JP3953289B2 - Ion generator and electrical apparatus equipped with the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ion generation apparatus using an ion generation element that generates approximately the same amount of positive ions and negative ions in response to application of a high-voltage alternating current drive voltage, and an electrical apparatus including the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the increase in airtightness of living spaces, development of a technology for realizing a clean and comfortable living space, in particular, a technology for purifying the air in the living space, is eagerly desired. Conventionally, such air purification is performed by inhaling air in a target space, generating a circulating airflow that is discharged through an appropriate filter, and sequentially capturing floating substances present in the circulating airflow in the filter. Air purifiers configured are widely used.
[0003]
However, in this type of air purifier, the removal of suspended solids is only performed on the air sucked into the main body, and it is difficult to exert a cleaning effect on the entire living space, for example, There is a problem that air stagnation tends to occur on the back side of furniture placed in the room, corners of living rooms, etc., and there is a problem that sufficient effects cannot be expected in parts that need to be cleaned, and the original performance is maintained. Therefore, cleaning and replacement of the filter are indispensable, and there is a problem that complicated maintenance work including these is forced.
[0004]
Furthermore, the suspended matter in the living space contains fine particles such as dust and smoke particles as well as bacteria such as fungi and Escherichia coli. The air cleaner using the filter as described above is the former (fine particles). For the latter (bacteria) harmful to the human body, they are propagated under trapping by the filter and returned to the living space together with the circulating airflow. Therefore, there is a problem that a sufficient removal effect cannot be obtained. In recent years, air purifiers using an antibacterial material filter to enhance the effect of removing bacteria have been put into practical use. However, in reality, satisfactory performance has not been obtained.
[0005]
In order to solve such problems, the applicant of the present application has proposed a cleaning method based on a new idea of purifying the air in the space by discharging ions into the space. In this method, an ion generator that generates approximately the same amount of positive ions and negative ions is arranged in the middle of an air passage that discharges airflow into the target space, and the airflow is discharged into the target space together with the airflow. It is.
[0006]
The positive ions and negative ions are generated by ionizing water vapor in the air by plasma discharge, and hydrogen ions (H⁺) Or oxygen ions (O₂ ^-) Around a plurality of water molecules, so-called cluster ions. These ions released into the air agglomerate into suspended particles and chemically react with each other to produce hydrogen peroxide H as an active substance.₂O₂Alternatively, it becomes hydroxyl radicals / OH, and performs an oxidation reaction to extract hydrogen from suspended particles, inactivates suspended particles, and sterilizes suspended bacteria.
[0007]
Air purification as described above is performed by the action of ions that are released into the target space and spread throughout the space, and these ions act on airborne bacteria to sterilize them, Since it acts on odorous molecules and harmful molecules to make them non-bromide and harmless, a satisfactory cleaning effect can be obtained over the entire target space. In addition, the cluster ions released into the space are ions that are harmless to the human body that exist in nature.₂Since it changes to O (water), there is no possibility that they will cause environmental pollution.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the ion generator used for air purification has a bactericidal action for floating bacteria, a deodorizing action for malodorous substances, and a detoxifying action for harmful substances, so that it is not only an air purifier but also an air conditioner. It is eagerly desired to be applied to electrical equipment that handles airflow, such as refrigerators and vacuum cleaners.
[0009]
This ion generator has a discharge electrode and an induction electrode arranged opposite to each other with a dielectric interposed therebetween, and is configured to perform plasma discharge by applying a high-voltage AC driving voltage between these electrodes. It has an element. This ion generating element is compact as a cylindrical shape in which both electrodes are arranged on the axial center and peripheral surface of a cylindrical dielectric, or a flat plate shape in which both electrodes are arranged on both sides of a flat dielectric. However, when operating as an ion generator, it is necessary to boost the input voltage from the commercial power supply and to generate the driving voltage having a predetermined driving waveform, and a boosting means and a circuit board are required. In addition, it is necessary to secure these arrangement positions while maintaining insulation from each other, and it is difficult to apply them to devices other than electric devices designed in advance, and the application range is limited.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an ion generating element that generates substantially the same amount of positive ions and negative ions in response to application of a high-voltage AC driving voltage is provided for boosting the driving voltage. By providing a unit including a means and a circuit board as a unit, an ion generator that can be configured compactly and can be easily applied to a wide range of uses is provided. The purpose is to provide equipment.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  An ion generator according to the present invention includes an ion generating element that generates positive ions and negative ions by applying an alternating driving voltage, and a boosting unit that generates a driving voltage to be applied to the ion generating element and a circuit board. An ion generator comprising: a storage chamber for the boosting means and a support portion for the circuit boardConfigured as a box with an opening in partCommon caseAnd a lid plate attached to close the opening of the common case, and the ion generating element has a discharge electrode and an induction electrode facing each other through a flat dielectric, The discharge electrode is mounted outwardly on the mounting portion provided, and a storage chamber for the boosting means is provided in the common case facing the mounting portion, and the storage chamber and the mounting portion are provided with the storage chamber. A circuit board support is provided.And features.
