Air treatment device for household appliance and household appliance

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides an air treatment device for a household appliance, the household appliance is provided with an appliance chamber (10), the air treatment device (20) is constructed to be suitable for treating air flowing through the air treatment device (20), and the treated air is allowed to be fed into the appliance chamber (10). The air treatment device (20) comprises: a pyroelectric module (22) comprising a pyroelectric material (221) arranged to be adapted to be in contact with air flowing through the air treatment device (20); and a heating module (23) arranged to be adapted to heat the pyroelectric material (221). The embodiment of the utility model further provides a household appliance. According to some embodiments of the invention, the air treatment device of the household appliance can continuously sterilize and deodorize, and has low energy consumption and high efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an air treatment device for a household appliance and a household appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Many household appliances come into contact with food, dirt, high temperatures, and / or high humidity during use. Such environments can easily lead to the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in these appliances, resulting in unpleasant odors.

[0003] Take a dishwasher as an example. During use, users place dishes that may contain food residue into the dishwasher. Dishwashers typically use hot water to wash these dishes. During the washing process, detergents that may have odors are also used. The washing process creates a hot and humid environment inside the dishwasher that is conducive to the growth of microorganisms. After washing, some food residue may remain in the dishwasher's filter. This residual food residue is prone to decay, leading to bacterial growth and unpleasant odors. The dishes are at risk of contamination. Furthermore, when users remove the dishes from the dishwasher, they may smell an unpleasant odor emanating from it.

[0004] Existing sterilization and deodorization solutions have various shortcomings. For example, the effectiveness of silver ion release devices is unstable due to factors such as water quality. While ozone generators can decompose organic odor molecules using the strong oxidizing properties of ozone, residual ozone may produce irritating odors and pose a risk of corrosion to metal components. Ion generators also have high energy consumption and can only operate in environments with relatively low humidity.

[0005] Existing sterilization and deodorization solutions for household appliances still suffer from problems such as high energy consumption, low efficiency, and / or difficulty in maintaining effectiveness. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of embodiments of this application is to provide an improved air handling device for household appliances and a corresponding household appliance, which can at least partially overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this application, embodiments of this application provide an air handling device for a household appliance, wherein the household appliance has an appliance compartment, the air handling device being configured to treat air flowing through the air handling device and to allow treated air to be delivered into the appliance compartment. The air handling device includes: a pyroelectric module comprising a pyroelectric material arranged to contact the air flowing through the air handling device; and a heating module arranged to heat the pyroelectric material.

[0008] The air handling unit can not only continuously generate negative ions using a pyroelectric module, but also efficiently generate negative ions when needed by utilizing temperature fluctuations provided by a heating module. Therefore, according to embodiments of this application, the air handling unit for household appliances can continuously sterilize and deodorize while having low energy consumption and high efficiency.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the air treatment device further includes an adsorption module comprising a reversible adsorption material that releases heat when absorbing water and desorbs when heated, and a pyroelectric module is arranged such that the pyroelectric material is thermally coupled to the reversible adsorption material.

[0010] In the complete operating cycle of a household appliance, the heating operation of the heating module during the desorption phase of the adsorption module alone can achieve the complete desorption and adsorption process of the adsorption module, thereby fully utilizing the adsorption module to reduce indoor humidity. Simultaneously, the pyroelectric module undergoes at least two heating and cooling cycles due to this complete desorption and adsorption process. Correspondingly, the pyroelectric module not only continuously generates negative ions but also has at least two periods of highly efficient negative ion generation due to the at least two heating and cooling cycles. Using the adsorption module to reduce indoor humidity creates an environment unfavorable to microbial growth. The generated negative ions inhibit microbial activity and reduce odor molecules in the air. This is particularly beneficial for reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency.

[0011] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the heating module is configured to heat the reversible adsorbent material to the desorption temperature of the reversible adsorbent material.

[0012] For example, the heating module can be configured to heat pyroelectric materials and / or reversible adsorption materials to above 150°C.

[0013] Through this active heating operation of the heating module, the reversible adsorption material can be forced to desorb during the working cycle of the household appliance, thereby enabling the air to be thoroughly dried and a large amount of heat to be released when needed.

[0014] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the pyroelectric material and the reversible adsorption material are separated by a separating structure.

[0015] The separation structure can be made of a thermally conductive material. This allows for both heat conduction between the pyroelectric material and the reversible adsorption material, while preventing them from directly contacting each other.

[0016] The separation structure may in particular include sheet-like elements with through openings. This facilitates the unobstructed flow of air through the adsorption module and the pyroelectric module, and also facilitates heat transfer between the reversible adsorption material and the pyroelectric material.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the pyroelectric module is arranged downstream of the adsorption module along the airflow direction. This facilitates the use of heat released by the adsorption module during the adsorption phase to heat the pyroelectric material, while preventing the adsorption effect of the adsorption module from hindering the generation of negative ions by the pyroelectric module. In particular, this helps prevent the reversible adsorption material with strong adsorption properties from adsorbing polarization charges or released negative ions on the surface of the pyroelectric material, thereby weakening the spontaneous polarization effect of the pyroelectric material and reducing the negative ion release efficiency.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the pyroelectric module is arranged circumferentially around the reversible adsorption material relative to the airflow direction.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the heating module is arranged upstream of the adsorption module along the airflow direction. This facilitates uniform heating of the reversible adsorption material and efficient utilization of the heating module.

