JP6441328B2 - Ion generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ion generation apparatus and an electric device including an ion generator that generates ions.

  In recent years, a technique for purifying air in a living space by charging water molecules in the air with positive (plus) and / or negative (minus) ions has been actively used. For example, in an ion generator such as an air purifier, an ion generator that generates positive and / or negative ions is provided in the middle of an internal ventilation path, and the generated ions are released together with air into an external space. I am doing so.

  Ions that charge water molecules in clean air inactivate suspended particles in the living space, kill suspended bacteria, and denature odor components. Therefore, the air in the entire living space is cleaned.

  A standard ion generator generates a corona discharge by applying a high-voltage AC drive voltage between a needle electrode and a counter electrode, or between a discharge electrode and a dielectric electrode, thereby generating positive and negative ions. Is generated.

  For example, in the active species generation device described in Patent Document 1, air sucked from the intake port is blown to the exhaust port by a blowing unit through a part of the active species generation unit. Thereby, active species such as radicals generated in the active species generating unit are supplied to the air in the room.

  Moreover, the air cleaner described in Patent Document 2 applies a high pressure between the ionization electrode and the dust collection electrode to cause corona discharge to generate ion wind, and sucks outside air from the intake port based on the ion wind. The dust contained therein is charged and captured on a dust collecting paper wound around the outer periphery of the dust collecting electrode. The air cleaner drives the blower fan for a predetermined period at the beginning of operation and forcibly sucks outside air by the blower fan in addition to the ionic wind to increase the air flow rate. After the elapse of the predetermined period, the blower fan is stopped and the outside air is sucked only by the ionic wind, so energy can be saved with low noise.

  In addition, the air cleaning activator described in Patent Document 3 applies an ion wind containing negative ions by applying a DC high voltage to a counter discharge electrode in which a positive cylindrical electrode and a negative needle electrode are arranged to face each other. Are to be released. The air purification activator is installed on a ceiling or the like and discharges the ion wind downward. Thereby, a large amount of negative ions can be released directly below without providing a blowing means.

Japanese Patent Publication “JP 2013-157236 A (released on Aug. 15, 2013)” Japanese Published Patent Publication “Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-019674 (published on Jan. 21, 1997)” Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-195740 (Released on 09/03/2009)” Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-0775658” (published on April 03, 2008) Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-194485 (published July 27, 2006)”

  However, when ions are transported using an ion wind, it is necessary to increase the applied voltage between the electrodes in order to accelerate the ions, compared with the case where ions are transported using a fan. Power consumption in the generator will increase.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ion generator that can carry ions without increasing the power consumption in the ion generator. .

  In order to solve the above problems, an ion generator according to an aspect of the present invention includes an ion generator that generates ions and a circuit that operates the ion generator, and the ion generator The ions generated in step 1 are transported on the air flow caused by the heat generated in the circuit.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is an effect that ions can be transported without increasing power consumption in the ion generator.

It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the ion generator which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the said ion generator. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the ion generator which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the ion generator which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the ion generator which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the ion generator which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

Embodiment 1
First, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the ion generator according to the present embodiment.

(Configuration of ion generator)
As shown in FIG. 1, the ion generator 1 is provided with an ion generator 11 that generates ions and a blower 12 that gives kinetic energy to air flowing from outside in a housing 10. An ion detector 13 (see FIG. 2) for detection is provided. A suction port (not shown) for sucking air from the outside is formed on the lower side surface of the housing 10, and a blower 12 is disposed facing the suction port. A blower outlet 14 for blowing out air containing the ions is formed on the upper surface of the housing 10.

  The blower 12 is accommodated in a casing 15, and the casing 15 communicates with the suction port and the outlet 14. Accordingly, the air sucked from the suction port by the blower 12 passes through the casing 15 and is blown out from the air outlet 14. That is, the inside of the casing 15 becomes a blower passage (passage) 16.

  The ion generator 11 is arranged at any position in the air blowing path 16. In the present embodiment, the ion generator 11 is disposed between the blower 12 and the outlet 14. In addition, the ion detector 13 is disposed at a suitable position on the air flow path 16 on the downstream side (upper side in the example of FIG. 1) from the ion generator 11.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ion generator 1. The ion generator 1 includes the above-described ion generator 11, the blower 12, and the ion detector 13, and further includes a main switch 20, a power supply circuit 21, a control unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a display unit 24. is there.

