JP2004349145A - Ion generator and electric apparatus with ion generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ion generator capable of preventing a discharge surface from being contaminated, without unbeneficial cost increase, or equipment size increase, and to provide an electric apparatus with the ion generator. <P>SOLUTION: In the ion generator, a voltage applying circuit 20a applies a high pressure impulse voltage at a certain interval to a discharge part 12 of an ion generating element through a switching transformer 202a, during a normal operation( when a terminal 203b is selected), and applies a sine wave voltage for a certain period of time through a switching transformer 202b, during a cleaning operation (when a terminal 203c is selected). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an ion generating element, an ion generating device, and an ion generating device capable of decomposing bacteria and fungi floating in the air and releasing harmful substances by releasing positive ions and negative ions into a space. It relates to electrical equipment. Examples of the above-mentioned electrical equipment include mainly closed spaces (in a house, in a building, in a hospital room or operating room, in a car, on an airplane, in a ship, in a warehouse, in a refrigerator, etc.). , An air conditioner, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, an air purifier, a refrigerator, a fan heater, a microwave oven, a washer / dryer, a vacuum cleaner, and a sterilizer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, in closed rooms with low ventilation, such as offices and conference rooms, if the number of people in the room is large, air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, cigarette smoke and dust emitted by respiration increase, and The negative ions, which have the effect of relaxing the body, decrease from the air. In particular, in the presence of cigarette smoke, the negative ions may be reduced to about 1/2 to 1/5 of the normal amount. Therefore, various ion generators have been conventionally marketed to replenish the negative ions in the air.
[0003]
However, a conventional ion generating apparatus using a discharge phenomenon generates negative ions mainly by a DC high voltage method of negative potential, and its purpose is to appeal a relaxing effect. Therefore, such an ion generator can supply negative ions to the air, but cannot positively remove airborne bacteria and the like in the air.
[0004]
The types of ion generating electrodes utilizing the discharge phenomenon are roughly classified into two types. One of them is a metal wire or a metal plate or needle with a sharp edge, whose opposite pole is ground, or a metal plate or grid with a ground potential is used, and air plays the role of an insulator. is there. The other is one in which a discharge electrode and an induction electrode sandwiching a solid dielectric are formed. As a feature, the former uses air as an insulator, so that it is necessary to increase the distance between the electrodes as compared with the latter, and therefore, it is necessary to set the voltage required for discharging higher. Conversely, the latter has a high insulation resistance and has a high dielectric constant interposed therebetween, so that the distance between the electrodes can be narrow (thin), and therefore the applied voltage is lower than that of the former. Can be set.
[0005]
This ion generator adopts the latter method, and the waveform applied between the discharge electrode and the induction electrode is a short-time impulse to reduce the amount of ozone harmful to the human body and to generate positive and negative ions. Was found to release the same amount of.
[0006]
Regarding the ion generator, as an effect of releasing ions of both positive ions and negative ions, the positive ions H⁺(H₂O)_mAnd O which is a negative ion₂ ⁻(H₂O)_n(M and n are natural numbers and H₂By generating approximately equal amounts of O molecules, both ions surround the airborne fungi and viruses in the air, and the hydroxyl radicals of the active species generated at that time are generated. (OH), the invention relates to an ion generator capable of inactivating the floating fungi and the like (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0007]
The above-mentioned invention has already been put to practical use by the applicant, and a practical machine has an ion generating device having a structure in which a discharge electrode is provided outside and an induction electrode is provided inside with a ceramic dielectric interposed therebetween. There are air purifiers and air conditioners installed.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2003-47651
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-319472
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-7-43990
[Patent Document 4]
JP-A-6-194951
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
With the ion generator configured as described above, airborne bacteria and the like in the air can be positively removed, so that the indoor environment can be made more comfortable.
[0010]
However, when the ion generator having the above configuration is used for a long period of time in an air-contaminated environment (such as a smoking room), pollutants (such as cigarette dust particles) adhere to the discharge surface, weakening the discharge and reducing the ion. There was a problem that the release amount was reduced.
[0011]
Conventionally, a discharger, a charging device, and the like that clean the discharge surface by mechanical means such as a cleaning member have been disclosed and proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 3 and 4). However, since the number of parts increases and the structure becomes complicated, it is disadvantageous from the viewpoint of cost and reduction in the scale of the apparatus.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an ion generator capable of preventing contamination of a discharge surface without causing unnecessary cost increase and apparatus scale expansion, and an electric apparatus including the same. With the goal.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an ion generating device according to the present invention includes an ion generating element having two electrodes opposed to each other with a dielectric interposed therebetween, and an ion generating element connected to the ion generating element. A voltage application circuit for applying a predetermined voltage, wherein the voltage application circuit is configured to ionize surrounding air by a discharge generated by applying a voltage between the two electrodes. A normal operation in which a voltage is applied to the ion generating element so as to generate ions, and a discharge intensity and / or a discharge frequency in the ion generating element that are higher than those in the normal operation and are applied to the discharge surface of the ion generating element. Switching between a cleaning operation in which voltage is applied to the ion generating element so that adhesion of contaminants is reduced and / or an adhering contaminant is removed; It is configured to have a means for the row.