[0012]
  In the present invention,In a common case configured as a box with an opening in part,Boosting meansContainCircuit boardIn the mounting part provided on the lid plate that closes the opening of this common caseIon generatorTakeAttached to, Boosting means, circuit board and ion generating elementIt can be used as a unit and connected to an external power supply and a control circuit, and an ion generator that is easy to use in a wide range of applications is compactly configured.
  The boosting means is housed in the bottom of the common case opposite to the mounting portion of the ion generating element, and the rational arrangement of supporting the circuit board between the boosting means and the ion generating element reduces the size of the ion generating apparatus. Plan.
  The ion generating element has a compact configuration including a discharge electrode and an induction electrode facing each other through a flat dielectric, and is attached with the discharge electrode forming side facing outward so that positive ions and negative ions can be efficiently generated. discharge.
[0017]
Further, a connecting means for supplying power to the boosting means is integrally provided outside the common case, and the mounting portion of the ion generating element is substantially the same as the direction of connection to the connecting means. It is characterized by being arranged in parallel.
[0018]
In this configuration, connection means for external connection is provided integrally on the outside of the common case, and the connection with the external power source and the control circuit is simply performed to improve usability. In addition, the ion generating element is mounted on a surface that is substantially parallel to the direction of connection with respect to such a connection means, and the possibility that the ion generating element is mounted so that the mounting surface of the ion generating element is at the bottom is reduced. Prevents damage to the ion generating element.
[0019]
The ion generating element may be provided with means for supporting the ion generating element apart from the mounting surface in a state where the ion generating element is mounted on an appropriate mounting surface with the mounting portion of the ion generating element facing down.
[0020]
In this configuration, when the ion generator is mounted on an appropriate mounting surface with the mounting portion of the ion generating element facing downward at the stage of assembly to various devices including connection with an external power source and a control circuit, The generating element is supported in a state of being separated from the mounting surface, and the ion generating element is prevented from being damaged due to contact with the mounting surface.
[0021]
  Also,in frontThe ion generating element is connected to the circuit board by a lead wire passing through a window hole penetrating the cover plate, and further includes a stopper for fixing the lead wire to the periphery of the window hole. Each feature.
[0022]
  In this configuration,IThe lead wire for connecting the ON generating element and the circuit board is passed through a window hole formed in the cover plate to make a reliable connection, and further, the lead wire is fixed to the stopper, thereby handling the lead wire. Make it easier.
[0023]
In addition, the boosting means is insulation-molded with a first filler filled in the accommodation chamber, and a gap between the circuit board and the ion generating element is filled with a second filler filled therebetween. Further, the first filler is superior in dielectric strength to the second filler, and the second filler is more fluid than the first filler. It is characterized by excellent properties.
[0024]
In this configuration, a stable operation under a high driving voltage is realized by insulatingly molding the periphery of the boosting unit and between the circuit board and the ion generating element with a filler. In addition, the filler around the booster is selected with emphasis on the dielectric strength to achieve reliable insulation, and the filler between the circuit board and the ion generating element is selected with emphasis on fluidity, and the gap Allows no reliable filling.
[0025]
  And a receiving chamber provided in parallel with the receiving chamber of the boosting means to receive the mounting component of the circuit board supported by the supporting portion.And theA partition wall is provided that separates the first and second fillers from entering the receiving chamber and the receiving chamber.
[0026]
In this configuration, the mounting component of the circuit board is received in a chamber arranged in parallel with the accommodating chamber of the boosting means, and the separation distance between the circuit board and the ion generating element is reduced, thereby realizing further downsizing. In addition, the effect of the filler on the mounting component of the circuit board received in the receiving chamber is blocked by the partition wall, and stress is prevented from being applied to the mounting component due to solidification shrinkage of the filler.
