract

The present application relates to a sterilization control method, device, system and sterilization equipment. After detecting that the sterilization equipment is powered on and starts to operate, first control the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization equipment to enter the over-power operation mode, output a first voltage to the discharge electrode through the voltage regulation circuit, and the discharge electrode discharges the air under the action of the first voltage to generate plasma for sterilization. After detecting that the sterilization equipment meets the normal operation conditions, control the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode and output a second voltage smaller than the first voltage to the discharge electrode, so that the discharge electrode discharges to generate plasma for sterilization under the second voltage. In the above solution, first discharge through the relatively large voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit, and then switch to the relatively small voltage for discharge. The high-voltage discharge operation can effectively remove the dust accumulated on the discharge electrode, avoid the accelerated aging of the discharge electrode caused by the accumulated dust, and thus slow down the aging speed of the discharge electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of sterilization, and in particular to a sterilization control method, device, system and sterilization equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the development of science and technology and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, dishwashers with disinfection capabilities are increasingly widely used in daily life and tend to gradually replace household disinfection cabinets. Dishwashers of the hot water or high-temperature disinfection type have poor sterilization capabilities and it is difficult to meet the requirements of efficient, rapid and broad-spectrum sterilization. Dishwashers based on a plasma discharge structure for killing bacteria have emerged as the times require.

[0003] However, during the operation of the plasma discharge structure, the discharge electrodes are prone to aging as the usage time increases, resulting in a decrease in the discharge voltage and ultimately seriously affecting the sterilization ability of the dishwasher. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a sterilization control method, device, system and sterilization equipment to solve the problem that the discharge electrodes of the plasma discharge structure are prone to aging.

[0005] A sterilization control method includes: if the sterilization equipment is turned on and running, controlling the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization equipment to enter an over-power operation mode to output a first voltage to the discharge electrode of the sterilization equipment; detecting whether the sterilization equipment meets the normal operation conditions; if the sterilization equipment meets the normal operation conditions, controlling the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode to output a second voltage to the discharge electrode; the first voltage is greater than the second voltage.

[0006] In the above sterilization control method, after detecting that the sterilization equipment is powered on and running, first control the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization equipment to enter an over-power operation mode, and output a first voltage to the discharge electrode through the voltage regulation circuit. The discharge electrode discharges the air under the action of the first voltage to generate plasma for sterilization. After detecting that the sterilization equipment meets the normal operation conditions, control the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode and output a second voltage smaller than the first voltage to the discharge electrode, so that the discharge electrode discharges to generate plasma for sterilization under the second voltage. In the above solution, first discharge through the relatively large voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit, and then switch to the relatively small voltage for discharge. The high-voltage discharge operation can effectively remove the dust accumulated on the discharge electrode, avoid the accelerated aging of the discharge electrode caused by the accumulated dust, and thus slow down the aging speed of the discharge electrode.

[0007] In one embodiment, controlling the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device to enter the over-power operation mode includes: outputting a pulse width modulation signal with a first pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device; obtaining the voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode; and if the voltage is greater than or equal to a preset over-power threshold voltage, maintaining the output of the pulse width modulation signal with the current pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit.

[0008] In one embodiment, after obtaining the voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode, it further includes: if the voltage is less than the preset over-power threshold voltage, increasing the pulse width of the pulse width modulation signal output to the voltage regulation circuit, and returning to the step of obtaining the voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode.

[0009] In one embodiment, controlling the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode includes: outputting a pulse width modulation signal with a second pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit; and the second pulse width is less than the first pulse width.

[0010] In one embodiment, detecting whether the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions includes: detecting whether the duration of the voltage regulation circuit operating in the over-power operation mode reaches a preset duration; and if the duration reaches the preset duration, determining that the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions.

[0011] A sterilization control device includes: an over-power operation control module, configured to control the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device to enter the over-power operation mode to output a first voltage to the discharge electrode of the sterilization device if the sterilization device is turned on and running; an operation detection module, configured to detect whether the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions; and a normal operation control module, configured to control the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode to output a second voltage to the discharge electrode if the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions; and the first voltage is greater than the second voltage.

