JP2018125301A - Ion generating device and electric device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ion generating device capable of suppressing unnecessary creeping discharge.SOLUTION: An ion generating device 1 includes: a first electrode 111; a second electrode 112 disposed with a distance allowing for insulation from the first electrode 111; and a substrate 130 to which the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are fixed. Between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, cutouts 131, 132, 133 of a shape in which a part of the substrate 130 is cut out are formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ion generation device and an electric device, and more particularly, to an ion generation device including a discharge electrode and an electric device using the ion generation device.

  Conventionally, ion generators have been used to purify, sterilize, or deodorize indoor air. Many ion generators generate positive ions and negative ions by corona discharge.

  Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-134052 (Patent Document 1) discloses an example of an electrode substrate unit for a charging device or a slow current device. A high-voltage line connected to the high-voltage generating circuit and a discharge electrode contact for connecting the proximal end side of the discharge electrode needle are formed on the substrate body, and a current flows between the high-voltage line and the discharge electrode contact. The limiting resistance element is mounted. Further, it is described that a substrate case member for holding a substrate is formed integrally with the substrate by injection molding in which the substrate is included in an insulating resin material.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-174562 (Patent Document 2) describes a problem that discharge noise is generated in an ion generator. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-23364 (Patent Document 3) increases the frequency of sound during discharge so that it is higher than a region where human hearing is sensitively acting, thereby reducing noise during discharge. A discharge device is disclosed.

JP 2012-134052 A JP 2005-174562 A JP 2008-23364 A

  In the ion generator, corona discharge is generated between the tip of the discharge electrode to which a high voltage is applied and the induction electrode to generate ions. However, if the ion generator is used for a long time in unclean air or in a high humidity environment, the tip of the discharge electrode becomes dirty due to impurities such as dust in the air and moisture, and the substrate that supports the discharge electrode and the induction electrode also becomes dirty. To do. Due to this contamination, there is a problem in discharge such that unnecessary discharge occurs along the surface or unnecessary corona discharge occurs from a place other than the tip of the discharge electrode. If unnecessary discharge occurs, the amount of generated ions may decrease, or the positive and negative ion balance may be lost.

  In an ion generator that generates ions by applying a high voltage to a current, when a high voltage is applied at regular intervals, such as alternating current and pulses, the discharge is repeatedly turned on / off at that cycle. If the reciprocal of the discharge cycle, that is, the frequency is audible, a discharge sound is heard. The frequency of discharge is determined by the oscillation frequency of the high voltage generation circuit, and is usually determined by a predetermined frequency for each ion generator. However, there is a great difference between individuals in whether the sound is harsh or audible, and the reality is that some people feel uncomfortable with the low sound and others feel uncomfortable with the high sound.

This invention is made | formed in view of said subject, The one objective is to provide the ion generator which can suppress an unnecessary creeping discharge. Another object of the present invention is to provide an ion generator that can reduce the harshness of the discharge sound.

  An ion generator according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a substrate. The second electrode is disposed at a distance that can be insulated from the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are fixed to the substrate. A cutout having a shape obtained by cutting out a part of the substrate is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

  Preferably, the notches are alternately formed on one side and the other side with respect to a plane including the extending direction of the first electrode and the second electrode.

  Preferably, a wall portion is further formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

  Preferably, the notch increases the creepage distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

  The ion generator which concerns on the 3rd aspect of this invention is equipped with the discharge electrode, the high voltage generation circuit, the case, and the adjustment part. The discharge electrode generates ions by discharge. The high voltage generation circuit generates a high voltage to be applied to the discharge electrode. The case houses a high voltage generation circuit. An adjustment part makes it possible to adjust the frequency of the sound generated when the discharge electrode discharges.

Preferably, the adjustment unit changes the resistance value of the high voltage generation circuit.
An electrical apparatus according to the present invention includes the ion generator according to the third aspect described above and a housing that houses the ion generator, and delivers ions generated by the ion generator. The adjustment unit is exposed on the outer surface of the housing, and a user who operates the electric device can operate the adjustment unit.

  According to the ion generator of the present invention, unnecessary creeping discharge can be suppressed, so that ion generation efficiency can be improved. Moreover, according to the ion generator of this invention, the harsh feeling of the discharge sound for the user who uses an ion generator can be reduced.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an ion generator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator in alignment with the II-II line | wire shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator which follows the III-III line | wire shown in FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a configuration of an ion generator according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator in alignment with the VV line shown in FIG. 5 is a plan view of a substrate included in the ion generator of Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an ion generator according to Embodiment 3. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator in alignment with the VIII-VIII line shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the ion generator of Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of an ion generator in a fifth embodiment. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the frequency of discharge by an ion generator, and ion concentration. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an electric device including the ion generator according to the fifth embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an ion generator 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 1 taken along the line II-II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 1 along the line III-III shown in FIG. FIG. 1 shows a cross section of the ion generator 1 along the line II shown in FIGS. 1-3, the ion generator 1 is an apparatus for generating ions by corona discharge, and mainly includes a discharge electrode 10, an induction electrode 20, a substrate 30, and a case 40.

  The discharge electrode 10 is formed in a needle shape, and has a sharp tip portion 11 and a base portion 12 on the end portion side opposite to the tip portion 11. The discharge electrode 10 is made of a conductive material such as metal. When a high voltage is applied to the entire discharge electrode 10 and a potential difference is generated between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20, the discharge electrode 10 is discharged from the tip portion 11 to generate ions. The shape of the discharge electrode 10 is not particularly limited as long as it can be discharged at the tip portion 11. For example, the discharge electrode 10 may have a rod-like shape in which the tip 11 is not sharp.

