KR102623102B1 - Ionizer and controlling method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ion generator and its control method. The ion generator according to the spirit of the present invention is provided with at least one charging module. The charging module includes a discharge needle that has a circular cross-section and is elongated, and a heater that increases the temperature of the discharge needle. The discharge needle is divided into a front end portion extending so that the diameter of the circular cross-sectional area changes linearly and a rear end portion extending the diameter of the circular cross-sectional area the same from the front end portion. At this time, the heater is coupled to cover the outside of the rear end.

Description

Ion generator and its control method {Ionizer and controlling method of the same}

The present invention relates to an ion generator and its control method.

Recently, as buildings have minimized the introduction of external gases and become airtight to save energy, indoor air pollution is becoming increasingly serious. Accordingly, various legal regulations on indoor pollutants are gradually being strengthened.

Meanwhile, during the operation of home appliances installed in homes or businesses, indoor pollutants may be generated and deposited within the home appliances or may be discharged from the home appliances. These indoor pollutants can cause unpleasant odors and have a negative impact on user hygiene.

For example, in the case of home appliances that use air or water containing moisture, such as air conditioners, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, refrigerators, or washing machines, contamination by dust or microorganisms may occur inside or outside the home appliances. there is.

In order to make polluted indoor air comfortable, an ion generator that generates negative ions can be used, and the related prior art (hereinafter referred to as Prior Document 1) is as follows.

<Prior document 1>

1. Publication number: 10-2005-0098567 (Publication date: October 12, 2005)

2. Title of invention: Ion generator using carbon nanotips and manufacturing method thereof

Prior document 1 describes an ion generator that generates ions into the air through discharge. At this time, oxygen ions generated during the discharge process of the ion generator may combine with oxygen molecules to generate ozone. Ozone is a substance that is toxic to the human body and can harm the respiratory system if inhaled for a long period of time.

Accordingly, ion generators that generate ions into the air through discharge while reducing the amount of ozone generated are being developed. The prior art (hereinafter referred to as Prior Document 2) related to this is as follows.

<Prior Literature 2>

1. Registration number: 10-1551598 (Announcement date: September 9, 2015)

2. Name of invention: Ion generator that reduces ozone generation

Prior document 2 describes an ion generator that increases the amount of ions generated while reducing the amount of ozone generated. In particular, the present invention discloses a heating unit that increases the temperature of the ion generating unit by heating the ion generating unit to reduce the amount of ozone emitted simultaneously with the ions emitted from the ion generating unit.

At this time, in the prior art document 2, there is only a schematic description of the heating unit and no description of its specific shape. In particular, there is a problem that it is impossible to simply install a heating unit in the ion generator where a high voltage is applied and generate ions.

In addition, the ion generating unit of the prior art document 2 corresponds to a fiber discharge unit formed of a plurality of carbon fibers. Since the discharge part formed of fiber has a relatively large cross-sectional area, there is a problem in that the amount of ozone generated increases.

In other words, the prior art document 2 describes a device that is impossible or very difficult to implement, and has a problem in that the effect of ozone reduction is unclear.

In order to solve this problem, the purpose of this embodiment is to propose an ion generator provided in various shapes to reduce ozone generation and a control method thereof.

In addition, the purpose is to propose an ion generator and a control method thereof including a discharge module equipped with a discharge needle having a sharp tip and a relatively small cross-sectional area.

In addition, the purpose is to propose an ion generator and a control method that are effectively driven by controlling the heating and high voltage application of the discharge needle according to the dust concentration and discharge needle temperature.

The ion generator and its control method according to the spirit of the present invention provide a shape and control method for reducing the amount of ozone generated when ions are generated.

First, looking at the shape of the ion generator,

The ion generator includes at least one charging module. The charging module includes a discharge needle that has a circular cross-section and is extended to generate ions and to reduce the amount of ozone generated by the discharge needle. A heater coupled to the discharge needle to increase the temperature of the discharge needle is included.

At this time, the discharge needle is provided in a needle shape. That is, the discharge needle is divided into a front end portion extending so that the diameter of the circular cross-sectional area changes linearly and a rear end portion extending the diameter of the circular cross-sectional area the same from the front end portion.

And, the heater is coupled to cover the outside of the rear end. The heater may be provided on the discharge needle in various shapes.

Additionally, an inner cover or outer cover for insulation and heat insulation may be further provided.

