KR20200138140A - Plasma sterilizing module and air purifier including for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plasma sterilization module comprising a plurality of discharge modules. Each of the plurality of discharge modules comprises: a housing disposed on a flow path of air, and including a first surface opened to allow the air to be introduced and a second surface opposite to the first surface and opened to discharge air; a discharge electrode disposed in the inner space of the housing; and a ground electrode disposed in the inner space of the housing and spaced apart from the discharge electrode. The discharge electrode generates a plasma discharge toward the ground electrode by applying a high voltage, and a housing of each of the plurality of discharge modules have the same shape. Accordingly, microorganisms in the air can be sterilized in multiple stages.

Description

Plasma sterilizing module and air purifier including for the same}

The present invention relates to a plasma sterilization module and an air purifier having the same, and more particularly, to a plasma sterilization module for sterilizing contaminated air using plasma discharge, and an air purifier having the same.

Air purifier refers to a device that purifies contaminated air and converts it into fresh air.The contaminated air is blown into a fan, and fine dust or bacteria are collected by a filter, and odors such as body odor or cigarette odor are deodorized. do.

These air purifiers are required to effectively remove pollutants from the air. In addition, it is required to increase the air cleaning capacity while occupying less space when placed indoors.

To this end, methods for performing sterilization treatment using plasma discharge have been proposed.

For example, prior art 1 (Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2007-0094026) relates to an air conditioner in which a discharge unit and a heat exchanger are arranged in an air passage, and the discharge unit is a streamer, which is a kind of plasma discharge. Discharge improves the efficiency of decomposition of target components.

In addition, prior art 2 (Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2006-0085647) also proposes an air purification device using streamer discharge.

However, the above-described conventional techniques generate radicals through streamer discharge, and perform sterilization treatment by diffusion phenomena such as the radicals, rather than performing sterilization treatment by passing air through the region where the streamer discharge occurs. There is a problem that is difficult to improve.

In addition, in order to improve the sterilization treatment performance, it is necessary to increase the discharge intensity or increase the number of discharge units, and in this case, there is a problem that ozone having a concentration of 30 ppb (parts per billion) or more according to the air cleaning standard is generated.

In addition, in order to improve the sterilization treatment performance by radicals, a catalyst means is required, and the catalyst means is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the air flow path on the discharge port side. Accordingly, there is a problem in that the differential pressure is increased by interfering with the air flow, and the structure of the discharge unit disclosed in the prior art obstructs the air flow and thus the differential pressure is increased.

In addition, there is a problem in that the shape of the discharge unit is limited, and thus it is difficult to apply to air purifiers of various shapes.

On the other hand, prior art 3 (Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2017-0032698) discloses a device that captures and inactivates airborne microorganisms. The apparatus for collecting and deactivating the conventional technology 3 includes a first high voltage electrode and a first counter electrode charged to collect microorganisms, a filter collecting charged airborne microorganisms, and a second high voltage electrode for inactivating microorganisms collected in the filter. And a second counter electrode. The filter is provided between the second high voltage electrode and the second counter electrode, and when airborne microorganisms are collected, discharge is performed only at the first high voltage application electrode, and when the collected microorganisms are deactivated, discharge is performed only at the second high voltage application electrode. do.

Due to the disclosed structure of the first high voltage application electrode, it is difficult to secure sterilization performance because the airborne microorganisms do not directly pass through the discharge region and thus only indirectly charge the microorganisms, and eventually, the second high voltage application electrode is sterilized.

Prior art 3 sterilizes microorganisms collected in a filter, but there is a problem in that microorganisms surviving the filter are multiplied and re-dispersed in the filter.

In addition, a filter must be provided, which has a problem of increasing the differential pressure like the catalytic means of the prior art 1 and 2.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a plasma sterilization module in which a plasma discharge region is formed in a flow path through which air flows, and microorganisms in the air are sterilized by electric charges to improve sterilization treatment performance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a plasma sterilization module that sterilizes and charges microorganisms by glow discharge and sterilizes microorganisms by streamer discharge to greatly improve sterilization performance.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the concentration of ozone generated by plasma discharge by sterilizing microorganisms by electric charge to improve the sterilization treatment performance, thereby providing a plasma sterilization module conforming to the air cleanliness standards for ozone. will be.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a plasma sterilization module that does not require a separate catalytic means and a filter for collecting microorganisms that cause an increase in differential pressure by sterilizing microorganisms by electric charge.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a plasma sterilization module that is installed on a flow path through which air flows, and is installed in a shape that minimizes flow resistance, thereby reducing the differential pressure between upstream and downstream.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a plasma sterilization module that can be applied to air purifiers and air conditioners of various shapes by increasing the degree of freedom of the shape, and that a plurality of modules can be applied to air purifiers and air conditioners.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, the plasma sterilization module according to the embodiment of the present invention is a plasma sterilization module including a plurality of discharge modules, wherein each of the plurality of discharge modules is disposed on a flow path of air, and the A housing including a first surface opened to allow air to be introduced and a second surface opposite to the first surface and opened to discharge air; A discharge electrode disposed in the inner space of the housing; And A ground electrode disposed in the interior space of the housing and spaced apart from the discharge electrode, wherein the discharge electrode generates plasma discharge toward the ground electrode by applying a high voltage, and the housing of each of the plurality of discharge modules Silver has the same shape as each other.

Each of the plurality of discharge modules may have the same shape as the first surface and the second surface.

The housing of each of the plurality of discharge modules may have a circumferential surface formed between the first surface and the second surface parallel to the air flow path.

In the housing of each of the plurality of discharge modules, a height of a circumferential surface formed between the first surface and the second surface may be uniformly formed along the circumference.

The housing of each of the plurality of discharge modules may have a peripheral surface formed between the first surface and the second surface perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface.

Each of the plurality of discharge modules may be formed such that a region generating plasma discharge is orthogonal to a flow direction of air.

Each of the plurality of discharge modules may be disposed such that an uppermost end of the ground electrode is not higher than the first surface with respect to the second surface.

In each of the plurality of discharge modules, the discharge electrode may be disposed between the first surface and the second surface.

In each of the plurality of discharge modules, the discharge electrode includes a discharge electrode plate, a discharge needle protrudes from the discharge electrode plate toward the ground electrode, and a high voltage is applied to the discharge needle to discharge plasma toward the ground electrode. Can occur.

In each of the plurality of discharge modules, the discharge needle may be disposed at a position close to one of the first surface or the second surface.

Each of the plurality of discharge modules may have a cylindrical shape in the housing.

The discharge electrode of each of the plurality of discharge modules includes a ring-shaped discharge electrode plate and a voltage application part disposed at the center of the discharge electrode and connected to a power source to apply a high voltage, and the discharge electrode plate includes the voltage application part It is connected to and a high voltage can be applied.

Each of the plurality of discharge modules may have a hole formed in the center of the voltage applying part, and the ground electrode may be disposed to be spaced apart from the voltage applying part.

In each of the plurality of discharge modules, the discharge electrode includes at least one discharge electrode plate, and a seating groove extending from an inner circumferential surface of the housing in an inner direction of the housing is formed in the housing, and the at least one The discharge electrode plate disposed at the outermost of the discharge electrode plates may be seated and disposed in the seating groove, and a thickness of the discharge electrode plate seated and disposed in the seating groove may be at least thicker than a width of the seating groove.

Each of the plurality of discharge modules may generate a streamer discharge toward the ground electrode by applying a high voltage to the discharge electrode.

