JP4449859B2 - Electrostatic atomizer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrostatic atomizer that generates nanometer-sized negative ion mist by an electrostatic atomization phenomenon.

  Conventionally, a discharge electrode, a counter electrode positioned opposite to the discharge electrode, and a supply means for supplying water to the discharge electrode are provided, and a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode to Patent Document 1 discloses an electrostatic atomizer that atomizes retained water and generates negative ion mist (nanometer-sized charged fine particle water) having a strong charge at the nanometer size.

  The nanometer-size negative ion mist has a particle size of about 3 to several tens of nanometers and is smaller than 70 nm, which is the size of the corneocytes of the human body. It penetrates into the stratum corneum of the human body, sufficiently supplies water to the back of the stratum corneum surface, can impart a high moisturizing effect to the skin and hair, and further exists such that active species are wrapped in water molecules Nanometer-sized negative ion mist has a deodorizing effect, fungus and fungus sterilization and propagation suppression effect, and nanometer-sized negative ion mist is present as active species are encapsulated in water molecules. It has a longer life than the case of existing in the air and is very small with nanometer size, so it floats in the air for a long time and has high diffusivity. During and uniformly suspended, has a feature that it is possible to enhance the deodorizing effect.

However, in the conventional electrostatic atomizer shown in Patent Document 1, the water supply means includes a water tank filled with water, and a water transport that transports water in the water tank to the discharge electrode by capillary action. Since the structure is equipped with a part, the user needs to replenish water continuously in the water tank, and there is a problem that the troublesome work of water replenishment is forced, and there is a problem that the usability is bad . In the above electrostatic atomizer, when the water to be supplied is water containing impurities such as Ca and Mg such as tap water, the impurities react with CO ₂ in the air to form a water transport unit. CaCO ₃ , MgO, or the like is deposited on the tip of the glass, obstructing the supply of water by capillary action, and preventing the generation of nanometer-sized negative ion mist.

In order to solve the above problem, instead of the water tank, a cooling unit for generating water (condensation water) based on moisture in the air by cooling is provided, and the generated water is transported by water. It is conceivable to transport the discharge electrode through the part. This eliminates the need for water replenishment, and the obtained water does not contain impurities, so that CaCO ₃ , MgO, and the like do not deposit.

  However, in this case, it takes at least a few minutes before the generated water is transported to the discharge electrode after starting cooling in the cooling section, and nanometer-sized negative ion mist is generated. The new problem that it is unsuitable to prepare for products that are used only for a short time such as a hair dryer arises, and furthermore, since the electrostatic atomizer has a cooling unit and a water transport unit, it is difficult to make it compact. There's a problem.

  Therefore, in the course of reaching the present invention, the inventor releases water supply means for condensing moisture in the air and supplying water to the discharge electrode to the cooling part of the Peltier unit having the cooling part and the heat dissipation part. It was considered to provide an electrode. According to this, the discharge electrode itself can be quickly cooled, moisture in the air can be condensed at the discharge electrode, and water can be supplied to the discharge electrode. It has been found that, when a Peltier unit is used as a heat exchanger of the heat exchange unit, the discharge electrode can be quickly cooled and nanometer-sized negative ion mist can be generated. However, with the above means, it takes several tens of seconds even though the time until the generation of nanometer-sized negative ions is greatly reduced. This time varies depending on the temperature and humidity environment in which the device is used.

  By the way, the mechanism of generation of nanometer-size negative ion mist by the electrostatic atomizer is such that the water supplied to the tip of the discharge electrode is charged by the voltage applied between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, and the charged water is charged. Coulomb force acts on the surface of the water, the water level locally rises to a cone shape (tailor cone), the charge concentrates on the tip of the cone shaped water, the charge density becomes high, and the tip of the tailor cone Water receives large energy (repulsive force of high-density electric charge), exceeds the surface tension, and repeats splitting and scattering (Rayleigh splitting) to cause electrostatic atomization, resulting in nanometer-sized negative ion mist Conceivable.

  Also, negative ion generators for generating negative ions are well known. In this method, negative ions are generated by applying a high-voltage negative charge to a negative ionization needle that is a needle-like electrode facing the counter electrode to cause corona discharge. The generation of negative ions by corona discharge has a certain effect, and in fact, there are many devices equipped with the function of generating negative ions.

  Therefore, in the course of reaching the present invention, the present inventor formed the tailwater cone as shown in FIG. 7 in forming the water supplied to the tip of the discharge electrode as a tailor cone. The discharge part 1a to be provided was considered to have a conical shape with a sharp point. Thus, when the discharge part 1a provided in the front-end | tip part of the discharge electrode 1 is made into the pointed cone shape, the place where the tailor cone T is formed with the dew condensation water W compared with the case where the discharge part 1a is a flat surface is a figure. As shown in FIG. 7, the dew condensation water W is formed as a tailor cone T stably at a fixed position specified at the forefront of the discharge part 1a (that is, the top of the cone). The density of the electric flux passing through the water W at the tip is increased, so that the dew condensation water W generated at the tip of the discharge part 1a can be stably formed as a tailor cone T, and moreover, compared with the case where the discharge part 1a is a flat surface, In the case of the same amount of water, since the shape is convex, the tailor cone T is stably formed in this respect as well.

