METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF OZONE AND DEVICE FOR OZONE GENERATION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for producing ozone and a device for generating ozone.

[0002] Ozone is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms, O3. Ozone is a gas under standard conditions. Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent.

[0003] Known ozone generators are based on the principle of ozone generation by means of high voltage, whereby the high voltage can be generated, for example, by means of electromagnetic high-voltage transformers and is led to an electrode at which ozone is generated by a corona discharge.

[0004] To prevent arcing in small ozone generators, it is necessary to enclose the high-voltage transformers in an insulating layer, which limits the miniaturization of a device containing the ozone generators. Furthermore, the efficiency of the ozone generator is limited by the efficiency of the electromagnetic high-voltage transformer.

[0005] JP 2003 257589 A discloses a device in which ozone is generated by means of a high-voltage generator 1a comprising a piezoelectric transformer. The piezoelectric transformer is arranged in a housing and generates a high voltage, which is transferred to a discharge electrode arranged outside the housing.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for producing ozone and an improved device for generating ozone. These objects are achieved by the method according to claim 1 and by the device for generating ozone according to the second independent claim.

[0007] A process for producing ozone is proposed, using a piezoelectric transformer to generate the ozone. The ozone is generated through the following steps: Applying an input voltage to an input region of the piezoelectric transformer so that a high voltage is generated in an output region of the piezoelectric transformer, and surrounding the piezoelectric transformer with an oxygen-containing process gas, wherein ozone is formed from the process gas by the high voltage generated in the output region.

[0008] The use of a piezoelectric transformer for ozone generation offers numerous advantages. In particular, the piezoelectric transformer can exhibit a high level of efficiency, allowing ozone to be generated with high efficiency. The efficiency can be defined as the amount of ozone generated per watt-hour of input power applied to the piezoelectric transformer. Thus, when using a piezoelectric transformer, a comparatively low input power can be sufficient to achieve the desired ozone generation rate.

[0009] Furthermore, the piezoelectric transformer can enable effective miniaturization of an ozone generation device. Piezoelectric transformers can be manufactured with very small dimensions, for example, with edge lengths of just a few millimeters. For example, the piezoelectric transformer can have a length of less than 100 mm, e.g., a length of 70 mm or 45 mm.

[0010] In the process step "Surrounding the piezoelectric transformer with an oxygen-containing process gas," the process gas can be supplied to the piezoelectric transformer by means of a fan or other device, so that the process gas flows around the output area. Alternatively, the piezoelectric transformer can be arranged in an environment whose atmosphere contains the process gas. The oxygen-containing process gas can be, for example, air or pure oxygen.

[0011] Furthermore, a first method according to the invention comprises the steps Measuring the amount of ozone generated with a sensor and adjusting the input voltage applied to the piezoelectric transformer depending on the measured amount of ozone generated to set a desired ozone generation rate. This allows the input voltage applied to the piezoelectric transformer to be continuously adjusted so that the amount of ozone generated by the piezoelectric transformer corresponds to the desired ozone generation rate. This enables automatic dosing of the ozone generated.

[0012] In a second method according to the invention, the piezoelectric transformer is operated in a pulsed manner. During pulsed operation of the piezoelectric transformer, phases in which an input voltage is applied to the piezoelectric transformer and phases in which no input voltage is applied to the piezoelectric transformer alternate at regular intervals. Accordingly, the piezoelectric transformer can be alternately switched on for a specific time and switched off for a specific time. By varying the duration of the phases in which the transformer is switched on and / or by varying the duration of the phases in which the transformer is switched off, a desired average ozone generation rate can be set.

[0013] The ozone produced can be used to eliminate odors in ambient air. Due to the oxidizing effect of ozone, odorous substances in the atmosphere can be converted into odorless substances. Likewise, germs and odor-causing bacteria can be killed, even in otherwise inaccessible places. For this reason, ozone is suitable for eliminating unwanted odors, for example.

