JP2006122759A - Electrostatic atomization apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stabilize the amount of atomization even when the water level in a liquid storing part is changed. <P>SOLUTION: The electrostatic atomization apparatus 6 is provided with a transportation part 2 having a sharpened tip part to transport a liquid W from a liquid storing part 1, a counter electrode 3 arranged to be opposed to the transporting direction of the transportation part 2 and a voltage impressing part 5 for impressing the voltage between the transportation part 2 and the counter electrode 3. The liquid W transported to the tip part of the transportation part2 is formed into a tailer cone T shape having a sharpened tip and the the liquid W formed into the tailer cone T shape is atomized to produce ion mist by impressing high voltage between the transportation part 2 and the counter electrode 3. An atomization amount keeping means for keeping the amount of the nanometer sized ion mist atomized by impressing the high voltage unchanged even when the water level in the liquid storing part 1 is changed is provided in the electrostatic atomization apparatus 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrostatic atomizer for electrostatic atomizing a liquid to a nanometer size.

  For example, Patent Document 1 is known as an electrostatic atomizer. In the conventional example shown in Patent Document 1, the transport unit is formed of a porous body, and the water in the liquid reservoir is transported by a capillary phenomenon in the transport unit configured of the porous body. It is designed to be atomized electrostatically.

  FIG. 14 shows a principle diagram of electrostatic atomization. In the figure, 1 is a liquid reservoir for storing water, 2 is a transport unit made of a porous material, 3 is a counter electrode, 4 is an applied electrode, and 5 is an applied electrode. 4 is a voltage application unit that applies a high voltage between the counter electrode 3 and the voltage application unit 5, and a high voltage is applied between the application electrode 4 and the counter electrode 3, thereby conveying the voltage to the upper end of the conveyance unit 2. The liquid W is electrostatically atomized to generate ion mist.

  The mechanism of generation of nanometer-sized ion mist by the electrostatic atomizer 6 is that the liquid W such as water supplied to the tip of the transport unit 2 by the voltage applied between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3. Is charged, and the Coulomb force acts on the charged liquid W, and the liquid level of the liquid W supplied to the tip of the transport unit 2 rises locally in a cone shape with a sharp tip (Taylor cone). When this Coulomb force exceeds the surface tension of the liquid W, the liquid W is split and scattered (Rayleigh split), and nanometer-sized ion mist is generated.

  However, conventionally, electrostatic atomization has been performed by applying a constant voltage between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 regardless of the change in the water level of the liquid reservoir 1.

  Thus, when the same high voltage is applied, the level of the liquid W in the liquid reservoir 1 (the remaining amount of the liquid W in the liquid reservoir 1), the liquid level of the liquid W in the liquid reservoir 1 and the transport unit 2 The relationship between the water head difference from the tip and the discharge current (electrostatic atomization amount) is as shown in FIG. That is, in the discharge region by the Taylor cone T, when the level of the liquid W is high (the liquid W is large), the water head difference between the liquid surface and the tip of the transport unit 2 is small, and the sharp shape due to the liquid W (Taylor cone) T) becomes high, the distance between the tip of the Taylor cone T and the counter electrode 3 becomes short, the discharge current increases, and the amount of electrostatic atomization is large. On the other hand, in the discharge region by the Taylor cone T, when the water level of the liquid W decreases (when the remaining amount decreases), the water head difference between the liquid surface and the tip of the transport unit 2 increases, and the sharp shape (Taylor) due to the liquid W increases. The height of the cone T) decreases, the distance between the tip of the Taylor cone T and the counter electrode 3 increases, the discharge current decreases, and the electrostatic atomization amount also decreases. Further, when the water level drops below a certain level (when the remaining amount of the liquid W becomes less than a predetermined amount), the sharp shape (Taylor cone T) by the liquid W outside the discharge area by the Taylor cone T becomes very small, and the discharge itself. Can not be electrostatic atomization.

  Therefore, in the conventional example in which electrostatic atomization is performed by applying a constant voltage between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 regardless of the change in the water level of the liquid reservoir 1, When the water level of the liquid W changes, the atomization amount of the nanometer-sized ion mist changes, and there is a problem that the atomization amount cannot be made stable and the atomization amount cannot be adjusted.

