Ionization module for a cat litter tray

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of ionization module of cat litter tray, comprising: shell, the inside space of the shell is divided into left and right to form electrical cavity and ionization cavity by partition, the front and rear direction of the ionization cavity is formed front window and rear window through and through;Substrate, at least one discharge group is equipped in the side of the substrate towards the front window, the discharge group includes the high-voltage feeder disc being arranged on the substrate and the discharge needle being vertically inserted the center of the high-voltage feeder disc;Semiconductor refrigerating sheet, with cold side and hot side;Electrical module, it is set in the electrical cavity, the electrical module is electrically connected with the discharge group and semiconductor refrigerating sheet respectively.The utility model directly connects ionization substrate by semiconductor refrigerating sheet cold side, utilizes cold and hot temperature difference to manufacture partial high-humidity environment in cat litter tray, improves-OH free radical yield, makes ammonia degradation efficiency improve, solves the industry problem of insufficient free radical generation under low-humidity environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air treatment technology in pet spaces, and in particular to an ionization module for a cat litter box. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of pet ownership, litter boxes have become a necessity, making odor control a key concern. Odor molecules such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and thiols in cat excrement rapidly evaporate in the relatively enclosed and confined space, causing not only foul odors but also the growth of bacteria (such as E. coli and Salmonella), threatening the health of both pets and humans. Current litter box deodorization solutions include: physical adsorption via activated carbon filters (requiring frequent replacement and unable to decompose ammonia molecules); chemical deodorization via fragrance sprays / ozone generators (masking rather than decomposing odors, easily leading to excessive ozone concentrations and respiratory harm); ultraviolet disinfection via UV lamps (only surface sterilization, unable to penetrate the litter layer and ineffective against odor molecules); and deodorization via negative ion generators (insufficient ion concentration <10). 6 The deodorization efficiency is low (approximately 0.5-10 cm³), and there is no synergistic effect of moisture. The aforementioned traditional methods (such as activated carbon adsorption and chemical masking) suffer from problems such as low efficiency, short duration, and secondary pollution, making it difficult to meet the needs of long-term purification. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ionization module for a cat litter box to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art, and at least provide a beneficial option or create conditions.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: This utility model provides an ionization module for a cat litter box, comprising: The housing is divided into an electrical cavity and an ionization cavity by a partition. The ionization cavity extends through the front and rear directions to form a front window and a rear window. The partition is located on one side of the ionization cavity, and a first assembly groove is provided on the cavity wall of the ionization cavity opposite to the partition. A substrate is inserted into the first mounting slot. The substrate has at least one discharge group on the side facing the front window. The discharge group includes a high-voltage feed disk disposed on the substrate and a discharge needle vertically inserted into the center of the high-voltage feed disk. A semiconductor cooling chip has a cold side and a hot side, wherein the cold side is in close contact with the side of the substrate facing the rear window, and the hot side is provided with a heat sink assembly; An electrical module is disposed in the electrical cavity, and the electrical module is electrically connected to the discharge group and the semiconductor refrigeration chip respectively.

[0005] This technical solution directly cools the substrate on the cold side of the semiconductor cooling chip, changing the temperature around the discharge needle. Meanwhile, the hot side of the semiconductor cooling chip diffuses heat to the surrounding area through a heat sink assembly. When the surrounding hot air flows to the discharge needle area, a temperature difference is formed, which can reach 5°C. This temperature difference increases the number of water molecules around the discharge needle. Under a high voltage of 5000V, the discharge needle generates corona discharge, ionizing air molecules and decomposing odor molecules, thus achieving deodorization, sterilization, and dust reduction functions.

[0006] Compared to existing technologies, traditional litter boxes use cooling particles to create a temperature difference of only 1°C, resulting in insufficient water molecules around the ionization structure and low ionization efficiency, leading to limited deodorization and odor removal effects. This new technology directly connects the cold side of a semiconductor cooling chip to the ionization substrate, utilizing the temperature difference to create a localized high-humidity environment within the litter box. This increases the yield of -OH free radicals, improving ammonia degradation efficiency and solving the industry problem of insufficient free radical generation in low-humidity environments.

