TWI798467B - （無） - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention suppresses the reduction of the discharge product originating in a 1st and 2nd discharge electrode. The air cleaner (61) is equipped with a device attaching part (81) for attaching an ion generating device (71) to a blowing air path (23). The device attachment part (81) has: a device attachment hole (82), so that the positive side and the negative side discharge electrodes (11, 12) are arranged in a direction intersecting with the flow direction of the wind to the blowing air path ( 23) Inner protrusion; the partition member (83), the upstream side end of the wind flow is located on the upstream side of the device attachment hole (82).

Description

Machines that can be fitted with discharge devices

The present invention relates to appliances to which a discharge device can be attached, such as an air conditioner equipped with a discharge device.

Conventionally, as a discharge device, an ion generating device for cleaning, sterilizing, or deodorizing indoor air is known. The ion generating device applies a high voltage to a needle-shaped or brush-shaped discharge electrode, and generates a corona discharge between the tip of the discharge electrode and the induction electrode to generate ions. Such an ion generating device is usually attached to an air path for blowing air out of an air conditioner.

An ion generating device, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, generally generates positive ions and negative ions. Therefore, the ion generator includes, as discharge electrodes, a positive-side discharge electrode that generates positive ions, and a negative-side discharge electrode that generates negative ions.

Specifically, the ion generating device generates positive ions by corona discharge by applying a positive high voltage between the discharge electrode and the induction electrode on the positive side, and generates positive ions by applying a negative voltage between the discharge electrode and the induction electrode on the negative side. High voltage causes corona discharge to generate negative ions.

Also, when the generated positive ions and negative ions come into contact with each other, the electricity is neutralized and the amount of ions is reduced. Therefore, in Patent Document 2, in order to make it difficult for positive ions and negative ions to mix, a partition plate is provided between a positive ion generating element having a positive discharge electrode and a negative ion generating element having a negative discharge electrode. The partition plate is parallel to the flow direction of the wind in the air passage.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-044917.

Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-66029.

However, the partition plate makes it difficult for the generated positive ions and negative ions to mix, and on the other hand, it also has the effect that the generated positive ions and negative ions adhere to the partition plate to reduce the amount of ions. Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a configuration in which only a partition plate is simply provided between the positive ion generating element and the negative ion generating element has a problem that the amount of ions may decrease conversely.

An aspect of the present invention aims to provide a device capable of attaching a discharge device capable of suppressing discharge products caused by a first discharge electrode of the discharge device and The reduction of the discharge product originating in the 2nd discharge electrode.

A device that can be attached with a discharge device according to an aspect of the present invention is provided with: an air path having an outlet to the outside of the machine, and an air supply device for blowing air through the air path; The device attaching part is equipped with a discharge device that generates first and second discharge products by discharging between the first and second discharge electrodes and the third electrode; the device attaching part has: A hole is provided so that the first and second discharge devices protrude into the air passage in a manner intersecting with the flow direction of the wind; and a partition member extends parallel to the flow direction of the wind, and the The upstream end of the flow is located between the first and second discharge electrodes in the arrangement direction of the first and second discharge electrodes, and is on the upstream side of the device attachment hole in the air passage.

According to one aspect of the present invention, when the discharge device is attached, the situation in which the discharge product caused by the first discharge electrode of the discharge device and the discharge product caused by the second discharge electrode are mixed and reduced can be suppressed. .

1~7: Ion generating device (discharging device)

11: Positive side discharge electrode (first discharge electrode)

12: Negative side discharge electrode (second discharge electrode)

13: Shell part

14, 41: Partition board

15, 31, 32: electrode protection part

15a, 31c: openings

15b, 31b: cross member

15c, 31a: cross member

15c1, 31a1: the first longitudinal part

15c2, 31a2: the second longitudinal part

16: Induction electrode (third electrode)

21: Air purifier

22: shell

23: Blow out the wind path (wind path)

23a: Outlet

24: blower

31b1: The first horizontal part

31b2: Second cross member

51: machine

61, 62: Air cleaners (machines that can be equipped with discharge devices)

71: Ion generating device

81, 84: Device attachment part

82:Device attachment hole

83, 85: Partition board (partition part)

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an ion generator as a discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(a) of Fig. 2 is a front view of the above-mentioned ion generating device, (b) of Fig. 2 is a top view of the above-mentioned ion generating device, and (c) of Fig. 2 is a view of the above-mentioned ion generating device in (b) of Fig. 2 A direction side view, (d) of Fig. 2 is the B-B sectional view in (b) of Fig. 2 of above-mentioned ion generating device, (e) of Fig. 2 is (b) of Fig. 2 of above-mentioned ion generating device 1 The side view of direction C in .

Fig. 3 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship among the positive side discharge electrode, the partition plate and the induction electrode of the above-mentioned ion generator.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of an air cleaner as an air conditioner equipped with the above-mentioned ion generator.

5( a ) is a front view of an ion generator according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5( b ) is a plan view of the ion generator 2 of FIG. 5( a ).

6 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship of the positive side discharge electrode, the partition plate, and the induction electrode in the ion generator according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

7 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship of the positive side discharge electrode, the partition plate, and the induction electrode in the ion generator according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an ion generator according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an ion generator according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

(a) of FIG. 10 is a front view of an ion generator according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10( b ) is a plan view of the ion generator shown in FIG. 10( a ).

Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a first configuration example of the induction electrode included in the ion generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a plan view showing a second configuration example of the induction electrode included in the ion generator.

13 is a plan view showing a third configuration example of the induction electrode included in the ion generator.

Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a fourth configuration example of the induction electrode included in the ion generator.

15( a ) is a plan view showing a fifth configuration example of the induction electrode included in the ion generator, and FIG. 15( b ) is a plan view of the induction electrode shown in FIG. 15( a ).

