JP2002025747A - Ion-generating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ion-generating apparatus, equipped with a function capable of easily and effectively removing stain which adhered to an ion- generating electrode, and effectively preventing or restraining deterioration of ion-generating efficiency caused by stain adhesion. SOLUTION: The ion-generating apparatus 1 is provided with an electric cleaning mechanism 79 for burning the adhered stain on the ion-generating electrode 7 by electric heat generation. When the strain or the like adheres to a tip part of the electrode, to which ion-generating electric field concentrates, the ion-generating efficiency is disturbed highly. Burning the adhesion on a tip part 7a of the ion-generating electrode 7 by the electric cleaning mechanism 79 is very effective for preventing the trouble. The aim of the cleaning can be fully achieved and electric heat generating capacity by the electric cleaning mechanism 79 need not be very high, so that the apparatus can be simplified when the stain adhered to an edged tip part of the electrode 7 contributing to ion generation is selectively removed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ion generator.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ion generator has been used to purify, sterilize, or deodorize air in a room or an automobile. In many of these, an AC power supply unit, a step-up transformer and a needle electrode are arranged in a housing, and a high AC voltage boosted by the transformer is applied to the needle electrode to generate corona discharge, and the discharge is performed. Is emitted from an ion emission port provided in the housing.
The ions generated from the ion generator include negative ions and positive ions. For example, it is said that negative ions are superior in terms of the effect of purification, deodorization, or sterilization.

[0003]

If the above-described ion generator is used for a long period of time, dust, oil, or other contaminants contained in the airflow adhere to the ion generating electrode, and eventually. The discharge surface is covered with these contaminants. In such a state, discharge for ion generation is significantly hindered, which may lead to a decrease in ion generation efficiency or, in extreme cases, stop of ion generation.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-111427 discloses a device for generating negative ions by making a grounded positive electrode face a needle-like negative electrode for generating ions.
It has been proposed that the distance between the tips of the negative electrode and the positive electrode arranged in parallel is adjusted to prevent the adhesion of dirt and prevent the ozone odor and improve the efficiency of generating negative ions. However, in this publication technology,
There is a problem that it is impossible to prevent adhesion of dirt to the needle negative electrode itself.

An object of the present invention is to provide a function capable of easily and effectively removing dirt adhering to an ion generating electrode, and effectively preventing or suppressing a decrease in ion generation efficiency due to dirt adhering. The present invention provides an ion generator provided with the above.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems and Actions / Effects In order to solve the above problems, the ion generator of the present invention generates negative ions by applying a negative high voltage,
An ion generating electrode configured as an isolated electrode without a discharge counter electrode, an ion generating high voltage generator for applying a high voltage to the ion generating electrode for generating ions, and a deposit attached to the ion generating electrode And an electric cleaning mechanism for burning off the heat by electric heat.
Further, in the high voltage generator for ion generation, an input terminal and an output terminal are formed on the piezoelectric ceramic element plate, and a primary AC input voltage from the input terminal is used to reduce mechanical vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic element plate. It is configured to include a piezoelectric transformer that converts to a secondary side AC voltage higher than the primary side AC voltage via the output side terminal and outputs it toward the ion emission electrode,
Conversion means for converting the secondary-side AC output of the piezoelectric transformer is provided so that the polarity of the voltage applied to the ion generating electrode is dominant on the negative side.

[0007] In the ion generator of the present invention, the high voltage generator is constituted by a piezoelectric transformer. The piezoelectric transformer is compact and lightweight because it does not have a core or a winding part, and is advantageous for reducing the size and weight of the ion generator. Furthermore, as described later, when the ion generating mechanism is incorporated in an air conditioner such as a cooling or heating apparatus, the circuit board of the ion generating mechanism is significantly reduced in size. There is also a merit that can be built into.

[0008] When the ion-generating discharge is in a form similar to a so-called silent discharge, there is a problem that ozone is easily generated in air. Ozone has a strong oxidizing power and is excellent in bactericidal power and oxidative decomposing power to organic substances and the like, but has a drawback that an unpleasant irritating odor becomes strong as the amount of ozone generated increases. The generation of ozone by silent discharge becomes particularly remarkable when the applied voltage is a high frequency whose polarity changes alternately.

Here, when the high voltage generator is constituted by a winding type transformer, the number of windings on the secondary side is increased due to generation of high voltage. The level of the changing stray magnetic field increases. When the ion generating electrode is arranged in the leakage magnetic field, the generation of ozone may be promoted by the influence of the high-frequency induction current generated in the ion generating electrode. Therefore, by using a piezoelectric transformer having no winding, the leakage magnetic field level felt by the ion generating electrode can be reduced, which is further advantageous in suppressing ozone generation.

Also, in the present invention, unlike the dust collecting electrode, an ion generating electrode having a sharp tip which does not essentially have a counter electrode is used, but this is also effective from the viewpoint of suppressing silent discharge and thus ozone generation. It is. In addition, if a configuration in which the counter electrode is provided to perform ion generation in a corona discharge mode is employed, the generated negative ions are attracted to the counter electrode side, and the ion emission efficiency may not always be good due to adsorption or decomposition. In the present invention, since the ion generating electrode is configured as an isolated electrode without the discharge counter electrode, the ion generating efficiency can be further improved.

However, since the tip of the ion generating electrode is formed sharp without having a counter electrode, dirt and the like are particularly likely to adhere to the tip where the ion generating electric field is concentrated, and the ion generating efficiency is reduced. Easy to be hindered. Therefore, if an electric cleaning mechanism is used to burn off the deposits attached to the tip of the ion generating electrode, it is extremely effective in preventing such a problem. in this case,
If the dirt attached to the sharp tip of the electrode contributing to ion generation is selectively removed, the purpose of cleaning can be sufficiently fulfilled, and the electric heating capability of the electric cleaning mechanism is so high. It is not necessary to do so, which contributes to simplification of the device.

The electrical cleaning mechanism can be configured to include a resistance heating mechanism that, for example, causes the ion generating electrode to generate heat by resistance, thereby burning off the deposits attached to the ion generating electrode. By causing the ion generating electrode to generate resistance heat at least at a portion to be cleaned, it is possible to effectively remove deposits such as dirt.