[0020] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the heating module, adsorption module, and pyroelectric module are arranged sequentially along the airflow direction. When the heating module heats the air, the temperature of the adsorption module can be higher than that of the pyroelectric module. The reversible adsorption material can reach its desorption temperature. At this point, the pyroelectric material can have a relatively low temperature. This is particularly advantageous for enabling the pyroelectric material to generate negative ions with high efficiency. Furthermore, this also helps prevent irreversible degradation of the pyroelectric material's performance due to exposure to high temperatures.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the reversible adsorption material is in the form of granules.

[0022] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the reversible adsorption material is selected from: reversible adsorption materials containing aluminum or silicon oxide, silica gel, and zeolite.

[0023] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the pyroelectric material is in the form of particles with a pointed structure. This helps to improve the efficiency of the pyroelectric material.

[0024] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the pyroelectric material is selected from: barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, and tourmaline.

[0025] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the air handling device includes a processing housing defining an inner cavity having an inlet and an outlet. A pyroelectric module, an adsorption module, and a heating module are all arranged within the inner cavity, with the heating module located below the pyroelectric module and the adsorption module. This is beneficial for energy conservation and improved efficiency.

[0026] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the heating module is an electric heating module, which includes a heating element.

[0027] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the air treatment device includes a deformable body. The deformable body is arranged adjacent to a pyroelectric material and is made of a thermotropic shape memory material, such that the deformable body has a first shape under a first temperature condition, and deforms into a second shape and compresses the pyroelectric material under a second temperature condition lower than the first temperature condition. This improves the efficiency of the pyroelectric material in generating negative ions.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the deformable body is arranged to at least partially define a pyroelectric material cavity for accommodating the pyroelectric material. Under a first temperature condition, the deformable body may have a first shape and define a pyroelectric material cavity with a large volume. Under a second temperature condition lower than the first temperature condition, the deformable body may transform into a second shape and define a pyroelectric material cavity with a smaller volume. This helps to improve the efficiency of the pyroelectric material in generating negative ions.

[0029] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the deformable body is configured to deform in a manner that protrudes toward the pyroelectric material as the temperature decreases. This also helps to improve the efficiency of the pyroelectric material in generating negative ions.

[0030] The air handling unit can be configured to have at least a first operating stage and a second operating stage. In the first operating stage, at least one of a reversible adsorbent material and a pyroelectric material can be heated by a heating module, causing the reversible adsorbent material to desorb. In the second operating stage, the heating module can be deactivated, the reversible adsorbent material absorbs water, thereby releasing heat and heating the pyroelectric material.

[0031] Optionally, the first operating stage includes at least two heating periods and a cooling period between the heating periods. During the heating periods, the heating module can be activated to raise the temperature of both the reversible adsorbent material and the pyroelectric material. During the cooling periods, the heating module can be deactivated to cool the pyroelectric material. Thus, without substantially increasing energy consumption, both the desorption of the reversible adsorbent material and the pyroelectric material can be effectively carried out, allowing for greater temperature fluctuations.

[0032] According to a second aspect of this application, embodiments of this application provide a household appliance comprising: an appliance body defining an appliance chamber; and an air handling device according to an embodiment of this application, the air handling device being disposed within the appliance body and allowing treated air to be delivered into the appliance chamber.

[0033] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, a household appliance includes a fan configured to drive air in a flow direction through an air handling device.

[0034] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the household appliance includes an ion generator configured to generate negative ions by connecting electrodes to an external power source. The ion generator can be deactivated, in particular, when the heating module is activated. Thus, based on the operating principles and characteristics of the ion generator and the pyroelectric module, the ion generator and the pyroelectric module can be advantageously configured to operate in a complementary manner to achieve good sterilization and deodorization effects throughout the entire operating cycle of the household appliance.

[0035] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, a household appliance is a household appliance suitable for washing items in the appliance room with water and allowing items to be stored in the appliance room.

[0036] Household appliances may have a washing stage and a post-washing stage. During the washing stage, the appliance uses water to wash items inside the appliance. During the post-washing stage, items can be stored inside the appliance. An air handling unit may be configured to complete a first operating phase during the washing stage and a second operating phase during the post-washing stage. With the aid of the air handling unit, sterilization and deodorization can be efficiently achieved in both the washing and post-washing stages. Even when items are stored inside the appliance for extended periods, microbial growth can be inhibited and odors removed.

[0037] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the household appliance is a dishwasher. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The principles, features, and advantages of this application will be better understood below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings include:

[0039] Figure 1 A household appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically;

[0040] Figure 2 An exploded view of an air handling apparatus according to this application is shown schematically;

[0041] Figure 3 The temperature changes of the reversible adsorption material and the pyroelectric material are schematically illustrated in an exemplary embodiment according to this application;

[0042] Figure 4 The illustration schematically depicts the temperature changes of the reversible adsorbent material and the pyroelectric material in an exemplary embodiment according to this application; and

[0043] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An air handling device for a household appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically.

[0044] List of reference numerals

[0045] 10. Equipment Room

[0046] 11. Main body of the appliance

[0047] 20 Air handling unit

[0048] 21 Adsorption Module

[0049] 211 Reversible Adsorption Materials

[0050] 212 First Screen Element

[0051] 213 Second sieve element

[0052] 22 Pyroelectric Module

[0053] 221 Pyroelectric Materials

[0054] 222 Metal Mesh

[0055] 23 Heating Module

[0056] 231 heating element

[0057] 232 Guide Board

[0058] 24. Separation Structure

[0059] 25. Processing the casing

[0060] Entrance 251

[0061] 252 Exports

[0062] 253 Inner cavity

[0063] 26 Deformable bodies

[0064] 30 channels

[0065] 40 fans

[0066] 50 Ion Generator Detailed Implementation

[0067] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0068] First, for ease of understanding, let's return to the description in the background section. Existing household appliance sterilization and deodorization solutions suffer from problems such as high energy consumption, low efficiency, and / or difficulty in maintaining sustained effectiveness.

