JP3997687B2

JP3997687B2 - Electrode structure of negative ion generator

Info

Publication number: JP3997687B2
Application number: JP2000156713A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 聖治山田
Original assignee: 株式会社トヨトミ
Priority date: 2000-05-26
Filing date: 2000-05-26
Publication date: 2007-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 2020-05-26
Also published as: JP2001338744A

Description

【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
この発明は空気清浄機などに組込まれて、大量のマイナスイオンを発生させるマイナスイオン発生装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
空気中に存在するマイナスイオンには人の健康な状態を維持して気分を爽快にするという働きがあることについて注目されており、最近では空気調和機などから吹出す風と一緒にマイナスイオンが室内に放出できるように、空気調和機の枠体内にマイナスイオン発生装置を組込んだものが好まれている。
【０００３】
即ち、空気調和した空気が流れる枠体内に空気流路を配置し、該空気流路の中に空気流を作り出す空気吹出ファンと、空気流路の端に設けた空気吹出口とを形成し、空気吹出口付近の空気流路内に針状の電極を取付け、該電極から約１０ｍｍ前後距離をおいた空気流路内に一定の長さを持った板状電極を取付けする構造を設けている。そして、高圧トランスの昇圧側コイルの両端には整流回路を設けて直流高電圧を得ており、高圧トランスのマイナス高電圧端子を針状の電極に接続し、プラス高電圧端子を板状電極に接続している。
【０００４】
このように空気流路中に取付けた電極と板状電極は直流の高電圧がかけられた状態で対峙しているので、空気流路を通過する空気がイオン化してマイナスイオンを発生させることができる。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
マイナスイオンの発生量を増やすには電極と板状電極の間にかける直流の電圧を高くする必要があるが、マイナスイオンの増加と共に高圧回路に流れる電流が多くなって電極の劣化が早くなって耐久性がなくなる問題点があり、また、このように両電極間にかける電圧が高くなるとコロナ放電が起きやすく、人体に悪影響を及ぼす可能性が高いオゾンの発生量が多くなるという問題点がある。
【０００６】
更に、両電極とその周囲の部材はプラスまたはマイナスに帯電して、空気流路を通過する空気流に含まれる細かい塵や埃が付着するから、空気中の湿度などによって両電極間の絶縁状態が劣化すると、最悪、両電極間が導通に近い状態になり、マイナスイオン発生装置としての機能に大きな支障がでるという問題点が発生し、マイナスイオン量が激減または出なくなってしまうものであった。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この発明は、枠体１に設けた空気吸込口３と空気吹出口４とを連絡する枠体１内の空気流路２と、その空気流路２内に配置した空気流を作り出す空気吹出ファン５と、前記空気吹出口４付近の空気流路２の中に突出して配置した電極７と、その空気流路２の空気流が触れない枠体１内に配置した導電性部材８と、前記枠体１内に配置した昇圧コイルで構成する高圧トランス６と、その高圧トランス６の昇圧コイルの昇圧側の両端に接続された整流回路６ａと、その整流回路６ａの出力を取り出して前記電極７に接続するマイナス高電圧端子６ｂと、その整流回路６ａの出力を取り出して前記導電性部材８に接続するプラス高電圧端子６ｃと、を備えると共に、
前記電極７付近の空気流路２の壁は静電気の帯電を許す素材で形成し、前記枠体１にはその空気流路２壁の素材と同電位に帯電する部材を配置し、前記導電性部材８は、前記枠体１内の空気流路２壁の素材と同電位に帯電する部材に接触して配置し、
該導電性部材８は接触する前記部材との間で絶縁状態をなし、前記電極７付近の空気流路２壁を構成する静電気の帯電を許す素材とは非通電状態を形成しており、前記電極７付近の空気流路２壁を構成する静電気に帯電を許す素材が、前記導電性部材８と同電位に帯電して、前記マイナス高電圧端子６ｂに接続した電極７と対峙する前記プラス高電圧端子６ｃの正電極の働きをさせることによってマイナスイオンの発生量を増加させたものである。
【０００８】
また、空気流を空気流路２内に作り出す空気吹出ファン５を駆動する電動機５ａの外郭を、導電性素材で形成し、前記枠体１内の空気流路２壁の素材と同電位に帯電する部材に前記電動機５ａの外郭を絶縁状態に配置し、前記電動機５ａの外郭を導電性部材８とみなしてプラス高電圧端子６ｃを電動機５ａの外郭に接続したことによって、空気吹出ファン５の電動機５ａが絶縁状態に配置してあっても、空気吹出ファン５の電動機５ａと電極７との間に微弱な電流が流れ、電極７付近で大量のマイナスイオンが発生するものである。
【０００９】
また、前記高圧トランス６の制御装置９の電源回路を構成する電源トランス１０の外郭は、導電性素材で形成し、前記枠体１内の空気流路２壁の素材と同電位に帯電する部材に電源トランス１０の外郭を絶縁状態に配置し、前記電源トランス１０の外郭を導電性部材８とみなしてプラス高電圧端子６ｃを電源トランス１０の外郭に接続したことによって、電源トランス１０が絶縁状態に配置してあっても、電源トランス１０と電極７との間に微弱な電流が流れ、電極７付近で大量のマイナスイオンが発生するものである。
【００１０】
更に、前記電源トランスに供給する交流電源１１には接地端子１１ａを設けると共に、前記電源トランス１０の外郭をアース線１２によって接地端子１１ａと接続したことによって、両高電圧端子６ｂ・６ｃ間に電流が流れ易くなり、電極７付近で大量のマイナスイオンが発生するものである。
【００１１】
【作用】
空気吹出ファン５による空気流のある空気吹出口４付近の空気流路２内に電極７を設け、また、接触する部材と絶縁状態にある導電性部材８を枠体１内に設け、空気流路中の電極７と枠体１内の導電性部材８との間にマイナス高電圧端子６ｂが電極７側にかかるように直流の高電圧をかけたもので、電極７と対峙する板状電極が全く無い状態であるから、オゾンが発生するようなコロナ放電や、電極７から空気中を直接板状電極に向かう放電現象は起こり得ない。
