ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

An electrostatic precipitator includes: a charging unit configured to charge foreign materials; and a dust collecting sheet configured to collect the foreign materials charged in the charging unit. The dust collecting sheet includes: a first electrode; a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode to face the first electrode and configured to collect the foreign materials passed through the charging unit; a first power connector connected to the first electrode and configured to apply a voltage to the first electrode; a second power connector connected to the second electrode and configured to apply a voltage to generate a potential difference with respect to the first electrode to the second electrode; and a third power connector connected to the second electrode and configured to heat the second electrode. The third power connector is closer to the second power connector than to the first power connector.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to an electrostatic precipitator, and more particularly, to an electrostatic precipitator with an improved sterilization function.

2. Description of the Related Art

In closed spaces, such as houses, rooms, shopping malls, factories, offices, etc., high-concentration aerosols may have a bad impact on people's health. Aerosols may be generated by smoking, cooking, cleaning, welding, grinding, etc. in a restricted space.

An electrostatic precipitator is an apparatus for removing aerosols and may be used in an air cleaner or an air conditioner having an air cleaning function.

The dust collecting unit of the electrostatic precipitator is configured with high voltage electrodes and low voltage electrodes, and foreign materials in the air, charged by the charging unit, are collected on the electrodes by electrical actions. At this time, the foreign materials collected on the electrodes include bio aerosols that are airborne microbes in the air, and the materials are grown on the electrodes to again spread to the indoor space.

SUMMARY

An electrostatic precipitator may include: a charging unit configured to charge foreign materials; and a dust collecting sheet configured to collect foreign materials charged in the charging unit.

The dust collecting sheet may include: a first electrode; a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode to face the first electrode and configured to collect the foreign materials passed through the charging unit; a first power connector connected to the first electrode and configured to apply a voltage to the first electrode; a second power connector connected to the second electrode and configured to apply a voltage to generate a potential difference with respect to the first electrode to the second electrode; and a third power connector connected to the second electrode and configured to heat the second electrode.

The third power connector may be closer to the second power connector than to the first power connector.

The first electrode may overlap with the second electrode in a first direction.

The first power connector may be at one end of the dust collecting sheet in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction.

The second power connector may be at another end of the dust collecting sheet in the second direction.

The third power connector may be close to the other end of the dust collecting sheet in the second direction.

The second electrode may include a long side extending along the second direction and a cut portion cut along the long side.

The second power connector may be connected to one side of the second electrode in a third direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction with respect to the cut portion.

The third power connector may be connected to another side of the second electrode in the third direction with respect to the cut portion.

The first power connector may include a first contact area extending in the third direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, the first contact area being in contact with a first power supply configured to supply power to the first electrode, and a first connection area extending in the second direction and to electrically connect the first connection area to the first electrode.

The second power connector may include a second contact area extending in the third direction and being in contact with a second power supply configured to supply power to the second electrode, and a second connection area extending in the second direction and to electrically connect the second connection area to the second electrode.

The third power connector may include a third contact area extending in the third direction and being in contact with a third power supply configured to supply power to the second electrode, and a third connection area extending in the second direction and to electrically connect the third connection area to the second electrode.

The first contact area may extend in the third direction along an entire of one end of the dust collecting sheet in the second direction.

The second contact area may extend in the third direction along an entire of another end of the dust collecting sheet in the second direction.

At least one portion of the third contact area may extend in the third direction in an inner side of the dust collecting sheet in the second direction.

The second electrode may include a long side extending along the second direction and a cut portion cut along the long side.

The second connection area may be connected to one side of the second electrode in the third direction with respect to the cut portion.

The third connection area may be connected to another side of the second electrode in the third direction with respect to the cut portion.

The second electrode may include a long side extending along the second direction and a cut portion cut along the third direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

The second power connector may be connected to one side of the second electrode in the third direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

The third power connector may be connected to another side of the second electrode in the third direction.

The cut portion may include a first cut portion and a second cut portion spaced apart from the first cut portion in the second direction.

The dust collecting sheet may include a first sheet covering one surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode in the first direction, and a second sheet covering other surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode in the first direction.

The first power connector, the second power connector, and the third power connector may be outside the second sheet.

The dust collecting sheet may include a first area in which the first sheet overlaps with the second sheet in the first direction, and a second area outside the second sheet in the first direction.

The first power connector, the second power connector, and the third power connector may be in the second area.

The second electrode may be made of a metal material.

The second electrode may be made of a material having higher electrical resistance than the first electrode.

The dust collecting sheet may include a first surface which the first electrode is on, a second surface which the second electrode is on, and a bending portion bent so that the first surface faces the second surface in the first direction.

At least one portion of each of the first power connector, the second power connector, and the third power connector may be on the bending portion.

The electrostatic precipitator may include a controller configured to control the first power supply, the second power supply, and the third power supply.

The controller may be configured to operate the electrostatic precipitator in one of a first mode and a second mode, and to change a mode between the first mode and the second mode based on the controlling of the first power supply, the second power supply, and the third power supply the first mode is in which the first power supply and the second power supply are controlled to apply a voltage to each of the first power connector and the second power connector and the second mode is in which the second power supply and the third power supply are controlled to apply a voltage to each of the second power connector and the third power connector.

The controller may be configured to turn on the first mode and then turn off the first mode based on a preset time or an input value.

The controller may be configured to turn on the second mode for a preset time after the first mode is turned off and then turn off the second mode.

An electrostatic precipitator according to a concept of the disclosure includes: a charging unit configured to charge foreign materials; and a dust collecting sheet configured to collect foreign materials charged in the charging unit.

The dust collecting sheet includes: a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode to face the first electrode in a first direction, extending in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction, and configured to collect the foreign materials passed through the charging unit, a first power connector electrically connected to the first electrode, configured to apply a voltage to the first electrode, and being at one end of the dust collecting sheet in the second direction, a second power connector electrically connected to the second electrode and configured to apply a voltage to generate a potential difference with respect to the first electrode to the second electrode, the second power connector being at another end of the dust collecting sheet in the second direction, and a third power connector electrically connected to the second electrode additionally and configured to heat the second electrode, the third power connector being close to the other end of the dust collecting sheet in the second direction.

