JP6052680B2 - Active ingredient generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating an active ingredient having effects such as deodorization and sterilization.

  Patent document 1 discloses the electrostatic atomizer utilized as an active ingredient generator. The electrostatic atomizer includes a discharge electrode, an annular counter electrode, a voltage application unit, and a heat exchanger. The counter electrode faces the discharge electrode. The heat exchanger causes condensation on the discharge electrode. The voltage application unit generates a discharge between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. By the discharge generated between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, water-containing fine particles (charged fine particle water) containing radicals are generated.

  The discharge electrode is a substantially cylindrical body extending along an axis passing through the center of the counter electrode. Therefore, the distance between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode is substantially constant in position.

JP 2006-68711 A

  A cylindrical discharge electrode requires cutting or rolling. These manufacturing techniques are not suitable for mass production of discharge electrodes.

  An object of this invention is to provide the active ingredient generator which can be manufactured under the simplified manufacturing technique.

  The active ingredient generator which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention is equipped with an electrode rod and the discharge production | generation part which causes the discharge from the said electrode rod. The electrode rod has a plate shape.

  According to the above configuration, since the electrode rod has a plate shape, the electrode rod is easily created. Therefore, the production of the active ingredient generator is also simplified.

  In the above configuration, the electrode rod includes a flat first surface, a flat second surface opposite to the first surface, and a tip surface formed between the first surface and the second surface. And may be included. The discharge generation unit may generate the discharge from the tip surface.

  According to the above configuration, since the thickness of the tip surface is determined by the distance between the first surface and the second surface, the characteristics of the discharge from the tip surface are appropriately determined by the design of the thickness of the tip surface. Adjusted.

  In the above configuration, the active ingredient generator may further include a cooling unit that cools the electrode rod and causes condensation on the electrode rod. The cooling unit may include a cooling surface in surface contact with at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

  According to the above configuration, since the first surface and the second surface are flat, the cooling surface can easily come into surface contact with at least one of the first surface and the second surface. As a result of the surface contact of the cooling surface, the cooling unit can efficiently generate condensation on the electrode rod. Therefore, the active ingredient generator can efficiently generate charged fine particle water.

  In the above configuration, the electrode rod may include a first part covered with a plating film and a second part exposed from the plating film. The first portion may contact the cooling surface. The second portion may include the tip surface.

  According to the above configuration, since the electrode rod has a plate shape, the first portion and the second surface are easily formed. Since the first part is covered with the plating film, the electrode rod is easily fixed to the cooling part. Since the second portion is exposed from the plating film, the discharge from the tip surface does not damage the plating film. Therefore, the charged fine particle water hardly contains the component of the plating film.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said front end surface may hold | maintain the dew condensation water produced resulting from the said dew condensation.

  According to the said structure, since a front end surface hold | maintains dew condensation water, an active ingredient generator can generate | occur | produce charged fine particle water efficiently.

  In the above configuration, the active ingredient generator may further include a counter electrode spaced apart from the electrode rod by a predetermined distance. The front end surface may include a first region covered with the condensed water and a second region exposed from the condensed water. The predetermined distance may be set such that the discharge energy released from the first region is larger than the discharge energy released from the second region.

  According to the above configuration, since the distance between the electrode rod and the counter electrode is set so that the discharge energy released from the first region is larger than the discharge energy released from the second region, the active component The generator can generate charged fine particle water efficiently.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said predetermined distance may be set to the value of 0.5 mm or more and 100 mm or less. The discharge generation unit may apply a voltage of 1 kV to 10 kV between the electrode rod and the counter electrode.

  According to the above configuration, the distance between the electrode rod and the counter electrode is set to a value of 0.5 mm or more and 100 mm or less, and the discharge generator applies a voltage of 1 kV or more and 10 kV or less. The generator can generate charged fine particle water efficiently.

  In the above configuration, the second surface may be separated from the first surface by not less than 0.3 mm and not more than 10 mm.

  According to the said structure, since a 2nd surface is spaced apart 0.3 mm or more from a 1st surface, the front end surface can hold | maintain condensed water appropriately. Since the second surface is separated from the first surface by 10 mm or less, the edge portion of the tip surface is not excessively close to the counter electrode. Therefore, the discharge from the second region is less likely to occur.