[0014]
Specifically, the voltage application circuit applies an impulse voltage to the ion generating element at predetermined time intervals during the normal operation, and applies a sine wave voltage for a predetermined time during the cleaning operation. It is good to Alternatively, during the normal operation, a first amplitude impulse voltage is applied at predetermined time intervals, and during the cleaning operation, a second amplitude impulse voltage larger than the first amplitude is applied for a predetermined time at predetermined time intervals. Good to do. Alternatively, in the normal operation, the impulse voltage may be applied at a first time interval, and during the cleaning operation, the impulse voltage may be applied for a predetermined time at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval.
[0015]
By adopting each of the above-described configurations, contamination of the discharge surface can be prevented without relying on mechanical means such as a cleaning member or the like. Over time can be suppressed.
[0016]
Further, the ion generator configured as described above may be configured to automatically start the cleaning operation after the normal operation is completed. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the operation is performed at predetermined time intervals during normal operation. With such a configuration, the discharge surface of the discharge unit is always kept in a clean state without depending on a user operation, so that it is possible to prevent a temporal decrease in the amount of ion emission beforehand. Become.
[0017]
Further, the ion generator having the above configuration may have an ion sensor for measuring an ion emission amount, and may automatically start a cleaning operation when the ion emission amount during the normal operation falls below a predetermined value. Alternatively, there is provided an odor sensor for measuring the amount of odor components around the device (for example, the amount of tobacco odor components), and when the detected amount exceeds a predetermined value, or when the accumulated time exceeds the predetermined value exceeds a predetermined time. In such a case, the cleaning operation may be automatically started. With such a configuration, the discharge surface of the discharge unit can be kept in a necessary and sufficient clean state while reducing the frequency of the cleaning operation and minimizing power consumption.
[0018]
Further, the ion generator configured as described above may include an input unit for receiving an external operation, and start a cleaning operation when a predetermined operation is performed on the input unit. With such a configuration, the cleaning operation can be flexibly performed according to a user operation. For example, even if a contaminant adhered to the discharge unit cannot be sufficiently removed by one cleaning operation, the cleaning operation can be repeated by a user operation to completely remove the contaminant.
[0019]
In addition, the ion generator configured as described above may be mounted on electric equipment such as an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, an air purifier, a refrigerator, a fan heater, a microwave oven, a washer / dryer, a vacuum cleaner, and a sterilizer. . With such an electrical device, it is possible to change the physical properties of air with the installed ion generator and to bring the indoor environment to a desired atmospheric state, in addition to the functions inherent in the device.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an ion generator according to the present invention. FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically show a plan view and a side view of the ion generator, respectively. .
[0021]
As shown in the figure, the ion generator according to the present invention includes an ion generating element 10 that generates ions, and a voltage application circuit 20 that applies a predetermined voltage to the ion generating element 10. Become.
[0022]
The ion generating element 10 includes a dielectric 11 (upper dielectric 11a and lower dielectric 11b), a discharge unit 12 (discharge electrode 12a, induction electrode 12b, discharge electrode contact 12c, induction electrode contact 12d, and connection terminals 12e, 12f). ) And the coating layer 13, and discharge is performed in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 12 a to generate positive ions and negative ions.
[0023]
The dielectric 11 is formed by bonding an upper dielectric 11a and a lower dielectric 11b, each of which has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (for example, 15 mm in length × 37 mm in width × 0.45 mm in thickness). If an inorganic material is selected as the material of the dielectric 11, a ceramic such as high-purity alumina, crystallized glass, forsterite, and steatite can be used. If an organic material is selected as the material of the dielectric 11, a resin such as polyimide or glass epoxy having excellent oxidation resistance is suitable. However, from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance, it is desirable to select an inorganic substance as the material of the dielectric 11, and further, from the viewpoint of moldability and ease of forming an electrode described later, it is preferable to use ceramic for molding. .
[0024]
In addition, since it is desirable that the insulation resistance between the discharge electrode 12a and the induction electrode 12b is uniform, the material of the dielectric 11 has less density variation and has a more uniform insulation rate.