[0014] The second method according to the invention is used to produce ozone, wherein a piezoelectric transformer is used to generate the ozone and wherein the ozone is generated by the following steps: Applying an input voltage to an input region of the piezoelectric transformer so that a high voltage is generated in an output region of the piezoelectric transformer, wherein the piezoelectric transformer is operated in a pulsed manner, Surrounding the piezoelectric transformer with an oxygen-containing process gas, wherein ozone is formed from the process gas by the high voltage generated in the output region.

[0015] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a device for ozone generation, which device comprises a piezoelectric transformer having an input region and an output region, wherein the input region is designed to convert an applied alternating voltage into a mechanical oscillation, wherein the output region is designed to convert a mechanical oscillation into an electrical voltage, so that ozone can be generated at the output region by the generated voltage.

[0016] As already described above, the use of a piezoelectric transformer in an ozone generation device offers the advantages of high efficiency and very good miniaturization.

[0017] The ozone generation device can be a handheld device suitable for mobile use. The device can therefore be portable and can be moved by a user to the desired location at any time. Since the longest edge of the piezoelectric transformer can be less than 100 mm long, and since the piezoelectric transformer also has a low power requirement, allowing it to be operated with a battery, it is ideally suited for use in a handheld device.

[0018] According to the invention, the device further comprises a housing having at least one ozone outlet opening, wherein the piezoelectric transformer is arranged in the housing.

[0019] Preferably, the ozone outlet opening is located in close proximity to an output end face of the piezoelectric transformer where the ozone is generated. Since ozone is a long-lived molecule, it is also conceivable to arrange the ozone outlet openings at a certain distance from the output end face of the piezoelectric transformer, as there is no risk of the ozone decomposing immediately after its generation.

[0020] The arrangement and shape of the ozone outlet opening allows the generated ozone to be directed to a specific application area. It is conceivable to design the outlet opening so that the ozone emerges from the device in a broad, fanned cloud. Alternatively, it is also possible to design the ozone outlet opening so that a focused ozone beam emerges from the device.

[0021] In a first device according to the invention, a sensor and a control circuit are arranged in the housing.

[0022] The first device according to the invention comprises a sensor configured to measure the amount of ozone generated. The data measured by the sensor is transmitted to a control circuit of the piezoelectric transformer. The sensor can be configured to determine the amount of ozone generated at periodic rates.

[0023] The device further comprises a control circuit configured to apply an input voltage to the piezoelectric transformer. The device may comprise a switch, wherein the control circuit and the switch are connected such that the input voltage is only applied as long as the switch is held in a depressed position.

[0024] The switch may, in particular, be a button that can be pressed by a user of the device. The switch may have a pressed position and a non-pressed position.

[0025] If, as described above, an input voltage is only applied when the switch is held in the depressed position, the safety of the ozone generation device can be increased. Since ozone is a potentially harmful substance, the device should be designed so that ozone is only generated when actually needed. The fact that the switch must be held down continuously to maintain ozone generation ensures that the device cannot be accidentally left on.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the control circuit can be connected to the switch in such a way that a single press of the switch triggers the application of the input voltage and a further press of the switch disconnects a supply of the piezoelectric transformer with the input voltage.

[0027] The device may have an integrated power supply. This may be a rechargeable or replaceable battery. Furthermore, the device may have a connection for an external power supply. An integrated power supply is particularly advantageous when using the device as a handheld device, as this eliminates the need for a cable for connecting an external power supply.

[0028] The device can be designed such that the integrated power supply can be charged using an inductive charging process. Accordingly, connections to which a charger would need to be connected can be omitted. The use of the inductive charging process makes it possible to use a particularly sealed housing, which can ensure that the device—and thus the piezoelectric transformer—can be well protected against damage caused by external influences, such as dirt or moisture.