  The active ingredient generator according to the present invention is manufactured under a simplified manufacturing technique.

It is a schematic block diagram of the active ingredient generator of a 1st embodiment. It is a schematic front view of the discharge electrode illustrated as an electrode rod of the active ingredient generator shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the discharge electrode shown in FIG. 2. It is a schematic flowchart showing the manufacturing process of a discharge electrode (2nd Embodiment). It is the schematic of the manufacturing process of the discharge electrode shown by FIG. It is the schematic of the manufacturing process of the discharge electrode shown by FIG. It is the schematic of the manufacturing process of the discharge electrode shown by FIG. It is the schematic of the manufacturing process of the discharge electrode shown by FIG. It is a schematic front view of the discharge electrode obtained by the manufacturing process shown by FIG. FIG. 6B is a schematic side view of the discharge electrode shown in FIG. 6A. It is the schematic of the electrostatic atomizer of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view of the discharge electrode connected to the Peltier element module of the electrostatic atomizer shown in FIG. It is a schematic side view of the discharge electrode produced from the metal flat plate of thickness (T1) less than 0.3 mm. It is a schematic side view of the discharge electrode produced from the metal flat plate of thickness (T2) exceeding 10 mm.

  Various embodiments relating to an active ingredient generator will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The active ingredient generator can be clearly understood by the following description. The terms representing directions such as “up”, “down”, “left” and “right” are merely for the purpose of clarifying the explanation. Accordingly, these terms should not be construed as limiting.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an active ingredient generator 100 according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, an active ingredient generator 100 is described.

  The active ingredient generator 100 includes an electrode rod 110 and a discharge generator 120. The discharge generator 120 supplies electric energy to the electrode rod 110. As a result, discharge is generated from the electrode rod 110.

  The electrode rod 110 has a plate shape. Therefore, the electrode rod 110 is easily and massively produced by punching a flat plate. In addition, the production technique of the electrode rod 110 does not limit the principle of this embodiment at all.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the discharge electrode 200 exemplified as the electrode rod 110. With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the discharge electrode 200 is demonstrated.

  The discharge electrode 200 includes a base portion 210, an elongated rod portion 220 extending upward from the base portion 210, and a head portion 230 opposite to the base portion 210. The base 210 is widest for stable fixation. The head 230 is connected to the upper end of the rod part 220. The lower part of the head 230 is wider than the rod part 220. The head 230 has a curved front shape that narrows upward. In addition, the front shape of the discharge electrode 200 does not limit the principle of this embodiment at all. The front shape of the electrode rod 110 is appropriately determined so that discharge can be obtained. As described above, since the electrode rod 110 is simply formed by punching a flat plate, the electrode rod 110 may have a complicated front shape.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the discharge electrode 200. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the discharge electrode 200 will be further described.

  The discharge electrode 200 includes a flat first surface 241 and a flat second surface 242 opposite to the first surface 241. The flatness of the first surface 241 and the second surface 242 may be the same level as the flatness of a general metal flat plate.

  The head 230 includes a curved surface 231 between the first surface 241 and the second surface 242. When the electric discharge generator 120 supplies electric energy, electric discharge is generated from the curved surface 231. In the present embodiment, the curved surface 231 is exemplified as the tip surface.

Second Embodiment
The electrode rod may be soldered for electrical and / or mechanical connection. Therefore, the surface of the electrode rod is preferably covered with a plating film. However, if the surface of the electrode rod is entirely covered with the plating film, the discharge from the electrode rod may cause the components of the plating film to scatter into the air. The shape of the electrode rod described in connection with the first embodiment facilitates partial plating. In the second embodiment, a technique for producing an electrode rod including a plated portion will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing a manufacturing process of a discharge electrode that can be used as the electrode rod of the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 4, the manufacturing process of a discharge electrode is demonstrated.

(Step S110)
In step S110, a metal flat plate is prepared.

(Step S120)
In step S120, the plating process is partially applied to the metal flat plate.

(Step S130)
In step S130, punching is applied to the metal flat plate. As a result, a large number of discharge electrodes are created simultaneously.

  Conventional manufacturing techniques for discharge electrodes are cutting and rolling. These conventional manufacturing techniques are not suitable for producing a large number of discharge electrodes simultaneously. On the other hand, since the manufacturing principle of the present embodiment allows a large number of discharge electrodes to be formed simultaneously, the discharge electrodes are formed in a short time and at a low cost as compared with the prior art.