  The induction electrode 20 having a reference potential is integrally formed of a conductive material such as metal. The induction electrode 20 has a plate-like perforated sheet metal 23 arranged in parallel with the substrate 30 and a pair of leg portions 24 that support the perforated sheet metal 23. The leg 24 is bent at a substantially right angle with respect to the perforated sheet metal 23. A through hole 26 penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the perforated sheet metal 23 of the induction electrode 20. The through hole 26 is formed in a circular shape as shown in FIG.

  The discharge electrode 10 is provided through the central portion of the through hole 26. The edge of the through hole 26 constitutes the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20. The proximity portion 21 faces the discharge electrode 10. The proximity portion 21 constitutes a portion of the induction electrode 20 that is closest to the discharge electrode 10. The leg portion 24 of the induction electrode 20 has a base portion 22 at a lower portion thereof. The base 22 constitutes a portion of the induction electrode 20 that is farthest from the discharge electrode 10.

  The substrate 30 has a flat shape, and has a main surface 31 that forms a surface on the discharge side and a back surface 32 on the opposite side to the main surface 31. The substrate 30 is formed with a through-hole extending from the main surface 31 to the back surface 32 through the substrate 30 in the thickness direction. The through hole formed in the substrate 30 may be a through hole via in which a conductor is formed on the inner wall surface.

  The discharge electrode 10 is inserted through a through hole formed in the substrate 30. The discharge electrode 10 is supported by the substrate 30 by fixing the base 12 of the discharge electrode 10 to the substrate 30 by, for example, soldering. The leg portion 24 of the induction electrode 20 is inserted into another through hole formed in the substrate 30. The induction electrode 20 is supported by the substrate 30 by fixing the base portion 22 of the induction electrode 20 to the substrate 30 by soldering, for example.

  The main surface 31 of the substrate 30 is covered with a molding material 51 that is a resin material. The back surface 32 of the substrate 30 is covered with a molding material 52 that is a resin material. Both sides of the substrate 30 are insulated. The upper part of the discharge electrode 10 is disposed outside the mold material 51, and the discharge electrode 10 protrudes from the surface 51 s of the mold material 51. The upper portion of the leg portion 24 of the induction electrode 20 and the perforated sheet metal 23 are disposed outside the molding material 51, and the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 protrudes from the surface 51 s of the molding material 51.

  The lower part of the discharge electrode 10 is sealed with molding materials 51 and 52. The discharge electrode 10 is supported by the substrate 30 while penetrating the substrate 30. The other end of the discharge electrode 10 opposite to the tip end portion 11 protrudes from the back surface 32 of the substrate 30. A wiring pattern is formed on the back surface 32 of the substrate 30. The other end of the discharge electrode 10 is electrically connected to a wiring pattern or a lead wire formed on the back surface 32 of the substrate 30 by solder.

  The lower part of the leg portion 24 of the induction electrode 20 is sealed with molding materials 51 and 52. The leg portion 24 of the induction electrode 20 is supported by the substrate 30 while penetrating the substrate 30. The other end of the leg portion 24 of the induction electrode 20 opposite to the one end joined to the perforated sheet metal 23 protrudes from the back surface 32 of the substrate 30. The other end of the induction electrode 20 is electrically connected to a wiring pattern or a lead wire formed on the back surface 32 of the substrate 30 by solder.

  The case 40 is provided as a casing that forms the appearance of the ion generator 1. The case 40 has a substantially rectangular box shape with a hollow space inside. The case 40 is integrally formed of a resin material, and includes a plate-like ceiling plate portion 41, plate-like four side wall portions 42, and a plate-like floor plate portion 43. The ceiling board part 41 and the floor board part 43 are arrange | positioned in parallel. The side wall part 42 has a relatively long long side part and a relatively short short side part. The ceiling plate portion 41 is formed with a through hole 46 that penetrates the ceiling plate portion 41 in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the through hole 46 is formed in a circular shape.

  The discharge electrode 10 is provided through the central portion of the through hole 46. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 11 of the discharge electrode 10 protrudes outside the case 40, and it is set as the structure which can convey the ion generate | occur | produced in the front-end | tip part 11 rapidly. The edge 47 of the through hole 46 faces the discharge electrode 10. The through hole 46 is opened at a position facing the discharge electrode 10. In addition, the discharge electrode 10 may be disposed in the internal space of the case 40 without penetrating the through hole 46, and in this case, the tip 11 can be protected by the case 40. Become.

  On the inner walls of the pair of short side portions of the side wall portion 42, an elongated plate-like support portion 44 disposed along the extending direction of the short side portion is attached. The support portion 44 projects into the hollow internal space of the case 40 with respect to the side wall portion 42. The support portion 44 extends in parallel with the extending direction of the ceiling plate portion 41 and the floor plate portion 43. The substrate 30 is fixed to the support portion 44. The substrate 30 is supported by the support portion 44 and is accommodated in the internal space of the case 40. A part of the discharge electrode 10 supported on the substrate 30 and the induction electrode 20 are accommodated in the internal space of the case 40.

  The dimension a shown in FIG. 1 indicates the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 and the edge 47 of the case 40. The dimension b indicates the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 and the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20. The dimension c indicates the distance between the perforated sheet metal 23 of the induction electrode 20 and the ceiling plate portion 41 of the case 40. The dimension d indicates the distance between the perforated sheet metal 23 of the induction electrode 20 and the surface 51 s of the molding material 51. The dimension e indicates the thickness of the molding material 51. The dimension f indicates the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 and the base 22 of the induction electrode 20.

