Air Purification Module

Abstract

To provide an air purifying module with improved deodorizing efficiency.SOLUTION: An air purifying module includes: a photocatalyst filter 10 which purifies passing air; and a light source part 20 which is arranged apart from the photocatalyst filter in a predetermined direction, and provides light for one surface of the photocatalyst filter, where the light source part includes a substrate 23 and a light-emitting element 21 arranged on the substrate; the substrate includes a photocatalyst corresponding region which opposes one surface of the photocatalyst filter and has first openings, and an outer surrounding area having second openings outside the photocatalyst corresponding region; and the density of the first openings is larger than the density of the second openings. The photocatalyst filter includes a plurality of through ports through which air passes, and the first openings, the second openings, and the plurality of through ports penetrate in a predetermined direction. When seen from the predetermined direction, the substrate has an area larger than the photocatalyst filter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purification module and a refrigerator including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that keeps food fresh by having a storage compartment for refrigerating and storing food and a cold air supply device that supplies cold air to the storage compartment.

[0003] Many foods stored in refrigerators have various odors, such as the fishy smell of fish or the smell of fermented foods like kimchi. These odors can permeate the refrigerator and cause discomfort to users. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an air purification module with improved deodorizing efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An air purification module for purifying air according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a photocatalytic filter and a light source unit sequentially arranged along a first direction. The light source unit is spaced apart from the photocatalytic filter and provides light to the photocatalytic filter, and includes a substrate and a light emitting element disposed on the substrate. The substrate includes at least one opening that controls the flow path and flow speed of air so that the air purification effect of the photocatalytic filter is enhanced when air travels from the substrate toward the photocatalytic filter, and the opening has a diameter of 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the photocatalytic filter may have a plurality of through holes parallel to the air flow path and may be arranged in a direction parallel to the openings of the substrate.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the through hole of the photocatalytic filter and the opening of the substrate may penetrate the photocatalytic filter and the substrate along the first direction.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, when an area where light emitted from the light emitting element reaches is defined as an irradiation area, at least a portion of the photocatalytic filter is disposed within the irradiation area where light is irradiated.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the openings may be plural, and the substrate may include a heat dissipation portion provided in an area corresponding to the area between adjacent irradiation areas, where the openings are not provided.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the irradiation regions may be arranged in a matrix, and the heat dissipation portions may be provided between adjacent rows and between adjacent columns.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air purification module may further include a housing that houses the photocatalytic filter and the light source unit and has openings through which the air moves along the first direction.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing may include a rib provided at a position corresponding to the heat dissipation portion.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, when viewed in the first direction, the area of ​​the substrate is larger than the area of ​​the photocatalytic filter, and the photocatalytic filter may have a photocatalyst-compatible area corresponding to the substrate and an outer area other than the photocatalyst-compatible area.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the substrate may have a plurality of openings in each of the photocatalyst corresponding area and the outer area, and the size of each opening in the photocatalyst corresponding area may be larger than the size of each opening in the outer area.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the substrate, the openings may be provided in the photocatalyst corresponding area, and may not be provided in the outer area.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source unit may be provided in a plurality of units. In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source unit may include a first light source unit and a second light source unit facing each other with the photocatalytic filter interposed therebetween. In one embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting elements of the first light source unit and the second light source unit may face each other with the photocatalytic filter interposed therebetween, and the first light source unit and the second light source unit may each be provided with a plurality of openings.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the openings of the first light source unit and the openings of the second light source unit may be arranged to overlap each other when viewed along the first direction, or the openings of the first light source unit and the openings of the second light source unit may be arranged to not at least partially overlap each other when viewed along the first direction.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the openings of the first light source unit and the openings of the second light source unit may have different sizes.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, when viewed along the first direction, the first light source unit and the second light source unit may include a plurality of regions arranged to overlap each other, and the light-emitting element may be arranged in at least one of the regions of the first light source unit and at least one of the regions of the second light source unit.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, when viewed along the first direction, at least one of the regions of the first light source unit in which the light-emitting elements are arranged and at least one of the regions of the second light source unit in which the light-emitting elements are arranged may not overlap each other.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, in each of the first and second light source units, the diameters of the openings provided in the areas where the light-emitting elements are arranged and the areas where the light-emitting elements are not arranged may be different from each other.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, in each of the first and second light source units, the diameter of each opening provided in each area where the light-emitting element is arranged may be larger than the diameter of each opening provided in each area where the light-emitting element is not arranged.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, in each of the first and second light source units, the difference between the area of ​​each opening provided in each region where the light-emitting element is arranged and the area of ​​each opening provided in each region where the light-emitting element is not arranged may be 20% or less.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air purification module may further include an air distributor disposed adjacent to the photocatalytic filter or the light source unit, for providing the air to the photocatalytic filter side along the first direction at a uniform flow rate and volume.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air distributor may have voids therein through which the air passes. In one embodiment of the present invention, the average diameter of the voids may be smaller than the average diameter of the openings of the substrate. In one embodiment of the present invention, the air distributor may include at least one of an organic antibacterial material and an inorganic antibacterial material.