16( a ) is a plan view showing a sixth configuration example of the induction electrode included in the ion generator, and FIG. 16( b ) is a plan view of the induction electrode shown in FIG. 16( a ).

17( a ) is a plan view showing a seventh configuration example of the induction electrode included in the ion generator, and FIG. 17( b ) is a plan view of the induction electrode shown in FIG. 17( a ).

(a) of FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the ion generator used in the verification of the effect of the partition plate of the ion generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, and (b) of FIG. 18 is (a) of FIG. The shown front view of the ion generator 8, FIG. 18(c) is a side view of the ion generator shown in FIG. 18(a).

Fig. 19 is an explanatory view showing a measurement state of ion concentration used for verification of the effect of the partition plate included in the ion generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(a) of FIG. 20 is a front view showing the installed state of the ion generator in the machine shown in FIG. 19, and (b) of FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing D-D in (a) of FIG. 20 .

Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the verification results of the effect of the partition plate included in the ion generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of an air cleaner as an air conditioner according to the present embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing an ion generator installed in the air cleaner shown in Fig. 22 .

Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which an ion generator is attached to a blowing air path of the air cleaner shown in Fig. 22 .

25( a ) is a plan view showing the state of FIG. 24 , and FIG. 25( b ) is a plan view showing the configuration of the device attachment portion of the blowing air passage shown in FIG. 25( a ).

Fig. 26 is a plan view showing the configuration of the device attaching portion of the blowing air passage in the air cleaner as an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Implementation Form 1]

(Configuration of ion generator 1)

(Outline of Configuration of Ion Generator 1 )

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an ion generator 1 as a discharge device according to the present embodiment. (a) of Fig. 2 is the front view of above-mentioned ion generating device 1, (b) of Fig. 2 is the top view of above-mentioned ion generating device 1, (c) of Fig. 2 is above-mentioned ion generating device 1 in (b of Fig. 2 ) in the A direction side view, (d) of Fig. 2 is the B-B sectional view in Fig. 2 (b) of the above-mentioned ion generating device 1, and (e) of Fig. 2 is the above-mentioned ion generating device 1 in Fig. 2 Side view of direction C in (b). FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship of positive side discharge electrode 11 , partition plate 14 , and induction electrode 16 of ion generator 1 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the ion generator 1 has a positive discharge electrode (first discharge electrode) 11, a negative discharge electrode (second discharge electrode) 12, a housing portion 13, a separator plate 14, an electrode protection part 15, sensing electrode 16 (third electrode, refer to FIG. 3 ), and electrode substrate 17 (refer to FIG. 3 ).

The case portion 13 is formed of an insulator resin, and has a box shape, for example. The case part 13 accommodates the electrode substrate 17, a circuit board not shown, etc. inside. On the electrode substrate 17, positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11, 12 are provided in the normal direction with respect to the upper surface (see FIG. 3 ). In addition, induction electrodes 16 are provided around the positive side and negative side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 on the upper surface of the electrode substrate 17 . The upper surface of the induction electrode 16 , that is, the upper surface of the electrode substrate 17 is covered with a resin layer 18 . In addition, only the positive discharge electrode 11 is shown in FIG. 3 .

The circuit board has a discharge voltage supply circuit that generates positive and negative high voltages and the like. The voltage generated by the discharge voltage supply circuit is supplied to the positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 , 12 and the induction electrode 16 . Specifically, the discharge voltage supply circuit applies a high-voltage positive pulse to the positive-side discharge electrode 11, applies a high-voltage negative pulse to the negative-side discharge electrode 12, and applies a high-voltage pulse to the induction electrode 16 by the induction electrode 16 and the positive-side discharge electrode 11. And the voltage between the discharge electrodes 12 on the negative side to generate discharge.

The positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 have brush-shaped electrodes at the tip in this embodiment. These positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 protrude from the upper surface of the case portion 13 to positions of the same height, and are arranged at intervals.

The induction electrode 16 is insulated from the positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 , 12 and is provided around the positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 , 12 .

In addition, although the ion generator 1 has the structure which each has one positive side and one negative side discharge electrode 11,12, you may have plural. This point is also the same as in other generating devices shown below.

(divider 14)

Separator plate 14 is formed of resin, and is provided between positive discharge electrode 11 and negative discharge electrode 12 so as to partition the space between positive discharge electrode 11 and negative discharge electrode 12 . The height of the partition plate 14 is higher than the height of the upper end portions of the positive side and the negative side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 .

Here, in the ion generating device 1, in the air passage of the air blowing out of the air conditioner, the direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the positive discharge electrodes 11 and the negative discharge electrodes 12 is preferably such that the wind flows in a direction perpendicular to it. way to install. In FIG. 1 and (b) of FIG. 2 , arrows indicate the flow direction of wind. Therefore, the partition plate 14 is parallel to the flow direction of the wind in the air passage.

In addition, in the flow direction of the wind, compared with the downstream end of the induction electrode 16, the downstream end of the wind flow of the partition plate 14 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the downstream end) is not present. downstream side. That is, the downstream end of the partition plate 14 exists at the same position as the downstream end of the induction electrode 16 or on the upstream side of the downstream end of the induction electrode 16 . In addition, in the examples of FIGS. 1 to 3 , the downstream end of the partition plate 14 is at the same position as the downstream end of the induction electrode 16 .

Also, due to the positional relationship between the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11, 12 and the sensing electrode 16, the downstream end of the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11, 12 exists more than the downstream end of the sensing electrode 16. The situation on the downstream side is as follows. That is, the downstream end of the partition plate 14 exists at the same position as the downstream end of the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11 and 12 or on the downstream side compared to the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11 and 12. The end is on the upstream side.

