JP3987855B2 - Ion generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ion generator that generates negative ions or positive ions.

Recently, interest in health equipment has increased. One such health device is a negative ion generator. This negative ion generator generates negative ions in the air by applying a voltage between two electrodes.
The main part of the conventional negative ion generator is shown in FIG. The conventional negative ion generator includes a discharge needle 60 and a counter electrode 70. The counter electrode 70 has a ring shape and is disposed in front of the tip 60 </ b> A of the discharge needle 60. The discharge needle is not covered with an insulator, and the tip 60A is pointed.
Then, a negative voltage of about several kV is applied to the discharge needle 60 via the wiring 61. The counter electrode 70 is applied with 0 V or a positive voltage via the wiring 71. If it does so, an electric current will flow slightly into the space 80 between the discharge needle 60 and the counter electrode 70, and local destruction will generate | occur | produce. Corona discharge is continued in the space 80 between the discharge needle 60 and the counter electrode 70.
In this case, the discharge needle 60 emits electrons from the tip 60A or air in the vicinity of the tip 60A. However, since the counter electrode 70 to which 0 V or a positive voltage is applied exists in the direction in which electrons are emitted, most of the electrons emitted from the tip 60A of the discharge needle 60 or the air in the vicinity of the tip 60A Then, it is pulled by the counter electrode 70 and disappears. Then, only the electrons that have passed through the counter electrode 70 are attached to oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules and become negative ions, and are emitted from the negative ion generator as an ionic wind.
When corona discharge occurs in the space 80 between the discharge needle 60 and the counter electrode 70, oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules are separated or ionized in the vicinity of the counter electrode 70 to which 0V or a positive voltage is applied. . As a result, positive ions are generated in the vicinity of the counter electrode 70. Since the counter electrode 70 is applied with 0 V or a positive voltage, the positive ions are not annihilated by the counter electrode 70, and the positive ions that are not absorbed by the discharge needle 60 are recombined to become ozone or nitrogen oxides.
Thus, in the method in which the counter electrode is arranged in the electron emission direction, most of the electrons emitted into the air are pulled by the counter electrode 70 and disappear.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 33, a method has been devised in which there is no counter electrode in front of the discharge needle. This method is called an air discharge method. The air discharge negative ion generator includes glass 90, discharge needles 100 </ b> A and 100 </ b> B, and a counter electrode 110.
The discharge needles 100 </ b> A and 100 </ b> B and the counter electrode 110 are provided on one main surface 91 of the glass 90. As with the discharge needle 60, the discharge needles 100A and 100B are not covered with an insulator and have sharp tips. Then, a negative voltage of several kV is applied to the discharge needle 60 via the wiring 101.
The counter electrode 110 has a plate shape extending long in the back direction of the paper surface, and 0 V or a positive voltage is applied through the wiring 111.
Then, for example, local destruction occurs between the discharge needle 100 </ b> A and the counter electrode 110, and discharge occurs in the space 120. In this case, since the discharge needle 100A emits electrons, oxygen molecules in the vicinity of the discharge needles 100A and 100B collide with the electrons emitted from the discharge needle 100A to emit electrons, and become positive ions. The generated positive ions are attracted to the discharge needles 100A and 100B and disappear. Further, the electrons released from the oxygen molecules collide with the next oxygen molecules to release the electrons.
On the other hand, in the vicinity of the counter electrode 110 to which 0 V or a positive voltage is applied, electrons generated by discharge are attracted to the counter electrode 110 and disappear, and positive ions are recombined to become ozone or nitrogen oxides. .
As described above, the negative ion generator using the air discharge method can generate more negative ions than the negative ion generator in which the counter electrode exists in front of the discharge needle, but also generates ozone or nitrogen oxides. This is the same as the negative ion generator in which the counter electrode is present in front of the discharge needle.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-19201 discloses an ion generator 200 shown in FIG. The ion generator 200 includes a needle electrode 201 and a plate electrode 202. The flat plate electrode 202 has an opening 204 at the center and is formed in a square frame shape.
