Aerosol ionization device and air purifier employing same

Abstract

An aerosol ionization device of the present disclosure comprises: a discharge electrode; and a counter electrode. The discharge electrode includes a spun yarn comprising electrically conductive short metal fibers. Ends of at least some of the electrically conductive short metal fibers protrude from the surface of the spun yarn. The counter electrode is disposed to face the discharge electrode with a gap therebetween.

Description

Aerosol ionization device and air purifier employing the same

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol ionization device and an air purifier employing the same.

[0002] An air purifier is a device that draws in polluted air, purifies it, and then expels it. The air purifier may include an aerosol ionization device and a dust collector. The dust collector may include an electric dust collector and / or a fibrous filter. The aerosol ionization device charges aerosols in the air. The aerosol ionization device may include a discharge electrode and a counter electrode. When a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, a corona discharge is generated at the discharge electrode. The ions generated around the discharge electrode are used to ionize aerosols in the air. As a result, the efficiency of removing pollutants in the dust collector can be improved.

[0003] The aerosol ionization device of the present disclosure comprises a discharge electrode and a counter electrode. The discharge electrode comprises a spun yarn comprising electrically conductive metal fibers. At least some of the ends of the electrically conductive metal fibers protrude from the surface of the spun yarn. The counter electrode is positioned opposite the discharge electrode and spaced apart from the spun yarn.

[0004] The air purifier of the present disclosure comprises the aforementioned aerosol ionization device that charges aerosols in the air. A dust collector is positioned downstream of the ionization device to capture the aerosols. A blower creates a flow of air passing through the aerosol ionization device and the dust collector. A high-voltage generator provides a high voltage to the aerosol ionization device.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the discharge unit of Figures 1 and 2.

[0008] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the discharge unit of Figures 1 and 2.

[0009] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram showing an example of a spun yarn in the form of a single spun yarn.

[0010] Figures 5b, 5c, 5d, and 5e are schematic cross-sectional views of the spun yarn illustrated in Figure 5a.

[0011] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram showing an example of a spun yarn in the form of a multiple plies yarn.

[0012] Figures 6b, 6c, 6d, and 6e are schematic cross-sectional views of the spun yarn illustrated in Figure 6a.

[0013] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram showing an example of a core-spun yarn.

[0014] Figures 7b, 7c, 7d, and 7e are schematic cross-sectional views of the spun yarn illustrated in Figure 7a.

[0015] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic drawings showing a discharge region of a tungsten wire discharge electrode and a discharge electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0016] Figure 9 is a graph showing the results of a comparative evaluation of the amount of ozone generated by a tungsten wire discharge electrode and a discharge electrode of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 10 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the charging efficiency according to the diameter of electrically conductive metal single fibers.

[0018] Figure 11 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the charging efficiency according to the diameter of the spinning yarn forming the discharge electrode.

[0019] Figure 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an aerosol ionization device of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view showing an example of a connection structure between a discharge electrode and a discharge hub.

[0021] Fig. 14 is a partial perspective view showing an example of a structure that guides a discharge electrode in a U shape.

[0022] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a connection structure between a discharge electrode and a discharge hub.

[0023] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a connection structure between a discharge electrode and a discharge hub.

[0024] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0025] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0026] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0028] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0029] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0030] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0031] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0032] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0033] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0034] Air purifiers may include an aerosol ionization device. Aerosol ionization devices may utilize field charging or diffusion charging. For field charging, a conductive metal wire, such as tungsten, may be used as the discharge electrode. For diffusion charging, a carbon fiber assembly may be used as the discharge electrode.

[0035] The electric field charging method has the advantage of being able to uniformly charge aerosols within a confined space. However, using metal wires with a diameter of approximately 70 to 150 μm requires high current to generate stable ions, which can lead to the generation of large amounts of ozone. Furthermore, during corona discharge, reverse sputtering can cause SiO2, a combination of silicon and oxygen in the air, to form a coating on the surface of the metal wire. This can reduce discharge efficiency. Furthermore, metal wires have low elongation and are susceptible to damage due to deformation such as twisting or bending, making it difficult to form a zigzag discharge electrode by bending a single metal wire multiple times. Furthermore, using the metal wire as a discharge electrode requires applying tension. Consequently, multiple metal wires of a certain length are required, each connected to a discharge hub using a ring terminal and a spring. This increases the number of components forming the discharge electrode and the number of processes required to connect the wire to the discharge hub, potentially increasing material and manufacturing costs.

