Air conditioner and air purifier employing electrostatic dust collector

Abstract

The disclosed air conditioner includes an electrostatic dust collector. The electrostatic dust collector comprises: multiple charging electrodes including a ground electrode and a discharge electrode; and multiple collecting electrodes including a collection electrode and a high-voltage electrode. The ground electrode, the discharge electrode, the collection electrode, and the high-voltage electrode are installed on approximately the same plane to face a direction approximately parallel to the direction of airflow. The high-voltage electrode and the collection electrode each have a conductive member surface-treated with a non-conductive member.

Description

Air conditioners and air purifiers employing electrostatic precipitators

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and an air purifier having an electrostatic precipitator.

[0002] Air conditioners and the like are equipped with a dust collection unit for removing dust from the air. For example, Japanese Patent No. 3132116 discloses a dust collection unit comprising an ionizer unit including an ionizing electrode and an ionizing plate, and a dust collection electrode that collects dust particles ionized and charged by the ionizer unit. The ionizer unit and the dust collection electrode are integrated and arranged on a plane orthogonal to the direction of air flow.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 3700455 discloses an electrostatic precipitator comprising an ionization unit that generates a corona discharge between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode to charge dust in the air, and a collection unit that collects the dust charged in the ionization unit using a high-voltage electrode and a dust collection electrode. The counter electrode of the ionization unit and the dust collection electrode of the collector unit are integrated to form a common electrode. The common electrode is parallel to the air flow. A plurality of common electrodes are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the air flow. A high-voltage electrode of the collection unit is arranged between the plurality of common electrodes. The discharge electrode of the ionization unit is arranged at the upstream end of the high-voltage electrode so as to face the common electrode. The cross-sectional shape of the high-voltage electrode of the collection unit is trapezoidal. The gap between the high-voltage electrode of the collection unit and the dust collection electrode gradually narrows along the air flow.

[0004] One embodiment of an electrostatic precipitator includes a plurality of charging electrodes that generate ions by corona discharge to charge floating particles, and a plurality of collecting electrodes that collect the charged floating particles by Coulomb force. The plurality of charging electrodes include a ground electrode and a discharge electrode. The plurality of collecting electrodes include a collecting electrode and a high-voltage electrode. The discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the collecting electrode are installed on approximately the same plane and facing in a direction approximately parallel to an air flow direction. The high-voltage electrode and the collecting electrode include a conductive member whose surface is treated by a non-conductive member.

[0005] One embodiment of the air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with air drawn in from an air-conditioned space, and the aforementioned electrostatic precipitator for removing airborne particulates before discharging the air into the air-conditioned space.

[0006] One embodiment of the air purifier comprises the aforementioned electrostatic precipitator for removing airborne particulate matter before discharging the inhaled air into an air purification space.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an air purification unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an integrated electric precipitator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 shows an example of a collection electrode and a high-voltage electrode of an integrated electrostatic precipitator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an integrated electric precipitator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5a is a drawing showing the operation of a two-stage electric precipitator according to a comparative example.

[0012] Figure 5b is a drawing showing the operation of an integrated electric precipitator according to the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of performance when an integrated electrostatic precipitator according to the present disclosure is mounted on an air purifier.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the necessity of forming a collecting electrode of an integrated electrostatic precipitator according to the present disclosure by surface-treating a conductive member with a non-conductive member.

[0015] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an air conditioner.

[0016] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an air purifier.

[0017] 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.

[0018] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0022] 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).

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0028] In one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings forming a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a standing air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0029] An air conditioner including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0030] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0031] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0032] An outdoor heat exchanger can utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air.

[0033] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be categorized into ceiling-mounted, stand-alone, and wall-mounted types depending on their placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be categorized into four-way, one-way, and duct-type indoor units depending on how air is discharged.

[0034] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air. The cooled indoor air can then be blown through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, thereby cooling the room. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air. By blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the room can be heated.

[0035] That is, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0036] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipes in the order of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0037] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0038] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0039] Multiple indoor units can operate independently, each according to a user-defined operating mode. That is, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others operate in heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at either high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow-through valve, described later, and then discharged to the outdoor unit for circulation.

[0040] For example, when an air conditioner has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units may join and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0041] Multiple outdoor units may all be operated, or at least some may not be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor unit, which is selectively operated, through a flow switching valve and circulated there. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

[0042] An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

[0043] The expansion device may be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when fully open). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0044] The air conditioner may further include a flow diverter valve positioned along the refrigerant circulation path. The flow diverter valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the indoor unit's operating mode (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0045] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. The accumulator may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vaporized in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0046] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0047] An outdoor fan may be installed near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0048] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be positioned at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0049] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0050] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

[0051] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0052] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter that is provided to filter foreign substances in the air that flows into the housing through the intake port.

[0053] The housing may include an exhaust port. Air flowing within the housing may be discharged to the exterior of the housing through the exhaust port.

[0054] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned above the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0055] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, which are arranged on a path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0056] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0057] An indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the exhaust, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air drawn in through the intake or transfer heat to the air drawn in through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0058] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0059] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0060] The input interface may also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). A user may input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. Electrical signals corresponding to the configuration data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The configuration data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0061] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to an indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, which will be described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit, which will be described later.

