Electrospray module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrospray module in which an extraction electrode and a nozzle plate are configured separately. In particular, it relates to an electrospray module which, instead of applying a passivation film to prevent electrical conduction with an extraction electrode, adopts a structure that drains water droplets formed on the aperture to the outside, thereby preventing electrical conduction caused by water and enabling stable maintenance of electrospray.

Description

ELECTROSPRAY MODULE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrospray module in which an extraction electrode and a nozzle plate are configured separately. In particular, it relates to an electrospray module which, instead of applying a passivation film to prevent electrical conduction with an extraction electrode, adopts a structure that drains water droplets formed on the aperture to the outside, thereby preventing electrical conduction caused by water and enabling stable maintenance of electrospray.

[0002] The electrospray of water can generate hydroxyle radicals (OH radicals), which are natural sterilizing substances harmless to the human body.

[0003] The electrospray is a technology that sprays highly charged ultra-fine water droplets by applying a high electric field to an ultra-small nozzle. For example, a liquid passing through a nozzle forms a cone-jet mode or a simple-jet mode due to an electrostatic force and can be sprayed into fine droplets while being divided by a repulsive force between liquid particles. In this instance, since the sprayed fine droplets are in a charged state, the electrospray is utilized in dust collection devices, etc.

[0004] In the cone-jet mode, a Taylor cone and a jet are formed, and the jet is equal to or less than one-tenth of a nozzle diameter. The size of water droplets generated in the cone-jet mode is much less than that in the simple-jet mode (flow rate < 1 ml / h).

[0005] The cone-jet mode has the following advantages. Because the cone-jet mode is small in size, an energy density (charge density) is high, so a high OH radical concentration can be obtained. Further, because the cone-jet mode can generate very small, high-charge, uniformly sized fine water droplets, it can be used for wet electrical precipitation, mass spectrometry, etc.

[0006] The cone-jet mode has a disadvantage in that a flow rate is very low, so it may be less useful for scrubbers, quarantine, pest control, etc.

[0007] The conventional electrospray nozzle film is disclosed in, for example, the gazette of a patent document (Korean Patent No. 10-2612286) that was filed by the present applicant and was registered.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 23, the conventional electrospray module 1 may have a unified structure in which a nozzle film 10, which is an insulating film in which a nozzle 11 is formed, an extraction electrode 20, and a passivation film 30, which is also an insulating film, are laminated in sequence. The extraction electrode 20 may have a ring shape.

[0009] The nozzle film 10 and the passivation film 30 are bonded together by a thermal lamination film 15 so as to surround the extraction electrode 20. The passivation film 30 serves to prevent electrical conduction caused by water droplets under an electric field.

[0010] The aperture 31 of the passivation film 30 may be relatively larger than the diameter of the nozzle 11, and the aperture 31 of the passivation film 30 may have a diameter substantially equal to that of the aperture of the thermal lamination film 15.

[0011] Accordingly, water to which a high voltage is applied can be electrostatically sprayed in the form of fine droplets by the strength of the electric field.

[0012] However, the height (thickness) of the passivation film 30 may interfere with the smooth flow of water droplets, causing the droplets to remain on the nozzle, which may result in failure of jet formation or distortion of the spraying direction, thereby leading to unstable water electrospraying. In addition, even with the presence of the passivation film 30, when water droplets accumulate around the aperture 31, electrical conduction with the extraction electrode 20 may occur due to dielectric breakdown of the passivation film 30.

[0013] In addition, when the nozzle 11 of the nozzle film 10 is clogged or burned by high voltage, the entire electrospray module 1 has to be discarded, whereby the extraction electrode 20 formed integrally therewith cannot be reused.

[0014] In addition, the nozzle film 10 may require relatively many processing steps due to the integration of the nozzle film 10 and the extraction electrode 20.

[0015] [Prior Art Document]

[0016] [Patent Document]

[0017] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent No. 10-2612286

[0018] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electrospray module which, instead of applying a passivation film covering an extraction electrode, adopts a structure configured to discharge water droplets to the outside, thereby preventing electrical conduction caused by the water droplets while maintaining stable electrospray, and thus enabling stable spraying of electrospray water.