  The ion generator 11 applies positive voltage between the electrodes to generate a discharge phenomenon, thereby ionizing gas molecules in the air and generating positive and / or negative ions. In addition, since the ion generator 11 is well-known, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The blower 12 includes a fan that is rotatably provided and a motor that rotationally drives the fan. An example of the fan is a sirocco fan. When the control unit 22 operates the motor, the fan is rotationally driven, and air is sent from the lower part of the casing 15 to the upper part.

  The ion detector 13 includes a collector that collects the generated ions and an ion detection circuit that transmits a detection signal corresponding to the collected ions to the control unit 22. In addition, since the ion detector 13 is well-known, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The main switch 20 turns on / off the power supply from the AC power source to the ion generator 1, and has one end connected to the AC power source and the other end connected to the power circuit 21.

  The power supply circuit 21 converts commercial alternating current from an alternating current power source into direct current, converts it into an appropriate voltage, and supplies the converted direct current power to various devices in the ion generator 1. The power supply circuit 21 includes a transformer, a rectifier, and the like.

  The control unit 22 comprehensively controls various components in the ion generator 1. The control unit 22 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a flash memory that store various data and programs. The various configurations are controlled by the processor executing the program stored in the storage device.

  The operation unit 23 receives user operations. Specifically, the operation unit 23 creates operation data and transmits the operation data to the control unit 22 when the user operates an input device provided on the surface of the ion generator 1. Examples of the input device include a button switch and a touch panel. In addition, the ion generator 1 may be equipped with the receiver which receives the operation signal from the remote controller which a user operates.

  The display unit 24 displays various information based on instructions from the control unit 22. The display unit 24 includes a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and / or a display element such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

  In the present embodiment, the casing 15 is formed so as to gradually narrow and reach the narrow opening 30 as it goes upward from the blower 12, and gradually expands and reaches the air outlet 14 as it goes further upward. Yes. In addition, a concave portion 31 that is recessed in the horizontal direction is formed at the top of the narrow opening 30, and the ion generator 11 is disposed at the bottom of the concave portion 31. In addition, a recessed portion 32 that is recessed downward is formed in the lower portion of the recessed portion 31, and a substrate box 33 that accommodates the substrate of the power supply circuit 21 is disposed in the recessed portion 32. As a result, the ion generator 11 is provided adjacent to the substrate box 33.

(Operation of ion generator)
In the ion generator 1 having the above configuration, when the main switch 20 is turned on, appropriate power is supplied from the power supply circuit 21 to various devices. Next, when instructed by the user via the operation unit 23 or notified from a timer (not shown) to start the operation of the ion generator 1, the control unit 22 causes the ion generator 11, the blower to operate. 12 and the ion detector 13 are instructed to start operation.

  When the air blower 12 starts the air blowing operation, air is sucked in from the outside through the suction port, and the sucked air is sent from the lower part to the upper part of the air blowing path 16 as indicated by an arrow A in FIG.

  In addition, since the power supply circuit 21 supplies power to various devices, heat is generated in the board box 33 that houses the board of the power supply circuit 21. As a result, the air in the vicinity of the substrate box 33 is heated and rises, and as a result, as shown by the arrow B in FIG.

  Further, when the ion generator 11 starts operation, ions are generated, and the generated ions are carried on the thermal convection B, merged with the air flow A by the blower 12, and discharged to the outside from the air outlet 14. Is done. As a result, external air can be purified. Further, the amount of air sent out to the outside can be increased by the blower 12, and the amount of ions sent out to the outside together with air can be increased.

  In addition, the ion detector 13 detects the generation state of the ions in a timely manner and notifies the control unit 22 thereof. Then, the control unit 22 causes the display unit 24 to display the operation status.

  Next, when instructed by the user via the operation unit 23 or notified from the timer so as to stop the operation of the ion generator 1, the control unit 22 stops the operation of the blower 12. Instruct. As a result, the air flow indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 1 stops.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 continues the operations of the ion generator 11 and the ion detector 13. Thereby, since the power supply circuit 21 supplies electric power to the control part 22, the ion generator 11, and the ion detector 13, it produces heat, although there is little calorific value compared with the time of ventilation operation of the air blower 12. Accordingly, the thermal convection of the air indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 1 is continued, and the ions generated by the ion generator 11 are carried on the thermal convection and discharged to the outside from the outlet 14. As a result, external air can be purified.