[0062] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0063] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor positioned in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors positioned in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0064] For example, each environmental information detected by an indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0065] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0066] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0067] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0068] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit, including a blower, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0069] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0070] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0071] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly through the input interface or via a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit can control components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0072] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode, such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the air conditioner performs an operation corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0073] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0074] The memory can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations of the air conditioner. The memory can include volatile memory, such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory can include nonvolatile memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), for storing data for a long period of time.

[0075] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0076] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as an operating mode selected by a user input, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from an indoor unit sensor or an outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0077] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, can output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of an air conditioner may be displayed as at least an image or text. The display may also include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a light emitting diode panel (LED), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0078] An air conditioner may be equipped with a dust collector to remove airborne particulate matter before discharging the air into an air-conditioned space, such as an indoor space. Furthermore, an air purifier is a device that draws in polluted air from an air-conditioned space, such as an indoor space, purifies it, and then discharges it back into the indoor space. An air purifier may be equipped with various purification devices. The purification device may include a dust collector to remove airborne particulate matter before discharging it into the indoor space.

[0079] An environmentally friendly dust collector that does not require disposal or replacement is an electrostatic precipitator that collects airborne particulate matter by charging it using a corona discharge or other means. The charging of airborne particulate matter involves electric discharge, thus forming a non-uniform electric field. On the other hand, the collection of charged airborne particulate matter in the charging region does not involve discharge, thus forming a uniform electric field. General electrostatic precipitators can be divided into two types according to the electric field. One type is a single-stage electrostatic precipitator that utilizes an uneven electric field. In a single-stage electrostatic precipitator, the ground electrode opposite the discharge electrode of the charged part also functions as a dust collecting electrode. The other type is a two-stage electrostatic precipitator that utilizes a uniform electric field and an uneven electric field. A two-stage electrostatic precipitator has a charging unit that charges airborne particulate matter through discharge, and a dust collecting unit that captures the charged airborne particulate matter through Coulomb force. The target airborne particulate matter for indoor air purification is PM2.5 particulate matter. Since it is difficult to increase the capture efficiency of such fine airborne particulate matter with a single-stage electrostatic precipitator, a two-stage electrostatic precipitator is mainly used. However, in a two-stage electrostatic precipitator, the charging unit and the dust collecting unit are arranged as separate units, which limits the device's thinness and also limits the device's price reduction.

[0080] The present disclosure provides a thin electrostatic precipitator having an integrated discharge structure and a dust collection structure, in which unequal electric fields and equal electric fields coexist to charge and collect floating particulates by discharge within a limited space inside an air conditioner or air purifier, and an air conditioner or air purifier having the same. Here, "integration" means not only that the two structures themselves are integrated, but also that both the unequal electric fields and equal electric fields exist within a single structure. In other words, a single-stage electrostatic precipitator in which only the unequal electric fields exist within the structure is a single-stage electrostatic precipitator, and a two-stage electrostatic precipitator in which the structures are integrated but the unequal electric fields and equal electric fields are separated is a two-stage electrostatic precipitator. By integrating the charging area and the dust collection area, the electrostatic precipitator can be made slimmer and its cost reduced.

[0081] By arranging the discharge electrode and ground electrode that generate ions by corona discharge, and the high-voltage electrode and collection electrode that collect dust charged by corona discharge, on approximately the same plane, it is possible to achieve a thinner electrostatic precipitator. In this case, if the collection electrode is formed of a conductive material, if the insulation distance for the voltage applied between the discharge electrode and the collection electrode is not sufficiently secured between the discharge electrode and the collection electrode, a spark discharge occurs between the discharge electrode and the collection electrode, making it difficult to generate a stable discharge between the discharge electrode and the ground electrode.

[0082] The present disclosure provides an electrostatic precipitator capable of generating a stable discharge between a discharge electrode and a ground electrode, and an air conditioner employing the same. The present disclosure aims to generate a stable discharge between the discharge electrode and the ground electrode in an electrostatic precipitator in which a discharge electrode and a ground electrode, which generate ions by corona discharge, and a high-voltage electrode and a collection electrode, which collect dust charged by corona discharge, are arranged substantially on the same plane.

[0083] 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 can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0084] Hereinafter, embodiments of an electric dust collector according to the present disclosure and an air conditioner and an air purifier employing the same will be described in detail so that a person skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts unrelated to the description are omitted in order to clearly describe the present invention, and similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification. Fig. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure. The air conditioner sucks air from an air-conditioned space (e.g., a room), adjusts the temperature of the sucked air, and then discharges it back into the air-conditioned space.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 8, the air conditioner may include an indoor heat exchanger (201), a compressor (202), an outdoor heat exchanger (203), and an expansion device (204). The indoor heat exchanger (201), the compressor (202), the outdoor heat exchanger (203), and the expansion device (204) may be connected by refrigerant pipes.

[0086] An outdoor heat exchanger (203) is installed in the outdoor unit and can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger (203), the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger (203) evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0087] The indoor heat exchanger (201) performs heat exchange with air drawn in from the air-conditioned space. The indoor heat exchanger (201) is installed in the indoor unit and can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (201), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, and by blowing the cooled indoor air while passing through the indoor heat exchanger (201), the indoor space can be cooled. In addition, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger (201), the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air, and by blowing the heated indoor air while passing through the indoor heat exchanger (201), the indoor space can be heated.

