EP2812964B1 - Mehrfachpuls linearionisierer - Google Patents

Mehrfachpuls linearionisierer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2812964B1
EP2812964B1 EP12805532.4A EP12805532A EP2812964B1 EP 2812964 B1 EP2812964 B1 EP 2812964B1 EP 12805532 A EP12805532 A EP 12805532A EP 2812964 B1 EP2812964 B1 EP 2812964B1
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Prior art keywords
pulses
positive
negative
emitter
pulse
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French (fr)
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EP2812964A1 (de
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Leslie Partridge
Peter Gefter
Edward Oldynski
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Illinois Tool Works Inc
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Illinois Tool Works Inc
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Priority claimed from US13/367,369 external-priority patent/US8773837B2/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T23/00—Apparatus for generating ions to be introduced into non-enclosed gases, e.g. into the atmosphere

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  • This invention relates to AC corona ionizers for both positive and negative static charges neutralization. More particularly, this invention is relates to AC corona ionizers with a relatively low byproduct emission, such as, ozone, nitrogen oxides and the like, and that achieves a low rate of ion emitter contamination.
  • AC corona ionizers are commonly used for static charge neutralization of charged objects. It is known in the art that AC corona ionizers include the features of, for example, a relatively simple design, high reliability, and low cost. These features are particularly true for AC ionizers using a single ion emitter configured as a line thin wire(s) or line of pointed electrodes. However, these ionizers are prone to a relatively high ozone emission and higher rate of electrode contamination by collecting debris from the surrounding air. Electrode contamination decreases the ionization efficiency and may affect ion balance.
  • the invention as defined by claim 1 provides an air/gas ionizing apparatus and method that produce both positive and negative ions for reducing electrostatic charges on various objects.
  • Embodiments of the invention may achieve one or more of the following possible advantages:
  • the high voltage applied to the points or the wire electrode is designed to be of very low power and high ionization efficiency. This is accomplished by using very strong, micro-second wide pulses at a very low rate.
  • a flyback type generator produces such waves naturally in a resonant circuit. Each wave includes at least three voltage peaks: a beginning low amplitude peak, a second high amplitude peak of opposite polarity, and a final low amplitude peak (wave).
  • Typically, only the high level wave is used for ionization.
  • the first wave and third wave can be reduced greatly in amplitude by a proper damping, as explained later.
  • the use of such low power reduces ozone generation, corona byproduct production, collection and shedding of particles, and wear of the emitters.
  • an ionization method includes providing a pulse duration that is relatively short such that an applied power is enough (or sufficient) for a corona discharge to generate positive and negative ions but not enough (not sufficient) to generate ozone and nitrogen oxides, erode emitter, and/or attract particles from ambient air
  • an ionization method may optionally include providing a simultaneous application of voltage to a linear wire or group of linear emitters in order to reduce the usual ion density variation effect between points, and allow an even ion balance distribution along the length of the ion emitter structure.
  • this optional method may be omitted.
  • a method for generating ions within a space separating an emitter and a reference electrode comprising: generating a variable number of small sharp pulses and rate of the pulses depending on the distance of the target from the emitter.
  • an apparatus and a method for generating ions within a space separating an emitter and a reference electrode includes: providing at least one pulse train to the emitter, the pulse train pair including a positive pulse train and a negative pulse train the alternate in sequence, the positive pulse train including a first plurality of ionizing positive voltage pulses during a positive phase and a second plurality of ionizing positive voltage pulses during an ionization frequency phase which occur after the positive phase, and the negative pulse train including a first plurality of ionizing negative voltage pulses during the ionization frequency phases a second plurality of ionizing negative voltage pulses during a negative phase which occur after the ionization frequency phase; wherein each of the first plurality of ionizing positive voltage pulses has a greater magnitude than a magnitude of each of the second plurality of ionizing positive voltage pulses; and wherein each of the first plurality of ionizing negative voltage waveform has a greater magnitude than a magnitude of each of the second plurality of
  • An embodiment of the present invention can apply to many types of air-gas ionizers configured as ionizing bars, blowers, or in-line ionization devices.
  • Pulse mode ionizers are known in the art.
  • patent application publications JP2008124035 , US 20060151465 , and US 20090116828 describe AC ionizing bars.
  • U.S. Patent 8,009,405 discloses a design of ionizing blowers with high voltage power supplies generating periodically burst of positive and negative pulses.
  • These power supplies include plus and minus DC high voltage sources and a summing block connected to an ion emitting structure.
  • Low frequency pulses (in the range of approximately 0.1 Hz to 100 Hz) are generated by independently switching on and off each of high voltage source.
  • these AC pulse ionization systems are complicated, have low efficiency, and are prone to accumulate particles on the ion emitting structures.