[0019] In order to solve the above-described problems, the electrospray module of the present disclosure includes: an extraction electrode having a front surface facing outward and formed with a first aperture; an insulating support layer disposed on a rear surface of the extraction electrode and formed with a second aperture in communication with the first aperture; a nozzle portion including a nozzle plate provided with a nozzle communicating with the second aperture; and a coupling portion configured to couple the insulating support layer to the nozzle portion such that a gap is formed between a rear surface of the insulating support layer; wherein water is drained to the outside through the gap.

[0020] As described above, the electrospray module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can have the following effects.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure, instead of applying a passivation film that covers an extraction electrode, the extraction electrode and the nozzle portion are separated and combined with a drainage path. This configuration can prevent situations in which droplets fail to flow smoothly and remain on the nozzle due to the height of the passivation film, preventing jet formation; water accumulates between the extraction electrode and the nozzle causing electrical conduction; or the spraying direction of eletrospraying of water is distorted, thereby hindering stable implementation of electrospraying.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by coupling the insulating support layer and the nozzle portion, or the coupling plate and the nozzle portion, a thin gap (capillary or drainage structure) can be spontaneously formed between the insulating support layer and the nozzle portion or between the coupling plate and the nozzle portion, but also it is capable of aligning the nozzle of the nozzle portion to the center of the aperture of the insulating support layer or the aperture of the coupling plate.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by applying a hydrophilic coating to the rear surface of the insulating support layer to forcibly drain and absorb the water by capillarity, it is capable of improving drain efficiency in combination with the gap.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is capable of maximizing the insulating effect of the extraction electrode to prevent electrical conduction with the extraction electrode due to the step difference formed as the inner diameter of the aperture in the insulating support layer is smaller than that of the aperture in the extraction electrode.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by further laminating the insulating support film that is stepped at the rear surface of the extraction electrode film, it is capable of preventing the thermal lamination film of the extraction electrode from being wetted and inducing electrical conduction by the additional step difference of the insulating support film.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a protruding ring is fitted into the inner diameter of the extraction electrode film, thereby providing an insulating effect further enhanced compared to that obtained by the step, and physically preventing water droplets accumulated in the aperture from overflowing into the extraction electrode.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the gap between the insulating support film and the nozzle portion can be adjusted through a coupling hole of the insulating support film, which is fitted into a coupling protrusion of the nozzle portion.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a spraying direction positioning portion that determines the spraying direction position of the nozzle is formed on the nozzle plate, so that the nozzle portion having a skirt-shaped cross-section processed by laser can be installed without changing its spraying direction.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by arranging a further extraction electrode in front of the extraction electrode supported on the coupling plate, it is capable of more powerful electrospraying of water as the charge density of water droplets increases due to the effect of the further extraction electrode.

[0030] FIGs. 1 and 2 are exploded and assembled perspective views schematically illustrating the electrospray module 100 in a frontal view in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment.

[0031] FIGs. 3 and 4 are exploded and assembled perspective views schematically illustrating the electrospray module 100 seen from a rear side in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0033] FIGs. 6 and 7 are exploded and assembled perspective views schematically illustrating the electrospray module 200 in a frontal view in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment.

[0034] FIGs. 8 and 9 are exploded and assembled perspective views schematically illustrating the electrospray module 200 seen from a rear side in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 200 according to a second embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 300 in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 12 is an assembled cross-sectional view in which the protruding ring is disposed at the aperture of the extraction electrode film in the electrospray module 300.

[0038] FIGs. 13 and 14 are exploded and assembled perspective views of the electrospray module 400 in a frontal view in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0039] FIGs. 15 and 16 are exploded and assembled perspective views of the electrospray module 500 in a frontal view in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 17 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 500 in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 18 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 600 in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 19 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 700 in accordance with a seventh exemplary embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 20 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 800 in accordance with a eighth exemplary embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 21 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 900 in accordance with a ninth exemplary embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 22 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 1000 in accordance with a tenth exemplary embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the electrospray of a conventional electrospray module.

[0047] Embodiments described below are illustrated and described to help the understanding of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that the present disclosure can be variously modified and implemented differently from the embodiments described herein. It will be noted that a detailed description of known arts will be omitted if it is determined that the detailed description of the known arts can obscure the embodiments of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features of the present disclosure and it should be understood that embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings.

