JP2004000606A - Sterilization method, ion generator and air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sterilization method for removing suspending bacteria in the air, and also to provide an ion generator and an air conditioner. <P>SOLUTION: Meshed electrodes 22 and 23 are disposed on a cylindrical dielectric substance 21 so that they face to each other across the dielectric substance. The ion generator 11 which generates positive and negative ions simultaneously by impressing an AC voltage across the electrodes 22 and 23 is disposed on the upstream side of an air outlet 15 of an air channel of an air cleaner. When ions are generated by impressing the AC voltage between the electrodes 22 and 23, bactericidal active species are generated by chemical reactions between the positive and negative ions and are diffused all over the space. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

上記のイオン発生装置１１を、前述の図１に示すように、空気清浄機の送風経路内の空気吹出口１５の上流側に設け、空気中の浮遊細菌の除去性能を評価した。まず、縦２．０ｍ、横２．５ｍ、高さ２．７ｍ（容積１３．５ｍ^３）の対象区域に空気清浄機を設置し、予め培地上で培養した一般生菌と真菌を容器内に散布する。そして、イオン発生装置１１を動作させるとともに、空気清浄機の運転を開始し、所定の時間の経過ごとに、浮遊細菌の濃度を測定した。一般生菌及び真菌の濃度はドイツＢｉｏｔｅｓｔ社製ＲＣＳエアサンプラーにより４０Ｌ／ｍｉｎの流量で４分間採取して測定している。その結果を表１に示す。
【００３６】
【表１】

表１から明らかなように、空気清浄機の運転を開始してから３時間後に、一般生菌の８３％、真菌の８８％を除去することができる。従って、本実施形態に係るイオン発生装置を備えた空気清浄機によると、極めて良好に空気中の浮遊細菌の大部分を除去できる。また、室内に放出されたイオンが落下して室内の空気の流通経路外まで隅々に行き渡るため、浮遊細菌を効率良く除去することができる。
【００３７】
また、従来の放電方式では、印加電圧が５ｋＶ以上であるのに対し、イオン発生装置１１に印加する交流電圧の実効値が１．１ｋＶ〜１．４ｋＶ程度で良好な殺菌性能を得ることができる。これにより、機器の安全性や信頼性が飛躍的に向上するとともに、電極間に高電圧を印加する際に必要となる安全装置を省くことができる。従って、簡便な構造で安全性に優れたイオン発生装置を備えた空気清浄機を低コストで得ることができる。
【００３８】
また、イオン発生装置１１を空気清浄機の送風経路内に配置することで、高圧となる印加電極２２が露出することなく手指等の接触の危険を回避して安全性を向上させることができる。更に、イオン発生装置１１を空気吹出し口１５の近傍に配置することにより、空気吹出し口１５から送出される前のイオンの減少を抑制し、効率良く殺菌することができる。
＜第２実施形態＞
次に、第２実施形態について説明する。本実施形態は、前述の図１に示す第１実施形態の空気清浄機と同様の構成から成り、イオン発生装置の構造を変更したものである。図６は本実施形態のイオン発生装置１１を示す断面図である。イオン発生装置１１は円筒形の誘電体であるガラス管１の外周面に沿って接地電極２が配され、ガラス管１の内周面に沿って印加電極３が配されている。
【００３９】
本実施形態のガラス管１は、内径１０ｍｍ、厚さ１．３ｍｍ、長さ１５０ｍｍのパイレックス（登録商標）から成っている。接地電極２は線径０．２３ｍｍ、目開き数３０メッシュ、長さ１００ｍｍのメッシュ状のＳＵＳ３０４から成っている。印加電極３は、厚さ０．８ｍｍ、長さ８０ｍｍの板状のＳＵＳ３０４から成っている。
【００４０】
接地電極２と印加電極３との間には高周波回路４が接続され、高周波回路４により印加電極３に交流電圧が印加されるようになっている。印加電極３に交流電圧を印加すると、第１実施形態と同様に、接地電極２からプラズマ放電が起こりイオンが発生する。
【００４１】
図７は印加電極３に電圧を印加したときの空気中のイオン濃度を測定した図である。縦軸はイオン濃度（単位：個／ｃｍ^３）を示し、横軸は印加する交流電圧の実効値（単位：ｋＶ）を示している。高周波回路４により、印加電極３には、周波数が２２ｋＨｚで、実効電圧を１．３ｋＶから１．８ｋＶに可変して印加している。
【００４２】
イオン濃度の測定装置には上記と同様の空気イオンカウンタを用い、イオン発生装置１１の周面から１０ｃｍの位置に該測定装置を設置している。イオン発生装置１１に対して測定装置と反対側には送風機を設置し、風速３ｍ／ｓｅｃで送風して測定を行っている。
【００４３】
イオン濃度を測定した結果、印加電極３に電圧を印加しないときは、正イオン及び負イオンのイオン濃度はそれぞれ約３００個／ｃｍ^３であった。印加する交流電圧を増加して１．５２ｋＶ以上になると、イオン発生装置１１からの明らかなイオンの発生が確認された。そして、印加する電圧が１．６ｋＶでそれぞれ約１０，０００個／ｃｍ^３以上、１．８ｋＶでそれぞれ約３００，０００個／ｃｍ^３となり、印加する電圧の増加に伴ってイオン濃度が上昇することが確認された。
【００４４】
図８は、イオン発生装置から放出されるイオンの濃度に対する空気中の浮遊細菌の残存率を示した図である。縦軸は浮遊細菌の残存率（単位：％）を示し、横軸はイオン濃度（単位：個／ｃｍ^３）を示している。温度２５℃、相対湿度４２％の雰囲気で縦２．０ｍ、横２．５ｍ、高さ２．７ｍ（容積１３．５ｍ^３）の対象区域において、イオン発生装置１１を用いてイオンを空間中に送出し、風量４ｍ^３／ｍｉｎで送風して室内の空気を攪拌した。
【００４５】
イオン濃度はイオン発生装置１１のガラス管１の周面から１０ｃｍの位置の測定値を示している。浮遊細菌の残存率は、大腸菌をミスト状に濃度５００〜１５００個／ｍ^３程度散布し、イオンを１時間送出した時に空気中に残存する大腸菌数により検出した。大腸菌数は、上記と同様のエアサンプラーにより４０Ｌ／ｍｉｎの流量で４分間採取して測定している。
【００４６】
同図によると、イオンを送出しない場合（イオン濃度が約３００個／ｃｍ_３）に、１時間経過後の自然減衰による浮遊細菌の残存率は６３．５％（減少率３６．５％）である。大腸菌の初期濃度（例えば、５００〜１５００個／ｍ^３とする）には１０％程度の測定誤差がある。従って、浮遊細菌の残存率が５３．５％（減少率４６．５％）以下である場合に殺菌効果があると考えてよい。
【００４７】
また、試験の精度を考慮すると、１時間経過後の大腸菌の残存率は、イオンを送出しない場合に６０％以上の条件が望ましい。これに基づいて、図８の測定結果を見ると、イオン濃度が約１０，０００個／ｃｍ^３の時に殺菌効果が表れ、それ以上になると残存率が急速に低下することが分かる。従って、イオン濃度を１０，０００個／ｃｍ^３以上にすることにより、殺菌効果を得ることができる。
【００４８】
また、図９はイオンの送出時間に対する浮遊細菌の残存率の経時変化を示している。縦軸は浮遊細菌の残存率（単位：％）を示し、横軸はイオン送出開始後の経過時間（単位：時間）を示している。試験条件は上記と同様であり、イオン発生装置１１のガラス管１（図６参照）の周面から１０ｃｍの位置のイオン濃度が、３００個／ｃｍ^３（イオンを送出しない場合）、１０，０００個／ｃｍ^３、３００，０００個／ｃｍ^３の場合について測定している。
【００４９】