Meanwhile, looking at the control method of the ion generator,

In the control method of the ion generator, the dust concentration in the air is measured, and when the measured dust concentration exceeds a predetermined first concentration (A), the temperature of the discharge needle is increased at the rear end of the discharge needle. A step is included where the combined heater is turned on.

And, when the measured dust concentration exceeds the second concentration (B, B>A), which is a value greater than the first concentration (A), the discharge needle is charged so that ions are generated at the front end of the discharge needle. A step is included in which the high voltage application unit that applies the high voltage is turned on.

According to the proposed embodiment, there is an advantage in that the amount of ozone generated when ions are generated can be reduced by heating the discharge needle to a predetermined temperature by a heater.

In addition, as the amount of ozone, which is a substance that adversely affects the human body, is reduced, there is an advantage in securing user convenience and reliability. Additionally, there is an advantage that there are no restrictions on the space where the ion generator is installed.

In addition, there is an advantage that the amount of ozone generated can be reduced more effectively due to the shape of the discharge needle in which ions are generated at the end of the front end with a smaller cross-sectional area.

Additionally, as the heater is coupled to the rear end extending from the front end, there is an advantage that it can be installed so as not to interfere with the generation of ions. In addition, there is an advantage that insulation and heat dissipation can be achieved by additionally installing an inner cover and an outer cover.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the discharge needle is controlled not to apply high voltage when the discharge needle does not reach a predetermined temperature value at which the amount of ozone generated is reduced, thereby preventing the generation of ozone.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the heater can be controlled in advance to heat the discharge needle to a predetermined temperature before the high voltage is applied and reaches a predetermined dust concentration value, thereby generating ions immediately when necessary.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an air conditioner equipped with an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing line 2-2' in FIG. 1.
Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing a charging module of an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing the control configuration of an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing control conditions of an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing the charging module of the ion generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a diagram showing the charging module of the ion generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a diagram showing the charging module of the ion generator according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a diagram showing the charging module of the ion generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions are judged to impede understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Additionally, when describing the components of an embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner equipped with an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating line 2-2' of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air conditioner 10 according to the spirit of the present invention includes a case 11 forming the exterior and a case 11 that is coupled to the front of the case 11 and includes the air conditioner 10. A front panel 12 forming the front exterior is included.

The case 11 may be an indoor unit case placed indoors in the case of a separate air conditioner, and may be the case of the air conditioner itself in the case of an integrated air conditioner. And, in a broad sense, the front panel 12 can be understood as a component of the case 11.

The case 11 includes an inlet 20 through which indoor air flows in, and an outlet 30 through which the air introduced through the inlet 20 is discharged into the indoor space.

The inlet 20 is formed by opening at least a portion of the upper part of the case 11. Additionally, the suction port 20 may be provided with a suction grill 22 to prevent foreign substances from entering.

The discharge port 30 may be formed by opening at least a portion of the lower part of the case 11. Additionally, the discharge port 30 may be provided with a discharge grill (not shown).

On one side of the discharge port 30, a discharge vane 32 is provided to be movable to open or close the discharge port 30. When the discharge vane 32 is opened, the conditioned air within the case 11 can be discharged into the indoor space. For example, the lower portion of the discharge vane 32 may rotate upward to open the discharge port 30.

Additionally, the air conditioner 10 includes a blowing fan 60 and a heat exchanger 40 installed inside the case 11.

The heat exchanger 40 is installed to exchange heat with the air sucked in from the inlet 20. Additionally, the heat exchanger 40 includes a refrigerant tube through which the refrigerant flows and a heat exchange fin that is combined with the refrigerant tube to increase the heat exchange area. The heat exchanger 40 is arranged to surround the suction side of the blower fan 60. For example, the heat exchanger 40 may include a plurality of bent heat exchange parts.

The blowing fan 60 includes a cross-flow fan that discharges air sucked in the circumferential direction in the circumferential direction. The blowing fan 60 includes a fan body 61 as a fixing member and a plurality of blades 65 fixed to one side of the fan body 61 and arranged to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The plurality of blades 65 are arranged along the circumferential direction.

In addition, the air conditioner 10 is provided with flow guides 51 and 52 disposed near the outer peripheral surface of the blowing fan 60 to guide the flow of air. The flow guides 51 and 52 extend along the longitudinal direction of the blower fan 60 and include a rear guide 51 and a stabilizer 52.