[0088] The compressor (202) compresses the refrigerant gas between the indoor heat exchanger (201) and the outdoor heat exchanger (203). The expansion device (204) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant between the indoor heat exchanger (201) and the outdoor heat exchanger (203). During cooling, the refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor (202), the outdoor heat exchanger (203), the expansion device (204), and the indoor heat exchanger (201), with the outdoor heat exchanger (203) functioning as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger (201) functioning as an evaporator. During heating, the refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor (202), the indoor heat exchanger (201), the expansion device (204), and the outdoor heat exchanger (203) functioning as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger (201) functioning as a condenser.

[0089] The air conditioner may be equipped with an electrostatic precipitator (10) that removes airborne particulate matter (e.g., dust, etc.) before discharging air drawn from the air-conditioned space into the air-conditioned space (e.g., indoors). The electrostatic precipitator (10) will be described in detail below. The electrostatic precipitator (10) may be arranged between the air intake and air outlet of the air conditioner, either alone or in the form of an air cleaning unit (1).

[0090] An air purifier is a device that draws in polluted air, purifies it, and discharges it. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an air purifier. Referring to Fig. 9, the air purifier may include a housing (301). The housing (301) forms an air flow path. The housing (301) may function as a duct, for example. An air intake port (302) and an air outlet port (303) are provided in the housing (301). Air is drawn into the housing (301) through the air intake port (302) and discharged from the housing (301) through the air outlet port (303).

[0091] An electrostatic precipitator (10) is placed inside the housing (301). The electrostatic precipitator (10) removes airborne particulate matter (e.g., dust, etc.) before discharging the sucked air from the housing (301) to the air purification space. The electrostatic precipitator (10) will be described in detail below. The electrostatic precipitator (10) may be placed between the air intake (302) and the air outlet (303) of the air purifier, either singly or in the form of an air purification unit (1).

[0092] Although the air intake port (302) is illustrated as being provided on the front side of the housing (301) in FIG. 9, it is not limited thereto, and the air intake port (302) may also be provided on the upper surface, side surface, etc. of the housing (301). In addition, although the air outlet port (303) is illustrated as being provided on the upper surface of the housing (301) in FIG. 9, it is not limited thereto, and for example, the air outlet port (303) may be provided across the upper surface and the rear surface of the housing (301). Although not illustrated in the drawing, the air purifier may further include a blower (not illustrated) that generates air flow.

[0093] The control unit (304) controls the operation of the air purifier. The control unit (304) may include a processor and a memory. The memory may store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air purifier. The processor may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the air purifier based on data and / or programs stored in the memory. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits. For example, the control unit (304) may include an operation control circuit for controlling the operation of the air purifier, a user interface including an input unit for receiving user input and an output unit for displaying a control status, a motor control circuit for controlling a blower, a power control module, etc.

[0094] Although not depicted in the drawing, the air purifier may include one or more functional filters. Functional filters may include, for example, a deodorizing filter that removes odors, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), and a biofilter that removes biological substances such as viruses and bacteria.

[0095] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of an air cleaning unit (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the air cleaning unit (1) may include an electric dust collector (10), a fan (40), a case (50) for housing them, and a high-voltage power supply (60) for supplying high voltage to the electric dust collector (10). In FIG. 1, the case (50) is shown in a broken line so that the configuration of the electric dust collector (10) installed inside the case (50) is visible.

[0096] The electrostatic precipitator (10) may be in the form of a detachable module. The arrow mark (AFD) indicates the direction of airflow (ventilation direction) to be treated. The fan (40) forms the flow of airflow passing through the electrostatic precipitator (10). For example, the fan (40) may be installed on the downstream side, i.e., the leeward side, of the electrostatic precipitator (10) based on the ventilation direction (AFD).

[0097] An electrostatic precipitator (10) integrates a charging region where airborne particulate matter is charged, and a dust collecting region where charged particulate matter is collected in the charging region. The electrostatic precipitator (10) includes a plurality of charging electrodes (11) that generate ions by corona discharge to charge particulate matter, and a plurality of dust collecting electrodes (12) that collect particulate matter charged by ions by Coulomb force. The plurality of charging electrodes (11) includes at least one ground electrode (11A) and at least one discharge electrode (11B). The plurality of dust collecting electrodes (12) includes at least one collecting electrode (12a) and at least one high-voltage electrode (12b). The ground electrode (11A), the discharge electrode (11B), the collecting electrode (12a), and the high-voltage electrode (12b) will be described in detail later. Hereinafter, the ground electrode (11A), discharge electrode (11B), capture electrode (12a), and high-voltage electrode (12b) may be denoted as “A”, “B”, “a”, and “b”, respectively.

[0098] The case (50) may be formed of, for example, a resin material such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer). In the case (50), an inlet (51) is provided on the upstream side (windward side) and an outlet (52) is provided on the downstream side (leeward side) based on the ventilation direction (AFD). A mesh, a net, a grid, or the like may be installed on the inlet (51). The mesh, etc. installed on the inlet (51) may have a structure that can prevent a user from contacting the electric dust collector (10) and has a small air flow resistance. A prefilter that suppresses the intrusion of large-sized particles may be installed on the inlet (51).