[0036] The present disclosure provides an aerosol ionization device capable of effectively charging aerosols in a limited space. The present disclosure provides an ionization device capable of reducing ozone generation. The present disclosure provides an aerosol ionization device capable of reducing the reduction in discharge efficiency due to contamination of a discharge electrode. The present disclosure provides an aerosol ionization device capable of easily removing contamination from a discharge electrode. The present disclosure provides an aerosol ionization device capable of reducing the number of parts required to install a discharge electrode. The present disclosure provides an aerosol ionization device capable of reducing manufacturing process costs. The present disclosure provides an air purifier employing an aerosol ionization device. However, the technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0037] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of an aerosol ionization device and an air purifier employing the same according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the contents described in the attached drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0038] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic diagrams of an air purifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the air purifier may include an aerosol ionization device (1), a dust collector (2), and a blower (3). The blower (3) forms an air flow passing through the aerosol ionization device (1) and the dust collector (2). Based on the direction of air flow, the dust collector (2) may be located downstream of the aerosol ionization device (1). The blower (3) may be disposed upstream of the aerosol ionization device (1), between the aerosol ionization device (1) and the dust collector (2), or downstream of the dust collector (2). In the present embodiment, the blower (3) is disposed downstream of the dust collector (2). A high voltage generator (4) provides high voltage to the aerosol ionization device (1) and the electrostatic precipitator (Fig. 1: 21).

[0039] The aerosol ionization device (1) charges aerosols, such as dust, in the air sucked in by the blower (3). The detailed structure of the aerosol ionization device (1) will be described later.

[0040] A dust collector (2) is arranged downstream of the ionizer (1) to collect aerosols. As the dust collector (2), an electric dust collector (Fig. 1: 21), a fibrous filter (Fig. 2: 22), or a combination thereof may be employed. The electric dust collector (21) may be equipped with a plurality of dust collecting electrode pairs (211). Each dust collecting electrode pair (211) includes first and second dust collecting electrodes (211A) (211B) facing each other. For example, a high voltage may be applied to the first dust collecting electrode (211A), and the second dust collecting electrode (211B) may be grounded. Due to the potential difference between the first and second dust collecting electrodes (211A) (211B), the charged aerosols may be captured by the first and second dust collecting electrodes (211A) (211B) with high dust collecting efficiency. Aerosol can be captured on the surface of fibers forming a fibrous filter (22) by electrostatic attraction. Aerosol charged by an aerosol ionization device (1) can be captured in a chain form not only on the surface of the fibers but also on the aerosol captured on the surface of the fibers, thereby improving dust collection efficiency.

[0041] The blower (3) generates an air flow that passes through the aerosol ionization device (1) and the dust collector (2). The air drawn into the air purifier by the blower (3) passes through the aerosol ionization device (1) and the dust collector (2) and is then discharged outside the air purifier. The type of blower (3) is not particularly limited.

[0042] An aerosol ionization device (1) ionizes aerosol in the air. The aerosol ionization device (1) of the present disclosure charges aerosol in the inhaled air using corona discharge. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol ionization device (1) may include a discharge electrode (11) and a counter electrode (12) facing the discharge electrode (11) with a gap therebetween. In the present embodiment, the discharge electrode (11) is positioned between a pair of counter electrodes (12). A high voltage provided from, for example, a high voltage generator (4) is applied to the discharge electrode (11). The counter electrode (12) may be grounded. The discharge electrode (11) and the counter electrode (12) form a discharge section (13) that generates a corona discharge.

[0043] FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of one embodiment of the discharge unit (13) of FIGS. 1 and 2. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the discharge electrode (11) may include a spun yarn (11C) formed by twisting a plurality of fibers. The plurality of fibers may include electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A). The length of the electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A) is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 100 mm or less. For example, the length of the electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A) may be about 20 to 100 mm. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A) may include stainless steel staple fibers. At least some of the electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A) have ends (11B) protruding from the outer surface of the spun yarn (11C). A corona discharge is generated at the protruding ends (11B). The counter electrode (12) may be an electrically conductive flat electrode as illustrated in Fig. 3. The counter electrode (12) may also be an electrically conductive wire electrode as illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0044] The spun yarn (11C) and the counter electrode (12) are spaced apart from each other. In order to prevent spark discharge due to insulation breakdown of the air between the spun yarn (11C) and the counter electrode (12), the distance between the spun yarn (11C) and the counter electrode (12) may be greater than the air insulation distance. If the distance between the spun yarn (11C) and the counter electrode (12) is too small, more spun yarns (11C) and counter electrodes (12) are placed in an air passage of a given cross-sectional area, which may increase the cost of the ionization device (1). If the distance between the spun yarn (11C) and the counter electrode (12) is too large, a relatively high voltage is required, and the ionization efficiency may be reduced. Taking these points into consideration, the distance between the spun yarn (11C) and the counter electrode (12) may be set to approximately 15 to 30 mm. For example, the distance between the spinning yarn (11C) and the counter electrode (12) may be about 20 mm.

[0045] A high voltage is applied to the spun yarn (11C) from a high voltage generator (4), and the counter electrode (12) can be grounded. Due to the potential difference between the ends (11B) of the protruding electrically conductive metal single fibers (11A) and the counter electrode (12), a corona discharge is generated at the metal ends (11B) of the protruding electrically conductive single fibers (11A), thereby releasing ions (19). The ions (19) charge the aerosol (18) contained in the air passing through the ionization device (1).

