JP2006302573A - Ion generating element and ion generating device using this - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an ion generating element, having a discharge electrode and a dielectric electrode formed with a dielectric in between, not to decrease the number of takes in a manufacturing process of the dielectrics, to improve assembling workability of an ion generating device, and aim at downsizing of the device with less breaking of wire. <P>SOLUTION: Plate-like things with a rectangular shape in plane view are used as dielectrics 11a, 11b. Then, a first terminal 15a electrically connected with the discharge electrode 12 and a second terminal 15b electrically connected with the dielectric electrode 13 are formed around an edge of the dielectric 11b. With a view to downsizing the device, it is preferable to form connectors to be connected with the first terminal 15a and the second terminal 15b of the ion generating element 1 on a face, contrary to one with a high-voltage transformer 31 mounted, of a substrate 3 mounting the high-voltage transformer 31. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, an ion generating element that generates positive and negative ions for sterilizing and removing airborne bacteria in the air and removing harmful substances in the air, and an ion generating apparatus including the ion generating element.

  In general, in a sealed room with little ventilation, such as an office or a conference room, if there are many people in the room, carbon dioxide, cigarette smoke, dust and other air pollutants emitted by breathing increase. Negative ions, which have the effect of relaxing humans, are reduced from the air. In particular, a large amount of negative ions may be lost due to tobacco smoke, and may be reduced to about 1/2 to 1/5 of the normal amount. Therefore, various ion generators have been commercially available so far to replenish negative ions in the air.

  However, both devices generate only negative ions with a direct current high voltage method and can replenish negative ions in the air, but actively remove airborne bacteria and harmful substances in the air. It wasn't.

  Therefore, in recent years, ion generators that generate both positive and negative ions have been developed and put into practical use. FIG. 7 shows a schematic structure of a conventional ion generator. In the ion generating device S ′ of FIG. 7, the substrate 3 ′ on which the high voltage transformer 31 for applying a high voltage to the ion generating element 1 ′ and its driving circuit component 33 are mounted on the upper surface and the ion generating element 1 ′ are inserted. The folded frame 4 is accommodated in the case 2 ′ substantially in parallel. As shown in FIG. 8, the ion generating element 1 ′ is formed so that the discharge electrode 12 and the induction electrode 13 face each other through a rectangular dielectric 11a in a plan view, as shown in FIG. A terminal 10a connected to the discharge electrode 12 and a terminal 10b connected to the dielectric electrode 13 are formed on the bottom surface of the dielectric 11b. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, these terminals 10 a and 10 b of the ion generating element 1 ′ and a lead terminal 34 of the high-voltage transformer 31 protruding from the lower surface of the substrate 3 ′ are connected by a lead wire L.

  In the ion generator S ′ having such a structure, a plurality of lead terminals of each component protrude, and the lower surface of the substrate 3 ′ on which a wiring pattern (not shown) is formed, and an ion generating element to which a high voltage is applied. Since the terminals 1a and 10b of 1 'are arranged opposite to each other, in order to prevent discharge from occurring between the lower surface of the substrate 3' and the ion generating element 1 ', both are separated by a predetermined distance or more. At the same time, it was necessary to mold the gap between them with the insulating resin 5. For this reason, it is difficult to reduce the size of the apparatus, and assembly of the apparatus such as soldering or resin molding becomes complicated. In addition, the lead wire L is easily cut at the soldered portion.

Therefore, although it is an ozone generator, in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 10, fitting holes 71 a and 71 b are formed in a printed circuit board 7 on which an electrical component such as a pulse transformer is mounted, and under the ozone panel 8. Fitting foot pieces 81a and 81b are formed at the edges, input conductive ends 82a and 82b connected to the electrodes of the ozone panel 8 are extended to the fitting foot pieces 81a and 81b, and further fitted into the fitting holes 71a and 71b. In a state in which the leg pieces 81a and 81b are fitted and the ozone panel 8 is erected on the printed board 7, a feed path (not shown) formed in the printed board 7 and the input conductive ends of the fitted legs 81a and 81b An apparatus has been proposed in which 82a and 82b are electrically connected. According to this proposed apparatus, since no lead wire or solder is required for the connection between the printed circuit board 7 and the ozone panel 8, the assembly workability can be improved.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-164734 (claim for utility model registration, Fig. 1)

  However, in the ozone panel 8 of Patent Document 1, since the fitting foot pieces 81a and 81b are formed by projecting a part of the lower edge, when cutting from the rectangular raw material plate, there is an excess portion that cannot be used. Inevitable. In addition, since the thickness of the ozone panel 8 is usually around 1 mm, the base portions of the fitting feet 81a and 81b that project part of the lower edge become mechanically brittle and may be broken or chipped. Can happen. Furthermore, in the apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the ozone panel 8 is erected on the printed circuit board 7, the volume of the entire apparatus increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem. The object of the present invention is to apply voltage application means without deteriorating the number of dielectrics in the manufacturing process and without using solder. It is providing the ion generating element which can be connected to.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an ion generator that has excellent assembly workability, is less likely to cause disconnection, and can be downsized.