  • One of the main features of an embodiment is the use of groups of predominately asymmetric (in magnitude of positive or negative voltages) short duration bipolar ionizing pulses.
  • a train (i.e., pulse group) of positive and negative pulses is applied to a linear emitter or group of emitters.
  • the short duration pulses (in the asymmetric waveform) create a high voltage gradient, which reduces ion recombination at the emitter, which in turn increases the emitter ionization efficiency, thus allowing the use of a relatively or extremely low power consumption method to generate high concentration plus and minus ions.
  • positive and negative ion clouds are periodically generated by trains of pulses having variable pulse number, for each pulse duration, train pulse duration and voltage amplitude.
  • the number of voltage waveforms can be generated by a small high voltage transformer with primary winding controlled by low voltage pulse generator and secondary winding forming a resonance circuit including an ion emitter and reference electrode of the bar.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates voltage waveforms of positive and negative ionizing pulses and pulse trains, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • Low voltage pulses 105a and 105b (for controlling an input of a high voltage transformer) are shown in top part of Figure 1 .
  • Each ionizing pulse for example, a positive pulse, may include a sequence of three different voltage wave components.
  • the output pulse starts with negative voltage wave having amplitude lower than corona discharge threshold (see waveform 110 in the bottom part of Figure 1 ).
  • the duration of this period is in the range of few micro-seconds or nano-seconds.
  • the pulse train 105 is disposed to include the positive pulse train 105a and the negative pulse train 105b, with pulse trains 105a and 105b alternating in sequence.
  • the pulse train 105 is provided to an emitter.
  • Figure 1 also illustrates the effective emitter signal 110 that results from the pulse train 105.
  • the positive pulse train 105a includes the following: a plurality of ionizing positive voltage pulses 106 having a period of Tupulse_rep and a pulse width of Tp during a time period 115 (positive phase 115), a plurality of ionizing positive voltage pulses 107 having a period of Tupulse_rep and a pulse width of To (where To ⁇ Tp) during a time period 120 (ionization frequency phase 120) which occurs after the positive phase 115, and a zero value during a time period 125 (negative phase 125) which occurs after the ionization frequency phase 120.
  • the negative pulse train 105b includes the following: a zero value during a time period 115 (positive phase 115), a plurality of ionizing negative voltage pulses 108 having a period of Tupulse_rep and a pulse width of To (where To ⁇ Tp) during the ionization frequency phase 120 and were the pulses 107 and 108 are offset from each other and are not generated concurrently, a plurality of ionizing negative voltage pulses 109 having a period of Tupulse_rep and a pulse width of Tn during the time period 125 (negative phase 125), where Tp and Tn may or may not be equal in time magnitude.
  • ionizing positive and negative voltage pulses alternately create voltage gradients across the emitter and a reference electrode of the ionizer and generate by corona discharge an ion cloud that include positive and negative ions.
  • the positive and negative ionizing voltage pulses 107 and 108 during the ionization frequency phase 120 results in an effective emitter signal 110 having small magnitude alternating pulses 130.
  • waveform 110 includes a high positive voltage wave with amplitude higher than positive corona threshold for a given ion emitting structure.
  • the ion emitter generates positive ions in a gap between the ion emitter and non-ionizing (or reference) electrode.
  • This gap between the ion emitter and non-ionizing electrode is shown, for example, in Figure 6 of the above-referenced parent application U.S. serial no. 13/210,267 .
  • the positive ion cloud is electro-statically repelled from the ion emitter and moves (or is most likely blown) to the reference electrode.
  • During the time period 125 is a negative voltage with amplitude significantly lower than that required for a corona discharge. This voltage creates electrostatic field which slows down movement of positive ions and decreases ion losses to the reference electrode.
  • the amplitude of the negative voltages may be adjusted by damping feature in the HVPS (High Voltage Power Supply) circuitry.
  • a positive ionizing pulse is followed by a high amplitude negative pulse (also shown in Figure 1 ) which produces negative ion cloud during short period of time in the same manner as previously discussed.
  • a repetition rate of ionizing pulses may be in the range of one to several thousand pulses per second.
  • the effective emitter signal 110 includes the ionization pulses 142 and 144, where the pulses 142 and 144 may be followed by smaller negative and positive oscillations 146.
  • the negative and positive oscillations 146 are due to circuit resonance of a power supply used to generate the signal 110 and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way.
  • the oscillations 146 may be substantially reduced or completely eliminated by, for example, used of a damping circuit as disclosed in, for example, to U.S. Application No. 13/023,387 .
  • the non-ionizing pulses 148 and 150 has a polarity (negative) that is opposite of the polarity (positive) of the ionizing pulses 142 and 144.
  • Figure 1 also shows simultaneously (in the middle time period 120 between time periods 115 and 125) a group of positive and negative ionizing pulses 130.