[0046] The spun yarn (11C) may include electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A). The spun yarn (11C) may further include other fibers (FIGS. 5 to 7: 11X). The other fibers (11X) may include control fibers for controlling the number and density (the number of protruding ends (11B) per unit length of the spun yarn (11C)) of the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A) protruding from the surface of the spun yarn (11C). The control fibers may include long fibers, short fibers, or a combination of the two. When the control fibers are short fibers, the control fibers may be electrically insulating fibers. Electrically insulating fibers do not function as effective discharge points even if their ends protrude from the surface of the spun yarn (11C). By mixing electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A) and control fibers in the form of short fibers to manufacture a spun yarn (11C), the number and density of the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A) protruding from the surface of the spun yarn (11C) can be controlled. Long fibers form few or relatively few protruding ends (11B). Therefore, when the control fibers are long fibers, the control fibers can be electrically conductive or electrically insulating fibers. The material of the electrically conductive long fiber-shaped control fibers is not particularly limited, and can be formed of, for example, the same material as the electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A), or can be formed of a different material. In order to reduce or prevent oxidation during washing of the spun yarn (11C), the electrically conductive long fiber-shaped control fibers can be made of a material that can withstand oxidation during washing, for example, stainless steel. The electrically insulating control fibers can be, for example, polymer fibers.

[0047] Other fibers (11X) may include reinforcing fibers for reinforcing the strength of the spun yarn (11C), for example, the tensile strength. The reinforcing fibers may include long fibers or short fibers or a combination of the two. When the reinforcing fibers are short fibers, the reinforcing fibers may be electrically insulating fibers. When the reinforcing fibers are long fibers, the reinforcing fibers may be electrically conductive or electrically insulating fibers. In this way, the strength of the spun yarn (11C) can be reinforced without affecting the number and density of the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) protruding from the surface of the spun yarn (11C).

[0048] The shape of the spun yarn (11C) forming the discharge electrode (11) is not particularly limited. For example, the spun yarn (11C) may have various shapes, such as single spun yarn, multiple plies yarn, and core-spun yarn. Hereinafter, various examples of the spun yarn (11C) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0049] Fig. 5a is a schematic diagram showing an example of a spun yarn (11C) in the form of a single spun yarn. Figs. 5b, 5c, 5d, and 5e are schematic cross-sectional views of the spun yarn (11C) illustrated in Fig. 5a. Referring to Fig. 5a, the spun yarn (11C) may be a single yarn formed by twisting two plies (11P-1) (11P-2). As illustrated in Figs. 5b to 5e, at least one of the plies (11P-1) (11P-2) may include electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A). In one embodiment, in order to control the number and density of protruding ends (11B) or to reinforce the strength of the spun yarn (11C), at least one of the plies (11P-1) (11P-2) may include other fibers (11X).

[0050] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, both strands (11P-1) (11P-2) may be strands (11P-A) formed of electrically conductive metal single fibers (11A). As illustrated in FIG. 5c, strand (11P-1) may be strands (11P-A) formed of electrically conductive metal single fibers (11A), and strand (11P-2) may be strands (11P-X) formed of other fibers (11X). As illustrated in FIG. 5d, strand (11P-1) may be strands (11P-AX) formed of electrically conductive metal single fibers (11A) and other fibers (11X), and strand (11P-2) may be strands (11P-X) formed of other fibers (11X). As illustrated in FIG. 5e, both strands (11P-1) (11P-2) may be strands (11P-AX) formed of electrically conductive metal single fibers (11A) and other fibers (11X).

[0051] Fig. 6a is a schematic diagram showing an example of a spun yarn (11C) in the form of a multiple plies yarn. Figs. 6b, 6c, 6d, and 6e are schematic cross-sectional views of the spun yarn (11C) illustrated in Fig. 6a. Referring to Figs. 6a to 6e, the spun yarn (11C) may be a multiple plies yarn formed by twisting three or more strands (11P-1 to 11P-n). At least one of the multiple strands (11P-1 to 11P-n) may include electrically conductive metal single fibers (11A). In one embodiment, at least one of the multiple strands (11P-1 to 11P-n) may include other fibers (11X). As an example, at least one of the plurality of strands (11P-1 to 11P-n) may include electrically conductive metal fibers (11A) and other fibers (11X).

[0052] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6b, all of the strands (11P-1 to 11P-n) may be strands (11P-A) formed of electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A). As illustrated in FIG. 6c, some of the strands (11P-1 to 11P-n) may be strands (11P-A) formed of electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A), and others may be strands (11P-X) formed of other fibers (11X). As illustrated in FIG. 6d, some of the strands (11P-1 to 11P-n) may be strands (11P-A) formed of electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A), and others may be strands (11P-AX) formed of electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) and other fibers (11X). As illustrated in FIG. 6e, all of the strands (11P-1 to 11P-n) may be strands (11P-AX) formed of electrically conductive metal single fibers (11A) and other fibers (11X). Of course, the strands (11P-1 to 11P-n) may be in the form of a combination of strands (11P-A), strands (11P-X), and strands (11P-AX), or may be in the form of a combination of strands (11P-X) and strands (11P-AX).