[0025]
The shape of the dielectric 11 may be other than a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (a disk shape, an elliptical plate shape, a polygonal plate shape, and the like), and may be a columnar shape. However, it is preferable to adopt a flat plate shape (including a disk shape and a rectangular parallelepiped shape) as in the present embodiment.
[0026]
The discharge electrode 12a is formed integrally with the upper dielectric 11a on the surface of the upper dielectric 11a. As a material of the discharge electrode 12a, any material having conductivity such as tungsten can be used without any particular limitation, provided that it does not cause deformation such as melting due to discharge.
[0027]
As shown in the figure, the discharge electrode 12a of the present embodiment has a substantially square lattice portion (for example, 7.0 [mm] × 7.0 [mm] in width, 0.5 [mm] in line width). Are formed adjacent to each other and have a substantially triangular electric field concentrating portion inside the lattice portion, but the shape is not limited to this, and other shapes (plane, lattice, linear) Etc.). However, if the shape is such that electric field concentration is easily generated, a discharge can be generated even if the voltage applied between the discharge electrode 12a and the induction electrode 12b is low. It is desirable that the shape is such that the electric field concentration easily occurs.
[0028]
The induction electrode 12b is formed inside the dielectric 11 (between the upper dielectric 11a and the lower dielectric 11b). Note that the induction electrode 12b of the present embodiment is formed in a U-shape (for example, 3.5 [mm] × 23.5 [mm], line width 1.0 [mm]), and is formed as a discharge electrode. It is provided at a position facing the electric field concentration portion 12a. The material of the induction electrode 12b can be used without any particular limitation as long as the material has conductivity, similarly to the discharge electrode 12a.
[0029]
The induction electrode 12b is provided in parallel with the discharge electrode 12a with the upper dielectric 11a interposed therebetween. With such an arrangement, the distance between the discharge electrode 12a and the induction electrode 12b (hereinafter referred to as the distance between the electrodes) can be made constant, so that the insulation resistance between the two electrodes is made uniform and the discharge state is stabilized. As a result, positive ions and negative ions can be suitably generated. When the dielectric 11 has a cylindrical shape, the distance between the electrodes can be made constant by providing the discharge electrode 12a on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and providing the induction electrode 12b in an axial shape.
[0030]
The discharge electrode contact 12c is electrically connected to the discharge electrode 12a via a connection terminal 12e provided on the same surface as the discharge electrode 12a (that is, the surface of the upper dielectric 11a). Therefore, if one end of a lead wire (for example, a copper wire or an aluminum wire) is connected to the discharge electrode contact 12c and the other end of the lead wire is connected to the voltage application circuit 20, the discharge electrode 12a and the voltage application circuit 20 are electrically connected. Can be electrically conducted.
[0031]
The induction electrode contact 12d is electrically connected to the induction electrode 12b via a connection terminal 12f provided on the same surface as the induction electrode 12b (that is, the surface of the lower dielectric 11b). Therefore, if one end of a lead wire (for example, a copper wire or an aluminum wire) is connected to the induction electrode contact 12d and the other end of the lead wire is connected to the voltage application circuit 20, the induction electrode 12b and the voltage application circuit 20 are electrically connected. Can be electrically conducted.
[0032]
In this embodiment, the case where both the discharge electrode 12a and the induction electrode 12b are electrically connected to the voltage application circuit 20 is exemplified. However, as another connection pattern, only the discharge electrode 12a is grounded and only the induction electrode 12b is connected. A pattern for conducting the voltage application circuit 20 or a pattern for conducting only the discharge electrode 12a to the voltage application circuit 20 by grounding the induction electrode 12b can be considered.
[0033]
The above-described discharge electrode contact 12c and induction electrode contact 12d may be provided on any surface of the dielectric 11 because of ease of connection with a lead wire. However, the discharge electrode contact 12c is a contact having the same potential as the discharge electrode 12a, and the induction electrode contact 12d is a contact having the same potential as the induction electrode 12b. The distance between the electrode 12b and the discharge electrode contact 12c, the distance between the discharge electrode 12a and the induction electrode contact 12d, and the distance between the discharge electrode contact 12c and the induction electrode contact 12d may be provided at positions farther than the inter-electrode distance. desirable.
[0034]
Further, it is desirable that all of the discharge electrode contact 12c and the induction electrode contact 12d be provided on the surface of the dielectric 11 other than the surface on which the discharge electrode 12a is provided (hereinafter referred to as the upper surface of the dielectric 11). With such a configuration, since unnecessary lead wires and the like are not provided on the upper surface of the dielectric 11, the air flow from the fan (not shown) is not easily disturbed, and the generated ions can be efficiently discharged into the room. This is because it becomes possible.
