Plasma sterilization device, air purification module and air purifier

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of air purification technology, specifically to a plasma sterilization device, an air purification module, and an air purifier. The plasma sterilization device includes sterilization modules adapted to be disposed on both sides of a filter. Each sterilization module includes: a grounding electrode adapted to the surface shape of the filter and suitable for contacting or approaching the filter; a blocking medium disposed on the side of the grounding electrode opposite to the filter; and a high-voltage electrode disposed on the side of the blocking medium opposite to the grounding electrode. This plasma sterilization device simultaneously provides sterilization modules on both sides of the filter, sterilizing from both sides simultaneously, thereby effectively and efficiently killing bacteria in the filter without harming human health.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air purification technology, specifically to a plasma sterilization device, an air purification module, and an air purifier. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing environmental pollution, leading to various respiratory diseases, people are paying more and more attention to the cleanliness of their indoor environments. Air purifiers, as highly efficient devices for filtering air pollutants, are gradually becoming commonplace in households. However, after prolonged operation, air purifier filters can harbor a large number of bacteria. If these bacteria are not disinfected in time, they can easily enter the room through the air outlet and harm human health. Currently, common methods for disinfecting filters include physical and chemical methods. Physical methods generally use high-temperature sterilization, which is time-consuming and has low efficiency. Chemical sterilization typically uses various disinfectants, and residual disinfectants may pose a threat to human health. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art, such as low sterilization efficiency of filter screens and the potential threat to human health posed by residual disinfectants, thereby providing a plasma sterilization device, a filter component and an air purifier.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a plasma sterilization device, comprising sterilization modules adapted to be disposed on both sides of a filter screen. The sterilization module comprises: a grounding electrode adapted to the surface shape of the filter screen and adapted to be attached to or close to the filter screen; a blocking medium disposed on the side of the grounding electrode away from the filter screen; and a high-voltage electrode disposed on the side of the blocking medium away from the grounding electrode.

[0005] Optionally, the grounding electrode is a metal mesh.

[0006] Optionally, the grounding electrode is a copper mesh.

[0007] Optionally, the high voltage electrode is a copper foil.

[0008] Optionally, the blocking medium is a flexible medium.

[0009] Optionally, the plasma sterilization device further includes two outer shells respectively disposed on both sides of the filter screen, and a fixing structure for fixing the two outer shells, wherein the sterilization module is installed between the outer shells and the filter screen.

[0010] Optionally, when the filter screen is cylindrical, the grounding electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the two outer shells are all configured as arc-shaped structures that cooperate with the cylindrical shape, and the two outer shells are respectively provided with arc-shaped mounting grooves that are adapted to the grounding electrode and the high-voltage electrode.

[0011] Optionally, the fixing structure includes a metal component electrically connected to the grounding electrode and the high-voltage electrode respectively, and the metal component is connected to a power control module.

[0012] The present invention also provides an air purification module, including a filter and the plasma sterilization device, wherein the sterilization module of the plasma sterilization device is disposed on both sides of the filter.

[0013] Optionally, the projection of the plasma sterilization device onto the filter screen is smaller than the area of ​​the filter screen, and the plasma sterilization device is capable of relative movement with the filter screen.

[0014] Optionally, the filter screen is cylindrical, and the grounding electrode and high-voltage electrode of the sterilization module are configured as arc-shaped structures that cooperate with the cylindrical shape.

[0015] Optionally, the air purification module includes a rotating platform and a drive structure for driving the rotating platform to rotate. The filter is disposed on the rotating platform and is capable of relative circumferential rotation with the plasma sterilization device.

[0016] Optionally, the height of the sterilization module is equal to the height of the filter screen, and the circumferential length of the sterilization module is less than or equal to one-quarter of the circumference of the filter screen.

[0017] The present invention also provides an air purifier, including the aforementioned air purification module.