[0053] Fig. 7a is a schematic diagram showing an example of a core-spun yarn (11C). Figs. 7b, 7c, 7d, and 7e are schematic cross-sectional views of the yarn (11C) illustrated in Fig. 7a. Referring to Figs. 7a to 7e, the yarn (11C) may be a core-spun yarn including core fibers (11D) and fibers (11E) wound around the outer periphery of the core fibers (11D). The core fibers (11D) may be electrically conductive or electrically insulating. The core fibers (11D) may be long fibers. Thereby, the tensile strength of the yarn (11C) may be improved. The fibers (11E) include electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A). In one embodiment, the fibers (11E) may further include other fibers (11X). The other fibers (11X) may be electrically conductive fibers or electrically insulating fibers. The other fibers (11X) may be short fibers or long fibers. In one embodiment, the fibers (11E) may be wound around the outer periphery of the core fibers (11D) in a single strand form or a multi-strand form. In one embodiment, at least one of the multi-strands includes the electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A). In one embodiment, at least one of the multi-strands may include other fibers (11X). In one embodiment, at least one of the multi-strands may include the electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A) and other fibers (11X).

[0054] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7b, all of the multi-strands may be strands (11P-A) formed of electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A). As illustrated in FIG. 7c, some of the multi-strands may be strands (11P-A) formed of electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A), and others may be strands (11P-X) formed of other fibers (11X). As illustrated in FIG. 7d, some of the multi-strands may be strands (11P-A) formed of electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A), and others may be strands (11P-AX) formed of electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) and other fibers (11X). As illustrated in FIG. 7e, all of the multi-strands may be strands (11P-AX) formed of electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) and other fibers (11X). Of course, the multi-strands may be in the form of a combination of strand (11P-A), strand (11P-X), and strand (11P-AX), or may be in the form of a combination of strand (11P-X) and strand (11P-AX).

[0055] The shape of the spinning yarn (11C) is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may have various shapes having an appropriate number of protruding ends (11B) of length.

[0056] If the protrusion length of the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) from the outer surface of the spun yarn (11C) is too long, the distance from the counter electrode (12) may become short, causing spark discharge to occur. In addition, the longer the protrusion length of the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) from the outer surface of the spun yarn (11C), the narrower the gap from the counter electrode (12), thus narrowing the discharge range. Taking this into account, the protrusion length of the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) from the outer surface of the spun yarn (11C) may be 10 mm or less. For example, the protrusion length of the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) from the outer surface of the spun yarn (11C) may be about 0.1 to 10 mm.

[0057] The density of the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal fibers (11A), for example, the number of protruding ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal fibers (11A) per unit length of the spun yarn (1C), may be, for example, 1 / cm or more. If the number of protruding ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal fibers (11A) per unit length of the spun yarn (1C) is too small, the ionization efficiency may be reduced.

[0058] The protruding length of the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) from the outer surface of the spun yarn (11C) and the number of protruding ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) per unit length of the spun yarn (1C) can be controlled by the length of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A), the number of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A), the mixing ratio of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) and other fibers, (11X), for example, control fibers, etc.

[0059] By making spun yarn using polymer staple fibers and carbonizing the spun yarn at high temperatures, a discharge electrode can be manufactured in which the ends of the carbonized polymer staple fibers protrude from the surface of the spun yarn. Such conventional discharge electrodes require a complicated manufacturing process, consume a lot of energy in the carbonization process, and require a large amount of materials, which can be expensive. In addition, to solve the problem of the spun yarn breaking during the carbonization process, the spun yarn is relatively thick, about 3 to 5 mm. According to the present disclosure, the discharge electrode (11) is implemented by a spun yarn (11C) including electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A), for example, stainless steel staple fibers. By the spinning process, the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A) can be manufactured into a discharge electrode (11) in which the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal staple fibers (11A) protrude from the surface of the spun yarn (11C), and a carbonization process is not required. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a low-cost discharge electrode (11) using a relatively simple and energy-efficient manufacturing process. In addition, since there is no carbonization process, it is possible to manufacture a spun yarn (11C) of relatively small diameter compared to a conventional discharge electrode using a carbonization process. According to the discharge electrode (11) of the present disclosure, a discharge unit (13) having the advantages of both the electric field charging method and the diffusion charging method can be realized.

[0060] The electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) may be, for example, stainless steel short fibers. The stainless steel may be austenitic stainless steel, for example, KS (Korean Industrial Standard) standard designations STS304, STS306, etc. However, the type of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) is not limited thereto.

[0061] According to the discharge electrode (11) of the present disclosure, the amount of ozone generation can be reduced compared to a discharge electrode using a tungsten wire. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams schematically showing a discharge region of a tungsten wire discharge electrode and a discharge electrode (11) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. Referring to FIG. 8A, in the case of the tungsten wire discharge electrode (W11), a plasma discharge is generated in a region (W11A) surrounding a tungsten wire having a diameter of about 90 μm. The region (W11A) extends in the longitudinal direction of the tungsten wire. In contrast, in the case of the discharge electrode (11) according to the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, a plasma discharge is generated in regions (11F) around the ends (11B) of electrically conductive metal single fibers (11A) protruding from the outer surface of the discharge electrode (11). A plurality of regions (11F) are arranged intermittently in the longitudinal direction of the discharge electrode (11). This can also be confirmed in the corona discharge photograph of the tungsten wire discharge electrode (W11) and the discharge electrode (11) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As such, in the case of the discharge electrode (11) according to the present disclosure, the size of the plasma discharge regions (11F) is smaller than the discharge region (W11A) of the conventional tungsten wire discharge electrode (W11), so that the amount of ozone generated during the ionization process can be significantly reduced.