[0035]
In consideration of the above, in the ion generator 10 of the present embodiment, both the discharge electrode contact 12c and the induction electrode contact 12d face the upper surface of the dielectric 11 (hereinafter, referred to as the lower surface of the dielectric 11). ).
[0036]
Note that, in the ion generating element 10 of the present embodiment, the discharge electrode contact 12c and the connection terminal 12e, and the induction electrode contact 12d and the connection terminal 12f are all located outside the facing region sandwiched between the discharge electrode 12a and the induction electrode 12b. Is formed. With such a configuration, a stable discharge state can be obtained by avoiding discharge unevenness that occurs at the start of discharge, so that a stable amount of ions can be emitted immediately after the start of discharge.
[0037]
Next, the configuration and operation of the voltage application circuit 20 will be described in detail. The voltage application circuit 20 is a circuit for applying a positive or negative AC voltage between the discharge electrode 12 a and the induction electrode 12 b constituting the discharge unit 12 in order to generate positive ions and negative ions in the discharge unit 12. And a normal operation (hereinafter referred to as a first circuit) for applying a voltage to the ion generating element 10 so as to generate a predetermined amount of ions, and a discharge intensity and / or Alternatively, a cleaning operation (hereinafter referred to as a “second circuit”) in which a voltage is applied to the ion generating element 10 so as to remove contaminants attached to the discharge surface of the ion generating element 10 by increasing the discharge frequency is switched. It is characterized by having means for executing.
[0038]
First, a first embodiment of the voltage application circuit 20 will be described. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a first embodiment of the voltage application circuit 20. As shown in the figure, a voltage application circuit 20a of the present embodiment includes an input power supply 201, first and second switching transformers 202a and 202b, a switching relay 203, resistors 204a and 204b, diodes 205a and 205b, , A capacitor 206, transformer driving switching elements 207 and 209, and a sine wave generation circuit 208.
[0039]
One end of the input power supply 201 is connected to a common terminal 203a of the switching relay 203. One selection terminal 203b of the switching relay 203 is connected to the anode of the diode 205a via the resistor 204a, and the other selection terminal 203c is connected to the anode of the diode 205b via the resistor 204b.
[0040]
In the first circuit, the cathode of the diode 205a is connected to one end of the primary coil La1 of the first transformer 202a and one end of the capacitor 206, respectively. The other end of the primary coil La1 is connected to the transformer driving switching element 207. When the switching relay 203 is connected to the selection terminal 203b, when the input power supply 201 is an AC commercial power supply, the capacitor 206 is charged by the voltage of the input power supply 201 via the input resistor 204a and the rectifier diode 205a, and is over a specified voltage. , The transformer driving switching element 207 is turned on, and a voltage is applied to the primary winding La1 of the transformer 202a. Immediately thereafter, the energy charged in the capacitor 206 is discharged through the primary winding 202a of the transformer 202a and the switching element 207 for driving the transformer, the voltage of the capacitor 211 returns to zero, and is charged again. repeat. In the above description, the transformer driving switching element 207 employs a gateless two-terminal thyristor (Sydac [a product of Shindengen Kogyo]). However, the thyristor (SCR) is formed using a slightly different circuit. May be used. Further, even if the input power supply 201 is a DC power supply, any circuit may be used as long as the circuit can perform the same operation as described above. That is, the primary-side drive circuit of the circuit is not particularly limited, and may be any circuit that can obtain the same operation.
[0041]
In the second circuit, the cathode of the diode 205b is connected to one end of the primary coil Lb1 of the second transformer 202b. The other end of the primary coil Lb1 is connected to the output terminal of the transformer driving switching element 209. The output terminal of the sine wave generation circuit 208 is connected to the input terminal of the transformer driving switching element 209. When the switching relay 203 is connected to the selection terminal 203c, when the input power supply 201 is an AC commercial power supply, the voltage of the input power supply 201 causes the sine wave generation circuit 208 to oscillate via the input resistor 204b and the rectifier diode 205b. Then, the switching element 207 for driving the transformer is switched. The switching element 209 for driving the transformer uses a transistor in the above description, but is not limited to this. Further, even if the input power supply 201 is a DC power supply, any circuit may be used as long as the circuit can perform the same operation as described above. That is, the primary-side drive circuit of the circuit is not particularly limited, and may be any circuit that can obtain the same operation.
[0042]
Both ends of the secondary coil La2 of the first transformer 202a are connected to both ends of the secondary coil Lb2 of the second transformer 202b, and both ends thereof have a contact 12c of a discharge electrode of the ion generating element 12 and a contact of an induction electrode. 12d is connected.