[0007] As an extension of the above solution, the front window is provided with a panel, and the panel has a through hole corresponding to the position of the discharge needle. The through hole can constrain the diffusion direction of the ions generated by the discharge needle, forming a columnar ion beam that can directly penetrate to the core odor source of the litter box. At the same time, the panel can block the discharge needle from forming an arc path with external metal objects (such as the litter box frame), preventing arc leakage.

[0008] As an extension of the above solution, the ionization chamber is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by the substrate. The first chamber has a plurality of first windows extending vertically, and the first windows are equidistantly arranged horizontally. The vertically extending first windows can create vertical airflow to enhance convection, allowing hot air to be discharged from the top and cold air to be drawn in from the bottom, effectively improving air exchange efficiency. The equidistant arrangement eliminates flow dead zones and increases the capture rate of ammonia evaporating from cat litter.

[0009] As an extension of the above solution, the first chamber has a second window on the side away from the electrical cavity. The second window is located on the side of the ionization cavity to increase air circulation and improve ionization efficiency.

[0010] As an extension of the above solution, the second chamber has a third window on the side away from the electrical cavity. This third window in the second chamber allows the heat sink assembly inside the second chamber to dissipate heat from the side or through airflow, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink assembly, ensuring heat dissipation on the hot side of the thermoelectric cooler, ensuring stable operation of the thermoelectric cooler, and extending its service life.

[0011] As an extension of the above solution, two discharge groups are provided. Compared with a single discharge group, two discharge groups improve the deodorization and sterilization performance.

[0012] As an extension of the above solution, a positioning block is provided at the bottom of the ionization cavity, and the positioning block is located on the left and right sides of the thermoelectric cooler. The positioning block is used to fix the thermoelectric cooler and prevent it from shifting during use, thus solving the industry problem of easy displacement of thermoelectric coolers.

[0013] As an extension of the above solution, the top of the partition is provided with several notches, which are used to provide wiring space between the electrical module and the substrate and / or the semiconductor cooling chip. These notches facilitate wiring between the electrical components in the ionization cavity and the electrical module in the electrical cavity.

[0014] As an extension of the above solution, the ionization module also includes an ultraviolet lamp, which is fixed to the notch in the partition and located on the front side of the substrate. The ultraviolet lamp is electrically connected to the electrical module. The ultraviolet lamp is installed using the space of the notch, achieving zero increase in the overall size of the device and improving the sterilization effect of the ionization module.

[0015] As an extension of the above solution, the heat sink assembly includes a heat sink base and several heat sinks integrally erected on the heat sink base. The bottom side of the heat sink base is in close contact with the hot side of the thermoelectric cooler. The several heat sinks are arranged in parallel to form heat dissipation grooves between the heat sinks, and the heat dissipation grooves extend in a left-right direction. The left-right extension of the heat dissipation grooves cooperates with the third window to dissipate heat from the side or remove heat through airflow, reducing thermal resistance and providing a physical basis for a stable 5°C temperature difference for the thermoelectric cooler. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments; Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ionization module in the embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the ionization module in the embodiment; Figure 3 This is a top-view structural diagram of the internal structure of the ionization module in the embodiment.

[0017] In the attached diagram: 100: Housing, 110: Partition, 111: Notch, 120: Electrical cavity, 130: Ionization cavity, 131: Front window, 132: Rear window, 133: Panel, 134: Through hole, 135: First chamber, 136: Second chamber, 137: First window, 138: Second window, 139: Third window, 140: First assembly slot, 150: Positioning block, 200: Substrate, 210: Discharge assembly, 211: High voltage feed plate, 212: Discharge needle, 300: Semiconductor cooling chip, 310: Cold side, 320: Hot side, 330: Heat sink assembly, 331: Heat sink, 400: Ultraviolet lamp. Detailed Implementation

[0018] This section will describe in detail the specific embodiments of the present utility model. The preferred embodiments of the present utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the description of the textual part of the specification with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and the overall technical solution of the present utility model, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, if there are words such as "several", they mean one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than", "less than", "exceeding" etc. are understood to exclude the number itself, and "above", "below", "within" etc. are understood to include the number itself.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0022] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The following are several embodiments of the ionization module of a cat litter tray according to this utility model.