Examples of the liquid W used for electrostatic atomization include tap water, electrolyzed water, pH-adjusted water, mineral water, water containing useful components such as vitamin C / amino acid, aroma oil, fragrance, etc. Water containing deodorant is used. If these liquids W contain minerals such as Ca and Na, water is pulled up to the tip of the transport unit 2 made of porous material by capillary action, and CO ₂ in the air dissolves in the liquid W. It reacts with carbonate ions that can be produced at the leading end of the transport unit 2 to produce CaCO ₃ , NaHCO ₃ , CaSO _3, etc. It becomes thicker than this, and individual components are deposited and deposited. In particular, since the discharge voltage is applied at a constant period and electrostatic atomization is performed, the liquid W cannot be sufficiently held at the tip of the transport unit 2 when the discharge voltage is not applied. In this case, the transport unit 2 There is a problem that the concentration becomes higher than the saturated dissolution concentration at the tip of the material, and the precipitate deposits and adheres to the tip of the transport unit 2 to clog the porous body constituting the transport unit 2. When the porous body is clogged in this way, the transportation of the liquid W due to the capillary phenomenon is hindered, and the electrostatic atomization is difficult to occur, and the electrostatic atomization cannot be stably performed over a long period of time. There has been a need to perform maintenance to remove deposits and the like clogged due to deposition, or to replace the transport unit 2.
Japanese Patent No. 3260150

  The present invention has been invented in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and even when the water level of the liquid reservoir changes, the atomization amount of the nanometer-sized ion mist can be made to be a predetermined atomization amount, and the atomization can be achieved. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic atomizing device that can stably stabilize electrostatic atomization over a long period of time without metal ions being deposited and adhering to the tip of the transport unit. is there.

  In order to solve the above problems, the electrostatic atomizer according to the present invention includes a transport unit 2 having a pointed tip shape for transporting the liquid W accumulated in the liquid reservoir 1 and a transport direction of the transport unit 2. A counter electrode 3 disposed so as to be opposed to each other and a voltage applying unit 5 that applies a high voltage between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 are provided, and a high voltage is provided between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3. By applying a voltage, the liquid W transported to the tip of the transport unit 2 becomes a Taylor cone T having a sharp tip, and the liquid W that has become the Taylor cone T is atomized to generate nanometer-sized ion mist. In the electrostatic atomizer 6, even when the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 changes, the atomization amount of the nanometer-sized ion mist generated by applying a high voltage is maintained so as not to change due to the change of the water level of the liquid reservoir 1. Atomization amount maintenance means to Only those characterized by comprising.

  By setting it as such a structure, even if the water level of the liquid storage part 1 changes, the atomization amount maintenance means will make the atomization amount of the nanometer size ion mist by electrostatic atomization become predetermined atomization amount. Can be.

  Further, when the atomization amount maintaining means decreases the water level according to the water level of the liquid reservoir 1, the application time of the voltage applied between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 is lengthened, and when the water level is increased, the transport unit 2. It is preferable that the voltage applied between the electrode and the counter electrode 3 is controlled to be shortened.

  That is, the height of the Taylor cone T formed at the front end portion of the transport portion 2 is reduced by lowering the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 and increasing the water head difference between the liquid level and the front end portion of the transport portion 2. The distance between the tip of the tailor cone T and the counter electrode is increased, or the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 is increased and the water head difference between the liquid surface and the tip of the conveyor 2 is reduced. 2, the height of the Taylor cone T formed at the front end of the roller 2 increases and the distance between the tip of the Taylor cone T and the counter electrode 3 decreases, but if the water level increases, the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 The application time of the voltage to be applied is shortened, and when the water level is lowered, the application time of the voltage applied between the conveyance unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 is made the same, so that the conveyance unit 2 regardless of the change in the water level. Between the tip of the Taylor cone T formed at the tip of the counter electrode and the counter electrode It can be stabilized atomized amount is substantially the same discharge current flowing.

  Further, when the atomization amount maintaining means lowers the water level according to the water level of the liquid reservoir 1, the voltage applied between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 is increased, and when the water level is increased, the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 is preferably controlled so as to change the voltage value so as to lower the voltage applied between the two.

  That is, the height of the Taylor cone T formed at the front end portion of the transport portion 2 is reduced by lowering the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 and increasing the water head difference between the liquid level and the front end portion of the transport portion 2. The distance between the tip of the tailor cone T and the counter electrode is increased, or the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 is increased and the water head difference between the liquid surface and the tip of the conveyor 2 is reduced. 2, the height of the Taylor cone T formed at the front end of the roller 2 increases and the distance between the tip of the Taylor cone T and the counter electrode 3 decreases, but if the water level increases, the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 When the water level is lowered and the water level is lowered, the voltage applied between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 is increased to form the tip of the transport unit 2 regardless of the change in the water level. The discharge current flowing between the tip of the Taylor cone T and the counter electrode 3 URN can be stabilized atomized amount in the same.

