JP2010232005A - Blower - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a blower capable of reducing a generated amount of ozone at the time of generation of ion wind. <P>SOLUTION: In the blower having a plate-shaped discharge electrode with a projection, and a counter electrode and forming the ion wind by preparing a potential difference between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, the pointed head of the projection has an insulating film, and has an arc shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the discharge electrode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a blower that forms an ionic wind by providing a potential difference between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode.

  Blowers are used for various purposes such as air agitation, dust collection, cooling, and space blocking. For example, in a living space, if odors or oily smoke generated in the kitchen space flows into the adjacent living space, the comfort in the living space is disturbed, and the walls placed in the living space and the items placed on the living space are soiled There is a fear. In such a case, it is effective to block the space with an air curtain.

  On the other hand, a technique for forming an ionic wind has been proposed. The ion wind is generated by applying a voltage between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode to generate corona discharge. Corona discharge ionizes molecules in the space, and the ionized molecules flow toward the counter electrode, but some molecules are released into the room. This molecular flow forms an ionic wind.

  Conventionally, an Al-Cr oxide film is formed on a discharge portion of a discharge electrode of an electrostatic precipitator. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)

JP 07-178350 A

  By the way, ozone is generated when ion wind is formed by electron irradiation by corona discharge. Since ozone is odorous even at a concentration that is harmless to the human body, it may cause discomfort to the user.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the air blower which can reduce the ozone generation amount at the time of ion wind generation.

  In order to solve the above problems, a blower according to the present invention includes a plate-like discharge electrode having a protrusion and a counter electrode, and provides a potential difference between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. An air blower that forms an ionic wind, wherein the tip of the projection has an insulating film, and the tip of the projection has an arc shape when the discharge electrode is viewed from the thickness direction.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the air blower which can reduce the ozone generation amount at the time of ion wind generation is provided.

It is a model side view which illustrates the air blower which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic plan view when the air blower which concerns on embodiment of this invention is seen from upper direction. It is a model perspective view for demonstrating the generation | occurrence | production principle of an ion wind. It is the protrusion part front end enlarged view which looked at the discharge electrode of the air blower which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the thickness direction. It is an expansion schematic diagram which shows the protrusion part tip shape seen from the thickness direction of the discharge electrode of the air blower used in the comparative experiment 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the conventional discharge electrode. It is the schematic diagram seen from diagonally for describing the example of installation of an air blower. It is a schematic plan view for demonstrating the example of installation of an air blower.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating a blower according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view when the blower is viewed from above.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blower 1 includes a discharge electrode 2 and a counter electrode 3. The counter electrode 3 can be a pair of counter electrodes 3, 3. Hereinafter, a case where such a configuration is employed will be described as an example. As will be described later, the blower 1 is a blower that forms an ion wind by providing a potential difference between the discharge electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3.

The discharge electrode 2 can be a metal plate-like member and has a plurality of protrusions 2p. Here, in this embodiment, the space | interval of the front-end | tips of the projection part 2p is prescribed | regulated so that the wind speed distribution of the ion wind in the longitudinal direction of the discharge electrode 2 may be equalize | homogenized. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of projecting portions 2 p can be configured to project at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the discharge electrode 2 toward the side where the counter electrode 3 is provided. . The tip of the protrusion can be, for example, an acute tip. In this way, by sharpening the tip, it is possible to limit the generation location of electrons to be described later to the tip of the protrusion 2p.
In addition, since the electrons emitted from the tip of the projection 2p are further focused, the emitted electrons can jump straight without spreading and the straightness of the ion wind can be improved. However, the tip of the protrusion 2p is not limited to an acute angle, and may be an obtuse angle or a rounded shape as long as the required ion wind is formed.

  The counter electrode 3 can be a metal flat plate member, and can be configured so that its longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the discharge electrode 2.

  Further, the discharge electrode 2 may be provided above an intermediate position between the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3, and the protrusion 2 p of the discharge electrode 2 is located at an intermediate position between the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3. You may make it the structure which protrudes toward.

  Although not shown, a pair of cover members made of an electrically insulating material such as resin may be provided outside the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3 in the opposing direction. Further, the discharge electrode 2 may be attached to the cover member via a support member made of an electrically insulating material such as resin.

  As will be described later, a direct current power source 10 is connected to the discharge electrode 2, and the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3 are grounded. (See Figure 3)

  Here, in consideration of an application for blocking water vapor or oily smoke generated in a kitchen space or the like, the discharge electrode 2 and the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3 are preferably made of stainless steel.

