JP2016091714A - Ion generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ion generator which enables discharge electrodes to be easily cleaned.SOLUTION: An ion generator includes: a discharge electrode 43 which generates ions through electric discharge; a substrate 51 on which the discharge electrode 43 is mounted; and an exterior case 31 housing the substrate 51. The exterior case 31 has an electrode protection wall 61 for protecting the discharge electrode 43. At least a part of the electrode protection wall 61 is removably provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to an ion generator, and more particularly, to an ion generator including a discharge electrode that discharges when a voltage is applied.

  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.

  According to the static eliminator described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-14319 (Patent Document 1), the longitudinal direction of the discharge needle is provided in a direction orthogonal to the air blowing direction. When a high voltage is applied to this discharge needle and corona discharge occurs, the air around the tip of the discharge needle is ionized, and the ionized air is blown out by the blowing operation of the sirocco fan, removing the static electricity of the electronic components Is done.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2010-257992 (Patent Document 2) discloses a discharge electrode bar of an ionization apparatus that can improve the degree of freedom in setting a separation distance between discharge electrodes.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-268232 (Patent Document 3) discloses a discharge electrode bar of an ionization apparatus that can improve the work of assembling a built-in component.

JP 2011-14319 A JP 2010-257992 A JP 2005-268232 A

  The ion generator includes a needle-like discharge electrode to which a high voltage is applied, and causes a discharge phenomenon at a sharpened tip of the discharge electrode to generate ions. In the ion generator, it is necessary to prevent the user from touching the sharpened tip of the discharge electrode. As a means for this, a method of providing a cover around the discharge electrode has been studied.

  On the other hand, when the discharge is repeatedly performed for a long time by the ion generator, the discharge electrode is contaminated. For this reason, it is necessary to periodically clean the discharge electrode. However, when a cover is provided around the discharge electrode, access to the discharge electrode becomes difficult, and there is a possibility that necessary cleaning cannot be performed.

  The objective of this invention is providing the ion generator which can clean a discharge electrode easily, preventing a user touching the front-end | tip part of a discharge electrode.

  The ion generator includes a needle-like discharge electrode to which a high voltage is applied, and a high voltage generation circuit unit that generates a high voltage to be applied to the discharge electrode, and a sharpened tip end of the discharge electrode Causes a discharge phenomenon and generates ions. When the discharge electrode is arranged away from the high voltage generation circuit unit, the discharge electrode and the high voltage generation circuit unit are electrically connected using a wiring.

  The high voltage generation circuit unit and the wiring need to be housed in a housing and have a structure that is not exposed to the outside. The longer the distance between the discharge electrode and the high voltage generation circuit unit, the longer the wiring. When the wiring becomes longer, the accommodating portion that accommodates the wiring also becomes longer. For this reason, when any force is applied from the outside when the ion generator is handled, the accommodating portion is easily deformed, and the wiring may be exposed to the outside.

  The objective of this invention is providing the ion generator which can suppress the exposure to the exterior of the connection member which electrically connects a discharge electrode and a high voltage generation circuit part.

  The ion generator includes a needle-like discharge electrode to which a high voltage is applied, and causes a discharge phenomenon at a sharpened tip of the discharge electrode to generate ions. To increase the amount of ions released from the ion generator, it is necessary to increase the voltage applied to the discharge electrode or increase the amount of air to carry the generated ions. It has been difficult to achieve an increase in the amount of ion emission commensurate with the increase in.

  The objective of this invention is providing the ion generator which can increase the amount of ion discharge | release without increasing power consumption.

  An ion generator according to one aspect of the present invention includes a discharge electrode that generates ions by discharge, a base material on which the discharge electrode is mounted, and a housing that houses the base material. The housing has an electrode protection wall for protecting the discharge electrode. At least a part of the electrode protection wall is detachably provided.

  Preferably, in the ion generating apparatus, the housing includes a first member and a second member that can be attached to and detached from each other, and the first member is formed integrally with at least a part of the electrode protection wall. Yes.

  The ion generator preferably includes a fixing portion that integrally fixes the first member and the second member.

  An ion generator according to one aspect of the present invention includes a discharge electrode that generates ions by discharge, a high voltage generation circuit unit that generates a high voltage to be applied to the discharge electrode, a high voltage generation circuit unit, and a discharge electrode. A connection member that is electrically connected and a housing portion that houses the connection member are provided. The accommodating part has a first member and a second member that can be attached to and detached from each other. A stopper portion that restricts relative movement between the first member and the second member is provided in the housing portion.

  Preferably, in the ion generator, the stopper portion is a claw portion provided on one of the first member and the second member, and a claw receiving portion provided on the other of the first member and the second member to receive the claw portion. And have.

  Preferably, in the ion generator, the claw portion is formed so that the inner surface of the housing portion protrudes.

  Preferably, in the ion generator, the stopper portion is provided in a central portion of the housing portion in the direction in which the connection member extends.

  An ion generator according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first discharge electrode that generates positive ions by discharge, a second discharge electrode that is disposed opposite to the first discharge electrode and generates negative ions by discharge, And an air passage through which a gas carrying ions generated in the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode flows. The tip of at least one of the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode extends along the gas flow direction in the air passage.

  Preferably, in the ion generator, both the front end portion of the first discharge electrode and the front end portion of the second discharge electrode are directed in the leeward direction of the gas flow in the air passage.

  Preferably, in the ion generator, the tip of one of the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode is directed in the leeward direction of the gas flow in the air passage, and the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode The other tip of the head is directed in the upwind direction of the gas flow in the wind path.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the ion generator which can clean a discharge electrode easily can be implement | achieved, preventing a user touching the front-end | tip part of a discharge electrode.

It is a side view which shows the internal structure of the ion generator in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a top view which shows the ion generator in FIG. It is a side view which shows the ion generator seen from the direction shown by the arrow III in FIG. It is a side view which shows the ion generator seen from the direction shown by arrow IV in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the ion generator in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the ion generator in FIG. It is a top view which shows the internal structure of the ion generator in FIG. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the discharge electrode vicinity of the ion generator in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the upper case in the ion generator in FIG. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the structure of the rib-shaped part of a lower case of the ion generator in FIG. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the structure of the rib-shaped part of an upper case of the ion generator in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the rib-shaped part of the state which assembled | attached the upper case and the lower case. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an ion generator in a second embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the electrode protection wall in the ion generator in FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an ion generator according to a third embodiment. It is a side view which shows the ion generator seen from the direction shown by arrow XVI in FIG. It is a side view which shows the ion generator seen from the direction shown by arrow XVII in FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an internal structure of an ion generator according to Embodiment 3. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator in alignment with the XIX-XIX line | wire shown in FIG. It is a side view which shows the internal structure of the ion generator of Embodiment 3. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of an ion generator according to Embodiment 3. It is a side view which shows the internal structure of the ion generator of Embodiment 4. It is a side view which shows the internal structure of the ion generator of Embodiment 5. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator of Embodiment 5. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounted the discharge electrode of the Example on the board | substrate. It is a schematic diagram shown about the change of the direction of the discharge electrode of an Example. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the direction of the discharge electrode of an Example, and the amount of ion generation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a side view showing the internal structure of ion generator 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the ion generator 100 in the present embodiment, positive ions _{^{H + (H 2 O) n}} (n is 0 or an arbitrary integer) and negative ions ^{_{O 2 - (H 2 O)}} m (M is an arbitrary integer greater than or equal to 0) is sent to the room, and these ions have the function of inactivating or killing viruses in the air.

  First, the overall configuration of the ion generator 100 will be described. The ion generator 100 has a casing 12, an ion delivery unit 14, and an ion delivery unit 16. The ion delivery units 14 and 16 are accommodated in the casing 12. Each of the ion delivery units 14 and 16 can independently deliver ions toward the room. In the present embodiment, the ion delivery unit 14 and the ion delivery unit 16 are provided so as to be stacked in the vertical direction inside the casing 12.

  The ion delivery unit 14 includes a sirocco fan 21A, a duct 22A, and an ion generator 26A. The ion delivery unit 16 includes a sirocco fan 21B, a duct 22B, and an ion generator 26B. Hereinafter, when the sirocco fan 21A and the sirocco fan 21B are not particularly distinguished from each other, the sirocco fan 21 is referred to as the sirocco fan 21, and when the duct 22A and the duct 22B are not particularly distinguished from each other, the duct 22 is referred to as the ion generator 26A and the ion generator 26B. When not distinguished, it is referred to as an ion generator 26.

