Sterilization device and refrigeration apparatus

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of sterilization provides a sterilization device and refrigeration plant. The sterilization device includes: casing, fan, plasma generator, illumination module and deodorizer, and the casing is equipped with mounting cavity, air inlet and air outlet, and air inlet and air outlet all communicate with mounting cavity, fan is installed in mounting cavity, to form the airflow channel between air inlet and air outlet, plasma generator is installed in mounting cavity, is used to produce negative ion and ozone, illumination module is installed in mounting cavity, is used for the decomposition ozone in airflow channel, deodorizer is installed in mounting cavity, is used for the decomposition peculiar smell in airflow channel. The utility model illumination module starts the quick decomposition ozone after plasma generator quits ozone sterilization, reduces ozone residual, reduces the aging rate of structural member, strengthens the sterilization effect also at the same time, further, fan can accelerate airflow flow, accelerates the rate of peculiar smell, sterilization and decomposition ozone.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In daily life, refrigerators, as essential food storage devices, play a crucial role in preserving and ensuring the safety of food through their internal environment. Because refrigerators typically store various types of food, they provide suitable conditions for the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and mold. These microorganisms not only cause food spoilage and decay, affecting its taste and nutritional value, but may also produce harmful substances that threaten human health. Therefore, effective sterilization technology is of great importance for ensuring the quality of food stored in the refrigerator, extending its shelf life, and protecting the health of users.

[0003] The ozone in existing refrigerators is not easily decomposed after sterilization and is continuously released through the air-cooling circulation, which aggravates the ozone odor problem and causes trouble for users' daily lives. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes a sterilization device in which the light module is activated after the plasma generator exits ozone sterilization to rapidly decompose ozone, reduce ozone residue, slow down the aging rate of structural components, and simultaneously enhance the sterilization effect.

[0005] A sterilization device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a housing having an installation cavity, an air inlet, and an air outlet, the air inlet and the air outlet both communicating with the installation cavity; a fan installed in the installation cavity to form an airflow channel between the air inlet and the air outlet; a plasma generator installed in the installation cavity for generating negative ions and ozone; a light module installed in the installation cavity for decomposing ozone in the airflow channel; and a deodorizer installed in the installation cavity for decomposing odors in the airflow channel.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sterilization device further includes a timer and a controller, wherein the timer, the fan, the plasma generator and the light module are all communicatively connected to the controller; The controller is used to control the fan, the plasma generator, and the deodorizer to run for a first period of time, and then control the plasma generator to shut down and the lighting module to run; it is also used to control the lighting module and the fan to shut down after the lighting module has run for a second period of time.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sterilization device is provided, wherein the mounting cavity includes a first mounting cavity and a second mounting cavity, the fan is installed in the first mounting cavity, and the plasma generator, the light module and the deodorizer are installed in the second mounting cavity; The air inlet is located on one side of the first mounting cavity, and the air outlet is located on the side of the second mounting cavity opposite to the first mounting cavity.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sterilization device is provided, wherein an irradiation channel is defined between a first mounting cavity and a second mounting cavity, the inlet of the irradiation channel is connected to the second mounting cavity, the outlet of the irradiation channel is connected to the first mounting cavity, and the irradiation end of the light module is disposed facing the inlet of the irradiation channel.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a sterilization device, the cross-sectional area of ​​the irradiation channel gradually increases from the inlet of the irradiation channel toward the outlet of the irradiation channel.

[0010] According to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention, a sterilization device is provided, wherein the first mounting cavity has at least one arc-shaped sidewall, the arc-shaped sidewall is provided with an opening, the irradiation channel communicates with the first mounting cavity through the opening and corresponds to the air outlet of the fan, and the light module is capable of irradiating the airflow in the first mounting cavity.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sterilization device is provided, wherein the deodorizer extends along the length direction of the second mounting cavity; The plasma generator includes a circuit board and at least two electrodes. The circuit board has insertion positions, and the electrodes are inserted into the insertion positions and electrically connected to the circuit board. The electrodes extend along the length direction of the second mounting cavity, and the two electrodes are respectively located on both sides of the height direction of the deodorizer.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sterilization device is provided, wherein the deodorizer includes a ceramic carrier and an invertase, the invertase being solidified on the ceramic carrier.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sterilization device is provided, wherein the housing includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing are detachably connected, and the first housing and the second housing cooperate to form the mounting cavity.