On the other hand, the needle electrode 201 is provided in such a positional relationship that its axis is substantially parallel to the plate surface of the plate electrode 202 and can intersect with the discharge frame side 202 d of the plate electrode 202. More specifically, the needle electrode 201 is fixed to an intermediate portion of the needle holder 203 attached to two parallel frame sides 202c and 202e of the plate electrode 202.
The needle-like electrode 201 has its tip part 201a facing the direction of the frame side 202d of the flat plate electrode 202, and the height from the flat plate electrode 202 is maintained at d. The needle holder 203 has a sleep 205 on both sides thereof, and an adjustment screw 206 is inserted into the sleep 205.
Screw holes 202a are formed in the two frame sides 202c and 202e of the flat plate electrode 202 at substantially equal intervals. By inserting the adjusting screw 206 in the sleep 205 into the screw holes 202a, the needle holder 203 and The needle electrode 201 is fixed at a predetermined position.
When a negative voltage is applied to the needle electrode 201, corona discharge is started between the needle electrode 201 and the plate electrode 202. Thereafter, discharge from the entire needle electrode 201 occurs.
Electrons emitted from the needle-like electrode 201 collide with air molecules to generate a large amount of negative ions.
However, in the above-described conventional technique, a current is passed between the two electrodes to cause a discharge in the air existing between the two electrodes, so that positive ions are also present in the vicinity of the electrode to which 0 V or a positive voltage is applied. The generated positive ions are not extinguished and a large amount of ozone or nitrogen oxide is generated.
In addition, since a current flows between the two electrodes, there is a problem that an electric shock is caused if the electrodes are touched by mistake.
Furthermore, there is a problem that the resistance of air changes with temperature, the discharge is not stable, and it is difficult to stably obtain negative ions.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an ion generator that generates ions without causing discharge between two electrodes.
According to this invention, an ion generator is provided with a negative electrode and a voltage application circuit. The voltage application circuit has a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and generates a negative voltage from the negative electrode to the negative electrode for generating an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the medium existing around the negative electrode between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. Apply.
Moreover, according to this invention, an ion generator is equipped with a negative electrode and a counter electrode. A predetermined negative voltage is applied to the negative electrode. The counter electrode is arranged with a predetermined distance from the negative electrode, and is covered with an insulator.
The predetermined negative voltage is a voltage for generating an electric field between the negative electrode and the counter electrode that is weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the medium existing between the negative electrode and the counter electrode.
Furthermore, according to this invention, an ion generator is equipped with a negative electrode and a counter electrode. As for a negative electrode, the trunk | drum part except a front-end | tip part is covered with an insulator. The counter electrode is provided to generate a predetermined electric field between the counter electrode and the negative electrode.
The predetermined electric field is an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the medium existing between the negative electrode and the counter electrode.
Furthermore, according to this invention, an ion generator is equipped with a negative electrode, a counter electrode, an insulator, and a voltage application circuit. The insulator is provided between the negative electrode and the counter electrode. The voltage application circuit applies a negative voltage to the negative electrode to generate an electric field between the negative electrode and the counter electrode that is weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the medium existing between the negative electrode and the counter electrode.
Furthermore, according to this invention, an ion generator is equipped with a negative electrode, a counter electrode, and an insulator. The counter electrode is disposed to generate a predetermined electric field between the counter electrode and the negative electrode. The insulator is provided between the negative electrode and the counter electrode.
The predetermined electric field is an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the medium existing between the negative electrode and the counter electrode.
Furthermore, according to this invention, an ion generator is provided with a case, an insulator, and an electron emitter. The case has an opening. The insulator is formed in contact with the inner wall of the case and the end face of the opening, and is grounded. The electron emitter is disposed in the case and emits electrons from the opening to the outside of the case.