これによると、イオン濃度が高い方が浮遊細菌の残存率が低くなっており、図８の場合と同様の結果が得られている。従って、上記したように、イオン発生装置１１により発生するイオン濃度を高くすることでより高い殺菌効果を得ることができる。また、イオン濃度を３００，０００個／ｃｍ^３以上にすると、イオンの送出後１時間で残存率を１０％以下にすることができ、より急速且つ効率良く殺菌を行うことができる。
＜第３実施形態＞
図１０は、第３実施形態の空気清浄機を示す側面断面図である。本実施形態は、前述の図１に示す第１実施形態の空気清浄機と同様の構成から成り、イオン発生装置の構造を変更したものである。説明の便宜上、図１と同一の部分には同一の符号を付している。
【００５０】
図１１は本実施形態のイオン発生装置１１ａを示す断面図である。イオン発生装置１１ａは、平板状の誘電体であるガラス板２１ａを挟んで金属のメッシュから成る接地電極２３ａと印加電極２２ａが対向して配設されている。本実施形態のガラス板２１ａは厚さ３ｍｍのパイレックス（登録商標）から成り、接地電極２３ａ及び印加電極２２ａはメッシュ状のステンレス（ＳＵＳ３０４）から成っている。また、接地電極２３ａを接地電位として、印加電極２２ａには高周波回路４により交流電圧を印加できるようになっている。
【００５１】
前述したように、印加電極２２ａに交流高電圧を印加するとイオンが発生する。この時のイオンの濃度を上記と同様の測定方法により測定した。印加する交流電圧は、周波数を２０ｋＨｚ、実効値を３ｋＶにしている。イオン濃度の測定装置には上記の空気イオンカウンタを用い、イオン発生装置１１ａのガラス板２１ａの表面から１０ｍｍの位置で移動度１ｃｍ^２／Ｖｓｅｃ以上の小イオンについて検出した。その結果、約６０，０００〜７０，０００個／ｃｍ^３の正イオンと負イオンが同時に測定された。
【００５２】
このイオン発生装置１１ａを、前述の図１０に示すように、空気清浄機の送風経路の空気吹出口１５の上流側に設け、空気中の浮遊細菌に対する除去性能を評価した。まず、縦２．０ｍ、横２．５ｍ、高さ２．７ｍ（容積１３．５ｍ^３）の対象区域にこの空気清浄機を設置し、予め培地上で培養した一般生菌と真菌を容器内に散布する。そして、イオン発生装置１１ａを動作させるとともに、空気清浄機の運転を開始し、所定の時間の経過ごとに、浮遊細菌の濃度を測定した。一般生菌及び真菌の濃度は上記と同じエアーサンプラーにより４０Ｌ／ｍｉｎの流量で４分間採取して測定している。その結果を表２に示す。
【００５３】
【表２】

表２から明らかなように、空気清浄機の運転を開始してから３時間後に、一般生菌は７２％、真菌は７５％を除去することができる。従って、本実施形態に係るイオン発生装置１１ａを備えた空気清浄機によると、極めて良好に空気中の浮遊細菌の大部分を除去できることが確認された。
【００５４】
また、誘電体（ガラス板２１ａ）を平板状に形成しているので、第１、第２実施形態のイオン発生装置に比して接地電極２３ａ及び印加電極２２ａの作成及びメンテナンスを容易にすることができる。また、接地電極２３ａ及び印加電極２２ａと、誘電体との密着性がよくなるため、イオン発生装置の信頼性を向上させることができる。
＜第４実施形態＞
図１２は、第４実施形態に係るイオン発生装置を備えた空気調和機の側面断面図である。同図において、１１は前述の図２に示す第１実施形態と同一のイオン発生装置、４２は空気吸込口、４３は空気吸込口４２の下流側に配設されたフィルタ、４４は送風ファン、４５は熱交換器、４６は空気吹出口である。
【００５５】
第１実施形態と同様に、イオン発生装置１１を空気調和機の送風経路の空気出口４６の上流側に設け、空気中の浮遊細菌に対する除去性能を評価した。まず、縦２．０ｍ、横２．５ｍ、高さ２．７ｍ（容積１３．５ｍ^３）の対象区域にこの空気調和機を設置し、予め培地上で培養した一般生菌と真菌を容器内に散布した。そして、イオン発生装置１１を動作させるとともに、空気調和機の運転を開始し、所定の時間の経過ごとに、浮遊細菌の濃度を測定した。一般生菌及び真菌の濃度は上記と同一のエアーサンプラーで４０Ｌ／ｍｉｎの流量で４分間採取して測定している。その結果を表３に示す。
【００５６】
【表３】

表３から明らかなように、空気調和機の運転を開始してから３時間後に、一般生菌は８７％、真菌は９０％を除去することができる。従って、本実施形態に係るイオン発生装置を備えた空気調和機によると、極めて良好に空気中の浮遊細菌の大部分を除去できることが確認された。また、図６に示す第２実施形態と同一のイオン発生装置を用いても同様の効果を得ることができる。
＜第５実施形態＞
図１３は、第５実施形態に係るイオン発生装置を備えた空気調和機の側面断面図である。説明の便宜上、図１２の第４実施形態と同一の部分には同一の符号を付している。本実施形態は第４実施形態の空気調和機のイオン発生装置１１に替えて図１１に示す第３実施形態と同一のイオン発生装置１１ａを用いている。その他の点は第４実施形態と同一である。
【００５７】
第４実施形態と同様に、イオン発生装置１１ａを空気調和機の送風径路の空気吹出口４６の上流側に設け、空気中の浮遊細菌に対する除去性能を評価した。まず、縦２．０ｍ、横２．５ｍ、高さ２．７ｍ（容積１３．５ｍ^３）の対象区域にこの空気調和機を設置し、予め培地上で培養した一般生菌と真菌を容器内に散布した。そして、イオン発生装置１１を動作させるとともに、空気調和機の運転を開始し、所定の時間の経過ごとに、浮遊細菌の濃度を測定した。一般生菌及び真菌の濃度は上記と同一のエアーサンプラーで４０Ｌ／ｍｉｎの流量で４分間採取して測定している。その結果を表４に示す。
【００５８】
【表４】

表４から明らかなように、空気調和機の運転を開始してから３時間後に、一般生菌は７５％、真菌は７８％を除去することができる。従って、本実施形態に係るイオン発生装置を備えた空気調和機によると、極めて良好に空気中の浮遊細菌の大部分を除去できることが確認された。
＜第６の実施形態＞
第１〜第５実施形態に示したイオン発生装置１１、１１ａは、イオンを生成する際にオゾンも同時に発生する。このオゾンは不快な臭気があるだけでなく、人体にも有害な物質である。従って、快適に空間中の浮遊細菌を除去するためには、オゾン発生量を極力抑えつつ、充分なイオンの発生量を確保する必要がある。
【００５９】
本実施形態は、前述の図１に示す第１実施形態の空気清浄機において、破線で示すように、オゾンの濃度を検出するオゾンセンサ３１をイオン発生装置１１と空気吹出し口１５との間に設置している。オゾンセンサ３１は空気吹出し口１５から送出される空気中のオゾンの濃度を検出し、制御部（不図示）にフィードバックする。制御部により、イオン発生装置１１に印加する交流電圧の実効値及び送風ファン１４の送風量が制御されている。
【００６０】
図１４（ａ）、（ｂ）は、イオン発生装置１１から空気吹出し口１５の方向の異なる距離にオゾン濃度測定装置を設置してオゾンの濃度を測定した結果を示す図である。縦軸はオゾン濃度（単位：ｐｐｍ）を示し、横軸はイオン発生装置１１からの距離（単位：ｃｍ）を示している。印加する交流電圧は周波数を１５ｋＨｚ、実効値を１．１ｋＶ（図１４（ａ））及び１．４ｋＶ（図１４（ｂ））にしている。また、送風ファン１４の風量を０．８ｍ^３／ｍｉｎと４ｍ^３／ｍｉｎの場合について測定を行っている。
【００６１】
これらの図によると、イオン発生装置１１に印加する交流高電圧の実効値の低い方がオゾン濃度が低く、送風ファン１４の風量の大きい方がオゾン濃度が低いことが見いだされる。従って、オゾンセンサ３１（図１参照）の検知結果に基づいて、イオン発生装置１１に印加する交流電圧の実効値または送風機１４の風量を可変することにより、オゾン濃度を所望の値にすることができる。
【００６２】
本実施形態では、オゾン濃度の基準値として、産業衛生協会により定められた安全性の基準値である０．１ｐｐｍを採用し、印加電圧及び風量を可変してオゾン濃度を０．１ｐｐｍ以下に維持するようになっている。これにより、人体に安全な空気清浄機を提供することができる。
【００６３】
尚、本実施形態では、イオン発生装置を備えた空気清浄機を用いてオゾン濃度の調整を行う場合について説明したが、前述の図１２に示す空気調和機に対しても同様にオゾンセンサを設けてイオン発生装置の印加電圧または送風機の風量を制御することにより、オゾン濃度を基準値以下に抑えながら、空気中の浮遊細菌を除去できる。
【００６４】