  • the upper dashed line 135 shows positive corona threshold voltage, for example, usually approximately in the 4.0 kV to 5.0 kV range, and the lower dashed line 140 shows negative corona threshold voltage, for example, approximately in the 3.75 kV 4.50 kV range. Pulses exceeding negative corona threshold voltage generate negative ions and pulses exceeding positive corona threshold voltage generate positive ions.
  • a pulse train is disposed to provide alternating positive and negative voltage waveforms with each pulse including a first non-ionizing voltage level, a second ionizing voltage level, a third non-ionizing voltage level and insignificant further oscillations due to circuit resonance.
  • An analog or logic type switching circuit (see Figure 3 ) provides for a series of alternating positive and negative ionization pulses.
  • flyback generation of high voltage (generated by a flyback-type generator) in a Ferrite core transformer provides a simple, efficient and inexpensive ionizer high voltage power supply which can use a very small transformer (e.g., about 1" x 1" x 1") with moderate turn ratio and without the need for a voltage multiplier circuit for the positive and negative ionizing pulses.
  • the use of a Ferrite core with small gap between core halves and proper voltage oscillation damping reduces core magnetic memory effect, allowing the use of multiple series of ionization pulses of one or the other polarity pulses.
  • trains (series or group) of ionizing positive and negative pulses provide efficient bipolar ionization for at least one emitter electrode having length in the range approximately 100 mm - 2000 mm or more.
  • the number of pulses of one polarity can be adjusted for the best object neutralization discharge time depending on air flow and distance to a charged target.
  • the concentration of alternating polarities ions is sufficient for ionizing bars for neutralizing moving targets at distances up to approximate 1000 mm or more.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a scope screen shot with a voltage waveform of exemplary train positive and negative ionizing pulses in the real time domain, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • pulse train pair 18 includes positive and negative pulse trains 30 and 32 that alternate in serial sequence.
  • the upper dashed line 44 represents a positive corona threshold voltage (e.g., 4.5 kV), and the lower dashed line 46 represents a negative corona threshold voltage (e.g., -4.25 kV).
  • the positive corona threshold voltage level 44 and negative corona threshold voltage level 46 are shown in the real time domain.
  • Each positive pulse train 30 is disposed to include an ionizing positive voltage waveform that has a maximum positive voltage amplitude that exceeds the voltage threshold for creating positive ions by corona discharge.
  • the negative pulse train 32 is disposed to include an ionizing negative voltage waveform that has a maximum negative voltage amplitude that exceeds the voltage threshold for creating negative ions by corona discharge.
  • Pulses repetition rate can be adjusted depending upon required ionization power level and velocity of the moving target.
  • This screen shot demonstrates that an effective ratio of high voltage power "On” vs. power “Off” can be about 0.0015 or smaller. That is why according an ionization method disclosed in an embodiment of this invention, the corona discharge typically exists for only a tiny portion of time (less than about 0.1%) necessary for ion generation but less than required for ozone emissions as well as particles attraction to the ion emitters.
  • Figure 3a shows schematic diagram of one embodiment of an analog/logic base 300 for an ionizing bar with one wire type emitter electrode 305. Additionally, Figure 3b shows waveform diagrams into various inputs of various components in Figure 3a .
  • a gas source 310 is disposed to provide a flow of gas and is electrically coupled to a voltage source V+.
  • the pulse train 105 (formed by positive pulse train 105a and negative pulse train 105b as shown in Figure 1 ) is received by the emitter 305.
  • the power source 306 may be part of the analog/logic base 300 or may be a separate component that provides power to the components in the base 300.
  • the reference node (such as ground) is omitted in Figure 3a .
  • the values of the components (e.g., passive elements such as resistors, inductors, and capacitors) in Figure 3a are not intended to limit embodiments of the invention in any way.
  • a timer chip (U3) 315 provides short pulses for a pulse drive circuit 317 (or power supply 317) formed by a Dual Delay logic chip (U1) 320, Adder logic chip (U2) 325, transistors (Q1) 330 and (Q2) 335, and switching circuit 340.
  • the transistors 330 and 335 may be, for example, MOSFETs.
  • MOSFETs e.g., n-channel MOSFETs or other MOSFET-type transistors
  • the timing of high voltage pulses from the high voltage output transformer 345 depends first upon the clock signal generated by the trapezoid oscillator (U1) 320. Its oscillating frequency determines the alternating switch from positive pulse generation to negative pulse generation, called Frequency of operation. The frequency is determined by the fixed capacitor (C1) 346 and adjustable resistor (R1) 347. A frequency range of approximately 0.2 to 60 Hertz is commonly used, with a low frequency used for targets at a distance and a higher frequency used for targets at close distance.