The positional relationship of the partition plate 14, the induction electrode 16, and the positive side and negative side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 shown above is as follows. That is, the downstream end of the partition plate 14 is present at the most downstream end among the downstream end portions of the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11, 12 and the induction electrode 16 (hereinafter referred to as an electrode). The same position as the most downstream end of the electrode) or on the upstream side compared to the most downstream end of the electrode. The end of the most downstream side of the electrode of the sensing electrode 16 described here is not only It includes a portion formed in a substantially circular shape around the positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12, and also includes a connecting portion and a branching portion.

(electrode protection part 15)

The electrode protection part 15 is provided in the position opposite to the separator 14 with respect to the positive side discharge electrode 11, and the position opposite to the separator 14 with respect to the negative discharge electrode 12, respectively. The electrode protection part 15 is the same as the partition plate 14, and height becomes higher than the height of the upper end part of the positive side and the negative side discharge electrode 11,12.

Like the partition plate 14, the electrode protection part 15 becomes parallel to the flow direction of the wind in an air path. In addition, the electrode protection part 15 has a quadrangular frame shape, and the inner side is an opening part 15a. Specifically, the electrode protection part 15 is formed by connecting the rod-shaped horizontal member 15b and the rod-shaped vertical member 15c. In the vertical member 15c, there are a first vertical member 15c1 on the upstream side and a second vertical member 15c2 on the downstream side in the flow of wind. The horizontal member 15b connects the upper end parts of the 1st vertical member 15c1 and the 2nd vertical member 15c2. In addition, the frame shape of the electrode protection portion 15 is not limited to a quadrangle.

(Arrangement state of the ion generator 1 in the air cleaner 21)

The ion generator 1 is used by being attached to an air duct blowing air from various air conditioners. Here, the air conditioner includes an air conditioner, an air cleaner, a humidifier, or other various devices having a blowing function.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of an air cleaner 21 as an air conditioner equipped with the ion generator 1 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the air cleaner 21 has a blowing air passage 23 extending in the vertical direction inside the casing 22 . The upper end part of the blowing air path 23 is an opening part, and becomes the blowing port 23a.

The blower 24 is set at the bottom of the blowing air passage 23, and the blower 24 sucks the outside air in the blowing air passage 23, for example, through the rear panel 25, the deodorizing filter 26 and the dust collection filter 27, and the sucked air is blown out from the blowing port 23a. Blow out.

(Operation and advantages of air cleaner 21 and ion generator 1)

In the above configuration, when the air cleaner 21 rotates the blower 24 , the air outside the air cleaner 21 is sucked into the blowing air passage 23 through the rear panel 25 , the deodorizing filter 26 and the dust collecting filter 27 . The air sucked into the outlet air passage 23 flows toward the outlet 23a in the outlet air passage 23, and is blown out from the outlet 23a.

Moreover, when the ion generator 1 operates, discharge will generate|occur|produce between the positive side discharge electrode 11, the negative side discharge electrode 12, and the induction electrode 16. As a result, positive ions are generated at the tip of positive discharge electrode 11 , and negative ions are generated at the tip of negative discharge electrode 12 . These positive and negative ions are blown out from the outlet 23 a together with the air by the wind generated by the blower 24 .

Here, if the generated positive and negative ions are mixed with each other, they are recombined to be neutralized and eliminated. In this case, the ion concentration in the blowing air duct 23 decreases. However, since the partition plate 14 exists between the positive side discharge electrode 11 and the negative side discharge electrode 12 in the ion generating device 1, it is difficult to mix the generated positive and negative ions with each other, and the difference in the ion concentration of the positive and negative ions can be suppressed. reduce.

Also, in the ion generating device 1, as described above, by having the separator 14 between the positive discharge electrode 11 and the negative discharge electrode 12, even if the interval between the positive discharge electrode 11 and the negative discharge electrode 12 is In the narrow case, it becomes difficult to mix the generated positive and negative ions with each other. Thereby, the ion generator 1 can narrow the space|interval of the positive side discharge electrode 11 and the negative side discharge electrode 12, and can be downsized.

On the other hand, in the ion generator 1 , since the partition plate 14 exists in the vicinity of the positive side and the negative side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 , the generated positive and negative ions easily adhere to the partition plate 14 . If positive and negative ions adhere to the partition plate 14, the ion concentration decreases only in this portion. Therefore, the longer the partition plate 14 is on the downstream side of the wind flow, the greater the decrease in ion concentration due to the positive and negative ions adhering to the partition plate 14 is. However, in the ion generating device 1, at the downstream side end of the partition plate 14, there is Located at the same position as the most downstream end of the electrode (the most downstream end among the downstream ends of the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11, 12 and the induction electrode 16) or more downstream than the most downstream end of the electrode on the upstream side. That is, in the ion generator 1, the downstream side end part of the partition plate 14 is shortened as much as possible, and it can suppress that the generated positive and negative ions adhere to the partition plate 14, and ion density|concentration falls.

Moreover, since the electrode protection part 15 is formed by connecting the rod-shaped horizontal part 15b and the rod-shaped vertical part 15c, since there is no partition wall, and the surface area becomes small, it is possible to suppress the generated positive and negative ions from adhering to the electrode protection part 15. Thus, the ion concentration drops.

Moreover, the electrode protection part 15 and the partition plate 14 protect the positive side discharge electrodes 11, 12 from the upstream side and the downstream side of the flow of the wind and from above, so as not to collide with other objects. And negative side discharge electrodes 11,12. Furthermore, the electrode protection unit 15 protects the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11 and 12 so that the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11 and 12 do not collide with other objects from the direction intersecting the wind flow. In this way, the partition plate 14 has the function of protecting the positive side and the negative side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 in addition to the function as the above-mentioned partition plate 14 .