[0029] In the following, the present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the figures. Figure 1 shows a piezoelectric transformer which can be used in an ozone generation device according to the invention, in a perspective view, Figure 2 shows a device for ozone generation according to a first embodiment, Figure 3 shows a device for ozone generation according to a second embodiment, Figure 4 shows a section of a device for ozone generation.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a piezoelectric transformer 1 that can be used in an ozone generation device according to the invention. The piezoelectric transformer 1 can be used in particular in an ozone generation device.

[0031] A piezoelectric transformer 1 is a type of resonant transformer based on piezoelectricity and, unlike conventional magnetic transformers, represents an electromechanical system. Piezoelectric transformer 1, for example, is a Rosen-type transformer.

[0032] The piezoelectric transformer 1 has an input region 2 and an output region 3, with the output region 3 adjoining the input region 2 in a longitudinal direction z. In the input region 2, the piezoelectric transformer 1 has electrodes 4 to which an alternating voltage can be applied. The electrodes 4 extend in the longitudinal direction z of the piezoelectric transformer 1. The electrodes 4 are stacked alternately with a piezoelectric material 5 in a stacking direction x, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction z. The piezoelectric material 5 is polarized in the stacking direction x.

[0033] The electrodes 4 are arranged inside the piezoelectric transformer 1 and are also referred to as internal electrodes. The piezoelectric transformer 1 has a first side surface 6 and a second side surface 7, which is opposite the first side surface 6. A first external electrode 8 is arranged on the first side surface 6. A second external electrode (not shown) is arranged on the second side surface 7. The internal electrodes 4 are electrically contacted alternately in the stacking direction x with either the first external electrode 8 or the second external electrode.

[0034] Furthermore, the piezoelectric transformer 1 has a third side surface 20 and a fourth side surface 21, which are opposite one another and arranged perpendicular to the first side surface 6 and the second side surface 7. The surface normals of the third and fourth side surfaces 20, 21 each point in the stacking direction x.

[0035] The input region 2 can be controlled with a low alternating voltage applied between the electrodes 4. Due to the piezoelectric effect, the alternating voltage applied to the input side is initially converted into a mechanical oscillation. The frequency of the mechanical oscillation depends significantly on the geometry and mechanical structure of the piezoelectric transformer 1.

[0036] The output region 3 comprises piezoelectric material 9 and is free of internal electrodes. The piezoelectric material 9 in the output region is polarized in the longitudinal direction z. The piezoelectric material 9 of the output region 3 can be the same material as the piezoelectric material 5 of the input region 2, whereby the piezoelectric materials 5 and 9 can differ in their polarization direction. In the output region 3, the piezoelectric material 9 is formed into a single monolithic layer that is completely polarized in the longitudinal direction z. The piezoelectric material 9 in the output region 3 has only a single polarization direction.

[0037] If an alternating voltage is applied to the electrodes 4 in the input area 2, a mechanical wave forms within the piezoelectric material 5, 9, which generates an output voltage in the output area 3 due to the piezoelectric effect. The output area 3 has an output-side end face 10. In the output area 3, an electrical voltage is thus generated between the end face 10 and the end of the electrodes 4 of the input area 2. A high voltage is generated at the output-side end face 10. This also creates a high potential difference between the output-side end face and the area surrounding the piezoelectric transformer, which is sufficient to generate a strong electric field that ionizes an oxygen-containing process gas to such an extent that ozone is formed. Atoms or molecules of the oxygen-containing process gas are ionized and form ozone.

[0038] The oxygen-containing process gas can be air or pure oxygen.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a device for ozone generation 11. The device 11 comprises the piezoelectric transformer 1. Furthermore, the device 11 has a housing 12 in which the piezoelectric transformer 1 is arranged. The housing 12 has ozone outlet openings 13 through which the ozone generated by the piezoelectric transformer 1 can exit the device 11. The ozone outlet openings 13 are slit-shaped. The ozone outlet openings 13 are arranged near the output region 3 of the piezoelectric transformer 1.

