JP6550167B2 - Ion generator and electric device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ion generator and an electric device, and more particularly to an ion generator including a discharge electrode and an electric device using the ion generator.

  BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an ion generator has been used to purify, sterilize or deodorize indoor air. Many ion generators generate positive ions and negative ions by corona discharge.

  JP-A-2012-134052 (Patent Document 1) discloses an example of an electrode substrate unit for a charging device or a charging device. A high voltage line connected to the high voltage generation circuit and a discharge electrode contact for connecting the base end side of the discharge electrode needle are formed on the substrate body, and a current is generated between the high voltage line and the discharge electrode contact The limiting resistance element is mounted. Moreover, it is described that the substrate case member holding the substrate is integrally formed with the substrate by injection molding in which the substrate is enclosed in the insulating resin material.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-174562 (Patent Document 2) describes a problem that discharge noise is generated in an ion generator. In JP 2008-23364 A (patent document 3), the frequency of sound at the time of discharge is increased to be higher than a region where human hearing acts sensitively, thereby reducing noise at the time of discharge Discharge device is disclosed.

JP 2012-134052 A JP, 2005-174562, A JP 2008-23364 A

  In the ion generator, corona discharge is generated between the tip of the discharge electrode to which a high voltage is applied and the induction electrode to generate ions. However, when the ion generator is used for a long time in a non-clean air or high humidity environment, the tip of the discharge electrode is contaminated by impurities such as dust in the air or moisture, and the substrate supporting the discharge electrode and the induction electrode is also contaminated. Do. Due to this contamination, there are discharge problems such as generation of unnecessary discharge on the creeping surface or generation of unnecessary corona discharge from a place other than the tip of the discharge electrode. When an unnecessary discharge occurs, the amount of generated ions may decrease, or the positive and negative ion balance may be broken.

  In an ion generator which generates ions by applying a high voltage to a current, when a high voltage is applied at a constant interval such as alternating current or pulse, discharge is also repeatedly turned on / off in the cycle. If the reciprocal of the discharge cycle, ie, the frequency is in the audible range, a discharge noise is heard. The frequency of discharge is determined by the oscillation frequency of the high voltage generation circuit, and is usually designed to be determined at a predetermined frequency for each ion generation apparatus. However, the actual condition is that the loudness and lowness of the sound, whether the sound is heard or not heard, is large depending on individuals, some people may feel the low sounds off while others may feel the high sounds off.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an ion generator capable of suppressing unnecessary creeping discharge. Another object of the present invention is to provide an ion generator capable of reducing the unpleasant feeling of discharge noise.

  An ion generator according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a substrate. The second electrode is disposed at a distance that can be isolated from the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are fixed to the substrate. A notch is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode in the shape of a part of the substrate.

  Preferably, the notches are alternately formed on one side and the other side of the plane including the extending direction of the first electrode and the second electrode.

  Preferably, a wall is further formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

  Preferably, the notch increases the creepage distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

  An ion generator according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a discharge electrode, a high voltage generation circuit, a case, and an adjustment unit. The discharge electrode generates ions by the discharge. The high voltage generation circuit generates a high voltage for application to the discharge electrode. The case contains a high voltage generating circuit. The adjustment unit makes it possible to adjust the frequency of the sound generated when the discharge electrode discharges.

Preferably, the adjustment unit changes the resistance value of the high voltage generation circuit.
An electric device according to the present invention includes the ion generator of the third aspect described above and a housing for housing the ion generator, and delivers the ions generated by the ion generator. The adjusting unit is exposed on the outer surface of the housing, and the user operating the electric device can operate the adjusting unit.

  According to the ion generator of the present invention, unnecessary creeping discharge can be suppressed, so that the ion generation efficiency can be improved. Moreover, according to the ion generator of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the unpleasant feeling of the discharge noise for the user who uses the ion generator.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an ion generator of Embodiment 1; It is sectional drawing of the ion generator which follows the II-II line shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator which follows the III-III line shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of the ion generation apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator taken along the line V-V shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a substrate included in the ion generator of Embodiment 2; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ion generating apparatus of Embodiment 3. It is sectional drawing of the ion generator which meets the VIII-VIII line shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ion generation apparatus of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of an ion generation apparatus in a fifth embodiment. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the frequency of discharge by an ion generator, and ion concentration. It is a perspective view of an electric equipment provided with the ion generator of Embodiment 5. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ion generator 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 1 along the line II-II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 1 along the line III-III shown in FIG. In addition, the cross section of the ion generator 1 in alignment with the II line shown in FIG.2, 3 is shown in figure by FIG. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, ion generator 1 is a device for generating ions by corona discharge, and mainly includes discharge electrode 10, induction electrode 20, substrate 30 and case 40.

  The discharge electrode 10 is formed in a needle-like shape, and has a sharp-shaped tip 11 and a base 12 on the end side opposite to the tip 11. The discharge electrode 10 is formed of a conductor material such as metal. When a high voltage is applied to the entire discharge electrode 10 and a potential difference is generated between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20, the tip portion 11 is discharged to generate ions. The shape of the discharge electrode 10 is not limited as long as it can be discharged at the tip portion 11. For example, the discharge electrode 10 may have a rod-like shape in which the tip end portion 11 is not sharp.

  The induction electrode 20 which makes the reference potential is integrally formed of a conductive material such as metal. The induction electrode 20 has a plate-like perforated sheet metal 23 disposed parallel to the substrate 30 and a pair of legs 24 supporting the perforated sheet metal 23. The legs 24 are bent substantially at right angles to the perforated metal plate 23. In the perforated metal plate 23 of the induction electrode 20, a through hole 26 penetrating in the thickness direction is formed. The through holes 26 are formed in a circular shape as shown in FIG.