In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the discharge device is the ion generator 1 which generate|occur|produces positive and negative ions is demonstrated. However, the discharge device is not limited to the ion generating device 1, and the first discharge product may be generated by the discharge between the positive side discharge electrode 11 and the induction electrode 16, and the first discharge product may be generated by the discharge between the negative side discharge electrode 12 and the induction electrode 16. discharge to generate the second discharge product. In this case, besides positive and negative ions, the first and second discharge products generated by the discharge device may also be positively charged or negatively charged water particles (charged particle water), or composites composed of charged particle water and active species. body. The configuration of such a discharge device is also the same in the following other embodiments.

[Implementation form 2]

Based on the drawings, other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In addition, for the convenience of description, the same reference numerals are attached to the members having the same functions as those already described in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

(Ion generator 2)

(a) of FIG. 5 is a front view of the ion generator 2 of this embodiment, and (b) of FIG. 5 is a top view of the ion generator 2 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , ion generator 2 also has electrode protection portion 15 between partition plate 14 and positive discharge electrode 11 and between partition plate 14 and negative discharge electrode 12 . That is, the positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 are respectively surrounded by the electrode guards 15 on both sides in the direction intersecting with the flow direction of the wind. Thereby, the protection function of the positive side and negative side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 of the electrode protection part 15 of the ion generator 2 becomes higher than that of the ion generator 1.

Other configurations of the ion generator 2 are the same as those of the ion generator 1 described above. Moreover, the operation|movement and advantage of the air cleaner 21 provided with the ion generator 2, and the ion generator 2 are the same as the air cleaner 21 and the ion generator 1 provided with the ion generator 1 mentioned above.

[Implementation form three]

Further other embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. In addition, for the convenience of description, the same reference numerals are attached to the members having the same functions as those already described in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

(Ion generating device 3, partition plate 14)

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship of positive side discharge electrode 11, partition plate 14, and induction electrode 16 of ion generator 3 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a state where a high voltage is applied to the positive side discharge electrode 11 . As shown in FIG. 6, when a high voltage is applied to the positive side discharge electrode 11, the front-end|tip part will become the shape which opened. This is because the plurality of fibers forming the brush are separated from each other by electric repulsion.

In the ion generator 3 , the positive side and the negative side discharge electrodes 11 , 12 have downstream end portions on the downstream side of the induction electrode 16 in a state where a high voltage is applied. Therefore, in the ion generator 3 , the downstream end of the partition plate 14 exists at the same position as the electrode's most downstream end, or on the upstream side of the electrode's most downstream end. When using the ion generator 3 instead of the ion generator 1, the air cleaner 21 shown in FIG. 4 is equipped with the ion generator 3 instead of the ion generator 1.

Other configurations of the ion generator 3 are the same as those of the ion generator 1 described above. Also, the operation and advantages of the air cleaner 21 and the ion generator 3 provided with the ion generator 3 are the same as those of the air cleaner 21 and the ion generator 1 provided with the ion generator 1 described above.

(Implementation form four)

Further other embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. In addition, for the convenience of description, the same reference numerals are attached to the members having the same functions as those already described in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

(ion generator 4)

Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship of positive side discharge electrode 11, partition plate 14, and induction electrode 16 of ion generator 4 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7 , ion generator 4 is provided with needle-shaped positive-side discharge electrode 11 instead of brush-shaped positive-side discharge electrode 11 shown in FIG. 3 . In addition, although the negative side discharge electrode 12 is not shown in FIG. 7, the negative side discharge electrode 12 also has the same structure as the positive side discharge electrode 11.

The positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 can be suitably selected to have a brush shape or a needle shape, and furthermore, it is not limited to a brush shape or a needle shape. This point is also the same as in the ion generators of other embodiments.

Other configurations of the ion generator 4 are the same as those of the ion generator 1 described above. Moreover, the operation|movement and advantage of the air cleaner 21 provided with the ion generator 4, and the ion generator 4 are the same as the air cleaner 21 and the ion generator 1 provided with the ion generator 1 mentioned above.

[implementation form five]

Further other embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. In addition, for the convenience of description, the same reference numerals are attached to the members having the same functions as those already described in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

(Structure and Advantages of Ion Generator 5 and Electrode Protector 31)

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ion generator 5 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the ion generator 5 has the electrode protection part 31 instead of the electrode protection part 15 shown in FIG.

The electrode guards 31 are respectively located at the upstream end and the downstream end of the partition plate 14 in the wind flow, and are formed by connecting two pairs of rod-shaped vertical members 31a and a pair of rod-shaped horizontal members 31b.

Specifically, electrode protection portion 31 on the upstream side has first vertical member 31a1 that is vertical member 31a on the upstream side at a position opposite to partition plate 14 with respect to positive and negative discharge electrodes 11 and 12 . The first horizontal member 31b1, which is the horizontal member 31b of the electrode protection portion 31 on the upstream side, extends from the upper end of the first vertical member 31a1 on the positive discharge electrode 11 side to the upper end of the first vertical member 31a1 on the negative discharge electrode 12 side. department.

Similarly, the electrode protection portion 31 on the downstream side has a downstream vertical member 31 a that is a second vertical member at a position opposite to the partition plate 14 with respect to the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11 and 12 . 31a2. The second horizontal member 31b2, which is the horizontal member 31b of the electrode protection portion 31 on the downstream side, extends from the upper end of the second vertical member 31a2 on the positive discharge electrode 11 side to the upper end of the second vertical member 31a2 on the negative discharge electrode 12 side. department. The first horizontal member 31b1 and the second horizontal member 31b2 are connected to the partition plate 14 in the middle portion.