Next, in the ion generator of the present invention, as a negative ion generator for ordinary life, the electrode tip of the ion generating electrode 7 is used in order to effectively bring out an air purifying effect, a sterilizing effect or a deodorizing effect. It is desirable that an amount of generated ions of 100,000 or more per 1 cm ³ measured at a position 1 m away from the front is secured. Even in such an ion generation amount,
The ion generator of the present invention can effectively suppress the generation of ozone, and specifically, can reduce the amount of generated ozone to 0.1 ppm or less.

For example, if the frequency of the pulsating current applied to the ion generating electrode (alternative to the AC frequency before rectification) is too large, the amount of generated ozone may increase and the smell of ozone may increase. From this viewpoint, the pulsating flow frequency applied to the ion generating electrode is preferably set to 150 kHz or less, whereby the amount of generated ozone can be kept to 0.1 ppm or less, and the generation of excessive ozone odor can be suppressed. Can be. On the other hand, the generation of a small amount of ozone can further enhance the sterilizing effect and the like due to the synergistic effect with negative ions. From this viewpoint, the amount of generated ozone is preferably set to 0.01 ppm or more and 0.04 ppm or less.

In the ion generator of the present invention, a cleaning mechanism automatic controller for automatically operating the electric cleaning mechanism at a predetermined timing for cleaning the ion generating electrode can be provided. With this configuration, the cleaning of the ion generating electrode can be performed automatically, and the ion generating electrode can be easily kept clean at all times.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to some embodiments shown in the drawings. FIG.
1 shows an external view of an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and has a hollow case 2 as a housing, which is formed of a plastic molded body. Although the shape of the case 2 is not particularly limited, the case 2 has a slightly flat shape that is long in the front and back, and an ion emission port 4 is formed on one of its side surfaces. A power switch 3 is provided on a side surface of the case 2.

FIG. 2 is a plan sectional view of FIG. Case 2
Inside, an ion generating electrode 7 and an ion generating main circuit unit 5 are provided. The ion generating electrode 7 is made of metal,
For example, the tip is sharply formed by Ni or a Ni alloy. Here, a sharp discharge portion 7b is integrated with the main body portion 7a in a plate-like form, and the main body portion 7a is attached to the inside of the case 2 by screws or the like.

On the other hand, the ion generating main circuit unit 5
This unit applies a high voltage for ion generation to the ion generating electrode 7 via the high-voltage cable 8, and includes an insulating substrate 6 and circuit components mounted on the insulating substrate 6 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, a blower 9 for generating an air flow W toward the ion emission port 4 via the ion generation electrode 7 is provided in the case 2, for example, the ion generation electrode 7.
It is provided on the rear side of. The blower 9 discharges the wind generated by the rotation of a blower blade (not shown) from the outlet 9 b toward the ion generating electrode 7, and plays a role of promoting the discharge of the generated ions from the ion discharge port 4.

FIG. 3 shows the overall circuit configuration of the ion generator 1. The blower 9 and the main circuit unit 5 for generating ions are connected to a power supply unit 30 by connectors 18 and 2, respectively.
0 and connection cables 19 and 21. On the other hand, the power supply unit 30 has a power plug 2
6 and a power supply cord 25 are connected via a connector 24, through which power is received from an external AC power supply (for example, 100V AC) not shown. In the power supply unit 30, the AC input received via the power switch 3 and the fuse 23 is stepped down by the transformer 16 to a predetermined voltage (for example, 32 V at peak to peak), and further subjected to full-wave rectification by the diode bridge 17. After that, the capacitors 11 to 13 and the three-terminal regulator 14
The voltage is stabilized by the stabilizing unit 15 including the above, and is distributed to the blower 9 and the main circuit unit 5 for generating ions.

Next, the main circuit unit 5 for generating ions is
It functions as a high voltage generator for applying a high voltage to the ion generation electrode. As shown in FIG.
It includes an oscillating unit 37, a switching unit 38, a boosting unit 39, and a converting unit (converting means) 40. FIG. 5 shows an example of a specific circuit configuration. The booster 39 includes a piezoelectric transformer 70. This is because the input-side terminals 72a, 73a and the output-side terminals 74 are connected to the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71.
a, and converts the primary-side AC input voltage from the input-side terminals 72a and 73a into a secondary-side AC voltage higher than the primary-side AC voltage through the mechanical vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71, The signal is output from the output terminal 74a to the ion emission electrode. On the other hand, the conversion unit 40 converts the secondary-side AC output of the piezoelectric transformer so that the polarity of the voltage applied to the ion generation electrode 7 becomes dominant on the negative side. Thereby, the ion generating electrode 7 mainly functions as a negative ion generating source.

The input section 36 receives a DC constant voltage input from the power supply unit 30 via an adjusting resistor (not shown).
It plays a role of distributing to various parts of the circuit. On the other hand, the oscillation section (oscillation circuit) 37 receives the DC constant voltage input, and generates an oscillation waveform at a frequency corresponding to the primary-side AC input to the piezoelectric transformer 70. In this embodiment, the oscillating unit 37 includes an operational amplifier 62, a resistor 52 on the negative feedback side, and a capacitor 53.
Is configured as a square wave oscillation circuit.
The resistors 54, 55, and 56 are for defining the reference voltage of the oscillation input, that is, the center value of the oscillation voltage amplitude, and the variable resistor 56 can change the set value. ing.

The switching section (switching circuit) 38 receives the waveform signal from the oscillating section 37 and performs high-speed switching of the DC constant voltage input from the power supply unit 30 to input the piezoelectric transformer 70 to the primary side. Generate an AC waveform. Specifically, the switching unit 38
Is configured as a push-pull switching circuit including a pair of transistors 65 and 66. These transistors 65 and 66 are turned on / off by the output of the operational amplifier 62 (43 is a pull-up resistor), and generate a square wave AC waveform oscillating at the oscillation frequency of the oscillation section (oscillation circuit) 37. This waveform is input to the primary side of the piezoelectric transformer 70.

Next, the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71 of the piezoelectric transformer 70 is formed in a horizontally long plate shape, and the first plate-like region 7 polarized in the plate thickness direction is provided at an intermediate position in the plate surface longitudinal direction.
1a and a second plate-like region 7 polarized in the longitudinal direction of the plate surface
1b. Then, the first plate-shaped region 71a
Are formed so as to cover both surfaces of the input terminal 72a and the input terminal 72a connected to the input terminal 72a. On the other hand, the output terminal 74 is provided on the end surface of the second plate-like region 71b in the longitudinal direction of the plate surface.
An output-side electrode 74 to which a is connected is formed.