[0027]
  The positive ions are H⁺(H₂O)_m(M is a natural number),in frontThe negative ion is O₂ ^-(H₂O)_n(N is a natural number).
[0028]
In this configuration, the ion generating element includes a plurality of H₂It generates cluster ions surrounded by O molecules, inactivates suspended particles in the space where they are delivered, sterilizes suspended bacteria, and achieves good cleaning.
[0029]
The electrical device according to the present invention is an electrical device including a ventilation path through which an air flow passes, and is disposed in the middle of the ventilation path so that the mounting portion of the ion generating element faces the air flow. An ion generator having the above-described configuration is provided.
[0030]
In the present invention, an air conditioner, an air purifier, a refrigerator, a vacuum cleaner, or the like, which is equipped with an airflow passage for an air flow, is compactly configured and has a user-friendly ion generator facing the air passage. And clean the air in each air passage and the space through which the air flow is delivered.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of an ion generator according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the ion generator shown in FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the ion generator shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the opposite side to FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the ion generator A according to the present invention includes a plate-like ion generator 1 and a booster. The coil (boosting means) 2 and the circuit board 3, a common case 4 that holds them together, and a cover plate 5 that holds the ion generating element 1 and closes the common case 4 are provided.
[0032]
4 is an external perspective view of the ion generating element 1, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the ion generating element 1, FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5, and FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line VII-VII. First, the structure of the ion generating element 1 will be described with reference to these drawings.
[0033]
The ion generating element 1 has a grid-like discharge as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 on one surface of a dielectric substrate 10 in which a lower plate 11 and an upper plate 12 laminated in the thickness direction are integrated with each other. An electrode 13 is formed, and a planar induction electrode 14 is embedded between the lower plate 11 and the upper plate 12 so as to face the discharge electrode 13 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper portion of the discharge electrode 13 is covered with a protective layer 15 made of a dielectric material.
[0034]
The lower plate 11 and the upper plate 12 constituting the dielectric substrate 10 may use a resin material such as polyimide and epoxy, or a ceramic material such as alumina, crystallized glass, forsterite, and steatite together with the protective layer 15. Although it is possible, it is desirable to use a ceramic material superior in heat resistance and strength, particularly alumina.
[0035]
The discharge electrode 13 and the induction electrode 14 can be formed of a metal material usually used for electrode formation. However, when the dielectric substrate 10 and the protective layer 15 are made of a ceramic material, they can withstand these firing temperatures. Therefore, it is desirable to use a metal material having a high melting point such as tungsten or molybdenum.
[0036]
In the ion generating element 1 as described above, for example, the induction electrode 14 is formed on the surface of the lower plate 11 made of an alumina sheet by pattern printing of a tungsten material, and then the upper plate made of an alumina sheet so as to cover the entire formation surface. 12 is mounted and pressure-bonded, and a discharge electrode 13 is formed on the surface of the upper plate 12 by pattern printing of a tungsten material. Further, a protective layer 15 made of alumina is formed by coating so as to cover the entire region where the discharge electrode 13 is formed, and finally, these are fired in a non-oxidizing atmosphere of 1400 to 1600 ° C.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 6, the discharge electrode 13 is provided by an electrode contact 16 penetrating the upper plate 12 and the lower plate 11, and the induction electrode 14 is provided by an electrode contact 17 penetrating the lower plate 11. A high-voltage AC driving voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 13 and the induction electrode 14 via the electrode contacts 16 and 17. The electrode contacts 16 and 17 can be integrally formed by filling an electrode material into through holes formed at corresponding positions in the process of forming the electrodes 13 and 14, respectively.
[0038]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the reason why the discharge electrode 13 is a grid electrode is to increase the amount of ions generated with the application of the drive voltage as much as possible. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the induction electrode 14 is formed so as to be centered with the discharge electrode 13 and is a strip electrode having a length and width smaller than the discharge electrode 13, and this shape also contributes to an increase in the amount of ions. To do.