  Further, during the operation of electrostatic atomization, a discharge voltage discharged by the liquid W that has become the Taylor cone T is applied at a constant period, and the liquid W supplied to the leading end of the transport unit 2 when no discharge voltage is applied. However, it is preferable to always apply a voltage lower than the voltage at which the formed Taylor cone T starts to discharge between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3.

  As described above, when the discharge voltage is not applied, the liquid W supplied to the tip of the transport unit 2 can form a Taylor cone T having a sharp tip, but a voltage lower than the voltage at which discharge starts is applied to the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3. When the discharge voltage is applied, the liquid W transported to the front end of the transport unit 2 can be formed as a Taylor cone T before the start of discharge to maintain the state before starting the discharge. Thus, the time until the start of discharge atomization is reduced, and the atomization amount can be accurately adjusted by the application time of the discharge voltage and the applied discharge voltage. Further, even when the discharge voltage is not applied, the tip end of the transport unit 2 does not always reach the discharge, but the Taylor cone T is formed and the liquid W is sufficiently held. The liquid W does not become thicker than the saturated dissolution concentration at the front end of the transport unit 2, the precipitation of metal ions and the like is reduced at the front end of the transport unit 2, and the decrease in discharge current and electrostatic atomization amount are small. it can.

  In addition, during the electrostatic atomization operation, a discharge voltage that discharges the liquid W that has become the Taylor cone T is applied at a constant period, and the discharge voltage is applied immediately before the application of the discharge voltage that is applied at the constant period. It is preferable to apply a voltage slightly higher or lower than the discharge voltage immediately before.

  In this way, by applying a voltage slightly higher or lower than the discharge voltage immediately before the application of the discharge voltage, it has a sharp shape due to the liquid W formed at the tip of the transport unit 2 to which the liquid W is supplied. The time required for a certain Taylor cone T can be shortened, and the time until the start of discharge can be shortened. When the discharge voltage is applied, the time until the start of discharge atomization is reduced, and the discharge voltage application time and the applied discharge are reduced. The atomization amount can be accurately adjusted by the voltage.

  The present invention has an effect that the atomization amount of the nanometer-sized ion mist by electrostatic atomization can be set to a predetermined atomization amount even when the water level of the liquid reservoir changes, and the atomization is stabilized.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an electrostatic atomizer 6 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrostatic atomizer 6 includes a liquid reservoir 1 composed of a tank containing water, and a porous body immersed in a liquid W whose lower end is placed in the liquid reservoir 1. A rod-shaped transport unit 2 made of a quality ceramic, an application electrode 4 for holding the transport unit 2 and applying a voltage to the liquid W, and a holding unit 8 made of an insulator, and holding the transport unit 2 The counter electrode 3 includes a counter electrode 3 having a counter portion facing the tip portion, and a voltage application unit 5 that applies a high voltage between the application electrode 4 and the counter electrode 3. Both are made of a synthetic resin mixed with a conductive material such as carbon or a metal such as SUS.

  The transport unit 2 is made of a rod-shaped porous ceramic, and the upper end of the transport unit 2 is a sharp needle-shaped atomizing unit 11, and the needle unit is atomized from the lower end surface to the center of the transport unit 2. A hole 2a reaching the tip of the portion 11 is formed so as to penetrate vertically, and the hole 2a has a diameter of about 0.05 to 0.7 mm, for example. A part (outer peripheral part) of the transport part 2 is a conductive part 50 made of a conductive material such as non-permeable Pt or C, and the conductive part 5 is formed on the outer periphery of the transport part 2 in the attached drawings. It is.

  The transport unit 2 is provided by fitting an application electrode 4 attached to an upper opening of a tank constituting the liquid storage unit 1, and an upper part of the transport unit 2 projects upward from the application electrode 4, and a lower part Protrudes downward from the application electrode 4 and comes into contact with the liquid W placed in the liquid reservoir 1.

  A cylindrical skirt 9 protrudes downward from the application electrode 4 attached to the upper opening of the liquid reservoir 1 and surrounds the outside of the transport unit 2, and its lower end is the transport unit 2. It is located below the lower end. This skirt 9 in the application electrode is adapted to protect the transport unit 2 at the same time as applying a high voltage to the water by contacting the water stored in the liquid reservoir 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lower part of the cylindrical holding part 8 made of an insulator is attached to the upper part of the liquid reservoir part 1, and the counter electrode 3 is arranged so as to close the upper end opening of the holding part 8, Accordingly, the counter electrode 3 is disposed so as to face the front end of the transport unit 2 in the transport direction (that is, the upper end of the transport unit 2). An opening 12 is provided in the center of the counter electrode 3. The counter electrode 3 is grounded, the voltage application unit 5 is connected to the application electrode 4 to apply a high voltage, and the transport unit 2 made of porous ceramic is placed in the liquid storage unit 1 by capillary action. When sucking W, the needle-like atomizing portion 11 at the upper end of the conveying portion 2 functions as a substantial electrode on the application electrode 4 side.