また、第１〜第６実施形態において、空気清浄機及び空気調和機について説明しているが、他の空気調節装置であってもよい。本発明にいう空気調節装置とは、空気の物性を変化させて所望の雰囲気状態を作り出すものをいい、除湿機、加湿器、石油ファンヒーター、ガスファンヒーター、セラミックファンヒーター、冷蔵庫等が含まれる。これらの具体例に記載したものに上記のイオン発生装置を備えた構成とすることにより、同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００６５】
【発明の効果】
本発明によると、正イオンと負イオンとを放出して空気中に浮遊する浮遊細菌を殺菌することにより、簡単かつ良好に空気中の浮遊細菌の大部分を除去できる。また、室内や貯蔵室内に放出されたイオンが落下して送出された空気の流通経路外まで隅々に行き渡るため、浮遊細菌を効率良く除去することができる。
【００６６】
また本発明によると、正イオンＨ^＋（Ｈ_２Ｏ）ｍまたは負イオンＯ_２ ⁻（Ｈ_２Ｏ）_ｎを用いるため、各イオンを安定して供給でき、また正イオンと負イオンが反応することにより活性種を容易に生成することができる。
【００６７】
また本発明によると、正イオン及び負イオンの発生点から１０ｃｍ離れた位置のイオン濃度をそれぞれ１０，０００個／ｃｍ^３以上にすることによって、高い殺菌効果を得ることができる。
【００６８】
また本発明によると、誘電体を挟んで対向する電極間に交流電圧を印加することにより容易に正イオンと負イオンを発生させることができる。また、印加する交流電圧の実効値が１．１ｋＶ〜１．４ｋＶ程度で殺菌に充分な正イオンと負イオンを発生させることができる。これにより、機器の安全性や信頼性が飛躍的に向上するとともに、電極間に高電圧を印加する際に必要となる安全装置を省くことができる。従って、簡便な構造で安全性に優れたイオン発生装置を備えた空気清浄機を低コストで得ることができる。
【００６９】
また本発明によると、誘電体を平板状にしているので、電極の作成及びメンテナンスを容易にすることができる。また、電極と誘電体との密着性が良くなるため、イオン発生装置の信頼性を向上させることができる。
【００７０】
また本発明によると、イオン発生装置を空気調節機の送風経路内に配置することで、高圧となる電極が露出することなく手指等の接触の危険を回避して安全性を向上させることができる。
【００７１】
また本発明によると、イオン発生装置を空気吹出し口の近傍に配置することにより、空気吹出し口から送出される前のイオンの減少を抑制し、効率良く殺菌することができる。
【００７２】
また本発明によると、イオン発生装置の近傍に設けたオゾンセンサの検知結果に基づいてオゾンの濃度が一定値以下になるように交流電圧の実効値または空気の送出量を可変しているので、人体に安全な空気調節機を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態の空気清浄機を示す側面断面図である。
【図２】本発明の第１実施形態の空気清浄機のイオン発生装置を示す側面断面図である。
【図３】本発明の第１実施形態の空気清浄機のイオン発生装置から発生するイオンの濃度と距離との関係を示す図である。
【図４】正イオン及び負イオンの組成を示す図である。
【図５】正イオン及び負イオンによる殺菌の状態を示す図である。
【図６】本発明の第２実施形態の空気清浄機のイオン発生装置を示す側面断面図である。
【図７】本発明の第２実施形態の空気清浄機のイオン発生装置から発生するイオンの濃度と印加電圧との関係を示す図である。
【図８】本発明の第２実施形態の空気清浄機のイオン発生装置から発生するイオンの濃度と浮遊細菌の残存率との関係を示す図である。
【図９】本発明の第２実施形態の空気清浄機のイオン発生装置から発生するイオンの発生時間と浮遊細菌の残存率との関係を示す図である。
【図１０】本発明の第３実施形態の空気清浄機を示す側面断面図である。
【図１１】本発明の第３実施形態の空気清浄機のイオン発生装置を示す側面断面図である。
【図１２】本発明の第４実施形態の空気調和機を示す側面断面図である。
【図１３】本発明の第５実施形態の空気調和機を示す側面断面図である。
【図１４】本発明の第５実施形態の空気調和機のイオン発生装置により生成されるオゾン濃度と距離との関係を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１、２１　ガラス管
２、２３、２３ａ　接地電極
３、２２、２２ａ　印加電極
１１，１１ａ　イオン発生装置
１２，４２　空気吸込口
１３，４３　フィルタ
１４，４４　送風ファン
１５，４６　空気吹出口
２１ａ　ガラス板
３１　　オゾンセンサ
４５　　熱交換器[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sterilization method for sterilizing airborne bacteria floating in air. Further, the present invention relates to an ion generator for generating ions for sterilizing airborne bacteria and an air conditioner for changing physical properties of air to create a desired atmosphere state.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, as the living environment has become more airtight, there has been a strong demand for removing airborne bacteria harmful to the human body and living a healthy and comfortable life. In order to meet this demand, air conditioners, such as air purifiers, air conditioners, refrigerators, and the like that remove contaminants from indoors and storage rooms with various filters have been developed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the above-described conventional air conditioner, the air in the space is sucked together with the contaminant, and the contaminant is adsorbed or decomposed by the filter and removed. Therefore, maintenance such as replacement of the filter is indispensable due to long-term use. In addition, satisfactory performance has not been obtained due to insufficient filter characteristics.
[0004]
On the other hand, an air conditioner using an ion generator to increase the ion concentration in the air has been developed. However, currently available air conditioners generate only negative ions. For this reason, although the effect of relaxing humans by negative ions can be expected to some extent, little effect has been observed on the active removal of airborne bacteria in the air.
[0005]