In the piezoelectric transformer 70 having the above configuration, when an AC input is made to the first plate-shaped region 71a through the input-side electrode pairs 72 and 73, the polarization direction of the first plate-shaped region 71a is changed in the thickness direction. Therefore, the plate wave propagating in the longitudinal direction is strongly coupled to the electric field in the plate thickness direction, and most of the electric energy is converted into the energy of the plate wave propagating in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, this plate wave in the longitudinal direction is
In this case, since the polarization direction is the longitudinal direction, the plate wave strongly couples with the electric field in the longitudinal direction. And
When the input-side AC frequency corresponds to (preferably coincides with) the resonance frequency of the mechanical vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71, the impedance of the element 71 becomes almost minimum (resonance) on the input side, while it is almost on the output side. Maximum (anti-resonance)
Then, the primary side input is boosted by the boosting ratio according to the impedance conversion ratio to become the secondary side output.

The piezoelectric transformer 70 having such an operation principle has a simple structure, and has an advantage that it can be configured to be very lightweight and compact as compared with a wire wound type transformer having an iron core. Then, under heavy load conditions, the impedance conversion efficiency is high, and a stable and high boosting ratio can be obtained. In addition, an ion generator driven under conditions close to the load release except for the generation of a discharge current due to ion emission can stably generate a high voltage suitable for ion generation. Can also be used effectively.

The material of the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71 is made of, for example, lead zirconate titanate-based perovskite type piezoelectric ceramic (so-called PZT) in this embodiment. This is mainly composed of a solid solution of lead zirconate and lead titanate, and can be suitably used in the present invention because of its excellent impedance conversion efficiency. In addition,
The mixing ratio of lead zirconate and lead titanate is lead zirconate /
It is desirable that the molar ratio of lead titanate be about 0.8 to 1.3 in order to realize good impedance conversion efficiency. If necessary, a part of zirconium or titanium can be replaced by Ni, Nb, Mg, Co, Mn, or the like.

In the case of a PZT piezoelectric ceramic element plate, when the driving frequency becomes extremely high, the resonance sharpness sharply decreases and the conversion efficiency is reduced. It is desirable to set a value corresponding to the mechanical resonance frequency of the element 71 in a relatively low frequency range. Conversely, the element 71
It is desirable to determine the dimensions of the element 71 so that the mechanical resonance frequency of the element 71 falls within the above frequency range.

When a PZT-based piezoelectric ceramic element plate is used, the voltage level of the primary side AC input is about 15 to 40 V from the viewpoint of ensuring the generation efficiency of negative ions and ensuring the durability of the element. It is desirable to set to.
Thus, the voltage level applied to the ion generating electrode 7 is
The frequency range of the primary side AC input (40 to 300 kHz)
Taking into account about z), about 800 to 3000 V (for example, 2000 V) can be secured.

Next, the converter 40 includes a diode 76 as rectifying means. The diode 76 has a role of rectifying the secondary-side AC output of the piezoelectric transformer 70 so as to allow the charge transfer in the direction of charging the ion generating electrode 7 to the negative polarity and prevent the charge transfer in the opposite direction. Fulfill. In this embodiment, the end of the output line 74a from the output terminal 74a of the piezoelectric transformer 70 is grounded,
The ion generating electrode 7 is branched and connected from the middle thereof, and the diode 76 is connected downstream of the branch point of the ion generating electrode 7. In the present embodiment,
A plurality (four in this case) of diodes 76 are connected in series to ensure a withstand voltage.

On the other hand, a path 75 for returning the secondary-side AC output of the piezoelectric transformer 70 to the oscillation section (oscillation circuit) 37.
On a, a feedback capacitance is provided. In order to stabilize the operation of the piezoelectric transformer 70, it is necessary to maintain the driving frequency in a relatively narrow range around the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71. Providing the feedback capacitance as described above is effective in stabilizing the driving frequency of the piezoelectric transformer 70.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the piezoelectric transformer 70 is provided on the insulating substrate 6 so that the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71 and the substrate surface are substantially parallel to each other.
The insulating substrate 6 is made of, for example, a glass fiber reinforced plastic plate. A region corresponding to the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71 on the back side of the insulating substrate 6 is covered with a metal film electrode 75, and the metal film electrode 75 and the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71 Together with the part located between the two, it forms the feedback capacitance.
6A is a plan view on the front side, FIG. 6B is a perspective view from the front side showing the layout on the back side, and FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view. The feedback capacitance may be configured as a single capacitor component, but by diverting the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71 as one of the components of the feedback capacitance, the capacitor component can be omitted, and the size of the substrate can be reduced. Contribute. Further, since the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71 is mounted substantially parallel to the substrate 6, a dead space hardly occurs, which further contributes to downsizing. 6a is a wiring pattern of the mounted component.

For example, as a negative ion generator for ordinary life, in order to effectively bring out an air purifying effect, a sterilizing effect, a deodorizing effect, or the like, a position 1 m away from the front end of the ion generating electrode 7 is provided. 1c measured at
Negative ion generation amount per m ³ it is desirable to secure more than 100,000 ion generation amount. In this case, the voltage applied to the ion generating electrode 7 is preferably set to 1000 to 3000 V. Further, the secondary output voltage of the piezoelectric transformer 70 is applied to the ion generating electrode 7 in the form of a negative pulsating flow rectified by the converter 40 as described above. When the ion-generating discharge has a form similar to a so-called silent discharge, there is a problem that ozone is easily generated in air. Ozone has a strong oxidizing power and is excellent in bactericidal power and oxidative decomposing power to organic substances and the like, but has a drawback that an unpleasant irritating odor becomes strong as the amount of ozone generated increases. For example, if the frequency of the above pulsating flow (alternating with the AC frequency before rectification) is too large, the amount of generated ozone may increase and the smell of ozone may increase. From this viewpoint, the pulsating frequency applied to the ion generating electrode 7 is preferably set to 150 kHz or less, and the amount of ozone generated can be kept to 0.1 ppm or less, and the generation of excessive ozone odor is suppressed. be able to. On the other hand, the generation of a small amount of ozone can further enhance the sterilizing effect and the like due to the synergistic effect with negative ions. From this viewpoint, the amount of generated ozone is preferably set to 0.01 ppm or more and 0.04 ppm or less. In this case, the voltage applied to the ion generating electrode 7 is 100
0-2500V, pulsating frequency 50-150KHz
It is good to do. Also, the use of the grounded ion generating electrode 7 having a sharp tip and having essentially no counter electrode as in the present embodiment is effective from the viewpoint of suppressing ozone generation.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ion generating electrode 7
Arranged in the case 2 so that the tip faces the ion emission port 4, the generated ions can be efficiently removed from the ion emission port 4.
Released from On the other hand, the main circuit unit 5 for ion generation
Is arranged at a position off the ion emission port 4 so as not to hinder the ion flow toward the ion emission port 4.
And the blower 9 is arrange | positioned in the position corresponding to the ion discharge port 4 at the back side of the ion generating electrode 7. FIG. Thereby, the ion generating electrode 7 for generating ions
On the other hand, since the wind directed to the ion discharge port 4 can be sent directly, the ion flow can be efficiently discharged from the ion discharge port 4. The blower 9 may be arranged at another position, for example, in front of the ion generation electrode 7 as long as it can generate a wind heading toward the ion emission port 4 via the ion generation electrode 7. However, when hydroxyl ions (H ₃ O ₂ ⁻ ), which are somewhat less stable in the atmosphere than oxonium ions (H ₃ O ⁺ ), are generated as negative ions, it is preferable to dispose the blower 9 on the rear side. However, there is a case where the generated negative ions can be released more stably than when arranged on the front side.