  The liquid W such as water stored in the liquid reservoir 1 is transported through the hole 2a and the porous portion in the transport section 2 to the needle-like atomizing section 11 side at the upper end by capillary action.

  When a high voltage is applied between the application electrode 4 and the counter electrode 3 by the voltage application unit 5, the needle-like atomization unit 11 at the tip of the conveyance unit 2 made of porous ceramic becomes a substantial electrode, and the conveyance unit The liquid W that has reached the needle-like atomization unit 11 is charged by the voltage applied between the counter electrode 3 and the counter electrode 3, and the Coulomb force acts on the charged liquid W, and the liquid surface of the liquid W has a locally sharp tip. It rises like a cone (Taylor Cone T). If the voltage applied at this time exceeds the surface tension of the liquid W and is a high voltage that can cause splitting and scattering (Rayleigh splitting), the liquid W that has reached the upper end of the transport unit 2 has a Taylor cone T shape. Then, electrostatic atomization is performed in which Rayleigh splitting occurs and nanometer-sized ion mist is generated.

  The nanometer-sized ion mist (negative ion mist) generated in this way is a nanometer-sized ion mist with active species (hydroxy radicals, superoxide, etc.). Not only the deodorization of the indoor air but also the odor adhering to the indoor wall surface can be removed.

  In the electrostatic atomizer 6 having the above-described configuration, the present invention is configured so that the amount of atomized nanometer-sized ion mist generated by application of a high voltage is different from that of the liquid reservoir 1 even when the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 changes. It is characterized by providing an atomization amount maintaining means for maintaining the water level so as not to change.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the same high voltage application state, the supply capability of the liquid W to the tip of the transport unit 2 slightly changes depending on the level of the liquid W in the liquid reservoir 1 (the remaining amount of the liquid W). . That is, in the discharge region by the Taylor cone T, when the level of the liquid W is high (the liquid W is large), the water head difference between the liquid surface and the tip of the transport unit 2 is small, and the sharp shape due to the liquid W (Taylor cone) T) becomes high, the distance between the tip of the Taylor cone T and the counter electrode 3 becomes short, the discharge current increases, and the amount of electrostatic atomization is large. On the other hand, when the water level of the liquid W decreases (when the remaining amount decreases) in the discharge region due to the Taylor cone T, the water head difference between the liquid surface and the tip of the transport unit 2 increases, and the sharp shape (Taylor cone) due to the liquid W increases. T) is lowered, the distance between the tip of the Taylor cone T and the counter electrode 3 is increased, the discharge current is reduced, and the amount of electrostatic atomization is also reduced. Further, when the water level drops below a certain level (when the liquid remaining amount becomes a predetermined amount or less), the pointed shape (Taylor cone T) caused by the liquid W deviates from the discharge area by the Taylor cone T, and the discharge itself is reduced. It cannot be done and electrostatic atomization stops. FIG. 3 shows the water level of the liquid W in the liquid reservoir 1 (the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir 1) and the water head difference between the liquid level of the liquid W in the liquid reservoir 1 and the tip of the transport unit 2. The relationship between the discharge current (electrostatic atomization amount) and the case where the same high voltage is applied is shown as a model.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the amount of atomization of nanometer-sized ion mist generated by the application of a high voltage even when the water level changes in the discharge region by the Taylor cone T as described above. An atomization amount maintaining means is provided for maintaining the liquid level of the liquid reservoir 1 so as not to change due to a change in the water level. Even if the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 changes, the nanometer size by electrostatic atomization by the atomization amount maintaining means is provided. The ionization amount of the ion mist is set to a predetermined atomization amount.

  That is, as the atomization amount maintaining means, when the water level decreases according to the water level of the liquid reservoir 1, the application time of the voltage applied between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 is lengthened and the water level increases. 2 and the counter electrode 3 can be controlled so as to shorten the application time of the voltage applied.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the discharge voltage V ₁ having a predetermined voltage value is applied at a constant cycle. The application time (duty) of the discharge voltage V ₁ applied at the constant cycle is shown in FIG. 4 is controlled by the control unit so that it is long when the water level in the discharge region by the Taylor cone T in FIG. 4 is low (low amount of liquid) and short when the water level is high (high amount of liquid). As shown in FIG. 6, the discharge current and the amount of atomization are made constant.