[0023] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this utility model provides an ionization module for a cat litter tray. This ionization module is installed in the cat litter tray using existing technology and includes: The housing 100 is divided into an electrical cavity 120 and an ionization cavity 130 by a partition 110. The ionization cavity 130 extends through the front and rear directions to form a front window 131 and a rear window 132. The partition 110 is located on one side of the ionization cavity 130, and a first assembly groove 140 is provided on the cavity wall of the ionization cavity 130 opposite to the partition 110. The substrate 200 is inserted into the first mounting groove 140. The substrate 200 has at least one discharge group 210 on the side facing the front window 131. The discharge group 210 includes a high voltage feed disk 211 disposed on the substrate 200 and a discharge needle 212 vertically inserted into the center of the high voltage feed disk 211. The semiconductor cooling chip 300 has a cold side 310 and a hot side 320. The cold side 310 is in close contact with the side of the substrate 200 facing the rear window 132, and the hot side 320 is provided with a heat sink assembly 330. An electrical module is disposed in the electrical cavity 120, and the electrical module is electrically connected to the discharge group 210 and the semiconductor cooling chip 300 respectively.

[0024] In this embodiment, the partition is a plate vertically set in the middle of the inner wall of the housing, dividing the inner cavity of the housing into left and right independent spaces. The left space is an electrical cavity, used to accommodate high-voltage circuits, control modules and circuit boards. The right space is an ionization cavity. The front and rear walls of the ionization cavity are respectively opened with front windows and rear windows to form air circulation channels. The front window is used for the circulation of ionized air, and the rear window is used for the circulation of heat dissipation air. The first assembly slot can be a U-shaped slot (3-5mm deep) symmetrically opened on the side of the partition facing the ionization cavity and on the opposite side wall of the ionization cavity, for detachably fixing the substrate.

[0025] The substrate is a rectangular insulating substrate (made of 96% alumina ceramic or FR4 epoxy board), with dimensions matching the first assembly slot, and lateral positioning is achieved through plug-in connection. The discharge group is an ionization unit integrated on the front side of the substrate. The high-voltage feed plate can be a gold-plated copper disc with a diameter of 5mm (thickness of 0.5mm), embedded in the substrate surface and connected to a 5000V high-voltage wire. The discharge needle can be a tungsten alloy needle (diameter of 0.3mm, tip curvature radius ≤50μm), vertically pressed into the center of the high-voltage feed plate, protruding 8-10mm from the substrate plane.

[0026] The thermoelectric chip can be a bismuth telluride-based semiconductor thermoelectric chip (size 20×20×3mm), which is mounted close to the back of the substrate. The cold side is the side of the thermoelectric chip facing the substrate. It is fully attached to the back of the substrate with thermal grease to conduct cold energy to the substrate, reduce the temperature of the discharge needle area, and induce condensation. The hot side is the side of the thermoelectric chip facing away from the substrate. The heat sink assembly is an aluminum heat sink fin assembly, which can be fixed to the hot side by welding.

[0027] The electrical module is a PCB circuit board integrated within the electrical cavity, containing a boost unit, a buck unit, and an MCU controller. The boost unit boosts the 12V supply voltage from the power adapter to 5000V via a high-frequency inverter circuit for use with the discharge group. The buck unit reduces the 1A current from the power adapter to 0.8-1V / 4A via a synchronous Buck circuit for driving the thermoelectric cooler. The MCU controller can be an STM32F030 to implement time-sharing power supply logic for the discharge pin and the thermoelectric cooler (e.g., cooling priority for 5 minutes → switching to ionization mode). Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described electrical module is one example of how to implement the start-up and operation of the discharge group and the thermoelectric cooler. This invention does not impose any limitations on the means by which the electrical module drives the discharge group and the thermoelectric cooler. Those skilled in the art can also implement the start-up and operation of the discharge group and the thermoelectric cooler using other circuit control methods in the prior art.