In FIG. 3, when the power plug 26 is connected to an outlet serving as an external AC power supply and the power switch 3 is turned on, a constant DC voltage is supplied, and the blower 9 and the main circuit unit 5 for generating ions operate. In the main circuit unit 5 for generating ions, a DC constant voltage is supplied from the input unit in FIG. 5, and the oscillating unit 37 and the switching unit 38 operate to generate a square wave AC.
The zero-side input terminal 72a is input as an adjustment resistor 67 (including a variable resistor 67a for waveform adjustment) as a primary-side AC input. The piezoelectric transformer 70 boosts the voltage according to the above-described operation principle, and outputs the boosted voltage from the output terminal 74a as a secondary AC output.

When the secondary side of the piezoelectric transformer 70 outputs a negative half-wave, the ion generating electrode 7 is charged up negatively. As a result, an electric field gradient favorable for generating negative ions is generated around the ion generating electrode 7, and molecules in the surrounding air,
For example, water molecules are ionized in the form of hydroxyl ions and the like. That is, negative ions are generated. Next, when a positive half wave is output, the negative charge of the ion generating electrode 7 tends to discharge to the ground side, but the flow of this charge is blocked by the diode 76. Thus, the negatively charged state of the ion generating electrode 7 is constantly maintained, and negative ions can be stably generated.

The following experiment was conducted to confirm the effects of the present invention. That is, the ion generator 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was configured to have the circuit configuration of FIG. As the composition of the piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71, the mixing ratio of lead zirconate and lead titanate is approximately 1: 1, in molar ratio,
An element containing about 2% by mass of Nb as an additive element is selected, for example, a length of 52 mm, a thickness of 1.85 mm, and a width of 13 m
m. Further, the ion generating electrode 7 was formed of a Ni plate having a thickness of about 0.2 mm, and the discharge portion 7b was formed to be sharp with a length of about 5 mm. The circuit board 6 was made of a glass fiber reinforced plastic plate.

When the frequency of the primary side AC input to the piezoelectric transformer 70 was set to about 70 kHz and the voltage was set to 24 V from peak to peak, the applied voltage level to the ion generating electrode 7 became about 1000 V. In this state, the amount of negative ions generated per 1 cm ^{3 is} measured by a commercially available ion counter (supplier: Japan MJP Co., product name: air ion counter) at a position 1 m away from the tip of the ion generating electrode 7 in front of the electrode tip. No. IC-1000)
As a result, it was found that negative ions were generated at a level of 100,000 / cm ³ or more. Also,
Measure the amount of ozone generated using a commercially available ozone concentration meter (EBARA BUSINESS CO., LTD.)
Manufactured by AET-030P), the amount of generated ozone was 0.01 to 0.21 ppm, and no ozone odor was felt.

The ion generator 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a blower (sirocco fan) 9 for sending an air current W toward an ion generating electrode 7.
Is incorporated in the case 2, but it is also possible to incorporate an ion generating mechanism into an air conditioner such as a cooling and heating system and mix generated ions into the air-conditioned air flow. Specifically, it is possible to provide an air-conditioning mechanism that converts the airflow into an air-conditioned airflow by cooling or heating using a refrigeration cycle mechanism, and the ion discharge port can also be used as a blowout port of the air-conditioned airflow. .

FIG. 20A shows such an air conditioning mechanism 20.
0 is conceptually shown. The refrigeration cycle mechanism includes a main pipe 199 of a refrigerant gas constituting a closed circuit, and a compressor 20 provided on the pipe path for compressing the refrigerant gas.
5. A compressed radiator (radiator) 2
08, a condenser 206 configured to cool and liquefy the refrigerant gas, a decompression throttle mechanism, etc., and a decompressor 207 for decompressing the liquefied refrigerant gas, and bringing the decompressed refrigerant gas into indirect contact with an air flow to be cooled and a pipe wall. An evaporator 20 for evaporating the refrigerant gas to remove the heat of vaporization during the evaporation of the refrigerant gas from the airflow and to cool it.
4 is included. Since such a refrigeration cycle mechanism itself is known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The evaporator 204 is housed in the air conditioner case 201 and, as shown in FIG.
09, outside air is sucked in from the airflow intake port 201c formed in the air conditioner case 201 via the filter F, and is cooled by contact with the evaporator 204.
The air flows W are blown out from the outlet 201d through the outlet duct 201a. The above is the operation when the air conditioner is used for cooling.
05 is configured to be capable of reversing the sending direction of the compressed refrigerant gas, and the function of the condenser 206 and the function of the evaporator 204 are switched at the time of the reversing drive, so that the outside air is heated by the evaporator 204 which is reversed as a condenser. It is also possible to blow out, that is, use as heating.

Then, the air-conditioned airflow comes into contact with the ion generating electrode 7 disposed on the mounting portion 203 in the blow-out duct 201a as a housing, and is discharged as an air-conditioned airflow containing negative ions. . As shown in FIG. 20 (b), in order to increase the amount of negative ions to be contained,
A plurality of ion generating electrodes 7 may be provided in the blowing duct 201a. In this case, a plurality of ion generating main circuit units 5 can be provided corresponding to the individual ion generating electrodes 7. In addition, when the air flow to be blown out can be adjusted by the number of rotations of the fan, the number of sets of the ion generating electrode 7 and the main circuit unit 5 for generating ions to be operated is increased or decreased. In the case where the number of the ion generating electrodes 7 and the main circuit unit 5 for generating ions is increased, the number of sets of the ion generating electrodes 7 and the main circuit unit 5 for generating ions may be increased.