The electrode protection part 31 is the same as the partition plate 14, and height becomes higher than the height of the upper end part of the positive side and the negative side discharge electrode 11,12. Therefore, the electrode protection part 31 and the partition plate 14 have the protection function to the positive side and negative side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 similarly to the electrode protection part 15 and the partition plate 14 of the ion generator 1. In addition, since the electrode protection part 31 has the horizontal member 31b, the function of preventing collisions with other objects from the upstream and downstream sides of the flow of the wind, and from the upper side against the positive and negative side discharge electrodes 11, 12 is relatively small. The electrode guard 15 is higher.

In addition, the two electrode protection parts 31 and the partition plate 14 are connected in the horizontal member 31 b of the electrode protection part 31 . Therefore, compared with the electrode protection portion 15 and the separation plate 14 of the ion generator 1, the electrode protection portion 31 and the separation plate 14 have higher strength, so the protection function to the positive side and negative side discharge electrodes 11, 12 is also changed. high.

Moreover, since the electrode protection part 31 is formed by connecting the rod-shaped vertical member 31a and the rod-shaped horizontal member 31b, the upper surface of the case part 13, the left and right vertical members 31a, and the region surrounded by the horizontal member 31b (by means of The area surrounded by the left and right first vertical members 31a1 and the first horizontal member 31b1, and the area surrounded by the left and right second vertical members 31a2 and the second horizontal member 31b2) constitute the opening 31c1. Accordingly, the wind flowing through the upper surface of the case portion 13 can flow without being disturbed by the electrode protection portion 31 .

Moreover, between the electrode protection part 31 on the upstream side and the electrode protection part 31 on the downstream side, between the first vertical member 31a1 on the upstream side and the second vertical member 31a2 on the downstream side, and the first horizontal member 31b1 on the upstream side An opening 31c2 is formed between the second horizontal member 31b2 on the downstream side.

As described above, since the electrode protection portion 31 does not have a partition wall, it is possible to suppress a situation in which generated positive and negative ions adhere to the electrode protection portion 31 and reduce the ion concentration.

Other configurations of the ion generator 5 are the same as those of the ion generator 1 described above. Also, the operation of the air cleaner 21 and the ion generator 5 equipped with the ion generator 5 and other advantages of the ion generator 5 are the same as those of the air cleaner 21 and the ion generator 1 equipped with the aforementioned ion generator 1 .

[Implementation form six]

Further other embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. In addition, for the convenience of description, the same reference numerals are attached to the members having the same functions as those already described in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

(Structure and Advantages of Ion Generator 6 and Electrode Protector 32)

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an ion generator 6 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the ion generator 6 has the electrode protection part 32 other than the electrode protection part 15 shown in FIG.

The electrode protection portion 32 has the same length as the partition plate 14, and is on the upper surface of the case portion 13 (the side of the resin layer 18) from the upper end portion of the partition plate 14 toward the positive side and the negative side discharge electrodes 11,12. upper surface) protruding parallel to the component. The electrode protection part 32 has a plurality of openings 32a.

Since the electrode protection part 32 is provided in addition to the electrode protection part 15, the protection function with respect to the positive side and negative side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 of the ion generator 6 becomes high compared with the ion generator 1.

Other configurations of the ion generator 6 are the same as those of the ion generator 1 described above. Also, the operation of the air cleaner 21 and the ion generator 6 provided with the ion generator 6 and other advantages of the ion generator 6 are the same as those of the air cleaner 21 and the ion generator 1 provided with the aforementioned ion generator 1 .

[Implementation Form Seven]

Further other embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. In addition, for the convenience of description, the same reference numerals are attached to the members having the same functions as those already described in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

(partition plate 41)

(a) of FIG. 10 is a front view of the ion generator 7 of this embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a top view of the ion generator 7 shown in FIG. 10(a).

The ion generator 7 is provided with a partition plate 41 instead of the partition plate 14 of the ion generator 1 . The separator 41 is a position where the separator 41 intersects with respect to the line connecting the center of the positive discharge electrode 11 and the center of the negative discharge electrode 12 (hereinafter referred to as the position of the discharge electrode in the wind flow direction), on the upstream side. The section becomes longer than the downstream side section. In addition, the partition plate 41 has a wider width at the downstream side than at the upstream side.

(Advantages of the ion generator 7)

In the above-mentioned structure, since the partition plate 41 is relative to the position of the discharge electrode in the wind flow direction, the upstream side part is longer than the downstream side part of the wind flow, so it is possible to make the blowing to the positive side and the negative side discharge electrode 11, 12 wind flow stabilization. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a situation in which positive and negative ions are mixed due to wind turbulence and ion concentration decreases.

Also, since the downstream portion of the partition plate 41 has a wider width than the upstream portion, it is possible to prevent the winds passing through the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11, 12 from converging immediately after passing through the partition plate 41. Therefore, the position where positive and negative ions are mixed to lower the ion concentration is moved to the downstream side, and as a result, high-concentration ions can be supplied into the chamber.

In addition, the configuration of the partition plate 41 of the ion generator 7 is similarly applicable to other ion generators.

(Configuration example of the sensing electrode 16)

Next, various configuration examples of the induction electrode 16 will be described below.

(Composition Example 1)

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a first configuration example of induction electrode 16 . The sensing electrode 16 shown in FIG. 11 is used, for example, in the ion generator 1 shown in FIG. 1 . The sensing electrode 16 is formed of a conductor (such as copper foil) on the electrode substrate 17 . Around the positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 , conductors are circularly removed to form non-electrode regions 19 .

The diameter of the non-electrode region 19 around the positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 is, for example, in the range of 5 to 20 mm. In addition, even if the surface system of the sensing electrode 16 is exposed, a resist layer can be applied. This point also applies to other configuration examples of the induction electrodes 16 described below.

(Composition Example 2)

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a second configuration example of the induction electrode 16 . In the configuration example shown in FIG. 12 , the non-electrode region 19 is not completely circular, but is partially cut off. That is, the induction electrode 16 is partially cut off around the non-electrode region 19 .