Further, since negative ions are generated from the discharge needle by the DC high voltage method or the pulse high voltage method, a high voltage of 5 kV or more is required as an applied voltage. For this reason, there is a problem that a large amount of dust adheres to products and peripheral devices. Furthermore, there is a problem in the safety of the equipment due to the use of a high voltage, and measures such as installing a safety circuit have been required.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and has as its object to provide a sterilization method, an ion generator, and an air conditioner capable of effectively removing airborne bacteria in the air. Another object of the present invention is to provide an ion generator and an air conditioner that can improve safety.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a sterilization method of the present invention is characterized in that positive ions and negative ions are emitted to sterilize floating bacteria floating in the air. According to this configuration, for example, when an AC high voltage is applied between the electrodes, an ionization phenomenon due to discharge or the like occurs in the atmosphere, and positive ions and negative ions are generated. The positive ions generated at this time are, for example, H⁺(H₂O)_n, For example, O as a negative ion₂ ⁻(H₂O)_nIs generated.
[0008]
These positive and negative ions alone have no particular effect on airborne bacteria. However, when these ions are generated, active species are generated by a chemical reaction, and the active species can surround and remove airborne bacteria in the air.
[0009]
Further, in the sterilization method having the above configuration, the positive ion may be H⁺(H₂O)_m(M is an arbitrary natural number).
[0010]
Further, according to the present invention, in the sterilization method of each of the above structures, the negative ion is O₂ ⁻(H₂O)_n(N is an arbitrary natural number).
[0011]
In addition, the sterilization method of the present invention comprises⁺(H₂O)_m(M is an arbitrary natural number) and O₂ ⁻(H₂O)_n(N is an arbitrary natural number) to generate negative ions and adhere to floating bacteria floating in the air.⁺(H₂O)_mAnd the O₂− (H₂O)_nProduced by the reaction of₂O₂(Hydrogen peroxide) or .OH (hydroxyl radical) to kill the floating bacteria.
[0012]
According to this configuration, for example, by applying an AC high voltage between the electrodes, an ionization phenomenon due to discharge or the like occurs in the air, and the positive ions H⁺(H₂O)_mAnd O which is a negative ion₂ ⁻(H₂O)_nIs most stably generated. H⁺(H₂O)_mAnd O₂ ⁻(H₂O)_nIs attached to the surface of bacteria and undergoes a chemical reaction to form H, an active species.₂O₂Or generate OH. H₂O₂Or. OH exhibits a very strong activity, so that they can surround and remove airborne bacteria. Here, .OH is one of the active species, and indicates OH of a radical.
[0013]
Further, according to the sterilization method of the present invention, each ion concentration at a position 10 cm away from the point of generation of the positive ion and the negative ion is 10,000 ions / cm.³It is characterized by the above.
[0014]
Further, the ion generator of the present invention is characterized in that positive ions and negative ions are generated to sterilize floating bacteria floating in the air. According to this configuration, the floating bacteria floating in the air are killed by the positive ions and the negative ions released into the air.
[0015]
Further, according to the present invention, in the ion generator configured as described above, the positive ions are H⁺(H₂O)_m(M is an arbitrary natural number).
[0016]
Further, according to the present invention, in the ion generator of each of the above structures, the negative ions are O₂ ⁻(H₂O)_n(N is an arbitrary natural number).