[0026] One embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerator employing the air purification module, the refrigerator including a main body having a cooler mounted thereon and a storage compartment, and the air purification module installed in the storage compartment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] The present invention can provide an air purification module with improved deodorizing efficiency.

[0028] Furthermore, the present invention can provide a refrigerator employing an air purification module with improved deodorizing efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a case where a light source unit is deformed; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing an air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a case where a light source unit is deformed; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing an air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a case where a plurality of light source units are provided; [Figure 5a] 5 is a plan view showing the first light source unit and the second light source unit provided in FIG. 4 in the air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5b] 5 is a plan view showing the first light source unit and the second light source unit provided in FIG. 4 in the air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6a] 5 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 4 and showing a first light source unit and a second light source unit modified to have a different form from those in FIG. 4 in an air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6b] 5 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 4 and showing a first light source unit and a second light source unit modified to have a different form from those in FIG. 4 in an air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a graph showing deodorizing efficiency depending on the diameter of an opening in a substrate of a light source unit of an air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a graph showing deodorizing efficiency depending on the diameter of an opening in a substrate of a light source unit of an air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a refrigerator, which is one of home appliances. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0030] Because the present invention can be modified in various ways and can take various forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, but it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the invention to the particular disclosed form, and that the invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the invention.

[0031] The air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention is used in various air conditioners such as refrigerators, automobiles, and air purifiers. The fluid may include water or air, and the air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention is particularly a device for treating air with sterilization, purification, deodorization, and the like. However, the air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, as long as it is used for sterilizing, purifying, deodorizing, and deodorizing a specific fluid. In addition, The air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be used not only in an air conditioner but also in other devices.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] An air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a photocatalytic filter 10 through which air passes, and a light source unit 20 that provides light to the photocatalytic filter 10 .

[0035] The light source unit 20 provides light to the photocatalytic filter 10 while being spaced apart from the photocatalytic filter 10 .

[0036] The light source section 20 includes a substrate 23 and a light emitting element 21 mounted on the substrate 23 .

[0037] The substrate 23 may be provided in a plate shape. The substrate 23 is disposed apart from the photocatalytic filter 10. Since the photocatalytic filter 10 and the substrate 23 are disposed sequentially along one direction, for the sake of convenience, the direction from the light source unit toward the photocatalytic filter is referred to as the first direction D1, which is perpendicular to the first direction D2, and the substrate 23 The direction forming a plane parallel to one surface of the substrate 1 is referred to as a second direction D2, and the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions D1 and D2 is referred to as a third direction D3.

[0038] In this embodiment, the substrate 10 may be provided with an area equal to or larger than the area of ​​the photocatalytic filter 10.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one opening 25 is provided in the substrate 23 of the light source unit 20. Air to be deodorized or sterilized is supplied to the photocatalytic filter 10 through the opening 25 at an appropriate flow rate and volume.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, a large number of openings 25 may be provided, as shown in Figure 1. The openings 25 may be arranged in rows and columns, or may be arranged randomly.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the openings 25 are provided in a penetrating form to allow air to travel from the substrate 23 toward the photocatalytic filter 10. When the contact area between the air and the photocatalytic filter 10 increases as the air travels toward the photocatalytic filter 10, the air purification effect of the photocatalytic filter 10 increases. The openings 25 are used to control the flow path and flow rate of the air and may be provided in various sizes. In one embodiment of the present invention, the openings 25 may have a diameter D of about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm. Here, the diameters D of the openings 25 may be the same or different from one another. When the diameters D of the openings 25 are different from one another, the average diameter may be about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm. In this embodiment, if the diameter D of the openings 25 is less than about 1.0 mm, it may be difficult for air to pass through the openings 25. This increases pressure loss due to air movement, making effective deodorization and sterilization difficult. Furthermore, if the diameter D of the opening 25 exceeds 3.0 mm, it becomes difficult to control the flow speed and direction of the air, and the air only moves in a certain area and direction, making it difficult to achieve uniform deodorization and sterilization.

