A sterilization and deodorization device and a refrigeration equipment

Abstract

The application provides a sterilization and odor removal device and a refrigeration equipment. The sterilization and odor removal device comprises a box body, a photocatalysis module, a light source and a reflection structure. The box body is formed with a cavity. The photocatalysis module is arranged at an air inlet of the box body. The air inlet and the cavity are communicated through a hole of the photocatalysis module. The light source is arranged in the cavity and is spaced from the photocatalysis module. The reflection structure is arranged in the cavity and is configured to reflect and focus light emitted by the light source on the photocatalysis module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to sterilization and deodorization devices and refrigeration equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Sterilization and odor removal are key research topics in refrigeration equipment, directly impacting user health. Existing technologies for sterilization and odor removal mainly include physical adsorption, photocatalytic odor removal, cold catalyst odor removal, negative ions, plasma, nano-water ions, pulsed light, ultraviolet light, and other chemical sterilization techniques. Among these, photocatalytic sterilization and odor removal is a major research direction. However, existing technologies suffer from low light utilization, resulting in significant light energy waste and ineffective sterilization and odor removal. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this application is to provide a sterilization and deodorization device and a refrigeration equipment, which aims to solve the technical problem of low light utilization rate in photocatalytic sterilization in the prior art.

[0004] Firstly, this application proposes a sterilization and deodorization device, comprising:

[0005] The box-shaped structure forms a cavity;

[0006] A photocatalytic module is located at the air inlet of the housing; the air inlet and the cavity are connected through the channels of the photocatalytic module.

[0007] A light source, wherein the light source is disposed within the cavity and spaced apart from the photocatalytic module; and

[0008] A reflective structure is disposed within the cavity and configured to reflect and focus the light emitted by the light source onto the photocatalytic module.

[0009] Optionally, the reflective structure has a reflective surface, which is arranged around the light source and forms a light outlet facing the photocatalytic module.

[0010] Optionally, the reflecting surface is a curved surface.

[0011] Optionally, the light source is located at the focal point of the curved surface.

[0012] Optionally, the light outlet is located between the light source and the photocatalytic module.

[0013] Optionally, the reflective surface is provided with a reflective coating.

[0014] Optionally, the reflective coating may also have a protective coating and a cleaning coating from the inside out.

[0015] Optionally, the sterilization and deodorization device further includes a fan, which is located inside the cavity and is used to draw air from outside the sterilization and deodorization device into the cavity.

[0016] Optionally, the housing is further provided with an air outlet, which is connected to the cavity; the fan is used to discharge the sterilized and deodorized air through the air outlet to the outside of the sterilization and deodorization device.

[0017] An ion catalytic component is provided at the air outlet.

[0018] This application provides a refrigeration device, including the sterilization and deodorization device as described above.

[0019] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the photocatalytic module, the light source, and the reflective structure are all disposed within the cavity of the housing. The light source and the photocatalytic module are spaced apart. The light emitted by the light source is reflected and focused by the reflective structure onto the photocatalytic module. Within the channels of the photocatalytic module, the module sterilizes and deodorizes the gas entering the channels from the air inlet under the influence of the light. Because the reflective structure has a reflective and focusing function, it avoids the light emitted by the light source from spreading in all directions and wasting light energy, thus allowing more light to reach the photocatalytic module and improving the sterilization and deodorization effect. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sterilization and deodorization device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a sterilization and deodorization device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the light path of a sterilization and deodorization device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal layout of a sterilization and deodorization device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 Another cross-sectional view of a sterilization and deodorization device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] List of reference numerals

[0027] 10 Sterilization and deodorization device 400 Box 100 light source 420 air inlet 200 Reflective structure 430 air vent 210 Reflective surface 440 air vent 220 light outlet 500 Fan 300 Photocatalytic module 600 Ion catalytic components 310 Confucian channel S2 cavity Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0030] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure, this application provides a sterilization and deodorization device 10, comprising:

[0033] The box body 400 forms a cavity S2;

[0034] A photocatalytic module 300 is disposed at the air inlet 420 of the housing 400; the air inlet 420 is connected to the cavity S2 through the channel 310 of the photocatalytic module 300;

[0035] Light source 100, wherein the light source 100 is disposed within the cavity S2 and spaced apart from the photocatalytic module 300; and

[0036] A reflective structure 200 is disposed within the cavity S2 and configured to reflect and focus the light emitted by the light source 100 onto the photocatalytic module 300.