The discharge module disposed at the most upstream of the air flow among the plurality of discharge modules generates a glow discharge toward the ground electrode by applying a negative high voltage to the discharge electrode, and the discharge module is the most downstream of the air flow among the plurality of discharge modules. The discharge module disposed in may generate a streamer discharge toward the ground electrode by applying a positive high voltage to the discharge electrode.

Alternatively, the plasma sterilization module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in an air purifier.

Alternatively, the plasma sterilization module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in an air conditioner.

Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the plasma sterilization module of the present invention, one or more of the following effects are provided.

First, 　The discharge electrode and the ground electrode are arranged so that air passes through the area where the plasma discharge occurs. As microorganisms in the air pass through the plasma discharge area, charges are accumulated on the cell wall, and the cell wall is collapsed by the coulomb force caused by the charge. It is sterilized and has the advantage of improving sterilization treatment performance.

Second, in the direction in which air flows, the discharge electrode includes two or more discharge electrodes, or a discharge module having two or more stages having a discharge electrode and a ground electrode, and the first discharge electrode located upstream of the air flow path A negative high voltage is applied to generate glow discharge, and a positive high voltage is applied to the second discharge electrode located on the downstream side to generate a streamer discharge, sterilizing airborne microorganisms in the first stage and charging them with negative charges. Sterilization through maximization of the potential difference at the stage has the advantage of greatly improving sterilization treatment performance.

Third, 　 has the advantage of reducing the concentration of ozone generated by plasma discharge by improving the sterilization performance compared to the conventional discharging unit by diffusion of radicals.

Fourth, 　Without the need for a separate catalyst means by sterilizing microorganisms by charge, a housing with an open second side facing the first side and the first side into which air is introduced, and the second side through which air is discharged, is on the flow path through which air flows. It is installed, and the discharge electrode and the ground electrode are arranged so that air passes through a region where plasma discharge occurs, thereby reducing the differential pressure upstream and downstream of the air flow path, thereby improving sterilization treatment performance and blowing performance.

Fifth, the discharge electrode includes a discharge needle for generating plasma discharge and a plurality of discharge electrode plates on which the discharge needles are disposed, and the ground electrode includes a plurality of counter electrode plates disposed between the discharge electrode plates, It can be manufactured in a structure in which the shape is repeated, and accordingly, the degree of freedom of the shape is increased so that it can be applied to various shapes of air purifiers and air conditioners, and a plurality of modules can be applied to the air purifier and air conditioner.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing the front of an air purifier having a plasma sterilization module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a conceptual diagram showing a side of the air purifier shown in FIG.
3 is a perspective view of the plasma sterilization module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a perspective view of the discharge module shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from below.
5 is an exploded perspective view of the discharge module shown in FIG. 4.
6 is a perspective view of a discharge electrode shown in FIG. 5.
7 is a plan view of the discharge module shown in FIG. 3.
8 is a bottom view of the discharge module shown in FIG. 3.
9 is a conceptual diagram showing air passing through a plasma discharge region generated in a part of the plasma sterilization module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a conceptual diagram showing the types of plasma discharge, (a) is a case where a positive voltage is applied to the discharge electrode, (b) is a conceptual diagram when a negative voltage is applied to the discharge electrode.
11 is a conceptual diagram showing a principle of sterilization of air passing through a plasma discharge region.
12 is a perspective view showing a plasma sterilization module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a perspective view showing a plasma sterilization module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a conceptual diagram showing the interior of a housing of a plasma sterilization module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a plan view of a plasma sterilization module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
16 is an enlarged view of area A shown in FIG. 15.
17 is a perspective view of an air purifier having a plasma sterilization module and a flow conversion device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a cross-sectional view of the flow conversion device.
18 is a perspective view illustrating an air conditioner having a plasma sterilization module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and a method of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in a variety of different forms, and only these embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and are common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to completely inform the scope of the invention to those who have, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing the front of an air purifier 1 having a plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a side of the air purifier 1 shown in FIG.

1 and 2, an air purifier 1 to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied includes a cylindrical body, an inlet 12 provided at a lower portion of the body to suck air, and an upper portion of the body. A discharge port 13 through which the air sucked through the suction port 12 is discharged, a blowing fan 11 provided inside the body to flow air from the suction port 12 side to the discharge port 13, and the suctioned air A plasma sterilization module 10 for sterilizing treatment using plasma discharge may be provided.

The air purifier 1 may have an inlet 12 through which air is sucked in the lower side of the plasma sterilization module 10, and an outlet 13 through which air is discharged to the outside may be provided at the upper side of the plasma sterilization module 10. have.

In addition, a blowing fan 11 for flowing air to the upper side of the plasma sterilization module 10 may be disposed. In this case, the discharge port 13 may be formed on the upper side of the blowing fan 11. That is, the blowing fan 11 may be disposed between the plasma sterilization module 10 and the discharge port 13.

The shape of the air purifier 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is exemplary, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, a motor (not shown) for driving the blowing fan 11, various circuit components, filters, and the like may be accommodated in the body of the air purifier 1. The blowing fan 11 may perform a function of inhaling contaminated air from outside and discharging the purified air to the outside.

The blowing fan 11 may be provided on the upper side of the plasma sterilization module 10 so that air flows from the lower side of the plasma sterilization module 10 to the upper side of the plasma sterilization module 10. Accordingly, the air may flow in the order of the inlet 12, the plasma sterilization module 10, and the outlet 13. In addition, various filters may be disposed between the inlet 12 and the blowing fan 11.

The plasma sterilization module 10 may be disposed inside the main body to sterilize and purify the air sucked through the suction port 12. The plasma sterilization module 10 may have a circumference of the same shape as the inner circumference of the main body.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

The plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a flow path through which air flows, and the first surface 151 into which the air is introduced and the air that is opposite to the first surface 151 The housing 150 with the discharged second surface 152 open, the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 installed in the housing 150, and the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 installed in the housing 150, spaced apart from the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 It includes a ground electrode 130 that is arranged to be.

The discharge electrodes 110 and 210 are disposed downstream of the air flow path than the first discharge electrode 110 that generates plasma discharge toward the ground electrode 130 by applying a high voltage, and , And a second discharge electrode 210 that generates plasma discharge toward the ground electrode 130 by applying a high voltage.

The housing 150 may have an opened circumferential surface 153 forming the first and second surfaces 151 and 152 parallel to a flow path through which air flows. The housing 150 may be installed in an air purifier 1, an air conditioner, etc. to which the plasma sterilization module 10 is applied, and on a surface forming an air passage inside the main body of the air purifier 1 or the air conditioner. Can be installed in contact. Accordingly, air entering the inlet 12 may pass through the plasma sterilization module 10 and flow to the discharge port 13 without missing.

A high voltage is applied to the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 to generate a plasma discharge toward the ground electrode 130 between the first and second surfaces 151 and 152. The discharge electrodes 110 and 210 generate plasma discharge by applying a high voltage, the ground electrode 130 provides a ground to the plasma sterilization module 10, and the plasma discharge generated by the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 is grounded. It is made to occur toward the electrode 130.

The first discharge electrode 110 is provided with a plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111 and a plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111, respectively, and a plurality of first discharge needles 113 for generating the plasma discharge. ), and a first discharge electrode support 116 connecting the plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111. The first discharge electrode plate 111 and the first discharge needle 113 may be integrally formed.

The second discharge electrode 210 is provided with a plurality of second discharge electrode plates 211 and a plurality of second discharge electrode plates 211, respectively, and a plurality of second discharge needles 213 for generating the plasma discharge. ), and a second discharge electrode support 216 connecting the plurality of second discharge electrode plates 211. The second discharge electrode plate 211 and the second discharge needle 213 may be integrally formed. The second discharge electrode 210 may be formed in the same shape as the first discharge electrode 110.