As a water level detection means for detecting a change in the water level, for example, the water level can be detected by measuring a discharge current. That is, when the water level decreases, the distance from the tip of the Taylor cone T to the counter electrode 3 increases, so the discharge current decreases, and when the water level increases, the distance from the tip of the Taylor cone T to the counter electrode 3 decreases. , Discharge current increases. Thus, since there is a correlation between the water level and the discharge current, the water level can be known by measuring the discharge current, and the measured value of the discharge current is input to the control unit. discharge current based on the measured value is longer discharge voltage V ₁ of the application time of the predetermined value (duty) is applied at a fixed period and lower than a predetermined value, applied in a predetermined cycle discharge current becomes higher than a predetermined value to be feedback controlled so as to shorten the time (duty) of the application of the discharge voltage V ₁ of the predetermined value, a minimum in the discharge region thereby from (maximum liquid remaining in the discharge region) state-full level in the discharge area by the Taylor cone T The discharge current shown in FIG. 6 is made constant even if the water level changes up to the water level (minimum liquid remaining amount in the discharge region), and the atomization amount is made constant regardless of the change in the water level (FIG. 6). Is the definitive atomization amount to the (area) constant).

Here, the discharge voltage V ₁ applied at a constant period is discharged and electrostatic atomization is possible in the case of the lowest water level (minimum liquid remaining amount in the discharge area) in the discharge area by the Taylor cone T of FIGS. And an arbitrary voltage between the voltage that discharges and enables electrostatic atomization in the case of full water (maximum remaining liquid amount in the discharge region).

  Further, as the atomization amount maintaining means, when the water level decreases according to the water level of the liquid reservoir 1, the voltage applied between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3 is increased, and when the water level increases, the transport unit 2 is opposed. It may be controlled to change the voltage value so that the voltage applied to the electrode 3 is lowered.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the discharge voltage is applied at a constant cycle, but the discharge time (duty) of the discharge voltage applied at the constant cycle is the same, and the voltage value of the discharge voltage is shown in FIG. 3, high discharge voltage V _2, (often remaining liquid amount) level is high when the Taylor cone water level is low in the discharge region by T in FIG. 5 (less liquid remaining amount) lower than the V ₂ in the case controlled by the control unit so that the discharge voltage V _3, thereby the discharge current as shown in FIG. 7, it is to a constant atomization amount. Here, the discharge voltage V ₃ > the discharge voltage V ₂ , and the discharge voltage V ₂ is full in the discharge region (maximum liquid remaining amount in the discharge region) by the Taylor cone T in FIGS. discharge larger than the voltage that enables the electrostatic atomization, discharge voltage V ₃ is 3, the discharge in the case of low water (minimum remaining liquid amount in the discharge region) in the discharge area by the Taylor cone T of FIG. 5 The voltage is smaller than the voltage that enables electrostatic atomization.

  As the water level detection means for detecting the change in the water level, the water level is detected by measuring the discharge current as described above, and the measured value of the discharge current is input to the control unit, and the measured value of the discharge current is used. When the discharge current is lower than the predetermined value, the voltage value of the discharge voltage applied at a constant cycle is increased. When the discharge current is higher than the predetermined value, the voltage of the discharge voltage is applied at a predetermined cycle. Feedback control is performed so that the value becomes lower, and thereby, the water level in the discharge region (maximum remaining liquid amount in the discharge region) by the Taylor cone T in FIG. In the meantime, even if the water level changes, the discharge current shown in FIG. 7 is made constant, and the atomization amount is made constant regardless of the change in the water level.

  In each of the embodiments described above as the water level detection means, the discharge current value is measured, and the change in the water level is measured by the change in the discharge current value. However, a water level sensor is provided in the liquid reservoir 1, and the water level is detected. The signal of the water level obtained by the sensor is inputted to the control unit, and the discharge time (duty) of the discharge voltage applied at a constant cycle is changed according to the water level as described above, or the discharge voltage is controlled to change. Is also good.