[0039]
For example, a line width of 0.25 mm is set to 0.8 mm on the surface of a dielectric substrate 10 having a size of about 15 mm × 37 mm × 0.9 mm formed by overlapping a lower plate 11 and an upper plate 12 each having a thickness of about 0.45 mm. A grid-like discharge electrode 13 having a size of about 10.4 mm × 28 mm is formed at a pitch and width, and a surface having a size of about 6 mm × 24 mm between the lower plate 11 and the upper plate 12. When a high-voltage AC drive voltage having a frequency of approximately 4.6 kV (peak value) and 22 kHz is applied between them, an action of plasma discharge generated between both electrodes 13 and 14 is formed. Thus, it was confirmed that positive ions and negative ions exceeding 200,000 ions / cc were generated at a position 25 cm away from the ion generating element 1, respectively. This amount of ion generation is sufficient to function as an air cleaner for a room of a general size.
[0040]
The amount of generated ions increases as the size of the ion generating element 1 is increased, and also increases as the driving voltage is increased. However, when the drive voltage is increased, the amount of ozone generated is increased, so it is not desirable to increase the drive voltage excessively.
[0041]
Further, the shape of the discharge electrode 13 and the induction electrode 14, and the size and thickness of the dielectric (upper plate 12) interposed therebetween are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be changed as appropriate. The ion generating element 1 only needs to have a discharge electrode and an induction electrode that are opposed to each other via a plate-like dielectric, and has a flat plate shape as a whole.
[0042]
The ion generator A according to the present invention using the ion generating element 1 as described above includes the booster coil 2, the circuit board 3, the common case 4, and the cover plate 5 as described above. As shown in FIG. 1, the booster coil 2 has a configuration in which a pair of high-voltage terminals 20 and 20 and a pair of input terminals 22 and 22 project from one side of a resin case.
[0043]
The circuit board 3 is formed with a circuit for generating a driving waveform of the ion generating element 1 on one surface (the lower surface in FIG. 1), and mounted with circuit components 30, 30... (Only one is shown) such as capacitors and semiconductors. On one side in the longitudinal direction, four connection holes 31, 31... For connecting the high-voltage terminals 20 and 20 and the input terminals 22 and 22 of the booster coil 2, and the ion generating element 1 A connection portion 32 for connection is provided corresponding to a drive waveform generation circuit formed on the lower surface, and a window hole 33 penetrating the inside and the back of the formation position of the connection holes 31, 31. Is formed. Further, on the other side of the circuit board 3, four connection pins 34 for external connection project from the one surface side.
[0044]
The common case 4 is a box having a rectangular opening into which the circuit board 3 can be inserted on the entire surface on one side and a bottom having a semicircular cross section on the other side, and the bottom is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The partition wall 40 having a predetermined height is divided into a coil housing chamber 41 and a circuit component receiving chamber 42. The inner surface of the common case 4 is provided with a support edge 43 that protrudes inward over the entire circumference and serves as a support portion of the circuit board 3 at a height position that coincides with the upper edge of the partition wall 40. Further, on the peripheral edge of the opening of the common case 4, recesses 44, 44... For engaging the cover plate 5 (shown only on one side) are formed at each of two opposing long sides spaced apart from each other.
[0045]
The cover plate 5 is a flat plate made of a resin material, and a rectangular recess 50 corresponding to the ion generating element 1 is provided on one side in the longitudinal direction, and the ion generating element 1 is provided in the recess 50. In order to correspond to the formation positions of the discharge electrode contact 16 and the induction electrode contact 17, respectively, oblong window holes 51, 51 penetrating the front and back are formed. In addition, a rectangular window hole 52 penetrating the front and back is formed on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 5, and further, on both sides of the width direction of the cover plate 5 on the periphery of the opening of the common case 4. Locking claws 53, 53... (Only one side is shown) are formed at positions corresponding to the formed recesses 44, 44.
[0046]
The cover plate 5 configured as described above can fit the ion generating element 1 in the recess 50 and hold it integrally. The ion generating element 1 can be fixed by appropriate means such as adhesion to the bottom surface of the recess 50, engagement of the periphery of the ion generating element 1 with a locking claw (not shown) provided around the recess 50, and the like. .
[0047]
It should be noted that short leg protrusions 55 having a circular cross-section are provided on the cover plate 5 at the four corners of the peripheral edge of the recess 50. These leg protrusions 55, 55... Secure a predetermined gap between the mounting surface and the ion generating element 1 when the cover plate 5 is mounted with the holding surface of the ion generating element 1 facing down. It acts as a support leg that prevents damage to the ion generating element 1. This effect can also be achieved by forming the recess 50 having a depth greater than the thickness of the ion generating element 1 and using the periphery of the recess 50 as a support leg.
