Electrostatic precipitator and home appliance equipped with same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric dust collector and a home appliance equipped with the same. The present invention proposes an appliance including a first charging unit that charges particles, a dust collecting unit that is located behind the first charging unit and collects the charged particles, and a second charging unit that generates an alternating current between the first charging unit and the dust collecting unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrostatic precipitator, and more particularly to an electrostatic precipitator for improving the efficiency of collecting foreign matter in the air. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, an electrostatic precipitator is used to remove foreign matter such as dust contained in the air, and collects the foreign matter by charging the foreign matter. The electrostatic precipitator can be used in the form of a filter and is installed in home appliances such as air conditioners, such as air purifiers, and air conditioners, such as air conditioners and heaters, to collect foreign matter such as dust contained in the air.

[0003] Foreign particles and particles harmful to living organisms in the air become charged and acquire a polarity as they pass through an electrostatic precipitator, and the charged foreign particles can be collected via electrodes, dielectrics, filters, etc. on the electrostatic precipitator.

[0004] Meanwhile, research is being conducted into ways to improve the efficiency of collecting foreign matter in electrostatic precipitators. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-1474493 (Registration Date: December 12, 2014) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] A problem to be solved by the present invention can be to improve the efficiency of collecting foreign matter.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention may be to reduce the generation of ozone.

[0008] The object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an electric dust collector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes (has; constitutes; constructs; sets; contains; includes; contains) a first charging section that charges particles 9, a dust collecting section that is located rearward (in the downstream) of the first charging section and collects the charged particles, and a second charging section that generates an alternating current between the first charging section and the dust collecting section.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second charging part may be formed of a plurality of electrode plates that extend long on one side, are arranged in parallel to each other in a thickness direction, and are spaced apart from each other to generate an alternating current therebetween.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first charging unit may further include a case that houses the second charging unit and the dust collecting unit and is open in an air flow direction.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first charging portion can be arranged in a plurality of locations adjacent to the edge of the case and positioned (exists; is arranged (formed) in) the direction of the opening of the case.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dust collecting unit may include a plurality of first electrodes to which a high voltage is applied, and a plurality of second electrodes arranged alternately and spaced apart from the first electrodes and grounded.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one of the first electrode and the second electrode may include a pointed needle electrode that generates a corona discharge.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode is an electrically resistive metal and can generate heat when a voltage is applied thereto.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heating device may further include a heater for heating air around the first electrode.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode may be heated to a temperature between 25 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dust collecting section may include a dielectric filter disposed rearward (backward) of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0019] An electric dust collector according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a housing having an inlet and an outlet with the electric dust collector disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and a blower fan disposed within the housing for causing the air to flow from the inlet to the outlet.

[0020] Other specific details of the embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0021] The electrostatic precipitator of the present invention provides one or more of the following advantages.

[0022] First, there is an advantage in that the efficiency of collecting foreign matter is improved.

[0023] A second benefit is reduced ozone production.

[0024] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plurality of electrostatic precipitators according to an embodiment of the present invention coupled to a frame; [Diagram 3]1 is a perspective view of an electric dust collector according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded view showing an internal configuration of an electrostatic precipitator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing the internal configuration of an electric dust collector according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing foreign particle and ion ionization as they pass through an electrostatic precipitator. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) shows the particle charge rate and the relative amount of ozone concentration when only a diffusion charger or a wire plate charger is used and when a second charging section (AC charging) is added. Figure 9(b) shows the dust collection efficiency of an electrostatic precipitator including a diffusion charger and a dust collecting section, depending on the length of the dust collecting section of the electrostatic precipitator in the air flow direction and whether or not a second charging section (AC charging) is included. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing how oxygen in the air passes through the first and second electrodes to generate ozone, and how heat is added to the ozone. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 shows the decrease in ozone concentration as the electrode is heated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be realized in various different forms. The present embodiments are provided merely to fully disclose the present invention and fully inform those skilled in the art of the invention of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

[0027] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used to easily describe the relationship of one component to another, as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms that include different orientations of components relative to one another in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the components shown in the figures are flipped over, a component described as "below" or "beneath" the other component may be placed "above" the other component. Thus, the exemplary term "below" may include both an orientation of below and above. Components may be oriented in other directions, such that the spatially relative terms may be interpreted accordingly.