  The sirocco fan 21 takes in indoor air and sends the air toward the duct 22. The sirocco fan 21A and the sirocco fan 21B are provided so that their fan rotation axes are parallel to each other. The duct 22 is connected to the sirocco fan 21. The duct 22 forms a ventilation path for air sent from the sirocco fan 21. The ion generator 26 is provided on the path of the duct 22. The ion generator 26 generates ions and releases the ions into the air flowing through the duct 22.

  In addition, as a fan which sends out air, it is not restricted to a sirocco fan, For example, a crossflow fan (cross-flow fan) may be used.

  The ion generator 26 is provided so as to be detachable from the duct 22. An insertion port 23 into which the ion generator 26 is inserted is formed in the duct 22 (not shown in the duct 22A). The ion generator 26 is attached to and detached from the duct 22 by sliding in one direction with respect to the insertion port 23.

  In the present embodiment, ion generator 26A and ion generator 26B are attached to and detached from duct 22 from different directions. Specifically, the ion generator 26A is attached / detached from a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the sirocco fan 21A (a direction indicated by an arrow 101 in FIG. 1). The ion generator 26 </ b> A is attached and detached from the upper surface side of the casing 12. The ion generator 26B is attached / detached from a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the sirocco fan 21B (a direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 1). The ion generator 26 </ b> B is attached and detached from the side surface of the casing 12.

  Next, the structure of the ion generator 26 in FIG. 1 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the ion generator 26 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the ion generator 26 as seen from the direction indicated by the arrow III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the ion generator 26 as seen from the direction indicated by the arrow IV in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the ion generator 26 in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the ion generator 26 in FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the ion generator 26 in FIG.

  2 to 7, the ion generator 26 according to the first embodiment includes an outer case 31, discharge electrodes 41 to 44, an induction electrode (counter electrode) 45, a substrate 51 and a substrate 52, A voltage generation circuit unit 53, a substrate support case 54 and a substrate support case 55, a wiring 56 and a wiring 57 are provided.

  The discharge electrodes 41 to 44 have a needle shape with a sharpened tip. The discharge electrodes 41 to 44 are provided in the same plane. The discharge electrodes 41 to 44 are arranged so that the central axes of the electrodes are parallel to each other.

  The discharge electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 43 are arranged at a distance in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the electrode. The discharge electrode 42 and the discharge electrode 44 are arranged at a distance in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the electrode. The discharge electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 42 are arranged to face each other with a distance in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode. The discharge electrode 43 and the discharge electrode 44 are arranged to face each other with a distance in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode. The central axis of the discharge electrode 41 and the central axis of the discharge electrode 42 are located on the same straight line. The central axis of the discharge electrode 43 and the central axis of the discharge electrode 44 are located on the same straight line.

  The induction electrode 45 is disposed between the discharge electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 43. The induction electrode 45 is provided at a position that is the same distance from the discharge electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 43, and is provided at a position that is the same distance from the discharge electrode 42 and the discharge electrode 44.

  The discharge electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 43 generate ions having different polarities. The discharge electrode 42 and the discharge electrode 44 generate ions having different polarities. The discharge electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 42 generate ions having different polarities. The discharge electrode 43 and the discharge electrode 44 generate ions having different polarities.

  When a positive high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 41 and a negative high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 42, a corona discharge occurs between the discharge electrode and the induction electrode 45, generating positive ions and negative ions. To do. Similarly, when a negative high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 43 and a positive high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 44, a corona discharge occurs between the discharge electrode and the induction electrode 45, and negative ions and positive ions are generated. Ions are generated.

  The discharge electrodes 41 to 44 are not limited to the above arrangement, and for example, the discharge electrode 42 and the discharge electrode 44 may be provided at a position moved from a position in FIG. 7 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of these electrodes. In the present embodiment, two sets of discharge electrodes arranged opposite to each other are provided (a set of discharge electrode 41 and discharge electrode 42 and a set of discharge electrode 43 and discharge electrode 43). A set of the discharge electrodes may be provided. Even when the central axes of the discharge electrodes 41 to 44 are not parallel to each other, the discharge electrode 41, the discharge electrode 43, the discharge electrode 42, and the discharge electrode 44 sandwich the space 38 described later as a whole. If they are configured to face each other, it can be said that they are arranged to face each other. In the present invention, the number and arrangement of the discharge electrodes are not particularly limited.

  The discharge electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 43 are mounted on a substrate 51 as a first base material. The discharge electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 43 are provided so as to protrude from one surface 51 a of the substrate 51. The high voltage generation circuit unit 53 generates a high voltage to be applied to the discharge electrodes 41 to 44. The high voltage generation circuit unit 53 is provided on the other surface 51 b of the substrate 51. The substrate support case 54 is provided so as to support the substrate 51 and cover the high voltage generation circuit unit 53.

  The substrate 52 is provided to face the substrate 51. The discharge electrode 42 and the discharge electrode 44 are mounted on a substrate 52 as a second base material. The discharge electrode 42 and the discharge electrode 44 are provided so as to protrude from the surface 52a of the substrate 52 facing the surface 51a. The substrate support case 55 is provided to support the substrate 52.

  The wiring 56 is provided as a connection member that electrically connects the discharge electrode 42 and the high voltage generation circuit unit 53. The wiring 57 is provided as a connection member that electrically connects the discharge electrode 44 and the high voltage generation circuit unit 53.

  The outer case 31 is provided as a case body that forms the appearance of the ion generator 26. The outer case 31 has a shape that can be inserted into the insertion port 23 formed in the duct 22 in FIG. 1. The outer case 31 is formed of a resin material.

  The exterior case 31 includes a substrate housing portion 32, a substrate housing portion 33, and rib-shaped portions 34 to 36 as its constituent parts. The exterior case 31 has a frame-shaped frame portion including a substrate housing portion 32, a rib-like portion 35, a substrate housing portion 33, and a rib-like portion 34. The frame portion has a rectangular frame shape in which four sides are constituted by the substrate housing portion 32, the rib-like portion 35, the substrate housing portion 33, and the rib-like portion 34.

  The substrate housing portion 32 and the substrate housing portion 33 are arranged in parallel with a distance from each other. The substrate housing part 32 has a larger volume than the substrate housing part 33. The rib-like portion 34 and the rib-like portion 35 are arranged in parallel with a distance from each other and orthogonal to the substrate accommodating portion 32 and the substrate accommodating portion 33. One ends of the substrate housing portion 32 and the substrate housing portion 33 facing each other are connected by a rib-shaped portion 34. The other ends of the substrate housing portion 32 and the substrate housing portion 33 facing each other are connected by a rib-like portion 35.

  The rib-like portion 36 is disposed in parallel with the rib-like portion 34 and the rib-like portion 35. The rib-shaped portion 35 connects the substrate housing portion 32 and the substrate housing portion 33 to each other between the rib-shaped portion 34 and the rib-shaped portion 35.

  The rib-like portions 34 to 36 extend linearly from the substrate housing portion 32 along the central axis direction of the discharge electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 43. The rib portions 34 to 36 extend linearly from the substrate housing portion 33 along the central axis direction of the discharge electrode 42 and the discharge electrode 44.

  A space 38 is formed inside the outer case 31 surrounded by the substrate housing portion 32, the rib-like portion 35, the substrate housing portion 33, and the rib-like portion 34. Air flowing through the duct 22 in FIG. 1 is passed through the space 38. The space 38 communicates with the ventilation path formed by the duct 22. The air flowing from the duct 22 to the space 38 is ventilated in the direction orthogonal to the paper surface shown in FIG. The exterior case 31 forms a part of a flow path of air flowing through the duct 22.

  When the ion generator 26 is attached to the duct 22 in FIG. 1, the outer case 31 is inserted in the direction indicated by the arrow 102 in FIGS. 2 and 3 (hereinafter, the direction indicated by the arrow 102 is referred to as “the outer case 31 Insertion direction "). The substrate housing portion 32 is disposed on the back side in the insertion direction of the exterior case 31, and the substrate housing portion 33 is disposed on the near side in the insertion direction of the exterior case 31. The rib-like portion 34 and the rib-like portion 35 extend along the insertion direction of the outer case 31. The outer case 31 has a rectangular plan view having a long side extending along the insertion direction of the outer case 31 and a short side extending along a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the outer case 31.