[0048] The terms including an ordinal number such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by such terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

[0049] The terms used in the present disclosure are used to only describe a specific embodiment and does not intend to limit the scope of the present disclosure. A singular expression can include a plural expression as long as it does not have an apparently different meaning in context. In the present disclosure, terms such as "include", "comprise" or "have" should be understood to be intended to designate that illustrated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof are present and not to preclude the existence of one or more different features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof, or the possibility of the addition thereof.

[0050] First, it should be understood that the electrospray module of the present embodiments is described with the extraction electrode being grounded and a high voltage being applied to the nozzle plate, and vice versa, the reverse configuration may also be employed, in which a high voltage is applied to the extraction electrode and then the nozzle plate is grounded. In this configuration, the same electric field is formed when different potentials can be applied to the extraction electrode and the nozzle plate, thereby enabling electrospraying.

[0051] =======================First Embodiment========================

[0052] FIGs. 1 and 2 are exploded and assembled perspective views of the first embodiment of the electrospray module 100 in a frontal view. FIGs. 3 and 4 are exploded and assembled perspective views of the first embodiment of the electrospray module 100 seen from a rear side. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an assembled cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the electrospray module 100.

[0053] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 5, the electrospray module 100 according to the first embodiment may include an extraction electrode 111. The extraction electrode 111 may be formed of a conductive thin plate, such as a stainless-steel foil, nickel foil, or nickel-plated copper foil. The extraction electrode 111 may have the form of a dumbbell shape. That is, the extraction electrode 111 may include a ring extraction electrode for electrospraying 111a, a ring extraction electrode for grounding 111b, a connecting extraction electrode 111c that connects the ring extraction electrode for electrospraying 111a and the ring extraction electrode for grounding 111b. The extraction electrode for electrospraying 111a may have, at its center, a first aperture 112 through which electrospray water is discharged.

[0054] The electrospray module 100 according to the first embodiment may include the insulating support layer 113. The insulating support layer 113 may be formed of a thin plate of insulating materials, such as polyimide or polycarbonate. The insulating support film 113 may be formed in a strip shape. The insulating support film 113 may be formed with a second aperture 114 corresponding to the first aperture 112. As shown in FIG. 5, the first aperture 112 and the second aperture 114 may have the same diameter, for example, in a range of 3 to 5mm. Accordingly, the extraction electrode 111 and the insulating support file 113 may be disposed without steps.

[0055] In particular, the extraction electrode 111 and the insulating support film 113 according to the first embodiment may constitute an integrated extraction electrode film 110. The integrated extraction electrode film 110 may be configured to form the extraction electrode 111 by etching copper on the thermal lamination film 115 attached to the front surface of the insulating support film 113. Accordingly, the front surface of the extraction electrode 111 may be exposed externally.

[0056] The electrospray module 100 according to the first embodiment may include the nozzle plate 120. The nozzle plate 120 may be formed of an insulating nozzle film 120 such as polyimide or polycarbonate. The insulating nozzle film 120 may be formed in a strip shape. Of course, the nozzle plate 120 may also be implemented as a processed metal plate, and, for example, can be composed of a stainless steel plate in which nozzles are formed through electrical discharge.

[0057] The nozzle 121 may be formed in the insulating nozzle film 120. The diameter of the nozzle 121 may be the same as the diameter of a jet so as to constitute a micro-hole. The nozzle 121 may be disposed on a central axis of the first aperture 112 and the second aperture 114. The nozzle 121 is formed using lasers, and may have a skirt-shaped in cross-section in which an inner diameter becomes smaller from an inlet toward an outlet, as shown in FIG. 5. The spraying direction positioning portion 122 may be formed in the insulating nozzle film 120 so that the positions of an inlet and an outlet of the nozzle 121 are not interchanged. The spraying direction positioning portion 122 may be protruding from the insulating nozzle film 120. Accordingly, when the spraying direction positioning portion 122 is arranged to be located on an upper left end as viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 1, an inlet and an outlet of the nozzle 121 can be correctly positioned without being interchanged.

[0058] The nozzle 121 may be configured as a single-nozzle. This is because a gap is formed between the nozzle 121 and the first and second apertures 112 and 114 by the thickness of the coupling portion 130, which will be described below, so that when implemented as a multi-nozzle, nozzles other than the nozzle located at the center of the first and second apertures 112 and 114 may impinge on the insulating support film 113 and fail to spray.