[0042] Of the surfaces of the substrate 23 facing the photocatalytic filter 10, a light-emitting element 21 may be disposed on the surface facing the photocatalytic filter 10. If the region where light emitted from the light-emitting element 21 reaches each component is defined as an irradiation region RG, at least a portion of the photocatalytic filter 10 is disposed within the irradiation region RG where light is irradiated. For ease of explanation, in FIG. 1 , the irradiation region RG as viewed along the first direction D1 is shown by a dotted line on the substrate 23. Since the light-emitting element 21 is provided on the substrate 23 and irradiates light in the direction of the photocatalytic filter 10, the actual irradiation region exists on the photocatalytic filter 10 side. For ease of explanation, in the following drawings as well, the irradiation region RG as viewed along the first direction D1 is shown on the substrate 23.

[0043] The irradiation region RG covers the area of ​​the photocatalytic filter 10 and is provided with an area that is the same as or similar to the area of ​​the photocatalytic filter 10, and may be provided with an even larger area.

[0044] The light emitted by the light emitting element 21 may have various wavelength bands. The light from the light emitting element 21 may be light in the visible light wavelength band, the infrared wavelength band, or other wavelength bands.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wavelength band of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 21 can be changed depending on the photocatalytic material provided in the photocatalytic filter 10, which will be described later. The wavelength band of the light from the light-emitting element 21 can be set depending on the reactive wavelength band of the photocatalyst.

[0046] The light-emitting element 21 can emit only a part of the wavelength band due to the photocatalytic material. For example, the light-emitting element 21 can emit light in the ultraviolet wavelength band. In this case, the light-emitting element 21 can emit light in a wavelength band of about 100 nm to about 420 nm, of which light in a wavelength band of about 240 nm to about 400 nm can be emitted. In one embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting element 21 can emit light having a wavelength band of about 250 nm to about 285 nm and / or a wavelength band of about 350 nm to about 280 nm. In one embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting element 21 can emit light of 275 nm and / or 365 nm.

[0047] The light-emitting element 21 is not particularly limited as long as it emits light in a wavelength band that reacts with the photocatalytic material. An LED (light emitting diode) element may be used as the light-emitting element 21. In one embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting element 21 can emit light having a sterilizing function to minimize bacterial growth, in addition to light of the above-mentioned wavelengths. For example, the light-emitting element 21 can emit light in a wavelength band of approximately 100 nm to 280 nm, which is the ultraviolet-C wavelength band. When the light-emitting element 21 emits light in various wavelength bands, it goes without saying that other known light-emitting elements 21 other than LEDs can be used.

[0048] However, the wavelength band of the light emitted by the light emitting element 21 is not limited to the above range. In other embodiments, light in the visible light wavelength band can be emitted in addition to ultraviolet light.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source unit 20 may provide light in a direction in which the photocatalytic filter 10 is provided, i.e., in a direction facing one surface of the substrate 23. As shown in the figure, when each light emitting element 21 is provided on one surface of the substrate 23, light may be emitted mainly in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which each light emitting element 21 is provided.

[0050] The photocatalytic filter 10 is disposed at a distance from the light source unit 20. The photocatalytic filter 10 is disposed at a distance from the light source unit 20 and positioned in the direction of air movement. In one embodiment of the present invention, the photocatalytic filter 10 may be manufactured in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having relatively wide sides. In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source unit 20 is disposed on at least one of the sides of the photocatalytic filter 10.

[0051] A flow path is formed between the photocatalytic filter 10 and the light source unit 20, and this allows air to move between the photocatalytic filter 10 and the light source unit 20. Here, the air passes through the photocatalytic filter 10. That is, both surfaces of the photocatalytic filter 10 may be provided perpendicular to the direction of air movement, i.e., the flow path.

[0052] The photocatalytic filter 10 may have a structure that maximizes the contact area with air. For example, the photocatalytic filter 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed in a lattice pattern, and each lattice may have a plurality of through-holes penetrating both sides of the photocatalytic filter 10. The through-holes of the photocatalytic filter 10 may be arranged substantially parallel to the air flow path. Furthermore, the through-holes of the photocatalytic filter 10 may be arranged substantially parallel to the penetrating direction of the openings 25 of the substrate 23. For example, the through-holes of the photocatalytic filter 10 and the openings 25 of the substrate 23 may have a shape that is open on both sides along the first direction D1. Thus, an air flow path may also be formed within the openings 25 of the substrate 23 and the through-holes of the photocatalytic filter 10. Here, the openings 25 of the substrate 23 and the photocatalytic filter 10 do not need to be completely parallel to each other. They may be partially parallel and partially non-parallel, as long as no areas where air stagnates are created.