  Therefore, since it is not necessary to increase the voltage applied to the ion generator 11 in order to transport ions to the outside, the power consumption in the ion generator 11 does not need to increase. Moreover, since the power consumption in the ion generator 1 at this time is about 1 W, ion can be discharge | released outside with the power consumption as small as standby power, and external air can be cleaned.

  By the way, when fine particles, such as dust, are contained in the air flowing through the air passage 16, the fine particles adhere to the ion generator 11 as the air is exposed to the air, and the amount of ions generated decreases. In particular, when the flow rate of the air is increased by the air blowing path 16, the amount of generated ions is rapidly reduced.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ion generator 11 is disposed at the bottom of the recess 31 that is recessed in the horizontal direction from the blower passage 16, and the substrate box 33 is disposed at the lower portion of the recess 31.

  The ion generator 11 is provided at a position retracted from the air passage 16. Thereby, the amount of exposure to the air from the blower 12 is reduced, and as a result, a decrease in the amount of ions generated due to the adhesion of the fine particles can be suppressed. Moreover, the discharge sound in the ion generator 11 is reduced.

  On the other hand, the air containing the ions generated by the ion generator 11 is heated by the heat of the substrate box 33 arranged near the ion generator 11 and close to the air passage 16, and rises. Flows (moves). Therefore, it is not necessary to add a blower to carry the ions to the blower passage 16.

  In the present embodiment, the substrate of the power supply circuit 21 is accommodated in the substrate box 33. However, a substrate of any circuit that operates during the operation of the ion detector 13, such as the control unit 22, may be accommodated. . Even in this case, heat is generated by the above operation, so that the same effect as described above can be obtained. However, among the various circuits that operate during the operation of the ion detector 13, the one that generates the most heat is the power supply circuit 21 that generates a high voltage, so that the substrate of the power supply circuit 21 is accommodated in the substrate box 33. Is desirable.

[Embodiment 2]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the ion generator according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ion generator 1 of the present embodiment has a partition wall that extends upward from between the narrow opening 30 and the recess 31 and reaches the outlet 14 compared to the ion generator 1 shown in FIG. 1. (Separation member) 34 is provided, and other configurations are the same.

  By the partition wall 34, the air blowing path 16 is separated into an air blowing part 16 a from which air is sent out by the blower 12 and an ion emitting part 16 b from which ions are released by the ion generator 11. Therefore, the air flow A ′ in the blower unit 16 a and the air flow (thermal convection) B ′ in the ion emission unit 16 b are separated. Thereby, since the ion generator 11 is not exposed to the air from the air blower 12, the reduction | decrease of the ion generation amount by adhesion of the said microparticles | fine-particles can further be suppressed.

[Embodiment 3]
Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the ion generator according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the ion generator 1 of the present embodiment is different from the ion generator 1 shown in FIG. 1 in the arrangement of the ion generator 11 and the substrate box 33, and in the casing 15 instead of the recess 31. The other structure is the same except that an opening 40 is formed in the lower portion and a hinged door (opening / closing member) 41 is provided in the opening 40.

  In the present embodiment, the substrate box 33 is disposed outside the casing 15 and at the bottom of the housing 10, and an opening 40 is formed in a region of the casing 15 facing the substrate box 33. As a result, the air heated by the substrate box 33 moves through the opening 40 into the casing 15. That is, the opening 40 serves as an inflow port through which air flows into the blower passage 16.

  The hinged door 41 opens and closes the opening 40 around one end (left end in the example of FIG. 4) of the opening 40 as an axis. The hinged door 41 is normally in an open state, and is biased by a biasing member (opening / closing control unit) such as a spring or rubber so as to be closed by the wind from the blower 12.

  The ion generator 11 is provided at a position where the air heated by the substrate box 33 moves through the opening 40. In the example of FIG. 4, the right portion of the opening 40 is greatly opened by the hinged door 41, and thus the air flows as indicated by an arrow C in the same figure. Accordingly, the ion generator 11 is disposed on the right side of the opening 40.