[0048]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the back surface side of the cover plate 5 holding the ion generating element 1. As described above, the window holes 51 and 51 formed in the recess 50 correspond to the exposed portions of the discharge electrode contact 16 and the induction electrode contact 17 on the back surface of the ion generating element 1, and the ion generating element 1 The lead wires 16a and 17a welded to the electrode contacts 16 and 17 are connected to the circuit board 3. A pair of hook-shaped protrusions 54, 54 are provided in the width direction on the peripheral edges of the window holes 51, 51, and the lead wires 16a, 17a are engaged with these hook-shaped protrusions 54, and the width direction A distance is provided to the side where the window hole 52 is formed, and is used for connection to the circuit board 3 as will be described later.
[0049]
Since the hook-like protrusions 54, 54... Provided on the peripheral edges of the window holes 51, 51 serve as stoppers for the lead wires 16a, 17a, a sufficient insulation distance is provided between these lead wires 16a, 17a. Therefore, it is possible to easily handle the circuit board 3 when it is connected.
[0050]
The ion generator A according to the present invention is configured by assembling the booster coil 2, the circuit board 3, and the common case 4 configured as described above, and the cover plate 5 to which the ion generating element 1 is fixed as follows. The
[0051]
First, the step-up coil 2 is inserted into the coil accommodating chamber 41 provided at the bottom of the common case 4 with the high-voltage terminal 20, the ground terminal 21 and the input terminals 22, 22 protruding upward, and the coil accommodating chamber 41 is filled with a filler. 18 is filled and insulated by vacuuming while preventing air bubbles from entering. As the filler 18, it is desirable to use a resin material having an excellent dielectric strength such as an epoxy resin. Further, if a part of the filler 18 is filled in the coil accommodating chamber 41 prior to the insertion of the booster coil 2, the outside of the booster coil 2 can be molded well when the booster coil 2 is inserted. It is possible to effectively avoid the occurrence of insulation failure. The filling material 18 is filled only in the coil housing chamber 41 so as not to leak into the adjacent circuit component receiving chamber 42 via the partition wall 40.
[0052]
Thereafter, after the filler 18 is dried and solidified, the circuit board 3 is inserted into the common case 4 through the upper opening. In this insertion, the mounting surfaces of the circuit components 30, 30... Are directed downward, and the four connection holes 31, 31 for connection to the booster coil 2 are disposed above the booster coil 2 fixed to the coil housing chamber 41. Are aligned until the lower surface of the circuit board 3 abuts against the partition wall 40 and the support edge 43. After this insertion, the tips of the high-voltage terminal 20, the ground terminal 21 and the input terminals 22, 22 protruding from the connection holes 31, 31... Are welded to the corresponding positions from the upper surface of the circuit board 3.
[0053]
By this welding, the circuit board 3 is supported from the lower side by the upper edge of the support edge 43 and the partition wall 40, and the high voltage terminal 20, the ground terminal 21 and the input terminal are supported by the boost coil 2 fixed by the filler 18. 22 and 22 are fixed as support legs. At this time, the circuit components 30, 30... Mounted on the circuit board 3 are received in the circuit component receiving chamber 42 arranged in parallel with the coil receiving chamber 41, and are projected on one edge of the same side. The connection pins 34, 34... Are projected to the outside of the common case 4 through openings provided at the corresponding positions, and constitute connection terminals 45, 46 (see FIG. 3) for connection to an external power supply and an external control circuit. . Note that the interval between the two connection pins 34 and 34 in the connection terminals 45 and 46 is different from each other in order to avoid occurrence of a connection error.