  The substrate accommodating portion 32 accommodates a substrate 51, a high voltage generation circuit portion 53, and a substrate support case 54. A substrate 52 and a substrate support case 55 are accommodated in the substrate accommodating portion 33. The discharge electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 43 extend from the surface 51 a of the substrate 51 to the outside of the outer case 31. The discharge electrode 42 and the discharge electrode 44 extend from the surface 52 a of the substrate 52 to the outside of the exterior case 31.

  The tip ends of the discharge electrodes 41 to 44 extending from the substrates 51 and 52 are disposed in the space 38. The distal ends of the discharge electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 42 are disposed in a space 38 between the rib-shaped portion 34 and the rib-shaped portion 36. The distal ends of the discharge electrode 43 and the discharge electrode 44 are disposed in a space 38 between the rib-shaped portion 36 and the rib-shaped portion 35.

  The induction electrode 45 protrudes from the surface 51 a of the substrate 51 toward the inside of the rib portion 36. The leading end portion of the induction electrode 45 is accommodated in the exterior case 31 (rib-shaped portion 36).

  The wiring 56 is routed from the substrate housing portion 32 through the rib-shaped portion 35 toward the substrate housing portion 33. The wiring 57 is routed from the substrate housing portion 32 through the rib-shaped portion 34 toward the substrate housing portion 33. The wiring 56 is routed so as to pass through either the rib-shaped portion 34 or the rib-shaped portion 35. The wiring 57 is routed so as to pass through either the rib-shaped portion 34 or the rib-shaped portion 35.

  The ion generator 26 in the present embodiment further includes a power supply connector 46. The power feeding connector 46 is provided in the board housing portion 32 that houses the high voltage generation circuit portion 53. The power supply connector 46 electrically connects the main body side of the ion generator 100 and the ion generator 26. The power supply connector 46 is provided as a power supply unit for supplying power to the high voltage generation circuit unit 53.

  The substrate housing part 32 has a side surface 32a. The side surface 32 a faces the insertion direction of the outer case 31. The side surface 32 a is disposed on the leading side of the outer case 31 that is inserted into the duct 22 when the ion generator 26 is mounted. An opening for exposing the power supply connector 46 to the outside of the exterior case 31 is formed in the side surface 32a. With this configuration, when the ion generator 26 is mounted, the power supply connector 46 is connected to the connector provided on the main body side of the ion generator 100 by the operation of inserting the outer case 31 into the duct 22.

  The ion generator 26 further has an electrode protection wall 61. The electrode protection wall 61 is provided for each of the discharge electrodes 41 to 44. The electrode protection wall 61 is provided to protect the discharge electrodes 41 to 44. In the present embodiment, the electrode protection wall 61 is formed integrally with the outer case 31 by a resin material.

  FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the discharge electrode of the ion generator 26 in FIG. Hereinafter, the structure will be described by paying attention to the electrode protection wall 61 provided for the discharge electrode 43 typically.

  The electrode protection wall 61 has a wall portion 66 and a wall portion 67 as its constituent parts. The wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 are provided in the space 38. The wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 are provided so as to face each other with a space therebetween. The wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 are provided on both sides of the discharge electrode 43. The discharge electrode 43 is provided in a space between the wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67. The wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 have a symmetrical shape with respect to the discharge electrode 43.

  The outer case 31 has an inner surface 31a, an inner surface 31b, and an inner surface 31c. The inner surface 31a, the inner surface 31b, and the inner surface 31c are formed in the substrate housing portion 32, the rib-shaped portion 35, and the rib-shaped portion 36, respectively. The inner surface 31 a, the inner surface 31 b, and the inner surface 31 c define a space 38 between the rib-shaped portion 35 and the rib-shaped portion 36.

  The wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 protrude from the outer case 31 toward the space 38 on both sides of the discharge electrode 43. The wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 protrude from the inner surface 31a of the exterior case 31 (substrate housing portion 32). The wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 are provided so as to protrude larger than the tip end portion of the discharge electrode 43 from the exterior case 31. That is, the protruding length of the wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 when the inner surface 31a is a reference is larger than the extension length of the discharge electrode 43 when the inner surface 31a is a reference.

  The wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 are provided so as to extend in parallel with the ventilation direction in the space 38 (the direction indicated by the arrow 103 in FIG. 8).

  An opening 71 is formed in the outer case 31. The opening 71 is formed in the substrate housing part 32. The opening 71 is formed so as to penetrate from the inner surface 31 a to the inside of the substrate housing portion 32. The opening 71 is formed to expose the substrate 51 around the discharge electrode 43. The opening 71 is formed immediately above the surface 51 a of the substrate 51. The opening 71 is formed between the wall 66 and the wall 67. The discharge electrode 43 is provided so as to extend from the surface 51 a of the substrate 51 to the outside of the exterior case 31 through the opening 71.

  The opening 71 has a circular opening shape. The discharge electrode 43 is provided so as to penetrate the center of the opening 71. The opening 71 is not limited to a circular shape, and may have an opening shape such as an ellipse, a track shape, or a rectangle.

  In the range shown in FIG. 8, the rib-like portion 35 is provided on the opposite side of the opening portion 71 with respect to the wall portion 66, and the rib-like portion 36 is provided on the opposite side of the opening portion 71 with respect to the wall portion 67. It has been. The wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 are provided such that the distance between the wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 is larger on the base portion side than on the tip portion side protruding from the exterior case 31. The distance between the wall 66 and the wall 67 gradually decreases as the wall 66 and the wall 67 move away from the exterior case 31 (substrate housing portion 32). It is provided so that the distance to 67 is constant.

  A through hole 72 is formed in the wall 66. A through hole 73 is formed in the wall portion 67. The through hole 72 and the through hole 73 are provided so as to penetrate the wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67, respectively. The through hole 72 and the through hole 73 are provided on both sides of the distal end portion of the discharge electrode 43. The through hole 72 and the through hole 73 provide a space in which the electrode protection wall 61 does not exist within a certain distance centered on the tip of the discharge electrode 43 that is the discharge part.

  The electrode protection wall 61 further has a connecting part 68 and a connecting part 69 as its constituent parts. The connecting portion 68 is connected to the rib portion 35 from the wall portion 66. The connecting portion 69 is connected to the rib portion 36 from the wall portion 67. The connecting portion 68 is bent from the distal end portion of the wall portion 66 and extends toward the inner surface 31 b of the rib-like portion 35. The connecting portion 69 is bent from the distal end portion of the wall portion 67 and extends toward the inner surface 31 c of the rib-like portion 36.

  The electrode protection wall 61 is formed with a notch 81p and a notch 81q (hereinafter referred to as a notch 81 unless otherwise distinguished). The notch 81 is provided so as to be projected so as to overlap the opening 71 in the central axis direction of the discharge electrode 43. The notch 81 has a notch shape extending in the central axis direction of the discharge electrode 43. When viewed from the central axis direction of the discharge electrode 43, the notch 81 is provided so as to cut out the electrode protection wall 61 in an elliptical shape around the discharge electrode 43.

  The shape of the notch 81 is not limited to the above shape, and for example, the electrode protection wall 61 may be provided so as to be cut out in a circle around the discharge electrode 43. In this case, the distance from the discharge electrode 43 to the wall surface of the notch 81 is equal.

  The notch portion 81p is provided so as to cut out the corner portion of the connecting portion 68 and the wall portion 66. The notch 81 p extends in the direction of the central axis of the discharge electrode 43 and is connected to the through hole 72. The notch 81q is provided so as to cut out the corner of the connecting part 69 and the wall part 67. The notch 81q extends in the central axis direction of the discharge electrode 43 and is connected to the through hole 73.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the exterior case 31 includes an upper case 311 and a lower case 312. The upper case 311 and the lower case 312 are each integrally formed of a resin material. The outer case 31 is formed by assembling the upper case 311 and the lower case 312. The upper case 311 and the lower case 312 are integrally attached and fixed to form a housing that accommodates the high voltage generation circuit portion 53 and the wirings 56 and 57 inside.

  On the other hand, the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 are detachably provided. FIG. 6 shows a state where the upper case 311 is removed from the ion generator 26 shown in FIG. By removing the upper case 311 from the lower case 312, the wirings 56 and 57 are exposed to the outside as shown in FIG. Even when the upper case 311 is removed from the lower case 312, the high voltage generation circuit unit 53 is accommodated in the substrate support case 54 and is not exposed to the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 6, through holes 320 penetrating the lower case 312 in the thickness direction are formed at the four corners of the lower case 312 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. Bottomed screw holes are formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 320 at the four corners of the upper case 311 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. This screw hole is formed by subjecting the inner peripheral surface of the hole formed in the upper case 311 to have a recessed surface facing the lower case 312 to a female thread. When a screw (not shown) passes through the through hole 320 and is screwed into the screw hole, the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 are integrally assembled as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state where the upper case 311 is removed from the ion generator 26 in FIG. As described above, the electrode protection wall 61 of the present embodiment is formed integrally with the outer case 31 by a resin material. Therefore, when the upper case 311 is removed, a part of the electrode protection wall 61 is also removed.