Each component of the second discharge electrode is the same as each component of the first discharge electrode, and redundant descriptions of the same parts will be omitted below.

The plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111, the plurality of first discharge needles 113, and the first discharge electrode support 116 may be made of a conductive material. The first discharge needle 113 is provided on the first discharge electrode plate 111, and the plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111 are connected to the first discharge electrode support part 116, so that the first discharge electrode 110 The same voltage may be applied to the plurality of first discharge needles 113 no matter which part of the voltage is applied.

The second discharge electrode 210 is disposed to be spaced apart from the first discharge electrode 110 and is electrically separated so that different voltages may be applied.

The first discharge electrode 110 may include a first voltage applying unit 118 to which a high voltage is applied and connected to the plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111. The first voltage application part 118 and the plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111 may be connected by the first discharge electrode support part 116. The second discharge electrode 210 may include a second voltage application unit 218.

The plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and a distance spaced apart between the first discharge electrode plates 111 adjacent to each other may be uniformly disposed. The ground electrode 130 may be disposed between the plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111 spaced apart from each other, and may be disposed between the second discharge electrode plates 211 spaced apart from each other.

The ground electrode 130 may be arranged such that one ground electrode 130 faces the first discharge electrode 110 and the second discharge electrode 210, or the first ground electrode 130 and the second ground electrode 230, the first ground electrode 130 may be disposed to face the first discharge electrode 110, and the second ground electrode 230 may be disposed to face the second discharge electrode 210 . Hereinafter, the description of the ground electrode 130 includes both of the above cases.

The ground electrode 130 is connected to the counter electrode plate 131 disposed between the plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111 and spaced apart from each other, and is connected to the counter electrode plate 131 and is installed to be supported by the housing 150 It may include a ground electrode support (136). The ground electrode 130 may include a plurality of counter electrode plates 131.

The counter electrode plate 131 may be disposed to face the first discharge electrode plate 111. The counter electrode plate 131 may be disposed in the center of the plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111 spaced apart from each other. The plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111 and the plurality of counter electrode plates 131 may be disposed at the same distance between the first discharge electrode plates 111 and the counter electrode plates 131 adjacent to each other.

The arrangement relationship between the second discharge electrode plate 211 and the counter electrode plate is also the same as the arrangement relationship between the first discharge electrode plate 111 and the counter electrode plate.

The plurality of counter electrode plates 131 may be connected to each other by the ground electrode support 136. The plurality of counter electrode plates 131 and the ground electrode support 136 may be formed of a conductive material and may be connected to each other to have the same potential. Therefore, no matter where the voltage is applied to the ground electrode 130, it has the same potential, and even if the ground is provided in any portion of the ground electrode 130, the entire ground electrode 130 is grounded to the plasma sterilization module 10. Can provide.

Meanwhile, the first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrode 130 are arranged so that air introduced to the first surface 151 passes through an area where plasma discharge occurs and is discharged to the second surface 152. do. The plasma discharge may occur across the air introduced to the first surface 151 and discharged to the second surface 152.

The first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrode 130 may be disposed parallel to the circumferential surface 153 of the housing 150. The plurality of first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 and the plurality of counter electrode plates 131 may be disposed parallel to the circumferential surface 153 of the housing 150.

The first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrode 130 may be disposed so that an area where the plasma discharge occurs crosses a direction in which the air flows. The first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrode 130 may be disposed to be orthogonal to a region in which the plasma discharge occurs and a direction in which the air flows. The region in which the plasma discharge occurs may be orthogonal to a direction in which the air flows.

The widths of the first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 and the counter electrode plate 131 may be defined in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction, and the height may be defined in a direction horizontal to the air flow direction. In this case, the widths of the first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 and the counter electrode plate 131 may be formed to be narrower than the height. Therefore, the first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrode 130 do not interfere with the flow of air flowing into the first surface 151 of the housing 150 and discharged to the second surface 152. The differential pressure between the upstream and downstream of the flow path can be reduced compared to the prior art.

Meanwhile, the first discharge needle 113 may protrude toward the counter electrode plate 131, and the plurality of first discharge needles 113 may have the same distance protruding from the discharge electrode plate 111. The plurality of first discharge needles 113 may have the same size and shape.

The plurality of first discharge needles 113 provided on the first discharge electrode plate 111 disposed between the plurality of counter electrode plates 131 among the plurality of first discharge needles 113 are the counter electrode plate 131 A counter electrode plate 131 protruding toward and alternately disposed inside the first discharge electrode plate 111 and a counter electrode plate 131 disposed outside the first discharge electrode plate 111 It can protrude toward.

That is, any one first discharge needle 113 protrudes toward the inner counter electrode plate 131, and two adjacent first discharge needles 113 protrude toward the outer counter electrode plate 131 Then, the first discharge needle 113 protruding outward and adjacent to the first discharge needle 113 may protrude inward. In other words, a plurality of first discharge needles 113 protruding outward may be disposed between each of the plurality of first discharge needles 113 protruding inward, and a plurality of first discharge needles protruding outward. A plurality of first discharge needles 113 protruding inward may be disposed between the needles 113.

The description of the first discharge needle 113 described above also applies to the second discharge needle 213.

Since the first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 and the counter electrode plate 131 are alternately disposed, the outermost portion of the inner side of the housing 150, that is, the closest to the circumferential surface 153 of the housing 150 The first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 may be disposed at the position, or the counter electrode plate 131 may be disposed. When the first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 are disposed at the outermost inner side of the housing 150, the first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 disposed at the outermost side are provided. 2 The discharge needles 113 and 213 may protrude toward the inner counter electrode plate 131.

Depending on the shape of the first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 and the counter electrode plate 131, the first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 or the counter electrode plate 131 exist at the innermost side. I can. For example, in the case where the plasma sterilization module 10 includes first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 and counter electrode plates 131 forming concentric circles, the first and second discharge electrode plates are located at the innermost side. (111, 211) or the counter electrode plate 131 may be disposed. The same applies not only in the case of a circular shape, but also in the case of a polygonal shape. In FIGS. 3 to 8, the counter electrode plate 131 is disposed on the innermost side, but unlike this, the first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 may be disposed on the innermost side.

When the first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 are disposed at the innermost side, that is, at a position closest to the center of the housing 150, the first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 , 2 The discharge needles 113 and 213 may protrude toward the ground electrode 130 on the outside.

The first and second discharge needles 113 may have tip portions 114 and 214 whose ends facing the counter electrode plate 131 are sharply formed. When a high voltage is applied to the first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210, plasma discharge is generated from the tip portions 114 and 214 toward the counter electrode plate 131.

The first discharge needle 113 may have two tip portions 114 that are symmetrical to each other. When the first discharge needle 113 has two tip portions 114, it is easy to manufacture the first discharge electrode 110 having a plurality of first discharge needles 113, and unnecessary waste of materials is eliminated. Can be reduced. The second discharge needle 213 may also have two tip portions 214.

The first and second discharge electrode plates 111 and the first and second discharge needles 113 may be manufactured from a single flat plate. When the central portion of the flat plate having a width greater than twice the height of the discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 by the height of the discharge needles 113 and 213 is cut so that the reverse trapezoidal shape is engaged, the plurality of discharge needles 113 and 213 A pair of the installed discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 may be manufactured, and the discharge needles 113 and 213 may be manufactured by bending the inverted trapezoid shape toward the ground electrode 130. In this case, it can be economical by simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing material waste.