The second electrode may include a cut portion cut along the second direction.

The second power connector may be connected to one side of the second electrode in a third direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction with respect to the cut portion.

The third power connector may be connected to another side of the second electrode in the third direction with respect to the cut portion.

The first power connector may include a first contact area extending in the third direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, the first contact area being in contact with a first power supply configured to supply power to the first electrode, and a first connection area extending in the second direction and to electrically connect the first connection area to the first electrode.

The second power connector may include a second contact area extending in the third direction and being in contact with a second power supply configured to supply power to the second electrode, and a second connection area extending in the second direction and to electrically connect the second connection area to the second electrode.

The third power connector may include a third contact area extending in the third direction and being in contact with a third power supply configured to supply power to the second electrode, and a third connection area extending in the second direction and to electrically connect the third connection area to the second electrode.

The second connection area may be connected to one side of the second electrode in the third direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction with respect to the cut portion.

The second contact area may extend in the third direction along an entire of another end of the dust collecting sheet in the second direction.

The third connection area may be connected to another side of the second electrode in the third direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction with respect to the cut portion.

At least one portion of the third contact area may extend in the third direction in an inner side of the dust collecting sheet in the second direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Configurations illustrated in the drawings and the embodiments described in the present specification are only the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and thus it is to be understood that various modified examples, which may replace the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification, are possible when filing the present application.

Also, like reference numerals or symbols denoted in the drawings of the present specification represent members or components that perform the substantially same functions.

Also, the terms used in the present specification are merely used to describe the embodiments, and are not intended to limit and/or restrict the disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

Also, it will be understood that, although the terms including ordinal numbers, such as “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component could be termed a second component, and, similarly, a second component could be termed a first component, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.

Meanwhile, in the following description, the terms “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, etc. are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the components are not limited by the terms.

Also, in the following description, a positive electrode and a negative electrode are named based on a potential difference between the two electrodes, wherein a high level of potential is referred to as a positive electrode and a low level of potential is referred to as a negative electrode.

Therefore, it is an aspect of the disclosure to provide an electrostatic precipitator capable of collecting foreign materials on electrodes through electricity and sterilizing the electrodes.

It is an aspect of the disclosure to provide an electrostatic precipitator in which power connectors connected to a plurality of electrodes are arranged to be spaced apart from each other with preset distances.

It is an aspect of the disclosure to provide an electrostatic precipitator capable of improving ease of production and productivity by integrating a plurality of electrodes configuring a dust collecting unit into one body on a dust collecting sheet and efficiently connecting power supplies for dust collection and sterilization to the respective electrodes, and a method for manufacturing the dust collecting unit.

Technical objects of the disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical objects not described herein will also be clearly understood by a person who has a common knowledge in the technical field to which the disclosure pertains from the following detailed description. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a conceptual diagram of an electrostatic precipitator according to an embodiment of the disclosure, andFIG.2schematically shows an electrostatic precipitator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, an electrostatic precipitator1according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a charging unit100and a dust collecting unit200.

The electrostatic precipitator1may be positioned inside a housing (not shown), wherein outside air entered the charging unit100by a blow fan (not shown) provided at upstream or downstream of the electrostatic precipitator1may pass through the dust collecting unit200and then be again discharged to outside. The electrostatic precipitator1according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented as an air cleaner or an air conditioner having an air cleaning function, or the electrostatic precipitator1may be positioned inside an air conditioner.

The charging unit100may be a component for charging contaminants such as dust in air, and include a plurality of discharge electrodes110and a plurality of corresponding electrodes120. Each discharge electrode110may be positioned between a pair of corresponding electrodes120. Accordingly, upon application of a preset voltage to the discharge electrodes110and the corresponding electrodes120, corona discharge may occur between a discharge electrode110and a pair of corresponding electrodes120, and the corona discharge may charge contaminants passing through the charging unit100.

Each discharge electrode110may be a wire electrode. For example, each discharge electrode110may use a tungsten wire. Each corresponding electrode120may be formed in a shape of a flat plate and formed as a conductive metal plate. For example, each corresponding electrode120may be formed as an aluminum plate.

The above-described charging unit100may have, representatively, a wire-plate structure that uses high-voltage discharge. However, the charging unit100may include various devices for charging contaminants to a preset polarity, in addition to discharge using carbon brush electrodes or needle-shaped electrodes.

The dust collecting unit200may collect dust charged in the charging unit100, and include a dust collecting sheet210resulting from regularly bending a piece of sheet.

The dust collecting sheet210may include a plurality of bending portions211formed by regularly bending a single dust collecting sheet210in zigzags. For example, as shown inFIG.2, the dust collecting sheet210may be in a shape of a rectangle of which a vertical length is longer than a horizontal width being a direction in which air enters in an unfolded state inFIG.2, and by regularly bending the dust collecting sheet210in zigzags along a vertical direction inFIG.2, the plurality of bending portions2100may be formed, although not limited thereto. However, the horizontal length of the dust collecting sheet210may be longer than the vertical length, and also, the dust collecting sheet210may include a plurality of bending portions formed by regularly bending the dust collecting sheet210in zigzags along the horizontal direction according to a shape of the electrostatic precipitator1including the dust collecting unit200.

The dust collecting unit200may be configured such that a plurality of bending portions211are positioned between a pair of corresponding electrodes120of the charging unit100. For example, the dust collecting unit200may be configured such that 10 bending portions211are positioned between a pair of corresponding electrodes120. Thereby, charged contaminants entered the dust collecting unit200may be effectively adsorbed on the dust collecting unit200. Details about components of the dust collecting unit200will be described below.

