JP2016006748A - Ion generator and electric device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ion generator which supplies highly-concentrated ions under a high humidity environment including dusts, and to provide an electric device.SOLUTION: A discharge electrode 31 is supported by a substrate 21. A lead electrode 41 is supported by the substrate 21 so as to be spaced away from the discharge electrode 31 and generates ions between itself and the discharge electrode 31. A housing 10 houses the substrate 21 and the lead electrode 41. A through hole 11 which exposes the discharge electrode 31 to an exterior part is formed in the housing 10. A closing material 51 closes a space having the shortest distance from among a space between the lead electrode 41 and the housing 10 and a space between the lead electrode 41 and the substrate 21. The lead electrode 41 includes: leg parts 41e covered by the closing material 51; and a tip 41a which protrudes from the closing material 51.

Description

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

  Conventionally, ion generators have been used to purify, sterilize, or deodorize indoor air. In many ion generators, when a high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode, electric field concentration occurs at the tip of the discharge electrode that is sharpened, and the air around the tip of the discharge electrode breaks down and causes a discharge phenomenon. It has a mechanism for generating ions, and has a structure in which a discharge electrode and a dielectric electrode are paired.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2009-238409 (Patent Document 1) discloses an ion generator that can simultaneously generate both ions and ozone. An ion generator and a ground electrode are arranged in a housing part formed inside the resin case. The ion generator includes a ground electrode and a discharge needle electrode, and the extended part of the ground electrode is installed via a switch. In addition, it is described that the switch can switch between generation and stop of ozone by switching between conduction and non-conduction between the ground electrode and the ground, and switching the switch on and off.

JP 2009-238409 A

  In the ion generator described in Patent Document 1, since a certain potential is applied to the ground electrode when the ground electrode is non-conductive, the ground electrode and the surrounding casing are in a high humidity environment including dust. A minute leak or abnormal discharge occurs between the body and the performance.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide an ion generator and an electrical apparatus that can maintain performance and supply high-concentration ions even in a high humidity environment including dust. Is to provide.

  The ion generator according to the present invention includes a substrate, a discharge electrode, an induction electrode, a housing, and a closing material. The discharge electrode is supported on the substrate. The induction electrode is supported on the substrate apart from the discharge electrode, and generates ions between the induction electrode. The housing accommodates the substrate and the induction electrode. An opening for exposing the discharge electrode to the outside is formed in the housing. The closing material closes the gap having the shortest distance among the gap between the induction electrode and the housing and the gap between the induction electrode and the substrate. The induction electrode has a root portion covered with a blocking material and a tip protruding from the blocking material.

In the above ion generator, the induction electrode is preferably ungrounded.
Preferably, in the ion generator, the distance between the tip of the induction electrode and the discharge electrode is smaller than the distance between the root of the induction electrode and the discharge electrode.

  Preferably, the ion generator further includes a high voltage generator that generates a high voltage to be applied to the discharge electrode. The high voltage generation unit is housed in a housing and is sealed with a molding material.

  Preferably, the ion generator includes a plurality of discharge electrodes and / or induction electrodes.

  The electric device according to the present invention includes the ion generator according to any one of the above aspects and a blower that blows gas, and sends out at least one of positive ions and negative ions to the outside of the device.

  According to the ion generating apparatus of the present invention, since abnormal discharge in the gap between the induction electrode and the housing or the substrate can be suppressed even in a high humidity environment including dust, the performance of the ion generating apparatus is maintained over a long period of time. And high concentration ions can be supplied.

1 is a plan view showing a configuration of an ion generator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator in alignment with the II-II line | wire shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator which expanded the area | region III vicinity shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows schematically the structure of the electrode of the ion generator of Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of an ion generator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a configuration of an ion generator according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator in alignment with the VII-VII line shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a configuration of an ion generator according to Embodiment 3. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator in alignment with the IX-IX line shown in FIG. It is a side view which shows the internal structure of the air conditioner using an ion generator.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of the ion generator 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 1 taken along the line II-II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 1 in which the vicinity of the region III shown in FIG. 2 is enlarged. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the electrodes of the ion generator 1 of the first embodiment. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the structure of the ion generator 1 of Embodiment 1 is demonstrated.