The first discharge needle 113 may have two tip portions 114, and the two tip portions 114 may protrude in the same direction toward the ground electrode 130. In this case, the two tip portions 114 provided in any one of the first discharge needles 113 protrude toward the inner ground electrode 130, and the first discharge needle 113 is adjacent to the first discharge needle 113. The two tip portions 114 provided in the discharge needle 113 may protrude toward the ground electrode 130 on the outside. The above description of the tip portion 114 provided in the first discharge needle 113 also applies to the tip portion 214 provided in the second discharge needle 213.

Alternatively, one of the two tip portions 114 provided in the first discharge needle 113 protrudes toward the inner ground electrode 130, and the other protrudes toward the outer ground electrode 130 It can protrude. In this case, the plurality of tip portions 114 may alternately protrude toward the inner ground electrode 130 and the outer ground electrode 130.

The above description of the tip portion 114 provided in the first discharge needle 113 also applies to the tip portion 214 provided in the second discharge needle 213.

The plurality of first discharge needles 113 may have the same size and shape. Since the distance between the first discharge electrode plate 111 and the counter electrode plate 131 is constant, and the first discharge needles 113 have the same size and shape, the first discharge electrode 110 and the ground electrode The 130 may be arranged at a constant distance apart from each other. That is, the separation distance between the tip portion 114 of the plurality of first discharge needles 113 and the opposite electrode plate 131 may be constant.

The second discharge electrode 210 and the ground electrode 130 may have a constant distance apart from each other, and the distance between the tip of the second discharge needle 213 and the counter electrode plate 131 may be constant. I can.

Plasma discharge may occur between the tip portions 114 and 214 of the first and second discharge needles 113 and the counter electrode plate 131 facing the first and second discharge needles 113.

Meanwhile, the intensity of the plasma discharge is determined according to the separation distance between the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrode 130, the diameter of the tip portions 114 and 214, and the magnitude of the applied voltage. In the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a separation distance between the first discharge electrode 110 and the ground electrode 130, the diameter of the tip portion 114, and the magnitude of the applied voltage are plural. Since the plasma discharge occurs in all regions between the discharge needle and the ground electrode 130, plasma discharge of uniform intensity may occur.

Plasma discharge of uniform intensity may be generated even in a region where plasma discharge occurs between the plurality of second discharge needles 213 and the ground electrode 130. However, since the magnitude and polarity of the voltage applied to the first discharge electrode 110 and the second discharge electrode 210 may be different, the plasma discharge generated between the first discharge needle 113 and the ground electrode 130 The intensity and intensity of the plasma discharge generated between the second discharge needle 213 and the ground electrode 130 may be different.

The first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrode 130 may be formed of a material having excellent conductivity. The first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210 may be formed of stainless steel.

Depending on the use of the plasma sterilization module 10, electrode wear may occur, and in particular, wear may occur on the tip portions 114 and 214 of the discharge needles 113 and 213. Wear of the tip portions 114 and 214 causes the diameter of the tip portion to become thick, and the distance between the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrode 130 is different, which may affect the plasma discharge intensity. Therefore, depending on the use of the plasma sterilization module 10, the intensity of the plasma discharge may become non-uniform.

It is known that plating of a nickel-cobalt alloy on an electrode can prevent electrode wear. In order to prevent electrode wear, the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrode 130 may be plated with a nickel-cobalt alloy on their outer surfaces. In particular, the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 provided with the tip portions 114 and 214 may be plated with a nickel-cobalt alloy. At least a portion of the outer surface of the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 where plasma discharge occurs may be plated with a nickel-cobalt alloy. That is, the discharge needles 113 and 213 may be plated with a nickel-cobalt alloy. The tip portions 114 and 214 of the discharge needles 113 and 213 may be plated with a nickel-cobalt alloy.

3 to 9, the plasma sterilization module 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is located on the downstream side of the air flow path than the first discharge module 100 and the first discharge module 100. And a second discharging module 200 disposed thereon.

The first discharge module 100 is installed on a flow path through which air flows, and the first surface 151 into which the air is introduced and the air that is opposite to the first surface 151 and the incoming air is transferred to the second discharge module 200. A first housing 150 with an open second surface 152 discharged toward ), a first discharge electrode 110 installed in the first housing 150, and installed in the first housing 150, And a first ground electrode 130 disposed to be spaced apart from the first discharge electrode 110.

The second discharge module 200 is installed on a flow path through which air flows, and faces the first surface 251 and the first surface 251 through which the air discharged from the first discharge module 100 is introduced. And a second housing 250 in which the second surface 252 from which the incoming air is discharged is opened, a second discharge electrode 210 installed in the second housing 250, and the second housing 250 , And a second ground electrode 230 disposed to be spaced apart from the second discharge electrode 210.

The first discharge module 100 and the second discharge module 200 are arranged parallel to each other, and the discharge port side surface of the first discharge module 100 and the inlet port side surface of the second discharge module 100 face each other. Can be placed. The first discharge module 100 and the second discharge module 200 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the flow direction of air, and the second surface 152 of the first housing 150 and the first of the second housing 250 The surfaces 251 may be disposed to face each other.

The first discharge electrode 110 and the first ground electrode 130 are disposed parallel to the circumferential surface 153 of the first housing, and the second discharge electrode 210 and the second ground electrode 230 are the second housing. It may be disposed parallel to the circumferential surface 253 of.

The first discharge module 100 and the second discharge module 200 have the same configuration and may have the same shape. However, applied voltages may be different between the first discharge module 100 and the second discharge module 200.

The ground electrodes 130 and 230 of the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention include a first ground electrode 130 and a second ground electrode 230, respectively, the first housing 150 and It is installed in the second housing 250.

Hereinafter, items that are common to the first discharge module 100 and the second discharge module 200 and are not unreasonable for interpretation will be collectively described as the discharge modules 100 and 200, which are discharge electrodes 110 and 210, The ground electrodes 130 and 230 and the housings 150 and 250 are also described collectively.

Hereinafter, when it is described that the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 are installed in the housings 150 and 250, the first discharge electrode 110 is installed in the first housing, and the second discharge electrode 210 is installed in the second housing. It means to be installed. In addition, the first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210 may include voltage application portions 118 and 218 to which a high voltage is applied, and the voltage application portions 118 and 218 are the first and second housings 150 and 250. ), the name of each component included in the first discharge module and the second discharge module is divided into the expression'first, second', and It is to be clearly interpreted in the case of mixed use of what is not classified.

The first discharge module 100 of the plasma sterilization module 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first housing 150, and the second discharge module 200 includes a second housing 250. do.

The housings 150 and 250 may be formed in a cylindrical shape in which first surfaces 151 and 251 and second surfaces 152 and 252 are opened. The housings 150 and 250 protrude inward from the inner circumferential surfaces 153i and 253i (hereinafter, also referred to as the inner circumferential surface), and are disposed on one of the first surfaces 151 and 251 and the second surfaces 152 and 252. The rim surfaces 155 and 255 are positioned, the hub rings 157 and 257 located in the center of one of the first and second surfaces 152 and 252, and the rim surface ( Radial spokes 158 and 258 connecting the 155 and 255 and the hub rings 157 and 257 may be included. Hereinafter, a case where the rim surfaces 155 and 255 and the hub rings 157 and 257 are located on the second surfaces 152 and 252 will be described as an example.

The housings 150 and 250 are located on a surface different from the surface on which the rim surfaces 155 and 255 are located among the first surfaces 151 and 251 and the second surfaces 152 and 251, and enters outward from the inner circumferential surfaces 153i and 253i. Guide grooves 154 and 254 may be formed. When the rim surfaces 155 and 255 are located on the second surfaces 152 and 252, the guide grooves 154 and 254 are in the direction of the first surfaces 151 and 251 of the inner circumferential surfaces 153i and 253i of the housings 150 and 250 It can be formed to go outward from the end of.