[0069] To address at least one of the aforementioned technical problems or other possible technical problems, an exemplary embodiment of this application provides an air handling device for a household appliance, wherein the household appliance has an appliance compartment, and the air handling device is configured to treat air flowing through the air handling device and allow treated air to be delivered into the appliance compartment. The air handling device includes: a pyroelectric module comprising a pyroelectric material arranged to contact the air flowing through the air handling device; and a heating module arranged to heat the pyroelectric material.

[0070] To better understand this application, exemplary embodiments of the application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The directional terms used in the description refer to the conventional use of household appliances for ease of description and should not be construed as absolute limitations on the corresponding features.

[0071] Figure 1 A household appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is schematically illustrated. In this embodiment, the household appliance is a dishwasher.

[0072] from Figure 1 As can be seen, the household appliance includes an appliance body 11, which defines an appliance chamber 10. The household appliance also includes an air handling unit 20. The appliance chamber 10 can be used to contain items awaiting processing. For example, dishes, cups, or cutlery awaiting cleaning can be placed in the appliance chamber 10 of a dishwasher. The appliance body 11 may have an opening. Items awaiting processing can be placed into or removed from the appliance chamber 10 through said opening. The household appliance may also include a door movable relative to the appliance body 11, said door being capable of closing the opening. When the door is closed, the appliance chamber 10 can form a sealed space.

[0073] An air handling unit 20 is used to process the air flowing through it and to deliver the processed air into the appliance chamber 10. The air handling unit 20 may be arranged inside the appliance body 11 and allows the processed air to be delivered into the appliance chamber 10.

[0074] The air handling device 20 includes: a pyroelectric module 22 including a pyroelectric material 221, the pyroelectric module 22 being arranged such that the pyroelectric material 221 is thermally coupled to a reversible adsorption material 211; and a heating module 23 arranged for heating the reversible adsorption material 211.

[0075] Pyroelectric material 221 exhibits spontaneous polarization properties, meaning it can change its spontaneous polarization state in response to temperature variations. Pyroelectric material 221 can have a non-centrosymmetric crystal structure. When subjected to temperature fluctuations, the internal electric dipoles of pyroelectric material 221 shift, accumulating oppositely polarized charges at both ends of the crystal axis, thereby generating an electrostatic field along the crystal axis. Under the influence of this electrostatic field, air can be ionized, thus generating negative ions.

[0076] Even slight temperature changes can cause the pyroelectric material 221 of the pyroelectric module 22 to continuously generate negative ions through ionization. These negative ions can combine with microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, altering their structure and inhibiting their physiological activities, thus achieving sterilization. For example, under the influence of negative ions, the cell membrane of bacteria may be damaged, causing intracellular substances to leak out, leading to bacterial death. In this context, "sterilization" should be broadly understood as reducing, inhibiting, or eliminating bacteria and / or viruses, lowering their number and / or activity. Furthermore, negative ions can combine with positive ions in the air, causing odor molecules to be adsorbed and settled. Simultaneously, negative ions can promote chemical reactions between oxygen molecules and odor molecules in the air, decomposing them into harmless substances, thereby achieving deodorization.

[0077] When efficient sterilization and odor removal are required, the reversible adsorption material 211 can be heated using the heating module 23, and then the heating module 23 can be turned off to allow the reversible adsorption material 211 to cool down. Thus, the heating module 23 causes the reversible adsorption material 211 to undergo strong temperature fluctuations, which enable it to efficiently generate negative ions. Furthermore, the pyroelectric material 221, due to being heated, gains a high pyroelectric coefficient. This further improves the efficiency of negative ion generation.

[0078] Therefore, the air handling unit 20 can not only continuously generate negative ions using the pyroelectric module 22, but also efficiently generate negative ions when needed by means of the temperature fluctuations provided by the heating module 23.

[0079] The air handling unit 20 may also include an adsorption module 21. The adsorption module 21 includes a reversible adsorption material 211, which is capable of releasing heat when absorbing water and desorbing when heated.

[0080] During dishwasher operation, the reversible adsorbent material 211 of the adsorption module 21 is heated by the heating module 23, thereby desorbing. During this process, the pyroelectric module 22 is also heated. Then, for example, when cleaned items such as dishes, cups, or cutlery are stored in the appliance compartment 10, the desorbed reversible adsorbent material 211 reabsorbs water, drying the air, and the reversible adsorbent material 211 releases heat during water absorption, thus heating the pyroelectric material 221 of the pyroelectric module 22.

[0081] In the complete working cycle of the household appliance, the heating operation of the heating module 23 during the desorption stage of the adsorption module 21 is sufficient to realize the complete desorption and adsorption process of the adsorption module 21, thereby making full use of the adsorption module 21 to reduce the humidity in the appliance room 10. At the same time, the pyroelectric module 22 undergoes at least two heating and cooling cycles through the complete desorption and adsorption process, thus having two corresponding periods of efficient negative ion generation.

[0082] The pyroelectric material 221 may include, for example, barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, and / or tourmaline.

[0083] The pyroelectric material 221 can be in particular in the form of granules with a pointed structure. This helps to improve the efficiency of the pyroelectric material 221. The pointed structure can be achieved by granulating the pyroelectric material using a suitable processing technology.

[0084] The reversible adsorbent 211 may have a porous structure and a high specific surface area. In addition, the reversible adsorbent 211 may have abundant surface functional groups, such as hydroxyl, amino or metal coordination sites.

