Sterilization device, sterilization method and air conditioner

Abstract

The invention provides a sterilization device, a sterilization method and an air conditioner, and the sterilization device comprises a rack arranged between a panel and a middle frame; the box body is movably arranged on the rack, the box body comprises a front cover and a rear cover which are detachably connected, an installation cavity is defined by the front cover and the rear cover, the installation cavity is provided with a first opening and a second opening which are located in the front cover and the rear cover respectively, and the first opening and the second opening face two perpendicular directions; the first opening is provided with a first gear and a second gear which are meshed with the rack; the sterilization module is detachably arranged at the second opening; and the stepping motor is connected with the first gear. The technical problems that in the prior art, an air conditioner is small in sterilization range, and the sterilization function is inconvenient to adjust are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to a sterilization device, a sterilization method and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] As people's quality of life improves, their demands for a better living environment become increasingly stringent, and air conditioners equipped with sterilization modules are gradually becoming part of their lives. Existing technologies for adding sterilization modules to air conditioners typically employ a fixed approach. This results in a small, fixed sterilization coverage area, limiting the sterilization function to a specific area. Furthermore, the sterilization module is passively activated when the air conditioner is cooling or heating, and cannot be adjusted based on user usage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a sterilization device, a sterilization method and an air conditioner, which solve the technical problems in the prior art of the air conditioner having a small sterilization range and inconvenient adjustment of the sterilization function.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] A sterilization device is applied to an air conditioner, wherein the air conditioner comprises a panel, a middle frame, and an evaporator arranged in sequence, and the sterilization device comprises:

[0006] a rack, provided between the panel and the middle frame;

[0007] a box body movably mounted on the rack, the box body comprising a detachably connected front cover and a rear cover, the front cover and the rear cover enclosing a mounting cavity, the mounting cavity having a first opening and a second opening located on the front cover and the rear cover, respectively, the first opening being provided with a first gear and a second gear meshing with the rack;

[0008] a sterilization module, detachably disposed at the second opening;

[0009] A stepping motor is connected to the first gear.

[0010] Preferably, the front cover and the rear cover are provided with a plurality of first screw holes for screw connection.

[0011] Preferably, the front cover and the rear cover are provided with a plurality of interconnected gear fixing holes, the axes of the gear fixing holes are perpendicular to the rack, and the output end of the stepping motor is passed through one of the gear fixing holes.

[0012] Preferably, the opposite end surfaces of the front cover and / or the rear cover are provided with guide grooves and limiting grooves arranged perpendicularly to each other, and the sterilization module is provided with a hook adapted to the limiting groove, and the hook is detachably extended into the limiting groove.

[0013] Preferably, a plurality of limiting ribs are provided at one end of the rear cover close to the front cover, and the limiting ribs cooperate with the guide grooves to form a limiting cavity.

[0014] Preferably, a first guide slope is provided at one end of the guide groove close to the limiting groove, and a complementary second guide slope is provided at the root of the hook, and the projected length of the first guide slope and the second guide slope along the insertion direction is not less than the thickness of the hook.

[0015] The present invention provides an air conditioner, comprising the above-mentioned sterilization device.

[0016] The present invention also provides a sterilization method, which comprises the following steps:

[0017] S1. Assume that the evaporator surface area is S = L × W, the UV lamp standard illumination is γ, the number of bacteria killed per unit time t0 is N0, and the number of bacteria per unit area of the evaporator is N;

[0018] S2. Select a sterilization mode based on the real-time monitored bacterial load or user instructions;

[0019] S3. Use a photosensor to detect the attenuation of ultraviolet rays in real time, and adjust γ and v by feedback to make the sterilization time t approach the optimal value t0.

[0020] Preferably, in step S1, critical values v0 and γ0 of the ultraviolet lamp scanning speed v and illumination γ are defined so that when γ≥γ0 and v≥v0, the sterilization time t satisfies t<t0.

[0021] Preferably, in step S2, the sterilization mode includes:

[0022] Micro sterilization mode: control γ<γ0 and v<v0;

[0023] Normal sterilization mode: control γ=γ0 and v=v0;

[0024] Rapid sterilization mode: control γ>γ0 and v>v0;

[0025] Strong sterilization mode: In the rapid sterilization mode, the evaporator is heated to ≥57℃ simultaneously.