[0014] A refrigeration device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a sterilization device as described in any of the preceding claims, and further includes a storage chamber, wherein the sterilization device is disposed in the storage chamber.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the sterilization device provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0020] Figure label: 10. Housing; 11. First housing; 12. Second housing; 13. First mounting cavity; 14. Second mounting cavity; 15. Irradiation channel; 16. Air inlet; 20. Fan; 30. Plasma generator; 31. Circuit board; 32. Electrode; 40. Light module; 50. Deodorizer. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model.

[0022] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of 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 the embodiments of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] In this embodiment of the utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0025] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0026] The following is combined Figures 1 to 3 This invention describes the sterilization device and refrigeration equipment provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] The sterilization device provided in this embodiment includes: a housing 10, a fan 20, a plasma generator 30, a light module 40, and a deodorizer 50. The housing 10 has an installation cavity, an air inlet 16, and an air outlet, both of which are connected to the installation cavity. The fan 20 is installed inside the installation cavity to form an airflow channel between the air inlet 16 and the air outlet. The plasma generator 30 is installed inside the installation cavity to generate negative ions and ozone. The light module 40 is installed inside the installation cavity to decompose the ozone in the airflow channel after the plasma generator 30 is turned off. The deodorizer 50 is installed inside the installation cavity to decompose odors in the airflow channel.

[0028] In this embodiment of the utility model, the fan 20, plasma generator 30, light module 40 and deodorizer 50 are integrated into the mounting cavity inside the housing 10, thereby forming an integrated structure, which helps to reduce space and facilitates its installation in refrigeration equipment.

[0029] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 The housing 10 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12, which are detachably connected and cooperate to form an installation cavity for easy installation, maintenance, and cleaning. Specifically, the first housing 11 has a first groove on the side near the second housing 12, and the second housing 12 has a second groove on the side near the first housing 11. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are detachably connected, and the first and second grooves match to form the installation cavity. The positions of the air inlet 16 and the air outlet are not specifically limited and can be set according to actual conditions, so that the airflow circulates in the installation cavity and then flows out. In one embodiment, the air inlet 16 is located at the top of the installation cavity, and the air outlet is located at the bottom of the installation cavity. It should be noted that the detachable connection of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can include snap-fit, bolt fixing, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 The fan 20, plasma generator 30, light module 40 and deodorizer 50 are all installed in the installation cavity, located between the air inlet 16 and the air outlet. An airflow channel is formed between the air inlet 16 and the air outlet. The fan 20 is used to generate airflow and accelerate the circulation of airflow between the plasma generator 30, light module 40 and deodorizer 50, thereby improving their sterilization and deodorization speed.

[0031] The deodorizer 50 is used to decompose odors (such as trimethylamine) within the airflow channel. In some embodiments, the deodorizer 50 includes a carrier and an invertase, with the invertase disposed on the carrier and used to decompose the odor. In one embodiment, the carrier is a ceramic carrier, and the invertase is solidified on the carrier, which has an adsorption function. Compared to the prior art using sponge carriers which are prone to ignition and metal carriers which are prone to conductivity, the adsorption function of the ceramic carrier in this invention can improve the odor removal rate to a certain extent.

[0032] The plasma generator 30 has two main functions: first, to generate negative ions, which can work with the deodorizer 50 to decompose odors and increase the odor removal rate at low temperatures; second, to generate a certain concentration of ozone to enhance the bactericidal ability.

[0033] The illumination module 40 is used to decompose ozone within the airflow channel, preventing prolonged ozone residence from damaging structural components and reducing their aging rate. It should be noted that the illumination module 40 is activated after the plasma generator 30 is turned off, i.e., after the plasma generator 30 exits ozone sterilization mode. This removes ozone from the gas flow channel, preventing the illumination module 40 from decomposing ozone during the sterilization process and affecting sterilization efficiency. Furthermore, the illumination module 40 also enhances the sterilization function within the airflow channel. The illumination module 40 includes infrared lamps and ultraviolet lamps.