  The discharge electrode 10 is provided to penetrate the central portion of the through hole 26. The edge of the through hole 26 constitutes the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20. The proximity portion 21 faces the discharge electrode 10. The proximity portion 21 constitutes a portion of the induction electrode 20 closest to the discharge electrode 10. The leg 24 of the induction electrode 20 has a base 22 at its lower part. The base portion 22 constitutes a portion of the induction electrode 20 which is most distant from the discharge electrode 10.

  The substrate 30 has a flat plate shape, and has a main surface 31 forming a surface on the discharge side, and a back surface 32 opposite to the main surface 31. The substrate 30 is formed with a through hole extending from the main surface 31 to the back surface 32 through the substrate 30 in the thickness direction. The through hole formed in the substrate 30 may be a through hole via in which a conductor is formed on the inner wall surface.

  The discharge electrode 10 is inserted into the through hole formed in the substrate 30. The discharge electrode 10 is supported by the substrate 30 by fixing the base 12 of the discharge electrode 10 to the substrate 30 by soldering, for example. The leg 24 of the induction electrode 20 is inserted into another through hole formed in the substrate 30. The base 22 of the induction electrode 20 is fixed to the substrate 30 by soldering, for example, so that the induction electrode 20 is supported by the substrate 30.

  The main surface 31 of the substrate 30 is covered with a mold material 51 which is a resin material. The back surface 32 of the substrate 30 is covered with a mold material 52 which is a resin material. Both sides of the substrate 30 are insulation molded. The upper portion of the discharge electrode 10 is disposed outside the mold material 51, and the discharge electrode 10 protrudes from the surface 51 s of the mold material 51. The upper portion of the leg portion 24 of the induction electrode 20 and the perforated sheet metal 23 are disposed outside the molding material 51, and the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 protrudes from the surface 51 s of the molding material 51.

  The lower part of the discharge electrode 10 is sealed by mold members 51 and 52. The discharge electrode 10 is supported by the substrate 30 in a state of penetrating the substrate 30. The other end of the discharge electrode 10 opposite to the tip 11 protrudes from the back surface 32 of the substrate 30. A wiring pattern is formed on the back surface 32 of the substrate 30. The other end of the discharge electrode 10 is electrically connected to a wiring pattern or lead formed on the back surface 32 of the substrate 30 by solder.

  The lower portion of the leg portion 24 of the induction electrode 20 is sealed by the mold members 51 and 52. The legs 24 of the induction electrode 20 are supported by the substrate 30 in a state of penetrating the substrate 30. The other end of the leg portion 24 of the induction electrode 20 opposite to the one end joined to the perforated sheet metal 23 protrudes from the back surface 32 of the substrate 30. The other end of the induction electrode 20 is electrically connected to a wiring pattern or lead formed on the back surface 32 of the substrate 30 by solder.

  The case 40 is provided as a casing that forms the appearance of the ion generator 1. The case 40 has a substantially rectangular box shape having a hollow space inside. The case 40 is integrally formed of a resin material, and includes a plate-like ceiling plate portion 41, plate-like square side walls 42, and a plate-like floor plate 43. The ceiling plate portion 41 and the floor plate portion 43 are arranged in parallel. The side wall portion 42 has a relatively long long side portion and a relatively short short side portion. In the ceiling plate portion 41, a through hole 46 which penetrates the ceiling plate portion 41 in the thickness direction is formed. The through holes 46 are formed in a circular shape as shown in FIG.

  The discharge electrode 10 is provided to penetrate the central portion of the through hole 46. As a result, the tip end portion 11 of the discharge electrode 10 protrudes to the outside of the case 40, and the ions generated at the tip end portion 11 can be quickly transported. The edge 47 of the through hole 46 faces the discharge electrode 10. The through hole 46 is opened at a position facing the discharge electrode 10. In addition, the front end portion 11 may be disposed in the inner space of the case 40 without penetrating the through hole 46, and in this case, the front end portion 11 can be protected by the case 40. Become.

  On the inner wall of the pair of short sides of the side wall 42, a long thin plate-like support 44 disposed along the direction in which the short sides extend is attached. The support portion 44 protrudes to the hollow internal space of the case 40 with respect to the side wall portion 42. The support portion 44 extends in parallel with the direction in which the ceiling plate portion 41 and the floor plate portion 43 extend. The substrate 30 is fixed to the support portion 44. The substrate 30 is supported by the support portion 44 and accommodated in the internal space of the case 40. A part of the discharge electrode 10 supported by the substrate 30 and the induction electrode 20 are accommodated in the internal space of the case 40.

  The dimension a shown in FIG. 1 indicates the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 and the edge 47 of the case 40. The dimension b indicates the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 and the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20. The dimension c indicates the distance between the perforated sheet metal 23 of the induction electrode 20 and the ceiling plate portion 41 of the case 40. The dimension d indicates the distance between the perforated sheet metal 23 of the induction electrode 20 and the surface 51s of the molding material 51. The dimension e indicates the thickness of the molding material 51. The dimension f indicates the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 and the base 22 of the induction electrode 20.

  The magnitude relationship between the dimensions a to f will be described. In the extending direction of the main surface 31 of the substrate 30, as shown in FIG. 1, the dimension f is larger than the dimension b. The dimension a is smaller than the dimension b. The case 40 is formed so that the dimension a is 3 mm or more. On the other hand, in the thickness direction of the substrate 30, the dimension e is smaller than the dimension d. The dimension c and the dimension d are substantially the same.