  In addition, during the time from when the discharge electrode is cooled until nanometer-sized negative ions are generated, the tip of the metal part of the discharge part 1a functions as a negative ionization needle, so negative ions are generated by corona discharge. However, the negative ion effect can be obtained until the negative ion mist is generated.

  However, as described above, when the discharge part 1a is formed in a pointed cone shape, a large electric field is concentrated on the tip of the formed tailor cone T, and a nanometer-sized negative ion mist is generated and jumps out into the air. There is a possibility that a metal discharge may occur due to the exposed sharp metal portion of the cone-shaped discharge part 1a, and there is a new problem that nanometer-sized negative ion mist may not be stably generated. It has been found.

The metal discharge shown above is a corona discharge because the tip of the metal part of the discharge part 1a functions as a negative ionization needle in the same manner as when the negative electrode is generated by cooling the discharge electrode. In this state, negative ions are generated. However, the above state does not control the generation of nanometer-sized negative ion mist and the generation of negative ions due to corona discharge, and it cannot be said that the function of the original electrostatic atomizer is exhibited.
Japanese Patent No. 3260150

  The present invention has been invented in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and does not require the trouble of replenishing water, can quickly generate nanometer-sized negative ion mist, and can reduce the size of the apparatus. In addition, the tailor cone can be stably formed based on the dew condensation water generated at the tip of the discharge electrode, and metal discharge when negative ion mist is generated is suppressed. When negative ions are generated by corona discharge and negative ion mist is stably generated in the time from the start of cooling of the discharge electrode to the generation of nanometer-size negative ions. However, the problem is to provide an electrostatic atomizer capable of arbitrarily switching to the generation of negative ions. Is shall.

  In order to solve the above problems, the electrostatic atomizer according to the present invention includes a discharge electrode 1 and water supply means 3 that supplies water W by dew condensation or icing moisture in the air to the discharge electrode 1. An electrostatic atomizer 4 that electrostatically atomizes water W supplied to the discharge electrode 1 by the water supply means 3 by applying a high voltage to the discharge electrode 1, wherein the water supply means 3 is cooled The discharge part 1 is provided in the cooling part 5 of the Peltier unit 7 having the part 5 and the heat radiating part 6, and the tip part of the discharge electrode 1 is formed into a convex curved part 8 that is curved to form a convex curved part 8. It is characterized in that a minute protrusion 8a is provided thereon.

  In this way, water in the air is condensed or frozen (hereinafter described in the example of condensation) at the tip of the discharge electrode 1 to supply the water W. Therefore, it is not necessary to replenish the water W, and the generated water W Since no impurities are contained in the electrode, there is no need to remove the deposits. In addition, since the structure is such that water W is generated at the discharge electrode 1, a nanometer-sized negative ion mist M can be obtained quickly after cooling is started. For example, it is suitable for a product that is used only for a short time such as a hair dryer, and further, since the Peltier unit 7 is used as a cooling means provided in the electrostatic atomizer 4. A compact curved surface in which the discharge electrode 1 can be cooled quickly and powerfully to generate condensed water W to automatically supply the water W, and the tip of the discharge electrode 1 is curved in a curved shape. Part Therefore, as compared with the case where the tip end portion of the discharge electrode 1 is a flat surface, the place where the tailor cone T is formed is specified at the top of the convex curved surface portion 8, and the tailor cone T is stably formed at a fixed position. In addition, the density of the electric flux passing through the water W at the top of the convex curved surface portion 8 is increased, and the condensed water W generated on the convex curved surface portion 8 at the tip of the discharge electrode 1 is stably used as the tailor cone T. Further, since the tip of the discharge electrode 1 has a convex shape when the amount of water is the same as that of the flat surface, the tailor cone T is also stable in this respect. In addition, even though the tip of the discharge electrode 1 is formed in such a manner that the tailor cone T can be formed stably, the tip of the discharge electrode 1 has a curved surface. Curved convex curved surface portion 8 and minute projection 8a formed on convex curved surface portion 8 Therefore, when the tailor cone T is present, a small protrusion 8a that is sufficiently small with respect to the tailor cone T is included in the tailor cone T, and there is no edge portion outside the tailor cone T. Even after a large electric field concentrates on the tip of the tailor cone T and a nanometer-sized negative ion mist M is generated and jumps out into the air, the cone shape of the discharge electrode 1 is similar to that of a pointed cone. A metal discharge can be suppressed without the problem that the metal portion is easily exposed due to the exposure of the cutting-edge metal part. For these reasons, in the present invention, a nanometer-sized negative ion mist M can be stably generated. It is.