[0053] However, the shape of the photocatalytic filter 10 is not limited to this, and other structures may be used as long as the contact area with air can be increased. Also, the photocatalytic filter 10 may have a number of pores (not shown) formed therein instead of through-holes penetrating from top to bottom.

[0054] The photocatalytic filter 10 contains a photocatalyst that treats the air by reacting with the light emitted from the light source unit 20 .

[0055] A photocatalyst is a material that undergoes a catalytic reaction when irradiated with light. The photocatalyst may react to light in various wavelength bands depending on the material constituting the photocatalyst. In one embodiment of the present invention, a material that undergoes a photocatalytic reaction to light in the ultraviolet wavelength band among various wavelength bands may be used, as will be described below. However, the type of photocatalyst is not limited thereto, and other photocatalysts having the same or similar mechanism may be used depending on the light emitted from the light emitting element 21.

[0056] Photocatalysts are activated by ultraviolet light to cause a chemical reaction, which decomposes various pollutants and bacteria in the air that come into contact with the photocatalyst through an oxidation-reduction reaction.

[0057] When a photocatalyst is exposed to light with energy levels above its band gap, it undergoes a chemical reaction that generates electrons and holes. This allows compounds in the air, such as water and organic substances, to react with hydroxyl radicals formed by the photocatalytic reaction. l Hydroxyl radicals can be decomposed by hydroxyl radicals and superoxide ions. Hydroxyl radicals are highly oxidizing substances that decompose pollutants in the air and kill bacteria. Examples of such photocatalytic materials include titanium oxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and tin oxide (SnO2). In one embodiment of the present invention, the recombination rate of holes and electrons generated on the photocatalyst surface is very fast, limiting the use of photocatalysts in photochemical reactions. The recombination rate of holes and electrons can be slowed by adding metals such as Pt, Ni, Mn, Ag, W, Cr, Mo, and Zn, or their oxides. Slowing the recombination rate of holes and electrons increases the likelihood of contact with the target substance to be oxidized and / or decomposed, resulting in increased reactivity. Furthermore, adding an oxide can adjust the photocatalyst band gap and improve performance. The above-mentioned photocatalytic reactions can be used to sterilize, purify, and deodorize air. In particular, in the case of sterilization, photocatalysts have a sterilizing or antibacterial effect by destroying enzymes in bacterial cells and enzymes that act on the respiratory system, preventing the growth of bacteria and mold and also decomposing the toxins they produce.

[0058] In particular, in one embodiment of the present invention, titanium oxide (TiO2) may be used as the photocatalyst. Titanium oxide is a material that can be converted into titanium dioxide by exposure to ultraviolet light of 400 nm or less. Hydroxyl radicals and superperoxide ions Generates and generates Hydroxyl group The radicals decompose organic matter into harmless water and carbon dioxide. Titanium oxide is nano-sized and emits a large amount of light even when a light-emitting element with a relatively small ultraviolet wavelength is used. Hydroxyl group It can generate radicals, so it has excellent decomposition ability for organic matter, and has long-lasting durability and stability against environmental changes, providing semi-permanent effects. Hydroxyl group The radicals can remove not only organic substances but also a variety of substances such as odor-causing substances and bacteria.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the photocatalyst only acts as a catalyst and does not change itself, so it can be used semi-permanently and its effects can be sustained semi-permanently as long as the corresponding light is provided.

[0060] The air purification module having the above-described structure can maintain the flow rate and volume of air provided to the photocatalytic filter 10 through the openings 25 provided in the substrate 23 of the light source unit 20 at a level appropriate for deodorization by the photocatalytic filter 10. In addition, the air purification module can maintain the flow rate and volume of air provided to the photocatalytic filter 10 through the openings 25 uniformly over the photocatalytic filter 10. This maximizes the sterilization and deodorization effects of the air purification module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] 2 is a perspective view showing an air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a modified light source unit 20. For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will be described focusing on differences from the above-described embodiments.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of light-emitting elements 21 may be provided. In this embodiment, an example in which two light-emitting elements 21 are provided is shown. The number and arrangement of the irradiation regions RG may vary depending on the arrangement of the light-emitting elements 21. This allows the light-emitting elements 21 to be appropriately arranged on the substrate 23 in consideration of the irradiation regions RG. Here, each light-emitting element 21 can provide light to a first irradiation region RG1 and a second irradiation region RG2.

