Air Sterilizer

Abstract

An air sterilization device capable of increasing the generation efficiency of hydroxyl radicals is provided. The air sterilization device is formed with a housing, a container, a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path. The first flow path connects a first air inlet and a mixing space. The second flow path connects a second air inlet and the mixing space. The third flow path connects the mixing space and an air outlet. The container holds liquid and is disposed inside the housing such that the inlet of the container is in contact with the first flow path. The blowing fan is disposed in the second flow path and draws in air from the second air inlet. The ozone generator is disposed in the second flow path and generates ozone using air that is introduced through the second air inlet. The mixing fan is disposed in the mixing space and mixes air that is contained in the container after the liquid in the container is evaporated and reaches the mixing space through the first flow path with air that is contained in the mixing space through the second flow path and contains ozone generated by the ozone generator and reaches the mixing space through the second flow path. In this case, the first flow path and the second flow path may be arranged so as not to be aligned with each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilizer, and more particularly to an air sterilizer for removing airborne germs. [Background technology]

[0002] As industrialization progresses and urbanization and population density accelerate, the problem of air pollution, which is essential for human beings to breathe every day, is becoming more serious. The fossil fuels used by humans every day inevitably release pollutants into the air, and the concentration of pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria in the air is increasing, so people's desire for clean air is becoming stronger. Air purifiers and air sterilizers are used to satisfy this desire.

[0003] Most pollutants in the air are inhaled by humans through breathing, causing various illnesses. However, it is known that the hydroxyl radical (OH) plays the most important role in the natural purification process of pollutants that has been discovered so far. The hydroxyl radical (OH) is an important purifying agent for the air, eliminating various pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

[0004] Currently, ozone is reacted with evaporated hydrogen peroxide or ozone with evaporated limonene solution to generate hydroxyl radicals. However, if the reaction is not complete, not only does the consumption of reactants increase, but the ozone released into the atmosphere due to the incomplete reaction may have adverse effects on the human body, and improvements are needed to address this issue. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. KR10-1555814 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Registration No. KR10-1600833

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air sterilization device capable of increasing the generation efficiency of hydroxyl radicals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An air sterilization device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a container, a blowing fan, an ozone generator, and a mixing fan. A first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path are formed in the housing. The first flow path connects between a first air inlet and a mixing space. The second flow path connects between a second air inlet and the mixing space. The third flow path connects between the mixing space and an air outlet. The container is disposed inside the housing and contains a liquid, and is disposed inside the housing such that an inlet thereof is in contact with the first flow path. The blowing fan is disposed in the second flow path and draws air from the second air inlet. The ozone generator is disposed in the second flow path and generates ozone using the air flowing in through the second air inlet. The mixing fan is disposed in the mixing space and mixes the air containing the vaporized liquid in the container that has reached the mixing space through the first flow path and the air containing ozone generated by the ozone generator that has reached the mixing space through the second flow path.

[0008] As an embodiment, the first flow path and the second flow path may not be arranged side by side with each other.

[0009] As an embodiment, the first flow path and the second flow path may be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0010] As an embodiment, in the first flow path, the portion where the inlet of the container is in contact may be formed to have a narrower width than other regions so that the liquid in the container is drawn.

[0011] In one embodiment, the device may further include a UV LED disposed in the third flow path.

[0012] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the inner wall of the third flow path may be coated with TiO2.

[0013] In one embodiment, the mixing fan may further include a blowing fan drive motor that rotates the blowing fan, and the mixing fan may be rotated by the air introduced through the second flow path.

[0014] In this case, the diameter of the second flow path may be gradually reduced and connected to the mixing space so that the speed of the air flowing into the mixing space in the second flow path can be increased and the rotation speed of the mixing fan can be increased.

[0015] In one embodiment, the blowing fan drive motor for rotating the blowing fan and the mixing fan drive motor for rotating the mixing fan may be further included.

[0016] In this case, the apparatus may further include a control unit that individually controls a rotation speed of the blowing fan drive motor and a rotation speed of the mixing fan drive motor to adjust a ratio between air containing evaporated liquid in the container and passing through the first flow path to the mixing space and air containing ozone generated by the ozone generator and passing through the second flow path to the mixing space.

[0017] In this case, the container stores a limonene solution, and the control unit can control the rotation speed of the blowing fan drive motor and the rotation speed of the mixing fan drive motor so that the ozone:limonene ratio is in the range of 1:0.3 to 3.

[0018] Alternatively, the container may store hydrogen peroxide, and the control unit may control the rotation speed of the blowing fan drive motor and the rotation speed of the mixing fan drive motor so that the ozone:hydrogen peroxide ratio is in the range of 1:0.3 to 2.