  In addition, since the minute protrusion 8a is exposed on the convex curved surface portion 8 at the tip of the discharge electrode 1 during the time from when the discharge electrode 1 starts to cool until the nanometer-sized ion mist is generated, the minute protrusion 8a is exposed. Causes a metal discharge and generates negative ions due to corona discharge.

  Further, even when negative ion mist is stably generated, the supply of water to the discharge electrode 1 can be performed by cutting off the power supply to the Peltier unit 7 as a cooling means provided in the electrostatic atomizer 4. The discharge electrode 1 is heated by the surrounding air, and the condensed water forming the tailor cone T is extinguished to switch to the generation of negative ions, or the polarity of the power supply to the Peltier unit 7 is reversed. As a result, the cooling part 5 of the Peltier unit 7 provided with the discharge electrode 1 is converted to the heat generating side of the Peltier, so that the discharge electrode 1 is heated by the heat of the Peltier and the condensed water that has formed the tailor cone T is removed. It is possible to switch to generation of negative ions by annihilation, and for these reasons, in the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily switch to generation of negative ions. It is intended.

  Further, the discharge electrode 1 is composed of a main body portion 9, and a discharge portion 1 a including a convex curved surface portion 8 provided at the tip of the main body portion 9 and a minute protrusion 8 a on the convex curved surface portion 8, and the main body portion 9 and the discharge portion. It is preferable to provide a recessed part, a convex part, or an uneven | corrugated | grooved part in the outer surface of the boundary part with 1a.

  By adopting such a configuration, the concave portion 10 or the convex portion or the concave portion formed on the outer surface of the boundary portion between the main body portion 9 and the convex curved surface portion 8 that is the discharge portion 1a becomes an obstacle, and the main body of the discharge electrode 1 The condensed water W generated in the portion 9 is not easily absorbed by the condensed water W generated in the convex curved surface portion 8, and the condensed water W for forming the tailor cone T in the convex curved surface portion 8 is not excessive. The tailor cone T is formed only by the dew condensation water W generated by the convex curved surface portion 8, and the tailor cone T having a certain size and shape is stably formed. Smaller nanometer-sized negative ion mist M can be stably generated.

  Further, the discharge electrode 1 includes a columnar main body 9, and a discharge portion 1 a including a convex curved surface portion 8 provided at a tip portion of the main body portion 9 and a minute protrusion 8 a on the convex curved surface portion 8. It is preferable that the boundary between the side surface portion 9 and the convex curved surface portion 8 is a chamfered portion 11 that is chamfered in an arc shape.

  With such a configuration, the discharge electrode 1 can be formed simply by processing the tip of the columnar material so as to bend into a curved surface, and the discharge electrode 1 can be formed easily. Since the boundary between the side surface portion of the portion 9 and the convex curved surface portion 8 is a chamfered portion 11 that is chamfered in an arc shape, the convex curved surface portion 8 itself does not have an edge except for the fine projection 8a on the upper surface, There is no edge at the boundary between the side surface portion of the portion 9 and the convex curved surface portion 8, and the metal discharge is further suppressed, and the nanometer-sized negative ion mist M can be stably generated.

  Further, the minute protrusion 8 a provided at the tip of the discharge electrode 1 may be formed of the same material when the discharge electrode 1 is formed on the convex curved surface portion 8 of the discharge electrode 1. You may form with another material.

  Thus, when the microprotrusions 8a are formed of a member separate from the discharge electrode 1, for example, if the microprotrusions 8a are formed of a material having better corrosion resistance than the material of the discharge electrodes 1, the microprotrusions caused by the generation of negative ions due to corona discharge are reduced. When the degree of consumption of the projection 8a can be reduced and the rate of negative ions is intentionally increased, or when the use environment is extremely dry and it takes time until the discharge electrode 1 starts to condense. Is particularly effective.

  The shape of the minute projection 8a provided on the convex curved surface 8 is most preferably a conical shape with a sharp tip, but since it is a minute shape, the tip edge portion is not formed, and a truncated cone shape or a cylindrical shape is also possible. Alternatively, a minute convex curved surface in which the tip of the minute projection 8a is curved in a curved shape may be used.

  The present invention can be used without requiring the user to replenish water and remove deposits, can quickly generate nanometer-sized negative ion mist, and can be made compact. Can be stably formed into a tailor cone at a predetermined position, and a metal ion can be suppressed to stably generate a nanometer-size negative ion mist. Also, after the discharge electrode starts to cool, the nanometer-size negative ion mist is generated. An electrostatic atomizer that can be arbitrarily switched to generation of negative ions even when negative ions are generated by corona discharge in the time until generation and negative ion mist is stably generated. There is an advantage that it can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

  The electrostatic atomizer 4 of the present invention uses a Peltier unit 7 having a cooling part 5 and a heat radiating part 6, and connects the discharge electrode 1 to the cooling part 5 side of the Peltier unit 7 to discharge the discharge electrode 1 itself. Is free to cool. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the discharge electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 are opposed to each other at a predetermined interval by supporting the counter electrode 2 on the tip of the support frame 12 connected to the Peltier unit 7. It is fixed to.