According to the ion generator 1 of the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 1, the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 are supported by the substrate 30. The main surface 31 on the side where the tip portion 11 of the discharge electrode 10 protrudes with respect to the substrate 30 is covered with a mold material 51. A through hole formed in the substrate 30 to support the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 is sealed by the molding material 51 from the main surface 31 side. By closing the gap between the substrate 30 and the discharge electrode 10, it is possible to prevent the entry of water into the gap, and therefore, the occurrence of abnormal discharge and leak can be suppressed even in a high humidity environment. Therefore, the ion generator 1 can suppress the output reduction under high humidity, and can supply high concentration ions.

  By resin-molding the entire internal space of the case 40 shown in FIG. 1, entry of impurities and water into the case 40 can be completely prevented. In that case, the edge 47 of the through hole 46 formed in the case 40 The dimension a indicating the distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 is the spatial distance between the case 40 and the discharge electrode 10 and the creepage distance. Here, the spatial distance indicates the minimum distance in the space of the two members. Also, the creepage distance indicates the minimum distance between two members along the surface of the insulator. That is, when the mold material is filled up to the position of the through hole 46 of the case 40 shown in FIG. 1, the dimension a indicates the distance between the case 40 and the discharge electrode 10 along the surface of the mold material. Become.

  However, in order to suppress creeping discharge between discharge electrode 10 and case 40, that is, discharge in which a discharge path is formed along the surface of the insulator, the creepage distance between discharge electrode 10 and case 40 Needs to be increased. Therefore, in the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the discharge electrode 10 protrudes from the surface 51 s of the molding material 51. The induction electrode 20 has a proximity portion 21 which protrudes from the surface 51 s of the molding material 51 and faces the discharge electrode 10. The induction electrode 20 is not entirely covered with the molding material 51, and has a configuration in which the perforated sheet metal 23 having the proximity portion 21 is not resin-sealed with the molding material 51. The molding material 51 has a thickness sufficient to seal only a part of the induction electrode 20.

  Thereby, the creeping distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40 is the distance along the surface of the case 40 from the edge 47 to the support portion 44 and of the molding material 51 from the position of the support portion 44 to the discharge electrode 10 It is the sum of the distance along the surface 51s. Since the creeping distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40 is larger than the spatial distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40, generation of unnecessary creeping discharge between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40 can be realized. It can be suppressed.

  Further, a dimension f indicating the distance between the base 22 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10 is larger than a dimension b indicating the distance between the proximity part 21 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10. The dimension b indicates the spatial distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20. The dimension f indicates the creepage distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20. That is, in the ion generator 1 of the first embodiment, the creepage distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 is larger than the spatial distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20.

  By reducing the space distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20, generation of corona discharge between the tip 11 of the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 is facilitated. Therefore, the voltage to be applied to the discharge electrode 10 can be lowered to generate a corona discharge. Since the corona discharge can be generated at a lower voltage to generate ions, the ion generation efficiency of the ion generator 1 can be improved.

  If the dimension b is too small, setting of the applied voltage becomes difficult, and it becomes difficult to release ions stably by corona discharge. Conversely, if the dimension b is too large, the distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 increases, so the voltage applied to the discharge electrode 10 needs to be increased, and the size of the high voltage generation circuit increases. In consideration of these, it is desirable to design the dimension b optimally so as to make the outer shape of the ion generator 1 compact and ensure the ion generation efficiency.

By increasing the creepage distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 and securing a creepage distance of a certain level or more between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20, the distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 is Generation of unnecessary creeping discharge along the surface 51s of the existing mold material 51 is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the resistance of the ion generator 1 to the contamination around the discharge electrode 10 due to impurities such as dust contained in the unclean air or to a water stain due to condensation in a high humidity environment. By being able to reduce the occurrence of microcurrent leak due to impurities and moisture in the air, the ion generation efficiency of the ion generator 1 can be further improved.

  When the thickness of the molding material 51 for sealing the substrate 30 is increased, the outer shape of the ion generator 1 is increased. Therefore, it is desirable that the thickness of the molding material 51 be small. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, dimension e indicating the thickness of mold member 51 covering main surface 31 of substrate 30 is the distance between surface 51 s of mold member 51 and proximity portion 21 of induction electrode 20. It is smaller than the dimension d which shows a space | interval. By defining the maximum value of the thickness of the molding material 51, the outer shape of the ion generator 1 can be miniaturized.

  On the other hand, even if the distance between the surface 51s of the mold material 51 and the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 is too large, the outer shape of the ion generator 1 becomes large. Therefore, it is desirable to define the distance between the surface 51 s of the molding material 51 and the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 to be four times or less the thickness of the molding material 51.

  In order to suppress the occurrence of abnormal discharge between the induction electrode 20 and the ceiling plate portion 41 of the case 40, a dimension indicating the distance between the perforated sheet metal 23 of the induction electrode 20 and the ceiling plate portion 41 of the case 40 It is necessary to secure c more than a certain level. On the other hand, when the dimension c is too large, the outer shape of the ion generator 1 becomes large. Therefore, it is desirable that the distance between the perforated metal plate 23 of the induction electrode 20 and the ceiling plate portion 41 of the case 40 be approximately the same value as the distance between the surface 51s of the molding material 51 and the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 .

  Moreover, the dimension a which shows the shortest distance of the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the edge part 47 of case 40 is 3 mm or more. The dimension b indicating the shortest distance between the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10 is made larger than the dimension a indicating the shortest distance between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 and the edge 47 of the case 40 b is also specified at 3 mm or more. When the through hole 46 of the case 40 and the through hole 26 of the induction electrode 20 are both circular as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the radius of the circular is defined to be 3 mm or more.

