Sterilization device for air conditioner and air conditioner

Abstract

A sterilization device for an air conditioner and an air conditioner. The sterilization device comprises a housing 1, a sterilization light-emitting member 2, a trigger light-emitting member 3 and a catalyst member 4, wherein the sterilization light-emitting member 2 is arranged on an outer side of the housing 1, the trigger light-emitting member 3 and the catalyst member 4 are arranged inside the housing 1, and the trigger light-emitting member 3 emits light in the direction of the catalyst member 4. On the basis of such a structural arrangement, the sterilization device directly irradiates air by means of the sterilization light-emitting member 2 so as to directly achieve sterilization effects; and the sterilization device also irradiates the catalyst member 4 by means of the trigger light-emitting member 3 to excite the catalyst member 4, such that the catalyst member 4 generates a relatively strong redox function, and the air purification effect of the sterilization device is further enhanced.

Description

Sterilization device for air conditioner and air conditioner

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application CN202322522636.X, filed on September 15, 2023, entitled “Sterilization device and air conditioner for air conditioning”. The entire contents of the above Chinese patent application are incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular provides a sterilizing device for air conditioning and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0003] The air outlet of the air conditioner is used to transport cold air or hot air into the room to achieve cooling or heating. However, the air outlet of the air conditioner is generally directly provided with a cover plate for adjusting the wind direction of the air outlet without purifying the air quality. Moreover, the air supply duct and indoor unit of the air conditioner will accumulate a lot of dust during long-term operation, causing the breeding of bacteria and microorganisms, which cannot meet people's needs for indoor air purification.

[0004] Therefore, the art needs a sterilization device for air conditioning and an air conditioner to solve the above technical problems.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above technical problem, that is, in the prior art, the air supply duct of the air conditioner is prone to the breeding of bacteria and microorganisms, and cannot meet people's needs for indoor air purification.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a sterilization device for an air conditioner, the sterilization device comprising a housing, a sterilization light-emitting element, a trigger light-emitting element, and a catalyst element.

[0008] The sterilization light-emitting element is arranged on the outside of the housing.

[0009] The trigger light emitting component and the catalyst component are arranged inside the housing, and the trigger light emitting component emits light in the direction of the catalyst component.

[0010] In the specific embodiment of the sterilization device for air conditioners, the trigger light emitting member includes a first plate and at least one trigger light.

[0011] The trigger lamp is fixed on a side of the first plate facing the catalyst component.

[0012] In the specific embodiment of the sterilization device for air conditioners, the number of the trigger lights is multiple.

[0013] A plurality of trigger light arrays are arranged on the first plate.

[0014] In the specific embodiment of the sterilization device for air conditioners, a plurality of weight-reducing holes are provided on the first plate.

[0015] The weight-reducing holes are arranged between each column of the trigger lights.

[0016] In the specific embodiment of the sterilization device for air conditioners, the sterilization light-emitting element includes a second plate and at least one sterilization lamp.

[0017] The germicidal lamp is fixed on a side of the second plate away from the trigger light-emitting component.

[0018] In the specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sterilization device for air conditioners, the sterilization lamp and the trigger lamp are both ultraviolet sterilization lamps.

[0019] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sterilization device for air conditioners, the ultraviolet wavelength band of the sterilization lamp is 190 to 280 nm.

[0020] In a specific embodiment of the above sterilization device for air conditioners, the ultraviolet wavelength range of the trigger lamp is 320-400 nm.

[0021] When adopting the above-mentioned technical solution, the sterilization device provided by the present invention for an air conditioner includes a housing, a sterilization light-emitting element, a trigger light-emitting element, and a catalyst element. The sterilization light-emitting element is disposed outside the housing, while the trigger light-emitting element and the catalyst element are disposed inside the housing, with the trigger light-emitting element emitting light toward the catalyst element. Based on this structural arrangement, the sterilization device directly illuminates the air through the sterilization light-emitting element to achieve a direct sterilization effect. Simultaneously, the sterilization device also illuminates the catalyst element through the trigger light-emitting element to stimulate the catalyst element, causing it to produce a stronger redox function, thereby enhancing the air purification effect of the sterilization device.

[0022] Furthermore, the sterilization device for an air conditioner provided by the present invention defines a first plate and at least one trigger lamp, wherein the first plate is used to fix the trigger lamp, and the trigger lamp is used to irradiate the catalyst to generate an oxidation-reduction function.