  The Peltier unit 7 has a pair of Peltier circuit boards 15 having a circuit 14 formed on one side of an insulating plate 13 made of alumina or aluminum nitride having high thermal conductivity, facing each other so that the circuits 14 face each other, BiTe-based thermoelectric elements 16 arranged in a large number of rows are sandwiched between the two Peltier circuit boards 15 and adjacent thermoelectric elements 16 are electrically connected by the circuits 14 on both sides, and are made via a Peltier input lead wire 17. The heat is transferred from one Peltier circuit board 15 side to the other Peltier circuit board 15 side by energizing the thermoelectric element 16. Further, a cooling insulating plate 18 made of alumina, aluminum nitride or the like having high thermal conductivity and high electric resistance is connected to the outside of the Peltier circuit board 15 on one side (hereinafter referred to as cooling side), and A high heat conductive heat dissipating plate 19 made of alumina, aluminum nitride or the like is connected to the outside of the Peltier circuit board 15 on the other side (hereinafter referred to as the heat dissipating side). The Peltier circuit board 15 may be one in which the circuit 14 is formed on an insulating plate made of an epoxy resin or a polyimide resin, or these resins contain a filler having high thermal conductivity. Also good.

  In this example, the cooling portion 5 is formed by the insulating plate 13 and the cooling insulating plate 18 of the cooling side Peltier circuit board 15, and the heat dissipation portion is formed by the insulating plate 13 and the heat dissipation plate 19 of the heat dissipation side Peltier circuit board 15. 6, and heat is transferred from the cooling unit 5 side to the heat radiating unit 6 side through the thermoelectric element 16. Instead of the heat radiating plate 19, a heat radiating fin may be provided to form the heat radiating portion 6.

  The support frame 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape penetrating both ends using an insulating material such as PBT resin, polycarbonate resin, or PPS resin, and the outer peripheral edge of the opening on one end extends over the entire circumference. A flange portion 22 for connection is provided in a protruding manner, and a ring-shaped counter electrode 2 integrally formed by insert molding or the like is positioned in an opening at the other end (hereinafter referred to as a mist discharge port 23). The flange portion 22 is provided with a plurality of screw holes 24 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the flange portion 22 is screwed to the peripheral edge portion of the heat radiating plate 19 with screws 20 through the screw holes 24. Thus, the support frame 12 is connected to the Peltier unit 7. The connecting means is not limited to the above-described screwing, and for example, both may be bonded while pressing the support frame 12 against the Peltier unit 7. A partition wall 25 for dividing the inner space into a discharge space S1 and a sealing space S2 extends from the inner peripheral surface of the support frame 12, and both spaces S1 and S2 are formed at the center of the partition wall 25. A communication hole 26 for communication is provided.

  Instead of fixing the counter electrode 2 to the support frame 12 as described above, the counter electrode 2 may be formed by covering the portion of the support frame 12 facing the discharge electrode 1 with a conductive film. Good.

  The discharge electrode 1 is formed using a material having high thermal conductivity and conductivity such as aluminum, copper, tungsten, titanium, and stainless steel. The discharge electrode 1 is formed on the main body 9 and the tip of the main body 9. In the present invention, the discharge portion 1a provided at the tip of the main body portion 9 is curved in a curved shape in the extending direction of the axis of the main body portion 9 in the present invention. 8 and the projection 8a is formed on the upper end of the convex curved surface 8 (in the extending direction of the axis of the main body 9). The convex curved surface portion 8 serving as the discharge portion 1a formed at the front end portion of the main body portion 9 has no edge except for the minute protrusion 8a, and the central portion (that is, the portion protruding the minute protrusion 8a) protrudes compared to the outer peripheral portion. For example, a hemispherical shape as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2E, or FIGS. 2C and 2D. Or a mountain shape having a round shape except for the minute protrusions 8a as shown in FIGS. 2 (f) to 2 (i) (here, FIG. 2 (f), FIG. 2 (h)). When the point where the axis of the main body 9 intersects the boundary between the main body 9 and the discharge part 1a is defined as O, the dimension from the point O to the top of the convex curved surface part 8 which is the discharge part 1a is m1, In this example, m1> m2 when the dimension from the point O to the outer surface of the boundary between the main body 9 and the discharge part 1a is the axis of the main body 9 is m2. 2 (g) and FIG. 2 (i) are examples of m1 <m2.) Of course, the invention is not limited to the above example. As long as the top is curved in a curved shape so as to protrude from the outer peripheral portion, it may have another shape.