[0017]
Further, the ion generator of the present invention has⁺(H₂O)_m(M is an arbitrary natural number) and O₂ ⁻(H₂O)_n(N is an arbitrary natural number) to generate negative ions and adhere to floating bacteria floating in the air.⁺(H₂O)_mAnd the O₂ ⁻(H₂O)_nProduced by the reaction of₂O₂Alternatively, the floating bacteria are killed by OH.
[0018]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the ion generator of each of the above structures, the positive ions and the negative ions are generated by applying an AC voltage between electrodes facing each other with a dielectric interposed therebetween. According to this configuration, when an AC voltage is applied to the electrodes, ionization occurs due to discharge or the like in the atmosphere, and positive ions and negative ions are generated.
[0019]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the effective value of the AC voltage is set to 1.1 kV to 1.4 kV in the ion generator of each of the above configurations. According to this configuration, ions can be generated with an applied voltage lower than in the past, so that safety is improved, and a safety device required when applying a high voltage can be omitted, and cost reduction can be achieved. .
[0020]
According to the present invention, in the ion generator of each of the above structures, the dielectric is formed of a flat plate. According to this configuration, formation and maintenance of the electrode sandwiching the dielectric are facilitated.
[0021]
Further, according to the present invention, in the ion generator of each of the above configurations, each ion concentration at a position 10 cm away from the generation point of the positive ions and the negative ions is set to 10,000 ions / cm.³It is characterized by the above.
[0022]
Further, an air conditioner of the present invention is provided with the ion generator of each of the above constitutions, and sends out the positive ions and the negative ions into the air.
[0023]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the air conditioner having the above-described configuration, the ion generator is arranged in an air blowing path. According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid the danger of contact with a finger or the like without exposing the electrodes.
[0024]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the air conditioner of each of the above constitutions, the ion generator is arranged near the inside of the air outlet of the blowing path. It is possible to suppress a decrease in ions before being sent out from the air outlet.
[0025]
Further, according to the present invention, in the air conditioner of each of the above configurations, an ozone sensor for detecting the concentration of ozone is provided near the ion generator, and the concentration of ozone becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value based on the detection result of the ozone sensor. As described above, the present invention is characterized in that at least one of the effective value of the AC voltage applied to the ion generator and the amount of air delivered is varied. According to this configuration, the amount of ozone harmful to the human body generated by the ion generator is suppressed to a reference value or less.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of an air purifier provided with the ion generator of the first embodiment. The air cleaner has an air inlet 12 on the front side, and a filter 13 and a blower fan 14 behind the air inlet 12. An air outlet 15 is provided above the blower fan 14, and the ion generator 11 is disposed between the blower fan 14 and the air outlet 15.
[0027]
When the blower fan 14 is driven, room air is taken in from the air inlet 12, and dust and the like are removed by the filter 14. The air is discharged from the clean air outlet 15 from which dust and the like are removed. At this time, positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generator 11 are released into the room together with air.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the ion generator 11. In the ion generator 11, a ground electrode 23 is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of a glass tube 21 which is a cylindrical dielectric whose one end is closed, and an application electrode 22 is formed along the inner peripheral surface of the glass tube 21. Are arranged. The high frequency circuit 4 is connected to the application electrode 22. The glass tube 21 of the present embodiment is made of Pyrex (registered trademark) having a thickness of 1 mm. The ground electrode 23 and the application electrode 22 are preferably made of an electrode material having a large number of through-holes, and use mesh-shaped SUS304.
[0029]
An AC voltage is applied to the application electrode 22 by the high frequency circuit 4 with the ground electrode 23 as a ground potential. When an AC high voltage is applied to the application electrode 22, the end face of the mesh-like ground electrode 23 becomes a strong electric field. For this reason, plasma discharge occurs from the ground electrode 23 and ionizes oxygen and water vapor in the air to generate ions.
[0030]
FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the results of measuring the concentration of ions generated from the ion generator 11. The vertical axes of FIGS. 3A and 3B are the concentrations of negative ions and positive ions, respectively (unit: number / cm).³), And the horizontal axis indicates a distance (unit: cm) from the peripheral surface of the glass tube 21.
[0031]
The applied AC voltage has a frequency of 15 kHz and effective values of 1.1 kV and 1.4 kV. As an ion concentration measuring device, an air ion counter (Model No. 83-1001B) manufactured by Dan Kagaku Co., Ltd. was used, and the mobility was 1 cm.²Small ions of / Vsec or more are detected by varying the distance from the peripheral surface of the glass tube 21 of the ion generator 11.
[0032]
According to these figures, as the distance from the ion generator 11 increases, the concentration of both positive ions and negative ions decreases, and at a position 20 cm from the peripheral surface of the glass tube 21, about 200,000 to 400,000 particles / cm.³Positive ions and negative ions were measured at the same time.
[0033]
FIGS. 4A and 4B are composition diagrams of positive ions and negative ions generated by plasma discharge. Water molecules in the air are ionized by plasma discharge and hydrogen ions (H⁺) Is generated, and water molecules in the air are clustered with hydrogen ions by solvation energy to form positive ions H⁺(H₂O)_mIs formed. In addition, oxygen molecules or water molecules in the air are ionized by plasma discharge and oxygen ions (O 2₂ ⁻) Is generated, and water molecules in the air are clustered with oxygen ions by solvation energy to form negative ions O₂ ⁻(H₂O)_nIs formed.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 5, the positive and negative ions delivered to the living space surround the floating bacteria floating in the air. Positive and negative ions undergo a chemical reaction on the surface of the suspended bacteria as shown in equations (1) to (3) to produce hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) Or a hydroxyl radical (.OH). Here, in Expressions (1) to (3), m, m ', n, and n' are arbitrary natural numbers. Thereby, the suspended bacteria are destroyed and sterilized by the decomposing action of the active species. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently sterilize and remove airborne bacteria in the air.
[0035]
(Equation 1)

As shown in FIG. 1 described above, the above-described ion generator 11 was provided on the upstream side of the air outlet 15 in the air blowing path of the air cleaner, and the performance of removing airborne bacteria in the air was evaluated. First, 2.0 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 2.7 m in height (capacity 13.5 m³An air purifier is installed in the target area of (1), and general viable bacteria and fungi cultured on the medium in advance are sprayed into the container. Then, while operating the ion generator 11, the operation of the air purifier was started, and the concentration of the suspended bacteria was measured every predetermined time. The concentrations of general viable bacteria and fungi are measured by sampling at a flow rate of 40 L / min for 4 minutes using an RCS air sampler manufactured by Biotest, Germany. Table 1 shows the results.