[0099] A fan (40) can be placed at the outlet (52) of the case (50). Air enters the case (50) through the inlet (51) of the case (50) and passes through the electrostatic precipitator (10) to be discharged from the case (50) through the outlet (52).

[0100] A high voltage power source (60) applies a high direct current (DC) voltage between the ground electrode (11A) and the discharge electrode (11B), thereby generating an electric discharge, i.e., a corona discharge, between the ground electrode (11A) and the discharge electrode (11B). The ions generated by the corona discharge attach to the floating particles, thereby electrifying the floating particles. That is, the floating particles become charged. The high voltage power source (60) applies a high direct current (DC) voltage between the collection electrode (12a) and the high voltage electrode (12b). The floating particles charged by the corona discharge attach to the surface of the collection electrode (12a) by electrostatic force, i.e., Coulomb force. As a result, the floating particles can be collected by the electrostatic precipitator (10).

[0101] Although not necessarily limited thereto, the high voltage power source (60) may also apply a common high voltage between the ground electrode (11A) and the discharge electrode (11B), and between the collection electrode (12a) and the high voltage electrode (12b). Although the high voltage power source (60) is not shown as being included in the electrostatic precipitator (10) in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the high voltage power source (60) may be included in the electrostatic precipitator (10).

[0102] Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an integrated electrostatic precipitator (10) according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrostatic precipitator (10) illustrated in Fig. 1 as viewed from point (V). Referring to Fig. 2, the electrostatic precipitator (10) of the present embodiment includes a ground electrode (A) and a discharge electrode (B) as charging electrodes, and a collecting electrode (a) and a high-voltage electrode (b) as collecting electrodes.

[0103] The ground electrode (A) is an electrode for defining a ground potential in a charging region and is maintained at the ground potential. The ground electrode (A) may include at least one of a flat plate-shaped member and a rod-shaped conductive member. The discharge electrode (B) is an electrode that generates ions by corona discharge to charge airborne particulate matter, and a high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode (B). The discharge electrode (B) may include at least one of a needle-shaped conductive member, a sawtooth-shaped conductive member, or a plurality of fiber-shaped conductive members. The collecting electrode (a) and the high-voltage electrode (b) are electrodes for collecting charged airborne particulate matter by Coulomb force.

[0104] FIG. 3 shows an example of a collection electrode (a) and a high-voltage electrode (b) of an integrated electrostatic precipitator (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, the collection electrode (a) and the high-voltage electrode (b) may include a conductive member (121) whose surface is treated by a non-conductive member (122). The ends of the collection electrode (a) and the high-voltage electrode (b) may have a structure in which the conductive member (121) is exposed. Through the exposed portion of the conductive member (121), voltage may be applied to the high-voltage electrode (b), and the collection electrode (a) may be grounded. The conductive member (121) may be formed of a metal, carbon, or the like, and the non-conductive member (122) may be formed of a resin film such as PET (Polyethylene-Terephthalate) or an inorganic material film. For example, coating or laminating may be applied as the surface treatment.

[0105] In one embodiment of the electrostatic precipitator (10) illustrated in FIG. 2, the ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the collection electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) are arranged substantially on the same plane and substantially parallel to the ventilation direction (AFD). In this way, the electrostatic precipitator (10) according to one embodiment, which has a structure in which the charging region and the collection region are fused and integrated and in which the electrodes are arranged on the same plane, can reduce the thickness of the electrostatic precipitator (10) and the air cleaning unit (1) including the same. In the embodiment of the electrostatic precipitator (10) illustrated in FIG. 2, the ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the collection electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the ventilation direction (AFD). The ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the collection electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) are arranged such that the space between two adjacent electrodes can allow air flow to pass through. That is, two adjacent electrodes are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction (AFD) to allow air flow to pass through.

[0106] The arrangement of the ground electrode (A), discharge electrode (B), capture electrode (a), and high-voltage electrode (b) is not limited to the arrangement shown in Fig. 2. The ground electrode (A), discharge electrode (B), capture electrode (a), and high-voltage electrode (b) can be arranged to satisfy the first and second rules described below.

[0107] The first rule is a rule regarding the arrangement order of a plurality of charging electrodes including at least one ground electrode (A) and at least one discharge electrode (B). Specifically, the first rule is a rule that 'a plurality of charging electrodes are arranged at a predetermined interval (the first interval), and any two charging electrodes adjacent to each other among the plurality of charging electrodes are a ground electrode (A) and a discharge electrode (B), or two ground electrodes (A).' In other words, according to the first rule, any two charging electrodes adjacent to each other among the plurality of charging electrodes are not two discharge electrodes (B). In the following, when indicating the arrangement form of the electrodes, the symbol "..." represents an arbitrary arrangement of the collecting electrode (a) and the high-voltage electrode (b).

[0108] According to the first rule, the ground electrode (A) and the discharge electrode (B) can be arranged, for example, as "…-A-…-B-…-A-…-B-…-A-…". The plurality of charging electrodes do not necessarily have to be arranged in the order of ground electrode (A), discharge electrode (B), ground electrode (A), discharge electrode (B). That is, according to the first rule, the ground electrode (A) and the discharge electrode (B) can also be arranged, for example, as "…-A-…-B-…-A-…-A-…-B-…-A-…". On the other hand, according to the first rule, the plurality of charging electrodes are not arranged so that two adjacent charging electrodes become two discharge electrodes (B), and therefore the ground electrode (A) and the discharge electrode (B) are not arranged, for example, as "…-A-…-B-…-B-…-A-…".