  Further, the discharge electrode 2 and the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3 are coated with a conductive protective film (for example, a conductive fluororesin coating), plated with a metal having high corrosion resistance, or conductive such as titanium oxide. It can also be coated with a photocatalyst having a property. With such conductive coating or plating, the corrosion resistance between the discharge electrode 2 and the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3 without interfering with the corona discharge generated by providing a potential difference between both electrodes, which will be described later, Antifouling property can be improved. As a result, it is possible to operate for a long period of time even in an environment where water vapor or oily smoke is generated.

Next, the principle of generating ionic wind will be described.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the principle of generation of ion wind.
As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge electrode 2 is connected to a DC power supply 10 and is applied with a negative voltage. The plus side of the DC power supply 10 and the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3 are grounded. Note that the positive side of the DC power supply 10 may be connected to the discharge electrode 2 so that the negative side of the DC power supply 10 and the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3 are grounded. Further, since it is sufficient that a potential difference exists between the discharge electrode 2 and the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3, the counter electrode and the DC power source may be connected and the discharge electrode 2 side may be grounded. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which neither the discharge electrode 2 nor the counter electrode 3 is grounded.

  When a voltage of, for example, about −20 kV is applied to the discharge electrode 2 by the DC power source 10, a potential difference is generated between the discharge electrode 2 and the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3, and the electric field strength near the tip of the protrusion 2p is generated. Increases locally and corona discharge occurs. The applied voltage can be set to an arbitrary value according to the use situation, and for example, about 10 kV to 20 kV can be mentioned. Electrons generated by the corona discharge are drawn downward in the figure by an electric field formed between the discharge electrode 2 and the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, drawn electrons, gas molecules (e.g., water vapor (H 2 _O) and oxygen (O _2), and so forth) attached to the gas molecules becomes ions take on a negative charge. Some of the ions are drawn into the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3, but the potential from the left and right counter electrodes 3 and 3 is equipotential near the center in the opposing direction of the pair of counter electrodes 3 and 3. The ions are emitted toward the lower space in the figure so as to pass through the vicinity of the central portion. Thus, a part of the ions are emitted toward the lower space in the figure by the action of the electric field described above. As a result, a downward flow of gas molecules, that is, an air flow called ionic wind is generated.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the discharge electrode of the blower according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The present inventor provides an arc-shaped insulating film 5 at the tip of the protrusion 2p of the discharge electrode 2 made of a metal material when viewed from the thickness direction of the discharge electrode 2, thereby generating an ion wind due to corona discharge. It has been found that the amount of ozone generated is reduced. Thereby, the air blower without the discomfort to the user by smell etc. can be provided.

  An arc-shaped insulating film viewed from the thickness direction of the tip of the projection 2p of the discharge electrode 2 for realizing this characteristic will be described using Comparative Experiment 1. FIG.

(Comparative Example 1)
A primary etching process was performed on the tip of the protruding portion of the discharge electrode prepared by machining a stainless steel plate (SUS304). When the tip shape of the protruding portion of the obtained discharge electrode was observed with an SEM (scanning electron microscope), edges existed at both ends and near the middle.

(Example)
The tip of the protruding portion of the discharge electrode prepared by machining a stainless steel plate (SUS304) was subjected to primary etching and secondary etching, and then coated with polysilazane. When the tip shape of the protruding portion of the obtained discharge electrode was observed with an SEM (scanning electron microscope), no edge was present and the tip portion was arcuate.

Using the discharge electrodes obtained in Examples and Comparative Example 1, ion wind was generated in a 145 L volume BOX, and the amount of ozone generated was measured by an ozone concentration measuring device connected to the BOX. The experimental conditions at this time were as follows.
Discharge electrode: Length 300 mm Thickness 0.1 mm Projection spacing 8 mm
Counter electrode: length 300 mm, thickness 3 mm, spacing between a pair of counter electrodes 16 mm
Spacing between discharge electrode and counter electrode: 20 mm
Applied voltage to discharge electrode: -12 kV
Current: (Comparative Example 1) 0.156 mA
(Example) 0.088 mA

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic view showing the tip shape of the protrusion as seen from the thickness direction of the discharge electrode used in Comparative Experiment 1.