  Further, in the present invention, when the water level of the liquid W in the liquid reservoir 1 becomes equal to or lower than the dischargeable discharge region, the application of the discharge voltage is controlled to stop, and the tip of the transport unit 2 So that no direct discharge occurs between the electrode and the counter electrode 3. This prevents wear and deterioration of the front end portion of the transport unit 2 due to direct discharge.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when a float 30 having a magnet floating on the liquid W is movably fitted outside the transport unit 2 and the water level falls below a dischargeable discharge region, The float 30 provided with the magnet descends, and the magnet interlocking switch 31 provided on the bottom lower surface of the liquid reservoir 1 is operated by the magnet of the float 30 to control the application of the discharge voltage by the voltage application unit 5 to stop.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the present embodiment, as described above, when the water level in the liquid reservoir 1 is in the discharge region, even if the water level changes, a high voltage of a predetermined value that discharges the liquid W that has become the Taylor cone T is discharged at a constant period. 3 and 4, the discharge voltage application time (duty) applied at a constant period is controlled so that the atomization amount of nanometer-sized ion mist by electrostatic atomization is constant. The control unit controls the water level so that it is long when the water level in the discharge region by the Taylor cone T is low (low liquid level) and short when the water level is high (high liquid level). The control to make the discharge atomization amount constant irrespective of the change is the same as that in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6, but in this embodiment, the operation of electrostatic atomization is further performed as described above. Inside the Taylor corn And with it the liquid W is applied to the discharge voltages V ₁ to be discharged at a predetermined period, the liquid W supplied to the tip portion of the conveying section 2 at the time of non-application of the discharge voltages V ₁ to the Taylor cone T shape having a sharp tip Although it can be formed, the control unit controls so that the voltage V ₀ lower than the voltage at which the formed Taylor cone T starts discharging is always applied between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3.

Here, the liquid V supplied to the tip of the transport unit 2 can form a Taylor cone T having a sharp tip, but the voltage V ₀ lower than the voltage at which discharge starts is that the water level in the liquid reservoir 1 is the discharge region. Is the voltage V ₀ lower than the voltage at which the Taylor cone T having a sharp tip is formed and discharge is started. Naturally, the voltage V ₀ is smaller than the discharge voltage V ₁ .

Thus, a constant period at the time of non-application of the discharge voltages V ₁ to be applied, the lower than the voltage but the liquid W supplied to the tip portion of the conveying unit 2 can be formed Taylor cone T having a sharp tip to start discharge voltage The state before the liquid W transported to the front end of the transport unit 2 is formed as a Taylor cone T before the discharge starts and starts discharging by constantly applying V ₀ between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3. When the discharge voltage is applied at a constant period, the time until the start of discharge atomization can be reduced, and the atomization amount can be adjusted accurately according to the discharge voltage application time and the applied discharge voltage. be able to. In addition, when the discharge voltage V ₁ applied at a constant period is not applied, the liquid W supplied to the tip of the transport unit 2 can form a Taylor cone T having a sharp tip, but the voltage V ₀ is lower than the voltage at which discharge starts. Is always applied between the transport unit 2 and the counter electrode 3, so that even when the discharge voltage V ₁ is not applied, the tip end of the transport unit 2 does not always discharge but the Taylor cone T is formed. As a result, the liquid W is sufficiently retained. Therefore, even when used for a long time, there is always a predetermined amount of liquid W at the leading end of the transporting section 2 during operation, both during discharge and during non-discharge, so that the liquid W is saturated and dissolved by discharge and natural evaporation. It does not become darker than the concentration, and this reduces the precipitation of metal ions and the like at the tip of the transport unit 2 and can also reduce the discharge current and the electrostatic atomization amount.

That is, when a voltage is applied to the transport unit 2, the potential difference between the lower end and the front end (upper end) of the transport unit 2 is large, so the liquid (water) W in the transport unit 2 is electrolyzed and pH is separated. Occurs, and calcium ions, sodium ions, etc. contained in the liquid (water) react with carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) in the air, and calcium carbonate (CaCO ₃ ), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ), magnesium carbonate ( MgCO ₃ ) and the like, and the consumption of the liquid W due to electrostatic atomization and natural evaporation causes the liquid W to become thicker than the saturated dissolution concentration at the tip of the transport unit 2, and the above components are deposited at the tip of the transport unit 2, deposited, thereby reduces the conveying capacity of the liquid W in the conveying unit 2, although the electrostatic atomization amount is reduced, as in the present embodiment, at the time of non-application of the discharge voltages V ₁ to be applied at a fixed period, the transport At the tip of part 2 Feeding liquid W is constantly applied between the transport section 2 and the counter electrode 3 a voltage V ₀ is lower than the voltage can be formed Taylor cone T having a sharp tip to start discharge, the transport unit 2 during operation By ensuring that a predetermined amount of liquid W is always present at the tip during both discharge and non-discharge, it is possible to prevent the liquid W from becoming thicker than the saturated dissolution concentration due to discharge or natural evaporation. The amount of atomization can be stabilized.

  FIG. 9 shows still another embodiment.