[0062] Fig. 9 is a graph showing the results of a comparative evaluation of the amount of ozone generated by a tungsten wire discharge electrode (W11) and a discharge electrode (11) of the present disclosure. The volume of the measurement chamber is 30 m 3In FIG. 9, C1 represents the amount of ozone generated when a tungsten wire discharge electrode (W11) is used, and C2 represents the amount of ozone generated when a discharge electrode (11) of the present disclosure including stainless steel single fibers is used. Referring to FIG. 9, in the case of the tungsten wire discharge electrode (W11), the amount of ozone generated is about 36 ppb (parts per billion), and in the case of the discharge electrode (11) of the present disclosure, the amount of ozone generated is about 7 ppb. This is because, in the case of the discharge electrode (11) of the present disclosure, the plasma discharge regions (11F) are greatly reduced compared to the discharge regions (W11F) of the conventional discharge electrode (W11).

[0063] During the operation of the ionizer (1), the discharge electrode (11) may become contaminated. Contamination of the discharge electrode (11) may result in a decrease in discharge efficiency. In the case of a conventional discharge electrode using a tungsten wire, SiO2, which is a combination of silicon components and oxygen in the air, may be widely coated on the entire surface of the tungsten wire due to the reverse sputtering phenomenon during corona discharge. Since the coated contaminants are strongly bonded to the tungsten wire, even if the contaminated tungsten wire is washed by immersing it in a neutral detergent for 30 minutes, shaking it vigorously, and then rinsing it with shower water after washing, the contamination is not easily removed. According to the present disclosure, a spun yarn (11C) including electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A), for example, stainless steel short fibers, is used as the discharge electrode (11). In the case of a spun yarn (11C) having protruding ends (11B), contamination mainly grows on the protruding ends (11B). Since even a small impact can easily separate the contamination from the protruding ends (11B), the contamination can be easily removed by shower water washing. Accordingly, the reduction in discharge efficiency due to contamination of the discharge electrode (11) can be easily reduced or prevented.

[0064] Fig. 10 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the charging efficiency according to the diameter of electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A). The charging efficiency is a 1-pass dust collection efficiency value of an air purifier. In the evaluation, other factors than the diameter of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A), such as wind speed (1 m / sec), output current value (40 μA), and configuration of the dust collection unit (2), are set to be the same. Since the dust collection efficiency depends on the charging efficiency, the dust collection efficiency can be viewed as the charging efficiency. Stainless steel short fibers are used as the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A).

[0065] Referring to Fig. 10, when the diameter of the electrically conductive short metal fibers (11A) is in the range of about 4 to 12 μm, the charging efficiency is about 94% or more. When the diameter of the electrically conductive short metal fibers (11A) exceeds about 20 μm, the charging efficiency drops to less than 90%. When the diameter of the electrically conductive short metal fibers (11A) is less than about 4 μm, it is not easy to manufacture the short fibers themselves, and the number of electrically conductive short metal fibers (11A) for manufacturing the discharge electrode (11) may increase too much, which may increase the manufacturing cost. When the diameter of the electrically conductive short metal fibers (11A) exceeds 12 μm, the quality of the manufactured spun yarn (11C) is poor. Considering these points, the diameter of the electrically conductive short metal fibers (11A) may be about 4 to 12 μm, and for example, may be about 8 μm.

[0066] Fig. 11 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the charging efficiency according to the diameter of the spun yarn (11C) forming the discharge electrode (11). The charging efficiency is a 1-pass dust collection efficiency value of an air purifier. Stainless steel short fibers with a diameter of approximately 8 ㎛ are used as electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A). In the evaluation, other factors except the diameter of the spun yarn (11C), such as wind speed (1 m / sec), output current value (40 ㎂), and configuration of the dust collection unit (2), are set to be the same. Since the dust collection efficiency depends on the charging efficiency, the dust collection efficiency can be regarded as the charging efficiency. The diameters of the spun yarns (11C) used in the evaluation are 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mm.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 11, when the diameter of the spun yarn (11C) is in the range of about 0.2 to 1.0 mm, the charging efficiency is about 94% or more. When the diameter of the spun yarn (11C) exceeds 1.0 mm, the charging efficiency tends to decrease as the diameter increases. In addition, as the diameter of the spun yarn (11C) increases, the amount of electrically conductive metal single fibers (11A) input increases, which increases the material cost. Considering this, the diameter of the spun yarn (11C) may be about 0.2 to 1.0 mm.