[0037] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the photocatalytic module 300, the light source 100, and the reflective structure 200 are all disposed within the cavity S2 of the housing 400. The light source 100 and the photocatalytic module 300 are spaced apart. The light emitted by the light source 100 is reflected and focused by the reflective structure 200 and then irradiates the photocatalytic module 300. Within the channel 310 of the photocatalytic module 300, the photocatalytic module 300 sterilizes and deodorizes the gas entering the channel 310 from the air inlet 420 under the influence of the light. Because the reflective structure 200 has a reflective and focusing function, it avoids the light emitted by the light source 100 from spreading in all directions and wasting light energy, thus allowing more light to irradiate the photocatalytic module 300 and improving the sterilization and deodorization effect.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the light source 100 and the photocatalytic module 300 are distributed on the left and right sides of the cavity S2; the light source 100 is surrounded by the reflective structure 200, and the reflective structure 200 forms a light outlet 220 facing the photocatalytic module 300. Figure 3 As shown, the light emitted by the light source 100 is emitted in all directions. When the light shines on the reflective structure 200, it is reflected and emitted from the light outlet 220 to the photocatalytic module 300. The light emitted in all directions is directed towards the photocatalytic module 300, which avoids light diffusion and improves the light energy utilization rate.

[0039] In some embodiments, the light source 100 may include a plurality of spaced-apart LEDs or a lamp tube. In some embodiments, to improve the sterilization effect, the light source 100 uses ultraviolet light with a typical wavelength of 254 nm. Ultraviolet light has a good sterilization effect. Furthermore, the parallel ultraviolet light beams form an ultraviolet light curtain, which significantly improves the sterilization effect. The light source 100 may use other ultraviolet bands such as 100-400 nm, including UVA / UVB / UVC.

[0040] In an embodiment, the sterilization and deodorization device 10 further includes a power supply or an energy conversion device (not illustrated). The power supply is configured to provide electrical energy to the light source 100; or the energy conversion device is configured to convert electrical energy from an external power source into electrical energy usable by the light source 100.

[0041] In this embodiment, the photocatalytic module 300 is made of carbon nanotube-doped molecular sieve catalysts. For example, the molecular sieve catalysts contain a multi-metal combination, mainly composed of manganese copper oxide (Mn-Cu) and platinum (Pt), with added cerium oxide (Ce), silver (Ag), and TiO2 as the substrate. Simultaneously, the molecular sieve catalysts have dual supports, using cordierite ceramics and silica-alumina molecular sieves as supports. The molecular sieves and ceramics serve as dual supports for the active metals, enhancing the physical binding ability and dispersion of the catalyst, thereby increasing the reaction rate. The carbon nanotubes can be formed by rolling up graphene sheets. The p electrons of the carbon atoms on the carbon nanotubes form a large-scale delocalized π bond, resulting in a significant conjugation effect. This gives the carbon nanotubes excellent electronic conductivity, significantly enhancing the oxidation activity of the catalyst under the photo-electro-effect. Furthermore, due to the barrel-shaped structure of the carbon nanotubes, compared to sheet-like graphene, they are more conducive to the diffusion and adsorption / desorption of odor gas molecules.

[0042] In other embodiments, the photocatalytic module 300 can be made of carbon-based materials, porous mineral materials, polymer composite materials, or nanocatalytic materials, etc., wherein the carbon-based materials can be activated carbon, the porous mineral materials can be maifanite, and the polymer composite materials can be plant fiber composite materials.

[0043] As an optional embodiment of the above embodiments, the reflective structure 200 has a reflective surface 210, which surrounds the light source 100 and forms a light outlet 220 facing the photocatalytic module 300. In this embodiment, the reflective surface 210 is used to reflect light. In this embodiment, the reflective structure 200 includes a reflective body, the side of which is the reflective surface 210. The reflective body is mounted on the cavity wall of the cavity S2, which is disposed opposite to the air inlet 420. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the reflective surface 210 is arranged around the light source 100. When light shines on the reflective surface 210, it is reflected and emitted from the light outlet 220 to the photocatalytic module 300, while the light emitted from all directions shines towards the photocatalytic module 300, avoiding light diffusion and improving light energy utilization.

[0044] As an optional implementation of the above embodiments, the reflecting surface 210 is a curved surface. Curved surfaces have good reflective properties; for example, the curved surface can be a part of a parabola, a part of an ellipsoid, or a part of a hyperboloid.

[0045] As an optional implementation of the above embodiments, the light source 100 is located at the focal point of the curved surface. When the light source 100 is located at the focal point of the curved surface, it can focus most of the light, essentially parallel, onto the photocatalytic block, thereby improving the efficiency of sterilization and deodorization. In the embodiments, the light source 100 being located at the focal point of the curved surface can be understood as the center of the light source 100 coinciding with the focal point of the curved surface. For example, the light source 100 being located at the focal point of the parabolic surface has the advantage of good parallel focusing of light.

[0046] In some embodiments, the curved surface can be divided into an upper half and a lower half, which are symmetrically arranged with respect to the light source 100 so that the light illuminating the photocatalytic module 300 is uniform.

