JP2017148786A - Electric dust collector, driving method of the electric dust collector, ventilation device, and air cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric dust collector which can improve a capacity of removing particles adhered to a dust collection electrode.SOLUTION: An electric dust collector includes a dust collection electrode 10 having a plurality of electrode elements 12 arranged in a predetermined direction, and a traveling-wave generation circuit 8 which applies a potential on the plurality of electrode elements 12. The traveling-wave generation circuit 8 periodically applies a first potential, a second potential higher than the first potential, and a third potential higher than the second potential on each of the plurality of electrode elements 12. The first potential is applied on one of the two electrode elements adjacent to the electrode element 12, on which the second potential is applied, out of the plurality of electrode elements 12, and the third potential is applied on the other one.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrostatic precipitator having a cleaning function, a driving method of the electrostatic precipitator, and devices such as a ventilator and an air purifier including the electrostatic precipitator.

  In recent years, awareness of the health effects of air pollution has increased. In order to obtain clean air to be supplied to the living space, the outside air has been conventionally cleaned using a filter provided with filter paper. However, especially when the concentration of fine particles in the outside air is high, performance degradation such as increased pressure loss due to clogging of the filter and lowering of the collection rate occurs in a short period of time, so it is necessary to replace the filter frequently. is there. The filter replacement operation can be performed relatively easily in a small air cleaner. However, in a ventilation system for facilities, the filter is often disposed in a place where access is difficult, such as the back of the ceiling, and therefore, it is not easy to replace the filter.

  Therefore, an electrostatic precipitator has been proposed as a means for removing fine particles in place of the filter (for example, Patent Document 1). In the electric dust collector disclosed in Patent Document 1, particles are charged, and the charged particles are adsorbed to a dust collection electrode to which a potential is applied. Since the electric dust collector is less likely to be clogged, an increase in pressure loss that occurs when a filter is used can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the electric dust collector disclosed in Patent Document 1, particles adsorbed on the dust collecting electrode are removed from the electrode by being conveyed by a traveling wave electric field. As a result, the electric dust collector disclosed in Patent Document 1 attempts to eliminate the dust collection electrode cleaning operation by the user.

JP-A-60-99356

  However, the electric dust collector disclosed in Patent Document 1 has room for improving the ability to remove particles adsorbed on the dust collection electrode.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an electrostatic precipitator capable of improving the ability to remove particles adsorbed on the dust collecting electrode of the electrostatic precipitator, a driving method of the electrostatic precipitator, and the like.

  In order to solve the above problems, an aspect of an electric dust collector according to the present invention includes a dust collection electrode including a plurality of electrode elements arranged in a predetermined direction, and a traveling wave generation circuit that applies a potential to the plurality of electrode elements. The traveling wave generating circuit includes a first potential, a second potential higher than the first potential, and a third potential higher than the second potential in each of the plurality of electrode elements. The first potential is applied to one of two electrode elements adjacent to the electrode element to which the second potential is applied among the plurality of electrode elements, and the first potential is applied to the other. Apply three potentials.

  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, the one aspect | mode of the ventilator which concerns on this invention is provided with the said electrical dust collector.

  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, the one aspect | mode of the air cleaner which concerns on this invention is equipped with the said electrical dust collector.

  In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of a method for driving an electrostatic precipitator according to the present invention is a method for driving an electrostatic precipitator including a dust collecting electrode including a plurality of electrode elements arranged in a predetermined direction, A first potential, a second potential higher than the first potential, and a third potential higher than the second potential are periodically applied to each of the plurality of electrode elements, and the plurality of electrode elements The first potential is applied to one of two electrode elements adjacent to the electrode element to which the second potential is applied, and the third potential is applied to the other.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electrostatic precipitator which can improve the capability to remove the particle | grains adsorb | sucked to the dust collecting electrode, the drive method of an electrostatic precipitator, etc. can be provided.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an outline of an operation during a dust collecting operation by a dust collecting electrode of an electric dust collector according to a comparative example. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the operation at the first timing during the particle transport operation by the dust collection electrode of the electric dust collector according to the comparative example. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the operation at the second timing during the particle transport operation by the dust collection electrode of the electric dust collector according to the comparative example. FIG. 1D is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation at the third timing during the particle transport operation by the dust collection electrode of the electric dust collector according to the comparative example. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of the electrostatic precipitator according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an outline of the overall configuration of the electrostatic precipitator according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an outline of the dust collection electrode according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the dust collection electrode according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of the traveling wave generation circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of a method of driving the electrostatic precipitator according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of potentials applied to a plurality of electrode elements and an outline of electric fields generated in the plurality of electrode elements according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a potential waveform output to each output channel of the traveling wave generation circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a waveform of a potential difference between electrode elements when the potential shown in FIG. 9 is applied to each electrode element according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of potentials applied to a plurality of electrode elements according to a comparative example and an outline of an electric field generated in the plurality of electrode elements. FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of a potential waveform output to each output channel of the traveling wave generation circuit according to the comparative example. FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing an example of a waveform of a potential difference between electrode elements when the potential shown in FIG. 12 is applied to each electrode element according to the comparative example. FIG. 14 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of the inverter circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating an example of a potential waveform output from the inverter circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 16A is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a state in the operation mode Mode1 of the inverter circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 16B is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a state in the operation mode Mode2 of the inverter circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 16C is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a state in the operation mode Mode3 of the inverter circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 16D is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a state in the operation mode Mode4 of the inverter circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is an external view of a ventilation device according to a modification. FIG. 18 is an external view of an air cleaner according to a modification. FIG. 19 is an external view of an air conditioner according to a modification.

(Knowledge that became the basis of the present invention)
Prior to the description of the present invention, the knowledge that forms the basis of the present invention will be described.

  First, the outline | summary of operation | movement in the electrostatic precipitator which concerns on a comparative example is demonstrated using drawing.

  FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of an operation during a dust collecting operation by the dust collecting electrode 110 of the electric dust collector according to the comparative example.

  FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an outline of the operation at the first timing during the particle transport operation by the dust collection electrode 110 of the electric dust collector according to the comparative example.

  FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view illustrating an outline of the operation at the second timing during the particle transport operation by the dust collection electrode 110 of the electric dust collector according to the comparative example.

  FIG. 1D is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation at the third timing during the particle transport operation by the dust collection electrode 110 of the electric dust collector according to the comparative example.

  1A to 1D, the direction from the counter electrode 120 toward the dust collection electrode 110 is the positive direction of the X-axis direction, and the two directions perpendicular to the X-axis direction and perpendicular to each other are the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. It is said. The Y-axis direction is the arrangement direction of the electrode elements of the dust collection electrode 110.

  The electrostatic precipitator according to the comparative example includes a dust collection electrode 110 and a counter electrode 120 as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D. Although not shown, the electrostatic precipitator includes a charging unit that charges particles in the air and a power supply circuit that applies a potential to the dust collecting electrode 110 and the like.

  The dust collection electrode 110 is an electrode that adsorbs and transports positively charged charged particles 92. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, the dust collecting electrode 110 is provided on the substrate 114, a plurality of electrode elements 112a to 112d provided on the substrate 114, and a plurality of electrode elements 112a to 112a provided on the substrate 114. And an insulating film 116 covering 112d. Potentials are applied to the plurality of electrode elements 112a to 112d from output channels CH1 to CH4 of the power supply circuit, respectively.

  Then, the outline | summary of operation | movement at the time of dust collection operation | movement in the electrostatic precipitator which concerns on a comparative example is demonstrated using FIG. 1A.

  First, during the dust collection operation, a positive potential (+ Vp [V]) is applied to the counter electrode 120, and a negative potential (−V0 [V]) is applied to each electrode element of the dust collection electrode. Here, the positively charged charged particles 92 flow between the dust collection electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120. The positively charged charged particles 92 are subjected to a force by an electric field (see a broken arrow in FIG. 1A) generated between the dust collection electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120, and a dust collection electrode to which a negative potential is applied. 110 is adsorbed.

  Next, an outline of the operation during the particle conveying operation by the dust collecting electrode 110 will be described. A potential of + Va [V] and −Va [V] is periodically and repeatedly applied to each of the plurality of electrode elements 112 a to 112 d of the dust collection electrode 110. Thereby, the dust collection electrode 110 can generate a traveling wave electric field that conveys the charged particles 92.

  Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 1B, at the first timing, a positive potential of + Va [V] is applied to the electrode element 112a from the output channel CH1 of the power supply circuit. Further, a negative potential of −Va [V] is applied to the electrode elements 112b to 112d from the output channels CH2 to CH4 of the power supply circuit, respectively. This generates a negative electric field in the Y-axis direction between the electrode element 112a and the electrode element 112b (see the broken arrow in FIG. 1B), and the charged particles adsorbed between the electrode element 112a and the electrode element 112b. 92 is conveyed from the electrode element 112a toward the electrode element 112b.

  The operation at the second timing immediately after the potential applied to each electrode element is changed following the first timing will be described. At the second timing, as shown in FIG. 1C, a positive potential of + Va [V] is applied to the electrode elements 112a and 112b, and a negative potential of −Va [V] is applied to the electrode elements 112c and 112d. Is done. As a result, a negative electric field in the Y-axis direction is generated between the electrode element 112b and the electrode element 112c (see the broken arrow in FIG. 1C). That is, with the transition from the first timing to the second timing, the electric field in the negative Y-axis direction is generated between the electrode element 112a and the electrode element 112b and between the electrode element 112b and the electrode element 112c. proceed. The charged particles 92 adsorbed or transported between the electrode element 112b and the electrode element 112c are transported from the electrode element 112b toward the electrode element 112c.

  The operation at the third timing immediately after the potential applied to each electrode element is changed following the second timing will be described. In the third timing, as shown in FIG. 1D, a negative potential of −Va [V] is applied to the electrode elements 112a and 112d, and a positive potential of + Va [V] is applied to the electrode elements 112b and 112c. Is done. As a result, a negative electric field in the Y-axis direction is generated between the electrode element 112c and the electrode element 112d (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 1D). That is, with the transition from the first timing to the second timing, the electric field in the negative Y-axis direction is changed between the electrode element 112b and the electrode element 112c, and between the electrode element 112c and the electrode element 112d. proceed. Then, the charged particles 92 adsorbed or transported between the electrode element 112c and the electrode element 112d are transported from the electrode element 112c toward the electrode element 112d.

  As described above, in the electrostatic precipitator according to the comparative example, the charged particles 92 are transported together with the traveling electric field, and the charged particles 92 are to be removed from the dust collecting electrode 110.

  However, as a result of extensive research, the inventors have found that the electrostatic precipitator according to the comparative example cannot sufficiently transport and remove the charged particles 92. The inventors presume this cause as follows. In the dust collecting electrode 110 of the electric dust collector according to the comparative example, an electric field is generated by applying a potential to each electrode element when the charged particles 92 are conveyed. However, on the upper surface (surface on the X axis direction negative side) of each electrode element shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, there is a region where the electric field is weak in the transport direction (Y axis direction) of the charged particles 92. That is, since the upper surface of each electrode element forms an equipotential surface, the electric field strength in the Y-axis direction, which is parallel to the upper surface of each electrode element, becomes weaker, and the electric field in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of each electrode element dominates. It becomes the target. For this reason, an electric field sufficient to transport the charged particles 92 on the upper surface of each electrode element may not be formed. In particular, when the particle size of the charged particles 92 is relatively small, the influence of the adhesion force such as van der Waals force and mirror image force becomes significant, and is adsorbed to the dust collecting electrode 110 with a relatively strong force. Then, the charged particles 92 cannot be transported.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an electric dust collector capable of improving the ability to remove particles adsorbed on the dust collecting electrode.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement positions, connection forms, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional constituent elements.

  Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated strictly. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the substantially same structure, The overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[1. overall structure]
First, the whole structure of the electrostatic precipitator which concerns on embodiment is demonstrated using drawing.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of the electrostatic precipitator 1 according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an outline of the overall configuration of the electrostatic precipitator 1 according to the present embodiment.

  3 and the following drawings, the arrangement direction of the dust collection electrode 10 and the counter electrode 20 is the X-axis direction, and two directions perpendicular to the X-axis direction and perpendicular to each other are the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. It is said. The Z-axis direction is the direction of air flow, and air flows in the positive direction of the Z-axis (see the arrow in FIG. 3). The air is introduced into the electric dust collector 1 by a fan or the like disposed outside the electric dust collector 1. Note that the fan may be disposed inside the electric dust collector 1.

  The electrostatic precipitator 1 according to the present embodiment is a device that removes at least some of the particles in the introduced air and discharges purified air. The electrostatic precipitator 1 is installed, for example, in an air supply duct in a ventilation system as a part of a ventilation device, and removes at least a part of particles 90 in the flowing air and discharges purified air. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrostatic precipitator 1 includes a dust collector 2, a charging unit 4, a power supply circuit 6, and a traveling wave generation circuit 8.

[Charging part]
The charging unit 4 is a charged particle generating unit that charges particles 90 in the air flowing into the electrostatic precipitator 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the charging unit 4 includes a high potential electrode 30 and a low potential electrode 40. By generating corona discharge between the high potential electrode 30 and the low potential electrode of the charging unit 4, the particles 90 passing through the discharge space are positively charged.

  The high potential electrode 30 is an electrode that is applied with a higher potential than the low potential electrode 40 and generates a discharge with the low potential electrode 40. The high potential electrode 30 is made of, for example, stainless steel or tungsten. In the present embodiment, the high potential electrode 30 has a flat plate shape, and an acute angle portion for concentrating the electric field on the positive side in the Z-axis direction is formed as shown in FIG. The shape of the high potential electrode 30 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, the high potential electrode 30 may have a thin line shape.

  The low potential electrode 40 is an electrode to which a potential lower than that of the high potential electrode 30 is applied and discharge is generated between the low potential electrode 40 and the high potential electrode 30. The low potential electrode 40 is made of, for example, stainless steel. In the present embodiment, the low potential electrode 40 has a flat plate shape as shown in FIG.

  The distance between the high potential electrode 30 and the low potential electrode 40 is, for example, about 10 mm to 20 mm. For example, a potential of about 5 kV to 10 kV is applied to the high potential electrode 30, and the low potential electrode 40 is grounded.

[Dust collector]
The dust collection unit 2 is a charged particle removal unit that removes charged particles 92 in the air flowing into the electric dust collector 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the dust collection unit 2 includes a dust collection electrode 10 and a counter electrode 20 that faces the dust collection electrode 10.

  The counter electrode 20 is an electrode that applies a repulsive force to the charged particles 92 by generating an electric field with the dust collection electrode 10. The counter electrode 20 applies a repulsive force to the positively charged charged particles 92 by applying a high potential to the dust collecting electrode 10 during the dust collecting operation. On the other hand, during the particle transport operation, a potential equivalent to the average potential of the dust collection electrode 10 is applied to the counter electrode 20, and the charged particles 92 are suppressed from being attracted to the counter electrode 20 side. The counter electrode 20 has a flat shape and includes, for example, a conductive material such as stainless steel as a main component. The shape of the counter electrode 20 is not limited to a flat plate shape, and may be a linear shape, for example.

  The dust collection electrode 10 is an electrode that adsorbs and transports the charged particles 92. The configuration of the dust collection electrode 10 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an outline of the dust collection electrode 10 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, the charged particle 92 adsorbed by the dust collection electrode 10 and the accommodating part 50 in which the charged particle 92 conveyed by the dust collection electrode 10 is accommodated are also shown.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the dust collection electrode 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a cross section parallel to the XY plane.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the dust collection electrode 10 includes a plurality of electrode elements 12 arranged in a predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, the predetermined direction is the Y-axis direction in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the dust collection electrode 10 includes a substrate 14, a plurality of electrode elements 12 provided on the substrate 14, and an insulating film 16 provided on the substrate 14 and covering the plurality of electrode elements 12. Is provided.

  The dust collecting electrode 10 adsorbs the charged particles 92 that are positively charged by applying a low potential to the counter electrode 20 during the dust collecting operation. On the other hand, during the particle transfer operation, a potential is applied to each of the electrode elements 12 to generate a traveling wave electric field, so that the charged particles 92 adsorbed during the dust collection operation can be Y as shown in FIG. Transport in the negative axial direction. 4 shows an example in which the transported charged particles 92 are stored in the storage unit 50, the transported charged particles 92 may be discharged to the outside air.

  The substrate 14 is a base material for the dust collection electrode 10. The substrate 14 is a printed board containing, for example, ceramics, glass epoxy, or the like as a main component.

  The plurality of electrode elements 12 are conductive members that constitute the electrode portion of the dust collection electrode 10. In the present embodiment, the plurality of electrode elements 12 are wiring patterns formed on the substrate 14. The plurality of electrode elements 12 include a conductive material such as copper as a main component. In the present embodiment, the plurality of electrode elements 12 have a linear shape, the width of each electrode element 12 in the Y-axis direction is about 0.2 mm, and the interval between the electrode elements 12 is 0. About 4 mm. Further, the length in the Z-axis direction and the thickness in the X-axis direction of each electrode element 12 are not particularly limited. For example, the length of each electrode element 12 in the Z-axis direction may be appropriately determined based on the speed of air flowing into the electrostatic precipitator 1. In addition, the thickness of each electrode element 12 may be appropriately determined based on the width, interval, and the like of the plurality of electrode elements 12 in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the width | variety and the space | interval of the Y-axis direction of the some electrode element 12 are not limited to said dimension. It may be determined as appropriate based on the potential applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12.

