A module integrating sterilization and heating functions and its integration method

Abstract

This invention discloses a module and integration method that integrates sterilization and heating functions, relating to the field of consumer appliances. It includes a first heater and a second module arranged at intervals, a first coating on the surface of the first heater, and a second coating on the surface of the second module. The first and second coatings are connected to electrodes and form a circuit with water. This invention enables the integrated module to simultaneously heat and sterilize water, and achieves automatic descaling through the reversal of the positive and negative electrodes. This integrated design saves costs while maintaining performance, rationalizes the structure, provides more space for overall design and enhances product competitiveness, and also makes automatic descaling technology feasible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of consumer electrical appliances, and more specifically to a module and integration method that integrates sterilization and heating functions. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the home appliance industry, the demand for heating and sterilization functions in products such as washing machines, floor scrubbers, and robotic vacuum cleaners is increasing. These two functions typically require two components. The heating function mainly relies on applying voltage to a resistance wire or resistive material to generate heat, and then meeting the product's heating needs through heat conduction and radiation. The sterilization function mainly relies on electrochemical sterilization plates, a harmless and environmentally friendly disinfection method that decomposes hydrogen atoms on the proteins or membranes of viruses and bacteria, forming water and carbon dioxide to meet sterilization requirements.

[0003] However, existing technologies combine heating and sterilization functions into two separate components, with no comparable integrated product. Because the heating and sterilization components are two independent modules, they have the following disadvantages compared to integrated products:

[0004] ①The overall structure is complex, and the coordination between the two components mentioned above or with other components needs to be taken into account;

[0005] ② High space occupancy rate, taking up more space compared to integrated modules, resulting in limitations in the overall structural design of the machine;

[0006] ③ High cost: Two independent modules require more raw materials and production processes, resulting in higher costs.

[0007] ④ It is prone to scaling. Scale adheres to the surface of the heater, affecting heating performance, heat transfer efficiency and heater lifespan.

[0008] For example, Chinese patent document (CN216557640U) discloses an instant heater with sterilization function, including a thick film heating tube. The outer side of the thick film heating tube is provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the inlet and outlet are respectively connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. A heating circuit is printed on the side wall of the thick film heating tube. Both the upper and lower ends of the thick film heating tube are welded with end caps, and a UV lamp is fixedly connected between the two end caps on the thick film heating tube. A positioning ring is provided on the inner surface of one end of the end cap, and one end of the UV lamp is nested in the positioning ring. A fixing ring is fixedly connected to the other end of the end cap, and a fixing support is provided on the fixing ring for fixing the other end of the UV lamp. The water in the thick film heating tube is sterilized by the UV lamp.

[0009] The above solution relies on a combination of heater (heating tube) and ultraviolet lamp to achieve sterilization and heating functions. It still uses a combination of two devices (modules), which is not integrated enough and has high production and assembly costs, and needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a module and integration method that integrates sterilization and heating functions. The integrated product can simplify the structure, save space and reduce costs while ensuring the function and performance through the dual-module commonality of some components.

[0011] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This module, which integrates sterilization and heating functions, comprises:

[0012] The first module contains a printed circuit, which is electrically connected to the outside world through two leads to form a first heater.

[0013] The second module is arranged at intervals relative to the first heater;

[0014] A first coating is applied to the surface of the first heater facing the second module, and this first coating is electrically connected to the outside via a wire; and

[0015] The second coating, on the surface of the second module facing the first heater, is also electrically connected to the outside via a wire.

[0016] When both the first and second coatings are energized, they combine with water to form a circuit and create an electric field between them, thereby achieving electrochemical sterilization.

[0017] As a further technical solution, the first module is a ceramic module, which contains a printed circuit. The printed circuit is electrically connected to the outside world through two leads. The first plating layer is plated on the surface of the first heater facing the second module through a ceramic surface metallization process.

[0018] As a further technical solution, the second module is a ceramic module, which contains a printed circuit to form a second heater. The printed circuit is electrically connected to the outside through two leads. The second plating layer is plated on the surface of the second module facing the first heater through a ceramic surface metallization process.

[0019] As a further technical solution, both the first heater and the second heater are plate-shaped structures with several through holes evenly opened on their surfaces, and through holes are also opened at corresponding positions on the first coating and the second coating.

[0020] As a further technical solution, the process of metallizing the ceramic surface is one of the following: screen printing, low temperature co-fired ceramic, direct copper bonding, direct copper electroplating, active brazing, laser rapid activation, brush coating, and dip coating.

[0021] As a further technical solution, the metal paste used in the ceramic surface metallization process is silver paste, nickel-chromium paste, or copper paste.

[0022] An integration method for a module employing the above-mentioned integrated sterilization and heating functions, used to perform one or more of the following functions:

[0023] Heating is achieved by energizing the first heater and / or the second heater to heat the water.

[0024] Sterilization is achieved by applying an electric current to the first and second coating layers, creating an electric field between them, which ionizes the water to achieve sterilization.