[0063] When a plurality of light-emitting elements 21 are provided, as in one embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting elements 21 can be arranged in various ways so that light is irradiated as uniformly as possible over the maximum area of ​​the photocatalytic filter 10. Here, the light-emitting elements 21 can emit light in the same wavelength band or in different wavelength bands. For example, in one embodiment, all of the light-emitting elements 21 can emit light in the ultraviolet wavelength band. In another embodiment, some of the light-emitting elements 21 can emit light in a portion of the ultraviolet wavelength band, and the remaining light-emitting elements 21 can emit light in a portion of another wavelength band within the ultraviolet wavelength band. For example, some of the light-emitting elements 21 can emit light in a wavelength band of approximately 320 nm to approximately 400 nm, and the remaining light-emitting elements 21 can emit light in a different wavelength band.

[0064] In this embodiment, the amount of light is relatively small between two adjacent irradiation areas RG. If air is supplied between the two adjacent irradiation areas RG, sufficient deodorization and sterilization may be difficult. Therefore, openings 25 may not be provided in the space between the two irradiation areas RG. This reduces the amount of air supplied to the areas where a small amount of light is irradiated, and allows air to move toward the areas where a sufficient amount of light is irradiated, thereby improving the deodorizing and sterilizing effects of the air.

[0065] The region where the openings 25 are not provided is a portion where the entire substrate 23 is provided, and has a relatively high thermal conductivity compared to the region where the openings 25 are provided. As a result, the space between the two irradiation regions RG where the openings 25 are not provided can function as a path for easily transferring heat from the light emitting element 21, i.e., a heat dissipation portion 27. In other words, the heat dissipation portion 27 is a part of the substrate 23 provided in a region corresponding to the space between the adjacent irradiation regions RG, and corresponds to the region where the openings 25 are not provided.

[0066] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the light source unit 20 is deformed.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the substrate 23 of the light source unit 20 may be provided with an area larger than that of the photocatalytic filter 10. Thus, the substrate 23 may be provided with an area corresponding to one surface of the photocatalytic filter 10, i.e., a photocatalyst corresponding area FA of the substrate 23 directly facing the one surface of the photocatalytic filter 10, when viewed along the air flow direction, and an outer area not corresponding to the one surface of the photocatalytic filter 10.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to enhance the sterilizing and deodorizing effect of air by bringing air into contact with or passing through the photocatalytic filter 10, the size and density of the openings 25 can be set to different shapes in the photocatalyst corresponding area FA corresponding to one side of the photocatalyst filter 10 and the other outer area.

[0069] For example, when multiple openings 25, 25' are provided in each of the photocatalyst corresponding area FA and the outer area, the size (e.g., diameter) of each opening 25 provided in the photocatalyst corresponding area FA may be larger than the size of each opening 25' provided in the outer area. This is to allow more air to move in the photocatalyst corresponding area FA than in the outer area. Alternatively, in the outer area that is not the photocatalyst corresponding area FA, the frequency with which air comes into direct contact with the photocatalyst filter decreases, so it may not be necessary to provide each opening. In this case, each opening does not need to be provided in the outer area.

[0070] In addition, in this embodiment, it is shown that the size of the openings 25 is all the same within the area FA corresponding to one surface of the photocatalytic filter 10, but this is not limited to this, and the diameter of the openings 25 within a specified area may also vary in part.

[0071] Alternatively, the density of the openings 25 provided in the photocatalyst corresponding area FA may be greater than the density of the openings 25' provided in the outer area. This is to allow more air to move in the photocatalyst corresponding area FA than in the outer area. Here, the density of the openings means the ratio of the area occupied by each opening to the total area of ​​the substrate.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present invention, each component of the air purification module may be modified in various ways. For example, a plurality of light sources may be provided.

[0073] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a case where there are a plurality of light source units. Figs. 5a and 5b are plan views of the light source units provided in Fig. 4 in the air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] 4, 5a, and 5b, in this embodiment, the air purification module may be provided not only on one side of the photocatalytic filter 10, but also on both sides of the photocatalytic filter 10. That is, a first light source unit 20a and a second light source unit 20b facing each other across the photocatalytic filter 10 may be provided as light sources.