[0059] The electrospray module 100 according to the first embodiment may include the nozzle portion 125. The nozzle portion 125 may include a housing 125. The housing 125 may include a housing body 126 and a housing cover 128, forming a flow path. The insulating nozzle film 120 may be disposed between the housing body 126 and the housing cover 128. The housing 125 has the apertures 127 and 129 in communication with the nozzle 121. On the rear surface of the housing body 126, a fitting (not shown) configured to spray water may be provided. The aperture 127 of the housing body 126 may serve as an inlet through which water is introduced from the fitting (not shown), while the aperture 129 of the housing cover 128 may serve as an outlet through which the electrospray water is discharged through the nozzle 121.

[0060] A high voltage electrode 123 may be installed in the housing 125 as shown in FIG. 3. The high voltage electrode 123 may also have the form of a dumbbell shape like the extraction electrode 111, and may be a copper-nickel alloy electrode. That is, the high voltage electrode 123 may include a high voltage electrode for electrospraying 123a, a high-voltage application electrode 123b, and a connecting electrode 123c that connects the high voltage electrode for electrospraying 123a and the high-voltage application electrode 123b. The aperture 124 through which the electrospray water is sprayed may be formed at the center of the high voltage electrode for electrospraying 123a.

[0061] The electrospraying module 100 according to the first embodiment may include the coupling portion 130. The coupling portion 130 may be fastened and supported by being positioned between the extraction electrode film 110 and the nozzle portion 125. The coupling portion 130 may be a support plate 130. The thickness of the support plate 130 may be, for example, 3 to 5mm.

[0062] The support plate 130 forms a gap between the extraction electrode film 110 and the nozzle portion 125 as large as its thickness, thereby nearly eliminating the possibility of electrical conduction with the extraction electrode 111. However, as mentioned above, only a single-nozzle is possible and a high voltage (for example, up to 7kV) may be required. The aperture 135 may be formed on the support plate 130. The diameter of the aperture 135 may be larger than those of the first and second apertures 112 and 114. That is, the first and second apertures 112 and 114 may be included in the range of the aperture 135. The center of the first and second apertures 112 and 114 may be disposed on the central axis of the single-nozzle 121.

[0063] The electrospray module 100 according to the first embodiment may include a gap 140 that serves as a drain channel. The gap 140 may be formed between the rear surface of the support plate 130 and the front surface of the housing cover 128. This gap 140 may be spontaneously formed by screwing both ends of the insulating nozzle film 120 on the support plate 130 as shown in FIG. 4. The gap 140 may be about 1mm.

[0064] The gap 140 may drain water droplets that are accumulated around the aperture 135 when the electrospray water is sprayed from the nozzle 121 by gravity or the like, thereby preventing electrical conduction with the extraction electrode 111 in advance. When the rear surface of the insulating support film 113 is surface treated with a hydrophilic coating (not shown), water droplets are absorbed and drained to the outside, whereby the drainage efficiency can be further enhanced.

[0065] As described above, the electrospray module 100 according to the first embodiment may be a separate and removable type in which the extraction electrode 110 and the nozzle portion 125 are installed on the front and rear sides with the support plate 130 as a center. It has been mentioned above that, although this separate, removable type has little risk of electrical conduction, it allows only a single-nozzle and requires a high voltage.

[0066] ====================Second Embodiment====================

[0067] FIGs. 6-10 illustrate the electrospray module 200 according to the second embodiment which is provided to overcome the disadvantages of the first embodiment.

[0068] FIGs. 6 and 7 are exploded and assembled perspective views schematically illustrating the electrospray module 200 in a frontal view in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. FIGs. 8 and 9 are exploded and assembled perspective views schematically illustrating the electrospray module 200 seen from a rear side in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0069] Referring to FIGs. 6-10, the electrospray module 200 according to the second embodiment is similar to the electrospray module 100 in the first embodiment in structure and function. However, it differs in that the extraction electrode film 210 and the nozzle portion 125 according to the second embodiment are sequentially disposed on a rear surface of the support plate 230 which serves as a coupling portion 230, and that a step (△) is formed between the aperture 212 of the extraction electrode 211 and the aperture 214 of the insulating support film 213.