[0012] A sterilization control system includes: a discharge electrode, a voltage regulation circuit, and a controller. The voltage regulation circuit is connected to the discharge electrode, and the controller is connected to the voltage regulation circuit. The discharge electrode is configured to discharge air to generate plasma according to the input voltage; and the controller is configured to execute the sterilization control method of any one of the above.

[0013] In one embodiment, the voltage regulation circuit includes an inductive element, a switching circuit, and a energy storage and filtering circuit. An external power supply is connected to the switching circuit and the energy storage and filtering circuit through the inductive element. The energy storage and filtering circuit is connected to the discharge electrode, and the switching circuit and the energy storage and filtering circuit are respectively connected to the controller.

[0014] In one embodiment, the switch circuit includes a switching device, a first resistor component, a second resistor component, and a third resistor component. A first end of the switching device is connected to the inductive element through the first resistor component. A control end of the switching device is connected to a first end of the second resistor component and a first end of the third resistor component. A second end of the switching device is grounded. A second end of the second resistor component is connected to the second end of the switching device. A second end of the third resistor component is connected to the controller.

[0015] In one embodiment, the energy storage and filtering circuit includes a capacitor and a fourth resistor component. A first end of the capacitor is connected to the inductive element and the discharge electrode. A second end of the capacitor is grounded. A first end of the fourth resistor component is connected to the second end of the capacitor. A second end of the fourth resistor component is connected to the discharge electrode and the controller.

[0016] In one embodiment, the voltage regulation circuit further includes an isolation circuit. The inductive element is connected to the switch circuit and the isolation circuit. The isolation circuit is connected to the energy storage and filtering circuit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the isolation circuit includes a diode. An anode of the diode is connected to the inductive element. A cathode of the diode is connected to the energy storage and filtering circuit.

[0018] A sterilization device includes the above sterilization control system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic flowchart of the sterilization control method in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic flowchart of the over-power operation mode in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3 It is a schematic flowchart of the over-power operation mode in another embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the sterilization control device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 5Schematic diagram of the sterilization control system in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the discharge electrode arrangement in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the voltage regulation circuit structure in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the PWM signal and voltage waveform in an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0029] 502 - Voltage regulation circuit, 504 - Controller, 506 - Discharge electrode;

[0030] 701 - Switching circuit, 703 - Energy storage and filtering circuit, 705 - Isolation circuit, L - Inductive element;

[0031] Q - Switching device, R1 - First resistor component, R2 - Second resistor component, R3 - Third resistor component, R4 - Fourth resistor component, C - Capacitor, D - Diode, VCC - External power supply. Detailed implementation manners

[0032] To facilitate the understanding of the present application, the present application will be described more comprehensively below with reference to the relevant drawings. The preferred embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the understanding of the disclosure of the present application more thorough and comprehensive.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1 , a sterilization control method, including step 102, step 104, and step 106.

[0034] Step 102, if the sterilization device is turned on and running, then control the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device to enter the over - power operation mode to output a first voltage to the discharge electrode of the sterilization device.

[0035] Specifically, the sterilization device is a device that discharges air through a discharge electrode to generate glow plasma to achieve sterilization operation. The specific type of the sterilization device is not unique and can be a dishwasher, a household disinfection cabinet, etc., without specific limitation. The over - power operation mode is a working mode in which the operating power is higher than the operating power in the normal sterilization operation state of the sterilization device. The normal sterilization operation state is the operating state corresponding to the highest sterilization efficiency of the sterilization device.

[0036] It should be noted that the startup and operation of the sterilization device in this embodiment specifically refer to the operation mode of the sterilization device starting sterilization. Taking the sterilization device as a dishwasher as an example, during the cleaning process of the dishwasher, it can be considered that the sterilization device is not started and operated; while when the cleaning is completed and the components related to sterilization start to operate, it means that the sterilization device is started and operated at this time.

[0037] The voltage regulation circuit is a circuit that regulates the voltage input from an external power supply to obtain a voltage signal suitable for the operation of the discharge electrode. The sterilization device is provided with a controller, a voltage regulation circuit, and a discharge electrode. The voltage regulation circuit is connected to the discharge electrode and the controller. When the controller monitors that the sterilization device is started and operated, it will control the voltage regulation circuit to enter the over-power operation mode. Then, the voltage regulation circuit converts the external power supply into a voltage signal with a first voltage magnitude and transmits it to the discharge electrode. Under the action of the received voltage signal, the discharge electrode discharges air to generate plasma, and the plasma is used to implement the sterilization operation.