The rear guide 51 extends from the rear of the case 11 to the suction side of the blower fan 60. This rear guide 51 ensures that intake air is smoothly guided toward the blowing fan 60 when the blowing fan 60 rotates. In addition, the rear guide 51 can prevent the air flowing by the blowing fan 60 from being separated from the blowing fan 60.

The stabilizer 52 is disposed on the discharge side of the blowing fan 60. The stabilizer 52 is installed to be spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the blower fan 60 to prevent the air discharged from the blower fan 60 from flowing back toward the heat exchanger 40.

Additionally, the air conditioner 10 includes a drain portion 53 disposed below the heat exchanger 40. Condensate water generated during heat exchange between air and refrigerant may be stored in the drain unit 53.

Additionally, the air conditioner 10 may include an electric dust collector 70 that collects dust particles in the air. The electric dust collector 70 may be installed adjacent to the suction port 20 to remove dust particles from the sucked air.

The electric dust collector 70 includes an ion generator 100 that generates ions into the air and a dust collection filter 80 that collects charged dust particles through the ions generated by the ion generator 100. . The shape of the electric dust collector shown in FIG. 2 is illustrative and is not limited thereto.

The ion generator 100 may be disposed ahead of the dust collection filter 80 in the direction of air flow. Referring to FIG. 2, the ion generator 100 is disposed closer to the suction port 20 than the dust collection filter 80. Accordingly, dust particles in the air that are charged by combining with the ions generated by the ion generator 100 can be collected in the dust collection filter 80.

In other words, the ion generator 100 according to the spirit of the present invention can be installed in the air conditioner 10. However, this is an example and the ion generator 100 can be installed in various products. Additionally, the ion generator 100 can be installed independently to generate ions into the air.

Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, Figure 3 shows the dust collector together with the ion generator.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ion generator 100 includes a plurality of charging modules 110. The charging module 110 can be understood as a component of an ion generator that generates ions into the air. The plurality of charging modules 110 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other to generate ions in one direction.

The dust collection device 80 includes a plurality of dust collection plates 82 on which charged dust particles are collected. Additionally, the plurality of dust collection plates 82 correspond to the plurality of charging modules 110 and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. In particular, the charging module 110 may be disposed between a pair of dust collection plates 82 disposed adjacent to each other. That is, the charging module 110 and the dust collection plate 82 may be arranged sequentially.

In particular, the charging module 110 and the dust collection plate 82 may be installed to be spaced apart perpendicular to the direction of air flow. The dust collection plate 82 may be made of conductive plastic. Accordingly, the degree of freedom of shape is high and machinability can be good.

Additionally, the ion generator 100 includes a charging installation unit 120 where the plurality of charging modules 110 are installed. The charging installation unit 120 can be understood as a configuration that connects a plurality of charging modules 110 arranged to be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the charging installation unit 120 may be provided in the shape of a rod extending in the direction in which the charging module 110 is disposed.

In addition, the charging installation unit 120 is connected to the control unit 130 and the high voltage application unit 140, which will be described later. For example, high voltage may be applied to each of the plurality of charging modules 110 through the charging installation unit 120. Meanwhile, the dust collection plate 82 is connected to a ground electrode and can collect charged dust particles.

Although the case in which a plurality of charging modules 110 are provided has been described above, the ion generator 100 may include one charging module. That is, the ion generator 100 includes at least one charging module 110. Hereinafter, one charging module 110 will be described in detail.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing a charging module of an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the charging module 110 includes a discharging needle 112 at the end of which ions are generated. The end of the discharge needle 112 may be sharpened to form a single point. Accordingly, in FIG. 2, each charging module 110 is shown in the shape of a dot.

The discharge needle 112 is generally needle-shaped, has a circular cross-sectional area, and is provided in an extended shape. At this time, the discharge needle 112 may be divided into a front end 1120 forming a sharp end and a rear end 1122 extending from the front end 1120.

In detail, the front end 1120 can be understood as a part extended to have a linearly smaller diameter, and the rear end 1122 can be understood as an extended part with the same diameter. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4, the outside of the front end 1120 is formed to be inclined, and the outside of the rear end 1122 is formed to be straight.