FIG.3is a perspective view showing an electrostatic precipitator according to an embodiment of the disclosure, andFIG.4is an exploded perspective view of the electrostatic precipitator shown inFIG.3.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the electrostatic precipitator1may include the charging unit100and the dust collecting unit200coupled to the charging unit100in such way as to face the charging unit100. Accordingly, while outside air passes through the charging unit100and the dust collecting unit200sequentially in a F direction shown inFIG.3, contaminants of the outside air may be removed.

As described above, the charging unit100may include the plurality of discharge electrodes110and the plurality of corresponding electrodes120respectively positioned between the plurality of discharge electrodes110, and also, the charging unit100may include a charging cover130supporting the plurality of discharge electrodes110and the plurality of corresponding electrodes120.

As shown inFIG.4, the plurality of discharge electrodes110and the plurality of corresponding electrodes120may extend along a longitudinal direction (Z direction ofFIG.4) of the charging cover130on an inner side of the charging cover130, and the plurality of discharge electrodes110and the plurality of corresponding electrodes120may be arranged alternately in parallel along a width direction (X direction ofFIG.4) of the charging cover130.

The plurality of discharge electrodes110may be wires made of a metal material, for example, tungsten wires, and the plurality of corresponding electrodes120may be plates made of a metal material such as aluminum and extending along a longitudinal direction of the plurality of discharge electrodes110.

According to application of a high voltage to the discharge electrodes110, contaminants included in air may be charged to a positive (+) polarity or a negative (−) polarity through corona discharge of the discharge electrodes110and the corresponding electrodes120. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, an example in which power of a positive polarity is applied to the discharge electrodes110to charge contaminants in air passing through the charging unit100to a positive polarity will be described.

The charging cover130may be in a shape of a frame that fixes both ends of the plurality of discharge electrodes110and the plurality of corresponding electrodes120, and the charging cover130may include a plurality of intakes131formed in a shape of a lattice in an inner portion. Accordingly, outside air may be received through the plurality of intakes131of the charging cover130, and contaminants included in the received air may be charged through corona discharge between the plurality of discharge electrodes110and the plurality of corresponding electrodes120to move to the dust collecting unit200positioned at downstream of the charging unit100.

However, because the above-described charging unit100is the same as or similar to an existing technique, further detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

FIG.5is an exploded perspective view of the dust collecting unit200shown inFIG.4.

Referring toFIG.5, the dust collecting unit200may include the dust collecting sheet210in which the plurality of bending portions211are formed, and first and second covers220and230covering the dust collecting sheet210.

Each of the first and second covers220and230may be in a shape of a frame surrounding edges of the dust collecting sheet210, and air passed through the charging unit100may pass through the dust collecting sheet210via openings221and231formed in inner portions of the first and second covers220and230.

As described above, because the dust collecting sheet210is configured as a shape resulting from bending a single dust collecting sheet210in zigzags to have the plurality of bending portions211, a plurality of support members222and232supporting the dust collecting sheet210may be further included in the inner portions of the first and second covers220and230.

The plurality of support members222and232may be arranged at regular intervals in the openings221and231of the first and second covers220and230to stably support the dust collecting sheet210.

In addition, a power connecting member (not shown) may be positioned on the first and second covers220and230, and the power connecting member may be connected to the dust collecting sheet210to apply power to the dust collecting sheet210.

FIG.6is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the dust collecting sheet shown inFIG.5, andFIG.7is a side cross-sectional view of the dust collecting sheet shown inFIG.6.

Hereinafter, components of the dust collecting sheet210bent in zigzags will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.6and7. The dust collecting sheet210shown inFIG.6shows an example of bending the dust collecting sheet210being in a shape of a rectangle of which a horizontal length is longer than a vertical length before bending, in zigzags along the horizontal direction, to form the plurality of bending portions210. However, a shape of the dust collecting sheet210before bending may change according to a shape of the electrostatic precipitator1, and a bending direction of the dust collecting sheet210being in an unfolded state before bending may also change variously, as described above.

Also,FIG.7shows a side cross-sectional view of the dust collecting sheet210resulting from rotating the dust collecting sheet210shown inFIG.6by 90 degrees, for convenience of description. A horizontal direction, a vertical direction, a width direction or a longitudinal direction of the dust collecting sheet210which will be described below is a relative concept that is defined according to a direction of view, and the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, the width direction or the longitudinal direction of the dust collecting sheet210may change variously according to criterion.

However, for convenience of description, hereinafter, a direction along which a first electrode240overlaps with a second electrode250may be defined as a first direction X, a longitudinal direction of the first electrode240and the second electrode250may be defined as a second direction Z, and a direction that is orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Z and is a width direction of the first electrode240and the second electrode250may be defined as a third direction Y.

As shown inFIG.7, the dust collecting sheet210may include a plurality of first electrodes240and a plurality of second electrodes250that are alternately arranged, therein.

As described above, the dust collecting sheet210may form the plurality of bending portions211by bending a flat dust collecting sheet210configured with one piece of sheet in zigzags, and by laminating a second sheet (270ofFIG.8) on one surface of a first sheet (260ofFIG.8) on which the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250are arranged, a single dust collecting sheet210may be configured. Components of the dust collecting sheet210including the first and second sheets260and270will be described below.

The plurality of bending portions211may be formed by bending the dust collecting sheet210in zigzags such that the plurality of first electrodes240face the plurality of second electrodes250.

More specifically, the dust collecting sheet210may include a plurality of flat surfaces212and213that face each other at regular intervals by bending, and each of the plurality of bending portions211may be positioned between two opposite flat surfaces212and213of the plurality of flat surfaces212and213to connect the two flat surfaces212and213to each other.

A pair of opposite flat surfaces212and213may be configured with a first flat surface212and a second flat surface213. In the dust collecting sheet210, a plurality of first flat surfaces212and a plurality of second flat surfaces213may be alternately and regularly arranged in parallel, and the bending portions211connecting the first flat surfaces212to the second flat surfaces213may be formed in zigzags in opposite directions according to zigzag-bending of the dust collecting sheet210.

In addition, by positioning the first electrodes240on the first flat surfaces212and positioning the second electrodes250on the second flat surfaces213, the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250that are alternately arranged in the dust collecting sheet210may face each other by the plurality of bending portions211.

The plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250that are alternately arranged in the dust collecting sheet210may be substantially in a shape of a rectangle of which a long side is positioned along the second direction Z.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the bending portions211may have curved shapes such that portions between the first flat surfaces212and the second flat surfaces213of the dust collecting sheet210form curved surfaces. Also, the bending portions211may be flat surfaces bent in a vertical direction from the first flat surfaces212and the second flat surfaces213, or the bending portions211may be edges formed by folding the portions between the first flat surfaces212and the second flat surfaces213of the dust collecting sheet210in a straight line.

The plurality of bending portions211of the dust collecting sheet210may be respectively formed between the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250. Accordingly, the plurality of bending portions211may be formed in zigzags along the first direction X between the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250.

At one side of each bending portion211, the first flat surface212including the first electrode240therein may be positioned, and at another side of the bending portion211, the second flat surface213including the second electrode250therein may be positioned to face the first flat surface212. Accordingly, the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250may be alternately stacked along the first direction X.

In addition, the first flat surface212including the first electrode240therein, the bending portion211, and the second flat surface213including the second electrode250therein may be successively arranged to easily collect contaminants in air passing through the plurality of first flat surfaces212and the plurality of second flat surfaces213.

The dust collecting sheet210may include a plurality of openings215respectively formed in the plurality of bending portions211. Accordingly, the dust collecting sheet210may pass air passed through the charging unit100and received by one side through the plurality of openings215.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the plurality of first flat surfaces212may face the plurality of second flat surfaces213, wherein gaps G through which air passes may be formed between the plurality of first flat surfaces212and the plurality of second flat surfaces213.

Accordingly, air passed through the charging unit100may enter the gaps G, and air passed through the gaps G may pass through the dust collecting sheet210via the openings215formed in the bending portions211corresponding to the gaps G.

In addition, because the plurality of bending portions211are formed in zigzags, air passed through the charging unit100may enter the openings215formed in the bending portions211, and air entered the openings215may pass through the dust collecting sheet210via the corresponding gaps G.

As such, the dust collecting sheet210may pass air through the gaps G formed between the first flat surfaces212and the second flat surfaces213and the openings215formed in the bending portions211.

By applying power of different polarities to the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250respectively positioned on inner sides of the plurality of first flat surfaces212and the plurality of second flat surfaces213that face each other, an electric field may be formed between the first electrodes240and the second electrodes250.

More specifically, the plurality of first electrodes240may be configured with high-voltage electrodes, and the plurality of second electrodes250may be configured with low-voltage electrodes having a lower voltage than that of the first electrodes240. For example, by applying power of a high voltage to the plurality of first electrodes240and grounding the plurality of second electrodes250, a voltage difference may be formed between the first electrodes240and the second electrodes250.

Also, by applying power of a positive polarity to the plurality of first electrodes240and applying power of a negative polarity to the plurality of second electrodes250, an electric field may be formed between the first electrodes240and the second electrodes250. Also, by applying a high voltage of a positive polarity to the first electrodes240and grounding the second electrodes250, an electric field may be formed between the first electrodes240and the second electrodes250.

Accordingly, contaminants charged to a positive polarity by passing through the charging unit100may be adsorbed on the second electrodes250being negative electrodes, that is, the second flat surfaces213including the second electrodes250therein, while passing through the gaps G between the first flat surfaces212and the second flat surfaces213(seeFIG.1).

In addition, while contaminants passed through the charging unit100are charged to a negative polarity by applying a high voltage of a negative polarity to the discharge electrodes110, the contaminants may be adsorbed on the second flat surfaces213including the plurality of second electrodes250as positive electrodes therein by applying a high voltage of a negative polarity to the plurality of first electrodes240of the dust collecting unit200.

As such, while air including the charged contaminants passes through the plurality of gaps G formed by bending the dust collecting sheet21in zigzags, the contaminants may be adsorbed on the plurality of second electrodes250, and thereby, the air may be purified.

Also, the dust collecting sheet210may further include a space maintaining member (not shown) for maintaining a constant height (or size) H of the gap G by maintaining a constant interval between the first flat surface212and the second flat surface213.

The space maintaining member may be positioned between the first flat surface212and the second flat surface213to support the first flat surface212and the second flat surface213at a constant interval, and by changing a height of the space maintaining member, the height H of the gap G corresponding to the height of the space maintaining member may be set.

More specifically, the space maintaining member may be formed as a heat-melting adhesive such as hot melt on the dust collecting sheet210with a preset width and a preset height, or the space maintaining member may be formed by attaching a double-sided adhesive having a preset width and a preset height on the dust collecting sheet210.

For example, the space maintaining member may be unremittedly applied on one side of the dust collecting sheet210being in an unfolded state before the dust collecting sheet210is bent, and while the dust collecting sheet210is bent in zigzags to form the bending portions211, a height of the space maintaining member may be set such that a sum of heights of two space maintaining members being in contact with each other is equal to a preset height H of the gap G.

That is, by forming the space maintaining member having a height which is half the height H of the gap G on an upper surface of the dust collecting sheet210being in an unfolded state, the height H of the gap G formed between the first flat surface212and the second flat surface213may be maintained constant at a desired interval because the first flat surface212and the second flat surface213facing each other are supported by the space maintaining member upon bending of the dust collecting sheet210.

Also, the space maintaining member may be formed of a conductive material having elasticity, instead of hot melt described above, or the space maintaining member may be configured in a shape of a dot or column positioned between the first flat surface212and the second flat surface213.

However, the space maintaining member may be formed with a uniform, narrow width as possible neither to obstruct a flow of air passing through the gap G nor disrupt formation of an electric field between the first electrode240and the second electrode250.

The dust collecting sheet210shown inFIGS.6and7may be formed by first manufacturing a dust collecting sheet210being in an unfolded state, as shown inFIG.8, and then bending the dust collecting sheet210in zigzags.