The housings 150 and 250 may have circumferential surfaces 153 and 253 forming the opened first surfaces 151 and 251 and the second surfaces 152 and 252 parallel to a flow path through which air flows. The outer circumferential surfaces 153o and 253o (hereinafter also referred to as outer circumferential surfaces) of the housings 150 and 250 form an air passage inside the main body of the air purifier 1 or the air conditioner to which the plasma sterilization module 10 is applied. It can be installed in contact with the surface.

In the air purifier 1 or air conditioner to which the plasma sterilization module 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied, the inlet 12 is installed in the lower part of the main body, and the discharge port 13 is installed in the upper part of the main body. In this case, the housings 150 and 250 may be installed so that the first surfaces 151 and 251 face the lower side and the second surfaces 152 and 252 face the upper side.

The first discharge module 100 of the plasma sterilization module 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first discharge electrode 110, and the second discharge module 200 includes a second discharge electrode 210. Includes.

The discharge electrodes 110 and 210 may include a plurality of ring-shaped discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 concentrically around a central axis of the housing 150. The number of discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 may vary depending on the size of the housings 150 and 250. The first discharge electrode plate 111 is disposed parallel to the circumferential surface 153 of the first housing, and the second discharge electrode plate 211 is disposed parallel to the circumferential surface 253 of the second housing.

The first discharge electrode 110 is provided with a plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111 disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111 respectively. Includes 1 discharge needle (113). The second discharge electrode 210 is provided with a plurality of second discharge electrode plates 211 disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of second discharge electrode plates 211, respectively, and a plurality of second discharge electrodes 210 It includes 2 discharge needles 213.

The first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210 may include voltage applying portions 118 and 218 to which a high voltage is applied, and the voltage applying portions 118 and 218 are formed of the first and second housings 150 and 250. It may be seated on the hub rings (157, 257). A high voltage may be applied to the voltage applying units 118 and 218 through a hole formed in the center of the hub rings 157 and 257. In addition, the voltage applying portions 118 and 218 may have a hole communicating with a hole formed in the center of the hub rings 157 and 257.

The first and second discharge electrodes 110 are connected to the first and second housings 150 and 250 by fastening bolts to the hole formed in the center of the hub rings 157 and 257 and the hole formed in the center of the voltage application parts 118 and 218. ) Can be fixed. A high voltage may be applied to the first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210 by connecting an electric wire connected to a power supply for applying a high voltage to the volt. The means for applying the high voltage to the first and second discharge electrodes 110 and 210 is not limited thereto, and various known means may be used.

The negative electrode of the power source is connected to the voltage applying part 118 of the first discharge electrode 110, and the positive electrode of the power source is connected to the voltage applying part 218 of the second discharge electrode 210. ) Is applied with a negative high voltage, and a positive high voltage is applied to the second discharge electrode 210. Glow discharge may be generated between the first discharge electrode 110 and the first ground electrode 130, and a streamer discharge may be generated between the second discharge electrode 210 and the second ground electrode 230. . That is, the first discharge module 100 generates glow discharge, and the second discharge module 200 generates streamer discharge.

The discharge electrodes 110 and 210 may be positioned at the positions closest to the peripheral surfaces 153 and 253 of the housings 150 and 250, or the ground electrodes 130 and 230 may be positioned. 3 to 9, when the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 are disposed at the positions closest to the peripheral surfaces 153 and 253 of the housings 150 and 250, the discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 The discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 positioned outside may be disposed to be seated on the edge surfaces 155 and 255 of the housings 150 and 250. The inner ends of the rim surfaces 155 and 255 are formed to be stepped to have seating grooves 156 and 256 to guide the placement of the discharge electrode plate, and the discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 located at the outermost side are seated. It may be supported to be in contact with the grooves (156, 256). The discharge needles 113 and 213 protruding from the outermost discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 may protrude toward the inner ground electrodes 130 and 230.

The discharge electrodes 110 and 210 may include discharge electrode support parts 116 and 216 connecting the plurality of discharge electrode plates 111 and 211. The discharge electrode support portions 116 and 216 may be seated on the spokes 158 and 258. The discharge electrode support parts 116 and 216 are installed to be in contact with the voltage application parts 118 and 218 and the plurality of discharge electrode plates 111 and 211, so that the high voltage applied to the voltage application parts 118 and 218 is applied to the discharge electrode plate. It connects so that it can be applied to (111, 211). The voltage application portions 118 and 218 and the discharge electrode support portions 116 and 216 may be formed in shapes corresponding to the hub rings 157 and 257 and the spokes 158 and 258, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, the first discharge needle 113 may have two tips 114 that are symmetrical to each other, and the two tips provided in one first discharge needle 113 The part 114 may protrude in the same direction toward the first ground electrode 130. The second discharge needle 213 may have two tip portions 214 symmetrical to each other, and the two tip portions 214 provided in one second discharge needle 213 are a second ground electrode 230 It can protrude in the same direction toward ).

Two tip portions 114 of one of the first discharge needles 113 among the first discharge needles 113 formed on the first discharge electrode plate 111 disposed between the plurality of counter electrode plates 131 are The two tip portions 114 protruding toward the inner first ground electrode 130 and provided on the first discharge needle 113 adjacent to any one of the first discharge needles 113 are the outer first ground It may protrude toward the electrode 130. This is also the same as the two tip portions 214 provided in the second discharge electrode plate 211.

The first discharge module 100 of the plasma sterilization module 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first ground electrode 130, and the second discharge module 200 includes a second ground electrode. . The first ground electrode 130 is disposed to face the first discharge electrode 110, the second ground electrode 230 is disposed downstream of the first ground electrode 130, and the second discharge electrode 210 and Can be placed oppositely.

The ground electrodes 130 and 230 include counter electrode plates 131 and 231, and the counter electrode plates 131 and 231 are disposed to face the discharge electrodes 110 and 210. The first ground electrode 130 is a ground connecting a first counter electrode plate 131 disposed between the plurality of first discharge electrode plates 111 and spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of first counter electrode plates 131. An electrode support 136 may be included. In addition, the second ground electrode 230 connects the second counter electrode plates 231 and the plurality of second counter electrode plates 231 disposed between the plurality of second discharge electrode plates 211 and spaced apart from each other. It may include a ground electrode support 236.

The counter electrode plates 131 and 231 may form a concentric circle together with the discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 around the central axis of the housings 150 and 250. The first counter electrode plate 131 may be disposed parallel to the circumferential surface 153 of the first housing, and the second counter electrode plate 231 may be disposed parallel to the circumferential surface 253 of the second housing. have.

The number of counter electrode plates 131 and 231 may vary depending on the number of discharge electrode plates 111 and 211. In the drawings showing the first embodiment of the present invention, three discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 and three counter electrode plates 131 and 231 are provided, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The counter electrode plates 131 and 231 may be disposed in the center of the plurality of discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 spaced apart from each other. A distance spaced apart between the plurality of first discharge needles 113 and the first counter electrode plate 131 may be equal. A distance spaced apart between the plurality of second discharge needles 213 and the second counter electrode plate 231 may be equal. The distance apart between the first discharge needle 113 and the first counter electrode plate 131 does not necessarily have to be the same as the distance between the second discharge needle 213 and the second counter electrode plate 231.