【００１２】
このような状態で、電極７と接触する絶縁体で遮断された導電性部材８との間で直流の高電圧をかけると、絶縁体自身がプラスに帯電しながら電極７と対峙しており、電極７から飛び出した電子は枠体１に向かい、その途中で中性の空気の分子をマイナスイオン化するものである。この為、直接放電の形で電流が流れないから効率よく空気のマイナスイオン化ができ、大量のマイナスイオンが発生するものである。
【００１３】
また、導電性部材８の容積は大きな方がマイナスイオンの発生量が多くなる関係にあり、絶縁体で遮断される容積の大きな空気吹出ファン５の電動機５ａや電源トランス１０の外郭にプラス高電圧端子６ｃを接続すれば、マイナスイオンの発生量を多くすることができる。
【００１４】
更に、プラス高電圧端子６ｃが接続される導電性部材８を交流電源１１の接地端子１１ａに接続すれば、プラスの電荷が接地端子１１ａに流れるので、両高電圧端子６ｂ・６ｃに流れる微弱な電流が幾分増えて、更にマイナスイオンの発生量が増加するものである。
【００１５】
【実施例】
図に示す実施例によってこの発明を説明すると、１は空気清浄機で構成する空気調和機の枠体、２は枠体１内に形成した空気流路、１３は枠体１内の空気流路２を前部室Ａと後部室Ｂとに分割する仕切板、１３ａは仕切板１３を挾んだ前部室Ａと後部室Ｂとを連通する開口、３は枠体１の正面の空気流路２の前部室Ａの端に設けた空気吸込口、４は空気流路２の後部室Ｂの端で枠体１の後部の上面に設けた空気吹出口である。
【００１６】
１４は枠体１の正面の空気吹出口２に設けた前面グリル、１５は枠体１の空気吸込口２の内側の前部室Ａに設けたフィルター機構、１５ａはフィルター機構１５を構成して内部に瀘過体を収納したフィルタ枠体、１６は前部室Ａに設けたフィルタ枠体１５ａを保持するガイドであり、フィルタ機構１５のフィルタ枠体１５ａはガイド１６に沿って着脱可能に収納している。
【００１７】
５は枠体１の後部室Ｂに設けた空気吹出ファン、５ａは空気吹出ファン５を駆動する電動機、１７は実質的に後部室Ｂを構成する空気吹出ファン５のファンガイドであり、ファンガイド１７の出口は前記枠体１の空気吹出口４に連なっている。
【００１８】
前記仕切板１３の開口１３ａの中央には電動機５ａを収納するように仕切板１３と一体に構成した電動機カバーを形成して、この中に電動機５ａが取付けられている。従って、枠体１の前部室Ａでフィルタ機構１５によって清浄にされた空気は、仕切板１３の電動機カバーの周囲の開口１３ａから後部室Ｂに吸込まれ、空気吹出ファン５によって枠体１の空気吹出口４から上方に吹出している。
【００１９】
１８は空気調和機の運転スイッチ、１９は空気調和機の各種スイッチ群を装置した操作パネル、２０は空気調和機を制御するマイコン基板、２１は高電圧発生回路を通電制御するリレー装置、９は前記マイコン基板２０を内装して空気吹出ファン５の電動機５ａや高圧電圧発生回路のリレー装置２１を制御する制御回路であり、取扱者が操作パネル１９によって各運転モードを指示すると、指定した運転が実行できるようになっている。
【００２０】
６は空気流路２から離れた枠体１内の適所に配置した昇圧コイルで構成する高圧トランス、６ａは高圧トランス６の出力側の端子に接続した整流回路、６ｂは整流回路６ａのマイナス高電圧端子、６ｃは整流回路６ａのプラス高電圧端子であり、両高電圧端子６ｂ・６ｃ間には約６ＫＶの高電圧が出力されるようになっている。
【００２１】
７は空気吹出口４付近の空気流路２の壁面から空気流路２内に突出させた針状の電極であり、該電極７とマイナス高電圧端子６ｂとが接続されている。また、従来のマイナスイオン発生装置では電極７と約１０ｍｍの間隔をおいて板状電極が空気流路２内に取付られており、この板状電極とプラス高電圧端子６ｃとが接続されている。
【００２２】
操作パネル１９によってマイナスイオン発生モードを選択すると、空気流路２内の電極７と板状電極の間に直流の高電圧がかかるから、電極７から飛び出した電子がその途中で中性の空気の分子に当たると、この空気の分子をマイナスにイオン化するものであり、一般的には吹出し空気量を多くして時間あたりに両電極間を通過する空気量が多くなれば、マイナスイオンの発生量が増加するものである。また、両電極間にかける電圧を高くすれば電極７から飛び出す電子が増えてマイナスイオンが増加するが、このように電圧を高くした時にはコロナ放電が発生し易く、マイナスイオンも増えるが人体に悪影響のあるオゾンを発生させるから、結局、運転音の静かな状態でマイナスイオンだけ多量に発生させることはかなり難しいことであった。
【００２３】
この発明は極端に両電極間の電圧を高めないでも多量のマイナスイオンの発生を可能にしたもので、８は枠体１内の適当な位置に配置した導電性部材であり、該導電性部材８と接触する部材は合成樹脂などの絶縁物質で構成し、導電性部材８は電気的に独立して一定の容積や面積を持つ金属によって構成している。そして、この導電性部材８は独立して空気中に位置されるものではなく、絶縁状態にある物質と接触し、この絶縁状態にある物資が導電性部材８と一緒に枠体１に収納されることによって枠体１と接触する関係にあるということである。
【００２４】
前記高電圧トランス６の出力であるプラス高電圧端子６ｃは導電性部材８に接続されており、空気流路２の電極７と枠体１内の導電性部材８との間に直流の高電圧がかけられている。この時、電極７は直接導電性部材８と対峙していないから放電現象は起こり得ないものであり、導電性部材８とは絶縁されてプラスに帯電した空気流路２壁が電極７と対峙する関係となり、電極７から飛び出した電子が枠体１に向かい、その途中で中性の空気の分子に当たってマイナスイオンを発生させている。これによって微弱な電流が両高圧電極６ｂ・６ｃ間に流れるが、この電流は放電によるものではないと思われ、すべてがマイナスイオンの発生に使われるものと考えられる。
【００２５】
従って、このような構造において両高圧電極６ｂ・６ｃ間に流れる電流を増加させればマイナスイオンの発生量が増加することがわかったもので、例えばプラス高電圧端子６ｃの先端に取付た板状の配線取付板を導電性部材８と見なして合成樹脂の枠体１にねじ止めするだけでも、マイナスイオンの発生量が空気流路２内の板状電極にプラス高電圧端子６ｃを接続する時よりも多くなることがわかった。
【００２６】
また、その後の確認試験によるとこの枠体１内の導電性部材８の長さや厚さや面積などが大きい程、マイナスイオンの発生量が多くなることが確認され、枠体１内で絶縁体に固定されている金属片であれば各種の部品が導電性部材８と見なすことができる。そして、この部品にプラス高電圧端子６ｃを接続すれば従来品の構造よりも確実にマイナスイオンの発生量が増加することが確認できた。
【００２７】