[0018] The technical solution of this invention has the following advantages:

[0019] The plasma sterilization device provided by this invention, in specific use, has sterilization modules respectively set on both sides of the filter screen. The high-voltage electrode is connected to a high-frequency, high-voltage power supply, and the grounding electrode is grounded. There is a barrier medium between the high-voltage electrode and the grounding electrode, so the grounding electrode will discharge to generate plasma active substances. The main active substances include active oxides, active carbides, ozone, and ultraviolet light. The grounding electrode is attached to or close to the surface of the filter screen, and the plasma active substances generated by the discharge of the grounding electrode can sterilize the filter screen. Since the filter screen usually has a certain thickness, the surface active substances of the filter screen can play a good sterilization role, but the sterilization effect on the inside of the filter screen is relatively poor. Therefore, this plasma sterilization device sets sterilization modules on both sides of the filter screen at the same time, so as to sterilize the bacteria in the filter screen efficiently and effectively without affecting human health. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the plasma sterilization device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention applied to the air purification module provided in Embodiment 2;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a front view of the air purification module provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of two outer shells at an angle;

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the two outer shells at another angle;

[0025] Figure 5 This is an assembly diagram of the grounding electrode and the blocking medium in the sterilization module;

[0026] Figure 6 This is an assembly diagram of the high-voltage electrode and the barrier medium of the sterilization module;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the air purifier provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 1. Filter screen; 2. Sterilization module; 201. Grounding electrode; 202. Blocking medium; 203. High voltage electrode; 3. Housing; 301. Mounting slot; 4. Power control module; 5. Rotating platform; 6. Metal parts; 7. Shaft; 8. Housing. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0034] Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is a non-equilibrium gas discharge with an insulating dielectric inserted into the discharge space; it is also known as dielectric barrier corona discharge or silent discharge. DBD can operate at high pressures and over a wide frequency range, typically from 10 to 10,000 rpm. The power supply frequency can range from 50 Hz to 1 MHz.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] With increasing environmental pollution, various respiratory diseases have emerged, leading to greater public awareness of indoor air cleanliness. Air purifiers, as highly efficient devices for filtering air pollutants, are gradually becoming commonplace in households. However, after prolonged operation, air purifier filters (1) can harbor a large number of bacteria. If not disinfected promptly, these bacteria can easily enter the room through the air outlet, harming human health. Common methods for disinfecting filters (1) include physical and chemical methods. Physical methods typically employ high-temperature sterilization, which is time-consuming and has low efficiency. Chemical sterilization generally uses various disinfectants, and residual disinfectants may pose a threat to human health.

[0037] Therefore, this embodiment provides a plasma sterilization device that can efficiently sterilize the filter 1 without affecting human health.

[0038] In one specific embodiment, the plasma sterilization device includes sterilization modules 2 adapted to be disposed on both sides of the filter 1. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the sterilization module 2 includes a grounding electrode 201, a blocking medium 202, and a high-voltage electrode 203. The grounding electrode 201 is adapted to the surface shape of the filter screen 1 and is suitable for being attached to or close to the filter screen 1; the blocking medium 202 is disposed on the side of the grounding electrode 201 away from the filter screen 1; and the high-voltage electrode 203 is disposed on the side of the blocking medium 202 away from the grounding electrode 201.

[0039] In this embodiment, the plasma sterilization device is used specifically as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, sterilization modules 2 are respectively set on both sides of filter 1. High-voltage electrode 203 is connected to a high-frequency high-voltage power supply, and grounding electrode 201 is grounded. There is a barrier medium 202 between high-voltage electrode 203 and grounding electrode 201. Therefore, grounding electrode 201 will discharge to generate plasma active substances. The main active substances include active oxides, active carbides, ozone, and ultraviolet rays. Grounding electrode 201 is attached to or close to the surface of filter 1. The plasma active substances generated by the discharge of grounding electrode 201 can sterilize filter 1. Since filter 1 usually has a certain thickness, the surface active substances of filter 1 can play a good sterilization role, while the sterilization effect on the inside of filter 1 is relatively poor. Therefore, this plasma sterilization device sets sterilization modules 2 on both sides of filter 1 to sterilize from both sides of filter 1 at the same time, so as to fully and efficiently kill bacteria in filter 1 without affecting human health.