[0038] Step 104: Detect whether the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions.

[0039] Specifically, after the controller controls the voltage regulation circuit to enter the over-power operation mode, it will monitor whether the normal operation conditions are met. Since the efficiency of the sterilization device cannot reach the highest in the over-power operation mode, if it continues to operate in this mode, it is easy to cause unnecessary waste of electric energy. Therefore, the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device does not need to continuously operate in the over-power operation mode. When it is monitored that the normal operation conditions are met, it is timely switched to the normal operation mode to ensure the sterilization efficiency of the sterilization device.

[0040] Step 106: If the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions, control the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode to output a second voltage to the discharge electrode.

[0041] Specifically, the first voltage is greater than the second voltage. The normal operation mode is the operating state of the voltage regulation circuit corresponding to the best sterilization efficiency of the sterilization device. During the process of plasma discharge sterilization, at different voltages, the discharge electrode will be in different working modes. The higher the voltage, the more plasma released by the corresponding discharge electrode. However, at this time, due to the large energy consumption, the relative conversion rate of the sterilization device is not high enough, and the sterilization efficiency is also low. While in the normal operation mode, the voltage is relatively low, the performance index of the discharge electrode reaches the optimal, the conversion efficiency is the highest, that is, the sterilization efficiency is the highest.

[0042] When the controller detects that the sterilization device meets the normal operating conditions, it will control the voltage regulation circuit to enter the normal operating mode, so that the voltage regulation circuit outputs a voltage signal with a second voltage magnitude to the discharge electrode. Under the action of the second voltage, the discharge electrode discharges with the highest efficiency to achieve the sterilization operation. Through this control method, when the sterilization device starts sterilization operation, it operates in two different stages, which can effectively prevent the problem of insufficient starting ability caused by the long-term operation of the sterilization device with the same voltage cycle.

[0043] For the above sterilization control method, after detecting that the sterilization device is powered on and started to operate, first control the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device to enter the over-power operation mode, and output a first voltage to the discharge electrode through the voltage regulation circuit. Under the action of the first voltage, the discharge electrode discharges the air to generate plasma for sterilization. After detecting that the sterilization device meets the normal operating conditions, control the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operating mode and output a second voltage smaller than the first voltage to the discharge electrode, so that the discharge electrode discharges to generate plasma for sterilization under the second voltage. In the above solution, first discharge through the larger voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit, and then switch to the smaller voltage for discharge. The higher voltage discharge operation can effectively remove the dust accumulated on the discharge electrode, avoid the accelerated aging of the discharge electrode caused by the accumulated dust, and thus slow down the aging speed of the discharge electrode.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 2 , in one embodiment, controlling the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device to enter the over-power operation mode includes steps 202, 204, and 206.

[0045] Step 202, output a pulse width modulation signal with a first pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device. Step 204, obtain the voltage output from the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode. Step 206, if the voltage is greater than or equal to the preset over-power threshold voltage, then maintain outputting the pulse width modulation signal with the current pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit.

[0046] Specifically, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is an analog control method. According to the change of the corresponding load, the bias of the base of the transistor or the gate of the MOS transistor (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) is modulated to change the conduction time of the transistor or MOS transistor, so as to change the output of the switching regulated power supply. The preset over-power threshold voltage is the voltage magnitude transmitted to the discharge electrode when the sterilization device operates at a specific power higher than the normal operating power.

[0047] In the solution of this embodiment, the controller pre-stores a first pulse width. After the controller detects that the sterilization device starts sterilization operation, it can output a pulse width modulation signal with the size of the first pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit. Under the action of the pulse width modulation signal with the first pulse width, the voltage regulation circuit can convert the voltage of the external power supply into a low-voltage signal of a corresponding size and transmit it to the discharge electrode. During this process, the controller can monitor in real time the voltage size output by the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode and compare and analyze it with the preset over-power threshold voltage. In the case where the voltage is greater than or equal to the preset over-power threshold voltage, the controller maintains outputting the pulse width modulation signal with the current pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit to ensure that the voltage transmitted by the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode remains greater than or equal to the preset over-power threshold voltage, so that the sterilization device can stably maintain the over-power operation mode and remove the dust accumulated on the discharge electrode.