  In the state shown in FIG. 8 in which the upper case 311 is attached to the lower case 312, the wall portions 66 and 67 of the electrode protection wall 61 exist around the discharge electrode 43. In the state shown in FIG. 9 with the upper case 311 removed, the electrode protection wall 61 does not exist in a part of the periphery of the discharge electrode 43, and the degree of exposure of the discharge electrode 43 to the outside is greater. .

  6 to 9, the ion generator 26 described above includes discharge electrodes 41 to 44 that generate ions by discharge, a substrate 51 as a first base material on which the discharge electrodes 41 and 43 are mounted, and discharge. A substrate 52 as a second base material on which the electrodes 42 and 44 are mounted, and an exterior case 31 as a housing for accommodating the substrates 51 and 52 are provided. The outer case 31 has an electrode protection wall 61 for protecting the discharge electrodes 41 to 44.

  As shown in FIG. 8, an electrode protection wall 61 for protecting the discharge electrode 43 is provided around the discharge electrode 43 whose tip is sharpened. The distance between the wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 provided on both sides of the discharge electrode 43 is set to such a size that the user's finger is not inserted on both sides of the tip portion of the discharge electrode 43. With this configuration, when the ion generator 26 is removed from the duct 22 of the ion generator 100 for regular maintenance or replacement, the tip of the discharge electrode 43 sharpened by the electrode protection wall 61 is removed. Can be prevented from being touched by the user.

  When ion generation by discharge is repeated over a long period of time, contamination due to electric dust collection occurs around the discharge electrode 43. When dirt is attached to the tip of the discharge electrode 43, the discharge electrode 43 can be easily cleaned from between the wall 66 and the wall 67 by using a cotton swab or the like. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of ion generation due to contamination of the discharge electrode 43, and the ion generation amount of the ion generator 26 can be stably maintained over a long period.

  The wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 are provided such that the distance between the wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 is larger on the base portion side than on the tip portion side protruding from the exterior case 31. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a larger opening 71 in the outer case 31 in accordance with the wide gap between the wall 66 and the wall 67. As a result, dirt on the root portion of the discharge electrode 43 and the surface 51 a of the substrate 51 can be removed by inserting a cotton swab into the opening 71. By cleaning the surface 51a of the substrate 51 through the opening 71, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon such as a short circuit between the discharge electrode 43 and the induction electrode 45 adjacent thereto via dust on the surface 51a.

  Since electric field concentration occurs particularly at the tip of the discharge electrode 43, the wall 66 and the wall 67 on both sides of the tip are the places where dirt due to electrostatic dust collection is most likely to occur. In the present embodiment, by providing the through-hole 72 and the through-hole 73 in such a place where dirt is most likely to occur, abnormal discharge occurs and between the discharge electrode 43 and the wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67. It is possible to prevent the deposits from bridging.

  The wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 are provided so as to extend in parallel with the ventilation direction in the space 38. With such a configuration, the spread of ions is not inhibited by the wall 66 and the wall 67 on the upstream side and the downstream side of the air blowing to the discharge electrode 43. Further, by arranging the wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67 in parallel on both sides of the distal end portion of the discharge electrode 43, an air flow having a more uniform velocity distribution can be formed around the distal end portion of the discharge electrode 43. For this reason, it becomes possible to discharge | release ion from the ion generator 26 efficiently.

  The four corners of the outer case 31 having a frame shape and the connection portions between the rib-like portion 36 and the substrate accommodation portion 32 and the substrate accommodation portion 33 are reinforced by the electrode protection wall 61, so that the strength of the outer case 31 is increased. Yes. Thereby, the durability of the exterior case 31 can be sufficiently ensured even when the ion generator 26 is repeatedly attached to and detached from the duct 22.

  Furthermore, in the ion generator 26 of this Embodiment, as shown to FIG.6, 9, a part of electrode protection wall 61 is provided so that removal is possible. By providing a part of the electrode protection wall 61 so as to be removable, the accessibility to the discharge electrode 43 is improved. As shown in FIG. 9, by removing the electrode protection wall 61, it is easier to access the discharge electrode 43 from above.

  As described above, when dirt adheres to the tip of the discharge electrode 43, the discharge electrode 43 can be easily cleaned from between the wall 66 and the wall 67 by using a cotton swab or the like. When the discharge electrode 43 is severely soiled and the discharge electrode 43 cannot be sufficiently cleaned by simple cleaning only between the wall portion 66 and the wall portion 67, a part of the electrode protection wall 61 is removed and the cleaning is focused. Do. Thereby, the discharge electrode 43 and the substrate 51 can be further carefully cleaned, and the contamination of the discharge electrode 43 and the substrate 51 can be reliably removed. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress a decrease in the amount of ions generated due to contamination of the discharge electrode 43.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the exterior case 31 has an upper case 311 and a lower case 312 that can be attached to and detached from each other. The upper case 311 has a function as a first member. The lower case 312 has a function as a second member. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, a part of the electrode protection wall 61 is formed integrally with the upper case 311. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, 9, a part of the electrode protection wall 61 is formed integrally with the lower case 312.

  In this manner, by removing the upper case 311 from the lower case 312, a part of the electrode protection wall 61 can be easily removed and the discharge electrode 43 can be exposed as shown in FIG. 9. In this state, by carefully cleaning the discharge electrode 43 and removing the dirt on the discharge electrode 43, it is possible to reliably suppress a decrease in the amount of ions generated due to the dirt on the discharge electrode 43.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, through holes 320 are formed at the four corners of the lower case 312 having a substantially rectangular frame shape in plan view. At the four corners of the upper case 311, bottomed screw holes corresponding to the respective through holes 320 are formed. The upper case 311 and the lower case 312 are integrally fixed by screwing the screw into the screw hole of the upper case 311 via the through hole 320. The through hole 320 of the lower case 312, the screw hole of the upper case 311, and the screw have a function as a fixing portion that integrally fixes the upper case 311 and the lower case 312.

  By fixing the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 with screws, it is possible to suppress a situation in which a general user separates the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 and exposes the sharp tip of the discharge electrode 43. . On the other hand, at the time of maintenance of the ion generator 26, a service person can easily remove the upper case 311 from the lower case 312 using a tool, and perform focused cleaning of the discharge electrode 43. Therefore, it is possible to easily clean the discharge electrode 43 while preventing the general user from touching the discharge electrode 43, and in addition, it is possible to improve the maintainability of the ion generator 26 by a service person.

  In addition, the fixing | fixed part which fixes the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 integrally is not restricted to the four corners of the rectangular frame-shaped exterior case 31, and may be arrange | positioned in arbitrary positions. The fixing portion is not limited to screwing, and allows the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 to be integrally handled, and can be removed without permanently fixing the upper case 311 and the lower case 312. Any configuration may be adopted as long as it is possible.

  In the above, the structure of the electrode protection wall 61 provided for the discharge electrode 43 has been described. However, the electrode protection wall 61 provided for the discharge electrode 41, the discharge electrode 42, and the discharge electrode 44 also has the same structure. Have.

  According to the ion generator 26 and the ion generator 100 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention configured as described above, when the ion generator 26 is removed from the duct 22, the user can set the discharge electrodes 41 to 44. The discharge electrodes 41 to 44 can be easily cleaned from the tip portion to the root portion while preventing the tip portion from being touched.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the ion generator 100 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the air condition of a dehumidifier, a humidifier, an air conditioner, an air cleaner, or the like is adjusted. The present invention may be applied to various air conditioners for conditioning.

  FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the rib-shaped portion 34 of the lower case 312 of the ion generator 26 in FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the rib-shaped portion 34 of the upper case 311 of the ion generator 26 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a claw portion 342 is formed in the rib-like portion 34 of the lower case 312. The nail | claw part 342 is formed when the inner surface of the rib-shaped part 34 which accommodates the wiring 57 in the inside protrudes. The claw portion 342 is integrally formed with the lower case 312. The claw part 342 is provided on the surface of the rib-like part 34 at a position where it is not exposed to the outside when the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 are assembled. Referring also to FIG. 6, the claw portion 342 is provided at the center of the rib-like portion 34 in the direction in which the wiring 57 extends.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a claw receiving portion 341 is formed on the rib-like portion 34 of the upper case 311. The claw receiving portion 341 is integrally formed with the upper case 311. The claw receiving portion 341 has a shape in which a part of the surface of the rib-like portion 34 is recessed. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a thin plate-shaped fin portion is formed in the upper case 311 so as to protrude from the rib-shaped portion 34 and extend in the extending direction of the rib-shaped portion 34, and partially penetrates the fin portion in the thickness direction. A through hole is formed, and the through hole functions as a claw receiving portion 341.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a claw portion 352 having the same shape as the claw portion 342 described above is formed in the rib-like portion 35 that accommodates the wiring 56 therein. The claw portion 352 is provided at the center of the rib-like portion 35 in the direction in which the wiring 56 extends. Although not shown, the rib-like portion 35 of the upper case 311 is formed with a claw receiving portion similar to the claw receiving portion 341 described above.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the rib-like portion 34 in a state where the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 are assembled. As shown in FIG. 12, the above-described fin portion formed in the upper case 311 is fitted in the lower case 312. The claw portion 342 formed in the lower case 312 engages with the claw receiving portion 341 formed in the fin portion of the upper case 311, and is disposed inside the through hole constituting the claw receiving portion 341. Thereby, the claw part 342 is hooked on the claw receiving part 341.

  When the claw portion 342 is hooked on the claw receiving portion 341 and the claw portion 342 and the claw receiving portion 341 are combined, the rib-like portion 34 of the upper case 311 and the rib-like portion 34 of the lower case 312 are integrally assembled. ing. Thereby, the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 are relatively positioned. The claw portion 342 and the claw receiving portion 341 constitute a stopper portion that restricts relative movement between the upper case 311 and the lower case 312. The wiring 57 is accommodated in the rib-shaped portion 34 formed by assembling the upper case 311 and the lower case 312.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the ion generator 26 described above includes discharge electrodes 43 and 44 that generate ions by discharge, and a high voltage generation circuit unit 53 that generates a high voltage to be applied to the discharge electrodes 43 and 44. I have. The high voltage generation circuit unit 53 and the discharge electrode 43 are connected by a wiring 56. The high voltage generation circuit unit 53 and the discharge electrode 44 are connected by a wiring 57. The wiring 56 is accommodated in the rib-like portion 35. The wiring 57 is accommodated in the rib-shaped portion 34. The rib-like portions 34 and 35 have a function as an accommodating portion that accommodates the wiring 57 and the wiring 56 as connecting members.

  The exterior case 31 has an upper case 311 and a lower case 312. As shown in FIG. 12, the rib-like portions 34 and 35 are formed by combining an upper case 311 and a lower case 312. The rib portions 34 and 35 are provided with stopper portions for restricting relative movement between the upper case 311 and the lower case 312.

  By restricting the relative movement between the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 at the rib-like portions 34 and 35, it is possible to prevent the wirings 56 and 57 accommodated inside the rib-like portions 34 and 35 from being exposed to the outside. Since the wirings 56 and 57 are high-voltage wirings connected to the high voltage generation circuit unit 53, the wirings 56 and 57 are securely accommodated in the rib-like portions 34 and 35 and are not exposed to the outside. It is possible to prevent the user from touching the wirings 56 and 57.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, claw portions 342 are formed in the rib-like portion 34 of the lower case 312. As shown in FIG. 11, a claw receiving portion 341 is formed on the rib-like portion 34 of the upper case 311. As shown in FIG. 12, the claw portion 342 is received by the claw receiving portion 341, thereby preventing relative movement between the upper case 311 and the lower case 312. By forming the stopper portion by the claw portion 342 and the claw receiving portion 341, a stopper portion having a simple structure can be realized. By using the claw portion 342 as a resin molded product integral with the lower case 312 and the claw receiving portion 341 as a resin molded product integral with the upper case 311, the stopper portion can be easily manufactured.

  The stopper portion is not limited to the claw portion 342 and the claw receiving portion 341. For example, the relative movement between the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 may be restricted using a screw, or the relative movement may be restricted by engaging the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 with a frictional force, for example. The upper case 311 and the lower case 312 may be welded. However, by applying the claw portion 342 and the claw receiving portion 341 of the present embodiment, a stopper portion can be easily formed on the thin rib-like portion 34, and the relative movement between the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 is more reliable. In addition, when the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 are to be removed, they can be easily removed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the claw portion 342 is formed so that the inner surface of the rib-like portion 34 protrudes. Since the claw portion 342 has a shape protruding from the inner surface of the rib-shaped portion 34, the outer surface of the rib-shaped portion 34 is kept flat. As a result, the claw portion 342 becomes invisible from the outside in a state where the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 are combined, so that a general user may operate the claw portion 342 to remove the upper case 311 and the lower case 312. Less likely to occur. Further, since there is no structure projecting outward from the rib-like portion 34, the claw portion 342 does not hinder attachment / detachment when the ion generator 26 is attached / detached to / from the duct 22, and in addition, the design of the ion generator 26 is achieved. Can be improved.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the claw portion 342 constituting the stopper portion is provided at the center of the rib-like portion 34 in the direction in which the wiring 57 extends. Of the rib-shaped portions 34, by temporarily fixing the most flexible central portion with the rib-shaped portions 34, a situation occurs where a gap is generated between the upper case 311 and the lower case 312 in the central portion, and the wiring 57 is exposed. It can be surely prevented. Since the central portion of the rib-shaped portion 34 is the position farthest from the through hole 320 formed in the lower case 312 shown in FIG. 6, the upper case 311 and the lower case are provided by providing the rib-shaped portion 34 in the central portion. Engagement with 312 can be more reliably maintained.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the ion generator 100 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the air condition of a dehumidifier, a humidifier, an air conditioner, an air cleaner, or the like is adjusted. The present invention may be applied to various air conditioners for conditioning.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing ion generator 26 in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state where the electrode protection wall 61 is removed from the ion generator 26 in FIG.

  In the first embodiment described above, the electrode protection wall 61 is formed integrally with the upper case 311 or the lower case 312, and a part of the electrode protection wall 61 is removed by removing the upper case 311 from the lower case 312. Explained. In the ion generator 26 of Embodiment 2, the electrode protection wall 61 is provided separately from the exterior case 31. The electrode protection wall 61 is joined to the exterior case 31 by an appropriate joining means, and the electrode protection wall 61 can be removed from the exterior case 31 by releasing the joining means. FIG. 13 illustrates a state where the electrode protection wall 61 is attached to the exterior case 31. FIG. 14 shows a state where the electrode protection wall 61 is removed from the outer case 31.

  According to the ion generator in Embodiment 2 configured as described above, when the ion generator 26 is removed from the duct 22, the user can use the tips of the discharge electrodes 41 to 44 as in Embodiment 1. The discharge electrodes 41 to 44 can be easily cleaned from the tip portion to the root portion while preventing the portion from being touched.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the discharge electrodes 41 to 44 are easily cleaned by removing a part or all of the electrode protection wall 61 has been described. In order to facilitate cleaning of the discharge electrodes 41 to 44, the electrode protection wall 61 may be configured to increase the exposure of the discharge electrodes 41 to 44 to the outside, and the electrode protection wall 61 is not necessarily removed. May be. For example, part or all of the electrode protection wall 61 is provided so as to be reversibly deformable or movable, and when the discharge electrodes 41 to 44 are subjected to intensive cleaning, the electrode protection wall 61 is temporarily deformed or moved. The discharge electrodes 41 to 44 may be greatly exposed to the outside.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the configuration of the ion generator 26 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a side view showing the ion generator 26 as seen from the direction indicated by the arrow XVI in FIG. FIG. 17 is a side view showing the ion generator 26 as seen from the direction indicated by the arrow XVII in FIG. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the ion generator 26 of the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 26 along the line XIX-XIX shown in FIG. First, the structure of the ion generator 26 of Embodiment 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The ion generator 26 of Embodiment 3 includes an outer case 31, a discharge electrode 40, an induction electrode (counter electrode) 45, a base member 50, a high voltage generation circuit unit 53, a substrate support case 54, and a substrate support. A case 55, a wiring 56 and a wiring 57 are mainly provided.