[0054]
After the circuit board 3 is thus attached, the cover plate 5 holding the ion generating element 1 is attached as described above. This attachment is performed by aligning the window hole 52 opened on one side in the longitudinal direction with the formation position of the window hole 33 opened in the circuit board 3 previously fixed in the common case 4 and aligning the holding surface of the ion generating element 1. The cover plate 5 is aligned with the upper opening of the common case 4 so as to face upward. First, the lead wires 16a and 17a of the ion generating element 1 along the back surface of the cover plate 5 as described above are connected to the upper surface of the circuit board 3. The cover plate 5 is fitted into the upper opening of the common case 4 after being separately welded to the connection portions 32, 32 provided on the upper side of the common case 4. At this time, the locking claws 53, 53,... Provided on both side edges of the lid plate 5 are bent and deformed and engaged with the corresponding recesses 44, 44, provided on the peripheral edge of the opening of the common case 4 by elastic return. The cover plate 5 is attached at a position separated from the upper surface of the substrate 3 by an appropriate length so as to cover the opening of the common case 4.
[0055]
After this attachment, the filler 19 is introduced through the window hole 52 opened in the lid plate 5 and the filler 19 is filled into the space between the substrate 3 and the substrate 3 and the ion generating element 1. The ion generator A according to the present invention is configured as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 after the insulation molding is performed between the two and the filler 19 is dried and solidified.
[0056]
As the filler 19, it is desirable to use a resin having excellent fluidity, such as a urethane resin, in order to ensure filling from the window hole 52. A part of the filler 19 is also filled into the upper part of the coil housing chamber 41 in which the booster coil 2 is accommodated through the window hole 33 of the substrate 3 that opens to the lower position of the window hole 52. Helps to insulate. At this time, the filler 19 tries to enter the circuit component receiving chamber 42 arranged in parallel with the coil receiving chamber 41, but this intrusion is blocked by the partition wall 40 between the chambers 41 and 42. Therefore, the mounting components of the substrate 3 received in the circuit component receiving chamber 42 are not subjected to stress due to the shrinkage when the filler 19 is solidified, and the occurrence of problems such as disconnection and dropping is prevented. Can do.
[0057]
On the other hand, the stress accompanying the shrinkage of the filler 19 is also applied to the lead wires 16a and 17a of the ion generating element 1 drawn out on the lower surface of the lid plate 5, and these lead wires 16a and 17a are drawn out as described above. Are locked by hook-like projections 54, 54... Provided on the peripheral edges of the window holes 51, 51 for use, so that the welded portion to the ion generating element 1 and the substrate 3 is not affected by the stress, and reliable connection is achieved. The state can be maintained.
[0058]
The ion generator A configured as described above has a compact configuration in which the ion generating element 1 is attached to the outside of the common case 4 containing the booster coil 2 and the circuit board 3, and the connection terminals 45 and 46 are connected to the connection terminals 45 and 46. By connecting to an external power supply and an external control circuit, an ion generation operation can be performed, and it can be easily incorporated and used in various electric devices that require air purification. Needless to say, the electrical equipment includes equipment that requires purification of the air sent to the outside, such as an air purifier and an air conditioner, and purification of the air circulating inside (inside the refrigerator) such as a refrigerator. In addition, electric devices that require cleansing of air exhausted to the outside, such as vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaners, are included, and can be used for a wide range of electric devices.
[0059]
FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing an example of use of the ion generator according to the present invention for an air conditioner (air conditioner), and FIG. 10 is a front sectional view showing an example of use of the same for an air purifier.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 9, the air conditioner 6 has a suction port 62 that is openably and closably opened by a front panel 61 in which a large number of slits or holes are opened, on the front surface (left surface in the drawing) of the main body housing 60. Similarly, the air outlet 63 is opened at the lower front, and the heat exchanger 64 and the blower fan 65 are installed in the middle of the air passage curvedly formed in the main body housing 60 so as to connect the air inlet 62 and the air outlet 63. It is arranged in parallel, sucks air from the suction port 62 by the rotation of the blower fan 65, cools or heats by contact with the heat exchanger 64, and is indicated by white arrows in the figure from the blower port 63 It is configured to blow out like this.
[0061]
In such an air conditioner 6, the ion generator A according to the present invention is positioned on the inner back side of the air outlet 62, and the mounting surface of the ion generating element 1 faces the air flow inside the air passage. As installed. After this attachment, the ion generator A can be blown out from the outlet 63 by connecting the external power supply and the control circuit of the air conditioner 6 to the connection terminals 45 and 46 (see FIG. 3) outside the common case 4. Water vapor therein is ionized by plasma discharge, and approximately the same amount of positive ions and negative ions are generated and sent out.