The ground electrode support portions 136 and 236 are formed radially outward from the counter electrode plates 131 and 231 positioned at the innermost side, connect a plurality of counter electrode plates 131 and 231, and are positioned at the outermost side. The ground electrodes 130 and 230 are installed to be supported on the housings 150 and 250 by protruding outward of the opposite electrode plates 131 and 231. The ground electrodes 130 and 230 may include a plurality of ground electrode support portions 136 and 236. The outer ends of the ground electrode support portions 136 and 236 may be seated in the guide grooves 154 and 254. The ground electrode support portions 136 and 236 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the spokes 158 and 258 and the discharge electrode support portions 116 and 216.

Spokes (158, 258), discharge electrode support (116, 216) and ground electrode support (136, 236) are provided in three or more, respectively, the discharge electrode (110, 210) and the ground electrode (130, 230) is a housing (150, 250) can be stably seated. In the drawings showing the first embodiment of the present invention, the six spokes 158 and 258, the discharge electrode support parts 116 and 216, and the ground electrode support parts 136 and 236, respectively, are shown, but are not limited thereto.

Ground connection portions 138 and 238 may be formed at an outer end of at least one of the plurality of ground electrode support portions 136 and 236. The ground connection portions 138 and 238 may protrude in a vertical direction from the outer ends of the ground electrode support portions 136 and 236, and a hole may be formed in the center. The ground connection parts 138 and 238 are connected to the ground electrode of a commercial power source, or the air purifier 1 to which the plasma sterilization module 10 is applied, or the control circuit board of the air conditioner, so that the ground electrode 130 and 230 are connected to the ground electrode. Grounding can be provided.

The discharge electrodes 110 and 210 are supported on the rim surfaces 155 and 255 inside the housings 150 and 250 and disposed on the second surfaces 152 and 252, and the ground electrodes 130 and 230 are guide grooves ( 154, 254 is supported on the first surface (151, 251) side, the discharge electrode (110, 210) and the ground electrode (130, 230) has a height lower than the height of the housing (150, 250) It can be accommodated in the housing (150, 250). The discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrodes 130 and 230 are disposed on opposite surfaces of the housings 150 and 250 to each other, and have a height lower than that of the housings 150 and 250, but at least some of them face each other. Arranged to see.

As shown in FIG. 9, the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrodes 130 and 230 may be disposed so that the discharge needles 113 and 213 and the counter electrode plates 131 and 231 face each other. The lower side of the counter electrode plates 131 and 231 is disposed at a lower position than the discharge needles 113 and 213, and the upper side of the counter electrode plates 131 and 231 is disposed at a higher position than the discharge needles 113 and 213 Can be.

In the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first surfaces 151 and 251 and the second surfaces 152 and 252 may be disposed orthogonal to a direction in which air flows. The discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrodes 130 and 230 may be disposed so that a region where plasma discharge occurs and a direction in which the air flows are orthogonal.

Accordingly, the differential pressure between the upstream and the downstream of the air flow path is small, and the air passing through the plasma sterilization module 10 can be effectively sterilized.

A sterilization action using plasma discharge of the plasma sterilization module 10 according to the present invention configured as described above will be described as follows.

FIG. 10(a) is a conceptual diagram showing the types of plasma discharge when a positive voltage is applied to the discharge electrode, FIG. 10(b) is a conceptual diagram showing the type of plasma discharge when a negative voltage is applied to the discharge electrode, and FIG. 11 is a plasma discharge region. It is a conceptual diagram showing the principle of sterilization of air.

The shape of the plasma discharge (or corona discharge) is changed by a potential difference applied between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode (or ground electrode). When the anode of the power source is connected to the discharge electrode 110 and the magnitude of the applied voltage is increased, the shapes of a2, a3, a4, and a5 of FIG. 10A are gradually changed. In Fig. 10(a), a2 represents a glow discharge, a3 represents a brush discharge, a4 represents a streamer discharge, and a5 represents an arc discharge.

When the negative electrode of the power source is connected to the discharge electrode 110 and the magnitude of the applied contact pressure is increased, the shape of b2 and b3 is gradually changed in FIG. 10(b), where b2 denotes glow discharge and b3 denotes arc discharge. When the cathode of the power source is connected to the discharge electrode, unlike when the anode of the power source is connected, streamer discharge does not occur.

Glow discharge may be generated by applying a negative voltage to the first discharge module 100 of the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a positive voltage is applied to the second discharge module 200 This can cause a streamer discharge.

Since a negative high voltage is applied to the first discharge electrode 110 of the first discharge module 100, a glow discharge may be generated toward the first ground electrode 130. A positive voltage is applied to the second discharge electrode 210 of the second discharge module 200 to generate a streamer discharge toward the second ground electrode 230. Streamer discharge, which may occur when a positive voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 210, occurs when electric energy is further applied in the glow discharge, forms a wider discharge area than glow discharge, and is advantageous for sterilization Do.

The airborne microorganism m1 flowing into the first discharge module 100 passes through the glow discharge region between the first discharge electrode 110 and the first ground electrode 130 and negative charges are accumulated on the cell wall. In the microbe (m2) in which negative charges are accumulated, the tension of the cell wall is collapsed by the coulomb force of the electric charge, and the cell wall is torn, making metabolism impossible, whereby the air can be subjected to primary sterilization.

Glow discharge caused by negative high voltage may have a smaller amount of electric charge generated compared to streamer discharge. Accordingly, the microorganism m2 that has passed through the first discharge module 100 may accumulate negative charges, but the surviving microorganism m2 may exist. The floating microorganism m2 that has passed through the first discharge module 100 and survived passes through the second discharge module 200.

The microorganism m2 introduced into the second discharge module 200 passes through the streamer discharge region between the second discharge electrode 210 and the second ground electrode 230, and a potential difference is maximized. As a result, the microbe m3 passing through the second discharge module 200 collapses the tension of the cell wall by the coulomb force of the electric charge, the cell wall is torn, and metabolism becomes impossible. Thereby, the air is subjected to secondary sterilization treatment, so that sterilization performance can be greatly improved.

In order to measure the sterilization performance of the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, air is flowed to the plasma sterilization module 10 at a flow rate of 1 m/s, and before passing through the plasma sterilization module 10 The concentration of microorganisms (m1) in the upstream region and the concentration of microorganisms (m3) in the downstream region after passing through the plasma sterilization module 10 were compared. The one-pass sterilization performance measured as described above was experimentally observed to be 80% or more.

In contrast, in the case of a plasma sterilization module having one discharge module and generating a streamer discharge, a sterilization treatment performance of 60% or more was experimentally observed. The 60% sterilization treatment performance is similar to the one-pass sterilization performance of UVC LEDs commonly used for sterilization treatment. Ultraviolet rays are divided into UVA (315 ~ 400nm), UVB (280 ~ 315nm) and UVC (100 ~ 280nm) depending on the wavelength, and UVC LED refers to an organic light emitting diode using UVC.

Accordingly, the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may realize improved sterilization treatment performance than a sterilization module using ultraviolet rays as well as a sterilization module using plasma discharge.

The sterilization performance is also related to the time it takes for air to pass through the plasma discharge region. When the flow path width of the region where the plasma discharge occurs is narrower than that of other flow paths, the flow of air is accelerated, and it is difficult to accumulate sufficient charges in the microorganisms.

The discharge electrodes 110 and 210 and the ground electrodes 130 and 230 of the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention are disposed parallel to the circumferential surfaces 153 and 253 of the housing so that the width of the air flow path is By minimizing the change, electric charges are sufficiently accumulated in the airborne microorganisms, so that sterilization performance can be improved.