  The insulating film 16 is an insulating member that covers the plurality of electrode elements 12. By covering the plurality of electrode elements 12 with the insulating film 16, the charge of the charged particles 92 is prevented from being lost by the plurality of electrode elements 12. By maintaining the charged particles 92 in a charged state, the charged particles 92 can be transported by a traveling wave electric field. In addition, since the plurality of electrode elements 12 are covered with the insulating film 16, a short circuit between the adjacent electrode elements 12 can be suppressed by the particles attached to each electrode element 12. The material for forming the insulating film 16 can be appropriately selected from known insulating materials.

[Power supply circuit]
The power supply circuit 6 is a circuit that applies a potential to the charging unit 4, the dust collection unit 2, and the traveling wave generation circuit 8. In the present embodiment, a high potential is applied to the high potential electrode 30 of the charging unit 4 and the counter electrode 20 of the dust collection unit 2. The power supply circuit 6 may apply a low potential to the low potential electrode 40 of the charging unit 4 and the dust collection electrode 10 of the dust collection unit 2.

  The power supply circuit 6 is supplied with power from a system power supply (not shown) such as a commercial AC power supply. The power supply circuit 6 converts the voltage of the supplied power with a transformer or the like, and outputs the converted voltage.

[Traveling wave generator]
The traveling wave generation circuit 8 is a circuit that applies a potential to the dust collection electrode 10 of the dust collection unit 2. Details of the traveling wave generation circuit 8 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of the traveling wave generation circuit 8 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 also shows a dust collection electrode 10 to which a potential is applied from the traveling wave generation circuit 8.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the traveling wave generation circuit 8 is a circuit that applies a potential to the plurality of electrode elements 12 a to 12 d of the dust collection electrode 10, and includes a signal generation circuit 9 and inverter circuits 80 a to 80 d.

  The plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d are electrodes to which potentials are applied from the inverter circuits 80a to 80d among the plurality of electrode elements 12, respectively. The plurality of electrode elements 12 are arranged in a line for each electrode element set including one each of the electrode elements 12a to 12d. In the electrode element set, the electrode elements 12a to 12d are arranged in the order of the electrode element 12a, the electrode element 12b, the electrode element 12c, and the electrode element 12d.

  The signal generation circuit 9 is a circuit that generates a signal to be input to each of the inverter circuits 80a to 80d. The signal generation circuit 9 is a circuit that determines the output potential and output timing of each of the inverter circuits 80a to 80d by outputting a signal to each of the inverter circuits 80a to 80d. Details of the signal output from the signal generation circuit 9 will be described later.

  The inverter circuits 80a to 80d are circuits that apply potentials to the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d with output potentials and output timings based on signals input from the signal generation circuit 9, respectively. The inverter circuits 80a to 80d periodically apply a first potential, a second potential higher than the first potential, and a third potential higher than the second potential. For example, 0 [V] can be used as the first potential, 800 [V] as the second potential, and 1600 [V] as the third potential. The inverter circuits 80a to 80d correspond to the output channels CH1 to CH4 of the traveling wave generation circuit 8, respectively. Specific circuit configurations of the inverter circuits 80a to 80d will be described later.

[2. Driving method]
Next, an outline of a method for driving the electrostatic precipitator 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of a driving method of the electrostatic precipitator 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the electrostatic precipitator 1, first, a dust collecting operation is performed (S10). Specifically, charged particles 92 in the air are attached to the dust collecting electrode 10 in the dust collecting operation.

  Subsequently, a particle conveying operation is performed in the electrostatic precipitator 1 (S20). In the particle transport operation, the charged charged particles 92 are transported and removed from the dust collection electrode 10. For example, when the electrostatic precipitator 1 is used in a ventilation system, when the ventilation system is operated, the electrostatic precipitator 1 is caused to perform a dust collecting operation and the ventilation system is stopped. To perform the particle transport operation.

  When the particle conveying operation is completed, the dust collecting operation and the particle conveying operation are repeated again.

  Hereinafter, the dust collecting operation and the particle conveying operation will be described in detail.

[Dust collection operation]
In the dust collector 1, during the dust collection operation, a high potential is applied from the power supply circuit 6 to the high potential electrode 30 of the charging unit 4, and the low potential electrode 40 is grounded. As a result, corona discharge is generated in the charging unit 4 to positively charge the particles 90 in the air flowing into the charging unit 4.

  The charged particles 92 charged by the charging unit 4 are introduced into the dust collecting unit 2. A low potential is applied from the traveling wave generation circuit 8 to the plurality of electrode elements 12 of the dust collection electrode 10 in the dust collection unit 2, and a high potential is applied to the counter electrode 20 from the power supply circuit 6. Thereby, the positively charged charged particles 92 introduced into the dust collecting unit 2 are adsorbed to the dust collecting electrode 10.

  As described above, the charged particles 92 are adsorbed on the dust collecting electrode 10 during the dust collecting operation.

[Particle transport operation]
The electrostatic precipitator 1 does not have to generate corona discharge in the charging unit 4 during the particle conveying operation. That is, a high potential may not be applied to the high potential electrode 30. For example, the high potential electrode 30 may be grounded.

  In addition, when the particles are positively charged in the dust collection unit 2, a potential higher than the ground potential is applied to the counter electrode 20. For example, a potential equal to or higher than the average potential of the dust collection electrode 10 is applied to the counter electrode 20, and the charged particles 92 are suppressed from being attracted to the counter electrode 20 side.