例えば、空気吹出ファン５の電動機５ａが枠体１の仕切板１３に配置されて空気流路２内に位置していても、取付には合成樹脂の絶縁体を介在させてあり、金属部分の露出が少ない時にはこの発明の導電性部材８と見なすことができ、電動機５ａの外郭にプラス高電圧端子６ｃを接続すれば多量のマイナスイオンの発生が確認できた。
【００２８】
１０は制御装置９の電源回路を構成する電源トランスであり、この電源トランス１０は空気流路２から完全に隔離された枠体１内に装置されて絶縁状態にあるから導電性部材８となり得るものであり、該電源トランス１０の外郭に高圧トランス６のプラス高電圧端子６ｃを接続すれば、マイナスイオン発生量が増加することも確認できた。
【００２９】
また、１１は空気清浄機を運転するための交流電源、１１ａは交流電源１１に付属させた接地端子であり、部屋のコンセントなどに交流１００Ｖ電源と直接地面にアースされている接地端子を設けたものが最近増えている。このような電源がある時にはこの接地端子１１ａを利用すると更にマイナスイオンの発生量が増加する。
【００３０】
１２は前記導電性部材８と接地端子１１ａとを接続するアース線であり、プラス高電圧端子６ｃが接続される導電性部材８をアース線１２で接地端子１１ａに接続すると、プラスの電荷は接地端子１１ａから地面に流れるので両高電圧端子６ｂ・６ｃ間に流れる微弱な電流が幾分増えることがわかった。このように両高電圧端子６ｂ・６ｃ間に流れる電流は電極７から飛び出す電荷の増加となるから、マイナスイオンの発生量の増加になるものである。
【００３１】
このマイナスイオンの増加は実験によっても確かめられており、空気１ｃｃ当たりのイオン数を測定すると、イオン発生装置不作動状態でマイナスイオン３０個、プラスイオン６０個、室温２４度、湿度２５％の環境において、発生するマイナスイオンは従来構造で３０００個、本発明の高圧配線の端子を枠体取付で４３０００個、電動機取付で３８０００個、接地した電源トランス取付で１１００００個と確認できた。
【００３２】
また環境を換えた実験では、イオン発生装置不作動状態でマイナスイオン８０個、プラスイオン７０個、室温２３度、湿度３５％の環境において、発生するマイナスイオンは従来構造で１２００個、本発明の高圧配線の端子を枠体取付で１８０００個、電動機取付で２３０００個、接地した電源トランス取付で５２０００個と確認できた。
【００３３】
また、実験から明らかになったことはマイナスイオンの発生量は室内湿度の影響が大きいことであり、湿度が７０％位の環境になると従来構造はもとより本発明の構造でも、マイナスイオン発生装置としてほとんど機能していないこともわかった。
【００３４】
直流の高電圧電源を使ってマイナスイオンを発生させる為には常識的には、マイナスとプラスの両電極を空気流路２に設けて対峙させることが当然と信じられてきたが、本件発明ではプラス側の電極を空気流路２から隠して枠体１内に配置するという構造が、マイナスイオンを多量に発生させる構造として不可欠であることを突き止めたものであり、空気流路２内に設ける板状電極に代わって枠体１内の金属性部材が電極を構成する導電性部材８として利用できるから、逆にコストダウンも実現できた。
【００３５】
尚、この発明ではマイナスイオン発生装置を空気清浄機に取付けているが、空気清浄機の場合、フィルター機構１５によって空気中に含まれたゴミや埃が瀘過されてきれいになってから空気吹出口４に向かうから、直流の高電圧をかけた時にも埃が帯電して電極７や空気流路２の壁に付着する恐れはなくなり、常にきれいな状態を維持できるから埃による漏電は起こらなくなり、マイナスイオンの発生量の減少を抑えることができ、空気清浄機とマイナスイオン発生装置との組合わせは好ましい実施例といえる。
【００３６】
【発明の効果】
人がいる室内のマイナスイオンが多い時には、このマイナスイオンが体内の活性酸素を中和する働きがあるといわれており、この作用によって人は健康な状態を維持して気分を爽快にするという働きが生まれるといわれている。この為、空気調和された室内のマイナスイオンを増加する機能を、この空気調和機に組込んだ製品が販売されており、この構造は空気吹出口付近の空気流路に二つの電極を設けて、この電極間に直流高電圧をかけるものであった。
【００３７】
この発明は高圧トランス６のプラス高電圧端子６ｃが接続される電極をなくし、枠体１内に配置する導電性部材８にプラス高電圧端子６ｃを接続しており、この導電性部材８は接触する部材とは絶縁状態にあり、枠体１の空気流路２内のマイナス高電圧端子６ｂが接続される電極７から隔離されている。この為、両高電圧端子６ｂ・６ｃ間には放電現象は発生せず、流れる微弱電流は放電によるロスがなくマイナスイオンの発生に使われるから、多量のマイナスイオンが発生するようになった。
【００３８】
また、この構造で電極７と導電性部材８の間に高電圧をかけてもコロナ放電は発生せず、電極６付近で発生する人体に有害なオゾンは皆無であり、また、放電現象がないから電極６の劣化もほとんど発生しないものである。
【００３９】
更に、空気中に含まれる埃がプラスやマイナスに帯電すると、電極７や空気流路２の壁面に付着することがあり、この埃を介して漏電が発生するが、一方の導電性部材８とは隔離されているので、マイナス高電圧とアースが導通状態になることはなく、マイナスイオンの発生量が少し減少することはあっても、激減したり無くなるようなことはない。
【００４０】
具体的な実施例として、枠体１内に配置する導電性部材８として空気流路２に空気の流れを作る空気吹出ファン５の電動機５ａの外郭を利用しても良く、この時には特別に導電性部材８を用意する必要はなくなり、従来品と比べて空気流路２内の板状電極が不用になり、マイナスイオンの増加とコストダウンが両立できたものである。
【００４１】
また、同様に制御装置９の電源を供給するための電源トランス１０の外郭を導電性部材８として利用することができ、この時も特別に導電性部材８を用意する必要はなくなり、従来品と比べて空気流路２内の板状電極が不用になり、マイナスイオンの増加とコストダウンが両立できたものである。
【００４２】
また、放電現象が発生しない状態の基で、マイナス高電圧端子６ｂとプラス高電圧端子６ｃ間に流れる電流量を増加できれば、この電気エネルギーはマイナスイオンの発生に使われ、マイナスイオンを増加することができる。この発明では交流電源１１の端子に接地端子１１ａが取付けられてこれを利用できる時には、アース線１３によって導電性部材８と接地端子１１ａを接続するとアースに流れる電流分が増加するので、マイナスイオンの発生量は更に増加することができたものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の実施例を示す空気清浄機の縦断面で表わした正面図である。
【図２】この発明の実施例を示す空気清浄機の縦断面で表わした側面図である。