  According to the present invention, the discharge electrode and the dielectric electrode are formed so as to face each other with a rectangular plate-like dielectric in plan view, and the first terminal electrically connected to the discharge electrode, the dielectric electrode A second terminal electrically connected to the dielectric is formed on an edge of the dielectric, and an ion generating element is provided.

  Here, the first terminal and the second terminal may be formed on both sides of the same side of the dielectric.

  According to the invention, the ion generating element described above and a voltage applying unit that applies a voltage between the discharge electrode and the dielectric electrode are provided, and the substrate on which the voltage applying unit is mounted is configured to generate ions. There is provided an ion generating apparatus characterized in that a connection portion connected to the first terminal and the second terminal of the element is formed.

  Here, from the viewpoint of further reducing the thickness of the device, it is preferable to form the connecting portion on the surface opposite to the surface on which the voltage applying means is mounted.

  Further, a case for mounting / holding the ion generating element described above and a substrate on which a voltage applying unit is mounted is further provided, and voltage is applied by mounting the ion generating element on the case on which the substrate is mounted. The connecting portion of the means may be connected to the first terminal / second terminal. At this time, from the viewpoint of reducing the thickness of the apparatus, it is preferable to attach and hold the ion generating element and the substrate to the case substantially in parallel. Further, from the viewpoint of improving the mounting property and mounting stability, it is preferable to form a groove for mounting and holding the ion generating element on the opposite side wall of the case.

  In the ion generating element of the present invention, since the dielectric having a rectangular shape in plan view is used, when the dielectric is separated from the rectangular raw material, a surplus portion is not generated. In addition, since the first terminal and the second terminal that are electrically connected to the discharge electrode and the dielectric electrode, respectively, are formed on the edge of the dielectric, it is possible to connect to the voltage applying means without using solder.

  In the ion generator of the present invention, since the ion generating element is used, the assembly workability is improved and disconnection hardly occurs, and the apparatus can be miniaturized. In addition, since the connection portion connected to the first terminal and the second terminal of the ion generating element is formed on the substrate on which the voltage applying means is mounted, the efficiency of the assembly work is further improved and the apparatus can be further downsized.

  If the connecting portion is formed on the surface opposite to the surface on which the voltage applying means is mounted, the thickness of the device can be further reduced.

  Further, a case for mounting and holding the ion generating element and the substrate on which the voltage applying unit is mounted is further provided, and the connecting portion of the voltage applying unit is mounted by mounting the ion generating element on the case on which the substrate is mounted. If the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to each other, the efficiency of the assembling work is remarkably improved. In addition, when a defect occurs in the ion generating element and the substrate, the replacement becomes easy. When the ion generating element and the substrate are mounted and held in the case substantially in parallel, the thickness of the apparatus can be further reduced. Further, if a groove for mounting / holding the ion generating element is formed in the opposite side wall of the case, mounting performance and mounting stability can be improved.

  Hereinafter, the ion generating element and the ion generating apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an ion generating element 1 according to the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a bottom view. As shown in FIG. 2, the ion generating element 1 includes a rectangular dielectric 11a having a discharge electrode 12 having a predetermined shape formed on the surface and a rectangular dielectric having a dielectric electrode 13 having a predetermined shape formed on the surface. The body 11b is bonded together. A protective layer 14 is formed on the surface of the dielectric 11a. As shown in FIG. 3, a first terminal 15a and a second terminal 15b are formed on both sides of one side of the dielectric 11b, and connection paths 17a and 17b are connected to these terminals 15a and 15b. Is formed. In addition, the formation position of the 1st terminal 15a and the 2nd terminal 15b is not limited to this, What is necessary is just to be formed in the edge of dielectric 11a, 11b. However, considering the ease of connection with the substrate on which the voltage applying means is mounted, which will be described later, it is preferable that the first terminal 15a and the second terminal 15b are formed on the same side of the dielectric 11b. It is recommended that the terminals be separated by 10 mm or more in order to prevent discharge. In addition, since the first terminal 15a and the second terminal 15b have the same potential as the discharge electrode 12 and the dielectric electrode 13, respectively, they are formed at positions separated from the discharge electrode 12 and the induction electrode 13 in order to obtain a stable discharge state. It is desirable to do. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first terminal 15a and the second terminal 15b are formed on the back surface of the dielectric 11b.