At this time, the diameter of the rear end 1122 is referred to as the body diameter (T1). And, the end of the front end portion 1120 is referred to as the end diameter (T2, T2<T1). That is, one end of the front end 1120 is provided with the main body diameter T1, and the other end is provided with the distal diameter T2. Also, the cross-sectional area of the front end portion 1120 changes linearly from the main body diameter T1 to the distal diameter T2.

The end of the front end portion 1120 can be macroscopically understood as a point as described above. However, in reality, the end of the front end portion 1120 corresponds to a circular cross section with a predetermined diameter. The main body diameter (T1) may be 100 times larger than the terminal diameter (T2). For example, the terminal diameter (T2) may be 3 um, and the main body diameter (T1) may be 300 um.

At this time, when ions are generated from the discharge needle 112, ozone may be generated together. The ozone is a substance that has a negative effect on the human body, and its amount needs to be minimized. The smaller the diameter of the part where ions are generated, that is, the terminal diameter (T2), the smaller the amount of ozone generated.

The needle shape of the discharge needle according to the spirit of the present invention has a smaller diameter than the discharge fiber composed of a bundle of carbon fibers. In detail, the thickness of one fiber of the discharge fiber corresponds to an average of about 10 um. On the other hand, the terminal diameter (T2) is set to about 3 μm, so that ozone generation can be effectively reduced.

Additionally, the extended length of the rear end 1122 is referred to as the rear end length (L1), and the extended length of the front end 1120 is referred to as the front end length (L2). That is, the discharge needle 112 extends to a length (L1+L2) that is the sum of the rear end length (L1) and the front end length (L2). And, the rear end length (L2) corresponds to a length extended so that the diameter is the same, and the front end length (L2) corresponds to a length extended so that the diameter changes.

The rear end length (L1) may be equal to the leading end length (L2) (L1 = L2) or may be longer than the leading end length (L2) (L1>L2). At this time, the rear end length (L1) and the front end length (L2) are provided larger than the main body diameter (T1) (L1, L2 > T1).

Additionally, the ion generator 100 according to the spirit of the present invention includes a heater 150 that heats the discharge needle 112. The heater 150 may be coupled to the discharge needle 112 to increase the temperature of the discharge needle 112. As the temperature of the discharge needle 112 increases, the amount of ozone generated decreases. That is, the heater 150 is provided to reduce the amount of ozone generated by the discharge needle 112.

The heater 150 may be arranged to surround the rear end 1122. As shown in FIG. 4, the heater 150 may be provided in a cylindrical shape coupled to cover the outside of the rear end portion 1122. In particular, the heater 150 may be provided in a cylindrical shape extending to the heater length L3.

At this time, the heater length (L3) may be equal to the rear end length (L1) (L1 = L3) or may be longer than the rear end length (L1) (L3>L1). When the heater length L3 and the rear end length L1 are the same, the heater 150 is coupled to completely cover the outside of the rear end 1122. That is, the heater 150 is coupled to the rear end 1122 so that it does not protrude to one side of the rear end 1122.

Hereinafter, the operation of the heater 150 and the control of the ion generator 100 will be described in detail.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the control configuration of an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ion generator 100 according to the spirit of the present invention includes a control unit 130. The control unit 130 can control each component by signals input from the power unit 160 and the sensing units 170 and 180.

At this time, the control unit 130 may correspond to a control unit of a product in which the ion generator 100 is installed. For example, the control unit 130 may correspond to the control unit of the air conditioner 10 in which the ion generator 100 is installed. At this time, although only the configuration related to the ion generator 100 is shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 130 can control the ion generator 100 along with the configuration of the air conditioner 10.

In particular, the power supply unit 160 may be configured to input ON/OFF of the air conditioner 10. Additionally, heating or cooling mode, set temperature, and wind volume can be input. For example, when strong wind is input through the power unit 160, the control unit 130 may rotate the blowing fan 60 at high speed.

At this time, the ion generator 100 can be turned on/off along with the ON/OFF of the air conditioner 10. Additionally, the power unit 160 may be configured to turn on/off the ion generator 100 separately from the air conditioner 10. For example, an air purifying mode or an electric dust collection mode may be input through the power source 160 to turn on the ion generator 100.

The sensing units 170 and 180 may be equipped with various types of sensors. For example, the sensing unit may be equipped with a dust sensor 170 that measures dust concentration in the air. For example, the dust sensor 170 can be installed on the suction grill 22 of the air conditioner 10 to measure the dust concentration in the air flowing into the air conditioner 10. At this time, the value measured by the dust sensor 170 is called dust concentration (X).