[0040] In addition to the piezoelectric transformer 1, further elements are arranged in the housing 12, in particular a printed circuit board 15 on which a control circuit can be implemented, and a connection 14 for an external power supply. Furthermore, a power supply 17 can also be integrated into the housing. These additional elements are not enclosed in their own separate housings.

[0041] Furthermore, the ozone generation device has a connection 14 for an external power supply. A power supply, for example, can be connected to this connection 14.

[0042] The device 11 for ozone generation further comprises a printed circuit board 15 on which a control circuit can be implemented. The control circuit is designed to apply an input voltage to the input region 2 of the piezoelectric transformer 1. The input voltage is an alternating voltage. The piezoelectric transformer 1 is operated in a pulsed manner. During pulsed operation, the input voltage is applied for a first predetermined period of time and then not applied for a second predetermined period of time. These two time periods alternate periodically. The ozone generation rate of the device 11 can be set to a desired value by varying an input voltage applied to the piezoelectric transformer 1 and / or by varying the two time periods during pulsed operation.

[0043] The ozone generation device 11 further includes a switch 16 connected to the circuit board 15. In a first embodiment, an input voltage is applied to the piezoelectric transformer 1 only when the switch 16 is in a pressed position. If a user does not exert pressure on the switch 16, the switch 16 always moves from its pressed position to a non-pressed position. Accordingly, the device 11 only generates ozone as long as a user keeps the switch 16 in the pressed position.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, switch 16 can be connected to circuit board 15 such that pressing switch 16 for the first time triggers the application of the input voltage to piezoelectric transformer 1. The control circuit will then apply an input voltage to piezoelectric transformer 1 until a user signals by pressing switch 16 again that piezoelectric transformer 1 should now be switched off. Accordingly, pressing switch 16 a second time interrupts the supply of the input voltage to piezoelectric transformer 1.

[0045] Figure 3shows a second embodiment of the device 11 for ozone generation. According to the second embodiment, the device 11 for ozone generation further comprises an integrated power supply 17. The integrated power supply 17 can be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a replaceable battery. According to the Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the integrated power supply 17 is provided in addition to the connection 14 for the external power supply. Alternatively, the integrated power supply 17 could also be provided as the sole power source of the ozone generation device 11. In this case, the device 11 would not have a connection 14 for an external power supply.

[0046] Figure 4 shows an enlarged section of a device 11 for ozone generation according to a further embodiment. The device has, in addition to the Figure 2 and Figure 3The devices 11 shown include a sensor 18 designed to measure the amount of ozone currently generated by the piezoelectric transformer 1. Detecting the amount of ozone generated makes it possible to adjust the ozone generation to a desired rate. The sensor 18 can be coupled back to the control board.

[0047] Accordingly, the control circuit can adjust the input voltage applied to the piezoelectric transformer 1 and / or the duration of the pulses during pulsed operation as desired in order to set a desired ozone generation rate. List of reference symbols

[0048] 1 Piezoelectric transformer 2 Input area 3 Output area 4 Electrode 5 Piezoelectric material 6 First side surface 7 Second side surface 8 First outer electrode 9 Piezoelectric material 10 Output end face 11 Ozone generation device 12 Housing 13 Ozone outlet opening 14 Connection for an external power supply 15 Printed circuit board 16 Switch 17 Integrated power supply 18 Sensor 20 Third side surface 21 Fourth side surface xStacking direction ZLongitudinal direction

Claims

1. Process for producing ozone, wherein a piezoelectric transformer (1) is used to generate the ozone, and wherein the ozone is generated by means of the following steps: - applying an input voltage to an input area (2) of the piezoelectric transformer (1), with the result that a high voltage is generated in an output area (3) of the piezoelectric transformer (1), - surrounding the piezoelectric transformer (1) with an oxygenic process gas, wherein ozone is formed from the process gas by means of the high voltage generated in the output area (3), - measuring the amount of generated ozone using a sensor (18), and - adapting the input voltage applied to the piezoelectric transformer (1) on the basis of the measured amount of generated ozone in order to set a desired ozone generation rate.