[0085] When the reversible adsorbent 211 is heated, the adsorbed water molecules gain energy. The kinetic energy of the water molecules increases sufficiently to overcome the van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds, or metal coordination bonds between the reversible adsorbent 211 and water, causing them to detach from the adsorption sites and be released, thus achieving desorption. Heating causes the adsorption equilibrium to shift towards desorption. The desorption process does not destroy the chemical structure of the reversible adsorbent 211; it only removes the physically adsorbed water, restoring the reversible adsorbent 211 to its initial state (also known as "regeneration").

[0086] When the reversible adsorbent 211 comes into contact with humid air again, its porous structure and / or polar groups capture water molecules through van der Waals forces, capillary action, and / or hydrogen bonding, forming physical adsorption. During this process, water molecules change from a free state to a bound state, and the formation of intermolecular forces releases energy.

[0087] Reversible adsorption materials 211 may include, for example, reversible adsorption materials containing aluminum or silicon dioxide, silica gel and / or zeolite, etc.

[0088] The reversible adsorbent 211 is, for example, in granular form. The particle size of the reversible adsorbent 211 can be approximately between 0.5 and 10 mm, particularly between 1 and 6 mm. The reversible adsorbent 211 can be used as a packing material to fill an adsorption container. The packing height of the reversible adsorbent 211 can be at least 5 times its particle size.

[0089] The heating module 23 can be configured to heat the reversible adsorbent material 211 to its desorption temperature. During the desorption stage, the reversible adsorbent material 211 can be heated directly or indirectly by the heating module 23 to raise its temperature to the desorption temperature.

[0090] For example, the heating module 23 is configured to heat the pyroelectric material 221 and / or the reversible adsorbent material 211 to above 150°C. Specifically, the heating module 23 can be configured to heat the reversible adsorbent material 211 to a temperature between 150°C and 280°C. During the desorption phase, the temperature of the reversible adsorbent material 211 can be detected using a temperature sensor, and the heating time and / or heating power of the heating module 23 can be adjusted based on the temperature of the reversible adsorbent material 211.

[0091] Heating module 23 is particularly electric heating module 23.

[0092] like Figure 1 As shown, the household appliance may include a passage 30 that connects an air handling unit 20 to an appliance compartment 10. At least a portion of the air can be drawn from the appliance compartment 10, pass through the air handling unit 20, and then return to the appliance compartment 10. Figure 1 In the image, a hollow arrow schematically indicates the direction of airflow.

[0093] The household appliance may also include a fan 40 configured to drive air to flow through the air handling unit 20 in a flow direction.

[0094] The heating module 23 can be arranged upstream of the adsorption module 21, for example, along the airflow direction. The air can first flow through the heating module 23 and be heated, and then flow through the adsorption module 21. The heated air can heat the reversible adsorption material 211 of the adsorption module 21. This is beneficial for uniform heating of the reversible adsorption material 211 and efficient utilization of the heating module 23.

[0095] In particular, the heating module 23, the adsorption module 21, and the pyroelectric module 22 can be arranged sequentially along the airflow direction.

[0096] When the heating module 23 heats the material, the temperature of the adsorption module 21 can be higher than that of the pyroelectric module 22. The reversible adsorption material 211 can reach its desorption temperature. At this time, the pyroelectric material 221 can have a relatively low temperature. This is particularly beneficial for the pyroelectric material 221 to generate negative ions with high efficiency. Generally, the pyroelectric coefficient of the pyroelectric material 221 increases with increasing temperature within a certain temperature range, but may decrease with increasing temperature when the temperature exceeds this range. In addition, this also helps to prevent the performance of the pyroelectric material 221 from irreversibly degrading due to exposure to high temperatures.

[0097] Figure 2 An exploded view of the air handling apparatus 20 according to this application is shown schematically.

[0098] like Figure 2 As shown, the air handling unit 20 includes an adsorption module 21, a pyroelectric module 22, and a heating module 23.

[0099] The adsorption module 21 may include a reversible adsorption material 211 and a first sieve element 212 and a second sieve element 213. The first sieve element 212 and the second sieve element 213 may be formed in a mesh or grid shape. The first sieve element 212 and the second sieve element 213 may be arranged above and below the reversible adsorption material 211, respectively. In particular, the first sieve element 212 and the second sieve element 213 may be arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined distance, thereby forming a space between them for accommodating the reversible adsorption material 211.

[0100] The pyroelectric module 22 may include, for example, a pyroelectric material 221 and a metal mesh 222, the metal mesh 222 being capable of encapsulating the pyroelectric material 221 in a granular form. The metal mesh 222 may in particular be made of stainless steel.

[0101] In this embodiment, the pyroelectric material 221 and the reversible adsorption material 211 are separated by a partition structure 24. The partition structure 24 may be made of a thermally conductive material. Thus, both heat conduction between the pyroelectric material 221 and the reversible adsorption material 211 can be achieved, while preventing the pyroelectric material 221 and the reversible adsorption material 211 from directly contacting each other.

[0102] The partition structure 24 may include a sheet-like element with a through opening. Air can flow freely through the adsorption module 21 and the pyroelectric module 22. For example, the partition structure 24 may include a first sieve element 212 and / or a metal mesh 222 for wrapping the pyroelectric material 221.

[0103] exist Figure 2In the diagram, a hollow arrow schematically indicates the direction of airflow. The pyroelectric module 22 can be arranged downstream of the adsorption module 21 along the direction of airflow. This facilitates the use of the heat released by the adsorption module 21 during the adsorption phase to heat the pyroelectric material 221, while preventing the adsorption effect of the adsorption module 21 from hindering the generation of negative ions by the pyroelectric module 22. In particular, this helps prevent the highly adsorbent reversible adsorption material 211 from adsorbing polarization charges or released negative ions on the surface of the pyroelectric material 221, thereby weakening the spontaneous polarization effect of the pyroelectric material 221 and reducing the negative ion release efficiency.