  The magnitude relationship between the dimensions a to f will be described. In the direction in which the main surface 31 of the substrate 30 extends, the dimension f is larger than the dimension b as shown in FIG. The dimension a is smaller than the dimension b. The case 40 is formed so that the dimension a is 3 mm or more. On the other hand, the dimension e is smaller than the dimension d in the thickness direction of the substrate 30. The dimension c and the dimension d are substantially the same.

According to the ion generator 1 of Embodiment 1 described above, the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 are supported by the substrate 30 as shown in FIG. The main surface 31 on the side where the distal end portion 11 of the discharge electrode 10 protrudes with respect to the substrate 30 is covered with a molding material 51. The through hole formed in the substrate 30 to support the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 is sealed from the main surface 31 side by the molding material 51. By closing the gap between the substrate 30 and the discharge electrode 10, moisture can be prevented from entering the gap, so that abnormal discharge and leakage can be suppressed even in a high humidity environment. Therefore, the ion generator 1 can suppress a decrease in output under high humidity and can supply a high concentration of ions.

  If the entire internal space of the case 40 shown in FIG. 1 is resin-molded, impurities and moisture can be completely prevented from entering the inside of the case 40, but in that case, the edge 47 of the through hole 46 formed in the case 40. The dimension a indicating the distance between the electrode 40 and the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 is a spatial distance between the case 40 and the discharge electrode 10 and a creepage distance. Here, the spatial distance indicates the minimum distance in the space between the two members. The creepage distance indicates the minimum distance along the surface of the insulator between the two members. That is, if the mold material is filled up to the position of the through hole 46 of the case 40 shown in FIG. 1, the dimension a indicates the distance between the case 40 and the discharge electrode 10 along the surface of the mold material. Become.

  However, in order to suppress the creeping discharge between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40, that is, the discharge in which the discharge path is formed along the surface of the insulator, the creepage distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40. Need to be larger. Therefore, in the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the discharge electrode 10 protrudes from the surface 51 s of the molding material 51. The induction electrode 20 has a proximity portion 21 that protrudes from the surface 51 s of the molding material 51 and faces the discharge electrode 10. The induction electrode 20 is not entirely covered with the molding material 51, but has a configuration in which the perforated sheet metal 23 having the proximity portion 21 is not resin-sealed by the molding material 51. The molding material 51 has a thickness enough to seal only a part of the induction electrode 20.

  Thereby, the creeping distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40 is such that the distance along the surface of the case 40 from the edge portion 47 to the support portion 44 and the mold material 51 from the position of the support portion 44 to the discharge electrode 10. This is the sum of the distance along the surface 51s. The creepage distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40 is larger than the spatial distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40, thereby generating unnecessary creeping discharge between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40. Can be suppressed.

  Further, the dimension f indicating the distance between the base portion 22 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10 is larger than the dimension b indicating the distance between the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10. The dimension b indicates the spatial distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20. The dimension f indicates the creeping distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20. That is, in the ion generator 1 of Embodiment 1, the creeping distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 is larger than the spatial distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20.

  By reducing the spatial distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20, the generation of corona discharge between the tip portion 11 of the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 is facilitated. Therefore, the voltage to be applied to the discharge electrode 10 in order to generate corona discharge can be lowered. Since ions can be generated by generating corona discharge with a smaller voltage, the ion generation efficiency of the ion generator 1 can be improved.

  If the dimension b is too small, it becomes difficult to set the applied voltage, and it becomes difficult to stably release ions by corona discharge. On the contrary, if the dimension b is excessively increased, the distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 increases, so that the voltage applied to the discharge electrode 10 needs to be increased, and the size of the high voltage generation circuit increases. Considering these, it is desirable to design the dimension b optimally so that the outer shape of the ion generator 1 can be made compact and the ion generation efficiency can be secured.

The creepage distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 is increased, and a creepage distance of a certain level or more is ensured between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20, so that the gap between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 is secured. Generation of unnecessary creeping discharge along the surface 51s of the existing mold material 51 is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the resistance of the ion generator 1 against dirt around the discharge electrode 10 due to impurities such as dust contained in the unclean air, or scale due to condensation in a high humidity environment. By reducing the occurrence of minute current leaks caused by impurities and moisture in the air, the ion generation efficiency of the ion generator 1 can be further improved.

  When the thickness of the molding material 51 for sealing the substrate 30 is increased, the outer shape of the ion generator 1 is increased. Therefore, it is desirable that the thickness of the molding material 51 is small. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the dimension e indicating the thickness of the molding material 51 that covers the main surface 31 of the substrate 30 is equal to the surface 51 s of the molding material 51 and the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20. It is smaller than the dimension d indicating the interval. By defining the maximum value of the thickness of the molding material 51, the outer shape of the ion generator 1 can be reduced in size.

  On the other hand, even if the distance between the surface 51 s of the molding material 51 and the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 is too large, the outer shape of the ion generator 1 becomes large. Therefore, it is desirable to define the distance between the surface 51 s of the molding material 51 and the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 to be four times or less the thickness of the molding material 51.

  In order to suppress the occurrence of abnormal discharge between the induction electrode 20 and the ceiling plate portion 41 of the case 40, the dimension indicating the distance between the perforated sheet metal 23 of the induction electrode 20 and the ceiling plate portion 41 of the case 40. It is necessary to secure c above a certain level. On the other hand, when the dimension c is too large, the outer shape of the ion generator 1 becomes large. Therefore, it is desirable that the interval between the perforated sheet metal 23 of the induction electrode 20 and the ceiling plate portion 41 of the case 40 be substantially the same value as the interval between the surface 51 s of the molding material 51 and the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20. .