[0075] The first light source unit 20a includes a first substrate 23a and a first light-emitting element 21a mounted on the first substrate 23a, and may include a first opening 25a penetrating both surfaces. The second light source unit 20b includes a second substrate 23b and a second light-emitting element 21b mounted on the second substrate 23b, and may include a second opening 25b penetrating both surfaces.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first light source unit 20a and the second light source unit 20b are disposed facing each other, i.e., the first light emitting element 21a of the first light source unit 20a and the second light emitting element 21b of the second light source unit 20b are disposed facing each other with the photocatalytic filter 10 interposed therebetween.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first and second openings 25a, 25b and the through-holes of the photocatalytic filter 10 may be arranged parallel to each other so that air can effectively pass through the first and second substrates 23a, 23b and the photocatalytic filter 10. That is, the perforation direction of the first and second openings 25a, 25b of the first and second substrates 23a, 23b and the perforation direction of each through-hole may be parallel to each other. This allows the air to sequentially pass through the first opening 25a of the first substrate 23a, the photocatalytic filter 10, and the second opening 25b of the second substrate 23b, and is effectively sterilized and deodorized along the way.

[0078] Here, the light emitted from the first and second substrates 23a and 23b can also be emitted in various directions, but considering that most of the light travels in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the first and second substrates 23a and 23b, the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 21 on one surface of the first and second substrates 23a and 23b can effectively reach each part of the photocatalytic filter 10, for example, each through-hole.

[0079] However, there may be differences in the required air flow speed, volume, and / or air uniformity depending on the device in which the air purification module is employed. If these differences need to be adjusted, the air flow speed, volume, and / or air uniformity can be efficiently controlled by adjusting the positions of the first and second openings 25a and 25b of the first and second substrates 23a and 23b. For example, as shown in FIG. 5a, the positions of the first and second openings 25a and 25b of the first and second substrates 23a and 23b may be identical when viewed along the first direction D1. In other words, the first opening 25a of the first substrate 23a and the second opening 25b of the second substrate 23b may be positioned to overlap each other when viewed along the first direction D1.

[0080] 5b, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 23, the positions of the first and second openings 25a, 25b of the first and second substrates 23a, 23b may be different from each other, and in this case, the shapes of the first and second substrates 23a, 23b may be different from each other without overlapping. In other words, when viewed along the first direction D1, the first opening 25a of the first substrate 23a and the second opening 25b of the second substrate 23 The second openings 25b of b may be arranged at positions where they do not at least partially overlap each other.

[0081] As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, by making the positions of the first and second openings 25a, 25b the same or different from each other, the flow rate and volume of air passing through the first and second substrates 23a, 23b and the photocatalytic filter 10 therebetween can be controlled in different forms.

[0082] In this embodiment, only the positions of the first and second openings 25a, 25b in the first and second light source units 20a, 20b are different, but this is not limited to this, and the number of the first and second openings 25a, 25b in the first and second light source units 20a, 20b or the diameters of the first and second openings 25a, 25b may be set to different forms.

[0083] 6a and 6b are plan views showing a first light source unit 20a and a second light source unit 20b, which correspond to FIG. 4 and are modified to have a different form from that of FIG. 4, in an air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] In this embodiment, the number of light-emitting elements 21a and 21b and the illumination regions RG1, RG2, RG3, and RG4 can be combined in various ways. For example, as shown in the figure, two light-emitting elements 21a are provided in the first light source unit 20a and two light-emitting elements 21b are provided in the second light source unit 20b, and the illumination regions RG1, RG2, RG3, and RG4 covered by the light-emitting elements 21a and 21b may be configured differently. In this way, when multiple illumination regions are provided, the shape and arrangement of each illumination region can be varied in various ways depending on the arrangement position and illumination angle of each light-emitting element. In this embodiment, the illumination regions may be arranged in a matrix, for example.

[0085] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first light source unit 20a and the second light source unit 20b are provided with a plurality of irradiation regions that are arranged in overlapping positions when viewed along the first direction D1. That is, the first light source unit 20a and the second light source unit 20b are provided with first to fourth irradiation regions RG1, RG2, RG3, and RG4. The first to fourth irradiation regions RG1, RG2, RG3, and RG4 may be arranged in a 2x2 matrix, and in this embodiment, the first to fourth irradiation regions RG1, RG2, RG3, and RG4 may be arranged in the order of upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right.

[0086] The first light source unit 20a and the second light source unit 20b each include at least one light-emitting element. For example, the first light source unit 20a includes two first light-emitting elements 21a, and the positions of the first light-emitting elements 21a correspond to the first and fourth irradiation regions RG1 and RG4. The second light source unit 20b also includes two second light-emitting elements, and the positions of the second light-emitting elements 21b correspond to the second and third irradiation regions RG2 and RG3.