In the present embodiment, as described above, when the water level in the liquid reservoir 1 is in the discharge region, even if the water level changes, the discharge time (duty) of the discharge voltage applied at a constant period is the same, and the voltage value of the discharge voltage, Fig. 3, the high voltage V ₂ when the water level is low (liquid level is low) in the discharge area by the Taylor cone T of FIG. 5, (often remaining liquid amount) level is high if Is the same as the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7 described above, in which the control unit controls the voltage V ₃ to be lower than V ₂ and controls the discharge current and the atomization amount to be constant. However, in the present embodiment, the operation of causing electrostatic atomization by applying the high voltage discharged from the liquid W, which has become the Taylor cone T as described above, is applied at a constant cycle according to the water level as described above. Sometimes supplied to the tip of the transport unit 2 Liquid W is to be constantly applied between the transport section 2 and the counter electrode 3 a voltage V ₀ is lower than the voltage can be formed Taylor cone T having a sharp tip to start discharge.

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 described above, the liquid W transported to the front end of the transport section 2 is formed as a Taylor cone T before the start of discharge, and the state before starting to discharge is maintained. When the discharge voltage is applied at a fixed period, the time until the start of discharge atomization can be reduced, and this makes it possible to adjust the atomization amount accurately according to the discharge voltage application time and the applied discharge voltage. it can. In addition, even when used for a long time, there is always almost a predetermined amount of liquid W at the leading end of the transporting unit 2 during operation, both during discharge and during non-discharge. It does not become darker than the concentration, and this reduces the precipitation of metal ions and the like at the tip of the transport unit 2 and can also reduce the discharge current and the electrostatic atomization amount.

  Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the present embodiment, as described above, when the water level in the liquid reservoir 1 is in the discharge region, even if the water level changes, the discharge voltage V ₁ having a predetermined value at which the liquid W that has become the Taylor cone T is discharged. hit control such atomization amount of ion mist nanometer size by electrostatic atomization is constant is applied at a constant period, the application of discharge voltages V ₁ to be applied in a constant cycle time (duty), FIG. 3. Control by the control unit to be long when the water level in the discharge region by the Taylor cone T in FIG. 4 is low (low liquid level) and short when the water level is high (high liquid level). Thus, the control to make the discharge atomization amount constant regardless of the change in the water level is the same as that in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6, but in this embodiment, the Taylor cone is further changed as described above. T A high voltage liquid W is discharged during operation for electrostatic atomization is applied at a fixed period, applies a discharge voltage V ₁ of the for liquid W became Taylor cone T is discharged at a constant cycle, the discharge voltage is controlled by the control unit so as to apply a slightly higher voltage V ₄ than the discharge voltages V ₁ immediately before the application of V _1.

By controlling to apply in this way immediately before the application V ₁ of the discharge voltage the discharge voltage slightly higher voltage V ₄ than V _1, is formed at the distal end portion of the conveyance unit 2 in which the liquid W is fed The time required for the Taylor cone T having a sharp shape with the liquid W can be reduced, and the time until the start of discharge can be reduced. Thus the discharge voltage near the time to start discharge atomization when multiplied by V _1, the application time of the discharge voltages V _1, can be adjusted accurately atomized amount by discharge voltages V ₁ to be applied. Here, the voltage V ₄ is a voltage that can be discharged in the discharge region by the Taylor cone T.

  FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment.

In the present embodiment, as described above, when the water level in the liquid reservoir 1 is in the discharge region, even if the water level changes, the discharge time (duty) of the discharge voltage applied at a constant period is the same, and the voltage value of the discharge voltage, Fig. 3, the high voltage V ₂ when the water level is low (liquid level is low) in the discharge area by the Taylor cone T of FIG. 5, (often remaining liquid amount) level is high if Is the same as the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7 described above, in which the control unit controls the voltage V ₃ to be lower than V ₂ and controls the discharge current and the atomization amount to be constant. However, in the present embodiment, the operation of changing the discharge voltage discharged from the liquid W, which has become the Taylor cone T as described above, at a constant cycle according to the water level and applying the electrostatic atomization as described above. Sometimes it became Taylor Corn T Applies a voltage for discharge for the body W is discharged in a constant cycle, water level (less liquid remaining amount) lower when a little than the discharge voltage V ₂ immediately before application of the discharge voltage V ₂ is the low voltage V ₅ is applied a predetermined time, (less liquid remaining amount) level is lower case a and dischargeable at a slightly higher voltage V ₅ than the discharge voltage V ₃ just before the application of the discharge voltage V ₃ Control is performed by the control unit so that the voltage is applied for a certain period of time.

Also in the present embodiment, as in the above-described embodiment, the time required for the tailor cone T having a sharp shape formed by the liquid W formed at the tip of the transport unit 2 to which the liquid W is supplied is shortened, and discharge starts. Can be shortened. As a result, when the discharge voltage is applied, the time until the start of discharge atomization is reduced, and the amount of atomization can be accurately adjusted by the application time of the discharge voltage and the applied discharge voltage. Here, the voltage V ₅ is a voltage that can be discharged in a discharge region by the Taylor cone T.