[0028] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless otherwise stated in the phrase. When used in the specification, "comprises" and / or "comprising" means that the mentioned components, steps and / or operations do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps and / or operations.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in the sense commonly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless otherwise clearly defined.

[0030] In the drawings, the thickness and size of each component are exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated roughly for convenience and clarity of explanation, and the size and area of ​​each component do not completely reflect the actual size and area.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings illustrating an electric dust collector and a home appliance including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the home appliance may be referred to as an air conditioner or an air purifier, for example. The home appliance may include a housing 1. The electrostatic precipitator 100 may be installed inside the housing 1. The housing 1 may include an inlet 41 and an outlet 42. The inlet 41 and the outlet 42 may be formed by opening one side and the other side of the housing 1. For example, the inlet 41 may be formed by opening a front lower part of the housing 1, and the outlet 42 may be formed by opening a front upper part of the housing 1. The blower fan 3 may be installed inside the housing 1. The blower fan 3 may blow air from the inlet 41 to the outlet 42.

[0034] The electrostatic precipitator 100 may be located adjacent to the blower fan 3. Air introduced into the inlet 41 by the blower fan 3 may pass through the electrostatic precipitator 100 and then be discharged to the outside of the home appliance through the outlet 42.

[0035] 2 and 3, the electrostatic precipitator 100 may include at least one electrostatic precipitator module 101. A plurality of electrostatic precipitator modules 101 may be fixed to a frame 102. For example, the plurality of electrostatic precipitator modules 101 may be arranged in parallel one above the other.

[0036] The first charging unit 11 can charge particles. A high voltage can be applied to the first charging unit 11. A plurality of first charging units 11 are provided. The first charging unit 11 can be disposed adjacent to an edge of the electrostatic precipitator 100. The first charging unit 11 can be disposed adjacent to an edge of the case 103. The first charging unit 11 can be provided on an edge of the frame 102. The first charging unit 11 can be a diffusion charger. Foreign particles in the air can be charged and ionized by passing through the first charging unit 11. Foreign matter can include not only dust but also other harmful substances or harmful microorganisms.

[0037] 3 to 5, the case 103 may be open at the front and rear. The case 103 may include the second charging unit 12 and the dust collecting unit 20 therein. Air may pass through the case 103 through the openings of the case 103.

[0038] The first charging portion 11 may be disposed in front of the second charging portion 12. A plurality of first charging portions 11 may be formed at positions adjacent to both ends of the second charging portion 12. For example, four first charging portions 11 may be disposed at positions corresponding to one end and the other end of the second charging portion 12. The first charging portion 11 disposed on one side and the first charging portion 11 disposed on the other side may be disposed to face each other and to face the space through which air flows.

[0039] The second charging unit 12 can be disposed between the first charging unit 11 and the dust collecting unit 20. The second charging unit 12 can generate an alternating current between the first charging unit 11 and the dust collecting unit 20. Air can pass through the first charging unit 11, the second charging unit 12, and the dust collecting unit 20 in sequence.

[0040] The second charging portion 12 may be formed of a plurality of electrode plates extending long on one side. The second charging portion 12 may be referred to as an AC electrode 12. The plurality of second charging portions 12 may be arranged parallel to the air flow direction. The plurality of second charging portions 12 may be arranged spaced apart and parallel to each other in the thickness direction. Air may pass between the plurality of second charging portions 12.

[0041] The dust collection unit 20 may be located downstream (rear) of the first charging unit 11 (see FIG. 2). The dust collection unit 20 may be located downstream (rear) of the second charging unit 12. The second charging unit 12 may be located between the first charging unit 11 and the dust collection unit 20. The dust collection unit 20 may collect charged particles.

[0042] The dust collecting unit 20 may include a first electrode 21 and a second electrode 22. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 may have an electrode plate shape extending long on one side. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 extend parallel to the second charging unit 12. A plurality of the first electrodes 21 and the second electrodes 22 are provided. The plurality of first electrodes 21 and the plurality of second electrodes 22 may be arranged alternately and parallel to each other in the thickness direction with a space therebetween. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 may face each other. Air may pass between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22.

[0043] The first electrode 21 may be applied with a high voltage. The second electrode 22 may be opposed to the first electrode 21. The second electrode 22 may be grounded. A high voltage may be applied to the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 such that plasma is formed in the space between them.