  In the ion generator 1 having the above configuration, when instructed by the user via the operation unit 23 or notified from a timer (not shown) to start the operation of the ion generator 1, the control unit 22 The ion generator 11, the blower 12, and the ion detector 13 are instructed to start operation. Thereby, the air blower 12 starts the air blowing operation, and air is sucked in from the outside through the suction port, and the sucked air is sent from the lower part of the air blowing path 16 to the upper part, and from the blower outlet 14 to the outside. Released. Moreover, the hinged door 41 is axially rotated by the wind from the blower 12, and the opening 40 is closed.

  In addition, since the power supply circuit 21 supplies power to various devices, heat is generated in the board box 33 that houses the board of the power supply circuit 21. As a result, the air near the substrate box 33 is heated and rises. However, since the opening 40 is in a closed state, the air near the substrate box 33 does not flow into the air blowing path 16.

  Moreover, when the ion generator 11 starts operation | movement, ion will generate | occur | produce and the generated ion will be carried on the air flow by the air blower 12, and will be discharge | released outside from the blower outlet 14. FIG. As a result, external air can be purified. Further, the amount of air sent out to the outside can be increased by the blower 12, and the amount of ions sent out to the outside together with air can be increased.

  Next, when instructed by the user via the operation unit 23 or notified from the timer so as to stop the operation of the ion generator 1, the control unit 22 stops the operation of the blower 12. Instruct. Thereby, the flow of the air by the air blower 12 stops. As a result, the hinged door 41 is pivoted and the opening 40 is in an open state.

  On the other hand, similarly to the above embodiment, the control unit 22 continues the operations of the ion generator 11 and the ion detector 13. Thereby, since the power supply circuit 21 supplies electric power to the control part 22, the ion generator 11, and the ion detector 13, it produces heat, although there is little calorific value compared with the time of ventilation operation of the air blower 12. Accordingly, the air in the vicinity of the substrate box 33 in which the substrate of the power supply circuit 21 is accommodated is heated and flows into the air blowing path 16 through the opening 40 as indicated by an arrow C in FIG. As a result, the ions generated by the ion generator 11 are carried on the air flow C through the air passage 16. As a result, charging in the air passage 16 can be suppressed or sterilized, and the inside of the air passage 16 can be cleaned.

  Therefore, as in the above embodiment, it is not necessary to increase the voltage applied to the ion generator 11 in order to transport ions to the outside, so that the power consumption in the ion generator 11 does not need to increase. In addition, the ions can be released into the air passage 16 with less power consumption than the standby power, and the air passage 16 can be cleaned.

  By the way, dust contained in air sucked from the outside adheres to and accumulates on the fan of the blower 12 due to static electricity. When the dust accumulates, the suction air volume decreases, and the suction performance decreases.

  With respect to this problem, the fan unit for an air conditioner described in Patent Document 4 includes a fan having a plurality of blades arranged on the circumference, and a casing that houses the fan, and an inner edge portion of the blade. At least one rib is provided in a nearby casing. As a result, even if dust adheres to the surface of the blade, the attached dust can come into contact with the rib and be separated from the blade surface by the rotation of the blade.

  Further, in the dust suction device described in Patent Document 5, the fan of the dust suction device is periodically rotated at a rotational speed higher than the rotational speed at the time of dust suction. Thereby, the dust adhering to the surface of the fan is peeled off and separated by the effect of centrifugal force when the fan rotates at high speed.

  However, it is difficult to remove fine dust adhering to the fan of the blower 12 by static electricity even if a rib is provided on the fan or the fan is rotated at a high speed. For this reason, there is a possibility that fine dust accumulated on the fan is discharged to the outside at once.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the operation of the blower 12 is stopped, the air heated by the heat of the substrate box 33 flows into the blower passage 16 and includes the ions generated by the ion generator 11 and reaches the blower 12. To do. Thereby, since the static electricity of the fan in the blower 12 is removed, fine dust is detached from the fan. Then, when the blowing operation of the blower 12 is resumed, the separated fine dust is released to the outside, so that the dust is not conspicuous compared to the case where the accumulated dust is released to the outside at once.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although the operation | movement of the air blower 12 is stopped, the fan of the air blower 12 may be remarkably rotated at low speed, or may be reversely rotated to such an extent that the air blower 12 does not send wind. In this case, due to the rotation of the fan, the dust separated from the fan is easily dropped by its own weight.