Additionally, the sensing unit includes a temperature sensor 180 that measures the temperature of the discharge needle 112. In particular, the temperature sensor 180 may be installed at the rear end 1122 coupled to the heater 150. At this time, the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 180 is called the discharge needle temperature (T).

The control unit 160 can turn on/off the heater 150 and the high voltage application unit 140. In particular, the control unit 160 can turn on/off the heater 150 and the high voltage application unit 140 according to the dust concentration (X) and discharge needle temperature (T) measured by the sensing unit. Hereinafter, this will be described in detail.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing control conditions of an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the heater 150 and the high voltage application unit 140 are controlled ON/OFF according to the measured dust concentration (X) and discharge needle temperature (T). For convenience of description, in FIG. 6, the ON/OFF control of the heater 150 is shown as heater ON and heater OFF, and the ON/OFF control of the high voltage application unit 140 is shown as high voltage ON and high voltage OFF.

At this time, the dust concentration (X) and the discharge needle temperature (T) may be divided into a plurality of sections according to their measured values. The section according to the dust concentration (X) was written horizontally, and the section according to the discharge needle temperature (T) was written vertically.

The dust concentration (X) can be divided into a pre-stored first concentration (A) and a second concentration (B). The first concentration (A) and the second concentration (B) correspond to arbitrary values classified to measure the level of pollution in the air. At this time, the second concentration (B) corresponds to a value greater than the first concentration (A) (B>A).

In detail, 1) when the dust concentration (X) is less than or equal to the first concentration (A), 2) when the dust concentration (X) exceeds the first concentration (A) and is less than or equal to the second concentration (B) and 3) a case where the dust concentration (X) exceeds the second concentration (B).

At this time, the second concentration (B) corresponds to a value when there are relatively many dust particles in the air. In detail, when the dust concentration in the air reaches the second concentration (B), removal of dust particles is necessary. Accordingly, when the dust concentration (X) exceeds the second concentration (B), the high voltage application unit 140 may be turned on.

Meanwhile, the first concentration (A) corresponds to a value when there are relatively few dust particles in the air. In detail, when the dust concentration in the air reaches the first concentration (A), removal of dust particles is not yet necessary. However, in cases where it is determined that there is a certain level of dust concentration in the air, a preheating step, which will be described later, may be performed.

The discharge needle temperature (T) can be divided into a pre-stored first temperature (T1) and a second temperature (T2). The first temperature (T1) and the second temperature (T2) correspond to arbitrary values. At this time, the second temperature (T2) corresponds to a value greater than the first temperature (T1) (T2>T1).

In detail, 1) when the discharge needle temperature (T) is below the first temperature (T1), 2) when the discharge needle temperature (T) exceeds the first temperature (T1) and the second temperature (T2) It is classified into a case below and 3) a case where the discharge needle temperature (T) exceeds the second temperature (T2).

At this time, the first temperature T1 corresponds to a temperature at which the amount of ozone generated from the discharge needle 112 is reduced. In detail, when the discharge needle 112 exceeds a certain temperature, the amount of ozone generated during discharge is drastically reduced. The first temperature (T1) may be set to a specific value at which the amount of ozone is reduced according to experiment and design.

Accordingly, when the discharge needle temperature (T) is below the first temperature (T1), the high voltage application unit 140 is maintained in the OFF state. That is, the discharge needle 112 is controlled to generate ions only when it is determined that the amount of ozone generated from the discharge needle 112 is small.

Meanwhile, the second temperature T2 may be understood as a temperature value for safety. If the temperature of the discharge needle 112 becomes too high, safety problems such as insulation breakdown may occur. Additionally, this is because problems may occur in products in which the ion generator 100 is installed.

In summary, when the dust concentration (X) is lower than the first concentration (A), both the heater 150 and the high voltage application unit 140 are controlled to be OFF. This can be understood that when the dust concentration (X) is lower than the first concentration (A), the ion generator 100 is controlled to be OFF.

And, when the dust concentration (X) exceeds the first concentration (A), the heater 150 is controlled to be ON. At this time, the high voltage application unit 140 is controlled to be OFF. However, when the discharge needle temperature (T) exceeds the second temperature (T2), the heater 150 is also controlled to be OFF.