[0068] The aerosol ionization device (1) can be implemented in various forms. Fig. 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the aerosol ionization device (1) of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 12, the aerosol ionization device (1) can be provided with a discharge electrode (11) and a counter electrode (12). The discharge electrode (11) is electrically connected to a discharge hub (130), and a high voltage can be applied to the discharge electrode (11) through the discharge hub (130). The discharge electrode (11), the counter electrode (12), and the discharge hub (130) can be accommodated in a case (100). The case (100) can be formed by combining a first case (110) and a second case (120) with each other. For example, a discharge electrode (11) and a discharge hub (130) may be accommodated in a first case (110), and a counter electrode (12) may be accommodated in a second case (120). The first case (110) and the second case (120) may be coupled to each other in a first direction (Z), which is a direction in which air flows. Air vents (111) (121) may be provided on the surfaces of the first case (110) and the second case (120) in the first direction (Z), respectively, to allow air to pass through.

[0069] In one embodiment, the counter electrode (12) is an electrically conductive flat plate electrode. The counter electrode (12) may have a rectangular flat plate shape having a width in a first direction (Z) and a length in a second direction (X) orthogonal to the first direction (Z). A plurality of counter electrodes (12) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a third direction (Y) orthogonal to the first direction (Z) and the second direction (X). The plurality of counter electrodes (12) may be electrically connected to each other. The plurality of counter electrodes (12) may be grounded. The first and second counter electrodes (12A) (12B) facing each other form a counter electrode pair (12C). The plurality of counter electrode pairs (12C) may be arranged in the third direction (Y). For example, nine counter electrodes (12) are illustrated in FIG. 12, and eight counter electrode pairs (12C) are arranged in the third direction (Y).

[0070] The discharge electrode (11) is a wire electrode. The description of the discharge electrode (11) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 applies equally to the discharge electrode (11) of FIG. 12. Accordingly, the discharge electrode (11) may include a spun yarn (11C) formed by twisting a plurality of fibers. The plurality of fibers may include electro-conductive metal staple fibers (11A). The electro-conductive metal staple fibers (11A) may include staple fibers made of stainless steel. At least some of the electro-conductive metal staple fibers (11A) have ends (11B) protruding from the outer surface of the spun yarn (11C).

[0071] The discharge electrode (11) is arranged between the first and second counter electrodes (12A) (12B) and spaced apart from the first and second counter electrodes (12A) (12B). Referring to Fig. 12, for example, one discharge electrode (11) corresponds to two counter electrode pairs (12C). In other words, one discharge electrode (11) may have a U-shape. Fig. 12 illustrates four U-shaped discharge electrodes (11). Both ends of the U-shaped discharge electrodes (11) are connected to a discharge hub (130), and the bent portion (11U) of the U-shaped discharge electrodes (11) is guided by, for example, a guide portion (Fig. 14: 112) provided in the first case (110).

[0072] The discharge electrode (11) can be connected to the discharge hub (130) by at least one ring terminal and a spring. The spring applies tension to the discharge electrode (11). Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view showing an example of a connection structure between the discharge electrode (11) and the discharge hub (130). Fig. 14 is a partial perspective view showing an example of a structure for guiding the discharge electrode (11) in a U shape. First, referring to Fig. 13, a ring terminal (141) is connected to one end (11Z1) of the discharge electrode (11). The ring terminal (141) is connected to the discharge hub (130) by a spring (151). For example, the discharge hub (130) may be provided with a catch (131) on which the spring (151) is caught. The spring (151) may be, for example, a tension coil spring. One end of the spring (151) is connected to the ring terminal (141), and the other end is caught on the catch (131) of the discharge hub (130).

[0073] Next, referring to FIG. 14, a guide portion (112) is provided near the lower end of the first case (110) in the second direction (X), that is, the end opposite to the end where the discharge hub (130) is arranged. As an example, the guide portion (112) may include a pair of first guide portions (112A) (112B) that extend in the extension direction of the discharge electrode (11), that is, the second direction (X), and are spaced apart by the pitch of two opposing electrode pairs (12C), that is, the spacing in the third direction (Y) of the two opposing electrode pairs (12C), and a second guide portion (112C) that connects the ends of the pair of first guide portions (112A) (112B).

[0074] As illustrated in Fig. 13, one end (11Z1) of the discharge electrode (11) is connected to the discharge hub (130) by a ring terminal (141) and a spring (151). The discharge electrode (11) extends from the one end (11Z1) in, for example, the -X direction. As illustrated in Fig. 14, the discharge electrode (11) is sequentially guided by the first guide portion (112A), the second guide portion (112C), and the first guide portion (112B) to be bent into a U shape and then extends in the +X direction.

[0075] The other end (11Z2) of the discharge electrode (11) can be connected to the discharge hub (130). The connection structure between the other end (11Z2) of the discharge electrode (11) and the discharge hub (130) is not particularly limited. For example, referring to FIG. 13, a ring terminal (142) can be connected to the other end (11Z2) of the discharge electrode (11). The ring terminal (142) can be connected to a catch (132) provided in the discharge hub (130) via a spring (152). The spring (152) can be, for example, a tensile coil spring. Although not shown in the drawing, the other end (11Z2) of the discharge electrode (11) can also be directly connected to the discharge hub (130) without the spring (152). Although not shown in the drawing, the other end (11Z2) of the discharge electrode (11) may be connected to the first case (110).