[0062]
Here, the positive ions are hydrogen ions (H⁺) Is a cluster ion accompanied by a plurality of water molecules, and H⁺(H₂O)_m(M is a natural number). Negative ions are oxygen ions (O₂ ^-) Is a cluster ion accompanied by a plurality of water molecules, and O₂ ^-(H₂O)_n(N is a natural number). After these positive ions and negative ions are delivered from the outlet 63, as described above, they aggregate into suspended matter (particles, bacteria) in the delivery space and react with each other to produce hydrogen peroxide as an active substance. H₂O₂Alternatively, it becomes hydroxyl radicals / OH, inactivates suspended particles by an oxidation reaction, and sterilizes suspended bacteria, so that the inside of the room where the air conditioner 6 is installed can be cleaned.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 10, the air purifier 7 is provided with a suction port covered with a filter 71 at the inner back of the main body housing 70, and a blower fan (not shown) is installed at the inner back of the filter 71. ing. A spiral air passage 72 is formed in front of the filter 71 and communicates with an air outlet 73 formed in the upper portion of the main body housing 70. Air is sucked from the air inlet through rotation of the blower fan, and is contained in the air. The suspended matter to be caught is captured by the filter 71, the spiral air passage 72 is vented, and the air is sent out from the outlet 73.
[0064]
In such an air purifier 7, the ion generator A according to the present invention has a mounting surface of the ion generating element 1 facing a part of the peripheral wall of the air passage 72 and the air flow flowing in the air passage 72. As installed. After this attachment, if the connection terminals 45 and 46 (see FIG. 3) outside the common case 4 are connected to the external power supply and the control circuit of the air purifier 7, the ion generator A is in the air flowing through the air passage 72. The water vapor is ionized by plasma discharge to generate approximately the same amount of positive ions and negative ions, and these ions are sent out together with the air from the outlet 73 and, as described above, float in the delivery space. Inactivates the particles and sterilizes airborne bacteria. Therefore, the interior of the living room in which the air purifier 7 is installed can be cleaned by a synergistic effect with the dust capture by the filter 71.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above in detail, in the ion generator according to the present invention,An ion generating element is mounted on a mounting portion that is provided on a cover plate that closes an opening of a box-shaped common case that contains a booster and supports a circuit board., Boosting means, circuit board and ion generating elementYuSince it is knit, it can be made compact.,Connection with an external power supply and a control circuit enables easy use for a wide range of applications.In addition, since a boosting means is accommodated in the bottom of the common case facing the ion generating element mounted on the cover plate, and a rational arrangement for supporting the circuit board between the boosting means and the ion generating element is adopted, Can be made compact. Furthermore, since the ion generating element having a flat plate shape is mounted on the mounting portion provided on the cover plate with the discharge electrode forming side facing outward, positive ions and negative ions can be efficiently discharged.
[0075]
In addition, since the connection means for external connection is provided integrally on the outside of the common case, the connection with the external power supply and the control circuit becomes easy, and it can be used with good usability in various applications. Since the ion generating element mounting part is provided on a surface that is substantially parallel to the direction of connection to the connecting means, connection work of the connection terminal can be carried out effortlessly without having the ion generating element mounting part face down, and ion generation Damage to the element can be prevented in advance.
[0076]
In addition, since the device is provided with a means for supporting the ion generating element with the mounting portion facing away from the mounting surface, the ion generating element is mounted at the stage of assembly including connection with an external power source and a control circuit. When erroneous mounting is performed with the portion facing downward, damage to the ion generating element due to contact with the mounting surface can be prevented in advance.
[0077]
  MaBeforeThe cover plate is provided with a window hole through which the lead wire for connecting the ion generating element and the circuit board is passed, and a lead wire stopper is provided at the periphery of the window hole, so that the connection between the ion generating element and the circuit board is connected to the lead plate. The wiring can be easily performed without bothering the wiring, and a reliable connection is possible.
[0078]
In addition, since the periphery of the boosting means and between the circuit board and the ion generating element are insulated and molded with a filler, they are well insulated from each other under a high driving voltage, enabling stable operation and boosting. The first filler to be filled around the means is selected with an emphasis on dielectric strength, and the second filler between the circuit board and the ion generating element is selected with an emphasis on fluidity. Performance can be obtained.