[0070] This arrangement allows forming a gap 240 of the second embodiment between the nozzle portion 125 and the insulating support film 213, which serves as an insulating support layer of the ground extraction film 210. As such, the electrospray module 200, which is nearly integrated, provides an electrostatic spray effect comparable to that of an integrated type since the gap between the insulating support film 213 and the insulating nozzle film 120 is very small and multi-nozzle is possible. However, the risk of electrical conduction may be higher than the case in the first embodiment, in which the gap is relatively larger.

[0071] The extraction electrode film 210 according to the second embodiment may be laminated with the extraction electrode 211, the thermal lamination film 215, and the insulating support film 213 in order from outside to inside as shown in FIG. 10, as in the extraction electrode film 110 of the first embodiment. However, since the first aperture 212 of the extraction electrode 211 is smaller than the second aperture 214 of the insulating support film 213, it may be disposed in a stepped manner (△). This step (△) may serve as a barrier to prevent the accumulated water droplets from flowing toward the extraction electrode 211 when the electrospray water is sprayed.

[0072] The extraction electrode 211 according to the second embodiment may include the ring extraction electrode for electrospraying 211a, the ring extraction electrode for grounding 211b, and the connecting extraction electrode 211c that connects them, as in the extraction electrode 111 of the first embodiment. The first aperture 212 may be formed at the center of the ring extraction electrode for electrospraying 211a.

[0073] The insulating support film 213 according to the second embodiment, which serves as the insulating support layer may have the second aperture 214 formed as a thin film of the insulating material as in the insulating support film 113 of the first embodiment. In addition, the rear surface of the insulating support layer 213 may be surface treated with a hydrophilic coating.

[0074] The nozzle film 120 of the electrospray module 200 may be identical to the nozzle film 120 of the electrospray module 100 in structure and function.

[0075] In addition, the nozzle portion 125 of the electrospray module 200 may also be identical to the nozzle portion 125 of the electrospray module 100 in structure and function.

[0076] Meanwhile, the electrospray module 200 may the extraction electrode film 210 and the insulating nozzle film 120 disposed in very close proximity to each other as shown in FIG. 10, which may result in electrical conduction with the extraction electrode 211 due to wetting of the thermal lamination film 215.

[0077] ======================Third Embodiment======================

[0078] In order to address the concern in the second embodiment, a further insulating support film 317 is further laminated between the extraction electrode 311 and the insulating support film 313 as shown in FIG. 11, thereby increasing the distance from the nozzle 121 to the extraction electrode 311 by the thickness of the further insulating support film 317.

[0079] FIG. 11 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 300 in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 11, the electrospray module 300 according to the third embodiment is similar to the electrospray module 200 in the second embodiment in structure and function, except that a further insulating support film 317 is further laminated on the extraction electrode film 310, and that a step (△＇) is formed between the apertures 312 and 316 of the extraction electrode film 310 and the aperture 314 of the insulating support film 313.

[0081] Electrical conduction can be prevented by making the size of the aperture 312 of the extraction electrode 311 and the aperture 316 of the further insulating support film 317 identical, and a step (△＇) formed larger than the aperture 314 of the insulating support film 313. The diameter of the apertures 312 and 316 may be 3 to 5mm.

[0082] The gap 340 according to the third embodiment may also be formed between the insulating support film 313 and the insulating nozzle film 120. In addition, the rear surface of the insulating support film 313 may also be surface treated with a hydrophilic coating.

[0083] FIG. 12 is an assembled cross-sectional view in which the protruding ring 320 is disposed at the apertures 312 and 316 of the extraction electrode film 310 in the electrospray module 300.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 12, the protruding ring 320 may be installed by being fitted into the aperture 312 of the extraction electrode 311 and the aperture 316 of the further insulating support film 317.

[0085] The protruding ring 320 has a cylindrically shaped processed from polycarbonate that may be attached to the step (△＇) with an adhesive such as bonds. The front end of the protruding ring 320 serves as a temporary embankment protruding beyond a front surface of the extraction electrode 311 to strongly prevent the extraction electrode 311 from electrical conduction.

[0086] ====================Fourth Embodiment=====================

[0087] FIGs. 13 and 14 are exploded and assembled perspective views of the electrospray module 400 in a frontal view in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0088] The electrospray module 400 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the electrospray module 100 in the first embodiment in function and structure, except that the coupling portion 430 of the fourth embodiment is different from the coupling portion 130 of the first embodiment.