[0019] In one embodiment, when the mixing fan of the air sterilizer is driven by a mixing fan drive motor, the mixing fan may be configured to be able to be disconnected from the drive motor.

[0020] In one embodiment, the container may be configured to be detachable from the housing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the air sterilizer may further include a liquid level measuring device for measuring the amount of liquid remaining in the container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] As described above, in the air sterilization device according to the present invention, the first and second flow paths are arranged vertically rather than parallel to each other, which allows for smooth mixing of limonene or hydrogen peroxide with ozone and increases the generation of hydroxyl radicals.

[0023] In addition, UV LED can be used to perform additional sterilization in the exhaust air, and UV LED and TiO2 coating can generate hydroxyl radicals and amplify their energy.

[0024] Also, when only the blowing fan is driven by the blowing fan drive motor and rotated by the air flowing through the second flow path AP2 by the mixing fan, energy can be relatively reduced. Individually, when only the blowing fan is driven by the blowing fan drive motor and the mixing fan is driven by the mixing fan drive motor, by reacting through the optimal reaction ratio of ozone and hydrogen peroxide or the atomized limonene solution, the consumption of reactants can be minimized, ozone emissions can be suppressed, and efficient generation of hydroxyl radicals is possible.

[0025] Also, when the mixing fan of the air sterilization device is driven by the mixing fan drive motor, if it is formed so that the connection between the mixing fan and the mixing fan drive motor can be released, it can be selected for the two long points.

[0026] Also, when the container is formed so that it can be detached from the housing, the injection of hydrogen peroxide or limonene can be made easier.

[0027] Also, when the air sterilization device further includes a liquid remaining amount measuring device for measuring the remaining amount of liquid in the container, the consumption state of hydrogen peroxide or the limonene solution in the container can be confirmed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of an air sterilization device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a front cross-sectional view of the air sterilization device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a front cross-sectional view of an air sterilization device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a drawing showing the simulation result showing the air flow in the mixing space of the air sterilization device according to the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a housing having a first passage connecting a first air inlet and a mixing space, a second passage connecting a second air inlet and the mixing space, and a second passage connecting the mixing space and the air outlet formed therein; a container disposed within the housing for containing a liquid, the container having an inlet connected to the first passage; a blowing fan disposed in the second passage and drawing air through the second air inlet; an ozone generator disposed in the second passage and generating ozone using air flowing in through the second air inlet; and a mixing fan disposed in the mixing space and mixing air containing the evaporated liquid in the container, which has passed through the first passage and reached the mixing space, with air containing the ozone generated by the ozone generator, which has passed through the second passage and reached the mixing space.

[0030] The present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various forms. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific disclosed embodiments, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0031] Although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various elements, the elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0032] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless clearly indicated otherwise in the context. In this application, terms such as "including" or "having" mean that the features, numbers, steps, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification exist, and it should be understood that the existence or addition possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded in advance. Also, the meaning of "connected" or "coupled" when A and B are connected includes that other component C is included between A and B and A and B are connected or coupled in addition to A and B being directly connected or coupled to each other.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in this application.

[0034] Also, the configurations separately described in each embodiment may be applicable in other embodiments.

[0035] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air sterilization device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the air sterilization device shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air sterilization device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 1100, a container BO, a blowing fan 1200, an ozone generator 1300, and a mixing fan 1400. As an embodiment, the air sterilization device 1000 may further include a control unit 1500 for controlling the air sterilization device 1000 and a liquid remaining amount measuring device 100 for measuring the liquid remaining amount in the container BO.

[0038] The housing may be, for example, in a stand shape and may form legs or wheels at the bottom. Alternatively, the housing 1100 may be formed in a wall-mounted form to be hung on a wall.

[0039] A control panel CP may be provided on the surface of the housing 1100. The control panel CP is interlocked with the control unit 1500, and a user can control the driving of the air sterilization device 1000 through the control panel CP. The control panel CP may display the liquid remaining amount in the container BO sensed through the liquid remaining amount measuring device 100.

[0040] On the surface of the housing 1100, a first air inlet AI1 and a second air inlet AI2 for inhaling external air are provided, and an air outlet AO for discharging air containing hydroxyl radicals is provided.

[0041] Inside the housing 1100, a first flow path AP1, a second flow path AP2, and a third flow path AP3 are formed. Through the first flow path AP1, air mixed with evaporated limonene or hydrogen peroxide flows. Through the second flow path AP2, air containing ozone flows. Through the third flow path, hydroxyl radicals flow. Also, the first flow path AP1 and the second flow path AP2 are connected to a mixing space MS, and limonene or hydrogen peroxide evaporated in the mixing space MS and ozone are mixed to generate hydroxyl radicals.