  By defining in this manner, the distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40 and the distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 are secured at least 3 mm. Therefore, a cleaning member such as a brush or a cotton swab can be inserted into the gap between the discharge electrode 10 and the case 40 and the induction electrode 20 from the outside of the case 40. Thus, when dirt adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 or dust or water droplets accumulate on the surface 51s of the mold material 51, the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 or the surface 52s of the mold material 51 is used as a cleaning member. It can be used to clean the case 40 from the outside. Therefore, when the ion generator 1 is used in a harsh environment such as unclean air or high humidity, the ion generation efficiency can be easily recovered by cleaning even if the ion generation efficiency is reduced due to contamination. it can.

  By setting the dimension b indicating the distance between the proximity portion 21 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10 larger than the dimension a indicating the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge electrode 10 and the edge 47 of the case 40, the induction electrode 20 Can be seen directly from the outside of the case 40, and the exposure of the induction electrode 20 to the outside can be prevented.

  In the embodiment described above, the ion generating device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided symmetrically with respect to the discharge electrode 10, and the dimensions a to f are respectively constant, but in the case of being limited to this example Absent. In an actual product, the dimensions a to f are not necessarily constant because manufacturing tolerances are allowed. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to intentionally change the dimensions a to f, such as changing the shape of the induction electrode 20 or the case 40, for design reasons.

  In such a case, if the minimum value of the dimension f indicating the distance between the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10 is larger than the maximum value of the dimension b indicating the distance between the proximity part 21 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10 The creeping distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the induction electrode 20 can be reliably made larger than the spatial distance, and the above-described effect of suppressing the creeping discharge can be similarly obtained. Further, if the maximum value of the dimension e indicating the thickness of the molding material 51 is smaller than the minimum value of the dimension d indicating the distance between the surface 51 s of the molding material 51 and the induction electrode 20, the thickness of the molding material 51 increases. It is avoidable and the effect mentioned above which can miniaturize the ion generator 1 can be acquired similarly. Further, the minimum value of the dimension a indicating the distance between the discharge electrode 10 and the edge 47 of the through hole 46 of the case 40 and the minimum value of the dimension b indicating the distance between the proximity part 21 of the induction electrode 20 and the discharge electrode 10 If each has a length of 3 mm or more, the above-described effect that the ion generator 1 can be easily cleaned can be similarly obtained.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the ion generator 101 of the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 101 taken along the line V-V shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a substrate 130 included in the ion generator 101 of the second embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the ion generating device 101 is a device for generating ions by corona discharge, and mainly includes a first electrode 111, a second electrode 112, a substrate 130, and a case 140. There is.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are formed of a conductive material such as metal. Each of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is formed in a needle shape, extends linearly, and has a needle point whose tip is sharpened. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are disposed in the same plane so that the extending directions of the respective electrodes are parallel to each other. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged side by side at intervals in a direction perpendicular to their extending directions.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are discharge electrodes, each of which discharges from the needle tip to generate ions when a high voltage is applied to generate a potential difference between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 generate ions of different polarities. For example, the first electrode 111 generates positive ions, and the second electrode 112 generates negative ions. By arranging the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 which generate ions of different polarities apart, it is possible to neutralize the generated positive ions and negative ions, or collect ions to the opposite polarity electrode, etc. Since the decrease in concentration can be suppressed, higher concentration ions can be generated.

  The shapes of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are not limited as long as they can be discharged at the tip. For example, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 may have a rod-like shape whose tip is not sharpened. Further, the second electrode 112 is not limited to the discharge electrode having the opposite polarity to the first electrode 111, and may be an electrode functioning as an induction electrode having a reference potential.

  The substrate 130 has a flat plate shape, and has a main surface 134 serving as a surface on the discharge side and a back surface 135 opposite to the main surface 134. The substrate 130 is formed with a through hole extending from the main surface 134 to the back surface 135 through the substrate 130 in the thickness direction.

The first electrode 111 is inserted into the through hole formed in the substrate 130, whereby the first electrode 111 is supported by the substrate 130. The second electrode 112 is inserted into the other through hole formed in the substrate 130, whereby the second electrode 112 is supported by the substrate 130. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are attached to the substrate 130. The substrate 130 carries the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. First electrode 111
The second electrode 112 is fixed to the substrate 130 such that the tip of each projects from the main surface 134 of the substrate 130.

  The main surface 134 of the substrate 130 is covered with a mold material 151 which is a resin material. The back surface 135 of the substrate 130 is covered with a mold material 152 which is a resin material. Both sides of the substrate 130 are insulation molded. The tips of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 protrude from the surface 151 s of the molding material 151. Upper portions of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are disposed outside the molding material 151. Lower portions of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are sealed by molding materials 151 and 152.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are supported by the substrate 130 in a state of penetrating the substrate 130. The other ends of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 opposite to the tips protrude from the back surface 135 of the substrate 130. A wiring pattern is formed on the back surface 135 of the substrate 130. The other ends of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are electrically connected to a wiring pattern or lead formed on the back surface 135 of the substrate 130 by solder.

  The case 140 is provided as a casing that forms the appearance of the ion generator 101. The case 140 is integrally formed of a resin material. The case 140 has a substantially rectangular outer shape in a plan view shown in FIG.