[0089] Referring to FIGs. 13 and 14, the coupling portion 430 of the fourth embodiment may include a coupling protrusion 431 installed in the nozzle portion 125, and a coupling hole 433 formed through the insulating support film 413. The coupling protrusion 431 may be fitted into a fastening portion of the nozzle portion 125, or may be formed integrally on the housing cover 128. The coupling hole 433 may be supported by being fitted into the coupling protrusion 431.

[0090] In addition, the coupling portion 430 according to the fourth embodiment may include a coupling plate 435. The coupling plate 435 may be disposed between the insulating support film 413 and the housing cover 128. The coupling hole 437 may be formed through the coupling plate 435 at a position corresponding to the coupling hole 433. Accordingly, a gap 440 may be formed between the coupling plate 435 and the housing cover 128. The size of the gap 440 may be adjusted by using an O-ring, washer, or the like (not shown).

[0091] The coupling plate 435 is a very thin plastic plate processed from materials such as polycarbonate, which may also serve as an insulating support layer.

[0092] The protruding ring 439 facing forward may be formed at the center of the coupling plate 435. The protruding ring 439 may be inserted into the first and second apertures 112 and 114. This protruding ring 439, together with the coupling protrusion 431, can stably support the extraction electrode film 410 and serve as a temporary embankment of the extraction electrode 111, thereby preventing electrical conduction.

[0093] =========================Fifth embodiment=======================

[0094] FIGs. 15 and 16 are exploded and assembled perspective views of the electrospray module 500 in a frontal view in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 500 in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment.

[0095] The electrospray module 500 according to the fifth embodiment is similar to the electrospray module 400 in the fourth embodiment in structure and function. However, it differs in that only the extraction electrode 111, unlike the extraction electrode film 410 in the fourth embodiment, is supported on the coupling plate 435. That is, referring to FIGs. 15-17, the first aperture 112 of the extraction electrode 111 may be inserted and mounted on the outer circumference of the protruding ring 439.

[0096] ======================Sixth Embodiment=======================

[0097] FIG. 18 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 600 in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment.

[0098] The electrospray module 600 according to the sixth embodiment is similar to the electrospray module 500 in the fifth embodiment in structure and function. However, it differs in that only the extraction electrode 111, unlike the protruding ring 439 in the fifth embodiment, is supported on the front surface of the coupling plate 535. That is, referring to FIG. 18, the extraction electrode 111 may be bonded or fitted onto the front surface of the coupling plate 535. In this case, the first aperture 112 of the extraction electrode 111 may be about 3 to 5mm, and the aperture 536 of the coupling plate 535 may be formed with a step relative to the first aperture 112.

[0099] ========================Seventh Embodiment===================

[0100] FIG. 19 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 700 in accordance with the seventh exemplary embodiment.

[0101] The electrospray module 700 according to the seventh embodiment is similar to the elctrospray module 600 in the sixth embodiment in structure and function. However, it differs in that the further extraction electrode 111a is disposed in front of the extraction electrode 111 of the sixth embodiment. That is, referring to FIG. 19, the further extraction electrode 111a, which faces the extraction electrode 111 spaced apart, may be supported on the coupling plate 535.

[0102] In addition, the aperture 112a of the further extraction electrode 111a may be larger than the first aperture 112 of the extraction electrode 111.

[0103] By further adding the effect of this further extraction electrode 111a, the performance of the electrospray can be maximized.

[0104] ========================Eighth Embodiment=====================

[0105] FIG. 20 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 800 in accordance with the eighth exemplary embodiment.

[0106] The electrospray module 800 according to the eighth embodiment is similar to the electrospray module 700 in the seventh embodiment in structure and function. However, it differs in that the further extraction electrode 811 of the eighth embodiment is installed on the rear surface of the coupling plate 535. That is, referring to FIG. 20, the extraction electrode 111 and the further extraction electrode 811 may be arranged on the front surface and back surface of the coupling plate 535.

[0107] In addition, the further extraction electrode 811 of the eighth embodiment may be grounded through a high resistance 820 to the ground line of the extraction electrode 111.