  Further, the dimension a indicating the shortest distance between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 and the edge portion 47 of the case 40 shown in FIG. 1 is 3 mm or more. By making the dimension b indicating the shortest distance between the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10 larger than the dimension a indicating the shortest distance between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 and the edge portion 47 of the case 40, b is also defined to be 3 mm or more. When the through hole 46 of the case 40 and the through hole 26 of the induction electrode 20 are both circular as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the radius of the circular shape is defined to be 3 mm or more.

  By defining in this way, the distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40 and the distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 are secured at least 3 mm. Therefore, a cleaning member such as a brush or a cotton swab can be inserted from the outside of the case 40 into the gap between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40 and the induction electrode 20. As a result, when dirt adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 or dust or dirt accumulates on the surface 51s of the molding material 51, the cleaning member is used to clean the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 or the surface 52s of the molding material 51. It can be used to clean the case 40 from the outside. Therefore, when the ion generator 1 is used in a harsh environment such as in unclean air or in high humidity, even if the ion generation efficiency decreases due to contamination, the ion generation efficiency can be easily recovered by cleaning. it can.

  By making the dimension b indicating the distance between the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10 larger than the dimension a indicating the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 and the edge 47 of the case 40, the induction electrode 20. However, the induction electrode 20 can be prevented from being exposed to the outside.

  In addition, in embodiment mentioned above, the ion generator 1 shown in FIG. 1 was provided symmetrically with respect to the discharge electrode 10, and the dimension af was respectively constant, However, It is not restricted to this example Absent. In an actual product, manufacturing tolerances are allowed, so the dimensions a to f are not always constant. Alternatively, it may be possible to intentionally change the dimensions a to f, for example, by changing the shape of the induction electrode 20 or the case 40 for design reasons.

  In such a case, if the minimum value of the dimension f indicating the distance between the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10 is made larger than the maximum value of the dimension b indicating the distance between the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10. The creeping distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 can be surely made larger than the spatial distance, and the above-described effect that can suppress the creeping discharge can be obtained similarly. Further, if the maximum value of the dimension e indicating the thickness of the mold material 51 is made smaller than the minimum value of the dimension d indicating the distance between the surface 51s of the mold material 51 and the induction electrode 20, the thickness of the mold material 51 is increased. The above-described effect that can be avoided and the size of the ion generator 1 can be reduced can be obtained similarly. Further, the minimum value of the dimension a indicating the distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the edge 47 of the through hole 46 of the case 40 and the minimum value of the dimension b indicating the distance between the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10 are set. If each is 3 mm or more, the above-described effect of easily cleaning the ion generator 1 can be obtained in the same manner.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the ion generator 101 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 101 taken along the line VV shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the substrate 130 included in the ion generator 101 of the second embodiment. 4-6, the ion generator 101 is an apparatus for generating ions by corona discharge, and mainly includes a first electrode 111, a second electrode 112, a substrate 130, and a case 140. Yes.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are made of a conductive material such as metal. Each of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is formed in a needle shape, extends linearly, and has a needle tip with a sharpened tip. The 1st electrode 111 and the 2nd electrode 112 are arrange | positioned in the same plane so that the extending direction of each electrode may become mutually parallel. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged side by side with an interval in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are discharge electrodes in which a high voltage is applied and a potential difference is generated between the first electrode 111 and the induction electrode, whereby each discharges from the needle tip to generate ions. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 generate ions having different polarities. For example, the first electrode 111 generates positive ions, and the second electrode 112 generates negative ions. By disposing the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 that generate ions of different polarities apart from each other, ions generated by neutralizing the generated positive ions and negative ions, or collecting ions to the different polarity electrodes, etc. Since the decrease in the concentration can be suppressed, a higher concentration of ions can be generated.

  The shape of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is not particularly limited as long as discharge is possible at the tip. For example, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 may have a rod-like shape whose tip is not sharpened. The second electrode 112 is not limited to a discharge electrode having a different polarity from the first electrode 111, and may be an electrode that functions as an induction electrode that forms a reference potential.

  The substrate 130 has a flat shape, and has a main surface 134 that forms a surface on the discharge side, and a back surface 135 that is opposite to the main surface 134. The substrate 130 is formed with a through hole that penetrates the substrate 130 in the thickness direction and extends from the main surface 134 to the back surface 135.

The first electrode 111 is inserted into the through hole formed in the substrate 130, and thereby the first electrode 111 is supported by the substrate 130. The second electrode 112 is inserted into another through-hole formed in the substrate 130, whereby the second electrode 112 is supported by the substrate 130. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are attached to the substrate 130. The substrate 130 has the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 mounted thereon. First electrode 111
And the 2nd electrode 112 is being fixed to the board | substrate 130 so that each front-end | tip may protrude from the main surface 134 of the board | substrate 130. FIG.

  The main surface 134 of the substrate 130 is covered with a molding material 151 that is a resin material. The back surface 135 of the substrate 130 is covered with a molding material 152 that is a resin material. The substrate 130 is insulatively molded on both sides. The tips of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 protrude from the surface 151 s of the molding material 151. Upper portions of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are disposed outside the molding material 151. Lower portions of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are sealed with molding materials 151 and 152.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are supported by the substrate 130 while penetrating the substrate 130. The other ends of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 opposite to the tips protrude from the back surface 135 of the substrate 130. A wiring pattern is formed on the back surface 135 of the substrate 130. The other ends of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are electrically connected to a wiring pattern or a lead wire formed on the back surface 135 of the substrate 130 by solder.

  The case 140 is provided as a casing that forms the appearance of the ion generator 101. Case 140 is integrally formed of a resin material. The case 140 has a substantially rectangular outer shape in a plan view shown in FIG.