  The case 140 is formed with notches 141, 142, 143 having a shape in which a part thereof is cut away from the side surface. The notches 141, 142, and 143 are formed by forming the case 140 into a shape that is recessed from the side surface thereof. A hollow space is formed inside the notches 141, 142, 143.

  Notches 141 and 143 are formed in the case 140 in the direction extending from the first side to the second side of the long sides of the rectangular shape in plan view. In the case 140, a notch 142 is formed in a direction extending from the second side to the first side of the long sides of the rectangular shape in plan view. The notches 141 to 143 extend in a direction orthogonal to the long side of the rectangular shape of the case 140 in plan view in plan view, that is, in the direction parallel to the short side of the rectangular.

  As shown in FIG. 6, notches 131, 132 and 133 corresponding to the notches 141, 142 and 143 of the case 140 are formed in the substrate 130. Thus, the substrate 130 can be accommodated inside the case 140. The substrate 130 is fixed to the inner space of the case 140.

  In a plan view shown in FIG. 4, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are disposed at the central portion in the short side direction of the case 140. The notches 141 to 143 are formed to be recessed from the side surface of the case 140 by a dimension larger than half the length of the short side of the case 140 and smaller than the length of the short side.

  When the case 140 is viewed in plan, the notches 141 to 143 are formed between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. When a straight line passing through the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 shown in FIG. 4 is virtually considered, the straight line extends across the notches 141, 142, and 143 in order. Therefore, in the cross section shown in FIG. 5, three hollow spaces respectively formed by the notches 141, 142 and 143 exist between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 extend in the direction perpendicular to the sheet of FIG. 4 and are arranged in parallel with each other. Considering a plane including the extending direction of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, the plane is a straight line extending in the left-right direction in the drawing through the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 in FIG. It is shown as. The cross section of the ion generator 1 along the said plane is a cross section shown in FIG.

  The notches 141, 142, 143 formed in the case 140 are alternately formed on one side and the other side with respect to a plane including the extending direction of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. When the upper side of the plane extending in the left-right direction in FIG. 4 is considered to be one side and the lower side is considered to be the other side, the notches 141 and 143 are formed such that the side face of the case 140 present on one side is recessed. The notches 141 and 143 are mainly formed on one side, and a part near the deepest part of the recess protrudes to the other side. The notch 142 is formed such that the side surface of the case 140 present on the other side is recessed. The notch 142 is mainly formed on the other side, and a part near the deepest portion of the recess protrudes on one side.

  The tips of the two electrodes, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, project from the surface 151s of the molding material 151 which is an insulator. The minimum distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 and along the surface 151 s of the molding material 151 is a creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Here, the creepage distance indicates the minimum distance between two members along the surface of the insulator. Also, the spatial distance indicates the minimum distance in the space of the two members. The length of the segment connecting the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 corresponds to the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. The second electrode 112 is disposed at a space distance that can be isolated from the first electrode 111.

  The notches 141, 142, and 143 are formed to intersect with a line segment corresponding to the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. A line segment forming a spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 extends across the notches 141, 142, 143 formed in the case 140. Since the inside of the notches 141, 142, 143 is a hollow space, three notches of air layers are formed between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 by the notches 141, 142, 143. .

  The creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 in the present embodiment is determined as a distance along the surface 51 s of the molding material 51 that bypasses the notches 141 to 143. The notches 141-143 increase the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Therefore, in the ion generator 101 of the second embodiment, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is greater than the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Well, it's getting bigger.

  According to the ion generator 101 of the second embodiment described above, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a part of the case 140 is cut out between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Notches 141, 142, 143 of the shape are formed. Thus, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 has a length that bypasses the notch 141, 142, 143 along the surface 151 s of the molding material 151. That is, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is increased by the notches 141, 142, and 143.

The creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is increased, and the creeping distance greater than or equal to a certain value is ensured between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, whereby the first The generation of unnecessary creeping discharge along the surface 151 s of the molding material 151 existing between the electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is suppressed. Therefore, the resistance of the ion generator 101 to the contamination around the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 due to impurities such as dust contained in the unclean air, or a water splash due to condensation in a high humidity environment, etc. is improved. be able to. By being able to reduce the occurrence of microcurrent leak due to impurities and moisture in the air, the ion generation efficiency of the ion generator 101 can be improved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of notches 141, 142, 143 formed in the case 140 have one side and the other side with respect to a plane including the extending direction of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Are alternately formed. Thus, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is a length that meanders along the surface 151 s of the molding material 151 to bypass the notches 141, 142, 143. Therefore, since the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 can be further increased, creeping discharge along the surface 151s of the molding material 151 can be suppressed more effectively.

Third Embodiment
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ion generator 101 of the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ion generator 101 taken along line VIII-VIII shown in FIG. 7 and 8, the ion generating device 101 is a device for generating ions by corona discharge, and includes a first electrode 111, a second electrode 112, an induction electrode 120, a substrate 130, and a case 140. I prepare for the main.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are formed of a conductive material such as metal. Each of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is formed in a needle shape, extends linearly, and has a needle point whose tip is sharpened. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are disposed to face each other at an interval in the extending direction. The tip of the first electrode 111 and the tip of the second electrode 112 face each other. The central axis of the first electrode 111 and the central axis of the second electrode 112 are located on the same straight line. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged in the same plane.

  The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are discharge electrodes, each of which discharges from the needle tip to generate ions when a high voltage is applied to generate a potential difference between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 generate ions of different polarities. For example, the first electrode 111 generates positive ions, and the second electrode 112 generates negative ions. By arranging the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 which generate ions of different polarities apart, it is possible to neutralize the generated positive ions and negative ions, or collect ions to the opposite polarity electrode, etc. Since the decrease in concentration can be suppressed, higher concentration ions can be generated.