[0025] Descaling involves switching the electrode directions for energizing the first and second plating layers, thereby removing the scale deposited on the cathode.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0027] 1. Integrating heating and sterilization functions into a single heating module (including the first module and the second module) results in a more compact structure, smaller footprint, and higher heating efficiency. It eliminates the need for an additional sterilization module, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of home appliances and reduces production costs.

[0028] 2. When the first module and / or the second module is a ceramic module, a screen printing process is used to metallize the surface of the ceramic heating element, so that a conductive layer is formed on the surface of the ceramic heating element, thereby achieving sterilization while heating;

[0029] 3. Several through holes are made on the surface of the ceramic heating element to allow gas and water to flow during heating and sterilization, thereby increasing heating efficiency and reducing the risk of dry burning;

[0030] 4. By using the reverse polarity of the anode and cathode, scale deposited on the cathode can be removed without the need for manual descaling, which is more convenient and will not affect heating performance, heat transfer efficiency or heater lifespan.

[0031] 5. It has a sterilization function when heating water and ionizing water, and has a dual sterilization function when both are turned on, resulting in better sterilization effect and higher sterilization rate. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a top view of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 2 AA sectional view.

[0035] Figure 4A schematic diagram of the heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (taking the first heater as an example).

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first coating layer and the second coating layer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. First heater; 2. Second heater; 3. Lead wire; 4. First plating layer; 5. Second plating layer; 6. Wire; 7. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0041] Example 1: As shown in the attached document Figures 1-5 As shown, this module, which integrates sterilization and heating functions, includes a first heater 1, a second heater 2, a lead wire 3, a first plating layer 4, a second plating layer 5, a wire 6, and a through hole 7.

[0042] Both the first heater 1 and the second heater 2 are ceramic heaters. The first heater 1 has a printed circuit printed inside, which is electrically connected to the outside via two leads 3. Furthermore, the second heater 2 is arranged parallel to the first heater 1 and at a certain distance from it. The second heater 2 also has a printed circuit printed inside, which is also electrically connected to the outside via two leads 3.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, a first coating 4 is deposited on the lower surface of the first heater 1 (i.e., the surface of the first heater 1 facing the second heater 2) using a ceramic surface metallization process. This first coating 4 is electrically connected to the outside via a wire 6. A second coating 5 is deposited on the upper surface of the second heater 2 (i.e., the surface of the second heater 2 facing the first heater 1) using a ceramic surface metallization process. This second coating 5 is also electrically connected to the outside via a wire 6. When both the first coating 4 and the second coating 5 are energized, they form a circuit with water, creating an electric field between them, thus achieving electrochemical sterilization. It should be noted that the first coating 4 and the second coating 5 are very thin. To illustrate this clearly in the diagram, they are depicted as raised. In reality, both the first coating 4 and the second coating 5 are deposited on the surfaces of the first heater 1 and the second heater 2.

[0044] Preferably, both the first heater 1 and the second heater 2 adopt a plate-like structure, and further, a plurality of through holes 7 are uniformly formed on their surfaces, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the location of the through hole on the first heater 1 is illustrated, and correspondingly, as... Figure 5 As shown, through holes 7 are also formed at corresponding positions on the first coating layer 4 and the second coating layer 5. The presence of through holes 7 allows gas and water to flow between the first heater 1 and the second heater 2 during heating and sterilization, increasing heating efficiency and reducing the risk of dry burning.

[0045] Preferably, the ceramic surface metallization process is one of the following: screen printing, low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC), direct copper bonding (DBC), direct copper plating (DPC), active brazing (AMB), laser rapid activation (LAM), brush coating, and dip coating. The metal paste used in the ceramic surface metallization process is silver paste, nickel-chromium paste, or copper paste; other metal pastes that meet the bactericidal function are also acceptable.

[0046] Furthermore, since it has a sterilization function when heating water and ionizing water, and a dual sterilization function when turned on simultaneously, the invention has a better sterilization effect and a higher sterilization rate compared to conventional heaters.

[0047] Example 2: As Figure 6 , 7 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that both the first heater 1 and the second heater 2 adopt a plate-like structure and do not have through holes, so as to obtain a larger heating area and improve heating efficiency.

[0048] Example 3: As an optional technical solution, the difference from Example 1 is that only the first heater 1 has a printed circuit printed inside. This printed circuit is electrically connected to the outside via two leads 3. The first heater 1 is a ceramic heater. It should be noted that the second module is not used as a heater in this embodiment, but a second coating 5 is plated on the surface of the second module. That is, heating is only performed through the first heater 1, while sterilization is achieved by energizing both the first coating 4 and the second coating 5 through water electrolysis.

[0049] Example 4: An integration method for a module employing the above-described integrated sterilization and heating functions, capable of performing one or more of the following functions:

[0050] When heating is required, the first heater 1 and / or the second heater 2 are energized, and the two can heat the water separately to raise its temperature; or only the first heater 1 is energized, and the second module is not used as a heater.