[0048] In the solution of this embodiment, the controller has the function of generating a pulse width modulation signal, that is, a pulse width modulation signal generator is integrated inside the controller. After the controller monitors that the sterilization device starts sterilization operation, it outputs a corresponding pulse width modulation signal to the voltage regulation circuit in combination with the pre-stored first pulse width.

[0049] It can be understood that in another embodiment, the pulse width modulation signal generator can also be independently set from the controller. The pulse width modulation signal generator is arranged between the controller and the voltage regulation circuit. After the controller monitors that the sterilization device starts sterilization operation, it can output a corresponding control signal to the pulse width modulation signal generator to control the pulse width modulation signal generator to generate a pulse width modulation signal with the first pulse width.

[0050] It should be noted that the method for the controller to obtain the voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode is not unique. In one embodiment, it can also be that the controller integrates a voltage sampling function. The controller is connected between the discharge electrode and the voltage regulation circuit, and the corresponding voltage can be sampled. In another embodiment, an additional voltage or electrical collector can also be set between the discharge electrode and the voltage regulation circuit. The voltage or electrical collector collects the electrical signal and sends it to the controller, and the controller can obtain the corresponding voltage in combination with this electrical signal.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 3 , in one of the embodiments, after step 204, the method further includes step 302.

[0052] Step 302, if the voltage is less than the preset over-power threshold voltage, increase the pulse width of the pulse width modulation signal output to the voltage regulation circuit. And return to the step of obtaining the voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode.

[0053] Specifically, as the usage time increases, due to the aging of components in the voltage regulation circuit or the aging of the external power supply, etc., when the controller analyzes by combining the output voltage of the voltage regulation circuit, there will also be a situation where the voltage is less than the preset over-power threshold voltage. At this time, it indicates that under the action of the pulse width modulation signal with the originally preset first pulse width, the voltage regulation circuit cannot output sufficient voltage to make the discharge electrode (or the sterilization device) operate at the power corresponding to the original over-power operation mode. To ensure sufficient operating power and ensure that the dust attached to the discharge electrode is removed during this operation process, the solution of this embodiment requires that when the controller detects that the voltage is less than the preset over-power threshold voltage, it is necessary to continue to increase the pulse width of the pulse width modulation signal output to the voltage regulation circuit on the basis of the first pulse width, so as to increase the voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit.

[0054] Moreover, after increasing the pulse width of the pulse width modulation signal, the voltage output to the discharge electrode at this time will continue to be obtained for analysis until the voltage is greater than or equal to the preset over-power threshold voltage, and then the pulse width increase is stopped. The controller only needs to maintain the pulse width modulation signal output to the voltage regulation circuit at the finally increased pulse width.

[0055] In one embodiment, controlling the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode includes: outputting a pulse width modulation signal with a second pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit.

[0056] Specifically, the second pulse width is less than the first pulse width. In addition to pre-storing the first pulse width required for the voltage regulation circuit to enter the over-power operation mode, the controller also pre-stores the second pulse width required for the voltage regulation circuit to operate in the normal operation mode. After the controller monitors that the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions, it switches to outputting a pulse width modulation signal with a smaller second pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit to reduce the voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode, so that the sterilization device operates in the state of the highest conversion rate, that is, the normal operation mode.

[0057] In one embodiment, detecting whether the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions includes: detecting whether the operation duration of the voltage regulation circuit in the over-power operation mode reaches a preset duration.

[0058] Specifically, if the duration reaches the preset duration, it is determined that the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions. After the controller controls the voltage regulation circuit to enter the over-power operation mode, it will start timing. The obtained duration is the operation duration of the voltage regulation circuit in the over-power operation mode, and this duration is compared and analyzed with the preset duration. If the timing does not reach the preset duration, it will continue to operate in the over-power operation mode. If the timing reaches the preset duration, it is considered to meet the normal operation conditions and switches to the normal operation mode.