  The shapes of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are not limited as long as they can be discharged at the tip. For example, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 may have a rod-like shape whose tip is not sharpened.

  The induction electrode 120 is spaced apart from both the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. The induction electrode 120 is provided at a position where the distance between the first electrode 111 and the induction electrode 120 and the distance between the second electrode 112 and the induction electrode 120 are equal to each other. By providing the induction electrode 120 at an intermediate position between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, the induction electrode 120 can be disposed at a position farthest from both the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Thus, of the ions generated by the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, the amount of ions recovered and annihilated by the induction electrode 120 can be reduced.

The substrate 130 includes a pair of substrates 131 and 132 as separate and different substrates. The substrate 131 and the substrate 132 have a flat shape and are arranged in parallel to each other. The first electrode 111 is mounted on the substrate 131. The second electrode 112 is mounted on the substrate 132. The substrates 131 and 132 have a main surface forming a surface on the discharge side and a back surface opposite to the main surface. The substrates 131 and 132 are disposed to face each other such that the respective main surfaces face each other.

  In the substrates 131 and 132, through holes penetrating the substrates 131 and 132 in the thickness direction and extending from the main surface to the back surface are formed. The first electrode 111 is inserted into the through hole formed in the substrate 131, whereby the first electrode 111 is supported by the substrate 131. The second electrode 112 is inserted into the through hole formed in the substrate 132, whereby the second electrode 112 is supported by the substrate 132. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are attached to the substrates 131 and 132. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are fixed to the substrates 131 and 132 such that their respective tips project from the main surfaces of the substrates 131 and 132.

  The substrate 130 also includes a substrate 133 on which the high voltage generation circuit 160 is mounted. The high voltage generation circuit 160 generates a high voltage to be applied to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. When a positive high voltage is applied to the first electrode 111 and a negative high voltage is applied to the second electrode 112, a corona discharge is generated between the electrodes and the induction electrode 120, and positive ions and negative ions are generated. Ions are generated.

  The substrate 133 is provided with a via electrode extending in the thickness direction of the substrate 133 and an electrode pattern extending in the surface direction orthogonal to the thickness direction. The via electrodes and the electrode patterns are included in a connecting member that electrically connects the high voltage generation circuit 160 to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. The electrode pattern includes solder pads 161 and 162. The wiring 163 is soldered and fixed to the solder pad 161. One end of the wiring 163 is electrically connected to the solder pad 161. The wiring 164 is soldered and fixed to the solder pad 162. One end of the wiring 164 is electrically connected to the solder pad 162. Wirings 163 and 164 are high voltage lines having insulation resistance corresponding to the high voltage generated in high voltage generation circuit 160.

  Wiring patterns are formed on the substrates 131 and 132. The other end of the wiring 163 is electrically connected to a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 131 by solder. The other end of the wiring 164 is electrically connected to a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 132. The other end of the first electrode 111 opposite to the tip end is electrically connected to a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 131 by solder. The other end of the second electrode 112 opposite to the tip end is electrically connected to a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 132 by solder. The wiring 163 is included in a connecting member that electrically connects the high voltage generation circuit 160 and the first electrode 111. The wiring 164 is included in a connection member electrically connecting the high voltage generation circuit 160 and the second electrode 112.

  The case 140 is provided as a casing that forms the appearance of the ion generator 101. The case 140 is integrally formed of a resin material. The substrates 131, 132, and 133 are fixed to the internal space of the case 140. The high voltage generation circuit 160 is mounted on the substrate 133 and housed in the internal space of the case 140. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 extend outside the case 140. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 7, a protective cover may be provided to prevent direct contact with the needle tips of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 in order to improve safety.

The inside of the case 140 is filled with a molding material which is a resin material. Substrate 131,
The main surface and the back surface of 132 are covered with a mold material. Both surfaces of the substrates 131 and 132 are insulation molded. The upper portions of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are disposed outside the molding material, and the tips of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 protrude from the molding material. Lower portions of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are sealed by a molding material.

  The substrate 133 has a front surface covered by the molding material 151 and a rear surface covered by the molding material 152. The substrate 133 has its both surfaces insulated and molded. The high voltage generation circuit 160 is mounted on the back surface of the substrate 133. The high voltage generation circuit 160 is sealed by a molding material 152. The solder pads 161 and 162 are formed on the surface of the substrate 133. The solder pads 161 and 162 and one ends of the wires 163 and 164 fixed to the solder pads 161 and 162 are sealed by a molding material 151. Electronic components, a transformer, and the like are attached to the substrate 133, and the electronic components and the transformer are also sealed by the molding materials 151 and 152.

  The ion generator 101 further includes a feed connector 170. Power supply connector 170 is provided in an area of internal space of case 140 for accommodating high voltage generation circuit 160. Power supply connector 170 is provided as a power supply unit for supplying power to high voltage generation circuit 160.

  The case 140 is formed with notches 141, 142, 143, and 144 each having a partially cut away shape. The notches 141 to 144 are formed by forming the case 140 into a shape that is recessed from a part of the surface thereof. A hollow space is formed inside the notches 141 to 144. In the substrate 133, notches corresponding to the notches 141 to 144 of the case 140 are formed. Thus, the substrate 133 can be accommodated inside the case 140.

  The minimum distance along the surface of the molding material 151 and the surface of the case 140 connecting the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. There is no. Here, the creepage distance indicates the minimum distance between two members along the surface of the insulator. Also, the spatial distance indicates the minimum distance in the space of the two members. The length of a line segment connecting the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112.