(Composition Example 3)

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a third configuration example of the induction electrode 16 . Induction electrode 16 shown in FIG. 13 has ring-shaped portions 16a around positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12, respectively, and these ring-shaped portions 16a are connected to each other by connecting portion 16c. With respect to the connection part 16c, the branch part 16h branches off from the connection part 16c, for example perpendicularly.

(Composition Example 4)

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a fourth configuration example of the induction electrode 16 . Induction electrode 16 shown in FIG. 14 has ring-shaped portions 16b around positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12, respectively, and these ring-shaped portions 16b are connected to each other by connecting portion 16c. With respect to the connecting portion 16c, the diverging portion 16h from The connecting portion 16c diverges vertically, for example. The induction electrode 16 is not completely ring-shaped, but is partially cut off.

(Composition Example 5)

FIG. 15( a ) is a plan view showing a fifth configuration example having the sensing electrode 16 , and FIG. 15( b ) is a plan view of the sensing electrode 16 shown in FIG. 15( a ).

The induction electrode 16 shown in FIG. 15 has ring-shaped portions 16d around the positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12, respectively. 16e are connected to each other. The annular portion 16d and the connection portion 16e are formed of, for example, a conductive metal plate.

A leg portion 16 f is provided below the annular portion 16 d, and the leg portion 16 f is fixed to the electrode substrate 17 . Therefore, the annular portion 16 d and the connection portion 16 e are provided at positions higher than the upper surface of the electrode substrate 17 . In such a configuration, the distance between the upper ends of the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11, 12 and the sensing electrode 16 becomes closer, and it is easy to generate a gap between the upper ends of the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11, 12 and the sensing electrode 16. between discharges.

(Composition example six)

FIG. 16( a ) is a plan view showing a sixth configuration example of induction electrode 16 , and FIG. 16( b ) is a plan view of induction electrode 16 shown in FIG. 16( a ).

Induction electrode 16 shown in FIG. 16 is a configuration in which connecting portion 16 e is removed from induction electrode 16 shown in FIG. 15 . Other configurations are the same as those of the induction electrode 16 shown in FIG. 15 .

(Composition Example 7)

FIG. 17( a ) is a plan view showing a seventh configuration example of induction electrode 16 , and FIG. 17( b ) is a plan view of induction electrode 16 shown in FIG. 17( a ).

The induction electrode 16 shown in Figure 17 has two positive side discharge electrodes 11 and two negative side discharge electrodes 12, and has ring-shaped parts around each positive side discharge electrode 11 and each negative side discharge electrode 12. 16d. The annular portions 16d around the positive discharge electrode 11 and the annular portions 16d around the negative discharge electrode 12 are connected to each other by a connecting portion 16e having a width corresponding to the diameter of the annular portion 16d. Other configurations of the induction electrode 16 of this configuration example are the same as those of the induction electrode 16 shown in FIG. 15 , such as the point that the leg portion 16f is provided under the annular portion 16d.

(Verification of the effect of the partition plate)

Next, the result of verifying the effect of the partition plate will be described. (a) of FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the ion generator 8 used in the verification of the effect of the partition plate, (b) of FIG. 18 is a front view of the ion generator 8, and (c) of FIG. 18 is an ion generator. Side view of device 8. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a measurement state of ion concentration used for verification of the effect of the partition plate. (a) of FIG. 20 is a front view showing the installation state of the ion generator 8 in the machine 51 shown in FIG. 19, and (b) of FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of D-D in (a) of FIG.

(Measurement conditions of ion concentration)

As shown in (a) and (b) of Figure 20, the ion generating device 8 is in the air passage 51a of the machine 51, and the arrangement direction of the positive side and the negative side discharge electrodes 11, 12 is perpendicular to the direction of the air passage 51a. way to install. As shown in FIG. 19 , the measurement point P of the ion concentration is set at a point 350 mm from the ion generator 8 to the leeward side.

The ion generator 8 has the same electrode protection part 31 as the ion generator 5 mentioned above, as shown in FIG.18(a), (b). As the partition plate of the ion generator 8, as shown in FIG. 20(b), four types of partition plates 42a to 42d are used.

The separator 42a is located between the positive side discharge electrode 11 and the negative side discharge electrode 12, and is a separator between the upstream side part and the downstream side part of the electrode protection part 31 (hereinafter referred to as the electrode horizontal side). Partition plate). The partition plate 42a has the same length on the windward side and the downwind side with respect to the position of the discharge electrode in the wind flow direction. In addition, the position of the discharge electrode in the direction of wind flow is the position where the line connecting the center of the positive side discharge electrode 11 and the center of the negative side discharge electrode 12 intersects the partition plate 42 a as described above. In addition, the downstream end of the partition plate 42 a is substantially at the same position as the downstream end of the induction electrode 16 of the ion generator 8 .

The partition plate 42b is a partition plate (electrode horizontal + leeward partition plate) that is elongated on the leeward side of the partition plate 42a (electrode horizontal partition plate). The partition plate 42c is a partition plate (a partition plate on the electrode side+windward side) that is longer than the partition plate 42a (electrode horizontal partition plate) on the windward side. The partition plate 42d is a partition plate on the upwind side (upwind side) in a state where only the partition plate 42a (the partition plate on the electrode side) is removed from the partition plate 42c (the electrode side+upwind partition plate). partition board).

(Validation results)

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing the results of verification of the effect of the partition plate. 21 shows that in the ion generator 8, the ion concentration without a partition is used as a reference, and the ion concentration without a partition has a partition 42a, has a partition 42b, and has a partition 42c. , the ratio of the ion concentration in each case with the partition plate 42d.