[0079]
In addition, since the mounting component of the circuit board is received in the chamber arranged in parallel with the accommodating chamber of the boosting means, the separation distance between the circuit board and the ion generating element is reduced without being obstructed by the presence of the mounting component. In addition, further downsizing can be achieved, and further, since the receiving chamber of the mounting component and the receiving chamber of the booster are separated by the partition wall, the filler for the insulating mold does not enter the receiving chamber. In addition, there is no fear that stress is applied to the mounting component as the filler is solidified and contracted, so that the occurrence of damage or dropout can be prevented and the yield can be improved.
[0080]
Further, positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generating element are converted into a plurality of H.₂Since the cluster ions are surrounded by O molecules, it is possible to inactivate suspended particles in the space where these ions are sent out, sterilize suspended bacteria, and clean the space well.
[0081]
Further, in the present invention, the ion generating device mounting portion of the ion generating device configured as described above is installed in an electric device including an air flow passage such as an air conditioner, an air purifier, a refrigerator, or a vacuum cleaner. Since the ion generated by the ion generating element is sent out together with the air flow and the sending space can be cleaned well, the present invention has an excellent effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of an ion generator according to the present invention.
2 is an external perspective view of the ion generating device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the side where the ion generating element is attached. FIG.
3 is an external perspective view of the ion generator shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the opposite side to FIG.
FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of an ion generating element.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of an ion generating element.
6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG.
7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the back side of the lid plate holding the ion generating element.
FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing an example of use of the ion generator according to the present invention for an air conditioner.
FIG. 10 is a front sectional view showing an example of use of the ion generator according to the present invention for an air purifier.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 Ion generator
  2 Booster coil (boostmeans)
  3 Circuit board
  4 Common cases
  5 Lid plate
  6 Air conditioner
  7 Air cleaner
  10 Dielectric substrate
  13 Discharge electrode
  14 Induction electrode
  18 (First) filler
  19 (Second) filler
  41 Coil storage room
  42 Circuit parts reception room
  43 Support edge
  45, 46 connection terminals

Claims (11)

An ion generator comprising: an ion generating element that generates positive ions and negative ions by applying an alternating driving voltage; a boosting unit that generates a driving voltage applied to the ion generating element; and a circuit board.
A common case, which is provided with a receiving chamber for the boosting means and a support part for the circuit board, and is configured as a box having an opening in a part thereof, and a lid plate attached to close the opening of the common case. Prepared,
The ion generating element has a discharge electrode and an induction electrode facing each other through a flat dielectric, and the discharge electrode is mounted on a mounting portion provided on the lid plate with the discharge electrode facing outward. that faces the common casing inside provided a receiving chamber of the booster means, the ion generating device characterized that you are provided a support portion of the circuit board between the mounting portion and the housing chamber. It said common outside the case, the ion generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising integral connecting means for supplying electric power to said booster means. The ion generator according to claim 2 , wherein the mounting portion of the ion generating element is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to a direction of connection to the connecting means. In a state where the mounting portion is placed on an appropriate mounting surface as the lower of the ion generating device, any of claims 1 to 3 comprising means for supporting spaced the ion generating device from the mounting surface An ion generator according to claim 1. The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ion generating element is connected to the circuit board by a lead wire passing through a window hole penetrating the lid plate. The ion generator of Claim 5 provided with the stop part which fixes the said lead wire to the periphery of the said window hole. The boosting means is insulated with a first filler filled in the storage chamber, and the circuit board and the ion generating element are insulated with a second filler filled therebetween. The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The ion generator according to claim 7 , wherein the first filler is superior in dielectric strength than the second filler, and the second filler is superior in fluidity than the first filler. In order to receive the mounting component of the circuit board supported by the support portion, a receiving chamber arranged in parallel with the receiving chamber of the boosting unit , and the space between the receiving chamber and the receiving chamber are the first and second. The ion generator of Claim 7 or Claim 8 provided with the partition which isolate | separates so that an intrusion of the filler of this cannot enter . The positive ions _{^{are, H + (H 2 O)}} m (m is a natural number) der is, the negative ^{_{ions, O 2 - (H 2 O}} ) n (n is a natural number) Ru Der claims 1 to The ion generator in any one of 9 . In the electric device provided with ventilation path airflow to vent, in the middle of the air passage, either disposed claims 1 to claim 10 as mounting portion of the ion generating element to the airflow face An electrical apparatus comprising the ion generator according to 1.

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