[0026] Compared with the existing technology, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: the sterilization module is designed to be movable, with a wide sterilization range and high efficiency, avoiding the dead corner problem of traditional fixed ultraviolet lamps; while the air conditioner is supplying air, heating or cooling, the sterilization module can disinfect microorganisms in the air in real time without turning off the air conditioner or stopping the operation, thereby improving utilization efficiency; it can also directly treat mold and accumulated bacteria in the humid environment inside the air conditioner, preventing the air conditioner from becoming a source of pollution and reducing the risk of "air-conditioning disease". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the installation of a sterilization device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 Schematic side view of the installation of a sterilization device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 A partial explosion diagram of a sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the connection between the sterilization module and the back cover in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the back cover in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of sterilization time t and illumination γ in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of scanning speed v and sterilization time t in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a linear diagram illustrating the positive correlation between the illumination γ and the scanning speed v in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In the above drawings: 1. Panel; 2. Middle frame; 3. Evaporator; 4. Rack; 5. Front cover; 6. Rear cover; 7. Mounting cavity; 71. First opening; 72. Second opening; 73. First gear; 74. Second gear; 8. Sterilization module; 81. Hook; 9. Stepper motor; 10. Screw hole; 11. Gear fixing hole; 12. Guide groove; 13. First guide slope; 14. Limiting groove; 15. Second guide slope; 16. Limiting rib; 17. Limiting cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention more clearly understood, the technical solutions of the present invention are further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0037] See also Figures 1 to 8 The present invention provides a sterilization device for use in an air conditioner. The air conditioner comprises a panel 1, a middle frame 2, and an evaporator 3 arranged in sequence. The sterilization device comprises:

[0038] The rack 4 is provided between the panel 1 and the middle frame 2;

[0039] a box body, movably mounted on the rack 4, comprising a front cover 5 and a rear cover 6 that are detachably connected, the front cover 5 and the rear cover 6 enclosing a mounting cavity 7, and the mounting cavity 7 having a first opening 71 and a second opening 72, the first opening 71 being provided with a first gear 73 and a second gear 74 that mesh with the rack 4;

[0040] A sterilization module 8 is detachably provided at the second opening 72;

[0041] The stepping motor 9 is connected to the first gear 73 .

[0042] In this embodiment, the rack 4 is fixed between the panel 1 and the middle frame 2 along the length direction, serving as a moving track for the sterilization module 8. A movable box body is arranged on the rack 4. The box body adopts a detachable front cover 5 and rear cover 6 structure to form an installation cavity 7 with open ends, which is convenient for installing and replacing components. The installation cavity 7 has a first opening 71 and a second opening 72. The first opening 71 is used to install a first gear 73 and a second gear 74 that are meshed with each other. The first gear 73 is meshed with the rack 4, and the second opening 72 is used for detachably installing the sterilization module 8 to realize functional zoning. The first opening 71 (transmission direction) is perpendicular to the second opening 72 (installation direction of the sterilization module 8). The first opening 71 is arranged in the up and down direction, and the second opening 72 is arranged in the front and back direction. The design optimizes space utilization and ensures that the transmission and sterilization functions do not interfere with each other. The first gear 73 is linked to the stepper motor 9, while the second gear 74 enhances meshing stability and prevents slipping or jamming with the rack 4. The sterilization module 8 is removably mounted on the other end of the housing. In this embodiment, the sterilization module 8 uses ultraviolet light for sterilization. The stepper motor 9 drives the first gear 73, causing the housing to reciprocate along the rack 4. This ensures that the sterilization module 8 covers all corners, expands the sterilization range, and avoids the blind spots of traditional fixed devices. The removable housing allows for quick replacement of the sterilization module 8 or gear components, reducing maintenance costs. The sterilization module 8 is installed in the gap between the panel 1 and the middle frame 2, eliminating the need for additional space inside the air conditioner. During normal operation of the air conditioner, the panel 1 is closed, and indoor air entering the air conditioner through the air inlet is sterilized by the sterilization module 8. When the stepper motor 9 rotates, the sterilization module 8 moves back and forth within the air conditioner, sterilizing all positions on the evaporator 3.