  • the output signal from oscillator (U1) 320 is fed to Delay device (U2) 325, which generates opposite phase signals at half the frequency.
  • the output from device (U2) 325 is then fed to AND gate (U4) 340, which is used to flip the possible activation of transistors 330 and 335 (e.g., MOSFET drive transistors (Q1) 330 and (Q2) 335) .
  • the main activating pulse is generated by timer device (U3) 315.
  • Feedback (signal 351) from the output pin 3 (of timer device 315) is fed back to its trigger pin 2 and threshold pin 6.
  • the pulse width is controlled by the fixed capacitor (C2) 350 and adjustable resistor (R3) 352.
  • the pulse width is generally adjusted to approximately 2 microseconds to 24 microseconds, depending on the design of the flyback output driver 317.
  • the repetition rate of the pulses is determined by the fixed capacitor (C2) 350 and variable resistor (R4) 354.
  • the repetition rate is equal to the inverse of the pulse period. This pulse repetition rate can range from approximately 20 Hertz to 1000 Hertz and thus determines the power output of the high voltage generator and is typically approximately 250 Hertz.
  • the AND gate (U4) 340 mixes the flip flop signal and the microsecond wide pulses from the chip (U3) 315 and thereby applies activation pulses to the gates of driver transistors (Q1) 330 and (Q2) 335, alternately.
  • One output phase from the pin 7 (of comparator 356 of the chip (U1) 320) is used to stop the oscillation in chip (U3) 315, thus interrupting the output pulses from Pin 3 of chip (U3) 315.
  • This interruption can be used to provide an Off-time between the positive and negative ionizations. This interruption is sometimes used to decrease ion cloud recombination at large target distance, or simply to reduce the power output.
  • the Off-time or Dead-time is adjusted by the bias applied to pins 10 and 13 (of comparators 358 and 359, respectively, in chip (U1) 320).
  • a formation of a micro pulse is achieved by the following operation.
  • a short positive pulse (in the micro second range) to the gate of MOSFET (Q2) 335 causes current to flow in high voltage transformer 345 primary winding coil (2,3) 360, producing first a small negative voltage pulse across the primary winding coil 360.
  • a large positive flyback pulse of voltage is produced, along with small negative and positive oscillations due to circuit resonance.
  • MOSFET (Q1) 330 Alternatively, a short pulse to the gate of MOSFET (Q1) 330 produces a large negative pulse. These pulse voltages are magnified and phase reversed by transformer 345 secondary winding 362 by use of a large turns ratio which can be in the order of about 50 to 500 to one. Thus MOSFET (Q2) 335 initiates a negative high voltage pulse and MOSFET (Q1) 330 initiates a positive high voltage pulse. These pulses generate positive and negative ions by the same wire or a pointed emitter.
  • the pulse voltage amplitude for both positive and negative polarities is determined by the following parameters:
  • the high voltage output pulses from the transformer (T1) 345 have a wave shape set by the inductance of the primary winding 360, and the capacitive load on the secondary and primary damping components of damping circuit 363.
  • the shunt resistor (Rs) 365 and inductor (Ls) 367 placed between the transformer center tap 2 and power input (Vin) prevents a rapid rise-time of current in the transformer 345, thus decreasing the peak value of the first part (part 115 in Figure 1 ) of the wave-form 110 ( Figure 1 ).
  • the third part 125 ( Figure 1 ) of the wave-form 110 is reduced by shunt resistor (Rs) 365. Selected or careful adjustment of these components will result in maximum ionization efficiency beyond the requirement of a high peak level of the second part 120 ( Figure 1 ) of the wave-form 110.
  • the voltage rise the rate is about 270 V/ps and the fall rate is about 1800 V/ps.
  • the slew rate may go up to about 35 (+/- 8) kV/ps.
  • Asymmetric positive and negative pulses may be continuously produced by driving circuit 317 with use of only one small power high voltage transformer 345 without any multipliers, rectifiers and summing blocks.
  • the pulse repetition rate may be adjusted depending upon the charge density and speed of the neutralization target.
  • Other details regarding signal transmissions e.g., current signals or voltage signals that are known to those skilled in the relevant art(s) is not discussed further for purposes of focusing on embodiments of the present invention.
  • Various standard signal transmissions occurring AC corona ionizers are discussed in additional details in the above-cited references.
  • the wave shapes are fixed by the resistance, capacitance, and inductance (R, C, L, respectively) values of all the components.
  • the pulse heights can be adjusted by changing the pulse duration which is set in Figure 3 by the resistor (R3) 352 and capacitor (C2) 350 associated with the device (U3) 315.
  • Figures 4a and 4b are block diagram of a microprocessor based embodiment.
  • the pulse drive circuit includes a microcontroller 400 (or other processor or controller 400) for controlling the switching of the transistors 330.