[0034] The sterilization device provided in this embodiment of the utility model installs a plasma generator 30, a light module 40, an odor remover 50, and a fan 20 in an installation cavity. The negative ions generated by the plasma generator 30 decompose odors together with the odor remover 50. The light module 40 starts to decompose ozone rapidly after the plasma generator 30 stops ozone sterilization, reducing ozone residue, slowing down the aging rate of structural components, and also enhancing the sterilization effect. Furthermore, the fan 20 can accelerate airflow, thereby accelerating the deodorization, sterilization, and ozone decomposition rates.

[0035] In some embodiments of this utility model, the sterilization device further includes a timer and a controller. The timer, fan 20, plasma generator 30, and light module 40 are all communicatively connected to the controller. The controller receives information from the timer and controls the start and stop of the fan 20, plasma generator 30, and light module 40. Specifically, the controller controls the plasma generator 30 to shut down and the light module 40 to start after the fan 20 and plasma generator 30 have run for a first duration; it also controls the light module 40 and fan 20 to shut down after the light module 40 has run for a second duration. It should be noted that the deodorizer 50 can always deodorize throughout the entire process.

[0036] refer to Figure 3When the refrigeration equipment needs sterilization and deodorization, the controller controls the operation of the fan 20, plasma generator 30, and deodorizer 50, while the light module 40 is turned off. The plasma generator 30 produces a certain concentration of ozone, which, under the action of the fan 20, flows to every corner of the refrigeration equipment, achieving comprehensive sterilization. The plasma generator 30 can also generate negative ions, which, together with the deodorizer 50, decompose odors and, under the action of the fan 20, remove odors from every corner of the refrigeration equipment. The timer records the running time of the fan 20, plasma generator 30, and deodorizer 50. If the running time exceeds the first duration, the controller controls the plasma generator 30 to turn off and the light module 40 to turn on. At this time, the fan 20 and deodorizer 50 continue to run. Under the action of the fan 20, the gas in the airflow channel circulates faster, and the ozone in the airflow channel is quickly decomposed by the light module 40, reducing ozone residue in the airflow channel and protecting internal structural components. In addition, the light module 40 also has a sterilization function, which can further sterilize the airflow in the airflow channel. The timer records the running time of the light module 40. If the running time is longer than the second duration, the controller controls the fan 20 and the light module 40 to turn off, completing one sterilization and deodorization cycle.

[0037] It should be noted that the first and second durations are not limited and can be the same or different. The timer can run continuously, meaning the runtime is determined by the difference between two current times; or it can run independently, meaning the timer is reset to zero each time it starts. It should also be noted that timing can be accomplished with a single timer, or multiple timers can be set to time each functional component.

[0038] In some embodiments of this utility model, the mounting cavity includes a first mounting cavity 13 and a second mounting cavity 14. An air inlet 16 and an air outlet are respectively connected to the first mounting cavity 13, and the air inlet 16 and the air outlet are respectively connected to the second mounting cavity 14. A fan 20 is installed in the first mounting cavity 13, located between the air inlet 16 and the air outlet. A plasma generator 30, a light module 40, and a deodorizer 50 are installed in the second mounting cavity 14. The fan 20 can drive airflow to circulate within the first mounting cavity 13 and the second mounting cavity 14, accelerating gas flow.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the first mounting cavity 13 is located at the top of the housing 10, and the second mounting cavity 14 is located at the bottom of the housing 10. An air inlet 16 is located on one side of the first mounting cavity 13, and an air outlet is located on the side of the second mounting cavity 14 opposite to the first mounting cavity 13. The first mounting cavity 13 and the second mounting cavity 14 are connected. Airflow enters the first mounting cavity 13 through the air inlet 16, flows to the second mounting cavity 14 under the action of the fan 20, and then flows to the air outlet after passing through the plasma generator 30, the deodorizer 50, and the light module 40.

[0040] In some embodiments of this invention, the irradiation end of the light module 40 is positioned facing the airflow channel to protect the structural components and prevent them from oxidizing due to prolonged irradiation. In one embodiment, the light module 40 is disposed within the airflow channel.