  The ion generator 1 of Embodiment 1 mainly includes a housing 10, substrates 21 and 22, discharge electrodes 31 and 32, induction electrodes 41 and 42, and a high voltage generator 60. The housing 10 houses the substrates 21 and 22, the discharge electrodes 31 and 32, the induction electrodes 41 and 42, and the high voltage generator 60 therein. Each element constituting the ion generator 1 is housed in the housing 10 and integrated.

  The discharge electrodes 31 and 32 have a needle shape with sharpened tips. The discharge electrodes 31 and 32 are arranged in the same plane so that the central axes of the electrodes are parallel to each other. The discharge electrodes 31 and 32 are arranged at a distance in a direction perpendicular to the center axis of the electrodes. The discharge electrode 31 is disposed on one end side (the left side in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the housing 10, and the discharge electrode 32 is disposed on the other end side (the right side in FIGS. 1 and 2). Has been.

  The discharge electrode 31 is provided on the flat substrate 21. The substrate 21 supports the discharge electrode 31. The substrate 21 also supports the induction electrode 41. The discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 41 are mounted on the substrate 21. The substrate 21 has a main surface 21a and a back surface 21b (FIG. 3). Discharge electrode 31 and induction electrode 41 protrude from main surface 21 a of substrate 21.

  The discharge electrode 31 extends in the thickness direction of the substrate 21. As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge electrode 31 includes a sharp tip 31a, a base end 31b opposite to the tip 31a, a root portion 31d supported by the substrate 21, and from the root portion 31d to the tip 31a. And a taper portion 31c tapering toward the end. The pointed end 31 a protrudes from the main surface 21 a of the substrate 21. The base end 31 b protrudes from the back surface 21 b of the substrate 21. The discharge electrode 31 is fixed to the substrate 21 while penetrating the substrate 21. The substrate 21 is formed with a through hole through which the root portion 31 d of the discharge electrode 31 is inserted.

  The induction electrode 41 is disposed away from the discharge electrode 31. The induction electrode 41 is formed of an integral metal plate. As shown in FIG. 3, the induction electrode 41 includes a flat plate portion 41c, a bent portion 41d, and a leg portion 41e. The flat plate portion 41 c is disposed in parallel to the substrate 21 and spaced from the substrate 21. As shown in FIG. 4, a circular through hole is formed in the flat plate portion 41c. The flat plate portion 41c of the induction electrode 41 is made of a perforated sheet metal.

  The bent portion 41d has a flat plate shape bent with respect to the flat plate portion 41c and the leg portion 41e, and extends in a direction inclined with respect to the flat plate portion 41c and the leg portion 41e. The extending direction of the flat plate portion 41c and the bent portion 41d forms an acute angle, and the extending direction of the bent portion 41d and the leg portion 41e forms an acute angle. One end of the bent portion 41d is connected to the flat plate portion 41c, and the other end is connected to the leg portion 41e. The leg portion 41e constitutes the base portion of the induction electrode 41 and extends in a direction orthogonal to the flat plate portion 41c. The leg portion 41 e has a flat plate shape extending in the thickness direction of the substrate 21, and is supported by the substrate 21 in a state of penetrating the substrate 21. The substrate 21 has a through hole through which the leg portion 41e is inserted.

  The induction electrode 41 has a distal end 41a and a proximal end 41b. The tip 41 a is a portion corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole formed in the flat plate portion 41 c and faces the discharge electrode 31. The tip 41 a is a portion of the induction electrode 41 that is disposed closest to the discharge electrode 31. The distance between the tip 41 a and the discharge electrode 31 is smaller than the distance between the bent portion 41 d and the discharge electrode 31 and smaller than the distance between the leg portion 41 e and the discharge electrode 31. The base end 41 b corresponds to the end of the leg portion 41 e and protrudes toward the back surface 21 b with respect to the substrate 21.

  In a state where the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 41 are attached to the substrate 21, the discharge electrode 31 is located at the approximate center of the through hole formed in the flat plate portion 41 c of the induction electrode 41.

  The discharge electrode 32 is provided on the flat substrate 22. The substrate 22 supports the discharge electrode 32. The substrate 22 also supports the induction electrode 42. The induction electrode 42 is formed of an integral metal plate. The discharge electrode 32 and the induction electrode 42 are formed in the same shape as the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 41 shown in FIGS.

  The high voltage generator 60 generates a high voltage to be applied to the discharge electrodes 31 and 32. The high voltage generator 60 is disposed between the discharge electrode 31 and the discharge electrode 32. The high voltage generator 60, the discharge electrodes 31, 32, and the induction electrodes 41, 42 are electrically connected via a wiring (not shown).