  The discharge electrode 40 includes a first discharge electrode 41, a second discharge electrode 42, a third discharge electrode 43 and a fourth discharge electrode 44. The first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 are each formed in an L shape in which a needle is bent at a right angle. Each of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 has a main body portion extending linearly and a tip portion orthogonal to the extending direction of the main body portion. The tip is sharpened and formed in a needle tip shape. The 1st-4th discharge electrodes 41-44 are arrange | positioned in the same plane so that the extending direction of each main-body part may become mutually parallel.

  The 1st discharge electrode 41 and the 3rd discharge electrode 43 are arrange | positioned along with the space | interval in the direction orthogonal to the direction where each main-body part is extended. The 2nd discharge electrode 42 and the 4th discharge electrode 44 are arrange | positioned along with the space | interval in the direction orthogonal to the direction where each main-body part is extended.

  The first discharge electrode 41 and the second discharge electrode 42 are arranged to face each other with a distance in the extending direction of the main body portion. The central axis of the main body portion of the first discharge electrode 41 and the central axis of the main body portion of the second discharge electrode 42 are located on the same straight line. The third discharge electrode 43 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 are arranged to face each other with a distance in the extending direction. The central axis of the main body portion of the third discharge electrode 43 and the central axis of the main body portion of the fourth discharge electrode 44 are located on the same straight line.

  The induction electrode 45 is disposed between the first discharge electrode 41 and the third discharge electrode 43. The induction electrode 45 is disposed away from both the first discharge electrode 41 and the third discharge electrode 43. The induction electrode 45 is provided at a position where the distance between the first discharge electrode 41 and the induction electrode 45 and the distance between the third discharge electrode 43 and the induction electrode 45 are equal to each other. The induction electrode 45 is also provided at a position where the distance between the second discharge electrode 42 and the induction electrode 45 and the distance between the fourth discharge electrode 44 and the induction electrode 45 are equal to each other.

  Each of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 generates ions by discharge. The first discharge electrode 41 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 generate positive ions. The second discharge electrode 42 and the third discharge electrode 43 generate negative ions. The first discharge electrode 41 and the third discharge electrode 43 generate ions with different polarities, and the second discharge electrode 42 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 generate ions with different polarities. The first discharge electrode 41 and the second discharge electrode 42 generate ions with different polarities, and the third discharge electrode 43 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 generate ions with different polarities.

  The high voltage generation circuit unit 53 generates a high voltage to be applied to the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44. When a positive high voltage is applied to the first discharge electrode 41 and a negative high voltage is applied to the second discharge electrode 42, a corona discharge is generated between the discharge electrode and the induction electrode 45, and positive ions and Negative ions are generated. Similarly, when a negative high voltage is applied to the third discharge electrode 43 and a positive high voltage is applied to the fourth discharge electrode 44, a corona discharge is generated between the discharge electrode and the induction electrode 45, Negative ions and positive ions are generated.

  The substrate 50 has the discharge electrode 40 mounted thereon. The base material 50 includes a substrate 51 as a first base material and a substrate 52 as a second base material as separate base materials. The substrate 51 and the substrate 52 are provided to face each other. The substrate 51 has one surface 51a and the other surface 51b, and the substrate 52 has one surface 52a. The substrates 51 and 52 are arranged so that the surface 51a and the surface 52a face each other.

  The first discharge electrode 41 and the third discharge electrode 43 are mounted on the substrate 51. The 1st discharge electrode 41 and the 3rd discharge electrode 43 are being fixed to the board | substrate 51 so that each needle | hook tip may protrude with respect to the surface 51a. The second discharge electrode 42 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 are mounted on the substrate 52. The 2nd discharge electrode 42 and the 4th discharge electrode 44 are being fixed to the board | substrate 52 so that each needle | hook tip may protrude with respect to the surface 52a.

  The high voltage generation circuit unit 53 is provided on the other surface 51 b of the substrate 51. The substrate support case 54 is provided so as to support the substrate 51 and cover the high voltage generation circuit unit 53. The substrate support case 55 is provided to support the substrate 52.

  The wiring 56 is provided as a connection member that electrically connects the high voltage generation circuit unit 53 and the second discharge electrode 42. The wiring 57 is provided as a connection member that electrically connects the high voltage generation circuit unit 53 and the fourth discharge electrode 44. The substrate support case 55 is provided so as to cover the contacts between the second and fourth discharge electrodes 42 and 44 and the wirings 56 and 57 on the substrate 52. Instead of the configuration in which the single substrate support case 55 shown in FIG. 18 covers both of the two contacts of the second and fourth discharge electrodes 42 and 44 and the wirings 56 and 57, the second discharge electrode 42 and the wiring 56 A case covering the contact points of the fourth discharge electrode 44 and a case covering the contact points of the fourth discharge electrode 44 and the wiring 57 may be provided separately.

  The outer case 31 is provided as a casing that forms the outer appearance of the ion generator 26. The outer case 31 is formed of a resin material. The exterior case 31 has substrate housing portions 32 and 33 and rib-like portions 34 to 36 as its constituent parts. The exterior case 31 has a rectangular frame shape in which four sides are constituted by the substrate housing portion 32, the rib-like portion 35, the substrate housing portion 33, and the rib-like portion 34. The outer case 31 has a rectangular plan view having a long side extending along the extending direction of the discharge electrode 40 and a short side extending along a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the discharge electrode 40. .

  The substrate housing portion 32 and the substrate housing portion 33 are arranged in parallel with a distance from each other. The substrate housing part 32 has a larger volume than the substrate housing part 33. The substrate accommodating portion 32 accommodates a substrate 51, a high voltage generation circuit portion 53, and a substrate support case 54. A substrate 52 and a substrate support case 55 are accommodated in the substrate accommodating portion 33. The first discharge electrode 41 and the third discharge electrode 43 extend from the surface 51 a of the substrate 51 to the outside of the exterior case 31. The second discharge electrode 42 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 extend from the surface 52 a of the substrate 52 to the outside of the exterior case 31. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 18, a protective cover that prevents the user from directly touching the needle tips of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 may be provided.

  The first and third discharge electrodes 41 and 43, the induction electrode 45, the substrate 51, the high voltage generation circuit unit 53, and the substrate support case 54 constitute a power supply unit. The second and fourth discharge electrodes 42, 44, the substrate 52, and the substrate support case 55 constitute an electrode unit.

  Both the substrate 51 on which the first and third discharge electrodes 41 and 43 are mounted and the substrate 52 on which the second and fourth discharge electrodes 42 and 44 are mounted are accommodated in the outer case 31. . Thereby, the 1st-4th discharge electrodes 41-44 are unitized. The exterior case 31 further accommodates a high voltage generation circuit unit 53, an induction electrode 45, and wirings 56 and 57. The elements constituting the ion generator 26 are accommodated in the exterior case 31 and integrated. ing.

  The rib-like portion 34 and the rib-like portion 35 are arranged in parallel with a distance from each other and orthogonal to the substrate accommodating portion 32 and the substrate accommodating portion 33. One ends of the substrate housing portion 32 and the substrate housing portion 33 facing each other are connected by a rib-shaped portion 34. The other ends of the substrate housing portion 32 and the substrate housing portion 33 facing each other are connected by a rib-like portion 35.

  The rib-like portion 36 is disposed in parallel with the rib-like portion 34 and the rib-like portion 35. The rib-shaped portion 36 connects the substrate housing portion 32 and the substrate housing portion 33 to each other between the rib-shaped portion 34 and the rib-shaped portion 35.

  The rib portions 34 to 36 extend linearly from the substrate housing portion 32 along the extending direction of the first discharge electrode 41 and the third discharge electrode 43. The rib portions 34 to 36 extend linearly from the substrate housing portion 33 along the extending direction of the second discharge electrode 42 and the fourth discharge electrode 44.

  The induction electrode 45 protrudes from the surface 51 a of the substrate 51 toward the inside of the rib portion 36. The leading end portion of the induction electrode 45 is accommodated in the exterior case 31 (rib-shaped portion 36). The induction electrode 45 may have a needle-like or plate-like shape in addition to the illustrated rod-like shape.

  The wiring 56 is routed from the substrate housing portion 32 to the substrate housing portion 33 through the inside of the rib-shaped portion 35. The wiring 57 is routed from the substrate housing portion 32 toward the substrate housing portion 33 through the inside of the rib-shaped portion 34. The wiring 56 is routed so as to pass through one of the rib-like portion 34 and the rib-like portion 35, and the wiring 57 is routed so as to pass either one of the rib-like portion 34 and the rib-like portion 35. Yes.