[0043] The front cover 5 and the rear cover 6 are provided with a plurality of screw holes 10 for screw connection. Furthermore, the front cover 5 and the rear cover 6 are provided with a plurality of interconnected gear fixing holes 11, the axes of the gear fixing holes 11 being perpendicular to the rack 4, and the output end of the stepping motor 9 is provided through one of the gear fixing holes 11.

[0044] In this embodiment, the front cover 5 and the rear cover 6 are respectively provided with a plurality of connected screw holes 10, so that after the screws pass through the corresponding holes, the front cover 5 and the rear cover 6 can be firmly connected together, which is easy to assemble and disassemble the box body and to replace the internal components (such as the sterilization module 8); the front cover 5 and the rear cover 6 are respectively provided with two corresponding gear fixing holes 11, which are connected to each other after the front and rear covers 6 are assembled to form an installation channel that passes through the box body. The axial direction of the gear fixing hole 11 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the rack 4, ensuring the meshing transmission relationship between the gear and the rack 4; the first gear 73 is rotatably mounted on a gear that passes through the gear fixing hole 11. 1, the output end of the stepping motor 9 passes through the gear fixing hole 11 and is connected to the first gear 73 for driving the gear to rotate. The second gear 74 is rotatably mounted on the shaft of another gear fixing hole 11. The second gear 74 meshes with the first gear 73 to achieve linkage, so that the entire box body moves back and forth along the rack 4 under the drive of the stepping motor 9; the positioning and installation are carried out through the corresponding screw holes 10 and gear fixing holes 11 on the front and rear covers 6 to ensure that the axes of the first gear 73 and the second gear 74 are parallel and correctly meshed with the rack 4, thereby reducing the problem of jamming or noise when the first gear 73 meshes with the gear due to assembly deviation.

[0045] The opposite end surfaces of the front cover 5 and the rear cover 6 are provided with a guide groove 12 and a limiting groove 14 arranged perpendicularly to each other, and the sterilization module 8 is provided with a hook 81 adapted to the limiting groove 14, and the hook 81 is detachably extended into the limiting groove 14.

[0046] In this embodiment, the guide groove 12 is used to guide the insertion direction of the sterilization module 8 (horizontally push in) to ensure that the sterilization module 8 is aligned with the second opening 72. The limiting groove 14 is perpendicular to the guide groove 12. The hook 81 is pushed into the limiting groove 14 to achieve two-way fixation (horizontally anti-slip + vertical limitation) to avoid loosening of the sterilization module 8 during movement. The shape of the hook 81 on the sterilization module 8 matches the limiting groove 14. After insertion, it is locked by elastic deformation to achieve one-button disassembly and assembly.

[0047] A plurality of limiting ribs 16 are provided on one end of the rear cover 6 close to the front cover 5 . The limiting ribs 16 cooperate with the guide grooves 12 to form a limiting cavity 17 .

[0048] In this embodiment, two limiting ribs 16 are provided at one end of the rear cover 6 close to the front cover 5. The two limiting ribs 16 connect the upper and lower guide grooves 12 and cooperate to form a limiting cavity 17. When the hook 81 is pushed into the limiting groove 14 to achieve fixation, the hook 81 of the sterilization module 8 is arranged in the middle thereof, and the end of the sterilization module 8 abuts against the limiting rib 16 to limit its further movement. The cooperation between the hook 81 and the limiting rib 16 prevents the sterilization module 8 from free displacement due to long-term reciprocating movement driven by the stepper motor 9. The limiting rib 16 is distributed along the extension direction of the guide groove 12, forming the boundary of the module pre-sliding path, preventing the sterilization module 8 from lateral displacement during movement. The limiting rib 16 can share the lateral load of the hook 81 to avoid fatigue fracture of a single hook 81.

[0049] A first guide slope 13 is provided at one end of the guide groove 12 close to the limiting groove 14, and a complementary second guide slope 15 is provided at the root of the hook 81, and the projected length of the first guide slope 13 and the second guide slope 15 along the insertion direction is not less than the thickness of the hook 81.