[0087] The first and second light emitting elements 21a and 21b of the first and second light source units 20a and 20b may be arranged in various configurations to provide the photocatalytic filter with sufficient intensity and maximum uniformity in each irradiation region. For example, when viewed along the first direction D1, at least one of the irradiation regions of the first light source unit 20a where the first light emitting element 21a is arranged and at least one of the irradiation regions of the second light source unit 20b where the second light emitting element 21b is arranged may not overlap each other. If the light emitting elements are arranged facing each other in the opposing irradiation regions, the uniformity difference between the light intensity (or intensity) at the point where the light emitting elements face each other and the light intensity in other areas may be significant. If the uniformity difference is large, the air treatment effect may be reduced in areas where less light reaches. Therefore, to ensure that the uniformity of light reaches each irradiation region as much as possible, a light emitting element may be provided in only one of the first light source unit 20a and the second light source unit 20b when the irradiation regions overlap each other when viewed along the first direction D1. In this way, by arranging the light emitting elements 21 in the first light source unit 20a and the second light source unit 20b so as not to overlap each other, it is possible to provide the entire photocatalytic filter 10 with a uniform amount of light.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention, when a light-emitting element is installed in a predetermined illumination region, a predetermined portion for mounting the light-emitting element is required, and no openings are provided in the portion for mounting the light-emitting element. As a result, the air flow rate or flow velocity may be reduced in the portion where the light-emitting element is installed compared to the other portions. To overcome this, the diameters of the openings in the regions where the light-emitting element is installed and the regions where the light-emitting element is not installed may be different from each other. For example, the diameter of the openings in the regions where the light-emitting element is installed may be larger than the diameter of the openings in the regions where the light-emitting element is not installed.

[0089] In this embodiment, in the first light source unit 20a, the diameter of the first opening 25a in the first and fourth irradiation regions RG1 and RG4 where the first light emitting element 21a is provided is larger than the diameter of the first opening 25a in the second and third irradiation regions RG2 and RG3 where the first light emitting element 21a is not provided. b The diameter of the second opening 25b in the second and third irradiation regions RG2 and RG3, where the second light-emitting element 21b is provided, is larger than the diameter of the second opening 25b in the first and fourth irradiation regions RG1 and RG4, where the second light-emitting element 21b is not provided. As a result, the area difference between the openings 25 in the irradiation regions where the light-emitting element 21 is arranged and the irradiation regions where the light-emitting element 21 is not arranged may be substantially the same. Furthermore, even if the diameters of the openings are not the same, it is preferable that they maintain a similar level, and the difference may be about 20% or less.

[0090] Since the diameter of the opening 25 in the area where the light emitting element 21 is disposed is larger, the flow rate and speed of the air are greater than those of a smaller diameter opening 25, thereby compensating for the reduction in the area where the opening 25 is disposed. As a result, the flow rate and speed can be maintained uniformly in the area where the light emitting element 21 is disposed and in the area where it is not disposed.

[0091] The air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided with an air distributor to provide a more uniform flow rate and volume when air is provided to the photocatalytic filter 10 along the first direction D1. The air distributor may be provided in various positions, for example, adjacent to the photocatalytic filter 10 or the light sources 20a and 20b. For example, the air distributor may be provided on both sides of the photocatalytic filter 10, and outside the light sources 20a and 20b.

[0092] The air distributor may be made of a porous material that allows air to pass through and be uniformly dispersed. In other words, the air distributor may be made of a material that has voids therein through which air passes. The air distributor may be made of, for example, nonwoven fabric, felt, ceramic, organic polymer such as porous PTFE, etc. However, the material of the air distributor is not limited thereto as long as it is porous and allows air to pass through uniformly.

[0093] Each gap of the air distributor can be provided in various sizes and may be smaller than the diameter of the opening provided in the light source section, for efficient distribution of air passing through the air distributor.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air distributor may have an antibacterial function. To this end, the air distributor may contain an organic antibacterial substance and / or an inorganic antibacterial substance. The inorganic antibacterial substance may include, for example, silver nanoparticles.

[0095] According to the air purification module having the above-described structures according to the embodiments of the present invention, the air provided to the photocatalytic filter has a uniform flow path / flow rate, which allows the full utilization of the entire photocatalytic filter, thereby maximizing the sterilization / deodorization effect.

[0096] 7 and 8 are graphs showing the deodorization efficiency as a function of the diameter of the opening in the substrate of the light source unit of an air purification module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Four light-emitting diodes (IF = 20 mA) emitting light in the 365 nm wavelength band were used as the light-emitting elements. One photocatalytic filter measuring 33 mm (width) x 33 mm (length) x 8 mm (height) was used. The experiment was conducted in a 20 L chamber, and the target substance for deodorization was ethylene (CH2CH2), which was provided at an initial concentration of 50 ± 5 ppm.