[0051] When sterilization is required, an electric current is applied to the first coating layer 4 and the second coating layer 5 to form an electric field between them (for example, the first coating layer 4 is the anode and the second coating layer 5 is the cathode), which causes water to ionize and produce hydroxyl groups, thereby achieving the sterilization effect.

[0052] When descaling is required after long-term use, the electrode directions for energizing the first plating layer 4 and the second plating layer 5 are reversed (the first plating layer 4 is the cathode and the second plating layer 5 is the anode) to remove the scale deposited on the cathode.

[0053] Definitions:

[0054] Ceramic heaters are a new type of heating element that is formed by printing circuits directly on alumina green blanks and then co-firing them at high temperatures through a series of special processes.

[0055] Electrochemical sterilization refers to electrolysis under low-voltage direct current conditions, which generates active hydroxyl radicals and active chlorine that can sterilize and disinfect. Adsorption on the electrode surface also kills bacteria. It utilizes the micro-electrolysis of water in a low-voltage electric field to generate active substances (H₂O₂, O₃, OH, etc.), cations generated at the anode, and the rapid oxidation and destruction of the components of bacteria and viruses under the catalysis of the noble metal at the anode. Simultaneously, it oxidizes and decomposes organic matter and inorganic reducing substances, achieving the effects of disinfection, sterilization, and water purification.

[0056] Screen printing: refers to the process of using a screen as a printing plate base and creating a screen printing plate with images and text through a photosensitive plate-making method.

[0057] LTCC: Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramics. It is a process in which green ceramic belts are sintered with metals such as silver and copper at around 900℃.

[0058] DBC: Direct Copper Bonding. It is a metallization method that bonds copper foil to the surface of ceramics (mainly alumina and aluminum nitride).

[0059] DPC: Direct Copper Plating. A method for metallizing ceramic surfaces using magnetron sputtering.

[0060] AMB: Active Brazing Technology. It is a process technology in which Ag-based solder containing active elements Ti and Zr wets and reacts at the interface between ceramics and metals at a high temperature of around 800℃, thereby achieving heterogeneous bonding between ceramics and metals.

[0061] LAM: Laser Rapid Activation Method. It is a technology applied to the rapid activation and metallization of ceramic microwave components using lasers.

[0062] This invention utilizes a printing process to print metal paste onto the surface of a porous ceramic heater, enabling an integrated module to simultaneously heat and sterilize water. Furthermore, automatic descaling is achieved through the reversal of the anode and cathode electrodes. This integrated design saves costs while maintaining performance, optimizes the structure, provides more design flexibility and enhances product competitiveness, and also makes automatic descaling technology feasible.

[0063] It is understood that, for those skilled in the art, any equivalent substitutions or modifications to the technical solutions and inventive concepts of this invention should fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device integrating sterilization and heating functions, characterized in that, include: The first module contains a printed circuit, which is electrically connected to the outside via two leads (3) to form a first heater (1). The second module is arranged at intervals relative to the first heater (1); The first coating (4) is on the surface of the first heater (1) facing the second module, and the first coating (4) is electrically connected to the outside via a wire (6); as well as The second coating (5) is on the surface of the second module facing the first heater (1), and the second coating (5) is also electrically connected to the outside via a wire (6); When both the first coating (4) and the second coating (5) are energized, they combine with water to form a circuit and create an electric field between them to achieve electrochemical sterilization. The first module is a ceramic module, which contains a printed circuit. The printed circuit is electrically connected to the outside through two leads (3). The first plating layer (4) is plated on the surface of the first heater facing the second module through a ceramic surface metallization process. The second module is a ceramic module, which contains a printed circuit to form a second heater (2). The printed circuit is electrically connected to the outside through two leads (3). The second plating layer (5) is plated on the surface of the second module facing the first heater (1) by a ceramic surface metallization process.

2. The device integrating sterilization and heating functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heater (1) and the second heater (2) are both plate-shaped structures, with several through holes (7) evenly opened on their surfaces. Through holes (7) are also opened at corresponding positions on the first coating (4) and the second coating (5).

3. The device integrating sterilization and heating functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ceramic surface metallization process is one of the following: screen printing, low-temperature co-fired ceramic process, direct copper bonding method, direct copper electroplating method, active brazing process, laser rapid activation method, brush coating method, and dip coating method.

4. The device integrating sterilization and heating functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal paste used in the ceramic surface metallization process is silver paste, nickel-chromium paste, or copper paste.

5. The method of using the device integrating sterilization and heating functions according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The corresponding functions can be achieved in the following ways: Heating: Power is supplied to the first heater (1) and / or the second heater (2) to heat the water; Sterilization: Electricity is applied to the first coating layer (4) and the second coating layer (5) to form an electric field between them, which ionizes the water and achieves sterilization; Descaling: The electrode directions for energizing the first plating layer (4) and the second plating layer (5) are reversed to remove the scale deposited on the cathode.

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