  The housing 10 has the appearance of the ion generator 1. The casing 10 is integrally formed by injection molding or the like using a thermoplastic resin such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PP (polypropylene), or the like. The housing 10 is formed in a thin box shape having a hollow space inside. The vertical direction in FIGS. 2 and 3 is the thickness direction of the housing 10. The substrates 21 and 22 extend in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the housing 10, and are arranged in parallel to the ceiling and floor of the housing 10 with a space from the ceiling and floor. The discharge electrode 31 extends in the thickness direction of the housing 10. The leg portion 41 e of the induction electrode 41 extends in the thickness direction of the housing 10.

  Two through holes 11 and 12 that penetrate the casing 10 in the thickness direction are formed in the ceiling portion of the casing 10. The through hole 11 is an opening for discharging ions generated at the discharge electrode 31 to the outside of the housing 10. The through hole 12 is an opening for discharging ions generated at the discharge electrode 32 to the outside of the housing 10. The discharge electrode 31 is exposed to the outside of the housing 10 through the through hole 11. The discharge electrode 32 is exposed to the outside of the housing 10 through the through hole 12. The discharge electrodes 31 and 32 are provided so as to be visible from the outside through the through holes 11 and 12, respectively, in a state in which the ion generator 1 shown in FIG.

  The housing | casing 10 has the wall parts 17 and 18 in the inside. The internal space of the housing 10 includes an area for accommodating the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 41, an area for accommodating the high voltage generator 60, and an area for accommodating the discharge electrode 32 and the induction electrode 42 by the walls 17 and 18. It is divided into and.

  The substrate 21, the discharge electrode 31, and the induction electrode 41 constitute a first ion generating element. The substrate 22, the discharge electrode 32, and the induction electrode 42 constitute a second ion generating element. A first ion generating element, a high voltage generating unit 60, and a second ion generating element are arranged in this order in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular housing 10 shown in FIG. The first ion generating element and the second ion generating element are arranged in the housing 10 with a space between each other. The first ion generation element and the second ion generation element are spatially separated from each other.

  The discharge electrodes 31 and 32 are entirely housed inside the housing 10, and the needle tip (the tip 31 a of the discharge electrode 31) is arranged so as not to protrude outside the housing 10. Instead of this arrangement, the discharge electrodes 31 and 32 may extend through the through holes 11 and 12 and extend to the outside of the housing 10. In this case, in order to improve safety, the discharge electrodes 31 and 32 may be discharged. A protective cover that prevents direct contact with the needle tips of the electrodes 31 and 32 may be provided.

  The housing 10 has a peripheral wall 16. The peripheral wall 16 extends in the thickness direction of the housing 10. One end of the peripheral wall 16 is connected to a ceiling portion in which the through holes 11 and 12 are formed. The other end of the peripheral wall 16 is connected to the floor of the housing 10. The peripheral wall 16 constitutes the side surface of the housing 10. The substrate 21 is supported inside the housing 10 by the peripheral wall 16 and the wall portion 17. The substrate 22 is supported inside the housing 10 by the peripheral wall 16 and the wall portion 18.

  The leg 41e of the induction electrode 41 and the peripheral wall 16 extend in parallel with a distance D1 shown in FIG. The flat plate portion 41c of the induction electrode 41 and the substrate 21 extend in parallel with a distance D2. The ceiling portion of the housing 10 and the flat plate portion 41c extend in parallel with a distance D3. In the present embodiment, among the distances D1 to D3, the distance D1 between the leg portion 41e and the peripheral wall 16 is the smallest. Of the gap between the induction electrode 41 and the housing 10 and the gap between the induction electrode 41 and the substrate 21, the gap between the leg 41 e of the induction electrode 41 and the peripheral wall 16 of the housing 10 is the shortest gap. ing.

  The back surface 21 b of the substrate 21 is covered with a molding material 55. Similarly, the back surface of the substrate 22 is covered with the molding material 55. The molding material 55 seals the high voltage generation unit 60. The wiring connecting the high voltage generator 60 and the substrates 21 and 22 is also sealed and sealed with the molding material 55. The molding material 55 is a highly insulating material typified by an epoxy resin. A molding material 55 is filled in the space inside the housing 10 on the back surface 21 b side with respect to the substrate 21, the space on the back surface side with respect to the substrate 22, and the region that accommodates the high voltage generation unit 60. . The base end 31 b of the discharge electrode 31 and the base end 41 b of the induction electrode 41 are sealed with a molding material 55.