[0050] In this embodiment, the guide groove 12 is provided with a first guide bevel 13 which forms an angle of 30°-60° with the groove wall, and the root of the hook 81 is provided with a complementary second guide bevel 15. The projected length of the two bevels along the insertion direction is not less than the thickness of the hook 81, ensuring that during the insertion process, the hook 81 can always smoothly transition with the help of the first guide bevel 13 and the second guide bevel, reducing friction and jamming. At the same time, it also ensures that even if there is a slight manufacturing error or assembly deviation between the hook 81 and the guide groove 12, a reliable connection can be achieved.

[0051] This embodiment provides an air conditioner, including the sterilization device described above. The specific structure of the air conditioner refers to the above embodiment. Since this air conditioner adopts all the technical solutions of the above embodiment, it at least has all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiment, which will not be described one by one here.

[0052] This embodiment provides a sterilization method, which includes the following steps:

[0053] S1. Set the surface area of the evaporator 3 to S = L × W, the standard illumination of the ultraviolet lamp to γ, the number of bacteria killed per unit time t0 to N0, and the number of bacteria per unit area of the evaporator 3 to N;

[0054] S2. Select a sterilization mode based on the real-time monitored bacterial load or user instructions;

[0055] S3. Use a photosensor to detect the attenuation of ultraviolet rays in real time, and adjust γ and v by feedback to make the sterilization time t approach the optimal value t0.

[0056] In step S1, define the critical values v0 and γ0 of the ultraviolet lamp scanning speed v and illuminance γ such that when γ ≥ γ0 and v ≥ v0, the sterilization time t satisfies t < t0.

[0057] In step S2, the sterilization modes include:

[0058] Micro-sterilization mode: Control γ < γ0 and v < v0;

[0059] Normal sterilization mode: Control γ = γ0 and v = v0;

[0060] Fast sterilization mode: Control γ > γ0 and v > v0;

[0061] Powerful sterilization mode: In the fast sterilization mode, synchronously heat the evaporator 3 to ≥57°C.

[0062] In this embodiment, for the selection of the whole-air conditioner sterilization operation mode, assume: The length of the evaporator 3 of the air conditioner is L, the width of the evaporator 3 is W, the sterilization module 8 uses an ultraviolet lamp for sterilization, and assume that the standard illuminance γ sterilizes N0 bacteria in the unit time t0. Assume that the number of bacteria per unit area of the evaporator 3 is N. Then the time for the sterilization module 8 to complete one full sterilization of the evaporator 3 is:

[0063] T = L * W * N / N0;

[0064] The greater the illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp, the higher its sterilization efficiency, that is, the more bacteria are sterilized per unit time, so γ ∝ N0. It can be deduced that when the movement speed of the ultraviolet lamp on the middle frame 2 is constant, when the illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp increases within a certain range, the time required to complete one sterilization of the evaporator 3 will be shortened; when the illuminance reaches a certain median value (we set it as γ0), if the illuminance is increased further, the time required to complete one sterilization of the evaporator 3 will no longer be shortened, but when the illuminance reaches above γ0, if we increase the scanning speed of the ultraviolet lamp at the same time, the time required to complete one sterilization of the evaporator 3 will continue to shorten. As shown by the dotted line in the figure:

[0065] We can conclude that: Assume that we set the illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp as γ0. When the ultraviolet lamp scanning speed is v0, the utilization rate of the ultraviolet lamp reaches the highest, and the time required to complete one sterilization of the evaporator 3 is t0. Then:

[0066] When the ultraviolet lamp scanning speed is v0: γ < γ0, the time required to complete one sterilization of the evaporator 3: t > t0;

[0067] γ ≥ γ0, the time required to complete one sterilization of the evaporator 3: t = t0;

[0068] When the illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp is γ0: v < v0, the time required to complete one sterilization of the evaporator 3: t = t0;

[0069] When v ≥ v0, the time required to complete one sterilization of the evaporator 3: t > t0;

[0070] We can obtain through experiments that when we maximize the utilization rate of the ultraviolet lamp, there is a certain positive correlation between the illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp and the scanning speed of the ultraviolet lamp. As Figure 7 shown: Only when γ ≥ γ0 and at the same time v ≥ v0, the time required to complete one sterilization of the evaporator 3: t < t0;

[0071] Through the above theoretical analysis and experimental conclusions, we can optimize the sterilization efficiency of the ultraviolet lamp, so that there are multiple mode selections for the whole machine sterilization operation.