[0059] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the controller may consider that the voltage regulation circuit enters the over-power operation mode after outputting a pulse width modulation signal with a first pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit, and at this time, the timing starts to obtain the corresponding operation duration. In another embodiment, the controller may also consider that the voltage regulation circuit enters the over-power operation mode when detecting that the voltage output from the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode is greater than or equal to the preset over-power threshold voltage, and at this time, the timing starts again to obtain the corresponding operation duration.

[0060] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application also provides a sterilization control device for implementing the above-mentioned sterilization control method. The solution provided by this device to solve the problem is similar to the solution described in the above method. Therefore, the specific limitations in one or more embodiments of the sterilization control device provided below can refer to the limitations on the sterilization control method in the above text, and will not be repeated here.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 4 , a sterilization control device, including an over-power operation control module 402, an operation detection module 404, and a normal operation control module 406.

[0062] The over-power operation control module 402 is used to control the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device to enter the over-power operation mode if the sterilization device is turned on and running, so as to output a first voltage to the discharge electrode of the sterilization device; the operation detection module 404 is used to detect whether the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions; the normal operation control module 406, if the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions, controls the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode to output a second voltage to the discharge electrode; the first voltage is greater than the second voltage.

[0063] In one embodiment, the over-power operation control module 402 is further used to output a pulse width modulation signal with a first pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device; obtain the voltage output from the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode; if the voltage is greater than or equal to the preset over-power threshold voltage, maintain outputting the pulse width modulation signal with the current pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit.

[0064] In one embodiment, the over-power operation control module 402 is further used to increase the pulse width of the pulse width modulation signal output to the voltage regulation circuit if the voltage is less than the preset over-power threshold voltage, and return to execute the operation of obtaining the voltage output from the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode.

[0065] In one embodiment, the normal operation control module 406 is further used to output a pulse width modulation signal with a second pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit; the second pulse width is less than the first pulse width.

[0066] In one embodiment, the operation detection module 404 is further configured to detect whether the duration of the voltage regulation circuit operating in the over-power operation mode reaches a preset duration.

[0067] Each module in the above sterilization control device can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, and their combination. Each of the above modules can be embedded in the processor of the computer device in hardware form or be independent of it, or can be stored in the memory of the computer device in software form, so as to facilitate the processor to call and execute the operations corresponding to each of the above modules.

[0068] For the above sterilization control device, after detecting that the sterilization device is powered on and starts to operate, it first controls the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device to enter the over-power operation mode, outputs a first voltage to the discharge electrode through the voltage regulation circuit, and the discharge electrode discharges the air under the action of the first voltage to generate plasma for sterilization. After detecting that the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions, it controls the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode and outputs a second voltage smaller than the first voltage to the discharge electrode, so that the discharge electrode discharges to generate plasma for sterilization under the second voltage. In the above solution, first, a larger voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit is used for discharging, and then it switches to a smaller voltage for discharging. The higher-voltage discharge operation can effectively remove the dust accumulated on the discharge electrode, avoid the accelerated aging of the discharge electrode caused by the accumulated dust, and thus slow down the aging speed of the discharge electrode.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 5 , a sterilization control system, including: a discharge electrode 506, a voltage regulation circuit 502, and a controller 504. The voltage regulation circuit 502 is connected to the discharge electrode 506, and the controller 504 is connected to the voltage regulation circuit 502. The discharge electrode 506 is configured to discharge the air to generate plasma according to the input voltage; the controller 504 is configured to execute the sterilization control method in any one of the above.

[0070] Specifically, the sterilization control method is as shown in the above various embodiments and the drawings, and will not be elaborated here. The setting method of the discharge electrode 506 in the sterilization device is not unique. According to the specific type of the sterilization device, the setting method of the discharge electrode 506 will also be different. For the convenience of understanding, please refer to Figure 6 , in one embodiment, taking the sterilization device as a dishwasher as an example, the corresponding discharge electrode 506 is set as an electrode plate, and specifically, it can be placed in the washing cavity of the dishwasher, and each electrode plate is placed in parallel to form a card slot, and the card slot is used to place the kitchen utensils that need to be disinfected and sterilized.