  The main surface 21 a of the substrate 21 is covered with a closing material 51. A part of the root portion 31 d of the discharge electrode 31 is embedded in the closing material 51. A lower portion of the root portion 31 d is sealed with a closing material 51. The tip 31 a of the discharge electrode 31 protrudes from the surface 51 a of the blocking material 51. Since the tip 31a protrudes from the blocking material 51, the ions generated at the discharge electrode 31 can be quickly conveyed.

  The entire leg portion 41 e of the induction electrode 41 is embedded in the closing member 51. The entire leg portion 41 e is sealed with the closing material 51. A part of the flat plate portion 41 c of the induction electrode 41 protrudes from the surface 51 a of the closing material 51. The tip 41 a of the induction electrode 41 has a portion that protrudes from the surface 51 a of the closing material 51 and is provided outside the closing material 51.

  Of the induction electrode 41, a leg portion 41 e that forms a gap with the shortest distance from the housing 10 or the substrate 21 is sealed with a closing material 51. A minute gap between the leg portion 41 e of the induction electrode 41 and the peripheral wall 16 of the housing 10 is filled with a closing material 51. A closing material 51 is filled between the leg portion 41 e and the peripheral wall 16, and no cavity remains between the leg portion 41 e and the peripheral wall 16.

  The blocking material 51 has a thickness that reaches the flat plate portion 41 c of the induction electrode 41 and is deposited on the main surface 21 a of the substrate 21. A minute gap between the flat plate portion 41 c of the induction electrode 41 and the main surface 21 a of the substrate 21 is filled with a blocking material 51. A closing material 51 is filled between the flat plate portion 41 c and the substrate 21, and no cavity remains between the flat plate portion 41 c and the substrate 21.

  Similarly, the main surface of the substrate 22 is covered with the closing material 52. A lower portion of the root portion of the discharge electrode 32 is embedded in the blocking material 52, and the tip protrudes from the blocking material 52. The entire leg portion of the induction electrode 42 is embedded in the closing material 52. The leading end of the induction electrode 42 protrudes from the surface of the closing material 52 and is provided outside the closing material 52. The gap between the leg portion of the induction electrode 42 and the peripheral wall 16 of the housing 10 and the gap between the flat plate portion of the induction electrode 42 and the substrate 22 are completely closed by the closing material 52.

  The plugging materials 51 and 52 are preferably materials that are excellent in withstand voltage and that are excellent in fluidity for easy manufacture. The blocking materials 51 and 52 may be various resin coating materials excellent in water repellency, withstand voltage and mechanical strength, represented by a fluorine resin coating material, or with a withstand voltage represented by an epoxy resin. Various excellent fillers may be used. The blocking materials 51 and 52 may be formed of the same material as the molding material 55, or may be formed of a material different from the molding material 55.

  The blocking materials 51 and 52 can be formed as follows. First, the substrate 21 on which the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 41 are mounted, the substrate 22 on which the discharge electrode 32 and the induction electrode 42 are mounted, and the high voltage generator 60 are accommodated in the housing 10, and the molding material 55 is Prepare the filled structure. Next, the resin material is poured onto the substrate 21 via the through hole 11, and the resin material is poured onto the substrate 22 via the through hole 12. Further, the poured resin material is cured. In this way, suitable closing materials 51 and 52 can be formed.

  FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the ion generator 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the discharge electrodes 31 and 32 and the induction electrodes 41 and 42, the ion generator 1 includes terminals T1 and T2, a booster circuit 90, a booster transformer 91, diodes 92 and 93, and capacitors 94, 95. The booster circuit 90, the booster transformer 91, the diodes 92 and 93, and the capacitors 94 and 95 are included in the configuration of the high voltage generator 60 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 discharge electrodes 31 and 32. The other end of the secondary winding 91b is electrically connected to the induction electrodes 41 and 42. The step-up transformer 91 generates a positive or negative high voltage applied to each of the discharge electrodes 31 and 32.

  When a voltage is applied between the terminals T 1 and T 2, a positive high voltage pulse is applied to the discharge electrode 31 via the diode 92, and a negative high voltage pulse is applied to the discharge electrode 32 via the diode 93. Thereby, a potential difference is generated between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 41, a corona discharge is generated between the needle tip of the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 41, and positive ions are generated. In addition, a potential difference is generated between the discharge electrode 32 and the induction electrode 42, corona discharge is generated between the needle tip of the discharge electrode 32 and the induction electrode 42, and negative ions are generated. The discharge electrode 31 and the discharge electrode 32 generate ions having different polarities.