  As understood from FIG. 2, the connection path 16a is formed so as to penetrate the dielectrics 11a and 11b, the discharge electrode 12 and the connection path 17a are connected, and the discharge electrode 12 and the first terminal 15a are connected. Yes. Similarly, a connection path 16b is formed so as to penetrate the dielectric 11b, the dielectric electrode 13 and the connection path 17b are connected, and the dielectric electrode 13 and the second terminal 15b are connected. As will be described later, when an alternating high voltage is applied to the first terminal 15a and the second terminal 15b, a discharge is generated in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 12, and both positive and negative ions are generated.

  In the ion generating element 1 of FIG. 1, the discharge electrodes 12 are formed in a lattice shape on the surface of the dielectric 11a. More specifically, the discharge electrode 12 is provided with two longitudinal portions 121 extending in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the dielectric 11a and a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the longitudinal portions 121. A plurality of connecting portions 122 that are connected at different positions. Therefore, a portion surrounded by the two longitudinal portions 121 and the two adjacent connecting portions 122 forms one lattice.

  In the present embodiment, the discharge electrode 12 has a shape in which four lattices are continuously arranged in the longitudinal direction of the dielectric 11a. The three lattices arranged in a row have a substantially square shape, while the remaining one lattice has a substantially rectangular shape. A circular connecting portion 123 is integrated with a connecting portion 122 which is one side of the rectangular grid and forms a part of the outer periphery of the discharge electrode 12 so that the center thereof is located on the connecting path 16a. Provided.

  Further, each grid in the discharge electrode 12 is formed with a plurality of sharpened portions 124 protruding toward the inside of the grid. More specifically, in each of the three substantially square-shaped lattices, four triangular sharpened portions 124 projecting in the direction from the substantially middle point of the four side edges constituting each lattice toward the inside of the lattice are formed. In addition, four sharpened portions 124 projecting in the direction from the four vertices of each lattice toward the inside of the lattice are formed. On the other hand, in a substantially rectangular lattice, one sharpened portion 124 protruding from the middle point of the coupling portion 122 facing the coupling portion where the connection portion 123 is formed toward the inside of the lattice, and a longitudinal length adjacent to the coupling portion 122. Two sharpened portions 124 projecting in the direction from the respective intersections with the portion toward the inside of the lattice are formed.

  Here, the direction toward the inside of the lattice can be assumed to be, for example, a direction toward the intersection of two diagonal lines in each lattice, but is not limited to this direction, and is sharp as described later. As long as the tip portion of the portion 124 overlaps with the induction electrode 13 via the dielectric 11a, any direction may be in the lattice forming surface.

  It is desirable that each sharpened portion 124 is formed so that the distance between the tip portions of each sharpened portion 124 in the extending direction of the longitudinal portion 121 is constant (for example, 2 mm). As a result, the overlapping portions of the sharpened portions 124 of the discharge electrode 12 and the induction electrode 13 are evenly arranged in the extending direction, so that the electric field concentration occurs uniformly between the discharge electrode 12 and the induction electrode 13. As a result, positive and negative ions are generated from the ion generating element 1 in a balanced manner. Of course, the shape of the discharge electrode 12 is not limited to the above-mentioned lattice shape, and may be, for example, a comb blade shape.

  On the other hand, the induction electrode 13 is formed on the dielectric 11b so as to face the discharge electrode 12 through the dielectric 11a. More specifically, the induction electrode 13 includes two longitudinal portions 131 extending in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the dielectric 11b, a coupling portion 132 that couples one end of each longitudinal portion 131, and the coupling portion 132. And the above-mentioned connecting portion 133 formed integrally with the U-shaped portion as a whole. Of course, the induction electrode 13 is not limited to a U-shape, and may be any shape such as an S-shape or a W-shape within a range overlapping the sharpened portion 124 formed on the discharge electrode 12.