[0071] It can be understood that the specific structure of the voltage regulation circuit 502 is not unique, as long as it can provide at least two different magnitudes of voltage to the discharge electrode 506 under the action of the controller 504. For example, the voltage control circuit can be set with dual power supplies, and different power supplies are connected to the discharge electrode 506 in different operating modes.

[0072] In a more detailed embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 , the voltage regulation circuit 502 includes an inductive element L, a switching circuit 701, and an energy storage and filtering circuit 703. The external power supply is connected to the switching circuit 701 and the energy storage and filtering circuit 703 through the inductive element L. The energy storage and filtering circuit 703 is connected to the discharge electrode 506, and the switching circuit 701 and the energy storage and filtering circuit 703 are respectively connected to the controller 504.

[0073] Specifically, the switching circuit 701 is connected to the controller 504 and can be turned on and off under the action of the pulse width modulation signal output by the controller 504. Under the action of the pulse width modulation signal and the voltage input by the external power supply, the energy storage and filtering circuit 703 can output a corresponding magnitude of voltage to the voltage regulation circuit 502 after energy storage and filtering processing, so as to control the discharge electrode 506 to discharge air and generate plasma.

[0074] It should be noted that the specific type of the inductive element L is not unique. In a more detailed embodiment, for the sake of easy understanding, the inductive element L can be set as an inductor.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 7 , in one embodiment, the switching circuit 701 includes a switching device Q, a first resistor component R1, a second resistor component R2, and a third resistor component R3. The first end of the switching device Q is connected to the inductive element L through the first resistor component R1. The control end of the switching device Q is connected to the first ends of the second resistor component R2 and the third resistor component R3. The second end of the switching device Q is grounded. The second end of the second resistor component R2 is connected to the second end of the switching device Q, and the second end of the third resistor component R3 is connected to the controller 504.

[0076] Specifically, the switching circuit 701 includes parts such as a switching device Q and a resistor component. The pulse width modulation signal output by the controller 504 can be transmitted to the switching device Q through the third resistor component R3, thereby realizing on-off control.

[0077] It can be understood that the specific type of the switching device Q is not unique. In a more detailed embodiment, the switching device Q is specifically a field effect transistor. In other embodiments, the switching device Q can also be a triode or an insulated gate bipolar transistor, etc., and no specific limitation is made.

[0078] It should be noted that the specific types of the first electrical resistance component R1, the second resistance component R2, and the third resistance component R3 are not unique. In one embodiment, the structures of the respective resistance components may be the same, all being single resistance devices, or all being constructed by connecting two or more resistances in series or in parallel. In other embodiments, the structures of the respective resistance components may not be completely the same. For example, the first resistance component R1 is a single resistance device, while the second resistance component R2 and the third resistance component R3 are constructed by connecting two or more resistance devices in series or in parallel.

[0079] Please refer to Figure 7 , in one embodiment, the energy storage and filtering circuit 703 includes a capacitor C and a fourth resistance component R4. The first end of the capacitor C is connected to the inductive element L and the discharge electrode 506, the second end of the capacitor C is grounded, the first end of the fourth resistance component R4 is connected to the second end of the capacitor C, and the second end of the fourth resistance component R4 is connected to the discharge electrode 506 and the controller 504.

[0080] Specifically, the energy storage and filtering circuit 703 specifically includes a capacitor C and a fourth resistance component R4. The fourth resistance component R4 may be a single resistance device or may be constructed by connecting multiple resistance devices in series or in parallel, and is not specifically limited. Under the action of a first pulse width or a pulse width modulation signal greater than the first pulse width, after energy storage and filtering by the capacitor C, an operating voltage as shown by curve 1 in Figure 8 can be output to the discharge electrode 506, where Figure 8 the abscissa represents time and the ordinate represents voltage. Under the action of a pulse width modulation signal with a second pulse width, after energy storage and filtering by the capacitor C, a smaller operating voltage as shown by curve 2 can be output to the discharge electrode 506, thereby realizing the switching of different input voltages from the startup stage to the normal operation stage of the discharge electrode 506.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 7 , in one embodiment, the voltage regulation circuit 502 further includes an isolation circuit 705. The inductive element L is connected to the switch circuit 701 and the isolation circuit 705, and the isolation circuit 705 is connected to the energy storage and filtering circuit 703.