【図３】この発明の実施例を示す空気清浄機の制御装置の要部の電気回路図である。
【符号の説明】
１枠体
２空気流路
３空気吸込口
４空気吹出口
５空気供給ファン
５ａ電動機
６高圧トランス
６ａ整流回路
６ｂマイナス高電圧端子
６ｃプラス高電圧端子
７電極
８導電性部材
９制御装置
１０電源トランス
１１交流電源
１１ａ接地端子
１２アース線[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a negative ion generator that is incorporated in an air cleaner or the like and generates a large amount of negative ions.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Attention has been paid to the negative ions present in the air that maintain the health of human beings and make them feel refreshed. Recently, negative ions are generated along with the wind blown from air conditioners and the like. A device in which a negative ion generator is incorporated in the frame of an air conditioner so that it can be released indoors is preferred.
[0003]
That is, an air flow path is arranged in a frame body through which air-conditioned air flows, an air blowing fan that creates an air flow in the air flow path, and an air blowout port provided at the end of the air flow path are formed. A structure is provided in which a needle-like electrode is attached in the air flow path near the air outlet, and a plate-like electrode having a certain length is attached in the air flow path about 10 mm away from the electrode. . A rectifier circuit is provided at both ends of the step-up coil of the high-voltage transformer to obtain a DC high voltage, the negative high-voltage terminal of the high-voltage transformer is connected to the needle-like electrode, and the positive high-voltage terminal is used as the plate electrode. Connected.
[0004]
As described above, the electrode and the plate electrode mounted in the air flow path face each other in a state where a high DC voltage is applied, so that the air passing through the air flow path may be ionized to generate negative ions. it can.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In order to increase the amount of negative ions generated, it is necessary to increase the DC voltage applied between the electrode and the plate electrode, but as the negative ions increase, the current flowing in the high-voltage circuit increases and the deterioration of the electrode is accelerated. There is a problem that durability is lost, and if the voltage applied between both electrodes is increased in this way, corona discharge is likely to occur, and there is a problem that the amount of ozone generated is likely to adversely affect the human body. .
[0006]
In addition, both electrodes and surrounding members are charged positively or negatively, and fine dust and dirt contained in the airflow passing through the air flow path are attached. Therefore, the insulation between the two electrodes is caused by humidity in the air. When the battery deteriorates, the worst case is that both electrodes are close to conduction, causing a problem that the function as a negative ion generator is greatly hindered, and the amount of negative ions is drastically reduced or stopped. .