[0041] In some embodiments of this utility model, an irradiation channel 15 is defined between the first mounting cavity 13 and the second mounting cavity 14. The inlet of the irradiation channel 15 communicates with the second mounting cavity 14, and the outlet of the irradiation channel 15 communicates with the first mounting cavity 13. A light-emitting module 40 is disposed within the second mounting cavity 14, with its irradiation end facing the inlet of the irradiation channel 15. That is, the light emitted by the light-emitting module 40 extends along the inlet of the irradiation channel 15 towards its outlet, decomposing residual ozone in the airflow channel after the plasma generator 30 and deodorizer 50 are turned off. During actual operation, under the action of the fan 20, airflow enters the first mounting cavity 13 from the air inlet 16 and circulates. Under the action of the light-emitting module 40, the ozone in the first mounting cavity 13 is decomposed, reducing ozone residue and protecting structural components. In this embodiment of the utility model, the irradiation direction of the light-emitting module 40 is directed towards the first mounting cavity 13, which helps to decompose ozone and improves decomposition efficiency.

[0042] In some embodiments of this utility model, the cross-sectional area of ​​the irradiation channel 15 gradually increases from the inlet to the outlet of the irradiation channel 15, and the irradiation range of the light module 40 gradually increases from the inlet to the outlet of the irradiation channel 15, thereby increasing the irradiation range and accelerating the decomposition of ozone by the light module 40. Figure 2 As shown, the irradiation channel 15 can be a U-shaped channel.

[0043] This embodiment of the invention adds a light irradiation module 40 to the traditional plasma generator 30 and deodorizer 50. After the plasma generator 30 and deodorizer 50 complete sterilization and deodorization, ultraviolet or infrared light is used to accelerate ozone decomposition, reduce ozone residue in the airflow channel, and reduce the aging rate of internal structural components of the refrigeration equipment. Simultaneously, ultraviolet or infrared light can also sterilize airborne bacteria. In some embodiments of this invention, the inner wall of the irradiation channel 15 is provided with a protective component to prevent oxidation.

[0044] In some embodiments of this invention, the first mounting cavity 13 has at least one arc-shaped sidewall with an opening. An irradiation channel 15 communicates with the first mounting cavity 13 through this opening, and the irradiation channel 15 corresponds to the air outlet of the fan 20. After the plasma generator 30 and deodorizer 50 are turned off, the light module 40 is activated, irradiating the first mounting cavity 13. Under the action of the fan 20, the airflow within the first mounting cavity 13 is irradiated, which helps to quickly decompose residual ozone and also provides secondary sterilization. In one embodiment, the sidewall of the first mounting cavity 13 is an annular sidewall, and the airflow flows along the annular sidewall. The fan 20 of this invention can be a centrifugal fan. The rotation of the centrifugal fan can drive the airflow to flow clockwise or counterclockwise. The light module 40 can irradiate the airflow flowing through the opening to decompose the ozone within the airflow.

[0045] In some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 2 The plasma generator 30 and the deodorizer 50 are both disposed within the second mounting cavity 14. The deodorizer 50 extends along the length of the second mounting cavity 14 to increase the deodorization range and improve the deodorization efficiency. The plasma generator 30 includes a circuit board 31 and at least two electrodes 32. The circuit board 31 has at least two insertion positions, and the electrodes 32 are inserted into the corresponding insertion positions and are electrically connected to the circuit board 31.

[0046] It should be noted that electrode 32 comes into contact with ionized air, thereby generating negative ions. Electrode 32 extends along the length of the second mounting cavity 14, increasing the area of ​​contact between electrode 32 and air within the cavity. The generated negative ions can work with the deodorizer 50 to remove odors, and the generated ozone can cover a large area, improving the sterilization effect. In one embodiment, the length of electrode 32 is greater than or equal to the length of the deodorizer 50, resulting in better sterilization and deodorization effects. In one embodiment, circuit board 31 is disposed on one side of the deodorizer 50 along its length. In one embodiment, the light module 40 is disposed close to circuit board 31.