2. Process according to the preceding claim, wherein the piezoelectric transformer (1) is operated in a pulsed manner.

3. Process according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the generated ozone is used to eliminate odours in ambient air.

4. Process for producing ozone, wherein a piezoelectric transformer (1) is used to generate the ozone, and wherein the ozone is generated by means of the following steps: - applying an input voltage to an input area (2) of the piezoelectric transformer (1), with the result that a high voltage is generated in an output area (3) of the piezoelectric transformer (1), wherein the piezoelectric transformer (1) is operated in a pulsed manner, wherein, during pulsed operation of the piezoelectric transformer (1), phases in which an input voltage is applied to the piezoelectric transformer (1) and phases in which an input voltage is not applied to the piezoelectric transformer (1) alternate at regular intervals, - surrounding the piezoelectric transformer (1) with an oxygenic process gas, wherein ozone is formed from the process gas by means of the high voltage generated in the output area (3).

5. Apparatus (11) for generating ozone, which has a piezoelectric transformer (1) having an input area (2) and an output area (3), wherein the input area (2) is configured to convert an applied AC voltage into a mechanical vibration, wherein the output area (3) is configured to convert a mechanical vibration into a voltage, with the result that ozone is able to be generated by means of the generated voltage in the output area (3), wherein the output area (3) of the piezoelectric transformer (1) has an end face at which the ozone is generated, wherein the apparatus has a housing (12), which has at least one ozone outlet opening, wherein the piezoelectric transformer (1) is arranged in the housing (12), wherein the apparatus (11) has a sensor (18) and a control circuit, wherein the sensor (18) is configured to measure an amount of generated ozone, wherein the sensor (18) is coupled to a control board with feedback, and wherein the control circuit is configured to adapt an input voltage applied to the piezoelectric transformer (1) on the basis of the measured amount of generated ozone in order to set a desired ozone generation rate.

6. Apparatus (11) according to Claim 5, wherein the control circuit is configured to apply an input voltage to the piezoelectric transformer (1), and wherein the apparatus (11) has a switch (16), wherein the control circuit and the switch (16) are connected in such a manner that the input voltage is applied only as long as the switch (16) is held in a pressed position.

7. Apparatus (11) according to Claim 5, wherein the control circuit is configured to apply an input voltage to the piezoelectric transformer (1), wherein the apparatus (11) has a switch (16), wherein the control circuit and the switch (16) are connected in such a manner that pressing the switch (16) once triggers the application of the input voltage and further pressing of the switch (16) disconnects a supply of the piezoelectric transformer (1) with the input voltage.

8. Apparatus (11) according to one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the apparatus (11) has a voltage supply (17) integrated into the housing.

9. Apparatus (11) according to the preceding claim, wherein the apparatus (11) is configured in such a manner that the integrated voltage supply (17) is able to be charged by means of an inductive charging operation.

10. Apparatus (11) for generating ozone, which has a piezoelectric transformer (1) having an input area (2) and an output area (3), wherein the input area (2) is configured to convert an applied AC voltage into a mechanical vibration, wherein the output area (3) is configured to convert a mechanical vibration into a voltage, with the result that ozone is able to be generated by means of the generated voltage in the output area (3), wherein the output area (3) of the piezoelectric transformer (1) has an end face at which the ozone is generated, wherein the apparatus has a housing (12), which has at least one ozone outlet opening, wherein the piezoelectric transformer (1) is arranged in the housing (12), wherein the apparatus is configured to operate the piezoelectric transformer (1) in a pulsed manner, wherein, during pulsed operation, phases in which an input voltage is applied to the piezoelectric transformer (1) and phases in which an input voltage is not applied to the piezoelectric transformer (1) alternate at regular intervals.