The electron emitter includes a negative electrode that emits electrons, a positive electrode, and a negative electrode, and generates an electric field between the negative electrode and the positive electrode that is weaker than a dielectric breakdown electric field of a medium existing around the negative electrode. And a voltage application circuit for applying a negative voltage from the negative electrode to the negative electrode.
Furthermore, according to this invention, an ion generator is provided with a case, a 1st insulator, and an electron emitter. The case has an opening. The first insulator is formed in contact with the inner wall of the case and the end face of the opening, and is grounded. The electron emitter is disposed in the case and emits electrons from the opening to the outside of the case.
The electron emitter includes a negative electrode that is applied with a predetermined negative voltage and emits electrons, and a counter electrode that is disposed at a predetermined distance from the negative electrode and is covered with a second insulator. The predetermined negative voltage is a voltage for generating an electric field between the negative electrode and the counter electrode that is weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the medium existing between the negative electrode and the counter electrode.
Furthermore, according to this invention, an ion generator is provided with a case, a 1st insulator, and an electron emitter. The case has an opening. The first insulating portion is formed in contact with the inner wall of the case and the end face of the opening, and is grounded. The electron emitter is disposed in the case and emits electrons from the opening to the outside of the case.
The electron emitter includes a negative electrode in which a body portion excluding a tip portion is covered with a second insulator, and a counter electrode for generating a predetermined electric field between the negative electrode and a predetermined electric field. Is an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the medium existing between the negative electrode and the counter electrode.
Furthermore, according to this invention, an ion generator is provided with a case, a 1st insulator, and an electron emitter. The case has an opening. The first insulator is formed in contact with the inner wall of the case and the end face of the opening, and is grounded. The electron emitter is disposed in the case and emits electrons from the opening to the outside of the case.
The electron emitter includes a negative electrode that emits electrons, a counter electrode, a second insulator provided between the negative electrode and the counter electrode, and a medium that exists between the negative electrode and the counter electrode. A negative voltage for generating an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field between the negative electrode and the counter electrode is applied to the negative electrode.
Furthermore, according to this invention, an ion generator is provided with a case, a 1st insulator, and an electron emitter. The case has an opening. The first insulator is formed in contact with the inner wall of the case and the end face of the opening, and is grounded. The electron emitter is disposed in the case and emits electrons from the opening to the outside of the case.
The electron emitter includes a negative electrode that emits electrons, a counter electrode for generating a predetermined electric field between the negative electrode, and a second insulator provided between the negative electrode and the counter electrode The predetermined electric field is an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the medium existing between the negative electrode and the counter electrode.
Furthermore, according to this invention, an ion generator is provided with a 1st electrode and a 2nd electrode. A predetermined voltage is applied to the first electrode. The second electrode is arranged with a predetermined distance from the first electrode, and is covered with an insulator. The predetermined voltage is a voltage for generating an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode that is weaker than a dielectric breakdown electric field of a medium existing between the first electrode and the second electrode. It is.
Furthermore, according to this invention, an ion generator is provided with a 1st electrode, a 2nd electrode, an insulator, and a voltage application circuit. The insulator is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The voltage application circuit generates a voltage for generating an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode that is weaker than a dielectric breakdown electric field of a medium existing between the first electrode and the second electrode. 1 is applied to the electrode.
Furthermore, according to this invention, an ion generator is provided with a 1st electrode, a 2nd electrode, and an insulator. The second electrode is an electrode for generating a predetermined electric field with the first electrode. The insulator is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The predetermined electric field is an electric field that is weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the medium existing between the first electrode and the second electrode.
Preferably, the counter electrode is made of a covered electric wire.
Preferably, the insulator covers the counter electrode.
Preferably, the insulator is made of any one of glass, ceramics, resin, and semiconductor.
Preferably, the insulator covers a portion excluding the tip of the negative electrode.
Preferably, the insulator is composed of first and second insulators, the first insulator covers the counter electrode, and the second insulator covers a portion excluding the tip of the negative electrode.