[0043]
When the switching relay 203 is connected to the selection terminal 203b during normal operation (that is, when the first circuit is selected), the charging and discharging of the primary side circuit is repeated, so that the discharging electrode contact 12c constituting the discharging unit 12 is formed. The AC impulse voltage (for example, pp [Peak-to-Peak] value: 3.5 [kV], the number of discharges: 120 [times / s]) shown in FIG. ) Is applied.
[0044]
At this time, corona discharge occurs in the vicinity of the discharge unit 12 and the surrounding air is ionized, and the positive ions H⁺(H₂O)_mAnd negative ion O₂ ⁻(H₂O)_nBy releasing approximately the same amount of, these ions can surround the airborne fungi and viruses in the air and be inactivated by the action of the hydroxyl radical (OH) of the active species generated at that time. Become.
[0045]
On the other hand, when the switching relay 203 is connected to the selection terminal 203c during the cleaning operation of the voltage applying circuit 20a (that is, when the second circuit is selected), the transformer driving switching element 209 of the primary side circuit switches. Oscillation by the sine wave generation circuit unit 208 causes energy on the primary side to be transmitted to the secondary winding Lb2 of the transformer, and causes an alternating current shown in FIG. 3B between the discharge electrode contact 12c and the induction electrode contact 12d. A sine wave voltage (for example, pp value: 4.0 [kV], frequency: 22 [kHz]) is applied.
[0046]
At this time, in the discharge unit 12, corona discharge that is much stronger than in normal operation occurs, and contaminants (such as tobacco tar particles) attached to the discharge surface are removed. For example, in a closed box, after the dust particles adhere to the discharge surface by the normal operation (3 hours) in a contaminated environment where cigarette smoke is present, the cleaning operation is performed in a clean environment. In an experiment for observing the removal state of tan particles (hereinafter, referred to as a cleaning experiment), the area around the discharge part is usually removed from about 3 hours later, and the area around the discharge portion is spread widely after 6 hours. By cleaning operation for about 5 minutes, the periphery of the discharge portion 12 was removed, and after 1 hour, the attached dust particles could be almost completely removed.
[0047]
Here, the attachment mechanism and the removal mechanism of the above-mentioned contaminants (here, tobacco tar particles) will be described.
[0048]
First, the adhesion mechanism will be considered. Since the dust particles floating in the space have almost no electric charges themselves, they are considered to be charged by ions generated by the discharge, attracted to the electrode surface by the electric field generated by the polarization, and adhered thereto. Further, it is considered that the location of the dust particles is simply a matter of the electric field strength. Since the maximum point of the electric field strength (the end of the electric field concentration portion of the discharge electrode 12a facing the induction electrode 12b) is the plasma region, it is considered that the tan particles once adhered were immediately removed. The electric field strength becomes weaker as the distance from the front end of the electric field concentrating portion increases, and the charged charges adhere to the induction particles due to the polarization charges in this portion, so that adhesion marks along the induction electrode are seen. That is, it is considered that either “adhesion” or “removal” is determined by the intensity of the discharge and the concentration of the surrounding dust particles.
[0049]
Next, the removal mechanism will be considered. As the removal mechanism, two factors, a physical factor and a chemical factor, can be considered. The former is sputtering by charged particles, and the latter is chemical decomposition by ions. Here, in view of the experimental results in the closed space and the fact that the dust particles are not easily removed in the region between the electric field concentrated portions, there is a high possibility that the removal mechanism is caused by physical factors. If the particles are chemically decomposed, it should be possible to remove all the particles by taking some time, but the experiment did not. Also, the removal efficiency was increased by the application of a sine wave or a high voltage (details will be described later). If it is due to physical factors, it may be considered that the discharge intensity and frequency increased and the dust particles became easier to fly. it can.
[0050]
Next, a second embodiment of the voltage application circuit 20 will be described. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a second embodiment of the voltage application circuit 20. As shown in FIG. 2A, the voltage application circuit 20b of the present embodiment includes an input power supply 211, a switching transformer 212, an on / off switch 213, resistors 214a and 214b, a diode 215, a capacitor 216, and a transformer. And a driving switching element 217.
[0051]
A resistor 214a is connected to one end of the input power supply 211, and an open / close switch 213 is connected to both ends of the resistor 214a. Furthermore, it is connected to the primary winding L1 of the switching transformer 212 via the resistor 214b and the diode 215. The other end of the primary winding L1 of the switching transformer 212 is connected to a switching element 217 for driving a transformer, and is connected to an input power supply 211. The capacitor 216 is inserted in parallel with the serial connection of the primary winding L1 of the switching transformer 211 and the switching element 217 for driving the transformer. Specifically, the transformer driving switching element 217 is a thyristor (SCR) or the like, and has a driving circuit 218 attached thereto. One end of the secondary coil L2 of the switching transformer 212 is connected to the discharge electrode contact 12c of the discharge unit 12, and the other end is connected to the induction electrode contact 12d of the discharge unit 12.