[0109] The second rule is a rule regarding the arrangement order of the plurality of collecting electrodes including a plurality of charging electrodes, at least one collecting electrode (a), and at least one high-voltage electrode (b). Specifically, the second rule is a rule that 'in all ranges of the plurality of ranges defined by the plurality of charging electrodes, at least one collecting electrode (a) and at least one high-voltage electrode (b) are arranged at a narrower interval (second interval) than the predetermined interval (first interval) such that the high-voltage electrode (b) is not adjacent to the discharge electrode (B).' Here, the range includes the range between two charging electrodes and the range outside the charging electrodes at both ends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of charging electrodes.

[0110] According to the second rule, the ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the collecting electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) can be arranged, for example, as "…-AbabaBababAbabaBababA-…". The ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the collecting electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) can also be arranged, for example, as "…-AbabaBababAbabAbabaBa-babA-쪋".

[0111] In addition, the ground electrode (A) and the discharge electrode (B) do not necessarily have to be arranged alternately as ground electrodes (A) and discharge electrodes (B), and similarly, the capturing electrodes (a) and the high-voltage electrodes (b) do not necessarily have to be arranged alternately as capturing electrodes (a) and high-voltage electrodes (b). That is, according to the second rule, the ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the capturing electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) may be arranged, for example, as "…-AababaBababaAababaBab-abaA-…". Alternatively, the ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the capturing electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) may be arranged, for example, as "…-AababaBababaAababaAab-abaBababaA-…".

[0112] Meanwhile, according to the second rule, the ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the capturing electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) are not arranged so that two adjacent electrodes are the discharge electrode (B) and the high-voltage electrode (b), or two high-voltage electrodes (b). That is, according to the second rule, the ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the capturing electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) are not arranged, for example, like "…-AababBababAababBababA-…". In addition, the ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the capturing electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) are not arranged, for example, like "…-AababBababAababAababB-ababA-…".

[0113] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an integrated electrostatic precipitator (10) according to one embodiment (second embodiment) of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrostatic precipitator (10) of FIG. 1 as viewed from a point (V). Referring to FIG. 4, the electrostatic precipitator (10) according to one embodiment includes a ground electrode (A) and a discharge electrode (B) as charging electrodes, and includes a collection electrode (a) and a high-voltage electrode (b) as dust collecting electrodes. The ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the collection electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and therefore, redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0114] In the electrostatic precipitator (10) of the present embodiment, the ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the collection electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) are arranged on approximately the same plane and facing in a direction approximately parallel to the ventilation direction (AFD). The electrostatic precipitator (10) of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment of the electrostatic precipitator (10) illustrated in FIG. 2 described above in that the collection electrode (a) and the high-voltage electrode (b), which were arranged in a plurality of ranges between the ground electrode (A) and the discharge electrode (B), are partially removed in order to expand the discharge space of the electrified region. In the electrostatic precipitator (10) of the present embodiment, the ground electrode (A), the discharge electrode (B), the collection electrode (a), and the high-voltage electrode (b) are arranged so that air flow can pass through all of the spaces between two adjacent electrodes.

[0115] The arrangement order of the ground electrode (A), discharge electrode (B), capture electrode (a), and high-voltage electrode (b) is not limited to the arrangement order shown in Fig. 4. The ground electrode (A), discharge electrode (B), capture electrode (a), and high-voltage electrode (b) can be arranged so as to satisfy the rules described below.

[0116] This rule is a rule regarding the arrangement order of a plurality of collecting electrodes including a plurality of charging electrodes, at least one collecting electrode (a), and at least one high-voltage electrode (b). Specifically, this rule is a rule that 'in at least one range among a plurality of ranges defined by the plurality of charging electrodes, at least one high-voltage electrode (b) and at least one collecting electrode (a) are arranged at a narrower interval (a second interval) than a predetermined interval (a first interval), such that the high-voltage electrode (b) is not adjacent to the discharge electrode (B).' Here, the range includes the range between two charging electrodes and the range outside the charging electrodes at both ends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of charging electrodes. The at least one range does not include the range between the discharge electrode and one ground electrode adjacent to the discharge electrode, and the range between the discharge electrode and another ground electrode adjacent to the discharge electrode. That is, in two adjacent ranges among multiple ranges, the high-voltage electrode (b) and the capture electrode (a) are placed only in one of the two ranges. In other words, the capture electrode (a) and the high-voltage electrode (b) are not placed in two consecutive ranges.

[0117] Fig. 5a is a drawing showing the operation of a two-stage electric precipitator (6) according to a comparative example. Fig. 5b is a drawing showing the operation of an integrated electric precipitator (10) according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present disclosure.

