JP2013079755A - Ion delivery device and air conditioner with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ion delivery device generating charged particulate water with ease while reducing power consumption, and capable of improving sterilization effect, and to provide an air conditioner using the same.SOLUTION: The ion delivery device includes: an ion generator 15 for generating positive ions and discharging them to air; an electrostatic atomizer 10 for generating misty particulate negatively charged water and discharging it to air; a humidifier 33 disposed upstream of the electrostatic atomizer; and a fan 5 for delivering the positive ions and the charged particulate water.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ion delivery device provided with an electrostatic atomizer and an air conditioner using the same.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional air cleaner equipped with an electrostatic atomizer. In this air cleaner, an air inlet and an air outlet are opened in a housing, and a blower duct that connects the air inlet and the air outlet is provided in the housing. A blower is arranged in the air duct. A dust collection filter that collects dust is disposed on the upstream side of the blower, and an electrostatic atomizer is disposed on the downstream side of the blower.

  The electrostatic atomizer includes a discharge electrode, a counter electrode, and a Peltier element. The discharge electrode has a flat plate portion and a cylindrical portion standing on the flat plate portion. The counter electrode is formed in a cylindrical shape facing the tip of the column portion. The Peltier element is disposed in contact with the flat plate portion of the discharge electrode.

  When the Peltier element is energized, the discharge electrode is cooled, so that water due to condensation is generated on the surface of the discharge electrode. Next, a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, with the discharge electrode as the negative electrode and the counter electrode as the positive electrode. As a result, negative charges are concentrated on the discharge electrode, and the Coulomb force acts between the water and the counter electrode to repeat the splitting and scattering of water exceeding the surface tension. As a result, mist-like charged fine particle water charged to a negative charge is generated.

  In the air cleaner having the above-described configuration, indoor air is taken into the air duct from the suction port by driving the air blower, and dust contained in the air is collected by the dust collecting filter. The air from which the dust has been removed contains charged fine particle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer and is sent out from the outlet. Indoor sterilization and the like can be performed with air containing charged fine particle water.

JP 2011-33293 A (pages 4-8, FIG. 6)

  However, according to the conventional air cleaner, the Peltier element is less likely to condense in a low humidity state such as in winter. For this reason, there was a problem that the charged fine particle water could not be generated sufficiently and the sterilizing effect was lowered. On the other hand, when the temperature of the Peltier element is lowered to generate a sufficient amount of charged fine particle water, there is a problem that the power consumption of the electrostatic atomizer increases.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ion delivery device capable of improving the sterilization effect by reducing power consumption and an air conditioner such as an air purifier using the ion delivery device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the ion delivery device of the present invention generates an ion generator that generates positive ions and discharges them into the air, and generates mist-shaped charged fine particle water that is negatively charged and discharges them into the air. And a humidifier arranged upstream of the electrostatic atomizer, and a blower that sends out the positive ions and the charged fine particle water.

  According to this configuration, moist air is discharged from the humidifier and supplied to the Peltier element disposed downstream, so that the Peltier element is likely to condense. Charged particulate water generated by the electrostatic atomizer and positive ions generated by the ion generator are sent out indoors by a blower. The charged fine particle water charged to a negative charge is attracted and diffused by the diffusing positive ions. Further, the negatively charged region is neutralized by positive ions, and charged fine particle water is guided. Indoor sterilization and moisturization are performed by charged fine particle water.

  Moreover, this invention was equipped with the 1st air flow path in which the said humidification apparatus and the said electrostatic atomizer are arrange | positioned in the ion delivery apparatus of the said structure, and the 2nd air flow path in which the said ion generator is arrange | positioned. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, in the ion delivery device having the above-described configuration, a plurality of the blowers are provided and arranged in the first air flow path and the second air flow path, respectively.

  According to the present invention, in the ion delivery device configured as described above, the first air flow path and the second air flow path include a first exhaust path and a second exhaust path that branch downstream of the blower.

  In the ion delivery device having the above-described configuration, the positive ions are delivered for a predetermined time after activation, and the positive ions and the charged fine particle water are delivered after the predetermined time has elapsed.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the ion delivery device having the above-described configuration, the positive ions and the charged fine particle water are delivered simultaneously.

  An air conditioner according to the present invention includes the ion delivery device having the above-described configuration.

  According to the present invention, moist air is released from a humidifier arranged upstream of the electrostatic atomizer. As a result, the Peltier element is likely to condense, so that the present invention can generate charged fine particle water from the electrostatic atomizer with low power. Since the positive ions discharged into the air by the ion generator and the charged fine particle water are sent out by the blower, the charged fine particle water is attracted to the positive ions diffused in the space. In addition, the negatively charged region is neutralized by positive ions, and the charged fine particle water reaches the surface. Thereby, charged fine particle water is sufficiently supplied in the space, and the sterilizing effect can be improved.