[0042] That is, the first flow path AP1 connects the first air inlet AI1 and the mixing space MS. The second flow path AP2 connects the second air inlet AP2 and the mixing space MS. The third flow path AP3 connects the mixing space MS and the air outlet AO.

[0043] At this time, the first flow path AP1 and the second flow path AP2 may be arranged not side by side. For example, the first flow path AP1 and the second flow path AP2 may be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0044] Conventionally, the first flow path AP1 and the second flow path AP2 through which the evaporated limonene or hydrogen peroxide flows are formed in a direction side by side. When they are mixed with each other, the air flow forms a laminar flow, and the total amount of the evaporated limonene or hydrogen peroxide cannot react with ozone. As a result, the unreacted ozone is discharged, and the generation of hydroxyl radicals generated is less than the consumption amount of limonene or hydrogen peroxide.

[0045] However, the first flow path AP1 and the second flow path AP2 may be arranged so as not to be side by side. For example, when the first flow path AP1 and the second flow path AP2 are arranged perpendicular to each other, turbulence flow can be induced to improve the mixing efficiency.

[0046] On the other hand, the container contains a liquid and is arranged inside the housing 1100 so that one opening of the container BO is in contact with the first flow path AP1. As an embodiment, the container BO may be formed to be detachable from the housing 1100.

[0047] On the other hand, the container BO is formed of a transparent material. Therefore, the remaining amount of the liquid LQ in the container BO may be sensed through an external liquid remaining amount measuring device 100.

[0048] The blowing fan 1200 is arranged in the second flow path AP2 and pulls air from the second air inlet AI2.

[0049] The ozone generator 1300 is disposed in the second passage AP2 and generates ozone using the air introduced through the second air inlet AI2.

[0050] The mixing fan 1400 is disposed in the mixing space MS and mixes the air that has passed through the first flow path AP1 and reached the mixing space MS and that contains the evaporated liquid LQ in the container BO with the air that has passed through the second flow path AP2 and reached the mixing space MS and that contains ozone generated by the ozone generator 1300.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first flow path AP1 may be formed so that the portion where the inlet of the container BO comes into contact (area B in Figure 2) is narrower than other areas so that the liquid LQ in the container BO is pulled up.

[0052] In one embodiment, the optical fiber optics device may further include a UV LED 1600 disposed in the third flow path AP3.

[0053] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the inner wall of the third flow passage AP3 may be coated with TiO2 (1100a).

[0054] Therefore, additional sterilization can be carried out in the exhaust air through UV LED, and the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH) and their energy can be amplified through UV LED and TiO2 coating.

[0055] In one embodiment, the air sterilizer 1000 may further include a blowing fan drive motor (not shown) that rotates the blowing fan 1200, and the mixing fan 1400 may be rotated by the air flowing in through the second flow path AP2.

[0056] At this time, the diameter of the second flow path AP2 gradually decreases so that the speed of the air flowing into the mixing space MS can be increased through the second flow path AP2, thereby increasing the rotation speed of the mixing fan 1400 (see region A in FIG. 2).

[0057] The control unit 1500 is connected to the blowing fan driving motor (not shown), the liquid remaining amount measuring device 100, and the UV LED 1600, and can control them.

[0058] Figure 3 is a front cross-sectional view of an air sterilizer according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Compared to the air sterilizer 1000 shown in Figure 2, the air sterilizer 2000 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 3 is substantially the same as the air sterilizer 1000 shown in Figure 2, except that it further includes a mixing fan drive motor that drives the mixing fan 1400, and the controller 1500 controls the mixing fan drive motor. Therefore, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0059] 3, an air sterilizer 2000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 1100, a container BO, a blowing fan 1200, an ozone generator 1300, and a mixing fan 1400. The air sterilizer 2000 further includes a blowing fan drive motor (not shown) that rotates the blowing fan 1200 and a mixing fan drive motor (not shown) that rotates the mixing fan 100.

[0060] At this time, in order to adjust the ratio of the air containing the evaporated liquid LQ in the container BO that has passed through the first flow path AP1 and reached the mixing space MS and the air containing ozone generated by the ozone generator 1300 that has passed through the second flow path AP2 and reached the mixing space MS, the air sterilization device 2000 may further include a control unit 1500 that individually controls the rotation speed of the blowing fan drive motor (not shown) and the rotation speed of the mixing fan drive motor.