  The case 140 is formed with cutouts 141, 142, and 143 that are partially cut out from the side surface. The notches 141, 142, 143 are formed by molding the case 140 into a shape that is recessed from the side surface. A hollow space is formed inside the notches 141, 142, and 143.

  Cutouts 141 and 143 are formed in the case 140 in a direction extending from the first side to the second side among the long sides of the rectangular shape in plan view. A cutout 142 is formed in the case 140 in a direction extending from the second side toward the first side of the long side of the rectangular shape in plan view. The cutouts 141 to 143 extend in a direction orthogonal to the long side of the rectangle forming the plan view shape of the case 140 in a plan view, that is, a direction parallel to the short side of the rectangle.

  As shown in FIG. 6, notches 131, 132, 133 corresponding to the notches 141, 142, 143 of the case 140 are formed in the substrate 130. Thereby, the substrate 130 can be accommodated in the case 140. The substrate 130 is fixed in the internal space of the case 140.

  In the plan view shown in FIG. 4, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged at the center of the case 140 in the short side direction. The notches 141 to 143 are formed to be recessed from the side surface of the case 140 by a dimension that is larger than half the length of the short side of the case 140 and smaller than the length of the short side.

  When the case 140 is viewed in plan, the notches 141 to 143 are formed between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. When a straight line passing through the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 shown in FIG. 4 is virtually considered, the straight line extends across the notches 141, 142, and 143 in order. Therefore, in the cross section shown in FIG. 5, there are three hollow spaces formed by the notches 141, 142, and 143 between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 extend in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 4 and are arranged in parallel to each other. Considering a plane including the extending direction of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, the plane is a straight line extending in the left-right direction in the drawing through the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 in FIG. As shown. The cross section of the ion generator 1 along the said plane is a cross section shown in FIG.

  The notches 141, 142, and 143 formed in the case 140 are alternately formed on one side and the other side with respect to a plane including the extending direction of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. In FIG. 4, when the upper side of the plane extending in the left-right direction is considered as one side and the lower side is considered as the other side, the notches 141 and 143 are formed such that the side surface of the case 140 existing on one side is recessed. The notches 141 and 143 are mainly formed on one side, and a part near the deepest part of the recess protrudes on the other side. The notch 142 is formed such that the side surface of the case 140 existing on the other side is recessed. The notch 142 is mainly formed on the other side, and a part in the vicinity of the deepest portion of the recess protrudes on the one side.

  The tips of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 that are two conductors protrude from the surface 151 s of the molding material 151 that is an insulator. The minimum distance along the surface 151 s of the molding material 151 that connects the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is a creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Here, the creepage distance indicates the minimum distance along the surface of the insulator between the two members. The spatial distance indicates a minimum distance in the space between the two members. The length of the line segment connecting the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 corresponds to the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. The second electrode 112 is disposed with a space distance that can be insulated from the first electrode 111.

  The notches 141, 142, and 143 are formed so as to intersect a line segment corresponding to the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. A line segment forming a spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 extends across notches 141, 142, and 143 formed in the case 140. Since the insides of the notches 141, 142, and 143 are hollow spaces, three air layers are formed between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 by the notches 141, 142, and 143. .

  The creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 in the present embodiment is obtained as a distance that bypasses the notches 141 to 143 along the surface 51 s of the molding material 51. The notches 141 to 143 increase the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Therefore, in the ion generator 101 of Embodiment 2, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is greater than the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Is also getting bigger.

  According to the ion generator 101 of Embodiment 2 described above, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a part of the case 140 is notched between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Shaped cutouts 141, 142, and 143 are formed. As a result, the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 becomes a length that bypasses the notches 141, 142, and 143 along the surface 151 s of the molding material 151. That is, the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is increased by the notches 141, 142, and 143.

By increasing the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 and ensuring a creepage distance of a certain level or more between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, Generation of unnecessary creeping discharge along the surface 151 s of the molding material 151 existing between the electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is suppressed. Therefore, the resistance of the ion generator 101 is improved against contamination around the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 due to impurities such as dust contained in the unclean air, or scale due to condensation in a high humidity environment. be able to. By reducing the occurrence of minute current leakage caused by impurities and moisture in the air, the ion generation efficiency of the ion generator 101 can be improved.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of notches 141, 142, and 143 formed in the case 140 include one side and the other side with respect to a plane including the extending direction of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Are alternately formed. Thus, the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 becomes a length that meanders along the surface 151 s of the molding material 151 and bypasses the notches 141, 142, and 143. Therefore, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 can be further increased, so that the creeping discharge along the surface 151 s of the molding material 151 can be more effectively suppressed.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ion generator 101 of the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 101 taken along the line VIII-VIII shown in FIG. 7 and 8, an ion generation apparatus 101 is an apparatus for generating ions by corona discharge, and includes a first electrode 111, a second electrode 112, an induction electrode 120, a substrate 130, and a case 140. Mainly prepared.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are made of a conductive material such as metal. Each of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is formed in a needle shape, extends linearly, and has a needle tip with a sharpened tip. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged to face each other with an interval in the extending direction. The needle tip of the first electrode 111 and the needle tip of the second electrode 112 face each other. The central axis of the first electrode 111 and the central axis of the second electrode 112 are located on the same straight line. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged in the same plane.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are discharge electrodes in which a high voltage is applied and a potential difference is generated between the first electrode 111 and the induction electrode, whereby each discharges from the needle tip to generate ions. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 generate ions having different polarities. For example, the first electrode 111 generates positive ions, and the second electrode 112 generates negative ions. By disposing the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 that generate ions of different polarities apart from each other, ions generated by neutralizing the generated positive ions and negative ions, or collecting ions to the different polarity electrodes, etc. Since the decrease in the concentration can be suppressed, a higher concentration of ions can be generated.