Side surface sectional drawing which shows the air cleaner of 1st Embodiment of this invention. Side surface sectional drawing which shows the electrostatic atomizer of the air cleaner of 1st Embodiment of this invention. Side surface sectional drawing which shows the air cleaner of 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a side sectional view of an air cleaner 20 according to the first embodiment. In the air cleaner 20, the ion delivery device 1 is arranged in a housing 21.

  As for the housing | casing 21, the suction inlet 2 opens on the back surface, and the blower outlets 3a and 3b open on the upper surface. The ion delivery device 1 disposed in the housing 21 includes a blower duct 4, a blower 5, a humidifier 33, an electrostatic atomizer 10, and an ion generator 15. The air duct 4 is formed of a resin molded product, and communicates the suction port 2 and the air outlets 3a and 3b.

  A dust collection filter 22 that faces the suction port 2 and collects dust is disposed in the air duct 4. The blower 5 is formed by a propeller fan driven by a motor (not shown), and is arranged with the intake side facing the suction port 2. The air duct 4 has an intake passage 4 c formed on the upstream side of the blower 5, and a first exhaust passage 4 a and a second exhaust passage 4 b separated by a partition plate 34 on the downstream side. The first air flow path and the second air flow path include a first exhaust path 4 a and a second exhaust path 4 b that branch downstream from the blower 5.

  As a result, the airflow discharged from the suction port 2 to the air outlet 3a via the intake passage 4c and the first exhaust passage 4a, and the air flow discharged from the suction port 2 to the air outlet 3b via the intake passage 4c and the second exhaust passage 4b. Divided into airflow.

  The humidifier 33 includes a humidifying filter 30, a tray 31, and a tank 32. The tank 32 is formed of a resin molded product and can be attached to and detached from the tray 31 in the vertical direction. A cap (not shown) that is detachably attached is provided on the bottom surface of the tank 32, and the user removes the cap and supplies water into the tank 32.

  The tray 31 is formed of a resin molded product and is provided at the bottom of the air purifier 20 and stores water 35 supplied from the tank 32 to a predetermined height. The humidification filter 30 is held by immersing the lower end in the tank 32. The humidifying filter 30 is formed of a porous material having water absorption.

  The ion generator 15 has a needle-like discharge electrode 16 facing the second exhaust path 4b. When a high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 16, ions are generated by corona discharge and released into the air.

  The electrostatic atomizer 10 is disposed downstream of the humidifier 33. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrostatic atomizer 10 includes a discharge electrode 11, a counter electrode 12, a Peltier element 13, and a radiation fin 14. The discharge electrode 11 is formed in a needle shape with the tip facing the first exhaust path 4a, and the bottom is formed in a flat plate shape. The counter electrode 12 is formed in an annular shape and is arranged around the tip of the discharge electrode 11.

  When a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 11 and the counter electrode 12, the discharge electrode 11 undergoes corona discharge. The Peltier element 13 is disposed in contact with the bottom of the discharge electrode 11 to cool the discharge electrode 11. The radiation fin 14 is in contact with the other surface of the Peltier element 13.

  In the air cleaner 20 having the above-described configuration, when the air cleaner 20 is activated and starts operation, the blower 5 is driven and the ion generator 15 is driven. As the blower 5 is driven, indoor air flows from the suction port 2 into the blower duct 4 as indicated by an arrow D1. The air flowing into the air duct 4 is collected by the dust collecting filter 22 and flows through the first exhaust path 4a and the second exhaust path 4b.

The discharge electrode 16 of the ion generator 15 is applied with a high-voltage positive voltage having an AC waveform or an impulse waveform, and corona discharge occurs. As a result, moisture in the air is ionized to generate hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ), which are clustered by bonding with moisture in the air to generate positive ions mainly composed of H ⁺ (H ₂ O) m. Here, m is 0 or a natural number. Positive ions generated by the ion generator 15 are released toward the second exhaust path 4b.

  The particle diameter of the positive ions is about several angstroms to several nanometers depending on the number of water molecules. Further, the applied voltage of the discharge electrode 16 is set so that ozone generated by corona discharge falls within an allowable range (for example, 0.1 ppm).

  In the humidifier 33, the vaporization of water from the surface of the humidifying filter 30 is promoted by driving the blower 5, and the humid air circulates in the first exhaust path 4 a.

  The electrostatic atomizer 10 is driven after the elapse of a predetermined time from the activation. When the electrostatic atomizer 10 is driven, the Peltier element 13 is energized, and heat is transferred from the discharge electrode 11 to the radiating fins 14 and is radiated by heat exchange with the humid air flowing through the first exhaust passage 4a. Thereby, the discharge electrode 11 is cooled, and water due to condensation is generated on the surface of the discharge electrode 11. At this time, since the moist air is supplied to the electrostatic atomizer 10, the Peltier element 13 is likely to condense.