Hereinafter, a structure of the dust collecting sheet210including the first and second sheets250and260will be described with reference toFIGS.8and9.

FIG.8is a top planar view showing the dust collecting sheet shown inFIG.7before the dust collecting sheet is bent, andFIG.9schematically shows some components of an electrostatic precipitator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

A top view of the dust collecting sheet210shown inFIG.8is obtained by rotating the dust collecting sheet210shown inFIG.6by 90 degrees and unfolding the dust collecting sheet210, and, as described above, the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, the width direction, or the longitudinal direction of the dust collecting sheet210is a relative concept that is defined according to a direction of view. The following descriptions will be given based on the first direction X, the second direction Z, and the third direction Y.

The dust collecting sheet210may include the first sheet260and the second sheet270laminated on the first sheet260, and accordingly, the first and second sheets260and270may be integrated into one sheet to configure the dust collecting sheet210.

More specifically, the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250may be alternately arranged on one surface of the first sheet260, and the second sheet270may be coupled to the one surface of the first sheet260on which the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250are arranged. Accordingly, the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250may be arranged between the first sheet260and the second sheet270. The second sheet260may be laminated on the second sheet270by an adhesive.

The first sheet260may be in a shape of a film made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, although not limited thereto.

The second sheet270may be in a shape of a film made of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material, although not limited thereto.

The plurality of first and second electrodes240and250may be alternately arranged at regular intervals on one surface of the first sheet260. The plurality of first and second electrodes240and250may be printed on one surface of the first sheet260or configured as a deposited conductive pattern, or the plurality of first and second electrodes240and250may be printed with a conductive carbon ink on one surface of the first sheet260, although not limited thereto.

However, the first and second electrodes240and250may be provided as a carbon film or a conductive metal such as aluminum, and may be formed by being deposited on the first sheet260.

In addition, a first power connector281connected to the plurality of first electrodes240to apply power to the plurality of first electrodes240and a second power connector282connected to the plurality of second electrodes250to apply power to the plurality of second electrodes250may be positioned on one surface of the first sheet260.

The first and second connectors281and282may be printed on one surface of the first sheet260or configured as a deposited conductive pattern by the same method by which the plurality of first and second electrodes240and250are formed.

The first and second power connectors281and282may be exposed to outside of the dust collecting sheet210to receive power from the outside. For this, a width W1of the first sheet260may be greater than a with W2of the second sheet270, the first power connector281may be positioned at one side end of the first sheet260in the second direction Z, and the second power connector282may be positioned at another side end of the first sheet260in the second direction Z.

In addition, the second sheet270may be coupled to a center portion of one surface of the first sheet260such that the first and second power connectors281and282are exposed to the outside on the first sheet260, and the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250respectively connected to the first and second power connectors281and282may be positioned between the first sheet260and the second sheet270.

Also, by applying external power of a high voltage to the first power connector281, the plurality of first electrodes240may be configured as high-voltage electrodes, and by grounding the second power connector282, the plurality of second electrodes250may be configured as low-voltage electrodes.

In addition, a third power connector290connected to the second electrodes250to apply power to the second electrodes250may be positioned on the first sheet260to heat the second electrodes250.

Accordingly, additional power may be applied to the second electrodes250to heat the second electrodes250and sterilize foreign materials collected on the second electrodes250. This will be described in detail, below.

The dust collecting sheet210may include a plurality of slits S respectively formed between the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250.

As shown inFIG.8, the plurality of slits S may be cutouts penetrating the dust collecting sheet210, and the plurality of slits S may be respectively formed in the plurality of bending portions211and open by bending of the dust collecting sheet210to form the plurality of openings215through which air passes. Also, the plurality of slits S may be holes occupying certain areas in the dust collecting sheet210being in an unfolded state.

Because the dust collecting sheet210is bent between the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250to configure the plurality of bending portions211, the plurality of slits S may be formed at center portions between the first electrodes240and the second electrodes250in the dust collecting sheet210.

As described above, by bending the dust collecting sheet210in zigzags with respect to the center portions between the plurality of first electrodes240and the plurality of second electrodes250, the plurality of bending portions211may be formed such that the first electrodes240face the second electrodes250.

In addition, by forming the plurality of slits S in parallel to the first and second electrodes240and250along the second direction Z, the plurality of slits S may be formed at center portions of the bending portions211, and accordingly, the openings215may be formed at the center portions of the bending portions211.

As shown inFIG.8, the bending portions211may be defined between one side edges of the first electrodes240and one side edges of the second electrodes250neighboring the first electrodes240, and by bending the dust collecting sheet210with respect to the slits S formed at the center portions between the first electrodes240and the second electrodes250, the first flat surfaces212, the bending portions211, and the second flat surfaces213may be defined.

As described above, by applying different voltages to the first electrodes240and the second electrodes250, a potential difference may occur, and accordingly, foreign materials charged by passing through the charging unit100may be collected on the second electrodes250or the second flat surfaces213(seeFIG.1).

In an existing technique, while a state in which particles such as charged foreign materials are collected on electrodes corresponding to the second electrodes250is maintained, bacteria, virus, allergy materials, etc. collected on the surfaces of the electrodes may be maintained or grown. Because a part of the particles collected on the surfaces of the electrodes may be again desorbed or scattered in some cases and accordingly, bio aerosols, such as bacteria, virus, etc., may spread to an indoor space. Therefore, collection areas corresponding to the second electrodes250may need to be sterilized.

To resolve this, an electrostatic precipitator capable of performing sterilization by using ultraviolet (UV) and plasma discharge has been disclosed. However, there is a risk of generating harmful by-products such as ozone.

Also, in a sterilization method using a heating element, no harmful materials are generated compared to discharge through UV or the like. However, the method has high power consumption in the case of heating and sterilizing the entire of air passing through an electrostatic precipitator.

To resolve this, the electrostatic precipitator1according to an embodiment of the disclosure may sterilize the surfaces of the second electrodes250or the second flat surfaces213by heating the second electrodes250on which particles are collected, while maintaining a function of collecting charged particles by using an electric field.