[0104] The air handling unit 20 may include a handling housing 25. The handling housing 25 defines an inner cavity 253 having an inlet 251 and an outlet 252. A pyroelectric module 22, an adsorption module 21, and a heating module 23 are all arranged within the inner cavity 253. The heating module 23 may be located below the pyroelectric module 22 and the adsorption module 21. This facilitates energy conservation and improves efficiency.

[0105] Viewed along the flow direction, the heating module 23 is located upstream of the adsorption module 21 and / or the pyroelectric module 22. When the heating module 23 is operating, air is heated and then flows to the adsorption module 21 and / or the pyroelectric module 22 by means of a fan 40. The heated air can heat the reversible adsorption material 211 and / or the pyroelectric material 221. In particular, the heated air heats the reversible adsorption material 211 as it flows through the adsorption module 21, causing the reversible adsorption material 211 to desorb. Water released from the reversible adsorption material 211 is carried away by the air and sent into the apparatus chamber 10.

[0106] The heating module 23 may include a heating tube 231 and a guide plate 232. The guide plate 232 may be formed as a sheet with holes. The holes in the guide plate 232 may be elongated holes extending substantially along the extension direction of the heating tube 231. The holes in the guide plate 232 may be larger, and particularly wider, especially in sections where the airflow entering the processing housing 25 has a lower velocity than in sections where the airflow entering the processing housing 25 has a higher velocity. This helps to make the airflow more uniformly distributed in a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0107] For example, in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, air flows into the processing housing 25 via inlet 251 in a generally horizontal direction. The air then flows upwards in a generally vertical direction through the heating module 23, the adsorption module 21, and the pyroelectric module 22. The air is able to flow evenly through these modules by means of the guide plate 232.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment according to this application, the pyroelectric module 22 may also be arranged circumferentially around the reversible adsorption material 211 relative to the direction of air flow.

[0109] Optionally, the adsorption module 21 and the pyroelectric module 22 can be integrated together.

[0110] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, the air treatment apparatus 20 may be configured to have at least a first operating stage and a second operating stage. In the first operating stage, at least one of the reversible adsorbent material 211 and the pyroelectric material 221 may be heated by the heating module 23, causing the reversible adsorbent material 211 to desorb. In the second operating stage, the heating module 23 may be deactivated, and the reversible adsorbent material 211 absorbs water, thereby releasing heat and heating the pyroelectric material 221.

[0111] An intermittent phase may also be provided between the first working phase and the second working phase, in which the heating module 23 is deactivated, the reversible adsorption material 211 basically does not absorb water, and the temperature of the pyroelectric material 221 decreases.

[0112] During the first and second operating phases of the air handling unit 20, the fan 40 is activated at least intermittently. Optionally, the operating time and / or power of the fan 40 can be adjusted according to the temperature of the reversible adsorption material 211 so that the reversible adsorption material 211 can be at the desired temperature.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment according to this application, the household appliance may have a washing stage and a post-washing stage. During the washing stage, the household appliance is capable of washing items within the appliance compartment 10 using water. During the post-washing stage, the items may be stored within the appliance compartment 10.

[0114] Taking a dishwasher as an example, during the washing phase, the dishwasher can run a washing program, which may have multiple program steps. As an example, the washing program may include the following program steps executed sequentially: a pre-wash step to remove coarse dirt; a cleaning step applying water containing detergent; an intermediate wash step; and a rinsing step applying water containing rinsing aids or surfactants. The detergent, rinsing aids, or surfactants may have an odor, which may become unpleasant to users in high-temperature and high-humidity environments.

[0115] The desorption process can be carried out, in particular, at the beginning of the washing program (e.g., at the beginning of the pre-wash step) and / or in a subsequent washing step of the washing program where heated water is required. This is because the air used for desorption, heated by means of a heating module, can advantageously be used simultaneously to heat the water, the inner walls of the appliance chamber 10, and / or the items to be washed, thereby saving energy.

[0116] During use, many users do not immediately remove the cleaned items, but instead leave them in the appliance compartment 10. The post-washing phase may specifically include a drying phase and a storage phase. In the drying phase, the dishwasher performs a drying program, wherein the fan 40 drives air through the air handling unit 20 at a large volumetric flow rate. The reversible absorbent material 211 absorbs water from the air and releases heat, thereby heating the air, which is then returned to the appliance compartment 10 to dry the items within. After the drying phase, a storage phase can commence, wherein the fan 40 can be deactivated or intermittently activated to drive air through the air handling unit 20 at a smaller volumetric flow rate. The storage phase may last for a considerable period, such as several hours or tens of hours or more.

[0117] The air handling unit 20 may be configured to complete a first working stage during the washing stage and a second working stage after washing. Optionally, the second working stage may be completed during the drying stage.

[0118] In the first working stage, the air handling unit 20 can complete the desorption process to thoroughly dry the air and release a large amount of heat when needed using the reversible adsorption material. It can also release negative ions with high efficiency using the pyroelectric material 221. These released negative ions can sterilize and remove odors from the air in the appliance compartment 10. If the user opens the dishwasher to remove the dishes after the wash cycle is complete, the user will not be bothered by any unpleasant odors inside the appliance compartment.

[0119] In the second operating phase, the air handling unit 20 delivers dry, negatively ion-rich air into the appliance compartment 10. Therefore, even when items are stored in the appliance compartment 10 for an extended period, it can inhibit microbial growth and remove odors.