[0061] At this time, the container BO stores a limonene solution, and the control unit 1500 can control the rotation speed of the blowing fan drive motor (not shown) and the rotation speed of the mixing fan drive motor (not shown) so that the ozone:limonene ratio is mixed in the range of 1:0.3.

[0062] Differently, the container BO stores hydrogen peroxide, and the control unit 1500 can control the rotation speed of the blowing fan drive motor (not shown) and the rotation speed of the mixing fan drive motor (not shown) so that the ozone:hydrogen peroxide ratio is mixed in the range of 1:0.3 to 2.

[0063] Thus, when the mixing fan 1400 of the air sterilization device 2000 is driven by a mixing fan drive motor (not shown), it may be formed so that the connection between the mixing fan 1400 and the mixing fan drive motor can be released. Therefore, when the connection with the mixing fan drive motor (not shown) is released, it can be driven only by the blowing fan drive motor to reduce energy, and by driving the mixing fan drive motor (not shown), efficient mixing of limonene or hydrogen peroxide and ozone can minimize the consumption of reactants and enable efficient generation of hydroxyl radicals while suppressing ozone emissions.

[0064] On the other hand, during manufacturing, the rotational speed of the blowing fan 1200 and mixing fan 1400 may be set, and during driving, the amount of limonene or hydrogen peroxide and ozone that are evaporated, may be sensed, and the rotational speed of the blowing fan 1200 and mixing fan 1400 may be controlled through the control unit 1500.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the results of a simulation showing the air flow in the mixing space of the air sterilizer according to the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, the first and second flow paths are arranged vertically, and the generation of turbulence can be seen. Such turbulence allows for more efficient mixing of limonene and ozone.

[0067] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can modify or change the present invention without departing from the concept and spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1000, 2000: Air sterilizer 1100: Housing 1100a: TiO2 coating 1200: Blowing fan 1300: Ozone generator 1400: Mixing Fan 1500: Control unit 1600:UV LED 100: Liquid level measuring device AP1: First flow path AP2: Second flow path AP3: Third flow path AI1: First air inlet AI2: Second air inlet AO: Air outlet MS: Mixed Space BO: Container LQ: Liquid CP: Control Panel

Claims

1. A housing formed with therein a first flow path connecting between a first air inlet and a mixing space, a second flow path connecting between a second air inlet and the mixing space, and a third flow path connecting between the mixing space and an air outlet, and a container disposed inside the housing for containing a liquid and having an inlet in contact with the first flow path, a blowing fan disposed in the second flow path for drawing air from the second air inlet, an ozone generator disposed in the second flow path for generating ozone using the air flowing in through the second air inlet, a mixing fan disposed in the mixing space for mixing the air containing the vaporized liquid in the container that has passed through the first flow path and reached the mixing space and the air containing ozone generated by the ozone generator that has passed through the second flow path and reached the mixing space, a blowing fan drive motor for rotating the blowing fan, a mixing fan drive motor for rotating the mixing fan, in order to adjust the ratio of the air containing the vaporized liquid in the container that has passed through the first flow path and reached the mixing space and the air containing ozone generated by the ozone generator that has passed through the second flow path and reached the mixing space, a control unit for individually controlling the rotational speed of the blowing fan drive motor and the rotational speed of the mixing fan drive motor, An air sterilization device characterized by including the above.

2. The air sterilization device according to Claim 1, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are not arranged side by side with each other.

3. The air sterilization device according to Claim 1, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are arranged perpendicular to each other.

4. The air sterilization device according to Claim 1, wherein the portion of the first flow path where the inlet of the container is in contact is formed to have a narrower width compared to other regions so that the liquid in the container is drawn up.

5. The air sterilization device according to Claim 1, further including a UV LED disposed in the third flow path.

6. At least a part of the inner wall of the third flow path is TiO ２ The air sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that a coating is formed.

7. The container stores a limonene solution, The control unit, The air sterilization device according to Claim 1, wherein the rotational speed of the blowing fan drive motor and the rotational speed of the mixing fan drive motor are controlled so that the ratio of ozone to limonene is mixed in a range of 1:0.3 to 3.

8. The container stores hydrogen peroxide, The control unit, The air sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation speed of the blowing fan drive motor and the rotation speed of the mixing fan drive motor are controlled so that ozone and hydrogen peroxide are mixed in a ratio of 1:0.3 to 2.

9. The air sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection between the mixing fan and the drive motor is formed so as to be releasable.

10. The air sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is formed so as to be detachable from the housing.

11. The air sterilization device according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid remaining amount measuring device for measuring the remaining amount of liquid in the container.

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