By sterilizing particles through heating, the surfaces of the second electrodes250may be sterilized without generating any harmful by-products. Unlike sterilization through heating according to the existing technique of heating the entire of flowing air by heating the inside of the electrostatic precipitator1, by heating only the second electrodes250, energy consumed for heating may be reduced, resulting in an increase of efficiency of the electrostatic precipitator1.

More specifically, as described above, the dust collecting sheet210may include the first electrodes240, the second electrodes250, and the first sheet260and the second sheet270on which the first and second electrodes240and250are arranged.

Also, the dust collecting sheet210may include the first power connector281electrically connected to the first electrodes240to collect charged particles on the second electrodes250, and the second power connector282electrically connected to the second electrodes250.

In addition, the dust collecting sheet210may include the third power connector290electrically connected to the second electrodes250to heat the second electrodes250.

That is, by connecting the second electrodes250to both the second power connector282for generating an electric field together with the first electrodes240and the third power connector290for heating the second electrodes250, the second electrodes250may collect foreign materials and heat and sterilize the collected foreign materials.

The first power connector281may be formed as a part of the first electrodes240, although not limited thereto. However, the first power connector281may be provided by laminating a separate component from the first electrodes240.

The first power connector281may be formed as a carbon film, etc., as described above, and deposited on the first sheet270, or the first power connector281may be patterned with a carbon ink on the first sheet270.

The first power connector281may include a first contact area281aextending in the third direction Y while the dust collecting sheet210is in an unfolded state before being bent, the first contact area281abeing in contact with a power supply300which will be described below, and a first connection area281belectrically connecting the plurality of first electrodes240to the first contact area281a. Because the first contact area281aextends in the third direction Y, the first contact area281amay be electrically connected to all of the plurality of first electrodes240.

The first contact area281amay extend in the third direction Y along an entire of one end210aof the dust collecting sheet210in the second direction Z.

The first connection area281bmay extend from the first contact area281ato the first electrodes240along the second direction Z.

The second power connector282may be formed as a part of the second electrodes250, although not limited thereto. However, the second power connector282may be provided by laminating a separate component from the second electrodes250.

The second power connector282may be formed as a carbon film, etc., as described above, and deposited on the first sheet270, or the second power connector282may be patterned with a carbon ink on the first sheet270.

The second power connector282may include a second contact area282aextending in the third direction Y while the dust collecting sheet210is in an unfolded state before being bent, the second contact area282abeing in contact with the power supply300, and a second connection area282belectrically connecting the plurality of second electrodes250to the second contact area282a. Because the second contact area282aextends in the third direction Y, the second contact area282amay be electrically connected to all of the plurality of second electrodes250.

The second contact areas282amay extend in the third direction Y along an entire of another end210bof the dust collecting sheet210in the second direction Z.

The second connection area282bmay extend from the second contact area282ato the second electrodes250along the second direction Z.

The third power connector290may be formed as a carbon film, etc. and deposited on the second sheet280, or the third power connector290may be patterned with a carbon ink on the second sheet280.

The third power connector290may include a third contact area290aextending in the third direction Y while the dust collecting sheet210is in an unfolded state before being bent, the third contact area290abeing in contact with the power supply300, and a third connection area290belectrically connecting the plurality of second electrodes250to the third contact area290a.

At least one portion of the third contact area290amay extend in the third direction Y at a location being adjacent to the other end210bof the dust collecting sheet210in the second direction Z.

The third connection area290bmay extend along the second direction Z from the third contact area290ato the second electrodes250.

The third contact area290amay extend in the third direction Y to be electrically connected to all of the plurality of second electrodes250. As described above, for the first power connector281, the second power connector282, and the third power connector290to receive power from the outside, the width W1of the first sheet260may be greater than the width W2of the second sheet270, and the second sheet270may be coupled to a center portion of one surface of the first sheet260such that the first power connector281, the second power connector282, and the third power connector290are exposed to the outside on the first sheet260.

In this case, under an assumption that an area in which the first sheet260overlaps with the second sheet270in a direction in which the first electrodes240face the second electrodes250is a first area216, and an area in which the first sheet260does not overlap with the second sheet270in the same direction, that is, an area outside the second sheet270is a second area217in the dust collecting sheet210, the first power connector281, the second power connector282, and the third power connector290may be respectively positioned in the second area217and accordingly, the first power connector281, the second power connector282, and the third power connector290may be electrically easily connected to the power supply300which will be described below.

As shown inFIG.9, the electrostatic precipitator1may include the power supply300for supplying power to the power connectors281,282, and290.

The power supply300may include a first power supply310electrically connected to the first power connector281, a second power supply320electrically connected to the second power supply282, and a third power supply330electrically connected to the third power connector290.

The power supplies310,320, and330may be connected to a first power source (not shown) for supplying power for dust collection of the electrostatic precipitator1and a second power source (not shown) for supplying power for heating the second electrodes250for sterilization of the electrostatic precipitator1, through various circuits.

The power supplies310,320, and330may be electrically connected to the power connectors281,282, and290by various methods, such as driving the first and second power sources (not shown) and turning on/off switches on the circuits.

The first power supply310and the second power supply320may be electrically connected to the first power source (not shown), and the second power supply320may be grounded. Accordingly, a potential difference may occur between the first electrodes240and the second electrodes250.

Also, the second power supply320and the third power supply330may be electrically connected to the second power source (not shown), and the second power supply320may be selectively electrically connected to the first power source (not shown) and the second power source (not shown) through various components such as a switch. Accordingly, power from the second power source (not shown) may be applied to the second electrodes250such that current flows through the second electrodes250, and accordingly, the second electrodes250may be heated.

The electrostatic precipitator1may include a controller400for controlling the power supplies310,320, and330.

The electrostatic precipitator1may be driven in any one mode of a dust collection mode and a sterilization mode by the controller400.

The controller400may be electrically connected to the power supplies310,320, and330to turn on/off the power supplies310,320, and330.