  The shape of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is not particularly limited as long as discharge is possible at the tip. For example, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 may have a rod-like shape whose tip is not sharpened.

  The induction electrode 120 is disposed away from both the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. The induction electrode 120 is provided at a position where the distance between the first electrode 111 and the induction electrode 120 and the distance between the second electrode 112 and the induction electrode 120 are equal to each other. By providing the induction electrode 120 in the middle between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, the induction electrode 120 can be disposed at a position farthest from both the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Thereby, it is set as the structure which can reduce the quantity of the ion which is collect | recovered with the induction | guidance | derivation electrode 120 and lose | disappears among the ion which generate | occur | produced in the 1st electrode 111 and the 2nd electrode 112.

The substrate 130 includes a pair of substrates 131 and 132 as separate and different substrates. The substrate 131 and the substrate 132 have a flat shape and are arranged in parallel to each other. The first electrode 111 is mounted on the substrate 131. The second electrode 112 is mounted on the substrate 132. Substrate 131, 132 has a main surface that forms the surface on the discharge side, and a back surface opposite to the main surface. The substrates 131 and 132 are arranged so as to face each other so that the respective main surfaces face each other.

  The substrates 131 and 132 are formed with through holes extending through the substrates 131 and 132 in the thickness direction from the main surface to the back surface. The first electrode 111 is inserted through the through-hole formed in the substrate 131, and thereby the first electrode 111 is supported by the substrate 131. The second electrode 112 is inserted into the through hole formed in the substrate 132, and thereby the second electrode 112 is supported by the substrate 132. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are attached to the substrates 131 and 132. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are fixed to the substrates 131 and 132 so that the respective tips protrude from the main surfaces of the substrates 131 and 132.

  The substrate 130 also includes a substrate 133 on which the high voltage generation circuit 160 is mounted. The high voltage generation circuit 160 generates a high voltage to be applied to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. When a positive high voltage is applied to the first electrode 111 and a negative high voltage is applied to the second electrode 112, a corona discharge is generated between these electrodes and the induction electrode 120, and positive ions and negative voltages are generated. Ions are generated.

  A via electrode extending in the thickness direction of the substrate 133 and an electrode pattern extending in a plane direction orthogonal to the thickness direction are formed on the substrate 133. These via electrodes and electrode patterns are included in a connection member that electrically connects the high voltage generation circuit 160 to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. The electrode pattern includes solder pads 161 and 162. A wiring 163 is soldered and fixed to the solder pad 161. One end of the wiring 163 is electrically connected to the solder pad 161. A wiring 164 is soldered and fixed to the solder pad 162. One end of the wiring 164 is electrically connected to the solder pad 162. The wirings 163 and 164 are high voltage lines having insulation resistance corresponding to the high voltage generated by the high voltage generation circuit 160.

  A wiring pattern is formed on the substrates 131 and 132. The other end of the wiring 163 is electrically connected to a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 131 by solder. The other end of the wiring 164 is electrically connected to a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 132. The other end of the first electrode 111 opposite to the tip is electrically connected to a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 131 by solder. The other end of the second electrode 112 opposite to the tip is electrically connected to a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 132 by solder. The wiring 163 is included in a connection member that electrically connects the high voltage generation circuit 160 and the first electrode 111. The wiring 164 is included in a connection member that electrically connects the high voltage generation circuit 160 and the second electrode 112.

  The case 140 is provided as a casing that forms the appearance of the ion generator 101. Case 140 is integrally formed of a resin material. The substrates 131, 132, and 133 are fixed in the internal space of the case 140. The high voltage generation circuit 160 is mounted on the substrate 133 and stored in the internal space of the case 140. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 extend to the outside of the case 140. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 7, a protective cover that prevents direct contact with the needle tips of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 may be provided in order to improve safety.

The case 140 is filled with a molding material that is a resin material. Substrate 131,
The main surface and the back surface of 132 are covered with a molding material. The both sides of the substrates 131 and 132 are insulatively molded. Upper portions of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged outside the molding material, and the tips of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 protrude from the molding material. Lower portions of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are sealed with a molding material.

  The substrate 133 has a front surface covered with the molding material 151 and a back surface covered with the molding material 152. Both sides of the substrate 133 are insulation molded. The high voltage generation circuit 160 is mounted on the back surface of the substrate 133. The high voltage generation circuit 160 is sealed with a molding material 152. The solder pads 161 and 162 are formed on the surface of the substrate 133. The solder pads 161 and 162 and one ends of the wirings 163 and 164 fixed to the solder pads 161 and 162 are sealed with a molding material 151. Electronic components and transformers are mounted on the substrate 133, and these electronic components and transformers are also sealed with mold materials 151 and 152.

  The ion generator 101 further includes a power supply connector 170. The power supply connector 170 is provided in a region of the internal space of the case 140 that accommodates the high voltage generation circuit 160. The power supply connector 170 is provided as a power supply unit for supplying power to the high voltage generation circuit 160.

  The case 140 has notches 141, 142, 143, and 144 that are partially cut out. The notches 141 to 144 are formed by molding the case 140 into a shape that is recessed from a part of the surface thereof. A hollow space is formed inside the notches 141 to 144. The substrate 133 has notches corresponding to the notches 141 to 144 of the case 140. Thereby, the substrate 133 can be accommodated in the case 140.