  Next, the discharge electrode 11 is used as a negative electrode, the counter electrode 12 is used as a positive electrode, and a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 11 and the counter electrode 12. As a result, negative charges are concentrated on the discharge electrode 11, and Coulomb force acts between the water and the counter electrode 12, and the splitting and scattering of water are repeated exceeding the surface tension. As a result, mist-like charged fine particle water charged to a negative charge is generated and discharged to the first exhaust path 4a. Since the charged fine particle water easily disappears when the particle diameter is formed to about several nm, it is formed to have a particle diameter of about several tens of nm.

  As a result, positive ions are contained in the air flowing through the second exhaust passage 4b from the start to a predetermined time, and are sent out indoors as indicated by the arrow D3 from the outlet 3b. After the elapse of the predetermined time, the charged fine particle water is contained in the air flowing through the first exhaust passage 4a and is sent out indoors as indicated by an arrow D2 from the blowout port 3a.

  Since positive ions have the same particle size as air molecules, they diffuse easily and spread throughout the room. Thereby, the charged fine particle water charged to a negative charge is attracted to the positive ions and spreads throughout the room. In addition, the portion charged in the negative charge in the room is neutralized by positive ions, and the charged fine particle water reaches. And indoor sterilization is performed by the charged fine particle water.

  Further, the average number of water molecules clustered with respect to H + by the positive ions from the discharge electrode 16 due to the discharge differs depending on the relative humidity of the air present around the discharge electrode 16. When the relative humidity is high, the average number of water molecules clustered increases, and when the relative humidity is low, the average number of water molecules clustered decreases. The smaller the average number of water molecules to be clustered, the smaller the average ion mass, and the more the diffusibility is improved. In the present embodiment, in order to further improve the diffusibility of the positive ions and spread all over the room, air that does not pass through the humidifying filter 30 is circulated through the second exhaust passage 4b in which the ion generator 15 is provided. ing.

  According to this embodiment, since the moist air is discharged from the humidifier 33 disposed upstream of the electrostatic atomizer 10, the Peltier element 13 is easily condensed. Thereby, charged fine particle water can be sufficiently supplied. For this reason, the charged fine particle water is generated from the electrostatic atomizer 10 while reducing the power consumption. Further, since the positive ions released into the air by the ion generator 15 and the charged fine particle water are sent out by the blower 5, the charged fine particle water is attracted to the positive ions diffused in the space. Further, the negatively charged region in the room or the like is neutralized by the positive ions, and the charged fine particle water reaches. Thereby, the bactericidal effect can be improved.

  Moreover, since it provided with the 1st air flow path in which the humidification apparatus 33 and the electrostatic atomizer 10 are arrange | positioned, and the 2nd air flow path in which the ion generator 15 is arrange | positioned, by collision with positive ion and charged fine particle water Reduction of charged fine particle water can be suppressed.

  Further, since the first air flow path and the second air flow path are composed of the first exhaust path 4a and the second exhaust path 4b that branch downstream of the blower, the charged fine particle water easily collides with the positive ions and the charged fine particle water. Reduction can be suppressed.

  In addition, positive ions are sent out for a predetermined time from the start, and positive ions and charged fine particle water are sent after the predetermined time has elapsed. The room can be efficiently neutralized. Furthermore, the charged fine particle water generated thereafter easily diffuses into the room.

  Further, since the positive ion and the charged fine particle water are sent simultaneously, the charged fine particle water is not greatly separated from the positive ion, and the charged fine particle water can be diffused in the room.

  Moreover, although the air cleaner 20 which mounts the ion sending apparatus 1 is demonstrated, it is not restricted to this. For example, an air conditioner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, etc. may be sufficient as long as it is an air conditioner equipped with the ion delivery device 1.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the air cleaner 20 of the second embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. This embodiment is provided with the blowers 5 and 6 and is different in that it is disposed in each of the first air flow path and the second air flow path.

  As for the housing | casing 21, the suction inlet 2 opens on the back surface, and the blower outlet 3a opens on the upper surface. Moreover, the suction inlet 60 opens on the front surface, and the blower outlet 3b opens on the upper surface. The blower outlet 3b is provided adjacent to the blower outlet 3a, and is provided in front of the blower outlet 3a.

  The ion delivery device 1 arranged in the housing 21 includes blower ducts 61 and 62, blowers 5 and 6, an electrostatic atomizer 10, and an ion generator 15. The air ducts 61 and 62 are formed of a resin molded product. The air duct 61 allows the suction port 2 and the air outlet 3a to communicate with each other. The air duct 62 allows the suction port 60 and the air outlet 3b to communicate with each other.