  As a material of the dielectrics 11a and 11b used in the present invention, a material excellent in oxidation resistance is suitable as long as it is an organic substance. For example, a resin such as polyimide or glass epoxy can be used. If an inorganic material is selected as the dielectric material, high-purity ceramics such as alumina, crystallized glass, forsterite, and steatite can be used. In view of corrosion resistance, it is desirable to use an inorganic material as the dielectric material. Furthermore, considering the formability and the ease of forming connection electrodes and terminals, it is preferable to use ceramic. is there. In addition, since it is desirable that the insulation resistance between the discharge electrode and the induction electrode is uniform, it is preferable that the density variation in the material is small and the insulation rate of the dielectric is uniform.

  The material of the discharge electrode 12 and the induction electrode 13 can be used without particular limitation as long as it has conductivity, such as tungsten, but it does not cause deformation such as melting by discharge. Is a condition.

  As a material of the protective layer 14 that protects the discharge electrode 12 formed on the upper surface of the dielectric 11a, for example, alumina (aluminum oxide) can be used.

  The ion generating element 1 described above can be manufactured as follows, for example. First, a high-purity alumina sheet having a thickness of 0.45 mm is cut into a predetermined size (for example, a width of 15 mm × a length of 37 mm) to form two alumina substrates having substantially the same size, Let these be the dielectric 11a and the dielectric 11b. The purity of alumina may be 90% or more, but here, alumina having a purity of 92% is used.

  Next, tungsten is screen-printed on the upper surface of the dielectric 11a in a lattice shape or a comb blade shape, and discharge electrodes and connection terminals are formed integrally with the dielectric 11a. On the other hand, tungsten is screen-printed in a U shape on the upper surface of the dielectric 11b, the induction electrode is integrally formed with the dielectric 11b, and the first terminal 15a, the second terminal 15b, and the connection electrode are formed on the lower surface of the dielectric 11b. 17a and 17b are integrally formed by screen printing.

  Further, an alumina protective layer 14 having a film thickness of 0.2 mm, for example, is formed on the surface of the dielectric 11a, and the discharge electrode 13 is insulatively coated. Then, after superposing the lower surface of the dielectric 11a and the upper surface of the dielectric 11b, pressure bonding and evacuation are performed, and these are placed in a furnace and fired in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at 1400 to 1600 ° C. Thus, the ion generating element 1 of this invention is produced.

  Next, the ion generator according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the ion generator S of the present invention. The ion generator S of this figure includes a rectangular parallelepiped case 2a whose upper surface and one side surface are open, a substrate 3 on which a high voltage transformer (voltage applying means) 31 is mounted, and the above-described ion generating element 1. . Grooves 21a and 21b are formed in two steps on opposite side walls in the case 2a, and the substrate 3 and the ion generating element 1 are mounted in the case 2a along these grooves 21a and 21b. In this figure, the substrate 3 is already mounted in the lower groove 21a of the case 2a. The substrate 3 and the ion generating element 1 are detachable from the case 2a.

  Various components 33 (shown in FIG. 5) that form a high-voltage circuit including the high-voltage transformer 31 are mounted on one side surface (the back surface in the figure) of the substrate 3, and a wiring pattern (not shown) for connecting these components. (Shown) is also formed on the same side. Two connectors (connection portions) 32 a and 32 b that are connected to the first terminal 15 a and the second terminal 15 b of the ion generating element 1 are attached to the other side surface (surface in the drawing) of the substrate 3. The connectors 32a and 32b have a substantially "U" shape when viewed from the side. As shown in FIG. 5, leaf springs 321 (shown in FIG. 5) are attached to the upper and lower inner walls of the connectors 32a and 32b. The first terminal 15a and the second terminal 15b of the ion generating element 1 are sandwiched by the leaf spring 321. These leaf springs 321 are connected to the high voltage transformer 31 on the back surface of the substrate 3 through a wiring pattern (not shown) by pin terminals 34 (shown in FIG. 5).

  FIG. 5 shows a vertical sectional view when the ion generating element 1 is inserted into the case 2 along the groove 21b. The ion generating element 1 is inserted into the case 2 with the side where the first terminal 15a and the second terminal 15b of the ion generating element 1 are formed facing forward in the loading direction. When the ion generating element 1 is mounted in the case 2, the first terminal 15a and the second terminal 15b of the ion generating element 1 are sandwiched by the leaf springs 321 of the connectors 32a and 32b. 31 and the ion generating element 1 are connected.