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention, air discharge fan to create an air flow path 2 in the frame 1 for communicating the air inlet 3 is provided on the frame 1 and the air outlet 4, the air flow is disposed in the air flow path 2 5, and the air outlet 4 near the electrodes 7 arranged to project into the air flow path 2, the conductive member 8 the air flow of the air flow path 2 is disposed in the frame 1 not to touch the A high-voltage transformer 6 composed of a booster coil arranged in the frame 1, a rectifier circuit 6 a connected to both ends of the booster side of the booster coil of the high-voltage transformer 6, and the output of the rectifier circuit 6 a are taken out and the electrode 7 A negative high voltage terminal 6b connected to the positive voltage terminal 6c connected to the conductive member 8 by taking out the output of the rectifier circuit 6a , and
The wall of the air flow path 2 in the vicinity of the electrode 7 is formed of a material that allows electrostatic charging, and the frame 1 is provided with a member that is charged to the same potential as the material of the wall of the air flow path 2 so that the conductive The member 8 is disposed in contact with a member charged to the same potential as the material of the wall of the air flow path 2 in the frame 1,
The conductive member 8 is insulative with the member in contact therewith, and forms a non-energized state with a material that allows electrostatic charging constituting the wall of the air flow path 2 in the vicinity of the electrode 7. The material that allows the static electricity constituting the wall of the air flow path 2 near the electrode 7 is charged to the same potential as the conductive member 8 and faces the electrode 7 connected to the minus high voltage terminal 6b. it is obtained by increasing the amount of generated negative ions by causing the action of the positive electrode of the voltage terminal 6c.
[0008]
Further, the outer shell of the motor 5a that drives the air blowing fan 5 that creates an air flow in the air flow path 2 is formed of a conductive material, and is charged to the same potential as the material of the wall of the air flow path 2 in the frame body 1 . an outer shell of the member to the motor 5a are arranged in an insulated state, by connecting the plus high voltage terminal 6c to the outline of the motor 5a is regarded as the conductive member 8 an outer shell of the electric motor 5a, the air blowing fan 5 Even if the electric motor 5a is arranged in an insulated state, a weak current flows between the electric motor 5a of the air blowing fan 5 and the electrode 7, and a large amount of negative ions is generated in the vicinity of the electrode 7.
[0009]
Further, the outer portion of the power transformer 10 constituting the power circuit of the control device 9 of the high-voltage transformer 6 is formed of a conductive material, and is charged with the same potential as the material of the wall of the air flow path 2 in the frame 1 . by the outer shell of the power transformer 10 arranged in an insulated state and connected the plus high voltage terminal 6c in the outer power transformer 10 is regarded as the conductive member 8 an outer shell of the power transformer 10, a power transformer 10 Even if it is arranged in an insulated state, a weak current flows between the power transformer 10 and the electrode 7, and a large amount of negative ions is generated in the vicinity of the electrode 7.
[0010]
Further, it provided with a ground terminal 11a to the AC power source 11 supplied to the power transformer, by connecting the ground terminal 11a by ground wire 12 an outer shell of the power transformer 10, between both the high-voltage terminal 6b · 6c A current easily flows, and a large amount of negative ions is generated in the vicinity of the electrode 7.
[0011]
[Action]
An electrode 7 is provided in the air flow path 2 in the vicinity of the air outlet 4 where the air flow is generated by the air blowing fan 5, and a conductive member 8 that is insulated from the contacting member is provided in the frame 1. A plate-like electrode facing the electrode 7 in which a high DC voltage is applied between the electrode 7 in the road and the conductive member 8 in the frame 1 so that the minus high voltage terminal 6b is applied to the electrode 7 side. Therefore, no corona discharge that generates ozone or a discharge phenomenon that directly flows from the electrode 7 to the plate electrode in the air cannot occur.
[0012]
In this state, when a high DC voltage is applied between the conductive member 8 that is blocked by the insulator that is in contact with the electrode 7, the insulator itself is positively charged and faces the electrode 7. The electrons that have jumped out of the electrode 7 are directed to the frame 1 and neutralize the neutral air molecules in the middle. For this reason, since current does not flow in the form of direct discharge, negative ionization of air can be efficiently performed, and a large amount of negative ions is generated.
[0013]
In addition, the larger the volume of the conductive member 8 is, the larger the amount of negative ions generated, the larger the volume of the air blower fan 5 that is blocked by the insulator, and the outside of the power transformer 10 plus a high voltage. If the terminal 6c is connected, the amount of negative ions generated can be increased.
[0014]
Further, if the conductive member 8 to which the plus high voltage terminal 6c is connected is connected to the ground terminal 11a of the AC power source 11, positive charge flows to the ground terminal 11a, so that the weak current flowing to both the high voltage terminals 6b and 6c is weak. The current increases somewhat, and the amount of negative ions generated further increases.
[0015]
【Example】
The present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. Reference numeral 1 denotes a frame of an air conditioner constituted by an air purifier, 2 an air flow path formed in the frame 1, and 13 an air flow path in the frame 1. 2 is a partition plate that divides 2 into a front chamber A and a rear chamber B, 13a is an opening that communicates the front chamber A and the rear chamber B with the partition plate 13 therebetween, and 3 is an air flow path 2 in front of the frame 1 An air suction port 4 provided at the end of the front chamber A is an air outlet provided on the upper surface of the rear portion of the frame 1 at the end of the rear chamber B of the air flow path 2.
[0016]
14 is a front grill provided at the air outlet 2 on the front of the frame 1, 15 is a filter mechanism provided in the front chamber A inside the air suction port 2 of the frame 1, and 15 a The filter frame body 16 accommodates the filter body, 16 is a guide for holding the filter frame body 15a provided in the front chamber A, and the filter frame body 15a of the filter mechanism 15 is detachably accommodated along the guide 16. Yes.
[0017]
5 is an air blowing fan provided in the rear chamber B of the frame 1, 5a is an electric motor that drives the air blowing fan 5, and 17 is a fan guide for the air blowing fan 5 that substantially constitutes the rear chamber B. The outlet 17 is connected to the air outlet 4 of the frame 1.