  Because the notches 141 to 144 are formed in the case 140, the dimension along the surface of the case 140 is increased. The creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 in the present embodiment is determined as a distance including the outer surface of the case 140 forming the notches 141 to 144. The notches 141-144 increase the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Therefore, in the ion generating device 101 of the third embodiment, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is greater than the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Well, it's getting bigger.

  According to the ion generator 101 of the third embodiment described above, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a part of the case 140 is cut out between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Notches 141-144 of the shape are formed. Thus, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 has a length that includes the outer surface of the case 140 forming the notches 141 to 144. That is, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is increased by the notches 141 to 144.

The creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is increased, and the creeping distance greater than or equal to a certain value is ensured between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, whereby the first Unwanted creeping discharge along the surface of the mold material and the case existing between the electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is suppressed. Therefore, the resistance of the ion generator 101 to the contamination around the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 due to impurities such as dust contained in the unclean air, or a water splash due to condensation in a high humidity environment, etc. is improved. be able to. By being able to reduce the occurrence of microcurrent leak due to impurities and moisture in the air, the ion generation efficiency of the ion generator 101 can be improved.

Embodiment 4
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ion generator 101 of the fourth embodiment. Compared with the ion generator 101 of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the ion generator 101 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. Thus, wall portions 145 and 146 from which a part of the case 140 protrudes are formed. The notches 141 and 143 and the wall portions 145 and 146 intersect the line connecting the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 at the shortest distance along the surface of the case 140 among the surfaces of the case 140. So, it is provided.

  Because the notches 141 and 143 and the walls 145 and 146 are formed in the case 140, the dimension along the surface of the case 140 is increased. The creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 in the present embodiment is determined as the distance including the outer surface of the case 140 forming the notches 141 and 143 and the wall portions 145 and 146. Be The notches 141 and 143 and the walls 145 and 146 increase the creepage distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Therefore, in the ion generator 101 of the fourth embodiment, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is greater than the spatial distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. Well, it's getting bigger.

  According to the ion generator 101 of the fourth embodiment described above, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a part of the case 140 is cut out between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. In addition to the notches 141, 143 of the shape, wall portions 145, 146 are formed. Thus, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is a length including the outer surface of the case 140 forming the notches 141 and 143 and the wall portions 145 and 146. That is, the creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is increased by the notches 141 and 143 and the wall portions 145 and 146.

  The creeping distance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is increased, and the creeping distance greater than or equal to a certain value is ensured between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, whereby the first Unwanted creeping discharge along the surface of the mold material and the case existing between the electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is suppressed. Therefore, the resistance of the ion generator 101 to the contamination around the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 due to impurities such as dust contained in the unclean air, or a water splash due to condensation in a high humidity environment, etc. is improved. be able to. By being able to reduce the occurrence of microcurrent leak due to impurities and moisture in the air, the ion generation efficiency of the ion generator 101 can be improved.

Fifth Embodiment
FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the ion generation device 101 according to the fifth embodiment. A circuit diagram for generating a high voltage to be applied to the discharge electrodes 111 and 112 of the ion generator 101 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the power supply 183, the variable resistor 184, the high voltage transformer 185, the diodes 186 and 187, etc. are electrically connected to the high voltage generation circuit 160 shown in FIGS.

  The power supply 183 is a type of power supply that supplies power to the high voltage generation circuit 160 at regular intervals, such as an AC power supply or a pulse power supply. The variable resistor 184 is provided to be able to change its resistance value. The ion generating device 101 includes the adjusting unit 201, and a user operating the ion generating device 101 can change the resistance value of the variable resistor 184 by operating the adjusting unit 201. The high voltage transformer 185 generates a positive or negative high voltage applied to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. High voltage transformer 185 includes a primary winding and a secondary winding.

  One end of the secondary winding of high voltage transformer 185 is electrically connected to first electrode 111 and second electrode 112 through diodes 186 and 187, and the other end of the secondary winding is an induction electrode. It is electrically connected to 120. The diodes 186 and 187 are provided for rectification. The diode 186 connected to the first electrode 111 and the diode 187 connected to the second electrode 112 are reversely connected to each other.

  High voltage generation circuit 160 has an oscillation circuit that receives supply of power from power supply 183 and outputs an oscillation signal for high voltage generation. This oscillation circuit oscillates at a constant frequency that represents the discharge interval. The oscillator circuit includes a capacitor 182 in part thereof. The oscillation circuit is simply a time constant circuit of CR, and the frequency of oscillation is determined by the value of CR. The number of discharges per unit time can be changed by changing the time constant of the CR circuit.

  The high voltage transformer 185 receives and drives the oscillation signal from the high voltage generation circuit 160, generates a high voltage, and outputs the high voltage to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. When a positive high voltage pulse is applied to the first electrode 111 via the diode 186 and a negative high voltage pulse is applied to the second electrode 112 via the diode 187, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 111 A corona discharge is generated between the electrode 112 and the induction electrode 120 of FIG. Thus, the first electrode 111 generates positive ions, and the second electrode 112 generates negative ions.

  A high voltage is applied to both the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 by one high voltage transformer 185, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the ion generator 101 by reducing the number of parts, and reduces the power consumption. It is made possible. By setting the number of induction electrodes 120 to one according to the number of high-voltage transformers 185, the efficiency of ion generation can be improved, and the ions generated by the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are induced by the induction electrode 120. It is possible to suppress the decrease in ion concentration due to recovery, and it is possible to generate higher concentration ions.