Preferably, the first and second insulators are made of any one of glass, ceramics, resin, and semiconductor.
Preferably, the second insulator covers the counter electrode.
Preferably, a 2nd insulator covers the part except the front-end | tip part of a negative electrode.
Preferably, the second insulator includes first and second electrode insulators, the first electrode insulator covers the counter electrode, and the second electrode insulator is the tip of the negative electrode. Cover the parts except the part.
Preferably, the first insulator, the first electrode insulator, and the second electrode insulator are made of any one of glass, ceramics, resin, and semiconductor.
Preferably, the tip of the negative electrode is pointed.
In the negative ion generator according to the present invention, an electric field that is weaker than an electric field that generates a discharge is generated between the negative electrode (or the first electrode) and the counter electrode (or the second electrode), and electrons are generated from the negative electrode. Released. And the electron discharge | released from the negative electrode collides with the molecule | numerator which exists between a negative electrode and a counter electrode, and produces | generates a positive ion and an electron. The generated positive ions are attracted to the negative electrode and disappear at the negative electrode. The generated electrons are attached to other molecules and generate negative ions. In the present invention, electrons may be emitted from air molecules in the vicinity of the negative electrode (or the first electrode).
Therefore, according to the present invention, negative ions or positive ions can be preferentially generated. Moreover, when the medium which exists between a negative electrode (or 1st electrode) and a counter electrode (or 2nd electrode) is air, generation | occurrence | production of ozone can further be suppressed.

1 is a perspective view of an anion generator according to Embodiment 1. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional structure view of the negative ion generator shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the negative ion generator shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the B direction.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for generating negative ions.
FIG. 5 is an electric circuit diagram of the negative ion generator shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the room.
7 is a diagram showing a distribution of the amount of negative ions generated by the negative ion generator according to Embodiment 1 in the room shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the distribution of the amount of negative ions generated by the negative ion generator using the air discharge method in the room shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the negative ion generator according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional structure diagram of the negative ion generator shown in FIG. 9 viewed from the A direction.
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the arrangement position of the counter electrode in the negative ion generator shown in FIG.
12 to 15 are diagrams showing modified examples of the counter electrode.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the negative ion generator according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a negative ion generator according to Embodiment 4.
18 is a cross-sectional structure view of the negative ion generator shown in FIG. 17 as viewed from the A direction.
FIG. 19 is a plan structural view of the negative ion generator shown in FIG. 17 as viewed from the B direction.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a negative ion generator according to Embodiment 5.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the negative ion generator according to the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 22 is another cross-sectional view of the negative ion generator according to the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a modification of the needle electrode.
24 to 31 are diagrams showing modifications of the electron emitter.
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a main part of a conventional negative ion generator using a discharge method.
FIG. 33 is a view showing another main part of the conventional negative ion generator by the discharge method.
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing still another main part of a conventional negative ion generator by a discharge method.