The embodiments described so far can be applied to a case where an electrical cleaning mechanism for an ion generating electrode described below is not particularly provided for an ion generating apparatus.

Next, the air-conditioning unit 200 incorporating the ion generator 1 of FIG. 1 or a similar ion generating unit is provided with a substance adhering to the ion generating electrode 7, specifically, at the tip of the ion generating electrode 7. An electrical cleaning mechanism 79 is provided for burning off the attached matter made of dust, oil, and other contaminants by electric heating. Specifically, the electric cleaning mechanism 79 has a spark discharge counter electrode 83 for spark discharge facing the ion generating electrode 7. The high voltage generator for ion generation including the booster 39 including the piezoelectric transformer 70 and the converter 40 is also used as the high voltage generator for spark discharge, and is provided between the ion generation electrode 7 and the spark discharge counter electrode 83. A high voltage for spark discharge is applied to the formed gap. Then, by the discharge spark generated between the ion generation electrode 7 and the spark discharge counter electrode 83 by the application of the high voltage, the deposits attached to the ion generation electrode are burned out and removed. The spark discharge counter electrode 8
3 can be grounded, but if the spark discharge time is short, the discharge current can be absorbed by the device capacitance, so that it may be configured not to be particularly grounded.

The spark discharge counter electrode 83 is the ion generating electrode 7
Are arranged so as to be opposed to the tip 7a. Specifically, the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 is formed in a rod shape, and the distal end surface or side surface (the side surface in the present embodiment) of the rod-shaped spark discharge opposing electrode 83 faces the distal end portion 7 a of the ion generating electrode 7.

As shown in FIG. 8, the spark discharge counter electrode 83 is connected to the ion generating electrode 7 with respect to the ion generating electrode 7.
At least a relative position ((a)) between a separation position ((b)) for generating ions from the electrode and an approach position ((a)) for generating a discharge spark between the spark discharge counter electrode 83 and the ion generation electrode 7. A spark discharge opposing electrode moving mechanism 78 is provided for moving toward and away from each other. Here, the position of the ion generation electrode 7 is fixed, and the spark discharge counter electrode moving mechanism 7
Reference numeral 8 is configured to move the spark discharge counter electrode 83.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electric cleaning mechanism 79 is located laterally with respect to the ion emitting direction of the ion generating electrode 7, and the spark discharge opposing electrode moving mechanism 78 moves the tip of the ion generating electrode 7. The rod-shaped spark discharge counter electrode 83 approaches and separates in the axial direction in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction facing from the front (that is, the ion emission direction). This is convenient because the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 that has moved to the retracted position is less likely to interrupt the ion flow emitted from the tip of the ion generating electrode 7.

Specifically, the spark discharge counter electrode moving mechanism 7
8 includes a solenoid 80 attached to the bottom 2 a of the case 2, and a connecting member 8
The rear end of the rod-shaped spark discharge opposing electrode 83 is connected to the front end of the ion generating electrode 7 by the advance / retreat rod 81 driven by the solenoid 80. Approach / separate toward the part. Reference numeral 84a is a positioning plate for fixing the solenoid 80. Reference numeral 84 denotes a guide plate having a guide hole through which the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 is inserted. Since the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 approaches and separates substantially horizontally toward the ion generating electrode 7, a gap for spark discharge is formed. Accuracy can be increased.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the spark discharge counter electrode moving mechanism 78. Solenoid 80
Are connected to a DC power supply through a connector 87. In the present embodiment, the power source (here, DC 32 V) is shared with the ion generation main circuit unit 5. On the other hand, the energizing signal of the solenoid 80 is supplied from the control unit 86 via a switch mechanism 85 (in the present embodiment, constituted by a photo MOS). The control unit 86 includes an input / output port 86a,
CPU 86b, RAM 86c and RO connected thereto
M86d and a microprocessor in which a spark discharge counter electrode moving mechanism 78 is provided.
Has been written. CPU 86
b, by executing the operation control program using the RAM 86c as a work area, the discharge counter electrode moving mechanism 7
8 functions as an operation control entity. When the control unit 86 issues a drive command signal for the spark discharge opposing electrode moving mechanism 78, the photo MOS 85 is turned on, and the solenoid 80 receives a DC drive voltage and is energized.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 approaches the ion generating electrode 7 by the bias of the solenoid 80. In the forward limit position, the tip 83a of the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 is positioned with respect to the tip 7a of the ion generating electrode 7 so that a predetermined amount of gap is formed on one side in the electrode plate thickness direction. You. For example, in this state, by applying a discharge voltage to the ion generation electrode 7, here, an ion generation voltage of 1000 to 3000 V, a discharge spark SP is generated in the gap, and the ion is generated by heat concentration due to the spark. Deposits such as dust and dirt adhering to the tip 7a of the electrode 7 are burned off. On the other hand, if the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 recedes, the distance g between the electrodes increases, and if this exceeds the spark dischargeable limit distance gmax, the generation of discharge spark stops. However, since the voltage for ion generation is continuously applied to the ion generation electrode 7, the mode can be shifted to the ion generation mode immediately after the spark discharge ends.

The form of gap formation for spark discharge and the form of approach / separation of the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 with respect to the ion generating electrode 7 are not limited to the above-described forms.
Various configurations are possible. For example, FIG. 13B shows that the side of the tip of the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 faces the tip of the ion generating electrode 7 to form a gap.
An example of a method in which the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 approaches and separates from the front end of the ion generating electrode 7 from the front side (or may be made to approach and separate in the thickness direction of the ion generating electrode 7) is shown. I have. FIG. 13C shows a method in which a gap is formed by opposing the middle side surface of the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 to the tip of the ion generating electrode 7, and approaching / separating in the thickness direction of the ion generating electrode 7. Is shown. FIG. 13D shows the spark discharge counter electrode 8.
3 shows a method in which a bent distal end portion 83a approaches or separates from the front end of the ion generating electrode 7 from the front side.