In addition, in the case of the structure of the sterilization module of the prior art, the structure of the discharge region interferes with the flow of air, so that a large portion of the air passing through the sterilization module does not pass through the plasma discharge region, but only a small proportion of the air. It passes through this discharge region, and the sterilization effect by accumulation of electric charges is insignificant. Therefore, in the prior art, a sterilization treatment is performed by a diffusion phenomenon such as a radical, and this has a problem that it is difficult to improve sterilization performance.

In the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first surfaces 151 and 152 and the second surfaces 251 and 252 of the housings 150 and 250 are opened, and the discharge electrodes 110 and 210 The ground electrodes 130 and 230 are arranged in parallel with the peripheral surfaces 153 and 253 of the housing, so that the region where plasma discharge occurs and the flow path of the air intersect. Since air is directly passed through the plasma discharge region to be sterilized, the sterilization treatment can be performed by applying a lower voltage than in the prior art, and the concentration of ozone generated while maintaining the above-described performance can be lowered.

In general, the standard of an air purifier for ozone requires a concentration of 30 ppb or less, and when an air purifier according to the prior art is used, ozone above the standard concentration may be generated. When the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, ozone may be generated at a level below the standard concentration.

In addition, unlike the prior art, the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention directly passes through the plasma discharge region to sterilize floating microorganisms in the air by the coulomb force of electric charges, and thus a separate catalyst. No means or dust collection filters are required. The catalyst means or the dust collecting filter becomes a factor that increases the pressure difference between the upper and the downstream of the air flow path, and reduces the blowing performance. Accordingly, the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention improves blowing performance by reducing a differential pressure compared to the prior art, which has an effect of increasing the amount of air to be sterilized compared to the prior art.

The plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the air purifier 1 or the air conditioner 3 having a heat exchanger. When applied to the air purifier (1), the blowing fan (11) allows air to flow into the body of the air purifier (1) through the inlet (12), and the introduced air passes through the plasma sterilization module (10) to sterilize. After being processed, it is discharged to the outside through the discharge port 13. When applied to the air conditioner 3 equipped with a heat exchanger, the sterilized air passing through the plasma sterilization module 10 as in the air purifier 1 is discharged to the outside after heat exchange with the heat exchanger. Hereinafter, a case applied to the air purifier 1 will be described as an example.

The plasma sterilization module 10 is installed on a flow path through which air inside the main body of the air purifier 1 flows, and the first discharge electrode 110 is connected to the cathode of the power source to generate a glow discharge toward the first ground electrode. , The second discharge electrode 210 is connected to the anode of the power source to generate a plasma discharge toward the second ground electrode 230. Plasma discharge may be generated by applying a negative high voltage of about 3.5kV to the first discharge electrode 110 and a positive high voltage of about 3.5kV to the second discharge electrode 210, and the plasma sterilization module 10 ) Is a first surface 151 that is an upstream side and a second surface 152 that is a downstream side of the flow path through which air flows, so that the air passes directly through the plasma discharge region and is sterilized.

The first surfaces 151 and 251 and the second surfaces 152 and 252 of the housings 150 and 250 are opened, and the discharge electrode plates 111 and 211 and the counter electrode plates 131 and 231 are the peripheral surfaces of the housing. Arranged parallel to the (153, 253), the width is formed narrower than the height, it is possible to minimize the differential pressure reduction because it does not interfere with the air flow. When the plasma sterilization module 10 of the present invention is applied, a differential pressure reduction of about 1/6 level occurs compared to the HEPA filter generally applied to the air purifier 1.

12 is a perspective view showing a plasma sterilization module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The plasma sterilization module 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of discharge modules 100, 200, and 300 of three or more, and the plurality of discharge modules 100, 200, 300 are each housing 15, 250, 350), discharge electrodes 110, 210, 310, and ground electrodes 130, 230, 330.

That is, the plasma sterilization module 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes the first and second discharge modules 100 and 200 described above, and further includes a third discharge module. 12 shows three discharging modules, but may include three or more discharging modules.

The discharge electrodes 110, 210 and 310 include a first discharge electrode 110, a second discharge electrode 210 disposed downstream of the air flow path than the first discharge electrode 110, and a second discharge electrode 210. ) Than the third discharge electrode disposed downstream of the air flow path.

The ground electrodes 130, 230, 330 include a first ground electrode 130 disposed opposite to the first discharge electrode 110, and a second ground electrode 230 disposed opposite to the second discharge electrode 210. And, a third ground electrode 330 disposed to face the third discharge electrode 310.

A positive high voltage is applied to the third discharge electrode 310 to generate a streamer discharge toward the third ground electrode 300.

The first discharge module 100 may include a first discharge electrode 110 and a first ground electrode 130, and the second discharge module 200 includes a second discharge electrode 210 and a second ground electrode ( 230 ), and the third discharge module 300 may include a third discharge electrode 310 and a third ground electrode 330.

The plurality of discharge modules 100, 200, and 300 are disposed parallel to each other on a flow path through which air flows, and the second surface of the discharge module disposed on the upstream side and the first side of the discharge module disposed on the downstream side are Can be placed oppositely. Accordingly, the second surface 152 of the first discharge module 100 and the first surface 251 of the second discharge module 200 are disposed to face each other, and the second surface 252 of the second discharge module 200 And the first surface 351 of the third discharge module 300 may be disposed to face each other.

The plurality of discharge modules 100, 200, and 300 may be installed to be spaced apart from each other in the air flow direction.

The plurality of discharge modules 100, 200, and 300 may include a glow discharge module 100 and a streamer discharge module 200, 300, and may include two or more streamer discharge modules 200, 300. . A negative high voltage may be applied to the first discharge module 100 to generate glow discharge, and a positive high voltage may be applied to the second and third discharge modules 200 and 300 to generate a streamer discharge.

The first discharge module 100 generates a glow discharge by applying a negative voltage to the discharge electrode 110. The ground electrode 130 provides a ground to the first discharge module, and causes the glow discharge generated in the discharge electrode 110 to occur toward the ground electrode 130.

While passing through the second discharge module 200, airborne microorganisms (m) are sterilized, and the surviving microorganisms pass through the third discharge module 300 and are sterilized to be higher than the plasma sterilization module according to the first embodiment. It can provide sterilization performance.

The ground electrodes 130, 230, 330 are connected to a ground electrode of a commercial power source or connected to a control circuit board such as an air purifier 1 to provide ground to the plasma sterilization module 10, and discharge electrodes 110, 210, Plasma discharge generated at 310) is generated toward the ground electrodes 130, 230, and 330.

Other configurations and actions other than those of the first embodiment of the present invention are the same or similar to those of the first embodiment of the present invention, so the same reference numerals are used and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

13 to 16 are diagrams showing a plasma sterilization module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the plasma sterilization module 400 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first discharge electrodes 410, a plurality of second discharge electrodes 420, and a ground electrode 430 are accommodated in one housing 450. Can be.

The first discharge electrode 410 may be disposed on the upstream side of the air flow path, and the second discharge electrode 420 may be disposed on the downstream side of the first discharge electrode 410.

As shown in FIG. 14, the ground electrodes 430 and 440 have a first ground electrode 430 installed opposite to the first discharge electrode 410 and a second ground electrode 430 installed opposite to the second discharge electrode 420. A ground electrode 440 may be included. Alternatively, unlike FIG. 14, the ground electrode 430 may be formed to be elongated in the air flow direction and may be installed to face the first and second discharge electrodes 410 and 420. Hereinafter, a case where the ground electrodes 430 and 440 include the first and second ground electrodes 430 and 440 as shown in FIG. 14 will be described as an example.