[0023] Furthermore, the sterilization device for air conditioners provided by the invention limits the number of trigger lamps to multiple, so as to increase the light intensity and thereby improve the redox capacity of the catalyst.

[0024] Furthermore, the sterilization device for air conditioners provided by the invention defines a first plate body provided with a plurality of weight-reducing holes to reduce the weight of the entire sterilization device.

[0025] Furthermore, the sterilization device for an air conditioner provided by the invention defines a second plate and at least one sterilization lamp, wherein the second plate is used to fix the sterilization lamp, and the sterilization lamp is used to directly irradiate the air to achieve a sterilization effect.

[0026] Furthermore, the sterilization device for air conditioners provided by the invention defines that both the sterilization lamp and the trigger lamp are ultraviolet sterilization lamps, and the sterilization effect and excitation effect of the sterilization lamp and the trigger lamp can be achieved respectively through ultraviolet rays of different bands.

[0027] Furthermore, the sterilization device for air conditioners provided by the invention limits the sterilization effect to the best when the ultraviolet wavelength of the sterilization lamp is between 190 and 280 nm.

[0028] Furthermore, the sterilization device for air conditioners provided by the invention limits the ultraviolet wavelength of the trigger lamp to be between 320 and 400 nm, which has the best excitation effect on the catalyst.

[0029] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides an air conditioner, which includes the sterilization device for air conditioning as described in the above embodiment.

[0030] In a specific embodiment of the above air conditioner, the air conditioner is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet.

[0031] The housing comprises an upper cover and a lower shell.

[0032] The trigger light emitting component and the catalyst component are sequentially arranged between the upper cover and the lower shell.

[0033] The upper cover is provided with at least one air inlet, which is communicated with the air inlet of the air conditioner; the lower shell is provided with an air outlet grille, which is communicated with the air outlet of the air conditioner.

[0034] Based on the above structural setting, the gas enters the air conditioner through the air inlet, enters the sterilization device through the air inlet of the upper cover, and then undergoes an oxidation-reduction reaction on the gas through the catalyst part illuminated by the trigger light-emitting part to achieve the sterilization effect of the gas. The sterilized gas is then discharged through the air outlet grille of the sterilization device and the air outlet of the air conditioner in turn and enters the room; at the same time, the gas in the air conditioner can also be directly irradiated by the sterilization light-emitting part to further enhance the sterilization effect and improve the degree of air purification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of various components in a sterilization device for air conditioners provided by the present invention.

[0037] Figure numerals: 1. Shell; 11. Upper cover; 111. Air inlet; 12. Lower shell; 121. Air outlet grille; 2. Sterilization light-emitting element; 21. Second plate; 22. Sterilization lamp; 3. Trigger light-emitting element; 31. First plate; 32. Trigger lamp; 33. Weight reduction hole; 4. Catalyst. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments to them as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios. For example, although this specific embodiment is described in conjunction with the situation where the sterilization device is applied to an air conditioner, the sterilization device of the present invention can obviously also be used in other scenarios. Such changes in the application scenarios do not deviate from the basic principles of the present invention and fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "upper", "lower", "inside", "middle", "outside", "front", "back" and the like indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are mainly intended to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and their embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements or components to having a specific direction, or to be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Moreover, in addition to being used to indicate directions or positional relationships, some of the above terms may also be used to indicate other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship in certain circumstances. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0040] It should be noted that, in the description of this preferred embodiment, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to direct connection, indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or internal connection between two components. These are not to be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0041] First, refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the various components of the sterilization device for air conditioners provided by the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the sterilization device for air conditioners provided by the present invention includes a housing 1, a sterilization light-emitting element 2, a trigger light-emitting element 3, and a catalyst element 4. The sterilization light-emitting element 2 is disposed outside the housing 1, and the trigger light-emitting element 3 and the catalyst element 4 are disposed inside the housing 1, with the trigger light-emitting element 3 emitting light in the direction of the catalyst element 4. Based on the above structural arrangement, the sterilization device directly irradiates the air through the sterilization light-emitting element 2 to directly achieve a sterilization effect. At the same time, the sterilization device also irradiates the catalyst element 4 through the trigger light-emitting element 3 to stimulate the catalyst element 4, causing it to produce a strong redox function, thereby enhancing the air purification effect of the sterilization device. Specifically, as a preferred embodiment, the housing 1 ensures the stability and safety of the sterilization device while also facilitating use and maintenance. The housing 1 includes an upper cover 11 and a lower shell 12. The trigger light-emitting element 3 and the catalyst element 4 are sequentially disposed between the upper cover 11 and the lower shell 12 to achieve the fixation of the trigger light-emitting element 3 and the catalyst element 4. It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure of the housing 1. It only requires that the upper cover 11 and the lower shell 12 can be buckled together. Technicians can set it according to actual usage requirements.