  In any of the above-described discharge portions 1a, the microprojections 8a until the discharge electrode 1 is cooled and the water (condensation water) W generated on the surface of the convex curved portions 8 covers the microprojections 8a. Corona discharge occurs and negative ions are generated.

  The shape of the minute protrusion 8a is ideally a cone shape with a sharp point as shown in FIG. Moreover, in any shape of the discharge part 1, the minute protrusion 8 a must be a small protrusion compared to the convex curved surface part 8, and must be sufficiently small with respect to the tailor cone T to be formed. Since the size of the tailor cone T to be formed tends to be approximately proportional to the size of the convex curved surface portion 8, the projection height of the minute projection 8a is the radius of the convex curved surface portion 8 (m2 shown in FIG. 2 (f)). About one fifth of the above is appropriate. Further, the sharpness of the tip is preferably sharp like the negative ionization needle used in the conventional negative ion generator. However, since the microprotrusions 8a are originally small, there is no need to restrict them and the workability is improved. Is preferred to be about 60 ° ± 30 °. Further, the degree of sharpness of the edge of the tip is not realistic as shown in FIG. 3 (a), and the tip is flat as shown in FIG. 3 (b), or as shown in FIG. 3 (c). It is practical to use a cylindrical shape, and a minute convex curved surface having a curved tip (that is, a tip R shape) as shown in FIG. 3D, and any shape may be used.

  The main body 9 has a columnar shape (for example, a cylinder), and a clamped portion 9 a having a diameter larger than that of the main body 9 is provided at the lower end of the main body 9.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, FIG. 2F, and FIG. 2G, the recess 10 is provided on the outer surface of the boundary portion between the columnar main body 9 and the discharge portion 1a. is there.

  The discharge electrode 1 having the above-described configuration is provided in the cooling unit 5 of the Peltier unit 7. However, in the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the discharge electrode 1 is used when the support frame 12 is connected to the Peltier unit 7. The main body portion 9 is fitted into the communication hole 26 of the partition wall 25 provided in the support frame 12, the discharge portion 1a side is positioned in the space S1, and the sandwiched portion 9a side is positioned in the sealing space S2. The partition wall 25 of the support frame 12 sandwiches the sandwiched portion 9a of the discharge electrode 1 and the cooling insulating plate 18 of the Peltier unit 7, and the discharge electrode 1 is pressed toward the cooling unit 5 side of the Peltier unit 7 by this sandwiching. Connected. In the figure, reference numeral 27 denotes a sealing member that seals the inside of the Peltier unit 7.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of ventilation holes 28 are formed on the side peripheral wall of the support frame 12 on the discharge space S <b> 1 side, and the discharge space S <b> 1 has a mist outlet 23 and a ventilation hole to which the counter electrode 2 is fixed. 28 is in communication with the external space.

  In the figure, reference numeral 29 denotes a metal or conductive material such that one end side is connected to the discharge electrode 1 in the discharge space S1 of the support frame 12 and the other end is drawn out of the support frame 12 and connected to the high voltage application unit 30. A high-voltage lead wire formed using plastic, and the high-voltage applying unit 30 electrically connected to the discharge electrode 1 through the high-voltage lead wire 29 is further electrically connected to the counter electrode 2 to thereby release the discharge electrode. A high voltage is applied between 1 and the counter electrode 2.

  Therefore, in the electrostatic atomizer 4 having the above-described configuration, when the thermoelectric elements 16 are energized via the Peltier input lead wires 17, heat is transferred in the same direction in each thermoelectric element 16. The discharge electrode 1 is cooled via the cooling unit 5 connected to the cooling side of the heat transfer, and the air around the discharge electrode 1 is cooled, so that moisture in the air is condensed and liquefied, and the discharge electrode 1. Water (condensation water) W is generated on the surface of the surface. Then, in a state where water W is generated and held in the discharge part 1a at the tip part of the discharge electrode 1, the high voltage application part 30 causes the discharge part 1a side of the discharge electrode 1 to be a negative electrode so that charges are concentrated. When a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2, the water W supplied to the discharge part 1 a at the tip of the discharge electrode 1 by the high voltage applied between the discharge electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2. And the counter electrode 2 cause a Coulomb force to locally swell the liquid surface of the water W (tailor cone T). When the tailor cone T is formed in this way, electric charges concentrate on the tip of the tailor cone T and the electric field strength in this portion increases, thereby increasing the Coulomb force generated in this portion. Grow. When the tailor cone T grows in this way and the charge concentrates on the tip of the tailor cone T and the charge density becomes high, the water at the tip of the tailor cone has a large energy (the repulsive force of the charge that has become dense). ), And repeats splitting and scattering (Rayleigh splitting) exceeding the surface tension to generate a large amount of nanometer-sized negative ion mist M.