[Embodiment 4]
Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the ion generator according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the ion generator 1 of this embodiment is different from the ion generator 1 shown in FIG. 4 in the arrangement of the ion generator 11 and the substrate box 33, and the hinged door (opening / closing member) instead of the hinged door 41. ) 42 is different from the point where the collection tray 43 is provided, and the other configurations are the same.

  In the present embodiment, the substrate box 33 is arranged slightly on the upper left compared to the substrate box 33 shown in FIG. A collection tray 43 is disposed on the right side of the substrate box 33 and on the bottom of the housing 10. Thereby, the left part of the opening 40 faces the substrate box 33, and the right part of the opening 40 faces the collection tray 43.

  The hinged door 42 opens and closes the opening 40 by a rotation drive device (opening / closing control unit, not shown) such as a stepping motor with the center of the opening 40 as an axis. When the control unit (opening / closing control unit) 22 controls the rotation drive device, the hinged door 42 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 5 when the blower 12 is stopped, while the blower 12 is operated. In the same figure, it rotates counterclockwise and is in a closed state.

  The ion generator 11 is provided at a position where the air heated by the substrate box 33 moves through the opening 40. In the example of FIG. 5, the left portion of the opening 40 faces the substrate box 33, and the left end opens larger than the center of the opening 40 by the hinged door 42, so the ion generator 11 is arranged on the left side of the opening 40. .

  In the ion generator 1 having the above configuration, when instructed by the user via the operation unit 23 or notified from a timer (not shown) to start the operation of the ion generator 1, the control unit 22 The rotary drive device is controlled to rotate the hinged door 42 so that the opening 40 is closed. Other operations are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIG.

  Next, when instructed by the user via the operation unit 23 or notified from the timer so as to stop the operation of the ion generator 1, the control unit 22 stops the operation of the blower 12. Instruct. Thereby, the flow of the air by the air blower 12 stops. Moreover, the control part 22 controls the said rotational drive device, makes the hinged door 42 axially rotate, and sets the opening 40 to the open state.

  On the other hand, similarly to the above embodiment, the control unit 22 continues the operations of the ion generator 11 and the ion detector 13. Thereby, since the power supply circuit 21 supplies electric power to the control part 22, the ion generator 11, and the ion detector 13, it produces heat, although there is little calorific value compared with the time of ventilation operation of the air blower 12. Therefore, the air in the vicinity of the substrate box 33 in which the substrate of the power supply circuit 21 is accommodated is heated and passes through the left portion of the opening 40 and flows into the air duct 16 as indicated by an arrow D in FIG. That is, the left part of the opening 40 becomes an inflow port through which air flows into the air blowing path 16.

  Thereby, the ions generated in the ion generator 11 are carried in the air flow path 16 by riding on the air flow D. As a result, charging in the air passage 16 can be suppressed or sterilized, and the inside of the air passage 16 can be cleaned. Further, since static electricity of the fan in the blower 12 is removed, fine dust is detached from the fan. Therefore, the same effect as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 can be obtained.

  Further, convection is generated by the air flow D, and the air in the air passage 16 passes through the right part of the opening 40 and flows to the collection tray 43 as shown by an arrow E in FIG. That is, the right part of the opening 40 is a discharge port through which air is discharged from the air blowing path 16 to the outside.

  Thereby, the dust separated from the fan of the blower 12 falls due to its own weight, is discharged to the outside from the blower passage 16 by the air flow E, and accumulates on the collection tray 43. As a result, when the blowing operation of the blower 12 is resumed, it is possible to suppress the released fine dust from being released to the outside.

[Embodiment 5]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the ion generator according to this embodiment.

  The ion generator 2 of the present embodiment is an application of the present invention to a reflective electric stove.

  As shown in FIG. 6, electric heaters 51 and 51 are provided in a housing 50 at the front portion (left side of the figure) of the ion generator 2 so as to surround the rear of the electric heaters 51 and 51. A reflection plate 52 is provided. In addition, at the rear part of the ion generator 2 (on the right side of the figure), an ion generator 11 for generating ions and an ion detector 13 for detecting the generated ions (see FIG. 2) are provided in the casing 50. Is provided. A suction port 53 for sucking air from the outside is formed in the lower part of the housing 50, and a blower outlet 54 for blowing out the air containing the ions is formed on the upper surface of the housing 50. The suction port 53 and the blower port 54 communicate with each other through a duct 55.