[0036]
[Table 1]

As is apparent from Table 1, three hours after the start of the operation of the air purifier, 83% of general viable bacteria and 88% of fungi can be removed. Therefore, according to the air purifier provided with the ion generator according to the present embodiment, most of the suspended bacteria in the air can be removed very favorably. In addition, the ions released into the room fall and spread to every corner outside the flow path of the indoor air, so that the suspended bacteria can be efficiently removed.
[0037]
Further, in the conventional discharge method, while the applied voltage is 5 kV or more, the effective value of the AC voltage applied to the ion generator 11 is about 1.1 kV to about 1.4 kV, so that good sterilization performance can be obtained. . As a result, the safety and reliability of the device are dramatically improved, and a safety device required when a high voltage is applied between the electrodes can be omitted. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an air purifier equipped with an ion generator with a simple structure and excellent safety at low cost.
[0038]
In addition, by arranging the ion generator 11 in the air flow path of the air cleaner, the danger of contact with a finger or the like can be avoided without exposing the high-voltage application electrode 22, thereby improving safety. Further, by arranging the ion generator 11 near the air outlet 15, it is possible to suppress a decrease in ions before being sent out from the air outlet 15 and to sterilize efficiently.
<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment has the same configuration as the air purifier of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 described above, and is a modification of the structure of the ion generator. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the ion generator 11 of the present embodiment. In the ion generator 11, a ground electrode 2 is arranged along an outer peripheral surface of a glass tube 1 which is a cylindrical dielectric, and an application electrode 3 is arranged along an inner peripheral surface of the glass tube 1.
[0039]
The glass tube 1 of the present embodiment is made of Pyrex (registered trademark) having an inner diameter of 10 mm, a thickness of 1.3 mm, and a length of 150 mm. The ground electrode 2 is made of a mesh-shaped SUS304 having a wire diameter of 0.23 mm, an opening number of 30 mesh, and a length of 100 mm. The application electrode 3 is made of a plate-shaped SUS304 having a thickness of 0.8 mm and a length of 80 mm.
[0040]
A high frequency circuit 4 is connected between the ground electrode 2 and the application electrode 3, and an AC voltage is applied to the application electrode 3 by the high frequency circuit 4. When an AC voltage is applied to the application electrode 3, a plasma discharge occurs from the ground electrode 2 to generate ions as in the first embodiment.
[0041]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the measurement of the ion concentration in air when a voltage is applied to the application electrode 3. The vertical axis indicates ion concentration (unit: pieces / cm)³), And the horizontal axis shows the effective value (unit: kV) of the applied AC voltage. The high frequency circuit 4 applies a voltage of 22 kHz and an effective voltage from 1.3 kV to 1.8 kV variably to the application electrode 3.
[0042]
An air concentration counter similar to the above is used as the ion concentration measuring device, and the measuring device is installed at a position 10 cm from the peripheral surface of the ion generator 11. A blower is installed on the opposite side of the ion generator 11 from the measurement device, and the measurement is performed by blowing air at a wind speed of 3 m / sec.
[0043]
As a result of measuring the ion concentration, when no voltage is applied to the application electrode 3, the ion concentration of each of the positive ions and the negative ions is about 300 / cm.³Met. When the applied AC voltage was increased to 1.52 kV or more, generation of obvious ions from the ion generator 11 was confirmed. Then, the applied voltage is 1.6 kV and each is about 10,000 pieces / cm.³More than about 300,000 pieces / cm at 1.8 kV³It was confirmed that the ion concentration increased with an increase in the applied voltage.
[0044]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the residual ratio of airborne bacteria in air with respect to the concentration of ions released from the ion generator. The vertical axis indicates the residual rate of the suspended bacteria (unit:%), and the horizontal axis indicates the ion concentration (unit: number / cm).³). In an atmosphere at a temperature of 25 ° C. and a relative humidity of 42%, the height is 2.0 m, the width is 2.5 m, and the height is 2.7 m (volume 13.5 m).³In the target area of (1), ions are sent into the space using the ion generator 11, and the air volume is 4 m.³/ Min and the room air was stirred.
[0045]
The ion concentration indicates a measured value at a position 10 cm from the peripheral surface of the glass tube 1 of the ion generator 11. The residual rate of the suspended bacteria was determined by removing Escherichia coli into a mist at a concentration of 500 to 1500 cells / m2.³Sprayed to the extent that the ions were sent out for one hour and detected by the number of E. coli remaining in the air. The number of Escherichia coli was measured for 4 minutes at a flow rate of 40 L / min using the same air sampler as described above.
[0046]
According to the figure, when ions are not sent out (the ion concentration is about 300₃), The residual rate of suspended bacteria due to natural attenuation after one hour has passed is 63.5% (decrease rate 36.5%). Initial concentration of E. coli (for example, 500 to 1500 cells / m³) Has a measurement error of about 10%. Therefore, it may be considered that there is a bactericidal effect when the residual rate of the suspended bacteria is 53.5% or less (decrease rate 46.5%).
[0047]
Considering the accuracy of the test, it is desirable that the residual ratio of Escherichia coli after 1 hour is 60% or more when no ions are sent. Based on this, looking at the measurement results in FIG. 8, the ion concentration is about 10,000 particles / cm.³It can be seen that the bactericidal effect is exhibited at the time of, and the residual rate is rapidly reduced when the bactericidal effect is more than that. Therefore, the ion concentration is set to 10,000 ions / cm.³With the above, a bactericidal effect can be obtained.
[0048]
FIG. 9 shows the change over time in the survival rate of the suspended bacteria with respect to the ion delivery time. The vertical axis indicates the residual rate of the suspended bacteria (unit:%), and the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time (unit: time) after the start of ion delivery. The test conditions were the same as above, and the ion concentration at a position 10 cm from the peripheral surface of the glass tube 1 (see FIG. 6) of the ion generator 11 was 300 ions / cm.³(When not sending out ions) 10,000 pieces / cm³, 300,000 pieces / cm³Is measured for
[0049]
According to this, the higher the ion concentration, the lower the residual rate of suspended bacteria, and the same result as in FIG. 8 is obtained. Therefore, as described above, a higher sterilizing effect can be obtained by increasing the ion concentration generated by the ion generator 11. Further, the ion concentration is set to 300,000 / cm.³By doing so, the residual rate can be reduced to 10% or less one hour after the ion is sent, and sterilization can be performed more quickly and efficiently.