[0108] The further extraction electrode 811 disposed on the rear surface of the coupling plate 535 may be susceptible to electrical conduction because it is close to the nozzle 121. To avoid this, ahigh resistance 820 (approximately a few GΩ) may be disposed to prevent rapid electrical conduction. However, when a high resistance 820 is used, there may be a limitation in that the electrode may not perform its grounding function properly. The primary role of the extraction electrode is to form a local potential difference around the nozzle to concentrate the electric field. Accordingly, when resistance is too high, such effect may be reduced. Thus, the further extraction electrode 811 having a high resistance 820 inserted therein may perform only an auxiliary function, and in sequence to induce a stable electrospraying, a basic extraction electrode 111 that is directly grounded without high resistance may be required. Furthermore, since the basic extraction electrode 111 does not include high resistance, the insulating support layer for preventing electrical conduction, and a gap 840 serving as a drainage structure may be essential.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 20, when the nozzle 121 is viewed as a concentric circle, the aperture 811a of the further extraction electrode 811 may be larger than the first aperture 112 of the extraction electrode 111. This is to prevent electrical conduction caused by water by arranging the aperture 811a of the further extraction electrode 811 farther from the nozzle 121. However, as the distance from the nozzle 121 increases, the effect of concentrating the electric field may be reduced. Accordingly, the further extraction electrode 811 serves as a supplementary means to assist the performance of electrospraying.

[0110] =========================Ninth Embodiment=====================

[0111] FIG. 21 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 900 in accordance with the ninth exemplary embodiment.

[0112] The electrospray module 900 according to the ninth embodiment follows a basic configuration including a gap 440 serving as a drainage structure as disclosed in the present disclosure, but differs in that, unlike the sixth embodiment, an insulating passivation film 910 is additionally attached to the front surface of the extraction electrode 111.

[0113] The passivation film 910 may be formed of an insulating film such as polyimide (PI), silicon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and the fourth aperture 912 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first aperture 112. The fourth aperture 912 is formed with an inner diameter larger than the aperture 536 of the insulating support layer so as to allow the electrospray water to freely pass therethrough.

[0114] The passivation film 910 is designed to be thin and flat without affecting jet formation, and may be attached to the front surface of the extraction electrode 111 by using an adhesive or a thermal compression method.

[0115] The present embodiment maintains the basic structure of preventing electrical conduction through the gap 440 served as a drainage structure, while additionally applying the passivation film 910 with concomitant auxiliary insulating means, thereby enhancing reliability and endurance against a humidity change or an external environment.

[0116] ========================Tenth Embodiment====================

[0117] FIG. 22 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of the electrospray module 1000 in accordance with the tenth exemplary embodiment.

[0118] The electrospray module 1000 according to the tenth embodiment comprises a nozzle plate 1120 in which a plurality of nozzles 1121 are arranged in an array, and is configured such that the extraction electrode 1111 in a lamellar structure having a plurality of extraction electrode apertures 1112 corresponding to the plurality of nozzles 1121 is formed. In this case, one or more nozzles 1121 may be disposed in a single extraction electrode's aperture 1112, and the position of the nozzle 1121 is, in principle, formed near the center axis of the aperture 1112 of the extraction electrode 1111, but may be adjusted in consideration of the electrospray efficiency and the electric field formation. The insulating support layer 1535 and the nozzle plate 1120 are coupled between each nozzle 1121 and extraction electrode 1111, and a gap 1440 for drainage is formed therebetween so that droplets generated during spraying are discharged to the outside, thereby preventing electrical conduction.

[0119] As above, although the present disclosure has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It is obvious that various changes and modifications can be made by an ordinary person skilled in the art within the technical idea and scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0120] [Description of reference numerals]

[0121] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000: electrospray module

[0122] 110, 210, 310, 410: extraction electrode film

[0123] 111, 211, 311, 1111: extraction electrode

[0124] 111a, 811: further extraction electrode

[0125] 113, 213, 313, 413: insulating support layer (insulating support film)