[0040] In one specific embodiment, when the filter 1 is a cylindrical or rectangular cylindrical structure, the sterilization module 2 is disposed on the inner and outer sides of the filter 1. When the filter 1 is flat or curved and wavy, the sterilization module 2 is disposed on the upper and lower sides of the filter 1.

[0041] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the grounding electrode 201 is a metal mesh. In this embodiment, because the grounding electrode 201 is a metal mesh, the plasma generated by the discharge of the grounding electrode 201 is distributed at the mesh openings, which can uniformly and efficiently sterilize the filter 1. At the same time, it is easier for the grounding electrode 201 to dissipate heat, avoiding heat accumulation and performance degradation due to prolonged operation. In other alternative embodiments, the grounding electrode 201 may include multiple parallel and spaced filaments.

[0042] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the grounding electrode 201 is a copper mesh. Since plasma discharge releases a large amount of heat, the grounding electrode 201 needs to withstand continuous heating for a certain period and possess good heat dissipation capabilities to prevent heat buildup and performance degradation during prolonged operation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the grounding electrode 201 is made of copper. Copper itself has relatively stable properties, high thermal conductivity, and good heat dissipation capabilities. Furthermore, copper has good corrosion resistance, ensuring the service life of the plasma sterilization device. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the grounding electrode 201 can be made of steel, silver, or other metals.

[0043] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the high-voltage electrode 203 is made of copper foil. Since plasma discharge involves the continuous release of a large amount of heat, the high-voltage electrode 203 needs to withstand continuous heating for a certain period and possess good heat dissipation capabilities to prevent heat buildup and performance degradation during prolonged operation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the high-voltage electrode 203 is made of copper. Copper itself has relatively stable properties, high thermal conductivity, and good heat dissipation capabilities. Furthermore, copper has good corrosion resistance, ensuring the service life of the plasma sterilization device. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the high-voltage electrode 203 can be made of steel, silver, or other metals.

[0044] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the blocking medium 202 is a flexible medium. In this embodiment, since the blocking medium 202 is a flexible medium, that is, the shape of the blocking medium 202 can be adjusted, and the grounding electrode 201 and the high-voltage electrode 203 are both metal, their shapes can also be adjusted to adapt to the shape of the filter screen 1 surface. Therefore, this plasma sterilization device can be applied to filter screens 1 of different shapes, and has a wider range of applications.

[0045] In one specific embodiment, the blocking medium 202 is polyimide.

[0046] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the plasma sterilization device further includes two outer shells 3 respectively disposed on both sides of the filter screen 1, and a fixing structure for fixing the two outer shells 3. The sterilization module 2 is installed between the outer shell 3 and the filter screen 1. Since the copper foil, copper mesh, and blocking medium 202 are all relatively soft and prone to deformation, in order to ensure that the sterilization module 2 remains in contact with the filter screen 1, this embodiment provides outer shells 3 to fix the sterilization module 2 and ensure that the sterilization module 2 remains in contact with the filter screen 1. During installation, the outer shells 3 can be fixedly installed on both sides of the filter screen 1 first, and then the sterilization module 2 can be installed from the gap between the end of the outer shell 3 and the filter screen 1 into the space between the outer shell 3 and the filter screen 1. The sterilization module 2 is clamped between the outer shell 3 and the filter screen 1. Furthermore, the fixing structure fixes the position of the outer shell 3, which can ensure effective fixation of the sterilization module 2 on both sides.

[0047] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the outer casing 3 has a mounting slot 301 that is adapted to the sterilization module 2. In this embodiment, the sterilization module 2 is engaged in the mounting slot 301, which allows for effective positioning of the sterilization module 2.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, when the filter screen 1 is set to a cylindrical shape, the grounding electrode 201, the high voltage electrode 203, and the two outer shells 3 are all set to an arc-shaped structure that matches the cylindrical shape, and the two outer shells 3 are respectively provided with arc-shaped mounting grooves 301 that are adapted to the grounding electrode 201 and the high voltage electrode 203.