[0120] Figure 3 The temperature changes of the reversible adsorbent material 211 and the pyroelectric material 221 are schematically shown.

[0121] The air handling unit 20 can operate in its first working phase P1 at the start of the washing stage of the household appliance. In the first working phase P1, the heating module 23 heats up. During this period, the fan 40 can be turned on intermittently. The temperatures of the reversible adsorption material 211 and the pyroelectric material 221 both rise.

[0122] As mentioned above Figure 1The heating module 23, adsorption module 21, and pyroelectric module 22 are arranged sequentially along the airflow direction. When the heating module 23 heats the air, the temperature of the reversible adsorption material 211 in the adsorption module 21 rises to its desorption temperature, causing the water adsorbed by the reversible adsorption material 211 to be released. The temperature of the pyroelectric material 221 in the pyroelectric module 22 also rises, but remains below the temperature of the reversible adsorption material 211. In an exemplary embodiment of this application, when the temperature of the reversible adsorption material 211 reaches its desorption temperature, the pyroelectric material 221 can be at a relatively low temperature with a high pyroelectric coefficient.

[0123] In the first working stage P1, the air handling unit 20 desorbs the reversible adsorbent material 211, resulting in air with higher temperature and humidity after treatment. This treated air can then be returned to the appliance room 10, thereby increasing the temperature and humidity of the appliance room 10 and the items within it, thus improving cleaning efficiency. Simultaneously, utilizing the heating process that desorbs the reversible adsorbent material 211, the pyroelectric material 221 not only experiences a temperature rise and subsequent temperature drop, generating negative ions through the pyroelectric effect, but can also be heated to a temperature with a high pyroelectric coefficient. Therefore, the air handling unit 20 can also efficiently sterilize and remove odors from the flowing air.

[0124] Between the first operating stage P1 and the second operating stage P2, there may be an intermittent phase during which the heating module 23 is deactivated, the reversible adsorption material 211 substantially stops absorbing water, and the temperature of the pyroelectric material 221 decreases. During the intermittent phase, the dishwasher may perform a washing program, such as rinsing the dishes in the appliance compartment 10 with hot and / or detergent-added water. During this period, the temperature of the pyroelectric material 221 also fluctuates.

[0125] During the dishwasher's washing cycle, the pyroelectric material 221 can release negative ions with high efficiency. These negative ions can sterilize and remove odors from the air inside the appliance compartment 10. If the user opens the dishwasher to remove the dishes after the wash cycle is complete, the user will not feel annoyed by any odors inside the appliance when opening the dishwasher.

[0126] Due to the washing cycle, the temperature and humidity inside the appliance compartment 10 are relatively high. This environment is very conducive to the growth of bacteria and the production of odors. Users may not open the dishwasher immediately after the wash cycle is complete. Therefore, the appliance compartment 10 may remain closed for an extended period after the wash cycle.

[0127] In the second operating phase P2 of the air handling unit 20, the humidity in the appliance compartment 10 can be reduced, microbial activity inhibited, and odors removed. In the second operating phase P2, the heating module 23 of the air handling unit 20 is not operating, and the fan 40 can be turned on at least intermittently. Humid air in the appliance compartment 10 flows to the air handling unit 20 via the channel 30. The reversible adsorption material 211 of the adsorption module 21 absorbs water from the air and releases heat. Therefore, the temperature of the reversible adsorption material 211 rises. The temperature of the pyroelectric material 221, which is thermally coupled to the reversible adsorption material 211, also rises accordingly. After the reversible adsorption material 211 has fully absorbed moisture, its temperature gradually decreases. Therefore, in the second operating phase P2, by means of the heat released during the adsorption process by the reversible adsorption material 211, the pyroelectric material 221 can again experience a temperature rise and subsequent temperature drop, thereby generating negative ions using the pyroelectric effect and being heated to a temperature with a high pyroelectric coefficient.

[0128] During the complete operating cycle of the air handling unit 20, the reversible adsorbent material 211 undergoes sufficient desorption and adsorption, while the pyroelectric material 221 experiences at least two temperature rises and falls due to the desorption and adsorption. Therefore, the pyroelectric module 22 can efficiently generate negative ions for sterilization and odor removal.

[0129] Furthermore, the two temperature increases and decreases can be achieved essentially under temperature conditions corresponding to high pyroelectric coefficients.

[0130] See Figure 1 The household appliance may also include an ion generator 50 configured to generate negative ions by connecting electrodes to an external power source. This ion generator 50 is not suitable for operation in high-humidity environments. When the heating module 23 is activated, the adsorption module 21 desorbs and releases water, and the ion generator 50 can be deactivated. At this time, the pyroelectric module 22 can efficiently generate negative ions. Optionally, the ion generator 50 can be deactivated during the dishwasher's wash cycle. After the dishwasher's wash cycle, the ion generator 50 can be activated at least intermittently. The ion generator 50 and the pyroelectric module 22 of the air handling unit 20 can cooperate to provide good sterilization and deodorization effects throughout the complete operating cycle of the household appliance.