As described above, the spark discharge is caused by moving the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 from the remote position set so as not to be capable of spark discharge to the approach position where a predetermined amount of gap capable of spark discharge is formed. Although an example is shown, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 is once brought into contact with the ion generating electrode 7, and then the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 is retracted from that state to form a gap to perform spark discharge. A method may be adopted. In this case, the forward limit position when approaching the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 is adjusted so as to slightly protrude to the opposite side across the position of the electrode tip portion 7a in the free state. If the return spring 81a at the time of releasing the bias of the solenoid 80 is pushed back by the contact of the spring 80, it is possible to prevent an excessive pressing force from acting on the ion generating electrode 7 due to the elastic deformation of the spring 81a.

The state shown in FIG. 11 (a) is shifted from the separated state (the gap amount is g0 at which spark discharge is impossible) to the contact state shown in FIG. 11 (b). When the electrode 83 starts to recede, a gap is formed between the electrode 83 and the ion generating electrode 7 to immediately generate a discharge spark SP as shown in FIG.
Is burned. As shown in (d), the discharge spark SP continues until the gap amount reaches the spark dischargeable limit distance gmax, but stops when the gap amount exceeds gmax.
gmax is about 1 mm or less when the applied voltage is 1000 to 2000 V, for example.

The spark discharge counter electrode moving mechanism 78 is not limited to the mode using a solenoid, but may use a forward / backward mechanism using a motor 93 as shown in FIG. Here, a rack 91 is attached to the base end side of the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 (here, formed in a needle shape) via a base 90, and a pinion 92 meshing with the rack 91 can be rotated in both forward and reverse directions and at any position. Motor 93 that can hold
It is driven by. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, in a mode in which spark discharge is performed by forming a gap when the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 retreats, the time until the spark discharge possible limit distance gmax is reached by controlling the speed of the motor 93, that is, spark discharge Can be freely adjusted, and the spark discharge counter electrode 83 can be stopped and held at an arbitrary gap amount. For example, when the adhesion of dirt is large or the temperature and humidity are so high that it is difficult to remove dirt, it is also possible to shorten the gap interval to concentrate the energy of spark discharge and increase the power of dirt removal. Becomes

FIG. 12A shows examples of various operation patterns. The vertical axis indicates the gap amount g to be formed.
The horizontal axis represents time. (A) first shows the separation position (g
= G0) to the contact position (g = 0) from the spark discharge counter electrode 8
3 shows a state in which the gap amount g gradually increases while moving and then separating. The time ta from when the gap starts to increase from g = 0 until it reaches gmax is the duration of the spark discharge. (B) shows an example in which the duration of the spark discharge (tb) is increased by reducing the moving speed of the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 in the initial stage (this method is also used when the solenoid 80 is used). This can be realized by providing a deceleration retreat mechanism using an oil damper or the like). (C) shows the duration of the spark discharge (tc) by providing a period during which the spark discharge counter electrode 83 is stopped and held at a predetermined gap value gs before reaching gmax.
Here is an example in which is increased.

FIG. 12 (d) shows that the spark discharge counter electrode 83 is not brought into contact with the ion generating electrode 7, and the discharge gap value gs is smaller than gmax from the initial gap amount g0 for a certain period of time td.
3 shows a control pattern to be held. For example, as shown by a broken line in the figure, when it is difficult to remove the deposit, the discharge gap value gs can be set to a smaller value gs'.

As shown in FIG. 10B, it is also possible to adopt a system in which the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 is fixed in position and the ion generating electrode 7 approaches and separates from the spark discharge opposing electrode 83. In this example, the spark discharge opposing electrode 83 is held by a fixed base 94 and the ion generating electrode 7 is attached to a movable base 95 driven forward and backward by a solenoid 80.
Is attached, and the bias of the solenoid 80 causes the movable base 95 and the ion generating electrode 7 to approach the spark discharge opposing electrode 83.

Next, the control unit 86 composed of the microprocessor described above controls the electric cleaning mechanism 79 to automatically operate the electric cleaning mechanism 79 at a predetermined timing for cleaning the ion generating electrode 7 by the control program. It can function as an automatic control unit. The cleaning mechanism automatic control unit can be configured to operate the electric cleaning mechanism when the power of the ion generator is turned on, for example. In this embodiment, when the power switch of the ion generator is turned on, the control unit 86 receives a power-on signal, and uses this as a trigger to start an operation program of the cleaning mechanism 79.
FIG. 14A shows an example of a timing chart in this case. When the supply of the ion generation voltage is started, the operation circuit (hereinafter, also referred to as a cleaning circuit) of the cleaning mechanism operates (the operation state). Is represented by the H level), and the ion generating electrode 7 is cleaned. Accordingly, when the ion generator 1 is used, the ion generating electrode 7 is first cleaned before entering the ion generating mode, so that it is possible to surely prevent the problem that the ion generation is hindered by the adhesion of dirt. it can.

As shown in FIG. 14B, the cleaning mechanism automatic control unit activates the electric cleaning mechanism 79 when a predetermined time (T) elapses after the ion generator is turned on. It is also possible to configure as. With this configuration, the ion generating electrode 7 is periodically cleaned during the operation of the ion generating device 1, so that the ion generating electrode 7 can be more constantly maintained in a clean state. Become.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 14C, the cleaning mechanism automatic control unit activates the electric cleaning mechanism 79 when the integrated operation time of the ion generator reaches a predetermined value (T). It can also be configured as For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a known timer program is provided by forming an integrated timer memory functioning as an integrated operation time measuring means in a RAM 86c of a microprocessor constituting the control unit 86, as shown in FIG. Can be easily realized. Note that, even when the main power supply of the ion generator 1 is turned off, a backup power supply unit (in this embodiment, a capacitor 86e is used) is provided at a power supply terminal of the microprocessor so that the integration timer is not cleared. Connect). Also,
After the cleaning is once performed by the operation of the electric cleaning mechanism, it is desirable to set up a control program so as to reset the measured value of the integrated operation time, that is, the contents of the integrated timer memory in response to the cleaning.