  • the microcontroller 400 under software control, generates narrow software adjusted pulses, typically approximately 19 microseconds wide, with one pulse train 402a for positive ionization pulses and one pulse train 402b for negative ionization pulses.
  • the pulses are applied to a set of pulse drivers 405 ( Figure 4b ) which amplify the pulses in a suitable magnitude to drive the switching transistors 330 and 335 ( Figure 3a ) which can be, for example, high power MOSFETS. As discussed above, these MOSFETS then drive the high voltage pulse transformer 345.
  • the microcontroller 400 can also receive signals 410 and 415 from a spark detector 410 and a broken wire detector 425, respectively.
  • the pulse duration may be short such that applied power is enough for corona discharge to generate positive and negative ions but not enough to generate ozone and nitrogen oxides, erode an emitter and attract particles from ambient air.
  • the ionizer provides strong (or relatively strong) ionizing pulses of at least about 1000 Volts above an ionizing threshold at a very slow rate, such as, for example, about 250 Hertz (or less) instead of the usual approximately 50,000 to 70,000 Hertz, thus producing ions with low ozone.
  • Figures 5a , 5b and 5c shows multi-Pulses in three differed modes to optimize high voltage waveform (pulse trains) for different charge neutralization conditions and Figure 5d shows a method performed by a software executed by the microcontroller 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the modes A, B, and A+B depends on the charge neutralization requirements such as, for example, the discharge time for positive and negative charges, acceptable voltage swing (electrical field effect), and distance to the target.
  • the microcontroller 400 executes software that can provide the three (3) modes of ionization pulse: Mode A, Mode B and Mode A+B as required by the application implementing an embodiment of the invention.
  • Mode A As shown in Figure 5a , Mode A is defined by a repeating series of interlacing positive and negative pulses. Each positive pulse 505 (exceeding the positive corona threshold 506a) is followed by a negative pulse 510 (exceeding in the negative corona threshold 506b), and each negative pulse 510 then followed by a positive pulse 505.
  • the positive pulse train 515a and negative pulse train 515b are shown with the alternative positive and negative voltage pulses. This mode is typically used at very close target distance (e.g., about 200 mm or closer) where ionization fields voltage needs to be small.
  • the pulse amplitude 529, micropulse period 525, and pulse widths 530 and 535 of the positive micropulse 505 and negative micropulse 510, respectively, are adjustable, by the software executed by the microcontroller 400.
  • the positive micropulse amplitude and positive micropulse duration is adjusted by the timer/counter with Load Pulse MP_P value in block 563 ( Figure 5d ).
  • the negative micropulse amplitude and negative micropulse duration is adjusted by the Load Pulse MP_N in block 566 ( Figure 5d ).
  • the period for the positive micropulse and negative micropulse is adjusted by the Load Reprate timer/counter with the reprate value in block 551 ( Figure 5d ).
  • Mode B is defined by a repeating series 540 of positive pulses 541 followed by a repeating series 542 of negative pulses 543 followed by a repeating series 540 of positive pulses 541, and so on as shown in the drawings.
  • a small delay 544, Off Time can be added, to reduce ion recombination.
  • the OffTime is a time where no ionization pulse is created. This mode is typically used at very far (500mm and above) target distances.
  • the number of MP_N values in block 568 ( Figure 5d ) loaded into block 554 ( Figure 5d ) is used to set the Off Time delay value 544 ( Figure 5b ) where no pulse is generated.
  • the positive ionization pulse width is adjusted by the load pulse timer/counter with Tpmax value in block 556 ( Figure 5d ).
  • the positive ionization pulse period is adjusted by the load reprate timer/counter with reprate value in block 551 ( Figure 5d ).
  • the negative ionization pulse width is adjusted by the load pulse timer/counter with Tnmax value in block 560 ( Figure 5d ).
  • the negative ionization pulse period is adjusted by the load reprate timer/counter with reprate value in block 551 ( Figure 5d ).
  • Mode A+B is a combination of Mode A and Mode B where Mode A occurs in the OffTime region (time) 550 and Mode B occurs in the OnTime regions (time) 551 and 552.
  • This mode is typically used at a mid-distance (200mm to 500mm) target where ionization fields voltage need to be kept low but the target distance changes depending on the process.
  • the OnTime regions 551 and 553 are adjusted in block 554.
  • the OffTime region 550 is adjusted by the number of pulses MP_P and MP_N determining this region width (i.e. set in block 554).
  • the positive micropulse width is adjusted by block 563.
  • the negative micropulse width is adjusted by block 566.
  • the negative ionization pulse width is determined by block 560.
  • the negative pulse repetition rate is determined by block 551.
  • Figure 5d shows various blocks 550-573 describing other functions of a method 574 performed by a software executed by the microcontroller 400.