[0131] As an example, during the post-wash phase, the dishwasher can alternate between internal and external air circulation modes. In internal circulation mode, there is no gas exchange between the dishwasher's appliance compartment 10 and the external environment. In external air circulation mode, the dishwasher can introduce fresh air from the outside environment into the appliance compartment 10. The ion generator 50 can operate when the dishwasher is in internal circulation mode and not in external air circulation mode. Even if the post-wash phase lasts a long time, the ion generator 50 can effectively inhibit bacterial growth and remove odors. In particular, the post-wash phase may continue for a long time after the reversible adsorption material 211 of the air handling unit 20 has fully adsorbed water. During this period, the pyroelectric material 221 typically does not experience significant temperature fluctuations. Therefore, although the pyroelectric material 221 can still continuously release negative ions, its efficiency is low. At this time, the ion generator 50 can undertake the main sterilization and deodorization work.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, based on the working principle and characteristics of the ion generator 50 and the pyroelectric module 22, the ion generator 50 and the pyroelectric module 22 are advantageously configured to work in a complementary manner to achieve good sterilization and deodorization effects throughout the entire working cycle of the household appliance.

[0133] Figure 4 The temperature changes of the reversible adsorbent material 211 and the pyroelectric material 221 are schematically shown in an exemplary embodiment according to this application.

[0134] and Figure 3 The illustrated embodiments are similar, in Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the air treatment device 20 is configured to have at least a first operating stage P1 and a second operating stage P2. In the first operating stage P1, at least one of the reversible adsorbent material 211 and the pyroelectric material 221 is heated by the heating module 23, causing the reversible adsorbent material 211 to desorb. In the second operating stage P2, the heating module 23 is deactivated, the reversible adsorbent material 211 absorbs water, thereby releasing heat and heating the pyroelectric material 221.

[0135] In this embodiment, the first operating phase P1 may include at least two heating periods PH and a cooling period PC spaced between the heating periods PH. During the heating periods PH, the heating module 23 is activated to heat the reversible adsorbent material 211 and the pyroelectric material 221. During the cooling periods PC, the heating module 23 is deactivated to cool the pyroelectric material 221.

[0136] Thus, without significantly increasing energy consumption, it is possible to effectively desorb the reversible adsorbent 211 and allow the pyroelectric material 221 to experience greater temperature fluctuations.

[0137] Optionally, the fan 40 can be configured to drive air through the air handling unit 20 at a relatively high flow rate during the heating period and at a relatively low flow rate during the cooling period. The temperature of the reversible adsorption material 211 and the pyroelectric material 221 decreases relatively slowly during the cooling period. The released water and negative ions can be continuously carried away from the air handling unit 20 and delivered into the appliance chamber 10. This helps the adsorption module 21 to efficiently continue desorption during the cooling period and helps the pyroelectric module 22 to efficiently generate negative ions during the cooling period.

[0138] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An air handling device 20 for a household appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is illustrated schematically.

[0139] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the air treatment device 20 includes an adsorption module 21, a pyroelectric module 22, and a heating module 23. The air treatment device 20 may also include a deformable body 26 arranged adjacent to the pyroelectric material 221. The deformable body 26 is made of a thermotropic shape memory material, such that under a first temperature condition, the deformable body 26 has a first shape, and under a second temperature condition lower than the first temperature condition, the deformable body 26 deforms into a second shape and compresses the pyroelectric material 221. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the middle, the deformable body 26 presents the first shape and the second shape respectively.

[0140] When compressed by the deformable body 26, the efficiency of the pyroelectric material 221 in generating negative ions is improved. This improvement in efficiency requires virtually no additional control operations or additional energy expenditure.

[0141] As mentioned above, pyroelectric material 221 can have a non-centrosymmetric crystal structure. The positive and negative charge centers of pyroelectric material 221 already exhibit spontaneous polarization without external influence. When compressed, the lattice of pyroelectric material 221 deforms, leading to an intensified relative displacement of positive and negative ions. This increases the spontaneous polarization intensity and improves the pyroelectric coefficient. Consequently, the efficiency of negative ion generation by pyroelectric material 221 can be enhanced.

[0142] The heating module 23 can be configured to heat the pyroelectric material 221 to a first temperature condition during the first operating phase P1 of the air handling device 20. The first temperature condition may, for example, represent a temperature higher than 120°C, higher than 100°C, or higher than 80°C. Thus, by means of the heating operation of the heating module 23 during the desorption process, the deformable body 26 can be restored to its first shape.

[0143] The second temperature condition can be set below the desorption temperature of the adsorbent material. The upper limit of the second temperature condition can be set above room temperature. For example, the second temperature condition can represent a temperature below 40°C. Under normal operating conditions, the deformable body 26 can easily reach the second temperature condition, thereby deforming into the second shape.

[0144] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the pyroelectric material 221 is heated by means of the desorption and adsorption processes of the reversible adsorbent material 211, the deformable body 26 adjacent to the pyroelectric material 221 is also heated to reach a first temperature condition. The first temperature condition can be set such that the deformable body 26 can reach the first temperature condition in both the desorption and adsorption stages of the reversible adsorbent material 211. At this time, the deformable body 26 has a first shape. When the temperature of the pyroelectric material 221 decreases, the temperature of the deformable body 26 also decreases. When the temperature of the deformable body 26 drops to reach a second temperature condition, the deformable body 26 deforms into a second shape and compresses the pyroelectric material 221, thereby improving the generation efficiency of negative ions.

[0145] The first and second temperature conditions can be set such that, within a complete working cycle of the household appliance, the deformable body 26 can deform from the second shape to the first shape at least twice, and from the first shape to the second shape at least twice.

[0146] The thermotropic shape memory material is, for example, a shape memory alloy or a shape memory polymer.

[0147] Through the shape programming process, the deformable body 26 can be stabilized in a preset first shape and second shape under different temperature conditions.