  Table 1 shows the results of the ozone generation amount at the initial stage of discharge in the comparative experiment. As can be seen from Table 1, the ozone generation amount in Comparative Example 1 was 0.0240 ml / min, whereas in the Examples, it was 0.0076 ml / min. That is, the ozone generation amount in the Example was 70% less than that of Comparative Example 1, and it was confirmed that the ozone generation amount was reduced.

  By making the tip of the protrusion 2p viewed from the thickness direction of the discharge electrode 2 into an arc shape having an insulating film, it is considered that the discharge is dispersed rather than concentrated in one place as shown in FIG. Thereby, it is thought that the discharge energy per location reduces and the amount of ozone generation reduces.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a conventional discharge electrode.
As described above, there is a conventional electrode having an insulating film at the tip of the protruding portion of the discharge electrode. However, since the discharge electrode has an edge portion at the tip of the protruding portion, it is considered that discharge is concentrated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an insulating film is provided at the tip of the protrusion 2p, and the arc is formed when viewed from the thickness direction of the discharge electrode 2, thereby generating an ion wind due to corona discharge. Ozone generation is reduced.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The tip of the protruding portion of the discharge electrode according to the present embodiment is an insulating film containing silica as a main component compared to the tip of the protruding portion of the discharge electrode according to the first embodiment. Other structures are the same as those of the discharge electrode according to the first embodiment.

  An insulating film mainly composed of silica at the tip of the projection 2p of the discharge electrode 2 for realizing this characteristic will be described using Comparative Experiment 2.

(Comparative Example 2)
A primary etching process was performed on the tip of the protruding portion of the discharge electrode prepared by machining, and an electric field polishing process was further performed. When the tip shape of the protruding portion of the obtained discharge electrode was observed with an SEM (scanning electron microscope), no edge was present and the tip portion was arcuate.

Using the discharge electrodes obtained in Examples and Comparative Example 2, ion wind was generated in a 145 L volume BOX, and the amount of ozone generated was measured by an ozone concentration measuring device connected to the BOX. The experimental conditions at this time were as follows.
Discharge electrode: Length 300 mm Thickness 0.1 mm Projection spacing 8 mm
Counter electrode: length 300 mm, thickness 3 mm, spacing between a pair of counter electrodes 16 mm
Spacing between discharge electrode and counter electrode: 20 mm
Applied voltage to discharge electrode: -12 kV
Current: (Comparative Example 2) 0.147 mA
(Example) 0.088 mA

  Table 2 shows the results of ozone generation at the initial stage of discharge in Comparative Experiment 2. As can be seen from Table 2, the ozone generation amount in Comparative Example 2 was 0.0208 ml / min, whereas in the example, it was 0.0076 ml / min. That is, the ozone generation amount in the Example was 70% less than that of Comparative Example 2, and it was confirmed that the ozone generation amount was reduced.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the amount of ozone generated when ion wind is generated by corona discharge is reduced by providing the insulating film mainly composed of silica at the tip of the protrusion 2p.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic view seen from above obliquely for explaining an installation example of the blower, and FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view for explaining an installation example of the blower.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an air blower 41 is provided between a kitchen space 43 including an island type system kitchen 42 and a living space 44 adjacent thereto. The blower 41 is installed so as to be embedded in the ceiling portion, and the kitchen space 43 can be shielded by blowing ion wind toward the floor and forming a curtain of ion wind.

  In addition, the blower 41 is provided with three blower units, and by connecting them, an integral ion wind curtain can be formed. Further, in accordance with the dimensions of the room to be installed, the longitudinal dimension of the left blower unit in the drawing is short. Further, the counter electrode and the discharge electrode are electrically connected to each other, and the blower 41 is operated by one DC power supply 41a.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those specific examples that have been appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, each element included in each of the specific examples described above and their arrangement, material, condition, shape, size, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.
Moreover, the use of the air blower according to the aspect of the present invention is not limited to the blockage of the space, and is similarly used for various uses that require the formation of an air flow, such as air agitation, cooling, and dust collection. be able to.
Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air blower, 2 Discharge electrode, 2p Projection part, 3 Opposite pole, 5 Insulating film, 41 Air blower, 41a DC power supply, 42 System kitchen, 43 Kitchen space, 44 Living space

Claims (2)

A plate-like discharge electrode having a protrusion, and
With a counter electrode,
A blower that forms an ionic wind by providing a potential difference between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode,
The tip of the protrusion has an insulating film,
The air blower characterized in that the tip of the protrusion has an arc shape when the discharge electrode is viewed from the thickness direction.   The blower according to claim 1, wherein the insulating film contains silica as a main component.

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