  According to the prior art, the plating treatment for the discharge electrode is performed after cutting or rolling. Therefore, according to the prior art, the plating process is performed for each discharge electrode. On the other hand, the manufacturing principle of the present embodiment enables simultaneous plating treatment for a large number of discharge electrodes. Therefore, according to the manufacturing principle of the present embodiment, the discharge electrode is produced in a short time and at a low cost as compared with the prior art.

  5A to 5D are schematic views of the manufacturing process of the discharge electrode. With reference to FIG. 4 thru | or FIG. 5D, the manufacturing process of a discharge electrode is further demonstrated.

  FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of the metal flat plate MP prepared in step S110. The metal flat plate MP includes an upper surface US, a lower surface LS opposite to the upper surface US, and an edge surface PS that defines the contours of the upper surface US and the lower surface LS.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, in step S120, the upper surface US and the lower surface LS are partially covered with the masking material MK. Thereafter, a plating process is applied to the metal flat plate MP. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5C, the area exposed from the masking material MK is covered with the plating film (plating area). On the other hand, the region covered with the masking material MK is exposed from the plating film (non-plating region).

  As shown in FIG. 5D, in step S130, a number of discharge electrodes are punched from the metal flat plate MP so as to straddle the boundary between the plated region and the non-plated region.

  In the present embodiment, the plating process is applied to the upper surface US and the lower surface LS. Alternatively, the plating process may be applied to one of the upper surface US and the lower surface LS.

  FIG. 6A is a schematic front view of a discharge electrode 200A obtained by the manufacturing technique described above. 6B is a side view of the discharge electrode 200A shown in FIG. 6A. The discharge electrode 200A is described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. A symbol used in common between the first embodiment and the second embodiment means that an element to which the common symbol is attached has the same function as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, description of 1st Embodiment is used for these elements.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the discharge electrode 200 </ b> A includes a head 230. Discharge electrode 200A further includes a base portion 210A and a rod portion 220A. The discharge electrode 200A may be identical in shape to the first embodiment.

  The discharge electrode 200A includes a flat first surface 241A and a flat second surface 242A opposite to the first surface 241A. The first surface 241A includes a first plating surface 251 covered with a plating film and a first exposed surface 261 exposed from the plating film. The second surface 242A includes a second plating surface 252 covered with the plating film and a second exposed surface 262 exposed from the plating film. In the present embodiment, the first plating surface 251 and the second plating surface 252 are exemplified as the first portion. The first exposed surface 261 and the second exposed surface 262 are exemplified as the second portion.

  The base portion 210 </ b> A includes a part of the first plating surface 251 and a part of the second plating surface 252. The rod portion 220 </ b> A includes a part of the first plating surface 251, a part of the second plating surface 252, a part of the first exposed surface 261, and a part of the second exposed surface 262. The head 230 includes a part of the first exposed surface 261 and a part of the second exposed surface 262. Since the head 230 including the curved surface 231 where the discharge occurs is formed in the non-plating region, the component of the plating film hardly scatters in the air even under the discharge.

<Third Embodiment>
Based on the design principle of the active ingredient generator described in relation to the first embodiment, an electrostatic atomizer capable of generating charged fine particle water as an active ingredient is constructed. In the third embodiment, an electrostatic atomizer is described.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an electrostatic atomizer 300 exemplified as an active ingredient generator. With reference to FIG. 6A thru | or FIG. 7, the electrostatic atomizer 300 is demonstrated. The reference numerals used in common between the first to third embodiments indicate that the elements with the common reference numerals have the same functions as those of the first embodiment and / or the second embodiment. means. Therefore, description of 1st Embodiment and / or 2nd Embodiment is used for these elements.

  The electrostatic atomizer 300 includes the discharge electrode 200A described in the context of the second embodiment. The electrostatic atomizer 300 further includes a discharge generation unit 120A, a counter electrode 400, and a Peltier element module 500. The Peltier element module 500 cools the discharge electrode 200A. As a result, condensation occurs on the discharge electrode 200A. In the present embodiment, the Peltier element module 500 is exemplified as a cooling unit. If condensation occurs on the discharge electrode 200A, another cooling device may be used as the cooling unit.