[0148] The following description uses a deformable body 26 made of shape memory alloy (e.g., nitinol) as an example. During shape programming, the deformable body 26 can be heated to the austenitic phase and shaped into a first shape by applying external force. Then, the deformable body 26 is cooled while maintaining the first shape. For example, the deformable body 26 can be maintained in the desired shape using a mold. Furthermore, the deformable body 26 is cooled to the martensitic phase and shaped into a second shape by applying external force. The above heating and cooling process can be repeated multiple times.

[0149] See Figure 5 The deformable body 26 may be arranged to at least partially define a pyroelectric material cavity for accommodating the pyroelectric material 221. The pyroelectric material 221 may be granular, particularly granular with a pointed structure. The pyroelectric material particles may be, for example, prismatic, angular, and / or needle-like.

[0150] Under the first temperature condition, the deformable body 26 has a first shape and defines a pyroelectric material cavity with a large volume. Pyroelectric material particles are loosely filled in the pyroelectric material cavity.

[0151] See Figure 6 Under a second temperature condition lower than the first temperature condition, the deformable body 26 can be transformed into a second shape and define a pyroelectric material cavity with a small volume. The deformable body 26 extrudes the pyroelectric material 221.

[0152] like Figure 6 As shown, the deformable body 26 can be configured to deform in a manner that protrudes toward the pyroelectric material 221 as the temperature decreases, thereby compressing the pyroelectric material 221.

[0153] Although a dishwasher is used as an example here, those skilled in the art will understand that the concept of this application is equally applicable to other types of household appliances, such as washing machines, dryers, cooking appliances, etc.

[0154] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this application, even when only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The feature examples provided in this application are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, unless otherwise stated. In practice, multiple features may be combined with each other as needed and where technically feasible. In particular, features from different embodiments may also be combined with each other. Various substitutions, modifications, and alterations are conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. An air handling device for household appliances, wherein, The household appliance has an appliance compartment (10), and the air handling device (20) is configured to treat air flowing through the air handling device (20) and allow treated air to be delivered into the appliance compartment (10), characterized in that the air handling device (20) comprises: A pyroelectric module (22) comprising a pyroelectric material (221) arranged to be in contact with air flowing through the air handling unit (20); and Heating module (23) is arranged to heat pyroelectric material (221).

2. The air handling apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air handling unit (20) also includes an adsorption module (21) comprising a reversible adsorbent material (211) that releases heat when absorbing water and desorbs when heated, and a pyroelectric module (22) is arranged such that the pyroelectric material (221) is thermally coupled to the reversible adsorbent material (211).

3. The air handling apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating module (23) is configured to heat the reversible adsorbent (211) to the desorption temperature of the reversible adsorbent (211); and / or The heating module (23) is configured to heat the pyroelectric material (221) and / or the reversible adsorbent material (211) to above 150°C.

4. The air handling apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The pyroelectric material (221) and the reversible adsorbent material (211) are separated by a separating structure (24), wherein, The partition structure (24) is made of thermally conductive material; and / or The partition structure (24) includes a sheet-like element with a through opening.

5. The air handling apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The pyroelectric module (22) is arranged downstream of the adsorption module (21) along the direction of air flow.

6. The air handling apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The pyroelectric module (22) is arranged circumferentially around the reversible adsorption material (211) relative to the air flow direction.

7. The air handling apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The heating module (23) is arranged upstream of the adsorption module (21) along the airflow direction; or The heating module (23), the adsorption module (21) and the pyroelectric module (22) are arranged in sequence along the direction of air flow.

8. The air handling apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The reversible adsorbent (211) is in the form of granules; and / or The reversible adsorption material (211) is selected from: reversible adsorption materials containing aluminum or silicon dioxide, silica gel, and zeolite.

9. The air handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The pyroelectric material (221) is in the form of granules with a pointed structure; and / or The pyroelectric material (221) is selected from: barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, and tourmaline.

10. The air handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The air handling unit (20) includes a handling housing (25) defining an inner cavity (253) having an inlet (251) and an outlet (252), wherein a pyroelectric module (22), an adsorption module (21), and a heating module (23) are arranged within the inner cavity (253), with the heating module (23) located below the pyroelectric module (22) and the adsorption module (21); and / or The heating module (23) is an electric heating module, which includes a heating element (231).

11. The air handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The air handling device (20) includes a deformable body (26) arranged adjacent to a pyroelectric material (221). The deformable body (26) is made of a thermotropic shape memory material such that the deformable body (26) has a first shape under a first temperature condition and deforms into a second shape and compresses the pyroelectric material (221) under a second temperature condition lower than the first temperature condition.

12. The air handling apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The deformable body (26) is arranged to at least partially define a pyroelectric material cavity suitable for accommodating the pyroelectric material (221). Under a first temperature condition, the deformable body (26) has a first shape and defines a pyroelectric material cavity with a large volume. Under a second temperature condition lower than the first temperature condition, the deformable body (26) deforms into a second shape and defines a pyroelectric material cavity with a smaller volume. and / or The deformable body (26) is configured to deform in a manner that protrudes toward the pyroelectric material (221) as the temperature decreases.

13. A household appliance, characterized in that, The household appliances include: The main body of the appliance (11) defines the appliance chamber (10); The air handling device (20) according to any one of claims 1-12 is arranged inside the appliance body (11) and allows the treated air to be delivered into the appliance chamber (10).

14. The household appliance according to claim 13, characterized in that, Household appliances include a fan (40) configured to drive air in a flow direction through an air handling unit (20); and / or The household appliance includes an ion generator (50) configured to generate negative ions by connecting electrodes to an external power source.

15. The household appliance according to any one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that, Household appliances are those suitable for washing items in a appliance room (10) with water and for allowing items to be stored in the appliance room (10); and / or The household appliance is a dishwasher.

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