  A potential is applied from the traveling wave generation circuit 8 to each of the plurality of electrode elements 12 of the dust collection electrode 10. In the present embodiment, the traveling wave generation circuit 8 applies a first potential, a second potential higher than the first potential, and a third potential higher than the second potential to each of the plurality of electrode elements 12. Apply periodically. The traveling wave generation circuit 8 applies the first potential to one of the two electrode elements 12 adjacent to the electrode element 12 to which the second potential is applied among the plurality of electrode elements 12, and Applies a third potential.

  An example of the applied potential from the traveling wave generation circuit 8 to each of the plurality of electrode elements 12 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the potential applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d according to the present embodiment and an outline of the electric field generated in the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d. FIG. 8 also shows potential differences V1 to V4 between adjacent electrode elements. The potential difference V1 is the potential difference between the electrode element 12b and the electrode element 12a, the potential difference V2 is the potential difference between the electrode element 12c and the electrode element 12b, and the potential difference V3 is the potential difference between the electrode element 12d and the electrode element 12c. A potential difference V4 represents a potential difference between the electrode element 12a and the electrode element 12d, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, an example in which the charged particles 92 are conveyed in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction in FIG. In this case, by generating a negative electric field in the Y-axis direction, the positively charged charged particles 92 can be conveyed in the negative Y-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 8, from the output channel CH1 of the traveling wave generation circuit 8, a potential of + 2Va [V], which is an example of a third potential, is applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12a. From the output channel CH2 of the traveling wave generation circuit 8, a potential of + Va [V], which is an example of a second potential, is applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12b. From the output channel CH3 of the traveling wave generation circuit 8, a potential of 0 [V] (that is, a ground potential) as an example of the first potential is applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12c. From the output channel CH4 of the traveling wave generation circuit 8, a potential of + Va [V], which is an example of the second potential, is applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12d.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, a negative electric field in the Y-axis direction can be generated in the range from the electrode element 12a to the electrode element 12b and in the range from the electrode element 12b to the electrode element 12c. By this electric field, the charged particles 92 can be conveyed in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. In other words, among the potential differences V1 to V4, the charged particles 92 can be conveyed in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction between the electrodes having a positive potential difference. Further, a traveling wave electric field can be generated by moving the electric field shown in FIG. 8 in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction, and the charged particles 92 can be conveyed in accordance with the electric field in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. Here, the potentials to be output to the output channels CH1 to CH4 of the traveling wave generation circuit 8 in order to generate the traveling wave electric field will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of a potential waveform output to each output channel of the traveling wave generation circuit 8 according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a waveform of a potential difference between electrode elements when the potential shown in FIG. 9 is applied to each electrode element according to the present embodiment.

  The potential application state to the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the state from time t1 to time t2 in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the traveling wave generation circuit 8 supplies a first potential (0 [V]) and a second potential (+ Va [V]) from each output channel to each of the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d. The potential is periodically applied in the order of the third potential (+ 2Va [V]), the second potential (+ Va [V]), and the first potential (0 [V]). In this way, the traveling wave generation circuit 8 applies a periodic potential consisting of four potential phases. Further, the period during which each potential is applied is equal. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the four potential phases are applied over a period corresponding to a phase angle of 90 degrees (= 360 degrees / 4 phases).

  When a potential as shown in FIG. 9 is applied to each electrode element, as shown in FIG. 10, the potential differences V1 and V2 are positive (+ Va [V]) during the period from time t1 to time t2. . That is, an electric field in the negative Y-axis direction that can transport the charged particles 92 in the negative Y-axis direction is generated in the range from the electrode element 12a to the electrode element 12c. In the period from time t2 to time t3, the potential differences V2 and V3 are positive (+ Va [V]). That is, a negative electric field in the Y-axis direction is generated in a range from the electrode element 12b to the electrode element 12d. In the period from time t3 to time t4, the potential differences V3 and V4 are positive (+ Va [V]). That is, a negative electric field in the Y-axis direction is generated in a range from the electrode element 12b to the electrode element 12d.

  As described above, the electric field in the negative Y-axis direction capable of transporting the charged particles 92 in the negative Y-axis direction proceeds in the negative Y-axis direction from the range from the electrode element 12a to the electrode element 12c. Thereby, the charged particles 92 can be conveyed in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction in accordance with the traveling wave electric field.

  In addition, the traveling wave generation circuit 8 includes an electrode element 12c out of two electrode elements 12a and 12c adjacent to the electrode element 12b to which the second potential (+ Va [V]) is applied. A first potential (0 [V]) is applied, and a third potential (+2 Va [V]) is applied to the electrode element 12a. That is, the second potential applied to the electrode element 12b is lower than the third potential applied to the electrode element 12a adjacent to the electrode element 12b and higher than the first potential applied to the electrode element 12c. For this reason, in the electrode element 12b, a potential gradient is generated by the potential applied to the electrode elements 12a and 12c. That is, the electric field strength in the Y-axis direction above the upper surface (surface on the negative side in the X-axis direction) of the electrode element 12b is increased. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the electrostatic force for transporting the charged particles 92 in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction on the upper surface of the electrode element 12b can be increased. Thereby, in this Embodiment, the charged particle 92 which stays on the some electrode element 12b can be reduced. In addition, since the electric field proceeds in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction, the charged particles 92 remaining on the electrodes can be similarly reduced in the other electrode elements 12a, 12c, and 12d. As described above, in the present embodiment, the ability to remove the charged particles 92 adsorbed on the dust collection electrode 10 can be improved.

  Here, the effect of the electrostatic precipitator 1 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated, comparing with the electrostatic precipitator which concerns on a comparative example. The electrostatic precipitator according to the comparative example is different from the electrostatic precipitator 1 according to the present embodiment in the configuration of the traveling wave generation circuit, and is identical in other configurations. Hereinafter, a potential application configuration by the traveling wave generation circuit according to the comparative example will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of potentials applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d according to the comparative example and an outline of the electric field generated in the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d. FIG. 11 also shows an equivalent circuit between adjacent electrode elements (a parallel circuit of a resistance element and a capacitor) and potential differences V1 to V4 between adjacent electrode elements.

  FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of a potential waveform output to each output channel of the traveling wave generation circuit according to the comparative example.

  FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing an example of a waveform of a potential difference between electrode elements when the potential shown in FIG. 12 is applied to each electrode element according to the comparative example.

  The potential application state to the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the state from time t11 to time t12 in FIGS.

  11 to 13 also show an example in which the charged particles 92 are conveyed in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction of FIG. 11 as in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a potential of + Va [V], which is an example of the second potential, is applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12a and 12b from the output channels CH1 and CH2 of the traveling wave generation circuit according to the comparative example, respectively. Is done. From the output channels CH3 and CH4, a potential of 0 [V], which is an example of a first potential, is applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12c and 12d, respectively.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, an electric field in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction can be generated in the range from the electrode element 12b to the electrode element 12c. By this electric field, the charged particles 92 can be conveyed in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. Also in the comparative example, similarly to the present embodiment, among the potential differences V1 to V4, the charged particles 92 can be conveyed in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction between the electrodes having a positive potential difference. Furthermore, by applying a potential as shown in FIG. 12 from the output channels CH1 to CH4 to each of the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d, the electric field is moved in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, in the period from time t11 to time t12, the potential difference V2 is positive (+ Va [V]). That is, an electric field in the negative Y-axis direction that can transport the charged particles 92 in the negative Y-axis direction is generated in the range from the electrode element 12b to the electrode element 12c. In the period from time t12 to time t13, the potential difference V3 is positive (+ Va [V]). That is, the negative electric field in the Y-axis direction is generated in the range from the electrode element 12c to the electrode element 12d. In the period from time t13 to time t14, the potential difference V4 is positive (+ Va [V]). That is, a negative electric field in the Y-axis direction is generated in the range from the electrode element 12d to the electrode element 12a.

  In this way, a traveling wave electric field is generated, and the charged particles 92 can be transported in accordance with a negative electric field in the Y-axis direction. However, in the electric dust collector according to the comparative example, the negative electric field in the Y-axis direction on the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d is weak.

  As described above, in the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d according to the present embodiment, a stronger negative electric field in the Y-axis direction can be generated than in the plurality of electrode elements 12a to 12d according to the comparative example. Thereby, in this Embodiment, the capability to remove the charged particle 92 adsorbed by the dust collection electrode 10 can be improved.

[3. Inverter circuit configuration]
Next, a specific circuit configuration of the inverter circuits 80a to 80d in the traveling wave generation circuit 8 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the inverter circuit 80 according to the present embodiment.

  Inverter circuits 80a to 80d all have the same circuit configuration as inverter circuit 80 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the inverter circuit 80 is supplied with a DC voltage from the power supply circuit 6, and has a first potential, a second potential higher than the first potential, and a third potential higher than the second potential. Is periodically applied to the output terminal 89.

  The inverter circuit 80 mainly includes switching elements 81 to 84, a diode 86, and a capacitor 88.

  The inverter circuit 80 includes two half-bridge circuits and a charge pump circuit that connects the two half-bridge circuits. More specifically, the inverter circuit 80 includes a front half bridge circuit composed of switching elements 81 and 82 and a rear half bridge circuit composed of switching elements 83 and 84. These half bridge circuits are connected by a charge pump circuit composed of a diode 86 and a capacitor 88.

  The switching elements 81 to 84 are elements that are switched between an on state and an off state based on an input signal. In the present embodiment, MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) are used as switching elements 81-84.

  Switching element 81 has a drain terminal connected to node N1 and a source terminal connected to the drain terminal of switching element 82 and one electrode of capacitor 88 at node N3. Note that an anode electrode of a diode 86 is connected to the node N1, and a high potential is applied from the power supply circuit 6. Further, the drive signal S1 is input from the gate drive circuit of the inverter circuit 80 to the gate terminal.

  The switching element 82 has a drain terminal connected to the node N3 and a source terminal grounded. A drive signal S2 is input to the gate terminal from the gate drive circuit of the inverter circuit 80.

  Switching element 83 has a drain terminal connected to the cathode electrode of diode 86 and the other electrode of capacitor 88 at node N 2, and a source terminal connected to output terminal 89. A drive signal S3 is input to the gate terminal from the gate drive circuit of the inverter circuit 80.

  Switching element 84 has a drain terminal connected to output terminal 89 and a source terminal connected to node N3. The drive signal S4 is input to the gate terminal from the gate drive circuit of the inverter circuit 80.

[4. Operation of inverter circuit]
Next, the operation of the inverter circuit 80 shown in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating an example of a potential waveform output from the inverter circuit 80 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the inverter circuit 80 repeats four operation modes Mode1 to Mode4. The inverter circuit 80 outputs a potential of 0 [V] in the operation mode Mode1, outputs a potential of + Va [V] in the operation mode Mode2, outputs a potential of + 2Va [V] in the operation mode Mode3, In the operation mode Mode4, a potential of + Va [V] is output.

  Hereinafter, each operation mode of the inverter circuit 80 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Mode 1]
First, the operation mode Mode1 of the inverter circuit 80 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 16A is a schematic circuit diagram showing a state in the operation mode Mode1 of the inverter circuit 80 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, in the operation mode Mode1, an L level drive signal is input from each gate drive unit 85 to each gate terminal of the switching elements 81 and 83, and the switching elements 81 and 83 are maintained in the OFF state. Is done. Further, an H-level drive signal is input from each gate drive unit 85 to each gate terminal of the switching elements 82 and 84, and the switching elements 82 and 84 are maintained in the ON state.

  As a result, the output terminal 89 has the same potential as the ground potential 0 [V]. On the other hand, the output potential + Va [V] of the power supply circuit 6 is applied to the capacitor 88. Thereby, the capacitor 88 is charged until a voltage of + Va [V] is applied with reference to the potential of the node N3.