  A hollow space 38 is formed inside the outer case 31 surrounded by the substrate housing portion 32, the rib-like portion 35, the substrate housing portion 33, and the rib-like portion 34. The space 38 is formed in a shape penetrating the outer case 31 in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIGS. 15 and 18, that is, in the vertical direction in FIGS. 16, 17, and 19.

  The exterior case 31 has an outer surface 31 s, and a part of the outer surface 31 s constitutes a first wall surface 37 and a second wall surface 39 that faces the first wall surface 37. The first wall surface 37 is formed in the substrate housing portion 32, and the second wall surface 39 is formed in the substrate housing portion 33. The first wall surface 37 and the second wall surface 39 constitute a part of the periphery of the space 38. The first wall surface 37 and the second wall surface 39 define a space 38 between the substrate housing portions 32 and 33. The space 38 is formed between the first wall surface 37 and the second wall surface 39.

  The tips of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 extending from the substrates 51 and 52 are disposed in the space 38. The first discharge electrode 41 and the third discharge electrode 43 protrude from the first wall surface 37 to the outside of the outer case 31 and are arranged side by side in the space 38. The second discharge electrode 42 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 protrude from the second wall surface 39 to the outside of the outer case 31 and are arranged side by side in the space 38. The distal ends of the first discharge electrode 41 and the second discharge electrode 42 are disposed in the space 38 between the rib-shaped portion 34 and the rib-shaped portion 36, and the needle points of the third discharge electrode 43 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 are The space 38 between the rib-shaped portion 36 and the rib-shaped portion 35 is disposed.

  An opening that penetrates the outer case 31 in the thickness direction is formed in the first wall surface 37, and the opening communicates the internal space of the substrate housing portion 32 with the space 38. The first discharge electrode 41 and the third discharge electrode 43 are disposed so as to penetrate the opening formed in the first wall surface 37 and expose the tip portion to the space 38. An opening that penetrates the outer case 31 in the thickness direction is formed in the second wall surface 39, and the opening communicates the internal space of the substrate housing portion 33 with the space 38. The second discharge electrode 42 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 are disposed so as to penetrate the opening formed in the second wall surface 39 and expose the tip portion to the space 38.

  Air is passed through the space 38. The outer case 31 defines a part of the air flow path. Ions generated at the discharge electrode 40 are transported by the air flowing through the space 38. The space 38 constitutes a part of an air path through which a gas for transporting ions generated in the discharge electrode 40 flows. The first wall surface 37 and the second wall surface 39 that define the outer edge of the space 38 constitute a part of the air path.

  The air flowing through the space 38 is ventilated from the back in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 15 and FIG. 18 toward the front, that is, from the bottom to the top in the vertical direction in FIG. 16, FIG. The main body portions of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 are arranged on the same plane orthogonal to the direction of air flow in the space 38. The main body portions of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction of air flow in the space 38 and are arranged in parallel to each other.

  The distal ends of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 extend along a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the main body extends. The tip portions of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 extend along the air flow direction in the space 38 and are arranged in parallel to each other. The tip portions of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 are directed forward from the back in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIGS. 15 and 18, that is, upward and downward in the vertical direction in FIGS. 16, 17, and 19. It is bent with respect to the main body.

  FIG. 20 is a side view showing the internal structure of the ion generator 26 of the third embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the tip portions of the first discharge electrode 41, the second discharge electrode 42, and the third discharge electrode 43 are bent upward with respect to the main body portion. The front ends of the first discharge electrode 41, the second discharge electrode 42, and the third discharge electrode 43 extend toward the leeward direction of the air flow in the space 38. Although not shown, the tip of the fourth discharge electrode 44 also extends toward the leeward direction of the air flow in the space 38.

  The ion generator 26 further includes a power supply connector 46. The power feeding connector 46 is provided in the board housing portion 32 that houses the high voltage generation circuit portion 53. The power supply connector 46 is provided as a power supply unit for supplying power to the high voltage generation circuit unit 53.

  FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the ion generator 26 of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, in addition to the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 and the induction electrode 45, the ion generator 26 includes terminals T1 and T2, a booster circuit 90, a booster transformer 91, diodes 92 and 93, a capacitor. 94, 95. The step-up circuit 90, step-up transformer 91, diodes 92 and 93, and capacitors 94 and 95 are included in the configuration of the high voltage generation circuit unit 53 shown in FIG.

  The booster circuit 90 includes a diode, a resistance element, an NPN bipolar transistor, and the like as appropriate. Step-up transformer 91 includes a primary winding 91a and a secondary winding 91b. The diodes 92 and 93 and the capacitors 94 and 95 are provided for rectification. One end of the secondary winding 91b is electrically connected to the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44. The other end of the secondary winding 91b is electrically connected to the induction electrode 45.

  The step-up transformer 91 generates a positive or negative high voltage applied to each of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44. When a voltage is applied between the terminals T1 and T2, a positive high voltage pulse is applied to the first discharge electrode 41 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 via the diode 92, and a negative high voltage pulse is applied via the diode 93. Applied to the second discharge electrode 42 and the third discharge electrode 43. Thereby, a corona discharge is generated between the needle tips of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 and the induction electrode 45, positive ions are generated in the first discharge electrode 41 and the fourth discharge electrode 44, and the second Negative ions are generated in the discharge electrode 42 and the third discharge electrode 43.

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.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 22 is a side view showing the internal structure of the ion generator 26 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, the first discharge electrode 41 has a tip portion that faces the leeward direction of the air flow in the space 38, as in the third embodiment. On the other hand, the second discharge electrode 42 is formed in a needle shape, and has a needle tip that extends linearly and has a sharp tip.

  The central axis of the main body portion of the first discharge electrode 41 and the central axis of the second discharge electrode 42 are located on the same straight line. The needle tip of the second discharge electrode 42 faces the first discharge electrode 41. The second discharge electrode 42 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of air flow in the space 38. The main body of the first discharge electrode 41 and the second discharge electrode 42 are arranged on the same plane orthogonal to the direction of air flow in the space 38.

  The first discharge electrode 41 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 (not shown in FIG. 22) generate positive ions when a high voltage is applied. Similar to the first discharge electrode 41, the fourth discharge electrode 44 has a tip portion that faces the leeward direction of the air flow in the space 38.

  The second discharge electrode 42 and the third discharge electrode 43 (not shown in FIG. 22) generate negative ions when a high voltage is applied. Similarly to the second discharge electrode 42, the third discharge electrode 43 has a needle shape, and the needle tip faces the fourth discharge electrode 44.

  One of the pair of discharge electrodes that generate positive ions and negative ions extends in the direction of air flow in the space 38, and the other tip of the discharge electrode generates air in the space 38. It extends in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction. When a plurality of pairs of discharge electrodes that generate positive ions and negative ions are provided, the discharge electrodes that generate the same kind of ions are arranged in the same manner with respect to the air flow direction in the space 38.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 23 is a side view showing the internal structure of the ion generator 26 of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 26 of the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the first discharge electrode 41 has a tip portion that faces the leeward direction of the air flow in the space 38, as in the third embodiment. On the other hand, the second discharge electrode 42 and the third discharge electrode 43 have tip portions that extend along the air flow direction in the space 38, but the tip portions face the upwind direction of the air flow. Yes. The fourth discharge electrode 44 (not shown in FIGS. 22 and 23) has a tip portion that faces the leeward direction of the air flow in the space 38, similarly to the first discharge electrode 41.

  The distal ends of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 extend along a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the main body extends. The tip portions of the first to fourth discharge electrodes 41 to 44 extend along the air flow direction in the space 38 and are arranged in parallel to each other. The tip portions of the first discharge electrode 41 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 are bent upward with respect to the main body portion. The front ends of the first discharge electrode 41 and the fourth discharge electrode 44 extend in the leeward direction of the air flow in the space 38. The tip portions of the second discharge electrode 42 and the third discharge electrode 43 are bent downward with respect to the main body portion. The distal ends of the second discharge electrode 42 and the third discharge electrode 43 extend in the upwind direction of the air flow in the space 38.

  One of the pair of discharge electrodes that generate positive ions and negative ions has one end extending toward the lee of the air flow in the space 38, and the other end has the tip of the air in the space 38. It extends toward the windward in the flow direction. When a plurality of pairs of discharge electrodes that generate positive ions and negative ions are provided, the discharge electrodes that generate the same kind of ions are arranged in the same manner with respect to the air flow direction in the space 38.