[0047] As an optional implementation of the above embodiments, the light outlet 220 is located between the light source 100 and the photocatalytic module 300. The light outlet 220 limits the light emission angle; for example... Figure 3 As shown, by placing the light outlet 220 between the light source 100 and the photocatalytic module 300, it can be ensured that most of the light can be reflected onto the photocatalytic module 300.

[0048] As an optional embodiment of the above embodiments, a reflective coating is provided on the reflective surface 210. An emissive coating is applied to the emissive surface. In this embodiment, the reflective coating is used to improve the reflectivity of light, thereby improving the utilization rate of light. The reflective coating can be an aluminum coating or an aluminum alloy coating, which has a good reflective effect for 254nm ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the reflective coating can also be selected from other coatings according to the wavelength of the light emitted by the light source 100.

[0049] As an optional implementation of the above embodiments, the reflective coating is further provided with a protective coating and a cleaning coating from the inside out. In this embodiment, the protective coating is used to prevent the reflective coating from aging due to light exposure or to reduce the probability of aging. The protective coating is applied to the reflective coating. The protective coating can be a coating that provides UV protection and has high UV transmittance, such as a silicon oxide coating or a silica coating. The silica coating has high UV transmittance, does not affect the reflective properties of the reflective coating, and protects the reflective structure 200 from UV aging. The cleaning coating is applied to the protective coating to prevent water stains and dust from adhering and to maintain the cleanliness of the reflective side. The cleaning coating can be a fluorosilane coating, which absorbs almost no UV light and has hydrophobic properties.

[0050] The three coatings, from the inside out, are: reflective coating, protective coating, and self-cleaning coating. The self-cleaning layer is located on the outermost layer and can directly contact environmental pollutants, maximizing the self-cleaning effect. It also has high reflectivity and anti-aging advantages.

[0051] As an optional implementation of the above embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the sterilization and deodorization device 10 also includes a fan 500, which is disposed within the cavity S2 and is used to draw air from outside the sterilization and deodorization device 10 into the cavity S2. The fan 500 can be an axial flow fan 500 or a turbine fan 500. The fan 500 includes a motor and a fan wheel. The motor can be installed in the housing 400, and the fan wheel is rotatably disposed within the cavity S2. The rotation of the fan wheel draws air from outside the sterilization and deodorization device 10 into the cavity S2 to sterilize and deodorize the drawn-in air.

[0052] In one embodiment, the sterilization and deodorization device 10 is placed in the refrigerator compartment. When the fan 500 is started, the gas in the refrigerator compartment is drawn into the sterilization and deodorization device 10. The gas is sterilized and deodorized by the photocatalytic module 300 and the light in the cavity S2, thereby sterilizing and deodorizing the gas in the refrigerator compartment.

[0053] As an optional implementation of the above embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 400 is also provided with an air outlet 430, which is connected to the cavity S2; the fan 500 is used to discharge the sterilized and deodorized air through the air outlet 430 to the outside of the sterilization and deodorization device 10; wherein, an ion catalytic component 600 is provided at the air outlet 430.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cavity S2 is divided into two parts: a sterilization cavity S2 and an air duct cavity S2; the sterilization cavity S2 and the air duct cavity S2 are connected through an air outlet 440. A fan 500 is located inside the air duct cavity S2; under the action of the fan 500, the gas treated by the photocatalytic module 300 enters the air duct cavity S2 through the air outlet 440, and then is discharged through the air outlet 430. At the air outlet 430, the ion catalytic component 600 performs one-step ion catalytic treatment on the gas, bringing the active substances generated by ion catalysis to the external environment (e.g., the storage room of a refrigeration equipment), which can expand the range of action of the active substances, thereby achieving a better sterilization and deodorization effect on the external environment.

[0055] The ion catalytic component 600 can generate a large number of ions (such as positive ions and negative ions) and active particles (such as oxygen ions and hydroxyl radicals) through high-voltage discharge or corona discharge. These particles have high reactivity and can undergo forced oxidation-reduction reactions with microorganisms and organic pollutants in the air, destroying their molecular structure and thus achieving sterilization and deodorization effects. In this embodiment, by placing the ion catalytic component 600 at the air outlet 430, the active substances generated by ion catalysis can be carried to the external environment (such as the storage compartment of a refrigeration unit) by the flow of air, thereby expanding the effective range of the active substances and achieving better sterilization and deodorization effects on the external environment.

[0056] The ion catalytic component 600 includes a discharge electrode. The surface of the discharge electrode is provided with a catalytic coating. The power supply for the ion catalytic component 600 can be the same as the power supply for the light source 100. Alternatively, the ion catalytic component 600 can share the same power conversion device as the light source 100. Of course, the ion catalytic component 600 and the light source 100 can also be different light sources 100 or different power conversion devices.