And, when the dust concentration (X) exceeds the second concentration (B), the high voltage application unit 140 is controlled to be ON. At this time, the heater 150 is maintained in the ON state as long as the discharge needle temperature (T) does not exceed the second temperature (T2). However, when the discharge needle temperature (T) is lower than the first temperature (T1), the high voltage application unit 140 is not turned on.

That is, the first concentration (A) can be understood as a value at which the heater 150 is controlled to be ON. And, the second concentration (B) can be understood as a value at which the high voltage application unit 140 is controlled to be ON. However, when the second temperature (T2) is exceeded, the heater 150 is turned off, and when the first temperature (T1) is not reached, the high voltage application unit 140 is not turned on.

These control conditions are exemplary, and the ion generator may be controlled in various ways. In particular, the ion generator can be controlled in conjunction with the installed product.

The ion generator according to the spirit of the present invention may be equipped with various types of charging modules. Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components, and all descriptions will be cited. In addition, configurations modified according to the embodiment are identified by adding a, b, c, and d to the reference numerals.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing the charging module of the ion generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 (a) shows an external perspective view of the charging module, and Figure 7 (b) shows a cross-sectional view of the charging module.

As shown in FIG. 7, the charging module 110a according to the first embodiment includes a discharge needle 112a and a heater 150a. The discharge needle 112a is divided into a front end 1120a and a rear end 1122a, and the shape of the discharge needle 112a is referred to above and the description is omitted.

The heater 150a is arranged to surround the outside of the rear end 1122a so as to cover at least a portion of the rear end 1122a. At this time, when the heater 150a and the rear end 1122a are in direct contact, electricity may be supplied. That is, the high voltage applied to the discharge needle 112a may be transmitted to the heater 150a.

To prevent this, the charging module 110a includes an inner cover 1130 disposed between the discharge needle 112a and the heater 150a. The inner cover 1130 is arranged to surround the outside of the rear end portion 1122a. And, the heater 150a is arranged to surround the outside of the inner cover 1130.

Accordingly, the rear end 1122a, the inner cover 1130, and the heater 150a may be arranged in order, as shown in (b) of FIG. 7. In other words, the inner cover 1130 is coupled to cover at least a portion of the rear end 1122a, and the heater 150a is coupled to cover at least a portion of the inner cover 1130.

The inner cover 1130 and the heater 150a may be provided in a cylindrical shape extending to a predetermined length. Additionally, the inner cover 1130 may be provided in the form of a tape that is adhesively coupled to the outside of the rear end portion 1122a.

In addition, the charging module 110a may be further provided with an outer cover 1150, which will be described later.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing the charging module of the ion generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 (a) shows an exploded external perspective view of a portion of the charging module, and Figure 8 (b) shows a combined cross-sectional view of the charging module.

As shown in FIG. 8, the charging module 110b according to the second embodiment includes a discharge needle 112b and a heater 150b. The discharge needle 112b is divided into a front end 1120b and a rear end 1122b, and the shape of the discharge needle 112b is referred to above and the description is omitted.

The heater 150b is arranged to surround the outside of the rear end 1122b so as to cover at least a portion of the rear end 1122b. At this time, the charging module 110b includes an inner cover 1130 disposed between the discharge needle 112b and the heater 150b. Regarding the inner cover 1130, the previous description is cited and the description is omitted.

At this time, as shown in (a) of FIG. 8, the heater 150b may be provided as a heating wire wound in a spiral shape on the outside of the inner cover 1130. Accordingly, as shown in (b) of FIG. 8, the heaters 150b may be arranged to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the same plane.

At this time, when the heater 150b is exposed to the outside, heat generated from the heater 150b is not effectively transferred to the discharge needle 112b. That is, as the heater 150b is exposed to the air, the heating efficiency may be reduced.

To prevent this, the charging module 110b includes an outer cover 1150 disposed outside the heater 150b. The outer cover 1150 is arranged to surround the heater 150b and the inner cover 1130.

Accordingly, the rear end 1122b, the inner cover 1130, the heater 150b, and the outer cover 1150 may be arranged in order, as shown in (b) of FIG. 8.

The inner cover 1130 and the outer cover 1150 may be provided in a cylindrical shape extending to a predetermined length. Additionally, the inner cover 1130 and the outer cover 1150 may be provided in the form of a tape that is adhesively joined.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing the charging module of the ion generator according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 (a) shows an exploded external perspective view of a portion of the charging module, and Figure 9 (b) shows a combined cross-sectional view of the charging module.