  • Figure 5e is a table 575 that shows multi-pulse settable parameters and corresponding definitions and exemplary parameter range values, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 5f , 5g , and 5h also shows multi-pulses in three differed modes based on settings different from Figures 5a , 5b , and 5c , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the user can change the ion balance by: (1) changing the pulse width of the positive or negative or both, and control the amount of ionization in OnTime region (Tpmax and Tnmax) independently of the OffTime region (MP_P, MP_N); and (2) changing the ratio of time between the Positive OnTime region versus the Negative OnTime region.
  • the time between pulses (Treprate) is the same in all regions and is adjustable to control the amount of ionization power.
  • a high power is where Treprate is small, and creates more often ionization pulses, resulting in more ionization.
  • a larger Treprate creates less often ionization pulses, resulting in less ionization.
  • an embodiment of the present invention provides a method of ionization and associated schematic (apparatus). This embodiment generates very short bipolar micro pulses and creates efficient bipolar air (or other gases) ionization with regular emitters at normal atmospheric pressure.
  • a high voltage pulse generator may power different ionizing cells (structures) with variety of ion emitters: single or group of wires, saw blade type emitter, and pointed electrode(s).
  • the ionizing bar may have internal source of air flow (air channel) connected to a nozzle, small diameter orifices or slots positioned in closed proximity to the ion emitter. Therefore, Figure 8 shows general view of linear bar with wire emitter and air assist ion delivery system, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 shows schematic diagrams of another embodiment as a dual phase ionizing bar with two (wire or point type) emitter electrodes E1 and E2.
  • the emitters both may be configured as a row of sharp pointed electrodes, wires or blades, or row of nozzles with pointed emitters. Additional details of elements in the linear bar are disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/584,173 .
  • high a voltage section uses the same driver circuit for the MOSFETS (as previously discussed), but with the MOSFET transistor Drains (M1 and M2) connected to a pair of high voltage transformers T1 and T2 with opposing connections to the primaries.
  • Control Resistor R1 and damping capacitor C2 are chosen to produce the same alternating polarity pulses as in the circuit design shown in Figure 3 . Each pulse will therefore have predominately positive or negative peak amplitude and will alternate in polarity.
  • the ion emitters connected to the transformers T1 and T2 have exactly opposite polarity voltage ionizing pulses.
  • the voltage waveform 602 for this dual phase ionization system is shown in [[ Figure 6a ]] and simplified bar cross-section 605 with emitter (1) E1 and emitter (2) E2 is shown in Figure 6 [[b]].
  • This embodiment in Figure 6 has at least a couple of advantages compare to single phase ionization system. Often objects of charge neutralization are sensitive to electrical field and require to have an ionizer with field canceling effect. Dual phase ionization system simultaneously generates opposite polarity voltages and thereby considerably reducing the radiated electrical field.
  • This feature is important also in cases when ionizing bar should be positioned in close proximity to the charged object.
  • ionizing bar and object duration of, for example, positive pulse train (pulse duration, amplitude or pulse frequency and so on)
  • the distance may be longer than for negative pulse train in one cycle for one emitter; and to be opposite polarity situation in the next one cycle. That will crate ion cloud "pushing" effect and accelerate their movement to the target.
  • Dual phase ionization system has another advantage that it not has bulky reference electrode at all and avoids ion losses on these electrodes.
  • the opposite phase voltage source significantly (almost twice) may decrease the required voltage amplitude at each emitter for producing corona discharge. Therefore, these transformers may be identical in design, or may have a lower primary to secondary turns ratio. A lower turns ratio may be used since the emitters, being close to each other, tend to increase the electric field between the emitter pair.
  • FIG. 6 shows also embodiment of a dual phase line ionizer where each emitter is capacitive connected (C3 and C4) to output of transformer T1 and T2.
  • the secondary coils of both transformers T1 and T2 are grounded. This is another variant of capacitive coupled self balanced ionization system.
  • Capacitors may provide a shorter transition time for balancing. Also, small capacitors in series with each emitter may help to fine tune the phase shift between them and limit current in case of emitter touching.
  • the ionizer may have self balance system in several different variants (shown in Figure 7 ): a wire emitter (shown by dash line 705) may be capacitively coupled to HVPS output and grounded to a reference electrode, and the floated transformer secondary, both emitter and reference capacitively coupled to HVPS.
  • a wire emitter shown by dash line 705
  • the floated transformer secondary both emitter and reference capacitively coupled to HVPS.
  • the linear ionizer also may have active ion balance system using external ion balance sensor(s) positioned in close proximity to the charged target.
  • microprocessor based control system and HVPS of the bar may generate primarily ionizing micro pulses and ions of one polarity opposite to the charge of the target.