  In the present embodiment, the discharge electrode 200A is grounded. The counter electrode 400 is separated from the discharge electrode 200A by a predetermined distance. The discharge generator 120A applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 200A and the counter electrode 400 facing the discharge electrode 200A. In the present embodiment, the voltage is set in the range of 1 kV to 10 kV.

  6A to 7 show the center axis CL of the discharge electrode 200A and the intersection point IP between the curved surface 231 and the center axis CL. When the discharge generation unit 120A applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 200A and the counter electrode 400, the dew condensation water moves toward the intersection point IP by electrostatic force to form a Taylor cone.

  Since the head 230 narrows toward a plane that bisects the first surface 241A and the second surface 242A, the electric field concentrates around the Taylor cone formed around the intersection point IP. As a result of the concentration of the electric field, a discharge through the Taylor cone occurs. Therefore, the electrostatic atomizer 300 can generate charged fine particle water.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the discharge electrode 200 </ b> A connected to the Peltier element module 500. The connection structure between the discharge electrode 200A and the Peltier element module 500 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The Peltier element module 500 includes a first cooling surface 510 and a second cooling surface 520. The first cooling surface 510 is in surface contact with the first plating surface 251. The second cooling surface 520 is in surface contact with the second plating surface 252. The discharge electrode 200 </ b> A is efficiently cooled by the first cooling surface 510 and the second cooling surface 520. In the present embodiment, the first cooling surface 510 and the second cooling surface 520 are exemplified as cooling surfaces.

  In the present embodiment, the first plating surface 251 and the second plating surface 252 are in contact with the Peltier element module 500. Alternatively, one of the first plating surface 251 and the second plating surface 252 may contact the cooling unit.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the discharge electrode 201 made from a metal flat plate having a thickness (T1) of less than 0.3 mm. The setting of the thickness (T) of the discharge electrode 200A will be described with reference to FIGS. The discharge electrode 201 is the same as the discharge electrode 200A described with reference to FIG. 7 except for the thickness dimension. The code used in common between the discharge electrode 201 and the discharge electrode 200A means that the element to which the common code is attached is the same as the discharge electrode 200A. Therefore, the description regarding the discharge electrode 200A is incorporated in these elements.

  The Peltier element module 500 adheres condensed water to the curved surface 231. However, if the distance between the first surface 241A and the second surface 242A (that is, the thickness of the discharge electrodes 200A and 201) is too short, the curved surface 231 may hold a sufficient amount of condensed water. Can not. Since the electrostatic force generated by the discharge from the curved surface 231 that holds an insufficient amount of condensed water exceeds the surface tension of the condensed water, all the condensed water may be scattered from the discharge electrodes 200A and 201. According to the present inventors, if the discharge electrode 200 </ b> A is made of a metal flat plate having a thickness (T) of 0.3 mm or more, a sufficient amount of condensed water is held by the curved surface 231. Since the discharge electrode 201 has a thickness (T1) of less than 0.3 mm, the curved surface 231 cannot hold a sufficient amount of condensed water. Therefore, a sufficient amount of charged fine particle water is not generated under the use of the discharge electrode 201.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the discharge electrode 202 made of a flat metal plate having a thickness (T2) exceeding 10 mm. The setting of the thickness (T) of the discharge electrode 200A will be described with reference to FIGS. The discharge electrode 202 is the same as the discharge electrode 200A described with reference to FIG. 7 except for the thickness dimension. The code used in common between the discharge electrode 202 and the discharge electrode 200A means that the element to which the common code is attached is the same as the discharge electrode 200A. Therefore, the description regarding the discharge electrode 200A is incorporated in these elements.

  The Peltier element module 500 attaches the dew condensation water CW to the curved surface 231. As a result, the curved surface 231 includes a first region 271 covered with the condensed water CW and a second region 272 exposed from the condensed water CW. The discharge from the second region 272 hardly contributes to the generation of charged fine particle water, but generates a lot of ozone. If arc discharge occurs from the second region 272, the discharge electrodes 200A and 202 may be worn. In the present embodiment, the distance between the first surface 241A and the second surface 242A (that is, the thickness (T) of the discharge electrode 200A) is such that the ratio of the first region 271 to the area of the curved surface 231 increases. Set to The thickness (T) of the discharge electrode 200A may be determined according to factors such as the cooling capacity of the Peltier element module 500 and the humidity of the use environment of the electrostatic atomizer 300. According to the present inventors, if the discharge electrode 200A is made of a metal flat plate having a thickness of 10 mm or less, the ratio of the first region 271 to the area of the curved surface 231 increases, and the charged fine particle water is efficient. Is generated.