[0097] First, when considering the deodorizing efficiency depending on the diameter of the opening in the substrate of the light source unit of the air purification module, the deodorizing efficiency varies depending on the diameter of the opening. Table 1 shows the deodorizing efficiency depending on the diameter of the opening in the substrate of the light source unit of the air purification module, and Figure 7 shows Table 1.

[0098] [Table 1]

[0099] Referring to Table 1 and FIG. 7, the deodorizing efficiency increases depending on the diameter of each opening, and then decreases again at a certain point. That is, when the diameter of each opening is 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, the deodorizing efficiency increases, but when the diameter exceeds this, the deodorizing efficiency decreases again. Here, particularly when the diameter of each opening is 1 mm to 3 mm, the deodorizing efficiency is higher than 75%. When the diameter of each opening is smaller than about 1 mm, the deodorizing efficiency is reduced due to the excessively small air flow caused by the small diameter of each opening. On the other hand, when the diameter of each opening is larger than about 3 mm, the openings do not have an effect of reducing the flow rate, but the flow rate is so high that sufficient deodorization cannot occur. Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that an excessively slow flow rate actually reduces the deodorizing effect. Because the flow rate is closely related to the diameter of the opening, it can be seen that when the diameter is too small, the deodorizing efficiency actually decreases despite the slow flow rate.

[0100] The air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used in a variety of devices.

[0101] 9 is a diagram showing an example in which an air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a refrigerator, which is one type of home appliance. However, it goes without saying that the air purification module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied not only to refrigerators but also to other home appliances, furniture, and other installed objects in situations where treatment such as air deodorization and purification is required.

[0102] A refrigerator 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main body 200 equipped with a cooler and having a storage compartment, and an air purification module 100 according to any of the above-described embodiments that is provided in the storage compartment.

[0103] The refrigerator body 200 has at least one storage compartment, and the air purification module can be mounted in an appropriate area within the storage compartment.

[0104] The refrigerator body 200 is provided with one or more doors 300 that can open and close the storage compartment, and the body 20 facing the door 300 0 On one side of the door, there is a sensor 40 for detecting whether the door is open or not. 0 The sensor 400 may be in the form of a switch that is pressed when the door is closed.

[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the door 300 of the refrigerator 1000 is closed, the air purification module 100 inside the refrigerator 1000 may be turned on. When the air purification module 100 is turned on, the air in the storage compartment is purified. When the door 300 is opened, the air purification module 100 may be turned off.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the art that various modifications and variations of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

[0107] Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A photocatalytic filter that purifies the air that passes through it, a light source unit disposed apart from the photocatalytic filter in a first direction and providing light to one surface of the photocatalytic filter; The light source unit is A substrate; a light emitting element disposed on the substrate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The substrate is a photocatalyst corresponding area facing one surface of the photocatalyst filter and having a first opening; an outer region having a second opening outside the photocatalyst corresponding region; the light source unit includes a first light source unit and a second light source unit facing the first light source unit and the photocatalytic filter, An air purification module, wherein a first light-emitting element arranged in the first light source unit and a second light-emitting element arranged in the second light source unit are arranged in different regions that do not overlap in the first direction.

2. the photocatalytic filter includes a plurality of through holes through which the air passes; The air purification module according to claim 1 , wherein the first opening, the second opening, and the plurality of through holes extend in the first direction.

3. The air purification module according to claim 2 , wherein the substrate has a larger area than the photocatalytic filter when viewed from the first direction.

4. The air purification module according to claim 1 , wherein the one surface of the photocatalytic filter includes an illumination area where the light emitted from the light emitting element reaches.

5. The first opening is provided in plurality, each of the plurality of first openings has a diameter in the range of 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm; a plurality of the light-emitting elements are provided so that a plurality of the irradiation areas are provided on the one surface of the photocatalytic filter; the substrate further includes a plurality of heat dissipation portions in which the first openings are not provided, the heat dissipation portions corresponding to areas between the plurality of irradiation areas; The air purification module according to claim 4 , wherein the heat dissipation section is provided in a lattice pattern.

6. The photocatalytic filter and the light source unit may further include a housing having an opening through which the air passes in the first direction, the housing containing the photocatalytic filter and the light source unit. The air purification module according to claim 5 , wherein the housing includes a rib disposed at a position corresponding to the heat dissipation portion.

7. The air purification module of claim 1 , wherein the light source unit includes a first light source unit and a second light source unit facing each other with the photocatalytic filter interposed therebetween.

Images