[0126] 120: nozzle plate (insulating nozzle film) 121, 1121: nozzle

[0127] 122: spraying direction positioning portion 123: high voltage electrode

[0128] 125, 1125: nozzle portion (housing) 126: housing body

[0129] 128: housing cover 130, 230, 430: coupling portion

[0130] 140, 240, 340, 440, 840, 1440: gap 317: further insulating support film

[0131] 320, 439: protruding ring 431: coupling protrusion

[0132] 433, 437: coupling hole 435, 535: coupling plate

[0133] 820: high voltage 910: passivation film

Claims

1.An electrospray module comprising:an extraction electrode having a front surface facing outward and formed with a first aperture;an insulating support layer disposed on a rear surface of the extraction electrode and formed with a second aperture in communication with the first aperture;a nozzle portion including a nozzle plate provided with a nozzle communicating with the second aperture; anda coupling portion configured to couple the insulating support layer to the nozzle portion such that a gap is formed between a rear surface of the insulating support layer;wherein water is drained to the outside through the gap.2.The electrospray module of claim 1, wherein the insulating support layer is an insulating support film on which the extraction electrode is formed on a front surface thereof, andwherein the gap is formed between the insulating support film and the nozzle portion.3.The electrospray module of claim 2, wherein an inner diameter of the second aperture is smaller than an inner diameter of the first aperture such that a step is formed.4.The electrospray module of claim 3, wherein an further insulating support film is further laminated between the extraction electrode and the insulating support film, andwherein an inner diameter of a third aperture of the further insulating support film is the same as the inner diameter of the first aperture.5.The electrospray module of claim 4, wherein a protruding ring is further fitted into the inner diameter of the third aperture and the inner diameter of the first aperture, andwherein the front end of the protruding ring protrudes beyond the front surface of the extraction electrode.6.The electrospray module of claim 2,wherein a hydrophilic coating is applied to the rear surface of the insulating support film.7.The electrospray module of claim 2,wherein the coupling portion includes a coupling protrusion disposed in the nozzle portion, anda coupling hole formed in the insulating support film and fitted into the coupling protrusion.8.The electrospray module of claim 7,wherein the coupling portion further includes a coupling plate fitted into the coupling protrusion,wherein a protruding ring extending toward the front is formed at the center of the coupling plate, andwherein the first aperture and the second aperture are inserted into the protruding ring.9.The electrospray module of claim 8, wherein the front end of the protruding ring protrudes beyond the front surface of the extraction electrode.10.The electrospray module of claim 1, wherein the insulating support layer is a coupling plate on which the extraction electrode is supported on the front surface; andwherein the gap is formed between the coupling plate and the nozzle plate.11.The electrospray module of claim 10, wherein the coupling portion includes:a coupling protrusion installed in the nozzle portion; anda coupling hole formed on the coupling plate and fitted into the coupling protrusion.12.The electrospray module of claim 11, wherein a protruding ring extending forward is formed at the center of the coupling plate, andwherein the first aperture of the extraction electrode is inserted into the protruding ring.13.The electrospray module of claim 12, wherein the front end of the protruding ring protrudes beyond the front surface of the extraction electrode.14.The electrospray module of claim 1, wherein a further extraction electrode is further disposed in front of the extraction electrode, and supported spacing apart from the insulating support layer.15.The electrospray module of claim 1, wherein the further extraction electrode is disposed on the rear surface of the insulating support layer; andwherein the further extraction electrode is connected to the ground line of the extraction electrode through a high resistance.16.The electrospray module of claim 1, wherein the further extraction electrode is disposed on the rear surface of the insulating support layer, andwherein the aperture of the further extraction electrode is larger than the aperture of the extraction electrode.17.The electrospray module of claim 1, wherein the nozzle plate is formed of an insulating nozzle film.18.The electrospray module of claim 17, wherein the insulating nozzle film is formed of a polyimide (PI) film.19.The electrospray module of claim 1, wherein the nozzle plate is formed of a stainless-steel foil.20.The electrospray module of claim 1, wherein a spraying direction positioning portion that determines the spraying direction position of the nozzle is formed on the nozzle plate.21.The electrospray module of claim 1, wherein the nozzle portion includes a housing body and a housing cover, forming a flow path; andwherein the nozzle plate is disposed between the housing body and the housing cover.22.The electrospray module of claim 1, wherein an insulating passivation film is additionally attached to the front surface of the extraction electrode, andwherein a fourth aperture is formed at a position corresponding to the first aperture in the insulating passivation film.23.The electrospray module of claim 1, wherein a plurality of nozzles are arranged in an array on the nozzle plate; andwherein the extraction electrode is formed in a lamellar structure having a plurality of apertures arranged corresponding to the plurality of the nozzles.

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