[0052]
During normal operation of the voltage application circuit 20b having the above configuration, the open / close switch 213 is opened. At this time, the input power supply 211 charges the capacitor 216 with an amount of energy determined by a time constant determined by the resistors 214 a and 214 b and the capacitor 216, and when the switching element 217 for driving the transformer is turned on, a current flows through the primary coil L 1 of the transformer 212 and Energy is transmitted to the next coil L2, and a high-voltage pulse voltage is applied to the discharge unit 12. Immediately thereafter, the capacitor is turned off and charging of the capacitor 216 is started again.
[0053]
By repeating the above charging and discharging, between the discharge electrode contact 12c and the induction electrode contact 12d constituting the discharge unit 12, the AC impulse voltage shown in FIG. kV] and the number of discharges: 60 [times / s]. At this time, corona discharge occurs in the vicinity of the discharge unit 12 and the surrounding air is ionized, and the positive ions H⁺(H₂O)_mAnd negative ion O₂ ⁻(H₂O)_nBy releasing approximately the same amount of, these ions can surround the airborne fungi and viruses in the air and be inactivated by the action of the hydroxyl radical (OH) of the active species generated at that time. Become.
[0054]
On the other hand, during the cleaning operation of the voltage application circuit 20b, since the open / close switch 213 is closed, the voltage of the input power supply 211 is dropped only by the resistor 214b, and the time constant becomes the product of 214b and the capacitor 216, which is smaller than the case described above. Therefore, charging of the capacitor 216 is accelerated, and a large amount of energy is charged in the capacitor 216. Therefore, between the discharge electrode contact 12c and the induction electrode contact 12d, as shown in FIG. 5B, an AC impulse voltage (for example, pp value: 6.6 [kV]) having a larger amplitude than during normal operation, (The number of discharges: 60 [times / s]) is applied.
[0055]
Another form of the second embodiment is described in a voltage application circuit 20c shown in FIG. A terminal is provided in the primary winding of the transformer 212 in a circuit substantially similar to the voltage application circuit 20b, and an open / close switch 213 is arranged between the terminal and one end of the primary winding of the transformer 212.
[0056]
At this time, the input resistance is only 214b. The transformer driving switching element 217 is specifically a non-gate two-terminal thyristor (SIDAC). During normal operation, the open / close switch 213 is open, and the voltage of the input power supply 211 is dropped only by the resistor 214 b, half-wave rectified by the diode 215, and then applied to the capacitor 216. When the charging of the capacitor 216 proceeds and the voltage across the capacitor 216 reaches a predetermined threshold, the transformer driving switching element 217 is turned on, and the charged voltage of the capacitor 216 is discharged. Accordingly, a current flows through the primary coil L1 of the transformer 212, energy is transmitted to the secondary coil L2, and a high-voltage pulse voltage is applied to the discharge unit 12. Immediately thereafter, Sidac 217 is turned off, and charging of capacitor 216 is started again.
[0057]
By repeating the above charging and discharging, between the discharge electrode contact 12c and the induction electrode contact 12d constituting the discharge unit 12, the AC impulse voltage shown in FIG. kV] and the number of discharges: 120 [times / s].
[0058]
On the other hand, during the cleaning operation of the voltage application circuit 20c, the open / close switch 213 is closed, and the turns ratio of the transformer 212 is increased, so that the secondary side of the transformer 212 has an AC impulse voltage having a larger amplitude than that in the normal operation. (For example, pp value: 6.6 [kV], number of discharges: 120 [times / s]).
[0059]
When a large-amplitude AC impulse voltage is applied, corona discharge occurs stronger in the discharge unit 12 than during normal operation, and contaminants (dust particles and the like) attached to the discharge surface are removed. For example, in the above-described cleaning experiment, the cleaning particles of about 2 hours were able to remove the dust particles attached to the discharge section 12 almost completely.
[0060]
Next, a third embodiment of the voltage application circuit 20 will be described. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a third embodiment of the voltage application circuit 20. As shown in the figure, the voltage application circuit 20d of the present embodiment includes an input power supply 231, a switching transformer 232, an open / close switch 233, a resistor 234, a diode 235, capacitors 236a and 236b, and a transformer driving switching. An element 237 (specifically, a gateless two-terminal thyristor (SIDAC)).