  • FIG. 8 A general view of linear ionizing bar with wire type emitter shown in Figure 8 .
  • the wire electrode 801 is attached to the bar's chassis (or cartridge) by spring 802.
  • the spring 802 provides wire tension and is connected to the output of one previously discussed high voltage power supplies (not shown in Figure 8 ).
  • the reference electrode 803 is configured as two stainless steel strips mounted on the sides of the chassis. A high intensity electrical field creates corona discharge in form of ion plasma sheath shrouding wire emitter.
  • the air orifices 804 supply air flow to help generated by emitter ions move to the target. Therefore, ions are moving to the charged target by combination of electrical field and aerodynamic forces. The result is short discharge time (in the range of seconds) to neutralize charge of the object.

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Claims (15)

  1. Verfahren zur Ladungsneutralisation eines Targets durch Generieren von Ionen in einem Raum, der einen Emitter (305) und eine Referenzelektrode trennt, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:
    Generieren von positiven und negativen Impulsen mit kurzer Dauer (505, 541, 510, 543) durch Bereitstellen einer positiven Impulsfolge (105a, 515a) und einer negativen Impulsfolge (105b, 515b), wobei die positive Impulsfolge (105a, 515a) eine ionisierende positive Spannungswellenform (110) einschließt und die negative Impulsfolge (105b, 515b) eine ionisierende negative Spannungswellenform (110) einschließt;
    Generieren einer variablen Anzahl der positiven und negativen Impulse (505, 541, 510, 543) und Rate der Impulse (505, 541, 510, 543) in Abhängigkeit von dem Abstand des Targets zu dem Emitter (305),
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    ein Modus A der sich wiederholenden Reihe von verschachtelten positiven und negativen Impulsen (505, 510) so konfiguriert ist, dass er für nahe Target-Abstände von etwa 200 mm oder näher zu verwenden ist;
    ein Modus B der sich wiederholenden Reihe (540) von positiven Impulsen (541), gefolgt von einer sich wiederholenden Reihe (542) von negativen Impulsen (543), gefolgt von einer sich wiederholenden Reihe (540) von positiven Impulsen (541) und so weiter, so konfiguriert ist, dass er für sehr weite Target-Abstände von 500 mm und darüber zu verwenden ist; und
    ein kombinierter Modus aus Modus A und Modus B so konfiguriert ist, dass er für Targets in mittleren Abständen von 200 mm bis 500 mm zu verwenden ist.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine Impulsdauer der Impulse (505, 541, 510, 543) kurz ist, so dass eine angelegte Leistung zur Koronaentladung ausreicht, um positive und negative Ionen zu generieren, jedoch nicht ausreicht, um Ozon und Stickoxide zu generieren, den Emitter (305) zu erodieren und Partikel aus der Umgebungsluft anzuziehen,
    wobei die Impulse (505, 541, 510, 543) starke Ionisierungsimpulse (505, 541, 510, 543) mit einer Amplitude über den Koronaschwellenwerten (135, 140, 506a, 506b) für beide Polaritäten umfassen.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine Impulsdauer der Impulse (505, 541, 510, 543) kurz ist, so dass eine angelegte Leistung zur Koronaentladung ausreichend ist, um positive und negative Ionen zu generieren, während eine Anreicherung von Partikeln auf den Emitterpunkten (305) oder Drahtelektroden (801) reduziert wird und eine Kontamination minimiert wird, die mit Koronaentladungspartikelionisation aus einem Ionisierungsstab verbunden ist,
    wobei die Impulse (505, 541, 510, 543) starke Mikroimpulse in einer sehr niedrigen Rate umfassen, um eine Verwendung einer Versorgung mit niedriger Leistung zur Bereitstellung von Hochspannung zu ermöglichen, die an den Emitter (305) angelegt wird.
  4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, des Weiteren umfassend: Aufrechterhalten einer Ionenstrombilanz, die in vernünftigem Maß nahe an Null liegt.
  5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Impulsfolge (105, 105b, 515a, 515b) eine Vielzahl von Wellen umfasst, wobei jede Welle einen anfänglichen Peak mit niedriger Amplitude, einen zweiten Peak mit entgegengesetzter Polarität und hoher Amplitude und einen am Ende liegenden Peak mit niedriger Amplitude umfasst.
  6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, des Weiteren umfassend: Bereitstellen von gleichzeitigem Anlegen von Spannung an einen linearen Draht oder eine Gruppe von linearen Emittern (305), um einen Effekt der Variation der Ionendichte zwischen Punkten zu reduzieren und eine gleichmäßige Ionenbilanzverteilung entlang einer Länge des Emitters (305) zu ermöglichen.
  7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, des Weiteren umfassend: Verwenden eines Mikrocontrollers (400) zum Steuern der Impulsfolge (105, 105b, 515a, 515b).