  FIGS. 12 and 13 show an example in which the electrostatic atomizer 6 having the above-described configuration is housed in the air purification device 20. Air purifier 20 Air purifier 21 and electrostatic atomizer 6 are internally provided. The air purification unit 21 is provided in a suction port 22 for sucking room air, a discharge port 23 for discharging filtered air into the room, and an air passage 26 extending from the suction port 22 to the discharge port 23. It is equipped with a filter 24 such as a nonwoven fabric or activated carbon and a fan 25. It sucks indoor air from the suction port 22, filters it through the filter 24, and discharges it as clean air from the discharge port 23 into the room. The so-called filter 24 (filtering method) is used to remove dust and the like floating in the room. The electrostatic atomizer 6 incorporated in the air purification device 20 has the above-described configuration, and the electrostatic atomizer 6 is disposed downstream of the portion of the air passage 26 where the filter 24 is provided. In addition, nanometer-sized ion mist generated in the electrostatic atomizer 6 on the air flow cleaned by the filter 24 is discharged into the room from the discharge port 23 to deodorize the room. Here, since the cleaned air passes through the electrostatic atomizer 6, indoor dust or the like does not adhere to the portion to which the voltage of the electrostatic atomizer 6 is applied, and the dust adheres. This prevents electrostatic atomization from occurring easily.

It is a schematic block diagram of the electrostatic atomizer of this invention. (A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view same as the above, (b) is a cross-sectional view same as the above. When the same high voltage as described above is applied, the liquid level in the liquid reservoir (the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid reservoir), the water head difference between the liquid level in the liquid reservoir and the tip of the transport unit, the discharge current, It is a graph which shows the relationship. Corresponding to the change in the water level of the liquid in the liquid reservoir (the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir) and the difference in water head between the liquid level of the liquid in the liquid reservoir and the tip of the transport section when the same high voltage is applied. It is a graph explaining changing application time. The applied voltage is changed in accordance with the change in the liquid level in the liquid reservoir (the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir) and the water head difference between the liquid level in the liquid reservoir and the tip of the transport unit. It is a graph to explain. It is a time chart of control of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a time chart of control of other embodiments same as the above. It is a time chart of control of further another embodiment same as the above. It is a time chart of control of further another embodiment same as the above. It is a time chart of control of further another embodiment same as the above. It is a time chart of control of further another embodiment same as the above. It is side surface sectional drawing of the air purification apparatus carrying an electrostatic atomizer same as the above. It is front sectional drawing of the air purification apparatus carrying an electrostatic atomizer same as the above. It is a schematic block diagram which shows a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid storage part 2 Conveying part 3 Counter electrode 5 Voltage application part 6 Electrostatic atomizer

Claims (5)

  High voltage between the transport unit having a pointed tip shape for transporting the liquid accumulated in the liquid reservoir, the counter electrode arranged to face the transport direction of the transport unit, and the transport unit and the counter electrode And applying a high voltage between the transport unit and the counter electrode, the liquid transported to the tip of the transport unit becomes a Taylor cone with a sharp tip and the Taylor In an electrostatic atomizer that generates nanometer-sized ion mist by atomizing a cone-shaped liquid, the amount of atomized nanometer-sized ion mist generated by applying a high voltage even when the water level in the liquid reservoir changes Is provided with an atomization amount maintaining means for maintaining the liquid so as not to change due to a change in the water level of the liquid reservoir.   When the atomization amount maintaining means lowers the water level according to the water level of the liquid reservoir, the application time of the voltage applied between the transport unit and the counter electrode is lengthened, and when the water level is high, between the transport unit and the counter electrode The electrostatic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic atomizer is controlled so as to shorten an application time of the voltage applied to.   The atomization amount maintaining means increases the voltage applied between the transport unit and the counter electrode when the water level decreases according to the water level of the liquid reservoir, and applies between the transport unit and the counter electrode when the water level increases. 2. The electrostatic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic atomizer is controlled so as to change a voltage value so as to lower the voltage.   During electrostatic atomization operation, a tailor cone is applied with a discharge voltage that discharges the liquid that has become a Taylor cone at a certain period, and the liquid supplied to the tip of the transport unit when no discharge voltage is applied. 4. A voltage which can be formed in a cone shape but is lower than a voltage at which the formed Taylor cone starts discharging is always applied between the transport portion and the counter electrode. The electrostatic atomizer described in 1.   During the operation of electrostatic atomization, a discharge voltage that discharges the liquid that has become the Taylor cone is applied at a certain period, and slightly higher or slightly lower than the discharge voltage immediately before the application of the discharge voltage applied at the certain period. The electrostatic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein a voltage is applied.

Images