[0018]
In the center of the opening 13a of the partition plate 13, an electric motor cover integrally formed with the partition plate 13 is formed so as to accommodate the electric motor 5a, and the electric motor 5a is mounted therein. Therefore, the air cleaned by the filter mechanism 15 in the front chamber A of the frame body 1 is sucked into the rear chamber B from the opening 13a around the motor cover of the partition plate 13, and the air in the frame body 1 is blown by the air blowing fan 5. It blows upward from the blower outlet 4.
[0019]
18 is an operation switch of the air conditioner, 19 is an operation panel having various switch groups of the air conditioner, 20 is a microcomputer board for controlling the air conditioner, 21 is a relay device for controlling energization of the high voltage generation circuit, and 9 is It is a control circuit for controlling the electric motor 5a of the air blowing fan 5 and the relay device 21 of the high voltage generator circuit by incorporating the microcomputer board 20, and when the operator instructs each operation mode by the operation panel 19, the designated operation is performed. It can be executed.
[0020]
Reference numeral 6 denotes a high-voltage transformer composed of a booster coil arranged at a proper position in the frame 1 away from the air flow path 2; 6a, a rectifier circuit connected to a terminal on the output side of the high-voltage transformer 6; 6b, a minus height of the rectifier circuit 6a; The voltage terminal 6c is a plus high voltage terminal of the rectifier circuit 6a, and a high voltage of about 6 KV is output between the high voltage terminals 6b and 6c.
[0021]
Reference numeral 7 denotes a needle-like electrode protruding into the air flow path 2 from the wall surface of the air flow path 2 near the air outlet 4, and the electrode 7 and the negative high voltage terminal 6b are connected. Further, in the conventional negative ion generator, a plate-like electrode is attached in the air flow path 2 with an interval of about 10 mm from the electrode 7, and the plate-like electrode and the plus high voltage terminal 6c are connected. .
[0022]
When the negative ion generation mode is selected by the operation panel 19, a high DC voltage is applied between the electrode 7 and the plate electrode in the air flow path 2, so that electrons ejected from the electrode 7 When it hits a molecule, this air molecule is negatively ionized.In general, if the amount of air blown is increased and the amount of air passing between both electrodes per unit time increases, the amount of negative ions generated will increase. It will increase. Further, if the voltage applied between both electrodes is increased, the number of electrons jumping out from the electrode 7 increases and negative ions increase. However, when the voltage is increased in this way, corona discharge is likely to occur, and negative ions increase but negatively affect the human body. In the end, it was quite difficult to generate a large amount of negative ions with quiet operation noise.
[0023]
The present invention makes it possible to generate a large amount of negative ions without extremely increasing the voltage between both electrodes. Reference numeral 8 denotes a conductive member disposed at an appropriate position in the frame 1, and the conductive member. The member in contact with 8 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and the conductive member 8 is made of a metal having a certain volume and area that is electrically independent. The conductive member 8 is not independently positioned in the air, but comes into contact with an insulated substance, and the insulated material is stored in the frame 1 together with the conductive member 8. This means that the frame body 1 is in contact with the frame body 1.
[0024]
A positive high voltage terminal 6 c that is an output of the high voltage transformer 6 is connected to a conductive member 8, and a high DC voltage is applied between the electrode 7 of the air flow path 2 and the conductive member 8 in the frame 1. Has been applied. At this time, since the electrode 7 is not directly opposed to the conductive member 8, a discharge phenomenon cannot occur. The wall of the air flow path 2 which is insulated from the conductive member 8 and is positively charged is opposed to the electrode 7. Thus, the electrons that have jumped out of the electrode 7 are directed to the frame 1 and hit neutral air molecules in the middle of the frame 1 to generate negative ions. As a result, a weak current flows between the high-voltage electrodes 6b and 6c, but it is considered that this current is not due to discharge, and all are considered to be used for generation of negative ions.
[0025]
Accordingly, it has been found that if the current flowing between the high-voltage electrodes 6b and 6c is increased in such a structure, the amount of negative ions generated increases. For example, a plate-like shape attached to the tip of the positive high-voltage terminal 6c. Even when the wiring mounting plate is regarded as the conductive member 8 and is simply screwed to the synthetic resin frame 1, the amount of negative ions generated is connected to the plate-like electrode in the air flow path 2 when the positive high voltage terminal 6 c is connected. It turned out to be more.
[0026]
Further, according to the subsequent confirmation test, it was confirmed that the larger the length, thickness, area, etc. of the conductive member 8 in the frame 1, the more negative ions were generated. If the metal piece is fixed, various parts can be regarded as the conductive member 8. Then, it was confirmed that if the positive high voltage terminal 6c is connected to this part, the amount of negative ions generated is surely increased as compared with the structure of the conventional product.
[0027]
For example, even if the electric motor 5a of the air blowing fan 5 is disposed on the partition plate 13 of the frame body 1 and is located in the air flow path 2, a synthetic resin insulator is interposed in the mounting, and the metal portion When the exposure is small, it can be regarded as the conductive member 8 of the present invention, and if a positive high voltage terminal 6c is connected to the outer shell of the electric motor 5a, a large amount of negative ions can be confirmed.
[0028]
Reference numeral 10 denotes a power transformer that constitutes a power circuit of the control device 9. The power transformer 10 is installed in the frame 1 that is completely isolated from the air flow path 2 and is in an insulated state, so that it can be a conductive member 8. It was also confirmed that if the plus high voltage terminal 6c of the high voltage transformer 6 is connected to the outer periphery of the power transformer 10, the amount of negative ions generated increases.
[0029]
Further, 11 is an AC power source for operating the air purifier, 11a is a ground terminal attached to the AC power source 11, and an AC 100V power source and a ground terminal that is directly grounded to the ground are provided in a room outlet or the like. Things have increased recently. When such a power supply is present, the use of the ground terminal 11a further increases the amount of negative ions generated.