As can be seen from FIG. 21 , in each case where the partition plates 42 a to 42 d are provided, the ion concentration (positive and negative ion concentrations) at the measurement point P increases compared to the case without the partition plate. From this, it can be known which of the partition plates 42 a to 42 d is effective for the ion generator 8 to increase the ion concentration.

Also, when the case of having the partition plate 42a is taken as a reference, the case of having the partition plate 42b and the case of having the partition plate 42d decreases the ion concentration, and the case of having the partition plate 42c increases the ion concentration. From this, it can be seen that, on the premise of increasing the ion concentration, elongating the upwind side of the partition plate 42a, that is, the partition plate 42c is effective.

[Eighth Implementation Form]

Further other embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. In addition, for the convenience of description, the same reference numerals are attached to the members having the same functions as those already described in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

Fig. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of an air cleaner 61 as an air conditioner according to the present embodiment. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing ion generator 71 attached to air cleaner 61 shown in FIG. 22 .

(Configuration of ion generator 71)

As shown in FIG. 22 , an air cleaner (apparatus to which a discharge device can be attached) 61 is equipped with an ion generator 71 on the blowing air path 23 . As shown in FIG. 23 , the ion generator 71 has a configuration in which the partition plate 14 is removed from the ion generator 1 shown in FIG. 1 . Other configurations of the ion generator 71 are the same as those of the ion generator 1 . In addition, the ion generator 71 is not limited to the configuration in which the partition plate 14 is removed from the ion generator 1, and may be a configuration in which the partition plate 14 is removed from the ion generators 2 to 6, or the partition plate 14 is removed from the ion generator 7. Either of the configurations of the partition plate 41 . This point is also the same in other embodiments described below.

(Structure of the air cleaner 61)

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which ion generator 71 is attached to blowing air duct 23 of air cleaner 61 . 25( a ) is a plan view of the state shown in FIG. 24 , and FIG. 25( b ) is a plan view showing the configuration of the device attachment portion 81 of the blowing air duct 23 shown in FIG. 25( a ).

As shown in (b) of FIG. 25 , the blowing air duct 23 of the air cleaner 61 has the device attachment part 81 . The device attaching portion 81 has a device attaching hole 82 and a partition plate (partition member) 83 . The device attachment hole 82 is opened through the side wall (peripheral wall) of the blowing air passage 23 .

The ion generator 71 is attached to the device attaching hole 82 from the back surface of the blowing air duct 23 as shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25( a ). Specifically, the electrode protection part 15 of the ion generator 71 and the positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 are attached to the device attachment hole 82 . As a result, the electrode guard 15 and the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11 and 12 protrude inside the blowing air passage 23 in a state where the ion generator 71 is attached to the blowing air passage 23 .

The partition plate 83 is disposed on the windward side of the device attachment hole 82 . The partition plate 83 is a plate-shaped member that is taller than the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11 and 12 and whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the flow direction of the wind in the blowing air passage 23 . The center of the width direction of the partition plate 83 is positioned between the positive side discharge electrode 11 and the negative side discharge electrode 12 of the ion generating device 71 attached to the device attachment hole 82 . The width of the part on the downstream side of the flow of the wind is wider than the width of the part on the upstream side of the partition plate 83 . In addition, the downstream end of the partition plate 83 in relation to the flow of the wind extends to the vicinity of the upstream end of the device attachment hole 82 . Other configurations of the air cleaner 61 are the same as those of the air cleaner 21 .

(Action and advantages of the air cleaner 61)

In the above-mentioned structure, the basic operation|movement of the air cleaner 61 is the same as that of the air cleaner 21 mentioned above.

The air cleaner 61 has the device attachment part 81, and the ion generator 71 can be detachably attached to the device attachment part 81. As shown in FIG. Therefore, when the function of the ion generator 71 attached to the device attachment part 81 of the air cleaner 61 is reduced or when the ion generator 71 fails, maintenance and repair of the ion generator 71 may be required. Down, can work easily.

Moreover, the air cleaner 61 has the partition plate 83 in the apparatus attachment part 81. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the ion generator 71 does not need to have the partition plate 83, and the structure can be simplified.

Also, since the partition plate 83 extends to the upstream side of the flow of wind relative to the positive side and negative side discharge electrodes 11, 12 in the state where the ion generating device 71 is attached to the device attaching part 81, The flow of the wind blown to the positive side and negative side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 can be stabilized. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a situation in which positive and negative ions are mixed due to wind turbulence and ion concentration decreases.

Further, since the partition plate 83 becomes wider at the downstream side of the wind flow than at the upstream side, the stabilization of the flow of the wind blown to the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11 and 12 is promoted.

In addition, the downstream side end of the partition plate 83 extends to the vicinity of the upstream side end of the device attachment hole 82 and is positioned on the upstream side of the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11 and 12 . Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the ion concentration of the positive and negative ions generated from the positive-side and negative-side discharge electrodes 11 and 12 in the partition plate 83 .

In addition, in the air cleaner 61 of this embodiment, the ion generator 71 is set as the structure which attached the device attachment part 81 of the blowing air duct 23 directly. However, it is also possible that the air cleaner 61 is equipped with an attachment aid, the ion generator 71 is attached to the attachment aid, and the attachment aid with the ion generator 71 attached is attached to the outlet of the air outlet 23. constitute. In this case, the attachment assisting tool has a device attachment portion 81 having a device attachment hole 82 and a partition plate 83 , and an opening for attaching the attachment assisting tool is provided in the blowing air path 23 . This point also applies to other embodiments described below.

[Implementation Form Nine]

Further other embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. In addition, for the convenience of description, the same reference numerals are attached to the members having the same functions as those already described in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

(Structure of the air cleaner 62)

FIG. 26 is a plan view showing the configuration of the device attaching portion 82 of the blowing air duct 23 in the air cleaner 62 which is the air conditioner of the present embodiment.