As shown in FIG. 9, the charging module 110c according to the third embodiment includes a discharge needle 112c and a heater 150c. The discharge needle 112c is divided into a front end 1120c and a rear end 1122c, and the shape of the discharge needle 112c is referred to above and the description is omitted.

The heater 150c is arranged to surround the outside of the rear end 1122c so as to cover at least a portion of the rear end 1122c. At this time, the charging module 110c includes an inner cover 1130 disposed between the discharge needle 112c and the heater 150c. Regarding the inner cover 1130, the previous description is cited and the description is omitted.

Additionally, the charging module 110c includes an outer cover 1150 disposed outside the heater 150c. The outer cover 1150 is arranged to surround the heater 150c and the inner cover 1130. Regarding the outer cover 1150, the previous description is cited and the description is omitted.

At this time, as shown in (a) of FIG. 9, the heater 150c may be provided as a fine pattern electrode. For example, the heater 150c may be provided as a flexible substrate on which a predetermined pattern is formed. Accordingly, the rear end 1122c, the inner cover 1130, the heater 150c, and the outer cover 1150 may be arranged in order, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the charging module of the ion generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of understanding, Figure 10 shows a plurality of charging modules, but is not limited thereto.

As shown in FIG. 10, the charging module 110d according to the fourth embodiment includes a discharge needle 112d and a heater 150d. The discharge needle 112d is divided into a front end 1120d and a rear end 1122d, and the shape of the discharge needle 112d is referred to above and the description is omitted.

The heater 150d is arranged to surround the outside of the rear end 1122d so as to cover at least a portion of the rear end 1122d. At this time, the heater 150d may be provided in the shape of an installation part into which the discharge needle 112d is inserted.

In detail, the heater 150d may be provided in a cylindrical shape with the rear end 1122d accommodated inside. In particular, the heater 150d is provided with both ends open so that the rear end 1122d penetrates and the rear end is exposed. Additionally, the rear end 1122d may pass through the heater 150d and be connected to the high voltage application unit.

Additionally, the heater 150d and the rear end 1122d may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. That is, the inner diameter of the heater 150d may be larger than the diameter of the rear end 1122d. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent electricity between the heater 150d and the rear end 1122d without the inner cover described above.

Additionally, the heater 150d may be provided with a heating plate or heating wire installed therein. Accordingly, the heating efficiency of the heater 150d can be increased without the outer cover described above.

The charging module 110d is provided with a heater installation part 1202 where the heater 150d is installed and a discharge needle installation part 1200 where the discharge needle 112d is installed. The heater installation unit 1202 may be connected to a power source for heat dissipation of the heater 150d. Additionally, the discharge needle installation unit 1200 may be connected to the high voltage application unit 140.

At this time, the charging module 110d may be provided in plural pieces. The plurality of charging modules 110d are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in one direction. That is, the discharge needle 112d and the heater 150d may be provided in plural pieces arranged to be spaced apart from each other. Then, the corresponding discharge needle 112d and heater 150d are coupled to each other.

The discharge needle installation unit 1200 and the heater installation unit 1202 may be understood as a configuration that connects a plurality of charging modules 110d arranged to be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the discharge needle installation part 1200 and the heater installation part 1202 may be provided in the shape of a rod extending in the direction in which the charging module 110d is disposed.

In particular, the discharge needle installation unit 1200 is configured to connect a plurality of discharge needles 112d arranged to be spaced apart from each other. In addition, the heater installation unit 1202 corresponds to a configuration that connects a plurality of heaters 150d arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The discharge needle installation unit 1200 and the heater installation unit 1202 may be arranged parallel to each other.

In this way, the ion generator according to the spirit of the present invention can be provided with charging modules of various shapes. However, this is an example and the charging module may be provided in various forms not shown in the drawings. Additionally, the configurations according to each embodiment may be mixed and used.