[0082] Specifically, in the solution of this embodiment, an isolation circuit 705 is further provided between the energy storage and filtering circuit 703 and the inductive element L to prevent the reverse flow of electric energy during the discharge process of the energy storage and filtering circuit 703 and ensure the operation safety of the voltage regulation circuit 502.

[0083] It can be understood that the specific type of the isolation circuit 705 is not unique. In one embodiment, the isolation circuit 705 includes a diode D. The anode of the diode D is connected to the inductive element L, and the cathode of the diode D is connected to the energy storage and filtering circuit 703. The solution of this embodiment uses a single diode D to achieve the isolation function, which has the advantages of simple circuit structure and cost savings.

[0084] To facilitate the understanding of the technical solution of this application, the following will explain this application in combination with a relatively detailed embodiment. In this embodiment, the voltage regulation circuit 502 is specifically as Figure 7 shown.

[0085] After the controller 504 detects that the sterilization device has entered the sterilization mode, it outputs a PWM signal to the control terminal of the switching device Q of the voltage regulation circuit 502 according to the pre-stored first pulse width to control the on and off of the switching device Q, and starts timing. Through the on and off of the switching device Q, the voltage of the external power supply is transmitted to the capacitor C through the inductor. After the energy storage and filtering of the capacitor C, it is converted into a certain magnitude of voltage and transmitted to the discharge electrode 506. At this time, the controller 504 acquires the voltage transmitted to the discharge electrode 506 and compares and analyzes it with the preset over-power threshold voltage. If the voltage is greater than or equal to the preset over-power threshold voltage at this time, it maintains the PWM signal with the first pulse width output to the switching device Q until the timing reaches the preset duration. At this time, the discharge electrode 506 quickly discharges the air according to the incoming voltage to remove dust and the like remaining on the discharge electrode 506, realizing the sterilization operation.

[0086] If the voltage is less than the preset over-power threshold voltage at this time, it increases the pulse width of the PWM signal output to the switching device Q and continuously detects the voltage after increasing the pulse width until the voltage is greater than or equal to the preset over-power threshold voltage, and maintains the PWM signal corresponding to the current pulse width output to the switching device Q until the timing reaches the preset duration.

[0087] After reaching the preset duration, the controller 504 switches to output a PWM signal with a second pulse width. Under the action of this signal, the discharge electrode 506 operates at the highest conversion efficiency, and sterilization is achieved by discharging the air to generate plasma.

[0088] After detecting that the sterilization device is powered on and starts running, the above-mentioned sterilization control system first controls the voltage regulation circuit 502 of the sterilization device to enter the over-power operation mode, outputs a first voltage to the discharge electrode 506 through the voltage regulation circuit 502, and the discharge electrode 506 discharges the air under the action of the first voltage to generate plasma for sterilization. After detecting that the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions, it controls the voltage regulation circuit 502 to switch to the normal operation mode and outputs a second voltage smaller than the first voltage to the discharge electrode 506, so that the discharge electrode 506 discharges to generate plasma for sterilization under the second voltage. In the above solution, first, a larger voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit 502 is used for discharging, and then it switches to a smaller voltage for discharging. The higher-voltage discharge operation can effectively remove the dust accumulated on the discharge electrode 506, avoid the accelerated aging of the discharge electrode 506 caused by the accumulated dust, and thus slow down the aging speed of the discharge electrode 506.

[0089] A sterilization device includes the above-mentioned sterilization control system.

[0090] Specifically, the structure and operation principle of the sterilization control system are as shown in the above embodiments and the drawings, and will not be elaborated here. The sterilization device is a device that discharges the air through the discharge electrode 506 to generate glow plasma for sterilization operation. The specific type of the sterilization device is not unique, and it can be a dishwasher, a household disinfection cabinet, etc., without specific limitation.

[0091] After detecting that the sterilization device is powered on and starts running, the above-mentioned sterilization control system first controls the voltage regulation circuit 502 of the sterilization device to enter the over-power operation mode, outputs a first voltage to the discharge electrode 506 through the voltage regulation circuit 502, and the discharge electrode 506 discharges the air under the action of the first voltage to generate plasma for sterilization. After detecting that the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions, it controls the voltage regulation circuit 502 to switch to the normal operation mode and outputs a second voltage smaller than the first voltage to the discharge electrode 506, so that the discharge electrode 506 discharges to generate plasma for sterilization under the second voltage. In the above solution, first, a larger voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit 502 is used for discharging, and then it switches to a smaller voltage for discharging. The higher-voltage discharge operation can effectively remove the dust accumulated on the discharge electrode 506, avoid the accelerated aging of the discharge electrode 506 caused by the accumulated dust, and thus slow down the aging speed of the discharge electrode 506.