[0061]
One end of the input power supply 231 is connected to the anode of the diode 235 via the resistor 234, and the cathode of the diode 235 is connected to one end of the primary winding L1 of the transformer 232 and one end of each of the capacitors 236a and 236b. ing. The other end of the primary winding L <b> 1 is connected to the other end of the input power supply 231 through the transformer driving switching element 237. The other end of the capacitor 236b is connected via a switch 233 to both ends of a series connection of the transformer primary winding L1 and the transformer driving switching element 237. The capacitor 236a is also connected in parallel with these. One end of the secondary coil L2 of the transformer 232 is connected to the discharge electrode contact 12c of the discharge unit 12, and the other end is connected to the induction electrode contact 12d of the discharge unit 12.
[0062]
During normal operation of the voltage application circuit 20d having the above configuration, the open / close switch 233 is closed. At this time, the output voltage of the AC power supply 231 is dropped by the resistor 234, half-wave rectified by the diode 235, and then applied to the capacitors 236a and 236b. When the charging of the capacitors 236a and 236b proceeds and the voltage at both ends reaches a predetermined threshold value, the transformer driving switching element 237 is turned on, and the charged voltage of the capacitors 236a and 236b is discharged. Therefore, a current flows through the primary coil L1 of the transformer 232, energy is transmitted to the secondary coil L2, and a high-voltage pulse voltage is applied to the discharge unit 12. Immediately thereafter, the transformer driving switching element 237 is turned off, and charging of the capacitors 236a and 236b is started again.
[0063]
By repeating the above charging and discharging, an AC impulse voltage shown in FIG. 7A (for example, pp value: 3.5 [approximately]) is provided between the discharge electrode contact 12c and the induction electrode contact 12d constituting the discharge unit 12. kV] and the number of discharges: 120 [times / s]. At this time, a corona discharge is generated in the vicinity of the discharge unit 12 and the surrounding air is ionized, and the positive ions H⁺(H₂O)_mAnd negative ion O₂ ⁻(H₂O)_nBy releasing approximately the same amount of, these ions can surround the airborne fungi and viruses in the air and be inactivated by the action of the hydroxyl radical (OH) of the active species generated at that time. Become.
[0064]
On the other hand, during the cleaning operation of the voltage application circuit 20d, since the open / close switch 233 is opened, the time constant of the RC circuit is reduced, and the number of times the transformer driving switching element 237 is turned on in a half power supply cycle is increased. Therefore, between the discharge electrode contact 12c and the induction electrode contact 12d, as shown in FIG. 7B, a higher frequency AC impulse voltage (for example, pp value: 3.5 [kV], discharge frequency: 180) than during normal operation. [Times / s]) will be applied. Of course, the number of discharges may be further increased by a combination of circuit constants.
[0065]
At this time, since corona discharge occurs more frequently in the discharge unit 12 than during normal operation, contaminants (such as tobacco tar particles) attached to the discharge surface are removed. Comparing the state of removal after 3 hours, in the present embodiment, the area around the discharge part is removed in a wide range, while the degree of removal has started in normal operation.
[0066]
Note that the same operation as described above can be realized by using a variable capacitor instead of the capacitors 236a and 236b and the open / close switch 233 and controlling the capacitance value according to the operation mode. Further, when performing the time constant switching control of the RC circuit, a configuration may be employed in which the resistance value of the resistor 234 can be variably controlled if necessary.
[0067]
The ion generator of each of the above embodiments has a configuration in which an AC voltage (AC sine wave voltage or AC impulse voltage) is applied to the discharge unit 12 to generate a discharge, and the discharge surface is cleaned by the discharge. Also, during the cleaning operation, as in the normal operation, positive ions and negative ions are generated. Therefore, it is possible to remove airborne bacteria and the like in the air while cleaning the discharge surface. However, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this, and a cleaning operation may be performed by applying a negative voltage (a negative sine wave voltage or a negative impulse voltage) to the discharge unit 12. With such a configuration, only negative ions are emitted into the room during the cleaning operation. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the indoor relaxation effect while cleaning the discharge surface. The effect of negative ions is that, in general, a large amount of negative ions are supplied to a space where there is an excess of positive ions due to electrical equipment in the home, etc., and a balance between positive and negative ions as in a forest in the natural world is obtained. It is known that this is effective when the user wants to make a state of being relaxed or seeks a relaxation effect.
[0068]
Further, the ion generator according to the present invention may be configured to automatically start the cleaning operation after the normal operation ends. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the operation is performed at predetermined time intervals during normal operation. With such a configuration, the discharge surface of the discharge unit 12 is always kept in a clean state without depending on a user operation, so that it is possible to avoid a temporal decrease in the amount of ion emission beforehand. It becomes.