[0028] This embodiment directly cools the substrate via the cold side of the semiconductor cooling chip, changing the temperature around the discharge needle. The hot side of the semiconductor cooling chip diffuses heat to the surrounding area through a heat sink assembly. When the surrounding hot airflow reaches the discharge needle area, a temperature difference is created, which can reach 5°C. This temperature difference increases the number of water molecules around the discharge needle. Under a high voltage of 5000V, the discharge needle generates corona discharge, ionizing air molecules and decomposing odor molecules, thus achieving deodorization, sterilization, and dust reduction. It should be noted that the functions achieved by high-voltage ionization are known, such as corona discharge, where high-energy electrons (e-) bombard air molecules, breaking down odor molecules (ammonia / sulfide bonds), producing CO2 + H2O, generating active particles (ozone O3 / -OH free radicals), oxidizing and degrading organic matter; the negative oxygen ions (O2-) generated by ionization attach to the surface of mold spores, preventing secondary pollution; and the electrons released by the discharge needle charge dust particles (such as cat litter dust and dander), which are then adsorbed and captured by the grounding electrode, etc. These will not be elaborated further in this example.

[0029] Compared to existing technologies, traditional litter boxes use cooling particles to create a temperature difference of only 1°C, resulting in insufficient water molecules around the ionization structure and low ionization efficiency, thus limiting the deodorization effect. This embodiment directly connects the cold side of a semiconductor cooling chip to the ionization substrate, utilizing the temperature difference to create a localized high-humidity environment within the litter box. This increases the yield of -OH free radicals, improving ammonia degradation efficiency and solving the industry problem of insufficient free radical generation in low-humidity environments.

[0030] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the front window 131 is provided with a panel 133, and the panel 133 has a through hole 134 corresponding to the position of the discharge needle 212. The panel 133 is used as a protective cover for the front window 131 of the ionization chamber 130, and is made of flame-retardant ABS or polycarbonate (thickness 1-2mm). The through hole 134 is a circular hole with a diameter of 1-3mm opened on the panel 133, and its position corresponds precisely to the tip of the discharge needle 212. The through hole can constrain the diffusion direction of ions generated by the discharge needle, forming a columnar ion beam that can directly penetrate to the core odor source of the litter box. At the same time, the panel can block the discharge needle from forming an arc path with external metal objects (such as the litter box frame), preventing arc leakage.

[0031] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the ionization chamber 130 is divided by the substrate 200 to form a first chamber 135 and a second chamber 136. The first chamber 135 has a plurality of first windows 137 extending vertically, and the first windows 137 are equidistantly arranged horizontally. The vertically extending first windows can create vertical airflow to enhance convection, allowing hot air to be discharged from the top and cold air to be drawn in from the bottom, effectively improving air exchange efficiency. The equidistant arrangement eliminates flow dead zones and increases the capture rate of ammonia gas volatilized from cat litter.

[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first chamber 135 has a second window 138 on the side away from the electrical cavity 120. The second window is located on the side of the ionization cavity to increase air circulation and improve ionization efficiency.

[0033] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second chamber 136 has a third window 139 on the side away from the electrical cavity 120. The third window in the second chamber allows the heat sink assembly inside the second chamber to dissipate heat from the side or for airflow to remove heat, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink assembly, ensuring heat dissipation on the hot side of the thermoelectric cooler, ensuring the stable operation of the thermoelectric cooler, and extending the service life of the thermoelectric cooler.

[0034] In some embodiments, two discharge groups are provided, and the axial distance between the two groups of discharge needles can be set to 15-20mm. Compared with a single discharge group, two discharge groups improve the deodorizing and sterilizing performance. It should be noted that the two groups in this embodiment are the optimal solution based on the size of the cat litter box (60cm*50cm*50cm). In practical applications, three or four groups can be set according to different needs and space sizes.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, a positioning block 150 is provided at the bottom of the ionization cavity 130, and the positioning block 150 is located on the left and right sides of the thermoelectric cooler 300. The positioning block is used to fix the thermoelectric cooler and prevent it from shifting during use, thus solving the industry problem of easy displacement of thermoelectric coolers.