[0092] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of concise description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope described in this specification.

[0093] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation manners of the present application. The description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be construed as a limitation to the scope of the patented application. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present application shall be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sterilization control method, characterized in that, Including: If the sterilization device is turned on and running, control the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device to enter the over-power operation mode to output a first voltage to the discharge electrode of the sterilization device; Detect whether the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions; If the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions, control the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode to output a second voltage to the discharge electrode; The first voltage is greater than the second voltage.

2. The sterilization control method according to claim 1, characterized in that The controlling the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device to enter the over-power operation mode includes: Output a pulse width modulation signal with a first pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device; Obtain the voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode; If the voltage is greater than or equal to the preset over-power threshold voltage, maintain outputting the pulse width modulation signal with the current pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit.

3. The sterilization control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, After obtaining the voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode, it further includes: If the voltage is less than the preset over-power threshold voltage, increase the pulse width of the pulse width modulation signal output to the voltage regulation circuit and return to the step of obtaining the voltage output by the voltage regulation circuit to the discharge electrode.

4. The sterilization control method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The controlling the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode includes: Output a pulse width modulation signal with a second pulse width to the voltage regulation circuit; the second pulse width is less than the first pulse width.

5. The sterilization control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detecting whether the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions includes: Detect whether the running time of the voltage regulation circuit in the over-power operation mode reaches the preset time; if the time reaches the preset time, determine that the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions.

6. A sterilization control device, characterized in that, Including: An over-power operation control module, configured to control the voltage regulation circuit of the sterilization device to enter the over-power operation mode to output a first voltage to the discharge electrode of the sterilization device if the sterilization device is turned on and running; An operation detection module, configured to detect whether the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions; A normal operation control module, if the sterilization device meets the normal operation conditions, control the voltage regulation circuit to switch to the normal operation mode to output a second voltage to the discharge electrode; The first voltage is greater than the second voltage.

7. A sterilization control system, characterized in that, Including: A discharge electrode, configured to discharge air to generate plasma according to the input voltage; A voltage regulation circuit, connected to the discharge electrode; A controller, connected to the voltage regulation circuit, for executing the sterilization control method according to any one of claims 1-5.

8. The sterilization control system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The voltage regulation circuit includes an inductive element, a switching circuit and an energy storage and filtering circuit. An external power supply is connected to the switching circuit and the energy storage and filtering circuit through the inductive element. The energy storage and filtering circuit is connected to the discharge electrode. The switching circuit and the energy storage and filtering circuit are respectively connected to the controller.

9. The sterilization control system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The switching circuit includes a switching device, a first resistor component, a second resistor component, and a third resistor component. A first end of the switching device is connected to the inductive element through the first resistor component. A control end of the switching device is connected to a first end of the second resistor component and a first end of the third resistor component. A second end of the switching device is grounded. A second end of the second resistor component is connected to the second end of the switching device. A second end of the third resistor component is connected to the controller.

10. The sterilization control system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The energy storage and filtering circuit includes a capacitor and a fourth resistor component. A first end of the capacitor is connected to the inductive element and the discharge electrode. A second end of the capacitor is grounded. A first end of the fourth resistor component is connected to the second end of the capacitor. A second end of the fourth resistor component is connected to the discharge electrode and the controller.

11. The sterilization control system according to claim 8, wherein The voltage regulation circuit further includes an isolation circuit. The inductive element is connected to the switching circuit and the isolation circuit. The isolation circuit is connected to the energy storage and filtering circuit.

12. The sterilization control system according to claim 11, wherein The isolation circuit includes a diode. An anode of the diode is connected to the inductive element. A cathode of the diode is connected to the energy storage and filtering circuit.

13. A sterilization device, characterized in that, Including the sterilization control system according to any one of claims 7-12.

Images