Next, the ion generator of the present invention has an environmental condition information detecting section reflecting the environmental state in which the ion generating device is arranged, and an electric cleaning mechanism based on the output information of the environmental state information detecting section. A cleaning mechanism operation control unit for controlling the operation of the cleaning mechanism can be provided. The state of attachment of the deposit to the ion generating electrode 7 and the strength of the attachment (or the degree of difficulty in removal) may vary depending on the surrounding air environment serving as an airflow source. According to the above configuration, the state of the air environment is detected by the environmental state information detection unit, and the operation of the electric cleaning mechanism is performed under the optimum condition so that the ion generating electrode 7 is sufficiently cleaned according to the detection result. Can be controlled. As a result, the ion generating electrode 7 can always be kept clean regardless of the surrounding air environment, and a favorable ion generating state can be ensured.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram conceptually showing an example of the electrical configuration in this case. A control circuit 214 serving as a cleaning mechanism operation control unit mainly composed of a microprocessor is provided with a temperature sensor 210, a humidity sensor 211, a dirt sensor 212, or an odor sensor 213 (only a part of which is known) as an environmental condition information detection unit. May be connected). Further, an ion generation unit 215 (consisting of an ion generation main circuit unit 5 and an ion generation electrode 7) as an object to be controlled, an electric cleaning mechanism 216 having the same configuration as that described above, and an air conditioner unit 200 are connected. .

The control circuit 214 includes, for example, the temperature sensor 21
As the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 0 increases and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 211 increases, the output of electric heat for cleaning the ion generating electrode 7 (eg, voltage for spark discharge) and the heat generation time (spark discharge) Of the ion generating electrode 7 can be performed at a necessary and sufficient level even in a high temperature or high humidity condition where dirt is difficult to remove. . In response to an increase in temperature or humidity, the output of electric heat or the heat generation time may be increased continuously (that is, steplessly), or may be increased stepwise from a reference temperature value or humidity value. You may do so.

The odor sensor 213 and the dirt sensor 21
2, the higher the level of odor or dirt detected, the higher the output of electric heat (for example, voltage for spark discharge) for cleaning the ion generating electrode 7 and / or the time of heat generation (duration of spark discharge). It can also be configured to increase the number. For example, when the above functions are incorporated in the air conditioner unit 200, FIG.
As shown in (1), the dirt sensor 212 can be configured by an optical sensor that detects dirt on the filter F by light reflection or the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21, an ion generation amount measurement sensor 217 for measuring the amount of ions generated from the ion generation electrode 7 is provided, and a control circuit 214 also serving as a cleaning mechanism automatic control unit includes When the amount falls below a predetermined level, the electric cleaning mechanism 21 is used to clean the ion generating electrode.
6 may be activated. As the ion generation amount measurement sensor 217, a sensor having the same mechanism as the above-described commercially available ion counter can be used.
That is, since the state of adhesion of dirt to the ion generating electrode 7 appears as the most direct information on the amount of generated ions, this is detected, and when the amount of generated ions becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the ion generating electrode 7 is detected. Is performed, the electrode 7 can be always kept in a clean state, and a stable ion generation state can be always ensured.

The electrical cleaning mechanism is shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), the ion generating electrode 7 may be configured to include a resistance heating mechanism for burning off the deposits attached to the ion generating electrode 7 by generating resistance heat. In the example of FIG. 15, a current-carrying member 183 movably provided between a contact position in contact with the ion generating electrode 7 and a separated position separated from the ion generating electrode 7, and a contact member in contact with the ion generating electrode 7. In this state, an electric power supply unit 97 is provided which supplies an electric current for resistance heating to the ion generating electrode 7 via the electric conduction member 183 in this state.
Specifically, the rod-shaped energizing member 183 is driven by the solenoid 80 to approach / separate from / to the tip 7 a of the ion generating electrode 7. Also, the current-carrying member 183
A power supply terminal 82 is integrated with the base end of the power supply, and a direct-current power supply 97 is connected thereto. Then, at the time of energizing heating, the energizing member 183 is brought into contact with the ion generating electrode 7, and by directly energizing the ion generating electrode 7, the tip portion 7 a having a sharply reduced cross section is selectively heated to burn off the adhered dirt and the like. To

FIG. 16 shows a modification of the ion generator of the present invention. In the ion generator 100, a known germicidal lamp 101 as an ultraviolet light source is disposed in a case 102 together with the ion generating unit 60 and the blower 9. In this embodiment, the ion generation unit 6
The blower 9 and the blower 9 are arranged vertically in substantially the same positional relationship as in FIG. 2, and emit the generated negative ions together with the wind from a slit-like ion emission port 102a formed on the front side of the case 102. . In addition, the germicidal lamp 101
For example, they are arranged along the opening edge of the ion emission port 102a in a positional relationship that allows the emission of wind and ions from the ion emission port 102a. FIG. 17 shows an example of the circuit configuration. Although most of the configuration is the same as that of FIG. 3, a germicidal lamp including a germicidal lamp 101 and a known ballast 32 and a glow starter 33 for operating the germicidal lamp 101 is provided on an input line from an external AC power supply toward the power supply unit 30. Unit 31
Is connected. Thereby, in addition to the generated negative ions, the effect of the ultraviolet light from the germicidal lamp 101 is added, and the effects such as sterilization and deodorization are further enhanced.

In the above-described ion generators 1 and 100, the blower 9 is used, but this may be omitted. Further, the configuration on the power supply side is a configuration in which an external AC power supply is converted to DC, but for example, a battery-powered power supply can be used so as to be portable, and in a case where the power supply is mounted on an automobile, etc. Is the ion generator 11 shown in FIG.
A configuration using a sugar plug 111 that receives power from a cigarette lighter socket, such as 0 and 120 (110a and 120a are cases), may be used. Generally, a cigarette lighter socket functions as a 12V DC power supply from a vehicle battery, but in this embodiment,
The input from the cigarette lighter socket received through the sugar plug 111 is passed through the stabilized DC power supply circuit 113 connected by the connector 112 to the connector 1.
14 through the ion generating unit 60 or the blower 9
To be supplied to FIG. 18A corresponds to a configuration in which the blower 9 is omitted.

In the ion generating apparatus 130 shown in FIG. 19, the ion generating unit 60 is disposed in the case 102 in which the slit-shaped ion emitting port 102a is formed on the upper surface side. The direction of attachment of the ion generating electrode 7 is rotated by 90 ° as compared with FIG. 8 so that the tip is directed toward the ion emission port 102a. On the rear side (lower side) of the ion generating unit 60, a horizontally long blower fan (blower) 139 is arranged so that the axis of rotation is along the longitudinal direction of the slit-shaped ion emission port 102a. Thereby, a uniform wind and an ion flow can be generated in the longitudinal direction of the ion emission port 102a.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the ion generator of the present invention in an external view.

FIG. 2 is a plan sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an electric system of the ion generator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the ion generation unit.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view and a back side perspective view of a main circuit unit for generating ions.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of an electrical cleaning mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing an example of a spark discharge counter electrode moving mechanism together with an operation.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram in the case where a spark discharge counter electrode is brought into contact with an ion generation electrode.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing some modified examples of the spark discharge counter electrode moving mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a process of spark discharge when the spark discharge counter electrode is brought into contact with the ion generating electrode and then retracted.

FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplarily showing several control patterns of a gap amount for spark discharge accompanying movement of a spark discharge counter electrode.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view schematically showing various drive patterns of the spark discharge counter electrode with respect to the ion generation electrode.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing various operation control examples of the electric cleaning mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing an example of an electric cleaning mechanism using an electric heating method.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view schematically showing a modification of the ion generator of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the electric system.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing some circuit configuration examples of an ion generator mounted on a vehicle.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view schematically showing another modified example of the ion generator of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which an ion generating unit is incorporated in an air conditioner unit, together with a modified example thereof.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration in a case where operation control of an electrical cleaning mechanism is performed based on detection results of various environmental state information detection units.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 100, 110, 120, 130 Ion generator 2 Case 4 Ion emission port 5 Ion generation main circuit unit 6 Insulating substrate 7 Ion generation electrode 7a Tip 8 High voltage cable (lead wire) 9 Blower 30 Power supply unit 36 Input Unit 37 oscillation unit 38 switching unit 39 step-up unit 40 conversion unit 60 ion generation unit 70 piezoelectric transformer 71 piezoelectric ceramic element plate 71a first plate-shaped region 71b second plate-shaped region 72,73 input electrode pair 72a, 73a input terminal 74 Output-side electrode 74a Output-side terminal 75 Metal film electrode 76 Diode (conversion means, rectification means) 78 Spark discharge counter electrode moving mechanism 79 Electrical cleaning mechanism 80 Solenoid 83 Spark discharge counter electrode

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An ion generating electrode configured as an isolated electrode not accompanied by a discharge counter electrode, and a high voltage for generating ions is applied to the ion generating electrode. A high-voltage generator for generating ions to be applied; and an electric cleaning mechanism for burning off the deposits attached to the ion-generating electrodes by electric heating, wherein the high-voltage generator for generating ions is a piezoelectric ceramic element. An input terminal and an output terminal are formed on the plate, and a primary AC input voltage from the input terminal is converted to a secondary side higher than the primary AC voltage through mechanical vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic element plate. It is configured to include a piezoelectric transformer that converts the voltage into an AC voltage and outputs the AC voltage from the output side terminal toward the ion emission electrode, and the voltage application polarity to the ion generation electrode is negative. Ion generating apparatus characterized by so dominant, conversion means for converting the secondary side AC output of the piezoelectric transformer is provided on. 2. The amount of negative ions generated per 1 cm ³ is 100,000 or more and the amount of ozone generated is 0.1 ppm or less measured at a position 1 m away from the tip of the ion generating electrode in front of the electrode. The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein 3. The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein said ozone generation amount is 0.01 ppm or more and 0.04 ppm or less. 4. The piezoelectric ceramic element plate is composed of a lead zirconate titanate-based perovskite type piezoelectric ceramic, and the frequency of the primary side AC input is 4.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the frequency is set in a range of 0 to 300 kHz.
Ion generator in any of the. 5. An oscillation circuit that oscillates at a frequency corresponding to the primary side AC input, and a switching circuit that receives a waveform signal from the oscillation circuit and performs high-speed switching of a DC input of a predetermined level at the oscillation frequency. 5. A primary-side AC input waveform generation circuit including: a feedback capacitance is provided on a path for returning a secondary-side AC output of the piezoelectric transformer to the oscillation circuit. The ion generator according to claim 1. 6. A piezoelectric transformer is mounted on the insulating substrate such that a piezoelectric ceramic element plate and a substrate surface are substantially parallel to each other, and a back surface of the insulating substrate corresponds to the piezoelectric ceramic element plate. 6. An area to be covered is covered with a metal film electrode, and the metal film electrode and the piezoelectric ceramic element plate constitute the feedback capacitance together with a portion located between both of the insulating substrates. An ion generator according to any one of the preceding claims. 7. The ion generating electrode according to claim 1, wherein a tip of the ion generating electrode is formed to be sharp, and the electric cleaning mechanism burns off the deposit attached to the tip of the ion generating electrode. Item 2. The ion generator according to item 1. 8. The electrical cleaning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the electrical cleaning mechanism includes a resistance heating mechanism that causes the ion generating electrode to generate heat by resistance, thereby burning off the deposits attached to the ion generating electrode. The ion generator according to claim 1. 9. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning mechanism automatic control unit that automatically operates the electric cleaning mechanism at a predetermined timing for cleaning the ion generating electrode. An ion generator according to any one of the preceding claims. 10. The cleaning mechanism automatic control unit,
The ion generator according to claim 9, wherein the electric cleaning mechanism is operated when the ion generator is powered on. 11. The cleaning mechanism automatic control unit,
The ion generator according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the electric cleaning mechanism is operated when a predetermined time has elapsed after the power supply of the ion generator is turned on. 12. The cleaning mechanism automatic control unit,
The ion generator according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the electric cleaning mechanism is activated when an integrated operation time of the ion generator reaches a predetermined value. 13. An integrated operating time measuring means for measuring an integrated operating time of the ion generator, and a reset means for resetting a measured value of the integrated operating time in response to an operation of the electric cleaning mechanism. Item 13. The ion generator according to Item 12. 14. An environmental state information detecting unit reflecting an environmental state in which the ion generator is arranged, and a cleaning mechanism operation controlling an operation of the electric cleaning mechanism based on output information of the environmental state information detecting unit. The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a control unit. 15. An ion generation amount measurement sensor for measuring an amount of ions generated from the ion generation electrode, wherein the cleaning mechanism automatic control unit determines that the measured amount of generated ions falls below a predetermined level. The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the electric cleaning mechanism is operated for cleaning the ion generating electrode. 16. The air blower according to claim 1, wherein said ion generating electrode is disposed in a housing having an ion emitting port, and a blower for generating an airflow toward said ion emitting port via said ion generating electrode is provided. The ion generator according to claim 1. 17. An air-conditioning mechanism for cooling or heating the airflow using a refrigeration cycle mechanism to form an air-conditioned airflow, wherein the ion discharge port is also used as a blowout port for the air-conditioned airflow. 17. The ion generator according to item 16. 18. The semiconductor device according to claim 16, wherein a plurality of the ion generating electrodes are arranged in the housing.
Item 10. The ion generator according to Item 1.