  8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, des Weiteren umfassend: Verwendung von Doppelionenemittern (305), die Spannungen mit entgegengesetzter Polarität generieren und dadurch ein abgestrahltes elektrisches Feld reduzieren.
  9. Vorrichtung zur Ladungsneutralisation eines Targets durch Generieren von positiven und negativen Ionen in einem Raum, der einen Emitter (305) und eine Referenzelektrode trennt, wobei die Vorrichtung umfasst:
    einen Emitter (305),
    eine Referenzelektrode; und
    eine Impulstreiberschaltung (317), die konfiguriert ist, um positive und negative Impulse mit kurzer Dauer (505, 541, 510, 543) zu generieren,
    wobei die Impulstreiberschaltung (317) eine variable Anzahl an kleinen scharfen Impulsen (505, 541, 510, 543) generiert, wobei die Folge und Rate der Impulse (505, 541, 510, 543) von dem Abstand des Targets zu dem Emitter (305) abhängen,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    ein Modus A der sich wiederholenden Reihe von verschachtelten positiven und negativen Impulsen (505, 510) so konfiguriert ist, dass er für nahe Target-Abstände von etwa 200 mm oder näher zu verwenden ist;
    ein Modus B der sich wiederholenden Reihe (540) von positiven Impulsen (541), gefolgt von einer sich wiederholenden Reihe (542) von negativen Impulsen (543), gefolgt von einer sich wiederholenden Reihe (540) von positiven Impulsen (541) und so weiter, so konfiguriert ist, dass er für sehr weite Target-Abstände von 500 mm und darüber zu verwenden ist; und
    ein kombinierter Modus aus Modus A und Modus B so konfiguriert ist, dass er für Targets in mittleren Abständen von 200 mm bis 500 mm zu verwenden ist.
  10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, wobei eine Impulsdauer der Impulse (505, 541, 510, 543) kurz ist, so dass eine angelegte Leistung zur Koronaentladung ausreicht, um positive und negative Ionen zu generieren, jedoch nicht ausreicht, um Ozon und Stickoxide zu generieren, den Emitter (305) zu erodieren und Partikel aus der Umgebungsluft anzuziehen,
    wobei die Impulse (505, 541, 510, 543) starke Ionisierungsimpulse (505, 541, 510, 543) von mindestens annähernd 1000 Volt über einem Ionisierungsschwellenwert (135, 140, 506a, 506b) mit einer sehr langsamen Rate, wie annähernd 250 Hertz anstelle der üblichen annähernd 50.000 bis 70.000 Hertz, umfassen, wodurch Ionen mit wenig Ozon produziert werden.
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei eine Impulsdauer der Impulse (505, 541, 510, 543) kurz ist, so dass eine angelegte Leistung zur Koronaentladung ausreichend ist, um positive und negative Ionen zu generieren, während eine Anreicherung von Partikeln auf den Emitterpunkten (305) oder Drahtelektroden (801) reduziert wird und eine Kontamination minimiert wird, die mit Koronaentladungspartikelionisation aus einem Ionisierungsstab verbunden ist,
    wobei die Impulse (505, 541, 510, 543) starke Mikroimpulse in einer sehr niedrigen Rate umfassen, um eine Verwendung einer Versorgung mit niedriger Leistung zur Bereitstellung von Hochspannung zu ermöglichen, die an den Emitter (305) angelegt wird.
  12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei die Treiberschaltung (317) konfiguriert ist, um eine Ionenstrombilanz aufrechtzuerhalten, die in vernünftigem Maße nahe an Null ist,
    wobei die Impulsfolge (105, 105b, 515a, 515b) eine Vielzahl von Wellen umfasst, wobei jede Welle einen anfänglichen Peak mit niedriger Amplitude, einen zweiten Peak mit entgegengesetzter Polarität und hoher Amplitude und einen am Ende liegenden Peak mit niedriger Amplitude umfasst.
  13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei die Treiberschaltung (317) konfiguriert ist, um gleichzeitiges Anlegen von Spannung an einen linearen Draht oder eine Gruppe von linearen Emittern (305) bereitzustellen, um einen Effekt der Variation der Ionendichte zwischen Punkten zu reduzieren und eine gleichmäßige Ionenbilanzverteilung entlang einer Länge des Emitters (305) zu ermöglichen.
  14. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, des Weiteren umfassend:
    einen Mikrocontroller (400), der zum Steuern der Impulsfolge (105, 105b, 515a, 515b) konfiguriert ist.
  15. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Emitter (305) des Weiteren umfasst:
    Doppelionenemitter (305), die konfiguriert sind, um Spannungen mit entgegengesetzter Polarität zu generieren und dadurch ein abgestrahltes elektrisches Feld zu reduzieren.
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