The ion generator 62 of this embodiment has the apparatus attaching part 84 instead of the apparatus attaching part 81 mentioned above. The device attachment portion 84 has a partition plate (partition member) 85 instead of the aforementioned device attachment hole 82 and the aforementioned partition plate 83 .

The downstream end of partition plate 85 in the flow of wind extends further downstream than between positive discharge electrode 11 and negative discharge electrode 12 when ion generator 71 is attached to device attaching portion 84 . Specifically, the separator 85 is located between the positive discharge electrode 11 and the negative discharge electrode 12 in the same manner as the separator 14, and the downstream end of the separator 85 is located at the most downstream end of the electrodes ( Among the downstream end portions of the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11 and 12 and the induction electrode 16 , the most downstream end portion) is at the same position or on the upstream side relative to the most downstream end portion of the electrodes.

The other configurations of the partition plate 85 and the device attachment portion 84 are the same as those of the partition plate 83 and the device attachment portion 81 , and the other configurations of the air cleaner 62 are the same as those of the air cleaner 61 .

(Operation and advantages of the air cleaner 62)

In the above-mentioned configuration, the basic operation of the air cleaner 62 is the same as that of the above-mentioned air cleaner 21 .

In the air cleaner 62, the downstream end of the partition plate 85 is located at the most downstream end of the electrode on the downstream side among the downstream ends of the positive and negative discharge electrodes 11, 12 and the induction electrode 16. The same position or on the upstream side of the most downstream side end of the aforementioned electrode. The advantage of the air cleaner 62 resulting from this is the same as the advantage of the partition plate 14 resulting from such a structure, as follows.

That is, in the air cleaner 62, there is a partition plate 85 between the positive side discharge electrode 11 and the negative side discharge electrode 12, thereby making it difficult to mix the generated positive and negative ions with each other, thereby suppressing the reduction of the ion concentration of the positive and negative ions. .

Moreover, in the air cleaner 62, there is a partition plate 85 between the positive side discharge electrode 11 and the negative side discharge electrode 12, thereby reducing the distance between the positive side discharge electrode 11 and the negative side discharge electrode 12 of the ion generator 71 used. The ion generator 71 can be reduced in size by narrowing.

Also, in the air cleaner 62, since the downstream end of the partition plate 85 exists at the same position as the most downstream end of the electrode or on the upstream side of the most downstream end of the electrode, it is possible to suppress the positive and negative effects that have occurred. A state in which negative ions adhere to the partition plate 85 and the ion concentration decreases. Other advantages of the air cleaner 62 are the same as those of the aforementioned air cleaner 61 .

〔Summarize〕

A device to which a discharge device can be attached according to Aspect 1 of the present invention is provided with: an air passage having an outlet to the outside of the machine; The device attaching part is equipped with a discharge device that generates first and second discharge products by discharging between the first and second discharge electrodes and the third electrode; the device attaching part has: A hole is provided so that the first and second discharge devices protrude into the air passage in a manner intersecting with the flow direction of the wind; and a partition member extends parallel to the flow direction of the wind, and the The upstream end of the flow is located between the first and second discharge electrodes in the arrangement direction of the first and second discharge electrodes, and is located on the upstream side of the device attachment hole in the air passage.

In the apparatus to which a discharge device can be mounted according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspect 1, the partition member may have a wider width at the downstream side of the flow of the wind than at the upstream side.

Aspect 3 of the present invention can be equipped with a discharge device. In the above-mentioned aspect 1 or 2, the partition member is located upstream of the device attachment hole at the downstream end of the wind flow. side.

Aspect 4 of the present invention can also be equipped with a discharge device. In the above-mentioned aspect 1 or 2, the partition member is located more at the downstream side of the first discharge than at the upstream side end. electrode and the second discharge electrode.

Aspect 4 of the present invention can be equipped with a discharge device. In any one of the above-mentioned aspects 1, 2, and 4, the partition member is located at the downstream end of the wind flow: and Among the downstream end portions of the first and second discharge electrodes and the third electrode, they exist at the same position as the most downstream end portion on the downstream side, or on the upstream side relative to the most downstream end portion.

11: Positive side discharge electrode (first discharge electrode)

12: Negative side discharge electrode (second discharge electrode)

13: Shell part

15: Electrode protection part

23: Blow out the wind path (wind path)

61: Air cleaner (a machine that can be equipped with a discharge device)

71: Ion generating device

81: Device attachment part

82:Device attachment hole

83: Partition board (partition part)

Claims (5)

A machine capable of attaching a discharge device, comprising: an air path with an outlet to the outside of the machine; A discharge device is attached, and the discharge device generates first and second discharge products by discharging between the first and second discharge electrodes and the third electrode; the device attachment part has: a device attachment hole, so that the The first and second discharge devices protrude into the air passage in a manner intersecting with the flow direction of the wind; and the partition member extends parallel to the flow direction of the wind, and the upstream side end The part is located between the first and second discharge electrodes in the arrangement direction of the first and second discharge electrodes, and is located on the upstream side of the device attachment hole in the air passage. The device to which a discharge device can be mounted according to claim 1, wherein the partition member has a wider width at the downstream side of the flow of the wind than at the upstream side. The discharge-device-attachable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition member is located at an upstream side of the device attachment hole at a downstream end of the wind flow. The device to which a discharge device can be mounted according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition member is closer to the downstream side end than the upstream side end to the line connecting the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode department. The machine that can be equipped with a discharge device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition member is present at the downstream side end of the flow of the wind: at the first and second discharge electrodes and at the first discharge electrode Among the downstream end portions of the three electrodes, the most downstream end portion is at the same position or is located upstream relative to the most downstream end portion.

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