[0076] According to the present disclosure, the discharge electrode (11) implemented by the spun yarn (11C) has relatively high flexibility compared to a tungsten wire, and thus can be bent into a U shape as illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 14. The number of required discharge electrodes (11) is half the number of opposing electrode pairs (12C). Therefore, the ionization device (1) can be implemented with a small number of discharge electrodes (11), which reduces the number of ring terminals and springs, and reduces the number of connection work processes between the discharge electrodes (11) and the discharge hub (130), thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing costs. In addition, due to the relatively high flexibility of the spun yarn (11C), the workability of the connection work between the discharge electrodes (11) and the discharge hub (130) can be improved.

[0077] The shape of the discharge electrode (11) is not limited to a U-shape. The discharge electrode (11) implemented by the spun yarn (11C) has high flexibility and thus has a relatively low possibility of damage due to deformation such as bending compared to a tungsten wire, and thus can have various shapes including two or more bends. The shape of the discharge electrode (11) can be various. Hereinafter, an embodiment of a discharge electrode (11) having two bends and an embodiment of a discharge electrode (11) having three bends will be described as examples.

[0078] The shape of the discharge electrode (11) may vary. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a connection structure between the discharge electrode (11) and the discharge hub (130). Referring to Fig. 15, the discharge electrode (11) may have three bends (11U1) (11U2) (11U3) between one end (11Z1) and the other end (11Z2). The three bends (11U1) (11U2) (11U3) are guided by guide parts (112-1) (112-2) (112-3), respectively. The guide parts (112-1) (112-3) are the same as the guide part (112) described in Fig. 14, and the guide part (112-2) is a shape in which the guide part (112) described in Fig. 14 is rotated 180 degrees. As a result, the discharge electrode (111) has an overall W shape. The W-shaped discharge electrode (11) can correspond to four pairs of opposing electrodes (12C). This can further reduce the number of ring terminals and springs. In Fig. 15, the spring (152) may be omitted. In Fig. 15, the other end (11Z2) of the discharge electrode (11) may be connected to the first case (110).

[0079] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a connection structure between a discharge electrode (11) and a discharge hub (130). Referring to Fig. 16, the discharge electrode (11) may have two bends (11U1) (11U2) between one end (11Z1) and the other end (11Z2). The two bends (11U1) (11U2) are guided by guides (112-1) (112-2), respectively. The discharge hub (130) may include first and second discharge hubs (130A) (130B). The first and second discharge hubs (130A) (130B) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the discharge electrode (11), i.e., the second direction (X). One end (11Z1) of the discharge electrode (11) can be connected to the first discharge hub (130A) via a ring terminal (141) and a spring (151). The other end (11Z2) of the discharge electrode (11) can be connected to the second discharge hub (130B) via a ring terminal (142) and a spring (152).

[0080] Accordingly, the discharge electrode (11) becomes overall in a Z shape. The Z-shaped discharge electrode (11) can correspond to three pairs of opposing electrodes (12C). Accordingly, the number of ring terminals and springs can be reduced. The spring (152) may be omitted. The second discharge hub (130B) may be omitted, and the other end (11Z2) of the discharge electrode (11) may be connected to the first case (110).

[0081] As described above, the fibers constituting the discharge electrode (11) of the present disclosure may include electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) and electrically insulating fibers. Accordingly, the number and density of the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A) protruding from the surface of the spun yarn (11C) can be controlled. In addition, by including electrically conductive or electrically insulating long fibers as reinforcing fibers, the tensile strength of the discharge electrode (11) can be reinforced. This enables various installation shapes of the discharge electrode (11), such as a U-shape, a W-shape, and a Z-shape.

[0082] The shape and arrangement of the discharge electrode (11) and the counter electrode (12) are not limited to the above-described embodiments and may vary depending on the shape of the cross-section of the air flow path.

[0083] In this way, according to the ionization device (1) of the present disclosure, a discharge electrode (11) in the form of a spun yarn (11C) containing electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A), for example, stainless steel short fibers, is employed. This allows for reduction in material costs and improvement in workability in the discharge section structure of the electric field charging method. In addition, a combination of the advantages of the electric field charging method and the diffusion charging method is possible. That is, since the discharge structure of the electric field charging method is employed and the plasma discharge of the diffusion charging method occurs at the same time, ions are efficiently generated in a limited space, thereby reducing the amount of ozone generated compared to the conventional electric field charging method using a tungsten wire. In addition, since the contaminated area is limited to the ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal short fibers (11A), removal of the contamination is possible by simple washing.

[0084] Although various embodiments of the ionization device (1) applicable to air purifiers have been described, the ionization device (1) can be applied to various other devices. For example, the ionization device (1) can be applied to household and industrial air conditioners such as air conditioners and heaters, industrial dust collectors, etc.