[0047] In some embodiments of this utility model, two electrodes 32 are respectively disposed on both sides of the deodorizer 50 in the height direction. Both electrodes 32 extend along the length direction of the second mounting cavity 14. The negative ions and ozone generated by the electrodes 32 are distributed above and below the deodorizer 50 to achieve all-round deodorization and sterilization.

[0048] This utility model embodiment also provides a refrigeration device, including a sterilization device as described above, and a storage chamber, wherein the sterilization device is disposed in the storage chamber.

[0049] Optionally, the storage compartment can be a refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment, or a freezer compartment, etc., and the sterilization device can be installed in the refrigerator compartment, variable temperature compartment, or freezer compartment. Of course, sterilization and deodorization devices can also be placed in the refrigerator compartment, variable temperature compartment, and freezer compartment respectively to achieve sterilization and deodorization of the refrigeration equipment. For example, the sterilization device can be installed on the side wall or top wall of the refrigerator compartment to achieve sterilization and deodorization of the refrigerator compartment.

[0050] In one embodiment, the refrigeration device is a refrigerator.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention and should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sterilization device, characterized in that, include: The housing (10) is provided with an installation cavity, an air inlet (16) and an air outlet, and the air inlet (16) and the air outlet are both connected to the installation cavity; A fan (20) is installed in the mounting cavity to form an airflow channel between the air inlet (16) and the air outlet; A plasma generator (30) is installed in the mounting cavity to generate negative ions and ozone; A light module (40) is installed in the mounting cavity and is used to decompose ozone in the airflow channel; The deodorizer (50) is installed in the mounting cavity and is used to decompose the odor in the airflow channel.

2. The sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a timer and a controller, wherein the timer, the fan (20), the plasma generator (30) and the illumination module (40) are all communicatively connected to the controller; The controller is used to control the fan (20), the plasma generator (30) and the deodorizer (50) to run for a first period of time, and then control the plasma generator (30) to shut down and the lighting module (40) to run; it is also used to control the lighting module (40) and the fan (20) to shut down after the lighting module (40) has run for a second period of time.

3. The sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting cavity includes a first mounting cavity (13) and a second mounting cavity (14). The fan (20) is installed in the first mounting cavity (13), and the plasma generator (30), the light module (40) and the deodorizer (50) are installed in the second mounting cavity (14). The air inlet (16) is located on one side of the first mounting cavity (13), and the air outlet is located on the side of the second mounting cavity (14) away from the first mounting cavity (13).

4. The sterilization device according to claim 3, characterized in that, An irradiation channel (15) is defined between the first mounting cavity (13) and the second mounting cavity (14). The inlet of the irradiation channel (15) is connected to the second mounting cavity (14), and the outlet of the irradiation channel (15) is connected to the first mounting cavity (13). The irradiation end of the light module (40) is arranged facing the inlet of the irradiation channel (15).

5. The sterilization device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the irradiation channel (15) gradually increases from the inlet of the irradiation channel (15) toward the outlet of the irradiation channel (15).

6. The sterilization device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first mounting cavity (13) has at least one arc-shaped sidewall with an opening. The irradiation channel (15) is connected to the first mounting cavity (13) through the opening and corresponds to the air outlet of the fan (20). The light module (40) can irradiate the airflow in the first mounting cavity (13).

7. The sterilization device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The deodorizer (50) extends along the length of the second mounting cavity (14); The plasma generator (30) includes a circuit board (31) and at least two electrodes (32). The circuit board (31) is provided with an insertion position. The electrodes (32) are inserted into the insertion position and electrically connected to the circuit board (31). The electrodes (32) extend along the length direction of the second mounting cavity (14). The two electrodes (32) are respectively located on both sides of the deodorizer (50) in the height direction.

8. The sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deodorizer (50) includes a ceramic carrier and an invertase, the invertase being solidified on the ceramic carrier.

9. The sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (10) includes a first housing (11) and a second housing (12), which are detachably connected and cooperate to form the mounting cavity.

10. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, The device includes the sterilization apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and further includes a storage room, wherein the sterilization apparatus is disposed in the storage room.

Images