[0049] In one specific embodiment, the two long sides and one short side of the outer casing 3 are folded inward to form the sidewalls of the mounting groove 301.

[0050] In one specific embodiment, the outer casing 3 is made of a metal material with good thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy.

[0051] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the fixing structure includes a metal part 6 electrically connected to the grounding electrode 201 and the high-voltage electrode 203 respectively. The metal part 6 is connected to a power control module 4, which converts 220V, 50Hz household electricity into high-frequency, high-voltage electricity used by the plasma sterilization device. In this embodiment, the metal part 6 not only serves to fix and connect the two outer shells 3, but also serves to energize the high-voltage electrode 203 and the grounding electrode 201. When the sterilization module 2 is fixed in the outer shell 3, the grounding electrode 201 and the high-voltage electrode 203 of the sterilization module 2 are electrically connected to the metal part 6, which facilitates installation and avoids messy wiring.

[0052] In one specific embodiment, the metal part 6 can be a screw that secures the two housings 3.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] This embodiment provides an air purification module.

[0055] In one embodiment, the air purification module includes a filter 1 and the plasma sterilization device provided in the above embodiment, wherein the sterilization module 2 of the plasma sterilization device is disposed on both sides of the filter 1.

[0056] In this embodiment, the high-voltage electrode 203 is connected to a high-frequency, high-voltage power supply, and the grounding electrode 201 is grounded. A barrier medium 202 exists between the high-voltage electrode 203 and the grounding electrode 201. Therefore, the grounding electrode 201 discharges to generate plasma active substances, primarily including active oxides, active carbides, ozone, and ultraviolet light. The grounding electrode 201 is attached to or close to the surface of the filter 1, and the plasma active substances generated by the discharge of the grounding electrode 201 can sterilize the filter 1. Since the filter 1 typically has a certain thickness, the surface active substances of the filter 1 can effectively sterilize it, while the sterilization effect on the interior of the filter 1 is relatively poor. Therefore, this air purification module simultaneously provides sterilization modules 2 on both sides of the filter 1, sterilizing from both sides simultaneously, thereby efficiently and effectively killing bacteria in the filter 1 without affecting human health.

[0057] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the projection of the plasma sterilization device on the filter 1 is smaller than the area of ​​the filter 1, and the plasma sterilization device can move relative to the filter 1. In the prior art, the filter 1 cannot function normally when sterilizing it. In this embodiment, by making the projection of the plasma sterilization device on the filter 1 smaller than the area of ​​the filter 1, the plasma sterilization device will not affect the normal filtration operation of the filter 1. The plasma sterilization device can move relative to the filter 1, allowing the entire filter 1 to be sterilized sequentially during the normal operation of the filter 1.

[0058] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the filter 1 is cylindrical, and the grounding electrode 201 and high-voltage electrode 203 of the sterilization module 2 are configured as arc-shaped structures that cooperate with the cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, since the filter 1 is cylindrical, air can enter from all four sides of the filter 1, while the sterilization device only contacts a part of the filter 1. Therefore, the operation of the sterilization device will not affect the normal filtration operation of the filter 1, and the sterilization device and the filter 1 can rotate relative to each other to gradually sterilize the entire filter 1. In other alternative embodiments, the surface of the filter 1 can be a plane or a curved wave shape, and the sterilization device and the filter 1 move relative to each other to gradually sterilize the entire filter 1.

[0059] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the air purification module includes a rotating platform 5 and a drive structure for driving the rotating platform 5 to rotate. A filter 1 is disposed on the rotating platform 5, and the filter 1 can rotate relative to the plasma sterilization device in a circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the drive structure drives the rotating platform 5 to rotate, and the rotating platform 5 drives the filter 1 to rotate together, while the position of the plasma sterilization device remains unchanged. Especially for air purifiers with three-sided air intake, no matter where the filter 1 rotates, it will not affect normal air intake and filtration. In other alternative embodiments, the filter 1 may remain stationary, while the rotating platform 5 drives the plasma sterilization device to rotate.