The positive ions are cluster ions in which a plurality of water molecules are attached around hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ), and are expressed as H ⁺ (H ₂ O) m (m is an arbitrary integer of 0 or more). The negative ion is a cluster ion in which a plurality of water molecules are attached around an oxygen ion (O ₂ ⁻ ), and is expressed as O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) n (n is an arbitrary integer of 0 or more). When positive and negative ions are released, both ions surround mold fungi and viruses suspended in the air and cause a chemical reaction with each other on the surface. Floating molds and the like are removed by the action of hydroxyl radicals (.OH) of active species generated at that time.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the frequency of discharge by the ion generator 101 and the ion concentration. In the ion generating apparatus 101, the ion generation efficiency is enhanced by devising the shape and structure of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 constituting the discharge electrode, the voltage to be applied, etc., and the amount of generated ions is sufficient. It will be possible to secure As shown in FIG. 11, under the condition where the ion generation amount is sufficiently secured, a saturated region in which the ion generation amount does not largely change even if the frequency is increased or decreased is obtained. In this saturated region, even if the discharge frequency is changed, the change in the amount of generated ions can be minimized. In other words, in the saturation region, it is possible to adjust the discharge interval without affecting the ion generation amount.

  By changing the resistance value of the variable resistor 184 by the operation of the adjustment unit 201, the frequency of discharge can be changed. If the frequency of the discharge is in the audible range, the sound of the discharge will be heard, but changing the frequency of the discharge changes the height of the discharge sound. The user operating the ion generating apparatus 101 can adjust the frequency of the sound generated when the discharge electrode discharges by operating the adjustment unit 201 to change the resistance value of the variable resistor 184. When the discharge sound is a tone that the user feels uncomfortable, the user can change the discharge frequency to change the tone of the discharge sound. In this way, it is possible to reduce the unpleasant feeling of the discharge noise while maintaining the ion generation amount of the ion generation device 101.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an electric device 200 provided with the ion generator 101 of the fifth embodiment. An electric device 200 shown in FIG. 12 is an air purifier. The electric device 200 is not limited to an air purifier, and may be, for example, an ion generator, an air conditioner, a ventilator, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a vacuum cleaner, a dryer, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, a fan heater, a hair dryer, a fan or the like. It may be an apparatus. The electric device 200 can be suitably used to adjust air in a house, a room in a building, a hospital room, a car cabin, an airplane or a ship.

  As shown in FIG. 12, an air outlet 202 is formed at an upper central upper portion of the front of the electric device 200. A suction port (not shown) is formed on the back of the electric device 200. The electric device 200 is provided with a casing 240 which makes the appearance of the electric device 200. Inside the housing 240, the ion generator 101 and a blower such as a fan that operates by receiving power are accommodated. At the time of operation of the electric device 200, the air taken in from the suction port by the blower is blown out from the blowout port 202 together with the ions generated by the ion generator 101. Thus, the ions are delivered to the air around the electric device 200 together with the air flow.

  The adjustment unit 201 that can adjust the frequency of the discharge sound by changing the resistance value of the variable resistor 184 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 240 of the electric device 200. The adjustment unit 201 exposed to the outer surface of the housing 240 is, for example, a knob portion of a switch such as a rotary switch. The adjustment unit 201 is disposed on the top of the front of the electric device 200. A user who operates the electric device 200 can easily operate the adjustment unit 201. By the operation of the adjustment unit 201 by the user, the height of the sound generated at the time of discharge of the ion generation device 101 changes. As a result, it is possible to reduce the unpleasant feeling of the discharge noise for the user while maintaining the amount of ions transmitted from the electric device 200.

  In the description of the above-described embodiment, the example has been described in which the frequency of the discharge sound is adjusted by changing the resistance value of the high voltage generation circuit 160, thereby changing the tone of the discharge sound. The configuration that makes it possible to adjust the frequency of the discharge sound is not limited to the change in the resistance value.

  For example, the electric charge stored in the capacitor may be changed by changing the period of the pulse signal sent to the capacitor with the resistance value fixed, thereby changing the time constant of the CR circuit. Also, for example, a voltage application circuit that converts an AC voltage and applies a predetermined voltage to a discharge unit includes a switching element, a control unit that controls the switching element, and a CR circuit whose time constant is fixed. The unit is configured to turn on the switching element when the phase of the AC voltage is within a predetermined range, and the number of discharges per unit time can be switched by changing the predetermined range so that the discharge frequency can be changed by software. It is also good.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the scope of claims and all modifications within the scope.

  1, 101 ion generator, 10, 111, 112 discharge electrode, 11 tip, 12, 22 base, 20, 120 induction electrode, 21 proximity, 26, 46 through hole, 30, 130, 131, 132, 133 substrate 31, 134 main surface, 32, 135 back surface, 40, 140 case, 47 edge, 51, 52, 151, 152 molding material, 51s, 52s, 151s surface, 111 first electrode, 112 second electrode, 141, 142, 143, 144 notches, 145, 146 wall, 160 high voltage generation circuit, 182 capacitor, 183 power supply, 184 variable resistance, 185 high voltage transformer, 200 electric equipment, 201 adjustment unit.

Claims (4)

A first electrode,
A second electrode disposed at a distance that can be isolated from the first electrode;
A substrate on which the first electrode and the second electrode are fixed ;
A resin material covering the substrate;
And a case for housing the substrate therein .
An ion generator, wherein a notch having a shape obtained by cutting a part of the case is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.   The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the notches are alternately formed on one side and the other side of a plane including the extending direction of the first electrode and the second electrode. The ion generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a wall portion from which a part of the case protrudes is further formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.   The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notch increases a creeping distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.