[0044] The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 may have various arrangements and shapes. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are not limited to any particular arrangement or shape as long as they are arranged or shaped so that air passes through the space between them while generating plasma in the space. There are various types of plasma, such as corona discharge, dielectric barrier discharge, streamer discharge, and arc discharge, and electrode shapes and voltage forms suitable for each type may be introduced.

[0045] The first electrode 21 may include a needle electrode 21a having a sharp shape. When a high voltage is applied to the first electrode 21, a corona discharge may occur at the needle electrode 21a. As another example, the needle electrode 21a may be formed on the second electrode 22. As another example, the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 may have a wire plate shape (see FIGS. 6 and 7). This allows the foreign matter to be ionized.

[0046] The dust collecting unit 20 may include a dielectric filter 23. The dielectric filter 23 is formed of a porous filter material and allows air to pass through. For example, the dielectric filter 23 may be a nonwoven fabric or a HEPA filter.

[0047] Meanwhile, the first electrode 21 and / or the second electrode 22 can be heated to a predetermined temperature to heat the surroundings. The needle electrode 21a of the first electrode 21 can be heated. For example, the first electrode 21 and / or the second electrode 22 can be heated to 25 to 100 degrees Celsius. For example, the first electrode 21 and / or the second electrode 22 is an electrically resistant metal, and can be heated like a resistive heater when a voltage is applied. At this time, a resistance value for setting a predetermined heating temperature of the first electrode 21 and / or the second electrode 22 can be set according to a high voltage value for generating plasma.

[0048] In another example, a separate heater may heat the periphery of the first electrode 21 and / or the second electrode 22. For example, the heater may be a sheathed heater. For example, the heater may be electrically connected to the first electrode 21 to heat the first electrode 21. For example, the heater may be electrically connected to the second electrode 22 to heat the second electrode 22.

[0049] This allows the ozone generated during the ionization process to be removed, as will be described later.

[0050] 6 and 7, the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 22 may have the form of a wire plate. The first electrode 210 may have a wire shape extending long in the longitudinal direction of the second electrode 22 between the second electrodes 22. The second electrode 22 may have a plate shape. The first electrode 210 may be applied with a high voltage, and the second electrode 22 may be opposed to the first electrode 210 and grounded. Alternatively, the second electrode 22 may be applied with a high voltage, and the first electrode 210 may be opposed to the second electrode 22 and grounded. When a voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 22, a discharge may occur around the first electrode 210 to form plasma. This may ionize the foreign matter.

[0051] The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 22 may be heated, as described above with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0052] 8, particles such as foreign matter in the air can be charged and ionized by a first charging section 11. The charged particles, ions and uncharged particles can pass through a second charging section 12 together with the air.

[0053] The second charging unit 12 may generate an alternating current between the plurality of second charging units 12. That is, the potential difference between the opposing second charging units may continuously change. The second charging unit 12 may charge particles and ions in the air with an alternating current. The particles and ions in the air may pass between the plurality of second charging units 12, and the speed of the ions or particles may increase due to the alternating current.

[0054] This may activate collisions between particles and / or ions, increase the operating time, and increase the contact opportunities between uncharged particles and ions, thereby increasing the charge rate of foreign particles and improving the efficiency of foreign particle collection.

[0055] The air that has passed through the second charging section 12 can pass through the dielectric filter 23. The charged particles can be physically collected in the dielectric filter 23 via electrostatic force.

[0056] 9(a) shows a comparison between trend line L1 of the relative amount of ozone generated according to the particle charge rate of the diffusion charger and wire plate charger, and trend line L2 of the relative amount of ozone generated according to the particle charge rate when AC charging is added. It can be seen that when AC charging is added, the amount of ozone generated is relatively low compared to the rate at which the particles are charged.

[0057] Figure 9(b) compares the collection efficiency when the collection section length is 15mm and 32mm based on the air flow direction, and when a 17mm long AC charging section is added to the 15mm collection section. A diffusion charger was also used in each comparison group. The collection efficiency was calculated as the percentage of dust particles collected in the dust.

[0058] When the dust size was 50 nm, the collection efficiency was 84% ​​when the length of the collection section was 15 mm, 85% when the length of the collection section was 32 mm, and 97% when an AC charging section was added. The larger the dust size, the greater the difference in collection efficiency, and the collection efficiency was significantly higher when an AC charging section was added.