  The nanometer-sized negative ion mist M moves toward the counter electrode 2 facing the discharge electrode 1, passes through the central hole of the counter electrode 2 fixed in the mist discharge port 23, and is external to the electrostatic atomizer 4. Is released.

  Here, fresh outside air is always introduced to the periphery of the discharge electrode 1 in the discharge space S1 of the support frame 12 through the vent hole 28, and thus water W is stably generated in the discharge electrode 1 portion.

  As described above, the water W generated by condensation on the discharge part 1a at the tip of the discharge electrode 1 grows as a tailor cone T shape due to the Coulomb force, and the charge concentrates on the tip of the tailor cone T to increase the density. In the present invention, a negative ion mist M having a nanometer size is generated by repeatedly atomizing and scattering water (Reilly splitting) due to the repulsive force of high-density electric charges and performing electrostatic atomization. As described above, since the discharge part 1a at the tip of the discharge electrode 1 is configured by the convex curved surface part 8 that is curved in a curved surface shape, the water W generated on the convex curved surface part 8 is caused by FIG. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, the tailor cone T is formed so as to rise in the extending direction of the top of the convex curved surface portion 8 (that is, the tip of the tailor cone T formed is in the extending direction of the top of the convex curved surface portion 8). Formed Compared to the case where the tip of the discharge electrode 1 is a flat surface, the place where the tailor cone T is formed is specified at the top of the convex curved surface portion 8 and the tailor cone T is stably formed at a fixed position. Will be able to.

  Moreover, the discharge part 1a comprised by the convex-curved surface part 8 curved so that the center part may protrude with respect to the circumference | surroundings, when a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 1 and the opposing electrode 2, The density of the electric flux passing through the water W at the top is the highest compared to the other parts. Therefore, the condensed water W generated on the convex curved surface 8 at the tip of the discharge electrode 1 is on the extended line of the top at the top of the convex curved surface 8. Since the tip of the discharge electrode 1 where the water W is formed as the tailor cone T has a convex shape, the tailor cone T can be formed as a stable tailor cone T. Since the tailor cone T is formed on the convex curved surface portion 8 as compared with the case where it is formed on a flat surface, when the shape of the water forming the tailor cone T is the same amount of water, the shape is convex. Also at this point, the tip of the discharge electrode 1 Those capable of forming a stable Taylor cone T as swollen on the extension of the top in the condensed water W generated on the convex surface portion 8 is the top of the convex curved surface portion 8.

  In addition, as described above, the shape of the discharge part 1a is projected so that the center part protrudes from the periphery so that the tailor cone T can be stably formed at a fixed position of the discharge part 1a at the tip part of the discharge electrode 1. Although the discharge portion 1a is formed by the convex curved surface portion 8 that is curved in a curved shape as described above, the minute projection 8a is excluded from the top of the convex curved surface portion 8. Therefore, when water (condensation water) W is generated on the surface of the convex curved surface portion 8 and covers the minute projections 8a, electric charges are concentrated on the tip of the formed tailor cone, resulting in nanometer-sized negative ions. Even immediately after mist M is generated and jumps out into the air, the discharge part 1a of the discharge electrode 1 has a conical shape with a sharp tip as shown in FIG. The part is exposed and causes metal discharge. DOO no, it is possible to suppress such a metal discharge can be stably generated negative ions mist M of nanometer size.

  By the way, when the discharge electrode 1 is cooled, not only water (condensation water) W is generated on the surface of the convex curved surface portion 8, but also water on the side surface of the main body portion 9 as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. (Condensed water) W1 is generated. And when the dew condensation water W produced | generated on the surface of the convex-curved surface part 8 is formed as the tailor cone T by the Coulomb force as mentioned above, in the boundary part of the main-body part 9 and the convex-curved surface part 8, The condensed water W1 generated on the side surface contacts the condensed water W generated on the surface of the convex curved surface portion 8, and is absorbed by the condensed water W generated on the convex curved surface portion 8 side as indicated by an arrow in FIG. A large tailor cone T1 as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 5 may be formed by the Coulomb force.

  Here, a tailor cone T is formed only by the dew condensation water W generated on the surface of the convex curved surface portion 8 as shown by the solid lines in FIGS. 4 and 5, and innumerable nanometer-sized negative ion mist M is generated by Rayleigh splitting. As shown in FIG. 5, the dew condensation water W <b> 1 generated on the side surface of the main body portion 9 comes into contact with the dew condensation water W generated on the surface of the convex curved surface portion 8 and is generated on the convex curved surface portion 8 side. In some cases, the condensed water W is absorbed to form a large tailor cone T1. As a result, since the distance between the counter electrode 2 and the tip of the tailor cone T1 that is a substantial discharge portion is shortened, the discharge state changes. When the above phenomenon occurs frequently, the discharge state becomes unstable.