[0042] In this preferred embodiment, the trigger light 3 comprises a first plate 31 and at least one trigger light 32. The trigger light 32 is fixed to the side of the first plate 31 facing the catalyst 4. The first plate is used to secure the trigger light, which is used to illuminate the catalyst, causing it to produce a redox reaction. The first plate 31 serves as a support platform, stably securing the position of the trigger light 32 and ensuring the accuracy of the distance and angle between each trigger light 32 and the catalyst 4. This ensures accurate illumination and effective activation of the catalyst 4 by the trigger light 32, fully triggering the catalytic reaction of the catalyst 4 and enhancing the sterilization effect.

[0043] In this preferred embodiment, there are multiple trigger lamps, and multiple trigger lamp arrays are provided on the first plate. The use of multiple trigger lamps 32 can further enhance the light intensity or coverage. By increasing the number of trigger lamps 32, the distribution and intensity of the light can be flexibly adjusted according to specific needs, so that the catalyst part 4 can obtain a more optimized sterilization effect. At the same time, by providing multiple trigger lamps 32, they can also be made to emit light at the same time or according to a specific timing, thereby acting synergistically and irradiating light simultaneously or successively to ensure a full range and full coverage sterilization effect. It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure and number of settings of the trigger lamp 32, and technicians can set it according to actual use needs. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the trigger lamp 32 can be provided in 4 columns, and each column is provided with 3, so as to evenly irradiate the catalyst part 4.

[0044] In this preferred embodiment, the first plate 31 is provided with a plurality of weight-reducing holes 33, each located between each row of trigger lights 32. By providing weight-reducing holes 33 between each row of trigger lights 32, the weight of the entire trigger light-emitting component 3 can be effectively reduced. The trigger light-emitting component 3 typically consists of the trigger lights 32 and associated circuitry, so reducing its weight can reduce the load on the supporting structure and improve the reliability and durability of the entire device. Furthermore, the provision of weight-reducing holes 33 can also promote heat dissipation from the trigger light-emitting component 3, helping to maintain a stable temperature of the trigger light-emitting component 3 and improving its operating efficiency and lifespan. Furthermore, the provision of weight-reducing holes 33 can also increase air circulation around the trigger light-emitting component 3, thereby helping to remove dust and foreign matter, reducing their accumulation on the trigger light-emitting component 3, maintaining the cleanliness of the trigger light 32, and thereby improving the sterilization effect.

[0045] In this preferred embodiment, the sterilizing light-emitting element 2 includes a second plate 21 and at least one sterilizing lamp 22, and the sterilizing lamp 22 is fixed to the side of the second plate 21 away from the triggering light-emitting element 3. Placing the sterilizing lamp 22 on the second plate 21, away from the side of the triggering light-emitting element 3, can ensure that the light of the sterilizing lamp 22 directly irradiates the target area, better exerts the sterilization effect, and further can achieve sufficient irradiation of the target area, thereby increasing the light coverage range and sterilization effect of the target area. It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure and number of settings of the sterilizing lamp 22, and technicians can set it according to actual use requirements. For example, as shown in Figure 1, there can be two sterilizing lamps 22 arranged side by side.

[0046] In this preferred embodiment, both the germicidal lamp 22 and the trigger lamp 32 are ultraviolet germicidal lamps. This is because ultraviolet light has a strong bactericidal ability and has a broad-spectrum inactivation effect on bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. Ultraviolet light destroys the nucleic acid and protein structures of microorganisms, disrupting their internal metabolism, growth, and replication functions, thereby effectively killing microorganisms.