[Mode2]
Next, the operation mode Mode2 of the inverter circuit 80 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 16B is a schematic circuit diagram showing a state in the operation mode Mode2 of the inverter circuit 80 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16B, in the operation mode Mode2, an L level drive signal is input from each gate drive unit 85 to each gate terminal of the switching elements 81 and 84, and the switching elements 81 and 84 are maintained in the OFF state. Is done. In addition, an H level drive signal is input from each gate drive unit 85 to each gate terminal of the switching elements 82 and 83, and the switching elements 82 and 83 are maintained in the ON state.

  As a result, the output potential + Va [V] of the power supply circuit 6 is applied to the output terminal 89.

[Mode3]
Next, the operation mode Mode3 of the inverter circuit 80 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 16C is a schematic circuit diagram showing a state in the operation mode Mode3 of the inverter circuit 80 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16C, in the operation mode Mode3, an H level drive signal is input from each gate drive unit 85 to each gate terminal of the switching elements 81 and 83, and the switching elements 81 and 83 are maintained in the ON state. Is done. Further, an L level drive signal is input from each gate drive unit 85 to each gate terminal of the switching elements 82 and 84, and the switching elements 82 and 84 are maintained in the OFF state.

  As described above, the switching element 81 is maintained in the ON state, so that the potential of the node N3 becomes the output potential + Va [V] of the power supply circuit 6. When the switching element 83 is turned on, a potential + 2Va [V] obtained by adding the potential + Va [V] of the node N3 and the voltage + Va [V] applied to the capacitor 88 to the output terminal 89. Applied. At this time, the diode 86 prevents the backflow of current to the power supply circuit 6.

[Mode 4]
Next, the operation mode Mode4 of the inverter circuit 80 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 16D is a schematic circuit diagram showing a state in the operation mode Mode4 of the inverter circuit 80 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16D, in the operation mode Mode4, an H level drive signal is input from each gate drive unit 85 to each gate terminal of the switching elements 81 and 84, and the switching elements 81 and 84 are maintained in the ON state. Is done. Further, an L level drive signal is input from each gate drive unit 85 to each gate terminal of the switching elements 82 and 83, and the switching elements 82 and 83 are maintained in the off state.

  As described above, the switching element 81 is maintained in the on state, whereby the potential of the node N3 becomes the output potential + Va [V] of the power supply circuit 6. When the switching element 84 is turned on, the output potential + Va [V] of the power supply circuit 6 is applied to the output terminal 89 in the same manner as the potential of the node N3.

  As described above, the inverter circuit 80 can output a potential waveform as shown in FIG. 15 by repeating the operation modes Mode1 to Mode4. That is, the traveling wave generation circuit 8 includes a first potential (0 [V]), a second potential (+ Va [V]) applied from the power supply circuit 6, and a third potential (about twice the second potential ( + 2Va [V]).

[5. Effect etc.]
As described above, the electrostatic precipitator 1 according to the present embodiment includes the dust collection electrode 10 including the plurality of electrode elements 12 arranged in a predetermined direction, and the traveling wave generation circuit 8 that applies a potential to the plurality of electrode elements 12. With. The traveling wave generation circuit 8 periodically applies a first potential, a second potential higher than the first potential, and a third potential higher than the second potential to each of the plurality of electrode elements 12. To do. The traveling wave generation circuit 8 applies the first potential to one of the two electrode elements 12 adjacent to the electrode element 12 to which the second potential is applied among the plurality of electrode elements 12, and Apply a third potential.

  Thereby, an electric field in a predetermined direction (Y-axis direction) is generated on the upper surfaces of the plurality of electrode elements 12. For this reason, the force which conveys the charged particle 92 to a predetermined direction can be increased. Therefore, according to the electric dust collector 1, the ability to remove the charged particles 92 adsorbed on the dust collecting electrode 10 can be improved.

  Further, in the electrostatic precipitator 1, the traveling wave generation circuit 8 periodically applies the first potential, the second potential, the third potential, the second potential, and the first potential to each of the plurality of electrode elements 12. A potential may be applied to.

  Thereby, since the traveling wave electric field can be generated in the dust collecting electrode 10, the charged particles 92 can be transported together with the traveling wave electric field.

  In the electrostatic precipitator 1, the traveling wave generation circuit 8 may include two half-bridge circuits and a charge pump circuit that connects the two half-bridge circuits.

  Thereby, the traveling wave generation circuit 8 has a first potential (0 [V]), a second potential (+ Va [V]) applied from the power supply circuit 6, and a third potential that is approximately twice the second potential. (+ 2Va [V]) can be output.

  In the electric dust collector 1, the dust collection electrode 10 may further include an insulating film 16 that covers the plurality of electrode elements 12.

  Thereby, when the charged particles 92 are adsorbed to the plurality of electrode elements 12, loss of electric charge is suppressed, so that the charged particles 92 can be transported by a traveling wave electric field. In addition, since the plurality of electrode elements 12 are covered with the insulating film 16, a short circuit between the adjacent electrode elements 12 can be suppressed by the particles attached to each electrode element 12.

  Moreover, the drive method of the electrostatic precipitator 1 is a drive method of the electrostatic precipitator 1 provided with the dust collection electrode 10 provided with the several electrode element 12 arranged in the predetermined direction, Comprising: A potential, a second potential higher than the first potential, and a third potential higher than the second potential are periodically applied. Furthermore, the first potential is applied to one of the two electrode elements 12 adjacent to the electrode element 12 to which the second potential is applied among the plurality of electrode elements 12, and the third potential is applied to the other. .

  Thereby, an electric field in a predetermined direction (Y-axis direction) is generated on the upper surfaces of the plurality of electrode elements 12. For this reason, the force which conveys the charged particle 92 to a predetermined direction can be increased. Therefore, according to the electric dust collector 1, the ability to remove the charged particles 92 adsorbed on the dust collecting electrode 10 can be improved.