[0072] For example: micro-sterilization mode / normal sterilization mode / rapid sterilization mode / strong sterilization mode.

[0073] Micro-sterilization mode: Reduce the illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp: v < v0, and at the same time reduce the scanning speed of the ultraviolet lamp γ < γ0;

[0074] Normal sterilization mode: The illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp: v = v0, and at the same time reduce the scanning speed of the ultraviolet lamp γ = γ0;

[0075] Rapid sterilization mode: Increase the illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp: v > v0, and at the same time increase the scanning speed of the ultraviolet lamp γ > γ0;

[0076] Strong sterilization mode: Under the "rapid sterilization mode", at the same time raise the temperature of the inner plate in the evaporator 3, such as above 57°C, to perform high-temperature sterilization on the air conditioner evaporator 3, and at the same time assist the ultraviolet lamp sterilization to perform strong sterilization on the whole machine.

[0077] A photosensitive sensor is installed on the sterilization module 8, which can detect the attenuation of the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet lamp. When there are more bacteria on the evaporator 3, more ultraviolet rays are consumed, and the photosensitive sensor receives more severe attenuation of the ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the situation of bacteria on the evaporator 3 can be known through the detected attenuation of the ultraviolet rays, so as to select different sterilization modes.

[0078] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention can be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the purpose and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sterilization device, applied to an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising a panel, a middle frame and an evaporator arranged in sequence, characterized in that: The sterilization device comprises: a rack, provided between the panel and the middle frame; a box body movably mounted on the rack, the box body comprising a front cover and a rear cover that are detachably connected, the front cover and the rear cover enclosing a mounting cavity, the mounting cavity having a first opening and a second opening located on the front cover and the rear cover, respectively, the first opening being provided with a first gear and a second gear meshing with the rack; a sterilization module, detachably disposed at the second opening; A stepping motor is connected to the first gear.

2. A sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front cover and the rear cover are provided with a plurality of screw holes for screw connection.

3. A sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The front cover and the rear cover are provided with a plurality of interconnected gear fixing holes, the axes of the gear fixing holes are perpendicular to the racks, and the output end of the stepping motor is passed through one of the gear fixing holes.

4. A sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The opposite end surfaces of the front cover and / or the rear cover are provided with guide grooves and limiting grooves arranged perpendicularly to each other, and the sterilization module is provided with a hook adapted to the limiting groove, and the hook is detachably extended into the limiting groove.

5. A sterilization device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of limiting ribs are provided on one end of the rear cover close to the front cover, and the limiting ribs cooperate with the guide grooves to form a limiting cavity.

6. A sterilization device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The guide groove is provided with a first guide slope at one end close to the limiting groove, and the root of the hook is provided with a complementary second guide slope, and the projected length of the first guide slope and the second guide slope along the insertion direction is not less than the thickness of the hook.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that: Comprising the sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A sterilization method based on the sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The sterilization method comprises the following steps: S1. Assume that the evaporator surface area is S = L × W, the UV lamp standard illumination is γ, the number of bacteria killed per unit time t0 is N0, and the number of bacteria per unit area of the evaporator is N; S2. Select a sterilization mode based on the real-time monitored bacterial load or user instructions; S3. Use a photosensor to detect the attenuation of ultraviolet rays in real time, and adjust γ and v by feedback to make the sterilization time t approach the optimal value t0.

9. A sterilization method according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step S1 , critical values v0 and γ0 of the ultraviolet lamp scanning speed v and illumination γ are defined so that when γ≥γ0 and v≥v0, the sterilization time t satisfies t<t0.

10. A sterilization method according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step S2, the sterilization mode includes: Micro sterilization mode: control γ<γ0 and v<v0; Normal sterilization mode: control γ=γ0 and v=v0; Rapid sterilization mode: control γ>γ0 and v>v0; Strong sterilization mode: In the rapid sterilization mode, the evaporator is heated to ≥57℃ simultaneously.

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