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.

  According to the ion generator 1 of Embodiment 1 described above, as shown in FIG. 3, the distance between the induction electrode 41 and the housing 10 and the gap between the induction electrode 41 and the substrate 21 is the longest. A short gap is formed between the leg portion 41 e of the induction electrode 41 and the peripheral wall 16 of the housing 10. A gap between the leg portion 41 e and the peripheral wall 16 is closed by a closing material 51. The leg portion 41 e of the induction electrode 41 is covered with the closing material 51. The tip 41 a of the induction electrode 41 protrudes from the closing material 51.

  In the gap between the induction electrode 41 and the housing 10 and the gap between the induction electrode 41 and the substrate 21, abnormal discharge or minute leakage is likely to occur in the gap with the shortest distance. By closing the gap with the shortest distance with the closing material 51, it is possible to prevent dust from accumulating in the gap and to prevent condensation from adhering to the accumulated dust. Since it is possible to prevent the dust containing moisture from lowering the electrical resistance and becoming a path of minute leaks, it is possible to ensure insulation between the induction electrode 41 and the surrounding casing 10 and to prevent abnormal discharge or occurrence of minute leaks. Can be suppressed. Therefore, the performance of the ion generator 1 can be maintained over a long period even in a high humidity environment where condensation occurs, and a high concentration of ions can be sufficiently supplied.

  In addition to the gap between the leg portion 41 e of the induction electrode 41 and the peripheral wall 16 of the housing 10, the gap between the flat plate portion 41 c of the induction electrode 41 and the main surface 21 a of the substrate 21 is closed with the closing material 51. Accordingly, accumulation of dust in the gap can be prevented, and adhesion of condensation to the accumulated dust can be prevented. In this way, the insulation between the induction electrode 41 and the substrate 21 can be ensured, so that the occurrence of abnormal discharge or minute leakage can be more reliably suppressed.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment in which the discharge electrodes 31, 32 and the induction electrodes 41, 42 are accommodated in the thin box-shaped housing 10, the blocking material 51 is so formed that the tip 41 a of the induction electrode 41 protrudes from the blocking material 51. Therefore, the occurrence of a situation where the thickness of the blocking material 51 becomes excessive and the discharge electrode 31 is embedded in the blocking material 51 can be reliably avoided. Therefore, the discharge performance in the discharge electrode 31 can be ensured.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the secondary winding 91b of the step-up transformer 91 is electrically connected to the induction electrodes 41 and 42, so that the induction electrodes 41 and 42 are not grounded. Since the induction electrodes 41 and 42 are in a non-grounded state and receive a potential, charged dust easily adheres to and accumulate on the induction electrodes 41 and 42. Is blocked by the blocking material 51, so that dust is prevented from adhering to the induction electrodes 41 and 42. Therefore, the insulation between the induction electrode 41 and the surrounding casing 10 and the substrate 21 can be reliably maintained over a long period of time.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the distance between the tip 41 a of the induction electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 31 is smaller than the distance between the leg portion 41 e of the induction electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 31. Since the creepage distance between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 41 can be increased by relatively increasing the distance between the leg portion 41e and the discharge electrode 31, the occurrence of minute leaks can be suppressed.

  The leading end 41 a of the induction electrode 41 is the location closest to the discharge electrode 31 in the induction electrode 41. Therefore, the distance between the tip 41 a and the discharge electrode 31 is the shortest distance between the induction electrode 41 and the discharge electrode 31. By relatively reducing the distance between the tip 41a and the discharge electrode 31, the induction electrode 41 and the induction electrode 41 can be generated most efficiently so that the corona discharge between the needle tip of the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 41 can be generated most efficiently. The shortest distance from the discharge electrode 31 can be defined. Therefore, the discharge performance in the discharge electrode 31 can be effectively maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the high voltage generator 60 is housed in the housing 10 and is sealed with a molding material 55. By covering the high voltage generator 60 with the housing 10 and further sealing with the molding material 55, the high voltage generator 60 can be prevented from touching the external environment. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of leaks at locations other than the ion generating element.