  With such a configuration, even when the distance between the ion generating element 1 and the substrate 3 is reduced from the conventional 7.5 mm to 2.5 mm, which is 1/3 of the conventional distance, a discharge is generated between the ion generating element 1 and the substrate 3. It does not occur, and the thickness of the entire ion generator can be reduced.

When an alternating voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 12 and the induction electrode 13 via the first terminal 15 a and the second terminal 15 b by the high voltage transformer 31, corona discharge occurs in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 12. Thereby, the air around the discharge electrode 12 is ionized, and positive ions made of, for example, H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _m (m is an arbitrary natural number) and O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _n (n is an arbitrary number). Negative ions consisting of a natural number of these ions are generated, and both these ions are released to the outside of the apparatus.

  The alternating voltage applied between the discharge electrode 12 and the induction electrode 13 is limited to a sinusoidal alternating voltage generally used for a commercial power supply (hereinafter, the sinusoidal alternating voltage is referred to as an AC voltage). Instead, the alternating voltage may be a rectangular waveform, or the alternating voltage may be applied using another waveform.

When these both ions adhere to the surface of airborne bacteria or harmful substances in the air, a chemical reaction occurs to generate hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) or hydroxyl radical (.OH) as active species. Airborne bacteria or harmful substances in the air are destroyed by the decomposition action of these active species. It has also been confirmed that these positive and negative ions have a deodorizing action.

  The ion generator S having such a configuration can be applied to various electric devices, such as an air conditioner, an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, an air purifier, a refrigerator, a fan heater, and a microwave oven. It can be applied to washing and drying machines, vacuum cleaners, sterilizers, and the like. Such an electric device is mainly disposed in a room of a house, a room in a building, a hospital room or an operating room, a car, an airplane, a ship, a warehouse, a refrigerator, and the like.

  FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the ion generator of the present invention. In the ion generator of this figure, connectors (connecting portions) 32a and 32b are attached to the case 2b instead of the substrate. A high voltage transformer (not shown) is built in the case 2b, and the high voltage transformer (not shown) and the connectors 32a and 32b are connected by a conventionally known connecting member such as a lead wire. The structure of the connectors 32a and 32b is the same as that shown in FIG. The effect of the present invention can also be obtained by the ion generator having such a configuration. However, in the ion generating apparatus of this figure, the ion generating element 1 is detachable with respect to the case 2b, but unlike the above apparatus, the high voltage transformer (or the substrate on which the high voltage transformer is mounted) is detachable. It's not free.

It is a top view which shows an example of the ion generating element which concerns on this invention. It is a vertical sectional view of the ion generating element of FIG. It is a reverse view of the ion generating element of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the ion generator which concerns on this invention. It is a vertical sectional view of the ion generator of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the other example of the ion generator which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the conventional ion generator. It is a top view of the conventional ion generating element. It is a reverse view of the ion generating element of FIG. It is a figure explaining mounting | wearing with an ozone panel and a printed circuit board.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ion generating element 2a, 2b Case 3 Board | substrate S Ion generator 11a, 11b Dielectric body 12 Discharge electrode 13 Dielectric electrode 14 Protective layer 15a 1st terminal 15b 2nd terminal 21a, 21b Groove 31 High voltage transformer (voltage application means)
32a, 32b connector (connection part)

Claims (7)

  The discharge electrode and the dielectric electrode are formed so as to face each other through a rectangular plate-like dielectric in plan view, and the first terminal electrically connected to the discharge electrode is electrically connected to the dielectric electrode. An ion generating element, wherein the second terminal is formed on an edge of the dielectric.   The ion generating element according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are formed on both sides of the same side of the dielectric.   3. The ion generating element according to claim 1 or 2, and voltage applying means for applying a voltage between the discharge electrode and the dielectric electrode, and a first electrode of the ion generating element is mounted on a substrate on which the voltage applying means is mounted. An ion generator comprising a terminal and a connection portion connected to the second terminal.   The ion generator according to claim 3, wherein the connection portion is formed on a surface opposite to a surface on which the voltage applying means is mounted. A case for mounting and holding the ion generating element according to claim 1 and the substrate on which the voltage application unit is mounted is further provided,
The ion generator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the connection portion of the voltage application means and the first terminal / second terminal are connected by mounting the ion generating element on the case on which the substrate is mounted.   The ion generator according to claim 5, wherein the ion generating element and the substrate are mounted and held on the case substantially in parallel.   The ion generator of Claim 5 or 6 in which the groove | channel for mounting | wearing and holding | maintaining the said ion generating element is formed in the side wall which the said case opposes.

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