  The minimum distance along the surface of the molding material 151 and the surface of the case 140 that connects the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. There is no. Here, the creepage distance indicates the minimum distance along the surface of the insulator between the two members. The spatial distance indicates a minimum distance in the space between the two members. The length of the line segment connecting the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112.

  Since the notches 141 to 144 are formed in the case 140, the dimension along the surface of the case 140 is increased. The creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 in the present embodiment is obtained as a distance including the outer surface of the case 140 in which the notches 141 to 144 are formed. The notches 141 to 144 increase the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Therefore, in the ion generator 101 of Embodiment 3, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is greater than the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Is also getting bigger.

  According to the ion generator 101 of the third embodiment described above, a part of the case 140 is notched between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 as shown in FIGS. Shaped notches 141-144 are formed. As a result, the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is a length including the outer surface of the case 140 in which the notches 141 to 144 are formed. That is, the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is increased by the notches 141 to 144.

By increasing the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 and ensuring a creepage distance of a certain level or more between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, Generation of unnecessary creeping discharge along the surface of the mold material and the case existing between the electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is suppressed. Therefore, the resistance of the ion generator 101 is improved against contamination around the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 due to impurities such as dust contained in the unclean air, or scale due to condensation in a high humidity environment. be able to. By reducing the occurrence of minute current leakage caused by impurities and moisture in the air, the ion generation efficiency of the ion generator 101 can be improved.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the ion generator 101 according to the fourth embodiment. Compared with the ion generator 101 of Embodiment 3 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the ion generator 101 of Embodiment 4 shown in FIG. 9, the case 140 is replaced with notches 142 and 144 having a shape of notches. Thus, wall portions 145 and 146 from which a part of the case 140 protrudes are formed. The cutouts 141 and 143 and the wall portions 145 and 146 intersect the line connecting the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 at the shortest distance along the surface of the case 140 out of the surface of the case 140. As is provided.

  Since the notches 141 and 143 and the wall portions 145 and 146 are formed in the case 140, the dimension along the surface of the case 140 is increased. The creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 in the present embodiment is obtained as a distance including the outer surface of the case 140 in which the notches 141 and 143 and the wall portions 145 and 146 are formed. It is done. The notches 141 and 143 and the walls 145 and 146 increase the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Therefore, in the ion generator 101 of Embodiment 4, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is greater than the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Is also getting bigger.

  According to the ion generator 101 of the fourth embodiment described above, a part of the case 140 is cut out between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 as shown in FIGS. In addition to the shape cutouts 141 and 143, wall portions 145 and 146 are formed. As a result, the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is a length including the outer surface of the case 140 in which the notches 141 and 143 and the wall portions 145 and 146 are formed. That is, the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is increased by the notches 141 and 143 and the wall portions 145 and 146.

  By increasing the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 and ensuring a creepage distance of a certain level or more between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, Generation of unnecessary creeping discharge along the surface of the mold material and the case existing between the electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is suppressed. Therefore, the resistance of the ion generator 101 is improved against contamination around the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 due to impurities such as dust contained in the unclean air, or scale due to condensation in a high humidity environment. be able to. By reducing the occurrence of minute current leakage caused by impurities and moisture in the air, the ion generation efficiency of the ion generator 101 can be improved.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of ion generator 101 in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram for generating a high voltage to be applied to the discharge electrodes 111 and 112 of the ion generator 101. As shown in FIG. 10, a power source 183, a variable resistor 184, a high voltage transformer 185, diodes 186, 187 and the like are electrically connected to the high voltage generation circuit 160 shown in FIGS.

  The power source 183 is a type of power source that supplies power to the high voltage generation circuit 160 at regular intervals, such as an AC power source or a pulse power source. The variable resistor 184 is provided such that its resistance value can be changed. The ion generation apparatus 101 includes an adjustment unit 201, and a user who operates the ion generation apparatus 101 can change the resistance value of the variable resistor 184 by operating the adjustment unit 201. The high voltage transformer 185 generates a positive or negative high voltage applied to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. High-voltage transformer 185 includes a primary winding and a secondary winding.

  One end of the secondary winding of the high-voltage transformer 185 is electrically connected to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 via diodes 186 and 187, and the other end of the secondary winding is an induction electrode. 120 is electrically connected. The diodes 186 and 187 are provided for rectification. The diode 186 connected to the first electrode 111 and the diode 187 connected to the second electrode 112 are connected in opposite directions.

  The high voltage generation circuit 160 has an oscillation circuit that receives power supplied from the power supply 183 and outputs an oscillation signal for generating a high voltage. This oscillating circuit oscillates at a constant frequency representing the discharge interval. The oscillation circuit includes a capacitor 182 in a part thereof. The oscillation circuit is simply a CR time constant circuit, and the oscillation frequency is determined by the CR value. The number of discharges per unit time can be changed by changing the time constant of the CR circuit.

  The high voltage transformer 185 is driven by receiving the oscillation signal from the high voltage generation circuit 160, generates a high voltage, and outputs the high voltage to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. When a positive high voltage pulse is applied to the first electrode 111 via the diode 186 and a negative high voltage pulse is applied to the second electrode 112 via the diode 187, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode Corona discharge occurs between the electrode 112 and the induction electrode 120. As a result, the first electrode 111 generates positive ions, and the second electrode 112 generates negative ions.

  A high voltage is applied to both the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 with a single high-voltage transformer 185, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the ion generator 101 and reduces the power consumption by reducing the number of parts. It is possible. By making the number of induction electrodes 120 one in accordance with the number of high-voltage transformers 185, the efficiency of ion generation can be improved, and ions generated at the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are generated at the induction electrode 120. It is possible to suppress the reduction of the ion concentration by being collected, and it is possible to generate a higher concentration of ions.