[0069]
Further, the ion generator according to the present invention may include an ion sensor for measuring an ion emission amount, and may automatically start a cleaning operation when the ion emission amount falls below a predetermined value. Alternatively, there is provided an odor sensor for measuring the amount of odor components around the device (for example, the amount of tobacco odor components), and when the detected amount exceeds a predetermined value, or when the accumulated time exceeds the predetermined value exceeds a predetermined time. In such a case, the cleaning operation may be automatically started. With this configuration, it is possible to keep the discharge surface of the discharge unit 12 in a necessary and sufficient clean state while reducing the frequency of the cleaning operation and minimizing power consumption.
[0070]
Further, the ion generator according to the present invention may have an input unit for receiving an external operation, and may start a cleaning operation when a predetermined operation is performed on the input unit. With such a configuration, the cleaning operation can be flexibly performed according to a user operation. For example, even if the contaminant adhered to the discharge unit 12 cannot be sufficiently removed by one cleaning operation, the cleaning operation can be repeated by a user operation to completely remove the contaminant.
[0071]
Note that the ion generator of each of the above embodiments is mounted on an electric device such as an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, an air purifier, a refrigerator, a fan heater, a microwave oven, a washer / dryer, a vacuum cleaner, and a sterilizer. Good. With such an electrical device, it is possible to change the physical properties of air with the installed ion generator and to bring the indoor environment to a desired atmospheric state, in addition to the functions inherent in the device.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the ion generator according to the present invention and the electric apparatus including the same can prevent the discharge surface from being contaminated without incurring unnecessary cost increase and apparatus scale expansion. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing one embodiment of an ion generator according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a first embodiment of a voltage application circuit 20.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a waveform of a voltage applied to a discharge unit in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a second embodiment of the voltage application circuit 20.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a waveform of a voltage applied to a discharge unit in a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a third embodiment of the voltage application circuit 20.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a waveform of a voltage applied to a discharge unit according to a third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Ion generator
11 Dielectric
11a Upper dielectric
11b Lower dielectric
12 First and second discharge units
12a Discharge electrode
12b Induction electrode
12c Discharge electrode contact
12d induction electrode contact
12e, 12f connection terminal
13 Coating layer
20 (20a to 20d) voltage application circuit
201, 211, 231 input power supply
202a-b, 212, 232 Switching transformer
La1, Lb1, L1 primary coil
La2, Lb1, L2 secondary coil
203 switching relay
213,233 Open / close switch
203a common terminal
203b-c selection terminal
204a-b, 214a-b, 234 resistance
205a-b, 215, 235 Diode
206, 216, 236a-b capacitors
207, 209, 217, 237 Transformer driving switching element
208 Sine wave generation circuit
218 drive circuit

Claims (10)

An ion generating element having two electrodes opposed to each other with a dielectric interposed therebetween, and a voltage application circuit connected to the ion generating element and applying a voltage to the ion generating element. In an ion generator that ionizes the surrounding air by a discharge generated by applying a voltage between the electrodes,
The voltage application circuit includes a normal operation of applying a voltage to the ion generating element so that a predetermined amount of ions is generated, and increasing a discharge intensity and / or a discharge frequency in the ion generating element compared to the normal operation. A cleaning operation in which a voltage is applied to the ion generating element so that adhesion of the contaminant to the discharge surface of the ion generating element is reduced and / or the adhering contaminant is removed is executed by switching. An ion generator comprising means for performing: The voltage applying circuit applies an impulse voltage to the ion generating element at a predetermined time interval during the normal operation, and applies a sine wave voltage for a predetermined time during the cleaning operation. 2. The ion generator according to 1. The voltage application circuit applies a first amplitude impulse voltage to the ion generating element at predetermined time intervals during the normal operation, and a second amplitude impulse voltage larger than the first amplitude during the cleaning operation. 2. The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the voltage is applied at predetermined time intervals for a predetermined time. The voltage applying circuit applies an impulse voltage to the ion generating element at the first time interval during the normal operation, and applies the impulse voltage at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval during the cleaning operation. The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the voltage is applied for a predetermined time. The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleaning operation is automatically started after the end of the normal operation. The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cleaning operation is performed at predetermined time intervals during the normal operation. 7. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising an ion sensor for measuring an ion emission amount, wherein the cleaning operation is automatically started when the ion emission amount during the normal operation falls below a predetermined value. The ion generator according to claim 1. It has an odor sensor for measuring the amount of odor components around the device, and when the detected amount exceeds a predetermined value, or when the cumulative time exceeding the predetermined value exceeds a predetermined time, the cleaning operation is automatically started. The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an input unit that receives an external operation, wherein the cleaning operation is started when a predetermined operation is performed on the input unit. An electric device comprising the ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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