[0118] Referring to Fig. 5a, a two-stage electrostatic precipitator (6) according to a comparative example includes a charging section (61) including a ground electrode (A) and a discharge electrode (B) and a collecting section (62) including a collecting electrode (a) and a high-voltage electrode (b) spaced apart from each other in the ventilation direction (AFD). That is, the collecting section (62) is disposed downstream of the charging section (61). In the charging section (61), ions are generated by corona discharge between, for example, a discharge electrode (B) formed of a wire and the ground electrode (A), and floating particles (P) in the air flow are charged by field charging. The charged floating particles (CP) flow downstream by a straight flow indicated by an arrow (LF). In the dust collection unit (62), charged particles (CP) are attracted in the direction of the electric field by the Coulomb force generated by the high voltage applied between the collection electrode (a) and the high-voltage electrode (b) and are captured on the collection electrode (a).

[0119] Referring to FIG. 5b, in an electrostatic precipitator (10) according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present disclosure, ions are generated by corona discharge between a discharge electrode (B) and a ground electrode (A), and floating particles (P) in an air flow are charged by electric field charging and diffusion charging. The charged floating particles (CP) flow downstream by a fountain flow as indicated by an arrow (FF). The charged particles (CP) are captured on the capturing electrode (a) by a Coulomb force generated by a high voltage applied between the capturing electrode (a) and the high-voltage electrode (b).

[0120] According to the electric precipitator (10) of the present disclosure, in addition to the electric field charging in the charging area, the cleaning area [m 2 ]

[0121] By electrifying floating particles, not only can the charge of the floating particles increase, but ions are also spatially released. Therefore, even with a structure in which the charging area is arranged on the same plane as the dust collection area, floating particles (P) can be collected by fractional flow.

[0122] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of performance when an integrated electric precipitator (10) according to the present disclosure is mounted on an air purifier.

[0123] Embodiment 1 is a case where the electric precipitator (10) according to the first embodiment described with reference to the aforementioned FIG. 2 is employed. That is, Embodiment 1 is an example where an air cleaning unit (1) having an electric precipitator (10) according to the first embodiment, in which the charging region and the dust collection region are integrated and the charging region and the dust collection region are not structurally separated, is mounted on an air purifier. Embodiment 2 is a case where the electric precipitator (10) according to the second embodiment described with reference to the aforementioned FIG. 4 is employed. That is, Embodiment 2 is an example where an air cleaning unit (1) having an electric precipitator (10) according to the second embodiment, in which the charging region and the dust collection region are integrated but the charging region and the dust collection region are separated, is mounted on an air purifier. Meanwhile, the comparative example is an example in which an electric dust collector (70) is mounted on an air purifier, which enables integrated molding by exposing a part of the high-voltage electrode (b) in the dust collection area so that the high-voltage electrode (b) also functions as a discharge electrode (B). Accordingly, the electric dust collector (70) of the comparative example has a structure in which discharge electrodes (B) that function as both a collection electrode (a) and a high-voltage electrode (b) are alternately arranged.

[0124] Referring to Fig. 6, in the air purifier equipped with the electrostatic precipitator (10) of Example 1 and the air purifier equipped with the electrostatic precipitator (10) of Example 2, the difference in the cleaning area between the experimental rounds is small. This shows that a stable discharge can be generated by using the electrostatic precipitator (10) of the present disclosure. On the other hand, in the air purifier equipped with the electrostatic precipitator (70) of the comparative example, the unevenness in the cleaning area between the experimental rounds is large. This is because the stability of the discharge is lower in the electrostatic precipitator (70) of the comparative example than in the electrostatic precipitator (10) of the present disclosure.

[0125] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the necessity of forming the collection electrode (a) of the integrated electrostatic precipitator (10) according to the present disclosure by surface-treating a conductive member with a non-conductive member. Referring to FIG. 7, in the electrostatic precipitator (10) of Example 1, a conductive member (121) surface-treated with a non-conductive member (122) as illustrated in FIG. 3 is applied as the collection electrode (a). In the electrostatic precipitator (80) of Comparative Example 1, a conductive member (121) to which a non-conductive member (122) is not applied is applied as the collection electrode. In other words, the electrostatic precipitator (80) of Comparative Example 1 has a structure in which the collection electrode (a) of the electrostatic precipitator (10) of the embodiment is replaced with a ground electrode (A). In this case, since a spark discharge may occur between the discharge electrode (B) and the ground electrode (A), it is impossible to apply a high voltage of the same level as the high voltage applied to the electrostatic precipitator (10) of the embodiment to the multiple electrodes of the electrostatic precipitator (80) while arranging the spacing between the multiple electrodes of the electrostatic precipitator (80) to be the same as the spacing between the multiple electrodes of the electrostatic precipitator (10) of the embodiment.

[0126] In order to avoid spark discharge without changing the spacing between the plurality of electrodes, a method of reducing the length of the ground electrode (A) as in the electrostatic precipitator (90) of Comparative Example 2 may be considered. In other words, the electrostatic precipitator (90) of Comparative Example 2 has a structure in which the length of the ground electrode (A) adjacent to the discharge electrode (B) is shortened in the electrostatic precipitator (80) of Comparative Example 1. With such a configuration, the dust collection effect may be reduced because the lengths of some electrodes are short.

[0127] According to an electric dust collector (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrode having a conductive member (121) surface-treated with a non-conductive member (122) is employed as a collection electrode (a). Accordingly, spark discharge can be avoided even without changing the spacing between the plurality of electrodes, thereby suppressing a decrease in the dust collection effect.