[0057] It should be noted that when a high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode, a high-voltage electric field is formed near the discharge electrode. This high-voltage electric field can interact with water molecules and oxygen molecules in the air to form and release a series of active particles, such as electrons, positive ions, negative ions, hydrated ions, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species, thereby achieving sterilization and deodorization effects. Furthermore, by setting a catalytic coating on the surface of the discharge electrode, an ion catalytic reaction can be triggered by the high-voltage discharge while ions are generated by the discharge electrode, further enhancing the sterilization and deodorization effects. For example, the catalytic coating may include TiO2-based noble metal materials, ZnO / Al2O3 / SiO2, etc.

[0058] In some embodiments, the ion catalytic component 600 further includes a counter electrode.

[0059] In some embodiments, the discharge mode of the ion catalytic component 600 can be tip discharge, needle plate discharge, or carbon brush discharge.

[0060] In some embodiments, when the discharge mode of the ion catalytic component 600 is needle tip discharge, the discharge electrode is a single needle electrode (or a small number of isolated needle electrodes), the counter electrode is a flat electrode or a curved electrode, and the needle electrodes have extremely high curvature and are concentrated in a "point" shape.

[0061] In some embodiments, when the discharge mode of the ion catalytic component 600 is needle-plate discharge, the discharge electrode includes multiple needle-shaped electrodes (needle-shaped electrodes arranged in an array, or needle-shaped electrodes arranged in multiple rows or columns), and the counter electrode is a flat plate electrode or a curved surface electrode, with the needle tips arranged in an orderly manner to form a "multiple needle tips → flat plate" layout.

[0062] In some embodiments, when the discharge mode of the ion catalytic component 600 is carbon brush discharge, the discharge electrode includes multiple densely arranged brush-shaped fine conductors (carbon wires / metal wires), and the counter electrode is a flat plate electrode or a cylindrical electrode, exhibiting a "volume / surface" distributed structure without obvious sharp single points.

[0063] In one embodiment, the housing 400 includes a first housing and a second housing; the first housing forms a sterilization chamber S2; the second housing forms an air duct chamber S2; the first housing and the second housing are sealed together. A light source 100, a photocatalytic module 300, and a reflective structure 200 are disposed on the first housing; a fan 500 and an ion sterilization module are disposed on the second housing. One of the first housing and the second housing forms an air vent 440 for connecting the sterilization chamber S2 and the air duct chamber S2.

[0064] This application also proposes a refrigeration device, including the sterilization and deodorization device 10 as described above. In this embodiment, the refrigeration device can be a refrigerator, freezer, beverage cooler, wine cooler, freezer box, ice cream machine, ice maker, air conditioner, etc.

[0065] In one embodiment, the refrigeration equipment includes a refrigerator; the refrigerator includes an inner liner, and the inner liner has a storage compartment, the storage compartment being equipped with the sterilization and deodorization device 10. Optionally, the storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, the refrigerator compartment being equipped with the sterilization and deodorization device 10, and / or the freezer compartment being equipped with the sterilization and deodorization device 10. In this embodiment, the air in the refrigerator compartment is sterilized and deodorized by the photocatalytic module 300, and then discharged back into the refrigerator compartment to sterilize and deodorize the air in the refrigerator compartment.

[0066] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the content of the specification and drawings of this application under the concept of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A sterilization and deodorization device, characterized in that, include: The box-shaped structure forms a cavity; A photocatalytic module is located at the air inlet of the housing; the air inlet and the cavity are connected through the channels of the photocatalytic module. A light source is disposed within the cavity and spaced apart from the photocatalytic module; as well as A reflective structure is disposed within the cavity and configured to reflect and focus the light emitted by the light source onto the photocatalytic module.

2. The sterilization and deodorization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective structure has a reflective surface, which is arranged around the light source and forms a light outlet facing the photocatalytic module.

3. The sterilization and deodorization device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The reflective surface is curved.

4. The sterilization and deodorization device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The light source is located at the focal point of the curved surface.

5. The sterilization and deodorization device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The light outlet is located between the light source and the photocatalytic module.

6. The sterilization and deodorization device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The reflective surface is provided with a reflective coating.

7. The sterilization and deodorization device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The reflective coating is further provided with a protective coating and a cleaning coating from the inside out.

8. The sterilization and deodorization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sterilization and deodorization device also includes a fan, which is located inside the cavity and is used to draw air from outside the sterilization and deodorization device into the cavity.

9. The sterilization and deodorization device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The housing is also provided with an air outlet, which is connected to the cavity; the fan is used to discharge the sterilized and deodorized air through the air outlet to the outside of the sterilization and deodorization device. An ion catalytic component is provided at the air outlet.

10. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, Includes the sterilization and deodorization device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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