[0036] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the top of the partition 110 is provided with several notches 111, the notches being 3mm deep. The notches 111 are used to provide wiring space between the electrical module and the substrate 200 and / or the semiconductor cooling chip 300. The notches facilitate wiring between the electrical components in the ionization cavity and the electrical module in the electrical cavity.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ionization module also includes an ultraviolet lamp 400 with a wavelength of 265nm UVC (peak sterilization band). The ultraviolet lamp is fixed to the notch in the partition and located on the front side of the substrate. The ultraviolet lamp is electrically connected to the electrical module. The ultraviolet lamp is installed using the space of the notch, achieving zero increase in the overall size of the device and improving the sterilization effect of the ionization module.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heat sink assembly 330 includes a heat sink base and a plurality of heat sinks 331 integrally erected on the heat sink base. The bottom side of the heat sink base is in close contact with the hot side 320 of the semiconductor cooling chip 300. The plurality of heat sinks 331 are arranged in parallel to form heat dissipation grooves between the heat sinks 331. The heat dissipation grooves extend in the left-right direction.

[0039] In this embodiment, the heat sink extends to the left and right and cooperates with the third window to dissipate heat from the side or remove heat through airflow, thereby reducing thermal resistance and providing a physical basis for a stable 5°C temperature difference for the semiconductor cooling chip.

[0040] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An ionization module for a cat litter box, characterized in that, include: The housing (100) is divided into an electrical cavity (120) and an ionization cavity (130) by a partition (110). The ionization cavity (130) extends through the front and rear directions to form a front window (131) and a rear window (132). The partition (110) is located on one side of the ionization cavity (130), and a first assembly groove (140) is provided on the cavity wall of the ionization cavity (130) opposite to the partition (110). A substrate (200) is inserted into the first mounting groove (140). The substrate (200) has at least one discharge group (210) on the side facing the front window (131). The discharge group (210) includes a high voltage feed disk (211) disposed on the substrate (200) and a discharge needle (212) vertically inserted into the center of the high voltage feed disk (211). The semiconductor cooling chip (300) has a cold side (310) and a hot side (320), the cold side (310) being in close contact with the side of the substrate (200) facing the rear window (132), and the hot side (320) being provided with a heat sink assembly (330). An electrical module is disposed in the electrical cavity (120), and the electrical module is electrically connected to the discharge group (210) and the semiconductor cooling chip (300) respectively.

2. The ionization module of a cat litter tray according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front window (131) is provided with a panel (133), and the panel (133) is provided with a through hole (134) corresponding to the position of the discharge needle (212).

3. The ionization module of a cat litter box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ionization cavity (130) is divided by the substrate (200) to form a first chamber (135) and a second chamber (136). The first chamber (135) has a plurality of first windows (137) running through it in the vertical direction. The first windows (137) are arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal direction.

4. The ionization module of a cat litter box according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first chamber (135) has a second window (138) on the side away from the electrical cavity (120).

5. The ionization module of a cat litter tray according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second chamber (136) has a third window (139) on the side away from the electrical cavity (120).

6. The ionization module of a cat litter tray according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discharge group (210) is provided in two groups.

7. The ionization module of a cat litter box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the ionization cavity (130) is provided with a positioning block (150), which is located on the left and right sides of the semiconductor cooling chip (300).

8. The ionization module of a cat litter tray according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the partition (110) is provided with a plurality of notches (111), which are used to provide wiring space between the electrical module and the substrate (200) and / or the semiconductor cooling chip (300).

9. The ionization module of a cat litter box according to claim 8, characterized in that: The ionization module also includes an ultraviolet lamp (400), which is fixed on the notch (111) of the partition (110) and located on the front side of the substrate (200). The ultraviolet lamp (400) is electrically connected to the electrical module.

10. The ionization module of a cat litter box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat sink assembly (330) includes a heat sink base and a plurality of heat sinks (331) integrally erected on the heat sink base. The bottom side of the heat sink base is in close contact with the hot side (320) of the semiconductor cooling chip (300). The plurality of heat sinks (331) are arranged in parallel to form a heat sink groove between the heat sinks (331). The heat sink groove extends in the left-right direction.

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