[0030]
12 is an earth wire for connecting the conductive member 8 and the ground terminal 11a. When the conductive member 8 to which the plus high voltage terminal 6c is connected is connected to the ground terminal 11a by the earth wire 12, the positive charge is grounded. It turned out that the weak electric current which flows between both high voltage terminals 6b and 6c increases somewhat because it flows from the terminal 11a to the ground. As described above, the current flowing between the high voltage terminals 6b and 6c increases the amount of electric charge jumping out of the electrode 7, which increases the amount of negative ions generated.
[0031]
This increase in negative ions has been confirmed by experiments. When the number of ions per 1 cc of air is measured, the environment is 30 negative ions, 60 positive ions, 24 ° C at room temperature, and 25% humidity when the ion generator is inactive. The number of generated negative ions was 3000 in the conventional structure, the terminal of the high voltage wiring of the present invention was 43000, 38000 in the motor, and 110000 in the grounded power transformer.
[0032]
Further, in an experiment in which the environment was changed, in the environment where the ion generator was inoperative and the negative ions were 80, the positive ions were 70, the room temperature was 23 degrees, and the humidity was 35%, the generated negative ions were 1200 in the conventional structure. It was confirmed that the number of terminals of the high voltage wiring was 18000 when the frame was mounted, 23000 when the motor was mounted, and 52,000 when the grounded power transformer was mounted.
[0033]
In addition, it has become clear from experiments that the amount of negative ions generated is greatly affected by room humidity. When the humidity reaches an environment of about 70%, the structure of the present invention as well as the conventional structure can be used as a negative ion generator. I also found that it was hardly working.
[0034]
In order to generate negative ions using a DC high-voltage power supply, it has been believed that it is natural to provide both negative and positive electrodes in the air flow path 2 so as to face each other. The structure in which the plus side electrode is hidden from the air flow path 2 and arranged in the frame 1 is found to be indispensable as a structure for generating a large amount of negative ions, and is provided in the air flow path 2. Since the metallic member in the frame 1 can be used as the conductive member 8 constituting the electrode instead of the plate-like electrode, the cost can be reduced.
[0035]
In the present invention, the negative ion generator is attached to the air purifier. However, in the case of the air purifier, after the dust and dust contained in the air are filtered by the filter mechanism 15 and cleaned, the air outlet Therefore, there is no risk of dust being charged and adhering to the electrode 7 or the wall of the air flow path 2 even when a high DC voltage is applied. A reduction in the amount of ions generated can be suppressed, and the combination of an air cleaner and a negative ion generator is a preferred embodiment.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
It is said that when there are many negative ions in a room where people are present, these negative ions neutralize active oxygen in the body, and this action helps people maintain a healthy state and refresh their mood. Is said to be born. For this reason, a product that sells a function that increases negative ions in an air-conditioned room is incorporated in this air conditioner, and this structure has two electrodes in the air flow path near the air outlet. A high DC voltage was applied between the electrodes.
[0037]
In the present invention, the electrode to which the plus high voltage terminal 6c of the high voltage transformer 6 is connected is eliminated, and the plus high voltage terminal 6c is connected to the conductive member 8 disposed in the frame 1, and this conductive member 8 is in contact with the conductive member 8. The member to be insulated is in an insulated state and is isolated from the electrode 7 to which the minus high voltage terminal 6b in the air flow path 2 of the frame 1 is connected. For this reason, a discharge phenomenon does not occur between the high voltage terminals 6b and 6c, and the weak current that flows is used for generating negative ions without loss due to discharge, so that a large amount of negative ions are generated.
[0038]
Further, with this structure, corona discharge does not occur even when a high voltage is applied between the electrode 7 and the conductive member 8, there is no ozone harmful to the human body generated near the electrode 6, and there is no discharge phenomenon. Therefore, the electrode 6 hardly deteriorates.
[0039]
Furthermore, if dust contained in the air is positively or negatively charged, it may adhere to the electrode 7 or the wall surface of the air flow path 2, and electric leakage occurs through this dust. Since they are isolated, the negative high voltage and the ground will not be in a conductive state, and even if the amount of negative ions generated is slightly reduced, it will not be drastically reduced or lost.
[0040]
As a specific example, the outer shell of the motor 5a of the air blowing fan 5 that creates an air flow in the air flow path 2 may be used as the conductive member 8 disposed in the frame 1, and in this case, the conductive member is specially conductive. It is no longer necessary to prepare the conductive member 8, and the plate-like electrode in the air flow path 2 becomes unnecessary as compared with the conventional product, and both an increase in negative ions and a reduction in cost can be achieved.
[0041]
Similarly, the outline of the power transformer 10 for supplying power to the control device 9 can be used as the conductive member 8, and at this time, it is not necessary to prepare the conductive member 8 specially. In comparison, the plate-like electrode in the air flow path 2 becomes unnecessary, and both an increase in negative ions and a reduction in cost can be achieved.
[0042]
Further, if the amount of current flowing between the minus high voltage terminal 6b and the plus high voltage terminal 6c can be increased under the condition that no discharge phenomenon occurs, this electric energy is used for the generation of minus ions, and the minus ions are increased. Can do. In the present invention, when the grounding terminal 11a is attached to the terminal of the AC power supply 11 and can be used, if the conductive member 8 and the grounding terminal 11a are connected by the ground wire 13, the amount of current flowing to the ground increases. The amount generated can be further increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a longitudinal section of an air cleaner showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the air cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention represented by a longitudinal section.