  The ion generators 26 of Embodiments 3 to 5 described above include the first discharge electrode 41 that generates positive ions by discharge and the second discharge electrode 42 that generates negative ions by discharge. The second discharge electrode 42 is disposed to face the first discharge electrode 41. The ion generator 26 forms a space 38. The space 38 constitutes a part of an air path through which air carrying ions generated at each discharge electrode flows. As shown in FIGS. 20, 22, and 23, of the first discharge electrode 41 and the second discharge electrode 42, at least the front end portion of the first discharge electrode 41 is along the air flow direction in the space 38. It extends.

  By disposing the first discharge electrode 41 so that the tip portion is directed in the air flow direction, ions generated in the first discharge electrode 41 are easily transported by the air flow. By using the air flowing through the space 38, a large number of ions can be released to the outside from the electrical equipment on which the ion generator 26 is mounted. Even if the voltage applied to the discharge electrode and the amount of air flowing through the space 38 are the same as in the prior art, more ions can be discharged into the space. Therefore, the amount of ion emission can be increased without increasing the power consumption of the ion generator 26.

  Preferably, as shown in FIG. 20, both the front end portion of the first discharge electrode 41 and the front end portion of the second discharge electrode 42 are directed in the leeward direction of the air flow in the space 38. In this way, an electric field is formed between the first discharge electrode 41 and the second discharge electrode 42 in the leeward direction of the air flow. Ions generated at the first discharge electrode 41 and the second discharge electrode 42 move along the electric field. By directing the electric field in the leeward direction, ions are easily spread by the air flow. In addition, since the distance from the needle tip where the ions are generated to the outlet of the air passage becomes relatively short, the amount of ions colliding with the inner surface of the air passage and disappearing can be reduced. Therefore, more ions can be released into the space.

  Preferably, as shown in FIG. 23, the tip of the first discharge electrode 41 is directed in the leeward direction of the air flow in the space 38, and the tip of the second discharge electrode 42 is the wind of the air flow in the space 38. It faces upward. In this way, the electric field spreads over a wide range in the windward and leeward directions of the airflow, so that ions are easily transported by the airflow. In addition, since ions generated at the discharge electrode are more scattered, the disappearance due to neutralization of positive ions and negative ions can be reduced. Therefore, more ions can be released into the space.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below. A test in which a discharge electrode that generates positive ions and a discharge electrode that generates negative ions is mounted on a substrate, blows along the surface of the substrate, and changes the direction of the discharge electrode while keeping the blowing direction constant. Carried out. The ion concentration was measured at one location on the downstream side in the blowing direction, and the change in the amount of released ions was confirmed when the direction of the discharge electrode was changed.

  FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state where the discharge electrodes T41 and T42 of the embodiment are mounted on the substrate T51. The substrate T51 has a flat shape, and the discharge electrodes T41 and T42 protrude from one of the main surfaces of the substrate T51. The discharge electrodes T41 and T42 are configured to include a base portion that vertically protrudes from the main surface of the substrate T51 and a needle-like portion that is joined to the tip of the base portion. The needle-shaped part has a sharpened needle tip, and can generate ions at the needle tip by applying a high voltage. The needle-like portion was provided so as to be rotatable about the base portion as a central axis, as indicated by an arrow in FIG.

  The air was blown in a certain direction along the main surface of the substrate T51 on the side where the discharge electrodes T41 and T42 are mounted. The blowing direction is indicated by a white arrow in FIG. The blowing direction was a direction orthogonal to a straight line connecting two points where the base of the discharge electrode T41 and the base of the discharge electrode T42 were joined to the substrate T51.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating a change in the direction of the discharge electrode T42 of the embodiment. FIG. 26 shows a view in which one discharge electrode T42 of the pair of discharge electrodes mounted on the substrate T51 is viewed from a direction orthogonal to the main surface of the substrate T51. The white arrow in FIG. 26 shows the blowing direction similar to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the angle at which the discharge electrode T42 faces the base of the discharge electrode T41 was set to 0 °. The angle at which the discharge electrode T42 faces leeward in the air blowing direction was 90 °. The angle at which the discharge electrode T42 faces in the direction opposite to the base of the discharge electrode T41 was 180 °. Although not shown, the angle of the discharge electrode T41 was also set similarly to the discharge electrode T42.

  When the direction of the discharge electrodes T41 and T42 is 0 °, the needle tips of the discharge electrodes T41 and T42 are set to face each other. When the orientation of the discharge electrodes T41 and T42 is 90 °, the needle tips of the discharge electrodes T41 and T42 are both set to face in the leeward direction.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the direction of the discharge electrodes T41 and T42 and the amount of generated ions in the example. The ratio of the discharge electrodes T41 and T42 changing from the angle 0 ° to the angle 150 ° every 30 °, the downstream ion concentration at each angle being detected, and the ion concentration at the angle 0 ° being 100% Is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the amount of ions increased as the angles of the discharge electrodes T41 and T42 increased from 0 ° to 90 °. This is because, when the angle is 0 °, ions of different polarity exist in the direction in which ions are generated from the discharge electrode, so that neutralization of positive ions and negative ions occurs and the number of ions decreases. This is thought to be because the decrease in ions due to neutralization immediately after generation was suppressed to a small value as the value increased.

  Further, no significant difference was observed in the amount of ions when the angle between the discharge electrodes T41 and T42 was 90 ° or more. When the angle is 90 ° or more, it is considered that neutralization does not occur immediately after the generation of ions because ions of different polarity do not exist in the ion emission direction.

  According to the embodiment described above, it is shown that by arranging the tip of the discharge electrode along the gas flow direction, the decrease due to neutralization of ions generated at the discharge electrode can be suppressed, and as a result, the amount of released ions can be increased. It was done.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments and examples 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.

  12 casing, 14, 16 ion delivery unit, 21, 21A, 21B sirocco fan, 22, 22A, 22B duct, 26, 26A, 26B ion generator, 31 outer case, 31a, 31b, 31c inner surface, 31s outer surface, 32 , 33 Substrate accommodating part, 32a Side surface, 34-36 Rib-shaped part, 38 space, 40-44 Discharge electrode, 45 Induction electrode, 50 Base material, 51, 52 Substrate, 53 High voltage generating circuit part, 54, 55 Substrate support Case, 56, 57 Wiring, 61 Electrode protection wall, 66, 67 Wall part, 68, 69 Connecting part, 71 Opening part, 72, 73, 320 Through hole, 81, 81p, 81q Notch part, 90 Booster circuit, 100 Ion generator, 311 upper case, 312 lower case, 341 nail receiving portion, 342, 352 nail portion.

Claims (10)

A discharge electrode for generating ions by discharge;
A substrate on which the discharge electrode is mounted;
A housing for housing the base material,
The housing has an electrode protection wall for protecting the discharge electrode,
An ion generator, wherein at least a part of the electrode protection wall is detachably provided. The housing has a first member and a second member that can be attached to and detached from each other,
The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the first member is formed integrally with at least a part of the electrode protection wall.   The ion generator according to claim 2, further comprising a fixing portion that integrally fixes the first member and the second member. A discharge electrode for generating ions by discharge;
A high voltage generation circuit unit for generating a high voltage to be applied to the discharge electrode;
A connection member for electrically connecting the high voltage generation circuit section and the discharge electrode;
An accommodating portion for accommodating the connecting member,
The accommodating portion has a first member and a second member that can be attached to and detached from each other,
An ion generator, wherein the storage portion is provided with a stopper portion that restricts relative movement between the first member and the second member.   The stopper portion includes a claw portion provided on one of the first member and the second member, and a claw receiving portion provided on the other of the first member and the second member for receiving the claw portion. The ion generator of Claim 4 which has.   The ion generator according to claim 5, wherein the claw portion is formed by protruding an inner surface of the housing portion.   The ion generator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the stopper portion is provided at a central portion of the housing portion in a direction in which the connection member extends. A first discharge electrode for generating positive ions by discharge;
A second discharge electrode disposed opposite to the first discharge electrode and generating negative ions by discharge;
An air path through which a gas carrying ions generated in the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode flows,
At least one of the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode has a tip extending along a gas flow direction in the air passage.   The ion generator according to claim 8, wherein both the front end portion of the first discharge electrode and the front end portion of the second discharge electrode are directed in the leeward direction of the gas flow in the air passage. The tip of one of the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode is directed in the leeward direction of the gas flow in the air path,
The ion generating device according to claim 8, wherein the other tip end portion of the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode faces an upwind direction of the gas flow in the air passage.

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