10: air conditioner 100: ion generator
110: charging module 112: discharge needle
140: High voltage application unit 150: Heater
170: dust sensor 180: temperature sensor
1120: front end 1122: rear end
1130: inner cover 1150: outer cover

Claims (20)

In the ion generator provided with at least one charging module,
In the charging module,
A discharge needle having a circular cross-section and extending to generate ions, and
To reduce the amount of ozone generated by the discharge needle. A heater is coupled to the discharge needle to increase the temperature of the discharge needle,
The discharge needle is,
a front end extending so that the diameter of the circular cross-sectional area changes linearly; and
The front end is divided into a rear end where the diameter of the circular cross-sectional area extends the same,
The heater is coupled to cover the outside of the rear end,
Dust sensor that measures dust concentration in the air; and
The ion generator further includes a control unit that turns on the heater to increase the temperature of the discharge needle when the dust concentration measured by the dust sensor exceeds a predetermined first concentration (A). According to claim 1,
The ion generator is characterized in that the heater is provided in a cylindrical shape surrounding the outside of the rear end so as to cover at least a portion of the rear end. According to claim 2,
The ion generator is characterized in that the heater is provided in a cylindrical shape with both ends open so that the rear end is installed through and connected to a high voltage application unit that applies a high voltage. According to claim 1,
The ion generator is characterized in that the heater is provided with a heating wire wound in a spiral shape on the outside of the rear end. According to claim 1,
The charging module further includes an inner cover disposed between the discharge needle and the heater,
The ion generator is characterized in that the inner cover is arranged to surround the outside of the rear end, and the heater is arranged to surround the outside of the inner cover. According to claim 1,
The charging module further includes an outer cover disposed to surround the outside of the heater. According to claim 1,
The charging module is provided with a plurality of charging modules each including the discharge needle and the heater and arranged to be spaced apart from each other,
a heater installation unit connected to a power source for heat dissipation of the heater and in which a plurality of heaters are installed; and
The ion generator is connected to a high voltage application unit that applies high voltage to the discharge needle, and further includes a discharge needle installation portion in which a plurality of discharge needles are installed. According to claim 7,
An ion generator, characterized in that the heater installation part and the discharge needle installation part extend in parallel in the direction in which the plurality of charging modules are arranged. According to claim 1,
The rear end extends to the body diameter (T1),
The front end portion extends from the main body diameter (T1) to a distal diameter (T2, T2<T1) that is smaller than the main body diameter so that the cross-sectional area changes linearly. According to clause 9,
Ion generator, characterized in that the main body diameter (T1) is 100 times larger than the end diameter (T2). According to claim 8,
The rear end extends as much as the rear end length (L1),
The front end is extended by a front end length (L2) that is equal to or smaller than the rear end length (L1). delete According to claim 1,
When the dust concentration measured by the dust sensor exceeds the second concentration (B, B>A), which is a value greater than the first concentration (A), the control unit turns ON and applies a high voltage to the discharge needle. An ion generator that further includes a high voltage application unit that applies . According to claim 13,
The control unit turns off the high voltage application unit when the dust concentration measured by the dust sensor exceeds the second concentration and the temperature of the discharge needle does not reach a predetermined first temperature (T1). Ion generating device. According to claim 14,
The control unit is an ion generator characterized in that when the temperature of the discharge needle exceeds the second temperature (T2, T2>T1), which is a value greater than the first temperature (T1), the heater is turned OFF. . The dust concentration in the air is measured by the dust sensor,
When the measured dust concentration exceeds the predetermined first concentration (A), a heater coupled to the rear end of the discharge needle is turned on so that the temperature of the discharge needle, which has a circular cross-section and extends, is raised to generate ions. ,
When the measured dust concentration exceeds the second concentration (B, B>A), which is a value greater than the first concentration (A), a high voltage is applied to the discharge needle to generate ions at the front end of the discharge needle. The high voltage application unit is turned on,
The front end of the discharge needle is extended so that the diameter of the circular cross-sectional area changes linearly, and the rear end of the discharge needle is extended so that the diameter of the circular cross-sectional area is the same at the front end. According to claim 16,
An ion generator wherein the high voltage application unit is turned off when the dust concentration measured by the dust sensor exceeds the second concentration and the temperature of the discharge needle does not reach a predetermined first temperature (T1). control method. According to claim 17,
A method of controlling an ion generator, characterized in that when the temperature of the discharge needle exceeds the second temperature (T2, T2>T1), which is a value greater than the first temperature (T1), the heater is turned off. According to claim 16,
A method of controlling an ion generator, characterized in that when the measured dust concentration is lower than the first concentration (A), the heater and the high voltage application unit are turned off. According to claim 16,
When the measured dust concentration exceeds the first concentration (A) and is below the second concentration (B), the high voltage application unit is turned off.

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