  Focusing on this point, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, FIG. 2F, and FIG. 2G is a tailor cone with only the condensed water W generated on the convex curved surface portion 8 which is the discharge portion 1a. T is formed, and the condensed water W generated on the side surface of the main body portion 9 is not absorbed by the condensed water W generated on the convex curved surface portion 8 to form a large tailor cone T due to excessive condensed water W. As described above, the concave portion 10 is provided on the outer surface of the boundary portion between the main body portion 9 of the discharge electrode 1 and the discharge portion 1 a including the convex curved surface portion 8. Thus, when the recessed part 10 is provided in a boundary part, the recessed part 10 formed in the outer surface of this boundary part becomes an obstacle, and the dew condensation water W produced | generated on the side surface of the main part 9 of the discharge electrode 1 is the discharge part 1a. As a result, the boundary portion between the main body portion 9 of the discharge electrode 1 and the convex curved surface portion 8 constituting the discharge portion 1a becomes difficult to be absorbed by the condensed water W generated on the surface of the certain convex curved surface portion 8. In the embodiment in which the concave portion 10 is provided on the outer surface, the tailor cone T having a stable shape as shown in FIG. 4 can be formed only by the dew condensation water W generated on the convex curved surface portion 8 which is the discharge portion 1a. And the discharge state can be kept stable.

  In the said embodiment, although the example which provided the recessed part 10 in the outer surface of the boundary part of the main-body part 9 of the discharge electrode 1 and the discharge part 1a which consists of the convex curve part 8 was shown, it replaced with the recessed part 10 and discharge electrode 1 may be provided on the outer surface of the boundary portion between the main body portion 9 and the discharge portion 1a composed of the convex curved surface portion 8, and thus the convex portion or the uneven portion is provided on the outer surface of the boundary portion. Also in this case, the surface of the convex curved surface portion 8 that is the discharge portion 1a is the dew condensation water W generated on the side surface of the main portion 9 of the discharge electrode 1 because the convex portion or the concave and convex portion formed on the outer surface of the boundary portion becomes an obstacle. In this case, the tailor cone T can be formed only with the dew condensation water W generated on the convex curved surface portion 8 which is the discharge portion 1a. Can be kept stable.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2D, 2E, 2H, and 2I, the boundary between the side surface portion of the columnar main body 9 and the convex curved surface portion 8 is a chamfered portion 11 that is chamfered in an arc shape. ing. FIG. 2D shows an example in which the boundary between the tip of the main body portion 9 and the spherical electrode portion 1a has a constriction with no corners.

  In this way, the boundary between the side surface portion of the main body portion 9 and the convex curved surface portion 8 is a curved chamfered portion 11 that is chamfered in an arc shape, so that the boundary portion becomes a curved surface without an edge and suppresses metal discharge. Therefore, it is possible to stably generate the nanometer-sized negative ion mist M for a long time.

  Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 2 (c), the convex curved surface portion 8 is spherical, so that not only the top of the convex curved surface portion 8 but also the side portion has a curved surface, which is also a convex curved surface portion. It becomes possible to suppress the metal discharge in the side surface portion of 8.

  6A, 6B, and 6C show specific examples of the discharge electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 of the present invention, respectively, and the dimensions of each part are displayed with specific numbers.

  The reason why the diameter of the main body portion 9 is made larger than that of the discharge portion 1a is to quickly and efficiently cool the discharge portion 1a provided at the front end portion of the main body portion 9.

  Note that the minute projections 8 a formed on the convex curved surface portion 8 at the distal end portion of the discharge electrode 1 may be formed of a member separate from the discharge electrode 1. For example, by forming the microprotrusions 8a from a material such as titanium or platinum that has better corrosion resistance than the material of the discharge electrode 1, the degree of wear of the microprotrusions 8a at the tip of the discharge part 1a when negative ions are generated by corona discharge is reduced. can do. This is because when the proportion of negative ions is intentionally increased, or when the use environment is extremely dry and the cooling of the discharge electrode 1 is started and moisture in the air begins to condense on the discharge electrode 1. This is especially effective when time is required.

  In addition, since the minute projection 8a at the upper end of the convex curved surface portion 8 at the tip of the discharge electrode 1 is exposed during the time from when the discharge electrode 1 starts to be cooled until the negative ion mist of nanometer size is generated, this Metal discharge is generated by the minute protrusions 8a, and negative ions due to corona discharge can be generated.

  Further, even when negative ion mist is stably generated, the supply of water to the discharge electrode 1 can be performed by cutting off the power supply to the Peltier unit 7 as a cooling means provided in the electrostatic atomizer 4. The discharge electrode 1 is heated by the surrounding air, and the condensed water W that has formed the tailor cone T is extinguished to switch to generation of negative ions. Alternatively, since the cooling part 5 of the Peltier unit 7 provided with the discharge electrode 1 is switched to the heat generation side of the Peltier by reversing the positive / negative of the power supply to the Peltier unit 7, the discharge electrode 1 is heated by the heat generation of the Peltier, It is also possible to switch to generation of negative ions by eliminating the condensed water W that has formed the tailor cone T. The power supply to these Peltier units 7 can be changed by providing a power switch for the device user to arbitrarily switch the energization of the Peltier unit 7 via the Peltier input lead 17 by the user. Can be switched.