[0059] 10 and 11, oxygen molecules (O 2 ) is decomposed by discharge to form oxygen atoms (O), which then turn into oxygen molecules (O 2 ) and ozone (O 3 At this time, the periphery of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 22 can be heated to reduce the concentration of ozone. For example, as described above, a heater can directly heat the periphery of the electrodes, or an electrically resistive electrode can be directly heated by application of a current.

[0060] Referring to Figure 11(a), it can be seen that the surrounding ozone concentration decreases as the electrode temperature increases. Referring to Figure 11(b), it can be seen that as the electrode temperature increases, the ozone concentration decreases. As the electrode temperature increases, the air dielectric breakdown strength decreases, the discharge voltage decreases, and the ozone concentration decreases.

[0061] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood separately from the technical ideas and perspectives of the present invention.

[0062] [Claims at the time of international application] [Claim 1] An electrostatic precipitator comprising: a first charging section for charging the particles; a dust collecting section located behind the first charging section and configured to collect the charged particles; a second charging unit that generates an alternating current between the first charging unit and the dust collecting unit. [Claim 2] 2. The electric dust collector according to claim 1, wherein the second charging portion is formed of a plurality of electrode plates that extend long on one side, are arranged in parallel to each other at a distance in a thickness direction, and generate an alternating current therebetween. [Claim 3] The first charging unit further includes a case that houses the second charging unit and the dust collecting unit and is open in the air flow direction, 3. The electric dust collector according to claim 2, wherein the first charging portion comprises a plurality of first charging portions arranged adjacent to an edge portion of the case and positioned toward an opening of the case. [Claim 4] The dust collection unit is A plurality of first electrodes to which a high voltage is applied; 2. The electric dust collector according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of second electrodes arranged alternately with the first electrodes and spaced apart from each other and grounded. [Claim 5] 4. The electrostatic precipitator of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a needle electrode having a pointed shape that generates a corona discharge. [Claim 6] 4. The electric dust collector according to claim 3, wherein the first electrode is made of an electrically resistive metal and generates heat when a voltage is applied thereto. [Claim 7] 4. The electrostatic precipitator according to claim 3, further comprising a heater that heats air around the first electrode. [Claim 8] 8. The electrostatic precipitator of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first electrode is heated to between 25 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius. [Claim 9] 4. The electric dust collector according to claim 3, wherein the dust collecting section includes the first electrode and a dielectric filter disposed rearward of the second electrode. [Claim 10] A home appliance, An electrostatic precipitator according to claim 1; a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the electrostatic precipitator being disposed between the inlet and the outlet; a blower fan disposed within the housing to direct the air from the inlet to the outlet.

Claims

1. An electrostatic precipitator comprising: A first charging unit that charges the particles; a dust collecting section located behind the first charging section and configured to collect the charged particles; a second charging unit that generates an alternating current between the first charging unit and the dust collecting unit.

2. The electrostatic precipitator according to claim 1 , wherein the second charging unit is formed of a plurality of electrode plates that extend long on one side, are arranged in parallel to each other in a thickness direction, and are spaced apart from each other to generate an alternating current therebetween.

3. the first charging unit further includes a case that houses the second charging unit and the dust collecting unit and is open in an air flow direction, The electric dust collector according to claim 2 , wherein the first charging portion is arranged adjacent to an edge of the case and is positioned toward an opening of the case.

4. The dust collection unit is A plurality of first electrodes to which a high voltage is applied; 2. The electrostatic precipitator according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of second electrodes arranged alternately and spaced apart from the first electrodes and grounded.

5. 4. The electrostatic precipitator of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a needle electrode having a pointed shape that generates a corona discharge.

6. 4. The electrostatic precipitator according to claim 3, wherein the first electrode is made of an electrically resistive metal and generates heat when a voltage is applied thereto.

7. The electrostatic precipitator according to claim 3 , further comprising a heater that heats air around the first electrode.

8. 8. An electrostatic precipitator according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first electrode is heated to between 25 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius.

9. The electric dust collector according to claim 3 , wherein the particulate collection section includes the first electrode and a dielectric filter disposed rearward of the second electrode.

10. A home appliance, The electrostatic precipitator according to claim 1; a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the electrostatic precipitator being disposed between the inlet and the outlet; a blower fan disposed within the housing to direct the air from the inlet to the outlet.

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