  In the description of the first embodiment, the example in which the flat plate portion 41c and the leg portion 41e of the induction electrode 41 are connected by the bent portion 41d has been described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The leg part 41e standing upright with respect to the main surface 21a of the board | substrate 21 and the flat plate part 41c parallel to the main surface 21a may be connected by the member which has a curved-surface shape. Furthermore, instead of the flat plate portion 41 c in which the through hole is formed, a rod-like or plate-like member extending from the leg portion 41 e toward the discharge electrode 31 may constitute the induction electrode 41.

  Even in such an alternative configuration, the gap between the leg portion 41e and the housing 10 and the gap between the flat plate portion 41c and the substrate 21 are sealed with the blocking material 51, whereby the induction electrode 41 is sealed. The effect of maintaining the insulation between the housing 10 and the substrate 21 and suppressing the occurrence of abnormal discharge or minute leakage can be obtained similarly.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of the ion generator 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 1 along the line VII-VII shown in FIG. The ion generator 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it includes a plurality of discharge electrodes 31 and 32. More specifically, the ion generator of Embodiment 2 includes two discharge electrodes 31 and two discharge electrodes 32.

  A common induction electrode 41 is provided for a plurality of discharge electrodes 31 for generating ions of the same polarity. Two through holes are formed in the flat plate portion of the induction electrode 41 corresponding to the number of the discharge electrodes 31. The discharge electrode 31 has a needle-like tip located substantially at the center of the through hole in plan view. The positive ion generating element of the second embodiment includes two discharge electrodes 31 and a common induction electrode 41, and can generate positive ions in a plurality (for example, two) of positive ion generating units. It is configured as follows.

  A common induction electrode 42 is provided for the plurality of discharge electrodes 32 for generating ions of the same polarity. Two through holes are formed in the flat plate portion of the induction electrode 42 corresponding to the number of the discharge electrodes 32. The discharge electrode 32 has a needle-like tip located substantially at the center of the through hole in plan view. The negative ion generation element of the second embodiment is configured to include two discharge electrodes 32 and a common induction electrode 42, and can generate negative ions in a plurality (for example, two) of negative ion generation units. It is configured as follows.

  The entire leg portion of the induction electrode 41 is embedded in the closing member 51. Of the induction electrode 41, the leg portion that forms the shortest gap with the housing 10 or the substrate 21 is sealed with a closing material 51. A minute gap between the leg portion of the induction electrode 41 and the peripheral wall 16 of the housing 10 is filled with a closing material 51. A blocking material 51 is filled between the leg portion and the peripheral wall 16 so that no cavity remains between the leg portion and the peripheral wall 16.

  Similarly, the entire leg portion of the induction electrode 42 is embedded in the closing material 52. The gap between the leg portion of the induction electrode 42 and the peripheral wall 16 of the housing 10 is completely closed by the closing material 52.

  In the ion generator 1 of the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, the gaps between the induction electrodes 41 and 42, the leg portions, and the peripheral wall 16 are respectively plugged materials 51 and 52, as in the first embodiment. It is blocked by Thereby, insulation between the induction electrode and the surrounding casing and substrate can be ensured, and the occurrence of abnormal discharge or minute leakage can be suppressed, so that the performance of the ion generator 1 can be maintained over a long period of time. .

  As shown in FIG. 7, the ion generator 1 includes a plurality of discharge electrodes 31 and 32 and a plurality of induction electrodes 41 and 42. In this way, corona discharge is generated between the needle tips of the plurality of discharge electrodes 31 and the induction electrode 41, and corona discharge is generated between the needle tips of the plurality of discharge electrodes 32 and the induction electrode 42. Therefore, the ion generation amount of the ion generator 1 can be effectively increased.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the configuration of the ion generator 1 of the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 1 along the line IX-IX shown in FIG. In the ion generator 1 of Embodiment 3, the discharge electrodes 31 and 32 are supported by a common substrate 21 and the high voltage generator 60 is disposed at a position facing the back surface of the substrate 21. This is different from the first embodiment.

  All of the leg portions of the induction electrodes 41 and 42 are embedded in the closing member 51. Of the induction electrodes 41, 42, the leg portion that forms the shortest gap with the housing 10 or the substrate 21 is sealed with a closing material 51. A minute gap between the leg portions of the induction electrodes 41 and 42 and the peripheral wall 16 of the housing 10 is filled with a blocking material 51. A blocking material 51 is filled between the leg portion and the peripheral wall 16 so that no cavity remains between the leg portion and the peripheral wall 16.