[0060] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rotating platform 5 is connected to the rotating shaft 7, and the drive structure is connected to the rotating shaft 7.

[0061] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the height of the sterilization module 2 is equal to the height of the filter 1, and the circumferential length of the sterilization module 2 is less than or equal to one-quarter of the circumference of the filter 1. In this embodiment, it can be ensured that the sterilization module 2 will not affect the normal filtration operation of the filter 1, nor will it affect the normal air intake operation of the air purifier.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] This embodiment provides an air purifier, including the air purification module provided in Embodiment 2.

[0064] The air purifier also includes a housing 8, a fan, etc., with the housing 8 having an air inlet. This is especially true when the filter 1 is cylindrical, such as... Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 The arrow indicates the direction of airflow. The housing 8 has three air inlets. The sterilization module 2 is located near the side without an air inlet, so it does not affect normal air intake.

[0065] Furthermore, a fan is installed on the top of the air purification module. During the normal operation of the air purification module, the negative pressure generated by the fan guides the outside air into the air purification module. After being filtered, the air is discharged from the top of the air purification module. During the air circulation, the filter 1 will also be driven to rotate. The rotation of the filter 1 enables the plasma sterilization device to gradually sterilize and disinfect the filter 1 in the circumferential direction.

[0066] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A plasma sterilization device, characterized in that, Includes sterilization modules (2) adapted to be disposed on both sides of the filter (1), the sterilization modules (2) comprising: The grounding electrode (201) is adapted to the surface shape of the filter screen (1) and is suitable for being attached to or close to the filter screen (1). The grounding electrode (201) is a metal mesh. A blocking medium (202) is disposed on the side of the grounding electrode (201) away from the filter screen (1); The high voltage electrode (203) is disposed on the side of the barrier medium (202) away from the ground electrode (201); the plasma sterilization device also includes two outer shells (3) respectively disposed on both sides of the filter screen (1) and a fixing structure for fixing the two outer shells (3), and the sterilization module (2) is installed between the outer shell (3) and the filter screen (1).

2. The plasma sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grounding electrode (201) is a copper mesh.

3. The plasma sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-voltage electrode (203) is a copper foil.

4. The plasma sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking medium (202) is a flexible medium.

5. The plasma sterilization device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, When the filter (1) is cylindrical, the grounding electrode (201), the high voltage electrode (203), and the two outer shells (3) are all configured as arc-shaped structures that cooperate with the cylindrical shape, and the two outer shells (3) are respectively provided with arc-shaped mounting grooves (301) that are adapted to the grounding electrode (201) and the high voltage electrode (203).

6. The plasma sterilization device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The fixed structure includes a metal part (6) electrically connected to the grounding electrode (201) and the high voltage electrode (203) respectively, and the metal part (6) is connected to a power control module (4).

7. An air purification module, characterized in that, The device includes a filter (1) and a plasma sterilization device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the sterilization module (2) of the plasma sterilization device is disposed on both sides of the filter (1).

8. The air purification module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The projection of the plasma sterilization device on the filter (1) is smaller than the area of ​​the filter (1), and the plasma sterilization device is capable of relative movement with the filter (1).

9. The air purification module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The filter (1) is cylindrical, and the grounding electrode (201) and high voltage electrode (203) of the sterilization module (2) are set as arc-shaped structures that cooperate with the cylindrical shape.

10. The air purification module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The air purification module includes a rotating platform (5) and a drive structure for driving the rotating platform (5) to rotate. The filter (1) is disposed on the rotating platform (5) and the filter (1) is capable of relative circumferential rotation with the plasma sterilization device.

11. The air purification module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The height of the sterilization module (2) is equal to the height of the filter (1), and the circumferential length of the sterilization module (2) is less than or equal to one-quarter of the circumference of the filter (1).

12. An air purifier, characterized in that, Includes the air purification module as described in any one of claims 7-11.

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