The housing 450 may have a cylindrical shape as in the first and second embodiments, or the cross-section of the circumferential surface 453 may be polygonal as shown in FIG. 14. A case in which the housing 450 has a cylindrical shape has been described in the first and second embodiments. Hereinafter, a case in which the cross section of the circumferential surface 453 is a polygon is described as an example.

The discharge electrodes 410 and 420 may include discharge electrode plates 411 and 421 disposed parallel to one of the peripheral surfaces 453 and discharge needles 413 and 423 provided on the discharge electrode plate. .

The ground electrodes 430 and 440 may include counter electrode plates 431 and 441 disposed parallel to the discharge electrode plates 411 and 421.

As shown in FIG. 14, the housing 450 may have a rectangular cross section of the circumferential surface 453, and the discharge electrode plate 411 and the counter electrode plate 431 are the circumferential surface 453 of the housing 450 It may be arranged parallel to the pair of faces facing each other.

As shown in FIG. 15, the first discharge needle 413 may include two tip portions 414 symmetrical to each other, and the second discharge needle 423 is two tip portions 424 symmetrical to each other. It can be provided. The discharge needles 413 and 423 may be formed in a parallel ladder parallel trapezoid shape, and formed by bending the tip portions 414 and 424 to protrude toward the ground electrodes 430 and 440. One of the two tip portions 414 provided in the first discharge needle 413 may be bent toward the inner ground electrode 430, and the other may be bent toward the outer ground electrode 430. have. One of the two tip portions 424 provided in the second discharge needle 423 may be bent toward the inner ground electrode 440, and the other may be bent toward the outer ground electrode 440. have.

In the plasma sterilization module 400 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of plasma sterilization modules 400 are disposed in the air conditioner 3, etc., and a plurality of plasma sterilization modules 400 may be provided in a direction perpendicular to the air flow path, and the peripheral surfaces 453 contact each other It is arranged so that the air introduced into the air conditioner 3 may pass through the plasma sterilization module 400 without missing.

Glow discharge may occur because a negative voltage is applied to the first discharge electrode 410, and a streamer discharge may occur because a positive voltage is applied to the second discharge electrode 420.

Other configurations and actions other than those of the first and second embodiments of the present invention are the same or similar to those of the first and second embodiments of the present invention, so the same reference numerals are used and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The plasma sterilization module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to the air purifier 1 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The air purifier 2 is a discharge guide device having a main fan 21 for generating air flow and a discharge grill having a downwardly concave shape to discharge air that has passed through the main fan 21 as shown in FIG. (23) And, it may include a flow conversion device 25 provided to be movable while adjusting the flow direction of the air discharged from the discharge grill. The flow diverter 25 may include a flow diverter fan 27.

When the plasma sterilization module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the air purifier 2 having the flow conversion device 25, the plasma sterilization module 10 may be provided inside the body, or It may be installed in the flow conversion device 25.

When the plasma sterilization module 10 is provided in the flow conversion device 25, the first discharge module 100 is disposed upstream of the flow conversion fan 27, and the second discharge module 200 is a flow conversion fan ( 27) can be placed downstream.

The plasma sterilization module 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to an air conditioner 3 having a heat exchanger as shown in FIG. 18.

The plasma sterilization module 400 may be disposed on the inlet side of the air conditioner, the heat exchanger may be disposed downstream of the plasma sterilization module 400, and a blower fan may be disposed on the discharge port side. Since the plasma sterilization module is disposed upstream of the heat exchanger and the sterilized air passes through the heat exchanger, it is possible to prevent the growth of bacteria in the heat exchanger.

In the above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims, Various modifications are possible by those of ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or prospect of the present invention.

1: air purifier 10: plasma sterilization module
100: first discharge module 110: first discharge electrode
130: first ground electrode 150: first housing
200: second discharge module 210: second discharge electrode
230: second ground electrode 250: second housing

Claims (18)

In the plasma sterilization module comprising a plurality of discharge modules,
Each of the plurality of discharge modules,
A housing disposed on a flow path of air and including a first surface opened to allow the air to be introduced and a second surface opposite to the first surface and opened to discharge air;
A discharge electrode disposed in the inner space of the housing; And
A ground electrode disposed in the interior space of the housing and spaced apart from the discharge electrode,
The discharge electrode generates a plasma discharge toward the ground electrode by applying a high voltage,
Each housing of the plurality of discharge modules is a plasma sterilization module having the same shape. The method of claim 1,
Each of the plurality of discharge modules,
Plasma sterilization module in which the shape of the first surface and the shape of the second surface are the same The method of claim 1,
The housing of each of the plurality of discharge modules,
A plasma sterilization module having a circumferential surface formed between the first surface and the second surface parallel to an air flow path. The method of claim 1,
The housing of each of the plurality of discharge modules,
A plasma sterilization module in which a height of a circumferential surface formed between the first and second surfaces is uniformly formed along the circumference. The method of claim 1,
The housing of each of the plurality of discharge modules,
A plasma sterilization module having a peripheral surface formed between the first surface and the second surface perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface. The method of claim 1,
Each of the plurality of discharge modules,
A plasma sterilization module formed such that a region generating plasma discharge is perpendicular to a flow direction of air. The method of claim 1,
Each of the plurality of discharge modules,
Plasma sterilization module in which an uppermost end of the ground electrode is disposed not higher than the first surface with respect to the second surface. The method of claim 1,
Each of the plurality of discharge modules,
Plasma sterilization module wherein the discharge electrode is disposed between the first and second surfaces. The method of claim 1,
Each of the plurality of discharge modules,
The discharge electrode includes a discharge electrode plate,
A discharge needle protrudes from the discharge electrode plate toward the ground electrode,
A plasma sterilization module for generating plasma discharge toward the ground electrode by applying a high voltage to the discharge needle. The method of claim 9,
Each of the plurality of discharge modules,
Plasma sterilization module in which the discharge needle is disposed at a position close to one of the first surface or the second surface. The method of claim 1,
Each of the plurality of discharge modules,
Plasma sterilization module wherein the housing has a cylindrical shape. The method of claim 11,
The discharge electrode of each of the plurality of discharge modules,
A ring-shaped discharge electrode plate and a voltage application part disposed at the center of the discharge electrode and connected to a power source to apply a high voltage,
The plasma sterilization module to which the discharge electrode plate is connected to the voltage applying part to apply a high voltage. The method of claim 12,
Each of the plurality of discharge modules,
A hole is formed in the center of the voltage application part,
The ground electrode is a plasma sterilization module disposed to be spaced apart from the voltage applying unit. The method of claim 11,
Each of the plurality of discharge modules,
The discharge electrode includes at least one discharge electrode plate,
In the housing, a seating groove extending from an inner circumferential surface of the housing in an inward direction of the housing is formed,
The discharge electrode plate disposed at the outermost of the at least one discharge electrode plate is seated and disposed in the seating groove,
The plasma sterilization module having a thickness of the discharge electrode plate seated and disposed in the seating groove is at least thicker than the width of the seating groove. The method of claim 1,
Each of the plurality of discharge modules,
Plasma sterilization module for generating a streamer discharge toward the ground electrode by applying a high voltage to the discharge electrode. The method of claim 1,
Among the plurality of discharge modules, the discharge module disposed at the most upstream of the air flow generates a glow discharge toward the ground electrode by applying a negative high voltage to the discharge electrode,
A plasma sterilization module in which a discharge module disposed at the most downstream of the air flow among the plurality of discharge modules generates a streamer discharge toward the ground electrode by applying a positive high voltage to the discharge electrode. An air purifier comprising the plasma sterilization module according to any one of claims 1 to 16. An air conditioner comprising the plasma sterilization module according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

Images