Upon driving of the electrostatic precipitator1in the dust collection mode, the controller400may control the first power supply310and the second power supply320to be driven.

According to application of power having a preset magnitude to the first power supply310and the second power supply320by the controller400, foreign materials may be collected on the second electrodes250.

While the electrostatic precipitator1is maintained in the dust collection mode, foreign materials may be continuously collected on the second flat surface213on which the second electrodes250are arranged, and harmful materials, such as bacteria, virus, and allergy materials, existing in the foreign materials may continuously exist or be grown.

Accordingly, the controller400may control, in a case in which a driving time of the dust collection mode elapses a preset time, the first power supply310and the second power supply320to be turned off, although not limited thereto.

However, the controller400may control, according to a command received from a user, the power supplies310,320, and330to terminate the dust collection mode of the electrostatic precipitator1and convert the dust collection mode to the sterilization mode.

Thereafter, the controller400may control the electrostatic precipitator1to be driven in the sterilization mode to sterilize foreign materials collected on the second electrodes250.

More specifically, the controller400may control the second power supply320and the third power supply330to be driven.

The controller400may control the second power supply320and the third power supply330to apply appropriate power to the second electrodes250such that the second electrodes250are heated by power applied to the second electrodes250.

The second electrodes250may be heated to generate heat from about 40 degrees to about 80 degrees. For this, the second electrodes250may be made of a material having high electrical resistance.

While the electrostatic precipitator1is maintained in the sterilization mode, the second electrodes250may be heated for a preset time, and accordingly, foreign materials collected on the second flat surface213may be completely sterilized.

In a case in which a driving time of the sterilization mode elapses the preset time, the controller400may control the second power supply320and the third power supply to be turned off, although not limited thereto.

However, the controller400may control, according to a command received from a user, the power supplies310,320, and330to terminate the sterilization mode of the electrostatic precipitator1and convert the sterilization mode to the dust collection mode.

That is, an existing electrostatic precipitator based on an electronic dust collecting method of collecting foreign materials by an electric field generated in a pair of electrodes has failed to prevent contaminations that are generated according to scattering of bio aerosols of foreign materials continuously collected on any ones of the pair of electrodes. However, the electrostatic precipitator1according to an embodiment of the disclosure may cause the second electrodes250to be heated and sterilized by additionally connecting the third power supply330for heating the second electrodes250to the second electrodes250, while being easily driven selectively in any one mode of a dust collection mode or a sterilization mode. Accordingly, the electrostatic precipitator1may be prevented from being contaminated by foreign materials collected on the second electrodes250, while preventing indoor air from being contaminated by scattering of a part of the collected foreign materials. The third power connector290may be additionally connected to the second electrodes250to heat the second electrodes250, and because power having opposite polarities is respectively applied to the first electrodes240and the second electrodes250, a very great potential difference may occur between the third power connector290and the first power connector281, and accordingly, in a case in which the third power connector290is positioned close to the first power connector281, a spark may occur.

To prevent this, at least one portion of the third power connector290may be covered by the second sheet270for the second sheet270to block the first power connector281from the third power connector290. The second sheet270, which is in a shape of a rectangle, may be configured such that a portion of the second sheet270includes a protruding shape of covering the third power connector290.

Accordingly, a process of cutting the second sheet270for the second sheet270to include the protruding shape may be additionally needed, and an additional process for arranging the protruding shape with the third power connector290upon laminating of the second sheet270with the first sheet260may be needed, which raises production difficulty of the dust collecting sheet210and increases production cost according to additional processing of the second sheet270.

To prevent this, the third power connector290may be positioned to be as far as possible from the first power connector281in the second direction Z.

The third power connector290may be adjacent to the other end210bof the dust collecting sheet210in the second direction Z. Because the first power connector281is positioned at one end210aof the dust collecting sheet210in the second direction Z, the third power connector290may be positioned to be as far as possible from the first power connector281.

A distance between the first power connector281and the third power connector290may be defined as a first distance d1and a distance between the third power connector290and the second power connector282may be defined as a second distance d2. In this case, the third power connector290may be positioned such that the second distance d2is shorter than the first distance d1.

By positioning the third power connector290to an opposite side of the first power connector281, a spark that may occur between the first power connector281and the third power connector290while a dust collecting function of the dust collecting sheet210operates may be physically prevented.

Also, as described above, because the second sheet270does not need to cover the third power connector290, the second sheet270may be cut to a rectangle without being cut to a complex shape and then laminated as it is to the first sheet260, thereby simplifying a process of manufacturing the dust collecting sheet210and reducing production cost.

FIG.11shows a connection between a dust collecting sheet and a power supply in an electrostatic precipitator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As described above, because the power connectors281,282, and290extend in the first direction X on the dust collecting sheet210before being bent, at least one portions of the power connectors281,282, and290may be positioned on the bending portions211upon bending of the dust collecting sheet210as shown inFIG.11.

The first power supply310may include a first contact portion311that is in contact with the first power connector281. The second power supply320may include a second contact portion321that is in contact with the second power connector282. The third power supply330may include a third contact portion331that is in contact with the third power connector290.

The contact portions311,321, and331may be in contact with the contact portions281a,282a, and290aof the power connectors281,282, and290, which are positioned on the bending portions211. Upon bending of the dust collecting sheet210, the power connectors281,282, and290positioned on the first flat surface212and the second flat surface213may be positioned on an inner side of a concavo-convex structure of the dust collecting sheet210, formed by bending, which are not easily in contact with the outside.

However, the contact areas281a,282aand290aof the power connectors281,282, and290, positioned on the bending portions211, may be easily exposed to the outside to be easily in contact with the contact portions311,321, and331extending from the outside.

Because the contact portions311,321, and331are in contact with the contact areas281a,282a, and290aof the power connectors281,282, and290, the power supplies310,320, and330may apply power to the first electrodes240and the second electrodes250according to a control by the controller400.

Hereinafter, heating properties of the second electrodes250will be described in detail.