FIG. 3 is an electric circuit diagram of a main part of a control device for an air purifier showing an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Frame 2 Air flow path 3 Air suction inlet 4 Air blower outlet 5 Air supply fan 5a Electric motor 6 High voltage transformer 6a Rectification circuit 6b Negative high voltage terminal 6c Positive high voltage terminal 7 Electrode 8 Conductive member 9 Control device 10 Power supply transformer 11 AC power supply 11a Ground terminal 12 Ground wire

Claims

枠体１に設けた空気吸込口３と空気吹出口４とを連絡する枠体１内の空気流路２と、その空気流路２内に配置した空気流を作り出す空気吹出ファン５と、前記空気吹出口４付近の空気流路２の中に突出して配置した電極７と、その空気流路２の空気流が触れない枠体１内に配置した導電性部材８と、前記枠体１内に配置した昇圧コイルで構成する高圧トランス６と、その高圧トランス６の昇圧コイルの昇圧側の両端に接続された整流回路６ａと、その整流回路６ａの出力を取り出して前記電極７に接続するマイナス高電圧端子６ｂと、その整流回路６ａの出力を取り出して前記導電性部材８に接続するプラス高電圧端子６ｃと、を備えると共に、
前記電極７付近の空気流路２の壁は静電気の帯電を許す素材で形成し、前記枠体１にはその空気流路２壁の素材と同電位に帯電する部材を配置し、前記導電性部材８は前記枠体１内の空気流路２壁の素材と同電位に帯電する部材に接触して配置し、
該導電性部材８は接触する前記部材との間で絶縁状態をなし、前記電極７付近の空気流路２壁を構成する静電気の帯電を許す素材とは非通電状態を形成しており、
前記電極７付近の空気流路２壁を構成する静電気に帯電を許す素材が、前記導電性部材８と同電位に帯電して、前記マイナス高電圧端子６ｂに接続した電極７と対峙する前記プラス高電圧端子６ｃのプラス極の働きをしていることを特徴とするマイナスイオン発生装置の電極構造。 An air flow path 2 in the frame 1 for communicating the air inlet 3 is provided on the frame 1 and the air outlet 4, an air blowing fan 5 to create an air flow which is disposed in the air flow path 2, the an electrode 7 disposed to project into the air flow path 2 in the vicinity of the air outlet 4, the conductive member 8 the air flow of the air flow path 2 is disposed in the frame 1 not to touch, in the frame 1 comprise a booster coil disposed in the high voltage transformer 6, the negative connecting a rectifier circuit 6a which is connected to both ends of the boost side of the step-up coil of the high voltage transformer 6, the electrode 7 is taken out the output of the rectifier circuit 6a A high voltage terminal 6b, and a plus high voltage terminal 6c that takes out the output of the rectifier circuit 6a and connects it to the conductive member 8, and
The wall of the air flow path 2 in the vicinity of the electrode 7 is formed of a material that allows electrostatic charging, and the frame 1 is provided with a member that is charged to the same potential as the material of the wall of the air flow path 2 so that the conductive The member 8 is disposed in contact with a member that is charged to the same potential as the material of the wall of the air flow path 2 in the frame 1,
The conductive member 8 is insulative with the member in contact with it, and forms a non-energized state with a material that allows electrostatic charging that constitutes the wall of the air flow path 2 near the electrode 7.
The positive material constituting the wall of the air flow path 2 in the vicinity of the electrode 7 is charged with the same potential as the conductive member 8 and faces the electrode 7 connected to the negative high voltage terminal 6b. An electrode structure of a negative ion generator , which functions as a positive electrode of the high voltage terminal 6c .

空気流を空気流路２内に作り出す空気吹出ファン５を駆動する電動機５ａの外郭を、導電性素材で形成し、前記枠体１内の空気流路２壁の素材と同電位に帯電する部材に前記電動機５ａの外郭を絶縁状態に配置し、
前記電動機５ａの外郭を導電性部材８とみなしてプラス高電圧端子６ｃを電動機５ａの外郭に接続したことを特徴とする請求項１記載のマイナスイオン発生装置の電極構造。A member that is formed of a conductive material and is charged to the same potential as the material of the wall of the air flow path 2 in the frame 1 , by forming an outer shell of an electric motor 5 a that drives an air blowing fan 5 that creates an air flow in the air flow path 2. The outer shell of the electric motor 5a is placed in an insulated state,
Electrode structure of the negative ion generator of claim 1, wherein the connecting the plus high voltage terminal 6c to the outline of the motor 5a to the outer regarded as conductive member 8 of the motor 5a.

前記高圧トランス６の制御装置９の電源回路を構成する電源トランス１０の外郭は、導電性素材で形成し、前記枠体１内の空気流路２壁の素材と同電位に帯電する部材に電源トランス１０の外郭を絶縁状態に配置し、
前記電源トランス１０の外郭を導電性部材８とみなしてプラス高電圧端子６ｃを電源トランス１０の外郭に接続したことを特徴とする請求項１記載のマイナスイオン発生装置の電極構造。 The outline of the power transformer 10 constituting the power circuit of the control device 9 of the high-voltage transformer 6 is formed of a conductive material, and a member charged with the same potential as the material of the wall of the air flow path 2 in the frame 1 is supplied with power. an outer shell of the transformer 10 is disposed in an insulated state,
Electrode structure of the negative ion generator of claim 1, wherein the connecting the plus high voltage terminal 6c in the outer power transformer 10 is regarded outer conductive member 8 of the power transformer 10.

前記電源トランスに供給する交流電源１１には接地端子１１ａを設けると共に、前記電源トランス１０の外郭をアース線１２によって接地端子１１ａと接続したことを特徴とする請求項３記載のマイナスイオン発生装置の電極構造。Provided with a ground terminal 11a to the AC power source 11 supplied to the power transformer, the negative ion generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that connected to the ground terminal 11a of the outer shell of the power transformer 10 by the grounding wire 12 Electrode structure .