  In the ion generator 1 according to the third embodiment having the above-described configuration, the gaps between the induction electrodes 41 and 42, the leg portions, and the peripheral wall 16 are blocked by the blocking material 51, as in the first embodiment. ing. Thereby, insulation between the induction electrode and the surrounding casing and substrate can be ensured, and the occurrence of abnormal discharge or minute leakage can be suppressed, so that the performance of the ion generator 1 can be maintained over a long period of time. .

  In the ion generator 1 according to Embodiments 1 and 2, the substrates 21 and 22 on which the discharge electrode and the induction electrode are mounted and the high voltage generator 60 are arranged in a planar shape, thereby forming a thin shape. . As shown in FIG. 9, the high voltage generator 60 may be arranged below the substrate 21 on which the discharge electrode and the induction electrode are mounted. If it does in this way, it will become possible to form the ion generator 1 in a more compact shape.

  FIG. 10 is a side view showing the internal structure of the air conditioner 100 using the ion generator 1. An air conditioner 100 shown in FIG. 10 is an example of an electric device on which the ion generator 1 of each embodiment described above is mounted.

  The air conditioner 100 includes a casing 112 and ion delivery units 114 and 116 accommodated in the casing 112. The ion delivery unit 114 and the ion delivery unit 116 can each independently deliver ions toward the room. In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the ion delivery unit 114 and the ion delivery unit 116 are stacked in the vertical direction inside the casing 112.

  The ion delivery unit 114 includes a sirocco fan 121A, a duct 122A, and an ion generator 1A. The ion delivery unit 116 includes a sirocco fan 121B, a duct 122B, and an ion generator 1B.

  The sirocco fans 121A and 121B take in indoor air and send the air toward the ducts 122A and 122B, respectively. The sirocco fan 121A and the sirocco fan 121B are provided such that their fan rotation axes are parallel to each other. The duct 122A is connected to the sirocco fan 121A. The duct 122B is connected to the sirocco fan 121B. The ducts 122A and 122B form a ventilation path for the air sent from the sirocco fans 121A and 121B.

  Ion generator 1A, 1B is the ion generator 1 of each embodiment mentioned above. The ion generator 1A is provided on the path of the duct 122A, and discharges ions generated in the air flowing through the duct 122A. The ion generator 1B is provided on the path of the duct 122B, and discharges ions generated in the air flowing through the duct 122B. Thereby, the air conditioner 100 sends out ions toward the room where the air conditioner 100 is installed, as shown by the white arrow in FIG.

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

  The electric device on which the ion generator 1 is mounted includes various types for adjusting the state of indoor air such as a dehumidifier, a humidifier, an air conditioner, and an air purifier in addition to the air conditioner 100 shown in FIG. Or various electric devices such as a refrigerator, a fan heater, a washer / dryer, a vacuum cleaner, a sterilizer, a microwave oven, and a copying machine.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configurations of the embodiments may be appropriately combined. In addition, it should be considered that the embodiment disclosed this time is 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.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ion generator, 10 housing | casing, 11,12 Through-hole, 16 Perimeter wall, 17,18 Wall part, 21,22 Substrate, 21a Main surface, 21b Back surface, 31,32 Discharge electrode, 31a Point, 31b, 41b Base end , 31c taper part, 31d root part, 41, 42 induction electrode, 41a tip, 41c flat plate part, 41d bent part, 41e leg part, 51, 52 occlusion material, 51a surface, 55 molding material, 60 high voltage generating part, 100 Air conditioner, D1, D2, D3 distance.

Claims (6)

A substrate,
A discharge electrode supported by the substrate;
An induction electrode that is supported on the substrate away from the discharge electrode and generates ions between the discharge electrode;
A housing that accommodates the substrate and the induction electrode and has an opening that exposes the discharge electrode to the outside;
A gap between the induction electrode and the housing, and a closing material that closes a gap with the shortest distance among the gap between the induction electrode and the substrate,
The induction electrode is an ion generator having a root portion covered with the blocking material and a tip protruding from the blocking material.   The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the induction electrode is ungrounded.   The ion generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a distance between the tip and the discharge electrode is smaller than a distance between the root portion and the discharge electrode. A high voltage generator for generating a high voltage to be applied to the discharge electrode;
The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the high-voltage generator is housed in the housing and sealed with a molding material.   The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of at least one of the discharge electrode and the induction electrode.   An electric device comprising the ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a blower that blows gas, and sends out at least one of positive ions and negative ions to the outside of the device.

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