A positive ion is a cluster ion in which a plurality of water molecules are attached around a hydrogen ion (H ⁺ ), and is represented as H ⁺ (H ₂ O) m (m is an arbitrary integer of 0 or more). A negative ion is a cluster ion in which a plurality of water molecules are attached around an oxygen ion (O ₂ ⁻ ), and is represented as O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) n (n is an arbitrary integer of 0 or more). When positive ions and negative ions are released, both ions surround mold fungi and viruses floating in the air and cause a chemical reaction with each other on the surface. Suspended fungi and the like are removed by the action of the active species hydroxyl radical (.OH) generated at that time.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the frequency of discharge by the ion generator 101 and the ion concentration. In the ion generator 101, the ion generation efficiency is improved by devising the shape and structure of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 constituting the discharge electrode, the voltage to be applied, and the like, and a sufficient amount of ions generated. Can be secured. As shown in FIG. 11, under a condition in which the amount of ion generation is sufficiently secured, a saturation region is obtained in which the amount of ion generation does not change greatly even if the frequency is increased or decreased. In this saturation region, even if the discharge frequency is changed, the change in the amount of generated ions can be suppressed to a minute. In other words, in the saturation region, the discharge interval can be adjusted without affecting the amount of generated ions.

  The frequency of discharge can be changed by changing the resistance value of the variable resistor 184 by operating the adjusting unit 201. If the frequency of the discharge is in an audible range, the sound of the discharge can be heard, but the level of the discharge sound changes by changing the frequency of the discharge. A user who operates the ion generator 101 can adjust the frequency of sound generated when the discharge electrode is discharged by operating the adjusting unit 201 to change the resistance value of the variable resistor 184. When the discharge sound is a timbre that feels uncomfortable for the user, the user can change the timbre of the discharge sound by changing the frequency of the discharge. In this way, it is possible to reduce the harsh feeling of the discharge sound while maintaining the ion generation amount of the ion generator 101.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an electric device 200 including the ion generator 101 according to the fifth embodiment. The electric device 200 shown in FIG. 12 is an air cleaner. The electric device 200 is not limited to an air purifier, for example, an ion generator, an air conditioner, a ventilator, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a vacuum cleaner, a dryer, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, a fan heater, a hair dryer, a fan, or other It may be a device. The electric device 200 can be preferably used to adjust air in a house, a building, a hospital room, a car cabin, an airplane or a ship.

  As shown in FIG. 12, an air outlet 202 is formed at the upper center of the front surface of the electric device 200. A suction port (not shown) is formed on the back surface of the electric device 200. The electric device 200 includes a housing 240 that forms the appearance of the electric device 200. Inside the housing 240 are housed the ion generator 101 and a blower such as a fan that operates by receiving power. When the electric device 200 is operated, the air taken in from the suction port by the blower is blown out from the blowout port 202 together with the ions generated by the ion generator 101. Thereby, ions are sent into the air around the electric device 200 together with the air flow.

  The adjustment unit 201 that can adjust the frequency of the discharge sound by changing the resistance value of the variable resistor 184 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 240 of the electric device 200. The adjustment unit 201 exposed on the outer surface of the housing 240 is, for example, a knob portion of a switch such as a rotary switch. The adjustment unit 201 is disposed in the upper part of the front surface of the electric device 200. A user who operates the electric device 200 can easily operate the adjustment unit 201. Depending on the operation of the adjustment unit 201 by the user, the level of the sound generated when the ion generator 101 is discharged changes. Thereby, the harsh feeling of the discharge sound for a user can be reduced, maintaining the quantity of the ion which the electric equipment 200 sends out.

  In the description of the present embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the frequency of the discharge sound is adjusted by changing the resistance value of the high voltage generation circuit 160, thereby changing the tone of the discharge sound. The configuration that allows the frequency of the discharge sound to be adjusted is not limited to a change in resistance value.

  For example, the electric charge stored in the capacitor may be changed by changing the period of the pulse signal sent to the capacitor while the resistance value is constant, thereby changing the time constant of the CR circuit. Also, for example, a voltage application circuit that converts an AC voltage and applies a predetermined voltage to the discharge unit includes a switching element, a control unit that controls the switching element, and a CR circuit that has a fixed time constant. The unit is configured to turn on the switching element when the phase of the AC voltage is in a predetermined range. By changing the predetermined range, the number of discharges per unit time can be switched, and the frequency of discharge can be changed by software. Also good.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described as above, the embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1,101 Ion generator, 10, 111, 112 Discharge electrode, 11 Tip, 12, 22 Base, 20, 120 Induction electrode, 21 Proximity, 26, 46 Through hole, 30, 130, 131, 132, 133 Substrate , 31,134 Main surface, 32,135 back surface, 40,140 case, 47 edge, 51,52,151,152 molding material, 51s, 52s, 151s surface, 111 first electrode, 112 second electrode, 141, 142, 143, 144 Notch, 145, 146 Wall, 160 High voltage generation circuit, 182 Capacitor, 183 Power supply, 184 Variable resistance, 185 High voltage transformer, 200 Electrical equipment, 201 Adjustment unit.

Claims (4)

A first electrode;
A second electrode disposed at an insulative distance from the first electrode;
A substrate on which the first electrode and the second electrode are fixed;
An ion generator, wherein a cutout having a shape obtained by cutting out a part of the substrate is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.   The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the notches are alternately formed on one side and the other side with respect to a plane including a direction in which the first electrode and the second electrode extend.   The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein a wall portion is further formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the notch increases a creepage distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.