[0128] As described above, in the electric precipitator (10) of the present disclosure, a ground electrode (11A) and a discharge electrode (11B) for forming an unequal electric field are arranged in a part of the equal electric field of the dust collection area in which the capture electrodes (12a) and the high-voltage electrodes (12b) are alternately arranged, thereby forming a charging area and a dust collection area on approximately the same plane. In addition, as the capture electrodes (12a) and the high-voltage electrodes (12b), electrodes having a form in which a conductive material is surface-treated with a non-conductive material are employed. As a result, even when the capture electrodes (12a) and the high-voltage electrodes (12b) are adjacent to the discharge electrodes (11B), spark discharge can be avoided, and a stable discharge can be generated between the discharge electrodes (11B) and the ground electrodes (11A) that define the ground potential. As a result, a decrease in the capture area can be prevented, and the dust collection efficiency can be maintained.

[0129] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with air drawn in from an air-conditioned space; and an electrostatic precipitator for removing airborne particulate matter before discharging the air into the air-conditioned space. The electrostatic precipitator includes a plurality of charging electrodes including a ground electrode and a discharge electrode, which generate ions by corona discharge to charge the airborne particulate matter; and a plurality of collecting electrodes including a collecting electrode and a high-voltage electrode, which collect the airborne particulate matter charged by the ions by Coulomb force. The discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the collecting electrode are installed on approximately the same plane and facing in a direction approximately parallel to an air flow direction. The high-voltage electrode and the collecting electrode include a conductive member whose surface is treated by a non-conductive member.

[0130] With this configuration, it is possible to implement a thin-film electrostatic precipitator that integrates a charging region and a collecting region. In addition, since floating particles can be charged by utilizing electric field charging and diffusion charging in the charging region, the amount of charge on the floating particles can be increased. In addition, since the charged floating particles flow downstream in the ventilation direction due to the fountain flow, floating particles can be collected by the fountain flow in a structure in which the charging region and the collecting region are arranged on the same plane. In addition, since the high-voltage electrode and the collecting electrode are surface-treated with a non-conductive material, spark discharge can be avoided even when the collecting electrode and the high-voltage electrode are adjacent to the discharge electrode, thereby enabling stable discharge between the ground electrode and the discharge electrode. Therefore, spark discharge can be avoided without changing the arrangement interval of the multiple electrodes, and a decrease in the dust collection effect can be suppressed.

[0131] As an example, the discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the capture electrode may be arranged in a direction orthogonal to the air flow direction.

[0132] As an example, the discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the capture electrode may be arranged spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the air flow direction so that air can pass between two adjacent electrodes.

[0133] As an example, two adjacent charging electrodes among the plurality of charging electrodes may be the discharge electrode and the ground electrode, or two ground electrodes.

[0134] As an example, at least one of the high-voltage electrodes and at least one of the capturing electrodes may be arranged in at least one of the plurality of ranges defined by the plurality of charging electrodes such that the high-voltage electrode is not adjacent to the discharge electrode.

[0135] As an example, the plurality of ranges may include ranges between two charging electrodes and ranges outside of charging electrodes arranged at opposite ends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of charging electrodes.

[0136] As an example, at least one of the high-voltage electrodes and at least one of the capturing electrodes may be arranged in all of the plurality of ranges defined by the plurality of charging electrodes.

[0137] As an example, among the plurality of ranges, two adjacent ranges may have the high voltage electrode and the capture electrode disposed in only one of the two ranges.

[0138] As an example, two high voltage electrodes within the above ranges may not be adjacent to each other.

[0139] As an example, the ground electrode may include at least one of a flat member and a rod-shaped member.

[0140] As an example, the discharge electrode may include at least one of a needle-shaped conductive member, a saw-toothed conductive member, and a plurality of fiber-shaped conductive members.

[0141] An air purifier according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an electrostatic precipitator for removing airborne particulate matter before discharging sucked air into an air purification space. The electrostatic precipitator includes a discharge electrode and a ground electrode, and includes a plurality of charging electrodes for generating ions by corona discharge to charge the airborne particulate matter; a high-voltage electrode and a collecting electrode for collecting the airborne particulate matter charged by the ions by Coulomb force; The discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the collecting electrode are installed on approximately the same plane and facing in a direction approximately parallel to an air flow direction. The high-voltage electrode and the collecting electrode include a conductive member whose surface is treated by a non-conductive member.

[0142] In one embodiment, the discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high voltage electrode, and the capture electrode may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other so that air can pass between two adjacent electrodes in a direction orthogonal to the air flow direction. Two adjacent charging electrodes among the plurality of charging electrodes may be the discharge electrode and the ground electrode, or two ground electrodes. At least one high voltage electrode and at least one capture electrode may be arranged in at least one range among the plurality of ranges defined by the plurality of charging electrodes such that the high voltage electrode is not adjacent to the discharge electrode.

[0143] As an example, at least one of the high-voltage electrodes and at least one of the capturing electrodes may be arranged in all of the plurality of ranges defined by the plurality of charging electrodes.

[0144] As an example, among the plurality of ranges, two adjacent ranges may have the high voltage electrode and the capture electrode disposed in only one of the two ranges.