<Third embodiment>
FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing the air cleaner of the third embodiment. This embodiment has the same configuration as the air purifier of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 described above, and is a modification of the structure of the ion generator. For convenience of explanation, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0050]
FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the ion generator 11a of the present embodiment. In the ion generator 11a, a ground electrode 23a made of a metal mesh and an application electrode 22a are arranged to face each other with a glass plate 21a, which is a flat dielectric, interposed therebetween. The glass plate 21a of this embodiment is made of Pyrex (registered trademark) having a thickness of 3 mm, and the ground electrode 23a and the application electrode 22a are made of mesh stainless steel (SUS304). Further, an AC voltage can be applied to the application electrode 22a by the high-frequency circuit 4 with the ground electrode 23a serving as a ground potential.
[0051]
As described above, when an AC high voltage is applied to the application electrode 22a, ions are generated. The ion concentration at this time was measured by the same measuring method as described above. The applied AC voltage has a frequency of 20 kHz and an effective value of 3 kV. The above-mentioned air ion counter was used as an ion concentration measuring device, and the mobility was 1 cm at a position 10 mm from the surface of the glass plate 21a of the ion generator 11a.²/ Vsec or more small ions were detected. As a result, about 60,000 to 70,000 pieces / cm³Positive ions and negative ions were measured at the same time.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 10 described above, the ion generator 11a was provided on the upstream side of the air outlet 15 in the blowing path of the air purifier, and the performance of removing airborne bacteria in the air was evaluated. First, 2.0 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 2.7 m in height (capacity 13.5 m³This air purifier is installed in the target area of (1), and general viable bacteria and fungi cultured on the medium in advance are sprayed in the container. Then, while operating the ion generator 11a, the operation of the air purifier was started, and the concentration of the suspended bacteria was measured every predetermined time. The concentrations of general viable bacteria and fungi were measured by sampling the same air sampler at a flow rate of 40 L / min for 4 minutes. Table 2 shows the results.
[0053]
[Table 2]

As is clear from Table 2, three hours after starting the operation of the air purifier, 72% of general viable bacteria and 75% of fungi can be removed. Therefore, it was confirmed that the air purifier provided with the ion generator 11a according to the present embodiment can remove most of the suspended bacteria in the air extremely well.
[0054]
Further, since the dielectric (glass plate 21a) is formed in a flat plate shape, the creation and maintenance of the ground electrode 23a and the applied electrode 22a are easier than in the ion generators of the first and second embodiments. Can be. Further, since the adhesion between the ground electrode 23a and the application electrode 22a and the dielectric material is improved, the reliability of the ion generator can be improved.
<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of an air conditioner including the ion generator according to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, 11 is the same ion generator as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 described above, 42 is an air inlet, 43 is a filter arranged downstream of the air inlet 42, 44 is a blower fan, 45 is a heat exchanger and 46 is an air outlet.
[0055]
As in the first embodiment, the ion generator 11 was provided on the upstream side of the air outlet 46 in the air flow path of the air conditioner, and the performance of removing airborne bacteria in the air was evaluated. First, 2.0 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 2.7 m in height (capacity 13.5 m³This air conditioner was installed in the target area of (1), and general viable bacteria and fungi cultured in advance on the medium were sprayed in the container. Then, while operating the ion generator 11, the operation of the air conditioner was started, and the concentration of suspended bacteria was measured every predetermined time. The concentrations of general viable bacteria and fungi were measured using the same air sampler as above at a flow rate of 40 L / min for 4 minutes. Table 3 shows the results.
[0056]
[Table 3]

As is clear from Table 3, three hours after the start of the operation of the air conditioner, 87% of general viable bacteria and 90% of fungi can be removed. Therefore, according to the air conditioner provided with the ion generator according to the present embodiment, it was confirmed that most of the airborne bacteria in the air could be removed very favorably. Further, the same effect can be obtained by using the same ion generator as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG.
<Fifth embodiment>
FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of an air conditioner including the ion generator according to the fifth embodiment. For convenience of description, the same parts as those of the fourth embodiment in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the present embodiment, the same ion generator 11a as the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is used instead of the ion generator 11 of the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment. The other points are the same as the fourth embodiment.
[0057]
As in the fourth embodiment, the ion generator 11a was provided on the upstream side of the air outlet 46 in the air supply path of the air conditioner, and the performance of removing airborne bacteria in the air was evaluated. First, 2.0 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 2.7 m in height (capacity 13.5 m³This air conditioner was installed in the target area of (1), and general viable bacteria and fungi cultured in advance on the medium were sprayed in the container. Then, while operating the ion generator 11, the operation of the air conditioner was started, and the concentration of suspended bacteria was measured every predetermined time. The concentrations of general viable bacteria and fungi were measured using the same air sampler as above at a flow rate of 40 L / min for 4 minutes. Table 4 shows the results.
[0058]
[Table 4]

As is clear from Table 4, three hours after the start of the operation of the air conditioner, 75% of general viable bacteria and 78% of fungi can be removed. Therefore, according to the air conditioner provided with the ion generator according to the present embodiment, it was confirmed that most of the airborne bacteria in the air could be removed very favorably.
<Sixth embodiment>
The ion generators 11 and 11a shown in the first to fifth embodiments also generate ozone at the same time as generating ions. This ozone not only has an unpleasant odor, but is also a substance harmful to the human body. Therefore, in order to comfortably remove airborne bacteria in the space, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient ion generation amount while suppressing the ozone generation amount as much as possible.
[0059]
In the present embodiment, the ozone sensor 31 for detecting the concentration of ozone is provided between the ion generator 11 and the air outlet 15 in the air purifier of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Has been installed. The ozone sensor 31 detects the concentration of ozone in the air sent from the air outlet 15 and feeds it back to a control unit (not shown). The control unit controls the effective value of the AC voltage applied to the ion generator 11 and the amount of air blown by the blower fan 14.
[0060]
FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams showing the results of measuring the concentration of ozone by installing an ozone concentration measuring device at different distances from the ion generator 11 in the direction of the air outlet 15. The vertical axis indicates the ozone concentration (unit: ppm), and the horizontal axis indicates the distance (unit: cm) from the ion generator 11. The applied AC voltage has a frequency of 15 kHz and an effective value of 1.1 kV (FIG. 14A) and 1.4 kV (FIG. 14B). Also, the air volume of the blower fan 14 is 0.8 m.³/ Min and 4m³/ Min is measured.
[0061]
According to these figures, it is found that the ozone concentration is lower when the effective value of the AC high voltage applied to the ion generator 11 is lower, and the ozone concentration is lower when the air volume of the blower fan 14 is larger. Therefore, based on the detection result of the ozone sensor 31 (see FIG. 1), the ozone concentration can be set to a desired value by changing the effective value of the AC voltage applied to the ion generator 11 or the air volume of the blower 14. it can.