In the present invention, as described above, as the water supply means for supplying the electrostatic atomizer 4 with water W for electrostatic atomization to the discharge electrode 1, the cooling unit 5 and the heat radiating unit 6 are provided. By providing the Peltier unit 7 having the discharge electrode 1 on the cooling unit 5 side of the Peltier unit 7, water (condensation water) W is directly applied to the discharge unit 1a portion of the discharge electrode 1 based on moisture in the air. Since it is configured to be generated, it is unnecessary for the user himself to replenish the water W, and since the generated water W does not contain impurities, CaCO ₃ and MgO in the discharge electrode 1 are not included. In addition, since water is generated directly on the discharge electrode 1, operation of the electrostatic atomizer is started (that is, energization of the thermoelectric element 16 is started). To generate nanometer-sized negative ion mist M The product can be prepared for products that are used only for a short time, such as door dryers, without problems. In addition, a tank for storing water W and water W in the tank up to the discharge electrode 1 Since it is not necessary to provide a transport unit for transporting and supplying, the entire apparatus is made compact and a short time from the start of cooling the discharge electrode 1 to the generation of nanometer-sized negative ion mist. However, not only negative ions are generated by corona discharge, but also when negative ion mist is stably generated, it is possible to arbitrarily switch to generation of negative ions.

  In the above example, the moisture in the air is condensed to supply water to the discharge part 1a. However, the moisture in the air is frozen in the discharge part 1a and melted to the discharge part 1a. Water may be supplied.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the counter electrode 2 is provided and water generated in the discharge part 1a of the discharge electrode 1 is electrostatically atomized by applying a high voltage between the discharge electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 will be described. However, even in the case where the counter electrode 2 is not provided, a high voltage may be applied to the discharge electrode 1 so that the water generated in the discharge part 1a as described above is electrostatically atomized.

It is sectional drawing of one Embodiment of the electrostatic atomizer of this invention. (A) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) is a partially omitted front view showing each embodiment of the discharge electrode same as above. (A) (b) (c) (d) is a partially omitted front view showing each example of minute protrusions provided on the convex curved surface portion of the same. It is explanatory drawing which shows formation of the tailor cone in Fig.2 (a) same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows formation of the tailor cone in FIG.2 (e) same as the above. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a discharge electrode same as the above, and a counter electrode, (c) is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a microprotrusion same as the above. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Discharge electrode 1a Discharge part 3 Water supply means 4 Electrostatic atomizer 5 Cooling part 6 Heat radiation part 7 Peltier unit 8 Convex-curved surface part 8a Microprotrusion 9 Main part 10 Concave part 11 Chamfer part M Negative ion mist T Taylor cone C Water

Claims (8)

  The discharge electrode and water supply means for supplying water by dehydrating or icing moisture in the air to the discharge electrode, water supplied to the discharge electrode by the water supply means by applying a high voltage to the discharge electrode An electrostatic atomizer for electrostatically atomizing the water supply means, wherein the water supply means is configured by providing a discharge electrode in a cooling part of a Peltier unit having a cooling part and a heat dissipation part, and a tip part of the discharge electrode is curved An electrostatic atomizing device comprising a convex curved surface portion that is curved in a shape, and a minute projection provided on the convex curved surface portion.   The discharge electrode is composed of a main body part, a convex curved surface part provided at the tip of the main body part, and a discharge part made up of minute protrusions on the convex curved surface part, and a concave or convex surface is formed on the outer surface of the boundary part between the main body part and the discharge part. The electrostatic atomizer according to claim 1, further comprising an uneven portion or an uneven portion.   The discharge electrode is composed of a columnar main part, a convex curved part provided at the tip of the main part, and a discharge part made up of minute protrusions on the convex curved part, and the side part of the main part and the convex curved part The electrostatic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the boundary is a chamfered portion chamfered in an arc shape.   The electrostatic atomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the minute protrusions formed on the convex curved surface portion of the discharge electrode tip are formed by a member separate from the discharge electrode.   The electrostatic atomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a minute projection formed on the convex curved surface portion of the discharge electrode tip is formed in a conical shape.   The electrostatic atomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the minute projections formed on the convex curved surface portion of the discharge electrode tip are formed in a truncated cone shape.   The electrostatic atomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a minute protrusion formed on the convex curved surface portion of the discharge electrode tip is formed in a cylindrical shape. The electrostatic atomization according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the minute projections formed on the convex curved surface portion of the discharge electrode tip portion are formed as a minute convex curved surface whose tip is curved in a curved shape. apparatus.

Images