  In the present embodiment, the counter electrode 400 includes an annular lower surface 410. The lower surface 410 includes an inner edge 411 that defines a circular opening 401 centered on the central axis CL.

  The shortest distance between the boundary line between the first surface 241A and the curved surface 231 and the inner edge 411 and / or the shortest distance between the boundary line between the second surface 242A and the curved surface 231 and the inner edge 411 is In the following description, this is referred to as “interelectrode distance D”.

  When the discharge generator 120A applies a voltage between the counter electrode 400 and the discharge electrode 200A, the dew condensation water CW forms a Taylor cone around the intersection point IP as described above, so the first surface 241A and the curved surface The boundary between the second surface 231 and / or the boundary between the second surface 242A and the curved surface 231 tends to be the second region 272.

  If the inter-electrode distance D is excessively short, the electric field concentration at the boundary between the first surface 241A and the curved surface 231 and / or the boundary between the second surface 242A and the curved surface 231 is Taylor cone. Therefore, discharge from these boundaries is likely to occur. That is, discharge from the second region 272 is likely to occur. In the present embodiment, the interelectrode distance D is set such that the discharge energy released from the first region 271 is larger than the discharge energy released from the second region 272. According to the present inventors, if the inter-electrode distance D is 0.5 mm or more, the boundary between the first surface 241A and the curved surface 231 and / or the second surface 242A and the curved surface 231 are present. Discharge from the boundary is less likely to occur.

  If the inter-electrode distance D is excessively long, discharge between the counter electrode 400 and the discharge electrode 200A is difficult to occur. According to the present inventors, if the inter-electrode distance D is 100 mm or less, appropriate discharge is likely to occur between the counter electrode 400 and the discharge electrode 200A. In the present embodiment, the interelectrode distance D is exemplified as the predetermined distance.

  From the above-described various findings, the design values shown in the following table may be used for designing the electrostatic atomizer 300.

  The principle of the present embodiment is suitably used for an apparatus that produces a beneficial effect such as deodorization or sterilization using discharge.

100 ... Active ingredient generator 110 ... Electrode rod 120, 120A ... .... Discharge generators 200, 200A ... Discharge electrodes 231, ... Curved surfaces 241, 241A ... ······ First surface 242, 242A ·································································· ······················································ the first exposed surface 262 2nd exposed surface 271 ... 1st area 272 ... 2nd area 300 ... electrostatic atomizer 400・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Counter electrode 500 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Peltier element module 510 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・... 1st cooling surface 520 ... 2nd cooling surface CW ... ... dew condensation water

Claims (5)

An electrode rod;
A discharge generator that causes discharge from the electrode rod;
A cooling section that cools the electrode rod and causes condensation on the electrode rod ,
Said electrode rod, Ri plate shape der, a flat first surface, and the first surface and the second flat surface opposite, which is formed between the first surface and the second surface A tip surface, and
The discharge generator causes the discharge to occur from the tip surface,
The cooling unit includes a cooling surface in surface contact with at least one of the first surface and the second surface,
The said front end surface has the curved curved surface narrowed toward the front end, and hold | maintains the dew condensation water produced due to the said dew condensation . The electrode rod includes a first part covered with a plating film, and a second part exposed from the plating film,
The first portion contacts the cooling surface;
The active ingredient generator according to claim 1 , wherein the second portion includes the tip surface. Further comprising a counter electrode spaced a predetermined distance from the electrode rod;
The tip surface includes a first region covered with the condensed water, and a second region exposed from the condensed water,
As the discharge energy emitted from said first region is greater than the discharge energy emitted from said second region, wherein the predetermined distance is effective component generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that set . The predetermined distance is set to a value between 0.5 mm and 100 mm,
The active discharge generator according to claim 3 , wherein the discharge generator applies a voltage of 1 kV to 10 kV between the electrode rod and the counter electrode. The active ingredient generator according to claim 4 , wherein the second surface is separated from the first surface by not less than 0.3 mm and not more than 10 mm.

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