  The blower 5 is formed by a sirocco fan driven by a motor 5a, and is arranged with the intake side facing the suction port 2. In the air duct 61, an intake passage 4c is formed on the upstream side of the blower 5, and a first exhaust passage 4a is formed on the downstream side. The blower 6 is formed by a cross flow fan driven by a motor (not shown), an intake passage 62a is formed on the upstream side of the blower 6, and a second exhaust passage 4b is formed on the downstream side.

  Here, the first exhaust path 4a constitutes a first air flow path, and the second exhaust path 4b constitutes a second air flow path. Also, blowers 5 and 6 are arranged in the respective air flow paths.

  The humidifier 33 includes a humidifying filter 30, a tray 31 and a tank (not shown), and is disposed between the suction port 2 and the blower 5. The tray 31 is formed of a resin molded product and is provided at the bottom of the air purifier 20 and stores water 35 supplied from the tank 32 to a predetermined height.

  The electrostatic atomizer 10 includes a discharge electrode 11, a counter electrode 12, a Peltier element 13, and a radiation fin 14. The discharge electrode 11 is formed in a needle shape with the tip facing the first exhaust path 4a, and the bottom is formed in a flat plate shape. The counter electrode 12 is formed in an annular shape and is arranged around the tip of the discharge electrode 11. When a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 11 and the counter electrode 12, the discharge electrode 11 undergoes corona discharge. The Peltier element 13 is disposed in contact with the bottom of the discharge electrode 11 to cool the discharge electrode 11. The heat radiating fins 14 are arranged in contact with the other surface of the Peltier element 13 and facing the intake passage 4c through which air from the suction port 2 flows.

  In the air cleaner 20 having the above-described configuration, when the air cleaner 20 is activated and starts operation, the blowers 5 and 6 and the ion generator 15 are driven. The electrostatic atomizer 10 is driven after the elapse of a predetermined time from the activation.

  As the blower 5 is driven, indoor air flows from the suction port 2 as shown by an arrow D1, and is discharged from the blowout port 3a through the intake passage 4c and the first exhaust passage 4a as shown by an arrow D2. As the blower 6 is driven, indoor air flows from the suction port 60 as shown by an arrow D4, and is discharged from the blowout port 3b through the second exhaust passage 4b as shown by an arrow D3.

  According to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since the blowers 5 and 6 are provided and arranged in the first air flow path and the second air flow path, the humidified air is fed into the first exhaust path 4a constituting the first air flow path to form the second air flow path. Unhumidified air is reliably sent to the second exhaust path 4b. Thereby, the reduction | decrease of the charged fine particle water by the collision with a plus ion and charged fine particle water can be suppressed reliably.

  Further, in order to further improve the diffusibility of positive ions and spread all over the room, air that does not pass through the humidifying filter 30 flows through the second exhaust passage 4b in which the ion generator 15 is provided.

  According to the present invention, it can be used for an air conditioner such as an air purifier, an air conditioner, a humidifier, and a dehumidifier equipped with an ion generating device and an ion delivery device having an electrostatic atomizer.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ion sending device 2 Suction port 3a Outlet 3b Outlet 4 Blower duct 4a 1st exhaust path 4b 2nd exhaust path 4c Intake path 5 Blower 6 Blower 10 Electrostatic atomizer 11 Discharge electrode 12 Counter electrode 13 Peltier element 14 Heat radiation Fin 15 Ion generator 16 Discharge electrode 20 Air purifier 21 Housing 22 Dust collection filter 30 Humidification filter 31 Tray 32 Tank 33 Humidifier 34 Partition plate 35 Water 60 Suction port 61 Air duct 62 Air duct 62a Air intake path

Claims (7)

An ion generator that generates positive ions and releases them into the air;
An electrostatic atomizer that generates mist-like charged fine particle water charged to a negative charge and releases it into the air;
A humidifier disposed upstream of the electrostatic atomizer;
A blower for delivering the positive ions and the charged fine particle water;
An ion delivery device comprising: A first air flow path in which the humidifier and the electrostatic atomizer are disposed;
A second air flow path in which the ion generator is disposed;
The ion delivery device according to claim 1, comprising:   The ion delivery device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the blowers are provided and arranged in the first air flow path and the second air flow path, respectively.   The ion delivery device according to claim 2, wherein the first air flow path and the second air flow path include a first exhaust path and a second exhaust path that branch downstream of the blower.   The ion delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the positive ions are delivered for a predetermined time after activation, and the positive ions and the charged fine particle water are delivered after the predetermined time has elapsed. .   The ion delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the positive ions and the charged fine particle water are delivered simultaneously.   An air conditioner comprising the ion delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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