FIG.11schematically shows a flow of current upon heating of a second electrode of an electrostatic precipitator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown inFIG.11, the second electrode250may include a cut portion251cut along a long side250ain which the second electrode250extends. For example, the cut portion251may be cut in the second direction Z.

The cut portion251may extend in the second direction Z at a center portion of the second electrode250in the third direction Y.

The second electrode250may be partitioned into two portions with respect to the cut portion251in the third direction Y. The second electrode250may include a first portion252positioned at an upper side and a second portion253positioned at a lower side with respect to the cut portion251in the third direction Y.

The first portion252may be connected to the second portion253although the first portion252is partitioned from the second portion253by the cut portion251. For example, at one end of the second electrode250in the second direction Z, the first portion252may be separated from the second portion253by the cut portion251, and at another end250bof the second electrode250in the second direction Z, the first portion252may be connected to the second portion253.

For example, the second power connector282may be connected to the second portion253of the second electrode250. The third power connector290may be provided at the first portion252of the second electrode250.

For example, the third power connector290may be connected to the first portion252of the second electrode250. The second power connector282may be provided at the second portion253of the second electrode250.

For example, the third power connector290may be connected to one side252aof the second electrode250in the third direction Y. The second power connector282may be connected to another side253aof the second electrode250in the third direction Y.

The one side252amay be a certain area positioned on one end in second direction Z of the first portion252. The other side253amay be a certain area positioned on one end in second direction Z of the second portion253.

For example, the third connection area290bmay be connected to the one side252ain the second direction Z. For example, the second connection area282bmay be connected to the other side253ain the second direction Z.

Upon driving of the second power supply320and the third power supply30to heat the second electrodes250, different voltages may be applied to the second power connector282and the third power connector290such that a potential difference occurs between the second power connector282and the third power connector290.

A potential difference may occur between the second power connector282and the third power connector290such that current flows on the second electrodes250connected to the second power connector282and the third power connector290.

For example, under an assumption that current flows from the third power connector290to the second power connector282, the current may flow to the first portion252through the third contact area290a, the third connection area290b, and the one side252a.

Because the first portion252is partitioned from the second portion253by the cut portion251and the first portion252is connected to the second portion253at the other end250bof the second electrode250in the second direction Z, current may flow from the one side252ato the other end250bof the second electrode250through the first portion252, flow to the second portion253, and move to the second power connector282through the other side253a, the second connection area282b, and the second contact area282a.

To cause current to flow along a path of passing through one end of the second electrode250from the third power connector290and returning to the second power connector282via the other end250bof the second electrode250, the cut portion251may be positioned at the center of the second electrode250in the third direction Y such that the second electrode250forms a U-shaped closed circuit, and accordingly, an entire area of the second electrode250may be heated uniformly. Hereinafter, the dust collecting sheet210according to another embodiment of the disclosure will be described. Other components which will be described below, except for the second electrode250′, may be the same as corresponding ones of the dust collecting sheet210according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and accordingly, overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

FIG.12is a top planar view showing a dust collecting sheet according to an embodiment of the disclosure before the dust collecting sheet is bent, andFIG.13schematically shows a flow of current upon heating of a second electrode of an electrostatic precipitator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown inFIGS.12and13, the second electrode250′ may include a cut portion251′ cut along a direction that is orthogonal to a long side250a′. For example, the cut portion251′ may be cut along the third direction Y.

The cut portion251′ may include a first cut portion251a′ and a second cut portion251b′ spaced from the first cut portion251a′ in the second direction Z. For example, a plurality of cut portions251′ may be provided.

The second electrode250′ may be partitioned into two portions with respect to a center of the second electrode250′ in the third direction Y. The second electrode250′ may include a first portion254′ positioned at an upper side in the third direction Y, and a second portion255′ positioned at a lower side in the third direction Y.

Although the first portion254′ is partially partitioned from the second portion255′ by the cut portion251′ in the second direction Z, the first portion254′ may be connected to the second portion255′ in the third direction Y.

For example, the second power connector282may be connected to the second portion255′ of the second electrode250′. The third power connector290may be provided at the first portion254′ of the second electrode250′.

For example, the third power connector290may be connected to the first portion254′ of the second electrode250′. The second power connector282may be provided at the second portion255′ of the second electrode250′.

For example, the third connection area290bmay be connected to the first portion254′ in the second direction Z. For example, the second connection area282bmay be connected to the second portion255′ in the second direction Z.

Upon driving of the second power supply320and the third power supply330to heat the second electrodes250′, different voltages may be applied to the second power connector282and the third power connector290such that a potential difference occurs between the second power connector282and the third power connector290.

According to occurrence of a potential difference between the second power connector282and the third power connector290, current may flow on the second electrode250connected to the second power connector282and the third power connector290.

For example, under an assumption that current flows from the third power connector290to the second power connector282, the current may flow to the first portion254′ through the third contact area290aand the third connection area290b.

The current moved to the first portion254′ may move on the second electrode250′ except for the cut portion251′ to move to the second portion255′, and then move to the second power connector282through the second connection area282band the second contact area282a.

According to a concept of the disclosure, by connecting a plurality of electrodes to a power supply for collecting dust and a power supply for heating the electrodes to sterilize the electrodes additionally, a dust collecting unit capable of sterilizing electrodes in addition to collecting dust may be provided, resulting in an improvement of cleanliness of an electrostatic precipitator.

According to a concept of the disclosure, because power connectors connected to a plurality of electrodes are arranged to be spaced apart from each other with preset distances, reliability of the electrostatic precipitator may be improved.

According to a concept of the disclosure, because a dust collecting unit is configured such that a plurality of electrodes are integrated into one body together with a dust collecting sheet and a power supply for dust collection and a power supply for sterilization are easily connected to the dust collecting unit formed as one body, an electrostatic precipitator capable of simplifying a manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing cost may be manufactured.

However, effects according to the concept of the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the disclosure belongs from the following descriptions.

So far, specific embodiments have been shown and described, however, the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It should be interpreted that various modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs, without deviating from the gist of the technical concept of the disclosure, which is defined in the following claims.