[0145] An electrostatic precipitator according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a discharge electrode and a ground electrode, and comprises a plurality of charging electrodes that generate ions by corona discharge to charge airborne particulate matter; a high-voltage electrode and a collecting electrode that collect the airborne particulate matter charged by the ions by Coulomb force; The discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the collecting electrode are installed on approximately the same plane and facing in a direction approximately parallel to the air flow direction. The high-voltage electrode and the collecting electrode have a conductive member whose surface is treated by a non-conductive member.

[0146] In one embodiment, the discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high voltage electrode, and the capture electrode may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other so that air can pass between two adjacent electrodes in a direction orthogonal to the air flow direction. Two adjacent charging electrodes among the plurality of charging electrodes may be the discharge electrode and the ground electrode, or two ground electrodes. At least one high voltage electrode and at least one capture electrode may be arranged in at least one range among the plurality of ranges defined by the plurality of charging electrodes such that the high voltage electrode is not adjacent to the discharge electrode.

[0147] As an example, at least one of the high-voltage electrodes and at least one of the capturing electrodes may be arranged in all of the plurality of ranges defined by the plurality of charging electrodes.

[0148] As an example, among the plurality of ranges, two adjacent ranges may have the high voltage electrode and the capture electrode disposed in only one of the two ranges.

[0149] As an example, two high voltage electrodes are not adjacent to each other within the plurality of ranges.

[0150] 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.

[0151] As described above, although the air conditioner, air purifier, and electrostatic precipitator of the present disclosure have been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

1. An indoor heat exchanger (201) that performs heat exchange with air sucked in from an air conditioning space; It includes an electrostatic precipitator (10) for removing floating particulate matter in the air before discharging the air to the air conditioning space; The above electric precipitator, A plurality of charging electrodes (11) including a ground electrode (11A) and a discharge electrode (11B), which generate ions by corona discharge to charge the floating particulate matter; It includes a plurality of collecting electrodes (12) including a collecting electrode (12a) and a high-voltage electrode (12b), and which collect floating particles charged by the ions by the Coulomb force; The discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the collection electrode are installed on approximately the same plane and facing in a direction approximately parallel to the air flow direction, An air conditioner in which the high-voltage electrode and the capturing electrode are provided with a conductive member (121) whose surface is treated by a non-conductive member (122).

2. In paragraph 1, An air conditioner in which the discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the capture electrode are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, An air conditioner in which the discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the capture electrode are arranged spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction so that air can pass between two adjacent electrodes.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, An air conditioner in which two adjacent charging electrodes among the plurality of charging electrodes are the discharge electrode and the ground electrode, or two ground electrodes.

5. In paragraph 4, An air conditioner in which at least one high-voltage electrode and at least one capturing electrode are arranged in at least one range among a plurality of ranges divided by the plurality of charging electrodes such that the high-voltage electrode is not adjacent to the discharge electrode.

6. In paragraph 5, An air conditioner in which the above plurality of ranges includes ranges between two charging electrodes and ranges outside of charging electrodes arranged at both ends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of charging electrodes.

7. In paragraph 5 or 6, An air conditioner in which at least one high-voltage electrode and at least one capturing electrode are arranged in all of the plurality of ranges divided by the plurality of charging electrodes.

8. In paragraph 5 or 6, An air conditioner in which the high-voltage electrode and the capturing electrode are disposed in only one of the two adjacent ranges among the above-mentioned multiple ranges.

9. In any one of paragraphs 5 to 8, An air conditioner in which two high voltage electrodes are not adjacent to each other within the above range.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, An air conditioner wherein the ground electrode comprises either a flat member or a rod-shaped member.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, An air conditioner in which the above discharge electrode comprises any one of a needle-shaped conductive member, a saw-toothed conductive member, and a plurality of fiber-shaped conductive members.

12. Includes an electrostatic precipitator (10) that removes airborne particulate matter before discharging the inhaled air into an air purification space; The above electric precipitator, A plurality of charging electrodes (11) including a ground electrode (11A) and a discharge electrode (11B), which generate ions by corona discharge to charge the floating particulate matter; It includes a plurality of collecting electrodes (12) including a collecting electrode (12a) and a high-voltage electrode (12b), and which collect floating particles charged by the ions by the Coulomb force; The discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the collection electrode are installed on approximately the same plane and facing in a direction approximately parallel to the air flow direction, An air purifier in which the high-voltage electrode and the capturing electrode have a conductive member (121) whose surface is treated by a non-conductive member (122).

13. In paragraph 12, The discharge electrode, the ground electrode, the high-voltage electrode, and the collection electrode are arranged spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction so that air can pass between two adjacent electrodes, Among the plurality of charging electrodes, two adjacent charging electrodes are the discharge electrode and the ground electrode, or two ground electrodes. An air purifier in which at least one high-voltage electrode and at least one capturing electrode are arranged in at least one range among a plurality of ranges divided by the plurality of charging electrodes such that the high-voltage electrode is not adjacent to the discharge electrode.

14. In paragraph 13, An air purifier in which at least one high-voltage electrode and at least one capturing electrode are arranged in all of the plurality of ranges divided by the plurality of charging electrodes.

15. In paragraph 13, An air purifier in which the high-voltage electrode and the capturing electrode are disposed in only one of the two adjacent ranges among the plurality of ranges.

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