  In the present embodiment, a substrate box 33 is provided at the bottom of the housing 50 and in the vicinity of the suction port 53. Further, the ion generator 11 is disposed in the vicinity of the outlet 54 above the substrate box 33.

  Therefore, even if the operation of the electric heaters 51 and 51 is stopped, by operating the ion generator 11, the air near the substrate box 33 is heated and the inside of the duct 55 is viewed from below as in the above embodiment. An upward air flow is generated. Thereby, the ions generated in the ion generator 11 are carried on the air flow and discharged to the outside from the outlet 54. As a result, external air can be purified. Therefore, since it is not necessary to increase the voltage applied to the ion generator 11 in order to transport ions to the outside, the power consumption in the ion generator 11 does not need to increase.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inflow channels 56 and 56 for the air in the electric heaters 51 and 51 to flow into the duct 55 are provided.

  Thereby, even if the operation of the electric heaters 51 and 51 is stopped, the air near the electric heaters 51 and 51 flows into the duct 55 through the inflow passages 56 and 56 due to the residual heat of the electric heaters 51 and 51. Therefore, the amount of air sent out from the air outlet 54 increases, and the amount of ions released outside increases.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

  Further, the ion generator 11 may be stopped after a predetermined period from the stop of the blowing operation of the blower 12, or may be always operated without being stopped.

[Summary]
The ion generators 1 and 2 according to the first aspect of the present invention include an ion generator 11 that generates ions and a circuit (power supply circuit 21) for operating the ion generator, and the ion generator The ions generated in step 1 are carried on the air flow caused by the heat generated in the circuit.

  According to said structure, electric power is supplied to a circuit and an ion generator operates. At this time, ions are generated in the ion generator, while heat is generated in the circuit, and an air flow is generated by the generated heat. The ions are transported on the air flow. Therefore, since it is not necessary to increase the voltage applied to the ion generator in order to carry ions, it is not necessary to increase the power consumption in the ion generator. Examples of the circuit include a power supply circuit for supplying power to the ion generator, a control circuit for controlling the ion generator, and the like.

  The ion generator according to aspect 2 of the present invention further includes a passage (air passage 16) through which air flows from below to above in aspect 1, and the circuit is provided in the passage or the passage. The ion generator is provided adjacent to the circuit, or is positioned above the circuit in the passage. Is provided.

  According to the above configuration, the air near the circuit is heated and raised by the heat generated in the circuit. The circuit is provided in a passage through which air flows from below to above, or is provided at a position below the passage where the air can flow into the passage. Go up the passage. On the other hand, since the ion generator is provided adjacent to the circuit, or is provided at a position above the circuit in the passage, ions generated by the ion generator are heated. It will be transported upward in the air.

  When the ion generator is provided in the upper part of the passage, the generated ions can be sent to the outside. As a result, external air can be purified. On the other hand, when the ion generator is provided in the lower part of the passage, the generated ions flow through the passage from below to above. As a result, charging in the passage can be suppressed or sterilized, and the inside of the passage can be cleaned.

  By the way, when fine particles such as dust are contained in the air flowing through the passage, the fine particles adhere to the ion generator as the air is exposed to the air, and the amount of ions generated decreases. In particular, when the flow rate of the air is increased by the blower, the generation amount of the ions is rapidly reduced.

  Therefore, in the ion generator according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above aspect 2, the passage is provided with a recessed portion 31 that is recessed in the horizontal direction, and the ion generator is disposed at the bottom of the recessed portion, and the recessed portion The circuit may be disposed in the lower part (recess 32) of the substrate.

  In this case, since the ion generator is provided at a position retracted from the passage, the amount exposed to the air is reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of ions generated due to the adhesion of the fine particles.

  On the other hand, the air containing the ions generated by the ion generator is heated by the heat of the circuit arranged near the ion generator and close to the passage, and flows into the passage. Therefore, it is not necessary to add a blower to carry the ions to the passage.

  The ion generator which concerns on aspect 4 of this invention WHEREIN: It is preferable in the said aspect 3 that the air blower 12 which gives the kinetic energy to the said air is provided in the said channel | path. In this case, the amount of air sent to the outside can be increased, and the amount of ions sent to the outside together with air can be increased.