[0062]
In the present embodiment, as the reference value of the ozone concentration, 0.1 ppm which is the reference value of safety determined by the Industrial Hygiene Association is adopted, and the applied voltage and the air volume are varied to maintain the ozone concentration at 0.1 ppm or less. It is supposed to. Thereby, a safe air purifier can be provided to the human body.
[0063]
In the present embodiment, the case where the ozone concentration is adjusted using an air purifier equipped with an ion generator has been described. However, the air conditioner shown in FIG. By controlling the applied voltage of the ion generator or the air volume of the blower, the airborne bacteria in the air can be removed while keeping the ozone concentration below the reference value.
[0064]
Although the air purifier and the air conditioner have been described in the first to sixth embodiments, other air conditioners may be used. The air conditioner according to the present invention refers to a device that changes the physical properties of air to create a desired atmosphere state, and includes a dehumidifier, a humidifier, an oil fan heater, a gas fan heater, a ceramic fan heater, a refrigerator, and the like. . A similar effect can be obtained by providing the structure described in these specific examples with the above-described ion generator.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, most of the floating bacteria in air can be removed simply and satisfactorily by releasing positive ions and negative ions and sterilizing the floating bacteria floating in the air. Further, since the ions released into the room or the storage room fall to the outside of the flow path of the air sent out by dropping, the suspended bacteria can be efficiently removed.
[0066]
Also according to the invention, the positive ion H⁺(H₂O) m or negative ion O₂ ⁻(H₂O)_nThus, each ion can be supplied stably, and an active species can be easily generated by reacting a positive ion and a negative ion.
[0067]
Further, according to the present invention, the ion concentration at a position 10 cm away from the generation point of the positive ion and the negative ion is 10,000 ions / cm, respectively.³With the above, a high bactericidal effect can be obtained.
[0068]
Further, according to the present invention, positive ions and negative ions can be easily generated by applying an AC voltage between electrodes facing each other with a dielectric interposed therebetween. When the effective value of the applied AC voltage is about 1.1 kV to 1.4 kV, positive ions and negative ions sufficient for sterilization can be generated. As a result, the safety and reliability of the device are dramatically improved, and a safety device required when a high voltage is applied between the electrodes can be omitted. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an air purifier equipped with an ion generator with a simple structure and excellent safety at low cost.
[0069]
Further, according to the present invention, since the dielectric is formed in a flat plate shape, preparation and maintenance of the electrode can be facilitated. In addition, since the adhesion between the electrode and the dielectric is improved, the reliability of the ion generator can be improved.
[0070]
Further, according to the present invention, by arranging the ion generator in the air flow path of the air conditioner, it is possible to avoid the danger of contact with fingers and the like without exposing the high pressure electrode, thereby improving safety. .
[0071]
Further, according to the present invention, by arranging the ion generator near the air outlet, it is possible to suppress the decrease of ions before being sent out from the air outlet, and to sterilize efficiently.
[0072]
According to the present invention, the effective value of the AC voltage or the amount of air sent is varied so that the concentration of ozone is equal to or less than a certain value based on the detection result of the ozone sensor provided near the ion generator. An air conditioner safe for the human body can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing an air purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing an ion generator of the air purifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the concentration of ions generated from the ion generator of the air purifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the distance.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the composition of positive ions and negative ions.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state of sterilization by positive ions and negative ions.
FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing an ion generator of the air purifier according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the concentration of ions generated from the ion generator of the air purifier according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the applied voltage.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the concentration of ions generated from the ion generator of the air purifier according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the residual rate of suspended bacteria.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the generation time of ions generated from the ion generator of the air purifier according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the residual rate of suspended bacteria.
FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing an air purifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing an ion generator of an air purifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a side sectional view showing an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an ozone concentration generated by an ion generator of an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention and a distance.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,21 glass tube
2, 23, 23a ground electrode
3, 22, 22a application electrode
11, 11a @ ion generator
12,42mm air inlet
13,43 filter
14,44 fan
15,46 ° air outlet
21a glass plate
31 ozone sensor
45 heat exchanger

Claims (17)

A sterilization method characterized by emitting positive ions and negative ions and sterilizing airborne bacteria floating in the air. The sterilization method according to claim 1, wherein the positive ions are composed of H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _m (m is an arbitrary natural number). The sterilization method according to claim 1, wherein the negative ions are composed of O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _n (n is an arbitrary natural number). A positive ion composed of H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _m (m is an arbitrary natural number) and a negative ion composed of O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _n (n is an arbitrary natural number) are generated in the air. H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _m and O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _n are attached to the floating bacteria, and the H ₂ O ₂ or .OH produced by the reaction of the O ⁺ (H ₂ O) _n reacts to kill the floating bacteria. Disinfection method characterized. Sterilization according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the respective ion concentration position away 10cm from the generation point of the positive ions and the negative ions to 10,000 / cm ³ or more Method. An ion generator, which generates positive ions and negative ions and sterilizes airborne bacteria floating in the air. The ion generator according to claim 6, wherein the positive ions are made of H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _m (m is an arbitrary natural number). The ion generator according to claim 6, wherein the negative ions are made of O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _n (n is an arbitrary natural number). A positive ion composed of H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _m (m is an arbitrary natural number) and a negative ion composed of O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _n (n is an arbitrary natural number) are generated in the air. is deposited on the floating floating bacteria, the ^H + _(H 2 _{O) m} and the _O ² - to sterilize the floating bacteria by _(H 2 _{O) n} are generated by the reaction _H 2 _{O 2} or · OH Characteristic ion generator. The ion generator according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the positive ions and the negative ions are generated by applying an AC voltage between electrodes facing each other with a dielectric interposed therebetween. The ion generator according to claim 10, wherein an effective value of the AC voltage is set to 1.1 kV to 1.4 kV. 12. The ion generator according to claim 10, wherein the dielectric is a flat plate. The ion according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the ion concentration at a position 10 cm away from the point of generation of the positive ion and the negative ion is 10,000 ions / cm ³ or more. Generator. An air conditioner, comprising the ion generator according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the positive ion and the negative ion are sent into the air. The air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein the ion generator is disposed in an air blowing path. 16. The air conditioner according to claim 15, wherein the ion generator is disposed near an inside of an air outlet of the blowing path. An ozone sensor for detecting the concentration of ozone is provided in the vicinity of the ion generator, and an effective value of an AC voltage applied to the ion generator so that the concentration of ozone becomes a certain value or less based on the detection result of the ozone sensor. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein at least one of the air delivery amounts is varied.

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