[0085] An aerosol ionization device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a spun yarn comprising electrically conductive metal fibers, a discharge electrode having ends of at least some of the electrically conductive metal fibers protruding from a surface of the spun yarn; and a counter electrode disposed opposite the discharge electrode and spaced apart from the discharge electrode.

[0086] As an example, the electrically conductive metal fibers may include stainless steel fibers.

[0087] As an example, the protrusion length of the ends of the electrically conductive metal single fibers from the surface of the spun yarn may be 0.1 to 10 mm.

[0088] As an example, the number of protruding ends of the electrically conductive metal single fibers per unit length of the yarn may be 1 / cm or more.

[0089] As an example, the diameter of the electrically conductive metal single fibers may be 4 to 12 μm.

[0090] As an example, the diameter of the yarn may be 0.2 to 1 mm.

[0091] As an example, the counter electrode may include a pair of counter electrodes including first and second counter electrodes facing each other. The discharge electrode may be disposed between the first and second counter electrodes.

[0092] As an example, the counter electrode may include a plurality of counter electrode pairs. The discharge electrode may include a plurality of discharge electrodes, each corresponding to two or more counter electrode pairs.

[0093] As one embodiment, the aerosol ionization device may include: a discharge hub; a ring terminal provided at an end of the discharge electrode; and a spring electrically connecting the discharge hub and the ring terminal and providing tension to the discharge electrode.

[0094] As an example, the yarn may further comprise other fibers.

[0095] As an example, the other fibers may include control fibers for controlling the number and density of protruding ends of the electrically conductive metal fibers.

[0096] As an example, the other fibers may include reinforcing fibers to enhance the strength of the yarn.

[0097] As an example, the other fibers may be electrically insulating fibers, and the other fibers may be any one of long fibers, short fibers, and combinations thereof.

[0098] As an example, the other fibers may be electrically conductive fibers, and the other fibers may be long fibers.

[0099] As an example, the spun yarn may be a single yarn.

[0100] As an example, the spun yarn may be a multiple plies yarn.

[0101] As an example, the spun yarn may be a core-spun yarn in which at least one single yarn is wound around the outer periphery of a core fiber.

[0102] An air purifier according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: the aforementioned aerosol ionization device for electrifying aerosols in the air; a dust collector disposed downstream of the ionization device for capturing the aerosols; a blower for forming a flow of air passing through the aerosol ionization device and the dust collector; and a high voltage generator for providing a high voltage to the aerosol ionization device.

[0103] The technical effects to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical effects mentioned above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains from the description of this document.

[0104] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spun yarn (11C) comprising electrically conductive metal single fibers (11A), wherein at least some ends (11B) of the electrically conductive metal single fibers are formed as a discharge electrode (11) protruding from the surface of the spun yarn; An aerosol ionization device comprising a counter electrode (12) positioned opposite to the discharge electrode with a gap therebetween.

2. In paragraph 1, An aerosol ionization device wherein the electrically conductive metal fibers include stainless steel fibers.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, An aerosol ionization device wherein the ends of the electrically conductive metal single fibers protrude from the surface of the spun yarn in a length of 0.1 to 10 mm.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, An aerosol ionization device wherein the number of protruding ends of the electrically conductive metal single fibers per unit length of the spun yarn is 1 / cm or more.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, An aerosol ionization device wherein the diameter of the electrically conductive metal single fibers is 4 to 12 μm.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, An aerosol ionization device having a diameter of the above-mentioned spinning yarn of 0.2 to 1 mm.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above opposing electrodes include an opposing electrode pair (12C) including first and second opposing electrodes (12A) (12B) facing each other, An aerosol ionization device wherein the discharge electrode is placed between the first and second counter electrodes.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, Discharge hub (130); A ring terminal (141) provided at the end of the above discharge electrode; An aerosol ionization device comprising a spring (151) electrically connecting the discharge hub and the ring terminal and providing tension to the discharge electrode.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above spinning yarn is an aerosol ionization device further comprising other fibers (11X).

10. In paragraph 9, An aerosol ionization device wherein the other fibers include control fibers for controlling the number and density of protruding tips of the electrically conductive metal single fibers.

11. In clause 9 or 10 An aerosol ionizer wherein the other fibers include reinforcing fibers for reinforcing the strength of the spun yarn.

12. In any one of paragraphs 9 to 11 The above other fibers are electrically insulating fibers, The above other fibers are an aerosol ionizer that is any one of long fibers, short fibers, and a combination thereof.

13. In any one of Articles 9 to 11 The above other fibers are electrically conductive fibers, The above other fibers are long fiber aerosol ionizers.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13 An aerosol ionization device wherein the above-mentioned yarn is a single yarn, a multiple plies yarn, or a core-spun yarn in which fibers (11E) including electrically conductive metal single fibers (11A) are wound around a core fiber (11D).

15. An aerosol ionization device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for electrifying an aerosol in the air; A dust collector (2) positioned downstream of the ionization device to capture the air streams; A blower (3) forming a flow of air passing through the aerosol ionization device and the dust collector; and An air purifier including a high voltage generator (4) that provides high voltage to the aerosol ionization device.

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