[0047] In this preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet light from the germicidal lamp 22 has a wavelength range of 190 to 280 nm. The ultraviolet light from the trigger lamp 32 has a wavelength range of 320 to 400 nm. Ultraviolet light is divided into the shortwave range (190 to 280 nm), the mediumwave range (280 to 320 nm), and the longwave range (320 to 400 nm). Shortwave ultraviolet light has the highest energy, while longwave ultraviolet light has the best catalyst excitation effect. Therefore, setting the ultraviolet light from the germicidal lamp 22 to the shortwave range can achieve a better sterilization effect, while setting the ultraviolet light from the trigger lamp 32 to the longwave range can achieve a better excitation effect. Preferably, the germicidal lamp 22 has the strongest sterilization effect when its ultraviolet light wavelength is 265 nm.

[0048] In this preferred embodiment, the catalyst element 4 is a catalytic material that interacts with the light emitted by the triggering light-emitting element 3 to trigger a chemical reaction to enhance the sterilization effect. Typically, the catalyst element 4 can accelerate the sterilization process, making the air conditioner's internal environment cleaner and more sanitary. Specifically, under the irradiation of light, the catalyst element 4 produces a photocatalytic reaction similar to photosynthesis, generating free hydroxyl groups and reactive oxygen species with extremely strong oxidizing ability. It has a strong photoredox function and can oxidize and decompose various organic compounds and some inorganic substances. It can destroy bacterial cell membranes and solidify viral proteins, kill bacteria and decompose organic pollutants, breaking them down into pollution-free water and carbon dioxide. Therefore, it has extremely strong sterilization, disinfection, deodorization, mildew resistance, anti-fouling, self-cleaning, and air purification functions. Optionally, the catalyst element 4 can be equipped with a titanium dioxide catalyst, an aluminum substrate, or a honeycomb ceramic substrate to further enhance the sterilization effect.

[0049] On the other hand, the present invention further provides an air conditioner, which includes the sterilization device for air conditioning as described in the above embodiment.

[0050] In this preferred embodiment, the air conditioner is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The upper cover 11 is provided with at least one air inlet 111, which is connected to the air inlet of the air conditioner; the lower shell 12 is provided with an air outlet grille 121, which is connected to the air outlet of the air conditioner. Based on the above structural arrangement, gas enters the air conditioner through the air inlet, enters the sterilization device through the air inlet 111 of the upper cover 11, and then undergoes an oxidation-reduction reaction on the gas through the catalyst part 4 illuminated by the trigger light-emitting part 3 to achieve a sterilization effect of the gas. The sterilized gas is then discharged through the air outlet grille 121 of the sterilization device and the air outlet of the air conditioner in sequence and enters the room. At the same time, the gas in the air conditioner can also be directly illuminated by the sterilization light-emitting part 2 to further enhance the sterilization effect and improve the degree of air purification.

[0051] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments are only used to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can adjust the above-mentioned structure so that the present invention can be applied to more specific application scenarios.

[0052] Thus far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sterilization device for air conditioning, characterized in that: The sterilization device comprises a housing, a sterilization light-emitting element, a trigger light-emitting element and a catalyst element. The sterilizing light-emitting element is arranged outside the housing. The trigger light emitting component and the catalyst component are arranged inside the housing, and the trigger light emitting component emits light in the direction of the catalyst component.

2. The sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The trigger light-emitting element comprises a first plate and at least one trigger light. The trigger lamp is fixed on a side of the first plate body facing the catalyst component.

3. The sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the trigger lights is multiple, A plurality of trigger light arrays are arranged on the first plate.

4. The sterilization device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first plate body is provided with a plurality of weight-reducing holes. The weight-reducing holes are arranged between each column of the trigger lamps.

5. The sterilization device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The germicidal light-emitting element comprises a second plate and at least one germicidal lamp. The germicidal lamp is fixed to a side of the second plate away from the trigger light-emitting component.

6. The sterilization device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The germicidal lamp and the trigger lamp are both ultraviolet sterilization lamps.

7. The sterilization device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ultraviolet wavelength of the germicidal lamp is 190-280nm.

8. The sterilization device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ultraviolet wavelength band of the trigger lamp is 320-400nm.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that: The air conditioner comprises a sterilization device for air conditioning as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 above.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that: The air conditioner is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The housing comprises an upper cover and a lower housing. The trigger light emitting component and the catalyst component are sequentially arranged between the upper cover and the lower shell. The upper cover body is provided with at least one air inlet, and the air inlet is communicated with the air inlet of the air conditioner; the lower shell body is provided with an air outlet grille, and the air outlet grille is communicated with the air outlet of the air conditioner.

Images