  The ion generator according to aspect 5 of the present invention is the ion generator according to aspect 4 described above, wherein the air is supplied upward through the air passage 16a that causes the air from the blower to flow upward and the air that includes ions from the ion generator. You may provide the separation member (partition wall 34) isolate | separated into the discharge | release part 16b. In this case, since the ion generator is not exposed to the air from the blower, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in the amount of ions generated due to the adhesion of the fine particles.

  By the way, it is difficult to remove fine dust adhering to the fan of the blower by static electricity even if a rib is provided on the fan or the fan is rotated at a high speed. For this reason, fine dust accumulates on the fan, and the accumulated dust may be discharged to the outside at once.

  Therefore, in the ion generator according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in the above aspect 4, the ion generator and the circuit are disposed below the blower, and the passage is heated by the heat of the circuit. An inflow port (opening 40) through which air flows is formed, an open / close member (open doors 41 and 42) for opening and closing the inflow port, and a state opened to the open / close member when the air blowing operation of the blower is stopped. As such, an open / close control unit that controls the open / close member may be further provided.

  In this case, when the blowing operation of the blower is stopped, the air heated by the heat of the circuit flows into the passage, and includes the ions generated by the ion generator and reaches the blower. Thereby, the static electricity of the fan in the blower is removed, so that fine dust is detached from the fan. When the blowing operation of the blower is resumed, the separated fine dust is released to the outside, so that the dust is not noticeable as compared with the case where the accumulated dust is released to the outside at once.

  The opening / closing control unit may be an urging member that urges the opening / closing member so that the opening / closing control unit is normally opened and closed by the wind power of the blower.

  The opening / closing control unit may be a driving device that drives the opening / closing member so that the opening / closing member is closed when the air blowing operation of the blower is performed and is opened when the air blowing operation of the blower is stopped.

  Further, when stopping the blowing operation of the blower, not only the case where the rotation of the fan in the blower is stopped but also the case where the fan is rotated at a low speed to such an extent that the blower does not send wind is included. In the latter case, due to the rotation of the fan, the dust separated from the fan can easily fall due to its own weight.

  In the ion generator according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in the above aspect 6, the passage has an outlet (opening 40) through which dust falling in the passage passes below the blower. The opening / closing member may further open / close the discharge port.

  In this case, the dust separated from the fan falls and is discharged to the outside from the passage through the discharge port. Therefore, when the air blowing operation of the blower is resumed, it is possible to suppress the released fine dust from being released to the outside from the passage.

  In addition, if it is an electric equipment provided with the ion generator of the said structure, there can exist an effect similar to the above-mentioned.

  In the present invention, the ions generated in the ion generator are transported on the air flow generated by the heat of the circuit, thereby transporting the ions without increasing the power consumption in the ion generator. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to any electric equipment including an ion generator and a circuit for operating the ion generator, such as an air cleaner, an air conditioner, and a heater.

1.2 Ion generator 10/50 Case 11 Ion generator 12 Blower 13 Ion detector 14/54 Outlet 15 Casing 16 Air passage (passage)
16a Air blower 16b Ion release part 20 Main switch 21 Power supply circuit 22 Control part (opening / closing control part)
23 Operation part 24 Display part 30 Narrow mouth 31 Recess 32 Recess 33 Substrate box 34 Partition wall (separation member)
40 Opening 41/42 Opening door (opening / closing member)
43 Collection tray 51 Electric heater 52 Reflector plate 53 Suction port 55 Duct (passage)
56 Inflow channel

Claims (4)

An ion generator for generating ions;
A circuit for operating the ion generator ;
A blower that gives kinetic energy to the air flowing in from the outside ,
Ions generated ions generated by the ion generator, are carried on the flow of air by heat generated in the circuit, characterized in that it turned so that to join the flow of air by the blower apparatus. An ion generator for generating ions;
A circuit for operating the ion generator;
A passage through which air flows from below to above,
The passage is provided with a recess recessed in the horizontal direction,
The ion generator is disposed at the bottom of the concave portion, and the circuit is disposed at the lower portion of the concave portion , so that ions generated in the ion generator can be generated by the heat generated in the circuit. features and to Louis on generator that is adapted to be carried on the flow. The ion generator according to claim 2 , wherein a blower that gives kinetic energy to the air is provided in the passage. Said passage, a blower flowing air from the blower upward, claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a separating member for separating the air containing ions from the ion generator in an ion emitting portion to flow upward The ion generator described in 1.

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