(Variations, etc.)
As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, the counter electrode 20 may not be provided in the electric dust collector 1. For example, the charged particles 92 can be adsorbed to the dust collection electrode 10 by flowing air including the charged particles 92 toward the dust collection electrode 10 in a state where a negative potential is applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12.

  Further, the configuration of the traveling wave generated by the traveling wave generation circuit 8 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, the traveling wave generation circuit 8 generates a traveling wave toward the one end in a region including one end in the predetermined direction in the dust collecting electrode 10 including the plurality of electrode elements 12 arranged in the predetermined direction. In a region including the other end of the dust electrode 10 in the predetermined direction, a traveling wave toward the other end may be generated. Such a configuration example can be realized by appropriately setting the pattern of the potential applied to each electrode element 12. In the above configuration example, when the X-axis direction is adopted as the predetermined direction, that is, the dust collection electrode 10 and the counter electrode 20 are arranged parallel (horizontally) to the ZX plane, and a plurality of electrode elements 12 are arranged in the X-axis direction. It is particularly effective when arranged in According to the above configuration example, for example, the transport distance of the charged particles 92 can be shortened compared to the case where the charged particles 92 are transported only in the positive direction in the X-axis direction, so that efficient transport can be realized.

  Moreover, in the electrostatic precipitator 1 which concerns on said embodiment, although the structure which applies the ternary potential of a 1st electric potential, a 2nd electric potential, and a 3rd electric potential to the some electrode element 12 was employ | adopted, the some electrode element 12 is used. The number of potential values applied to is not limited to three. Four or more potentials may be periodically applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12. For example, the first potential, the second potential higher than the first potential, the third potential higher than the second potential, and the fourth potential higher than the third potential are periodically applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12. May be. In this case, the traveling wave generating circuit periodically cycles each of the plurality of electrode elements 12 in the order of, for example, a first potential, a second potential, a third potential, a fourth potential, a third potential, a second potential, and a first potential. Potential is applied.

  In the electrostatic precipitator 1 according to the above-described embodiment, a potential that changes in a step shape (that is, a rectangular wave-like potential) is applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12, but a potential that changes in a step shape is not necessarily applied. It does not have to be. For example, a waveform potential that gradually increases or decreases gradually from one potential to another potential (that is, a trapezoidal potential or the like) may be applied to the plurality of electrode elements 12. In addition, the description “applying the first potential, the second potential, and the third potential periodically” is not a description that simply means a configuration that applies a potential that changes in a stepped manner. A configuration in which a potential having a time waveform that gradually increases or decreases from one potential to the other is also included in the above description.

  In the electrostatic precipitator 1, the traveling wave generation circuit 8 may maintain the electrode element 12 to which the second potential is applied among the plurality of electrode elements 12 at a floating potential.

  As a result, the electrode element 12 maintained at the floating potential is maintained at the second potential that is about the middle of the potentials of the two adjacent electrode elements 12.

  In addition, the electric dust collector 1 which concerns on said embodiment can be utilized for various apparatuses. For example, one embodiment of the present invention can be realized as a ventilator as shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is an external view of a ventilation device according to this modification. The ventilation apparatus shown in FIG. 17 includes, for example, an electric dust collector 1 inside and is used in a ventilation system.

  Further, for example, one embodiment of the present invention can be realized as an air cleaner as shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is an external view of an air cleaner according to this modification. The air cleaner shown in FIG. 18 includes, for example, an electric dust collector 1 inside.

  For example, one embodiment of the present invention can be realized as an air conditioner as shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is an external view of an air conditioner according to this modification. The air conditioner shown in FIG. 19 includes, for example, an electric dust collector 1 inside.

  In addition, the present invention can be realized by various combinations conceived by those skilled in the art for each embodiment, or by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. This form is also included in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electric dust collector 8 Traveling wave production | generation circuit 10 Dust collection electrodes 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Electrode element 16 Insulating film 92 Charged particle

Claims (9)

A dust collecting electrode comprising a plurality of electrode elements arranged in a predetermined direction;
A traveling wave generating circuit for applying a potential to the plurality of electrode elements,
The traveling wave generation circuit periodically applies a first potential, a second potential higher than the first potential, and a third potential higher than the second potential to each of the plurality of electrode elements. The first potential is applied to one of two electrode elements adjacent to the electrode element to which the second potential is applied among the plurality of electrode elements, and the third potential is applied to the other. Electric dust collector. The traveling wave generation circuit periodically applies a potential to each of the plurality of electrode elements in the order of the first potential, the second potential, the third potential, the second potential, and the first potential. Item 4. The electric dust collector according to Item 1. The traveling wave generation circuit generates a traveling wave toward the one end in the region including the one end in the predetermined direction in the dust collection electrode, and in a region including the other end in the predetermined direction in the dust collection electrode, The electric dust collector according to claim 1, wherein a traveling wave toward the other end is generated. The electrostatic precipitator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the traveling wave generation circuit maintains an electrode element to which the second potential is applied among the plurality of electrode elements at a floating potential. The electrostatic precipitator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the traveling wave generation circuit includes two half-bridge circuits and a charge pump circuit that connects the two half-bridge circuits. The electric dust collector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dust collecting electrode further includes an insulating film covering the plurality of electrode elements. A ventilation apparatus comprising the electric dust collector according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An air cleaner comprising the electric dust collector according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A method for driving an electrostatic precipitator comprising a dust collecting electrode comprising a plurality of electrode elements arranged in a predetermined direction,
A first potential, a second potential higher than the first potential, and a third potential higher than the second potential are periodically applied to each of the plurality of electrode elements,
The first potential is applied to one of two electrode elements adjacent to the electrode element to which the second potential is applied among the plurality of electrode elements, and the third potential is applied to the other. How to drive the dust collector.

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