マイナスイオンを測定した測定器は次のとおりである。型式がアンデス電気ＩＴＣ−２０１Ａで、測定方式が平板方式である測定器（測定器Ａという。）と、型式がシグマテックＳＣ−１０で、測定方式が２重円筒方式である測定器（測定器Ｂという。）とを用いてマイナスイオン量が測定された。
測定順序は、まず、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置について測定し、その後、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置の１号機〜５号機について順次マイナスイオン量を測定する。そして、再度、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置についてマイナスイオン量を測定し、その後、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置の６号機〜１０号機について順次マイナスイオン量を測定する。最後に、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置についてマイナスイオン量を測定する。
上述した測定を、気温：２５℃、湿度：５０％の条件と、気温：２６℃、湿度：５８％の条件とにおいて行なった。
その結果、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置は、測定器Ａ，Ｂのいずれの測定器を用いて測定しても、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置に比べ、２倍以上のマイナスイオンを発生することが解った。また、湿度が５０％から５８％へ変化したことによるマイナスイオン量の変化は、殆どない。
空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置は、放電方式を用いてマイナスイオンを発生させる装置では、最も多くのマイナスイオンを発生するが、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置は、その空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置よりもさらに多くのマイナスイオンを発生することが明らかになった。
表２は、マイナスイオン量のマイナスイオン発生装置からの距離依存性を示す。

測定器は、上述した測定器Ｂを用いた。測定条件は、気温：２５℃、湿度：５１％である。この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置は、測定した全ての距離において、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置よりも多くのマイナスイオンを発生することが明らかとなった。
また、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置におけるマイナスイオンの発生量は、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置におけるマイナスイオンの発生量に対して、距離が３ｍｍの位置では、５９％であるのに対して、距離が１ｍの位置では４３％である。このことは、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置は、より広い範囲でマイナスイオンを発生させることが可能であることを意味する。
表３は、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置の１号機〜１０号機について、マイナスイオン発生装置から３ｍｍの位置および１０ｃｍの位置におけるマイナスイオン量を測定した結果を示す。

３ｍｍの距離においては、１号機〜１０号機により発生されたマイナスイオン量の平均値は、７６４万個／ｃｍ^３であり、１０ｃｍの距離においては、１号機〜１０号機により発生されたマイナスイオン量の平均値は、４３８万個／ｃｍ^３である。そして、２つの距離において、１号機〜１０号機間の機器によるマイナスイオン量のバラツキは小さい。したがって、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置は、装置としての再現性を十分に備える。
表４は、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置と空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置とにおけるオゾン発生量の比較を示す。測定場所は、装置正面である。また、測定条件は、気温：２５℃、湿度：５０％である。さらに、測定装置は、荏原実業（株）のオゾンモニターＥＧ−５０００である。

中央および左の両方において、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置におけるオゾン発生量は、検出限界以下であり、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置の場合に比べ、２桁以上少ない。
表５は、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置および空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置の複数の機器についてオゾン量を比較したものである。測定条件は、気温：２２℃、湿度：６０％である。

この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置の場合、全ての機器についてオゾン発生量が検出限界以下であり、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置の場合に比ベオゾンの発生量が少ない。
図６は、一定の広さを有する部屋３０の平面図を示す。長さＬ７は、３．４６ｍであり、長さＬ８は、４．３６ｍである。部屋３０のポイントＰ１〜Ｐ６の各々において、マイナスイオン発生装置１０によって発生されたマイナスイオン量を測定した。ポイントＰ１，Ｐ２，Ｐ３，Ｐ５は、部屋３０の４つの隅に位置し、ポイントＰ４は、ポイントＰ３とポイントＰ５との中間点に位置し、ポイントＰ６は、マイナスイオン発生装置１０から２ｍの位置に位置する。
表６は、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０によって発生されたマイナスイオン量の各ポイントＰ１〜Ｐ６における測定結果を示す。

表６には、比較のために空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置によって発生されたマイナスイオン量のポイントＰ１〜Ｐ６における測定結果が示されている。測定条件は、気温：３０℃、湿度５６％である。
この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０によって発生されたマイナスイオン量は、測定器Ａ，Ｂのいずれの測定器で測定されても、ポイントＰ１，Ｐ２，Ｐ６，Ｐ４，Ｐ３，Ｐ５の順で減少し、ポイントＰ５で最も減少する。
一方、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置によって発生されたマイナスイオン量は、ポイントＰ１，Ｐ２，Ｐ６，Ｐ３，Ｐ４，Ｐ５の順で減少し、ポイントＰ５で最も減少する。
そして、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０は、ポイントＰ１〜Ｐ６の全てにおいて、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置よりも多くのマイナスイオンを発生できることが解った。つまり、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０は、１５．０８ｍ^２（＝４．３６ｍ×３．４６ｍ）の広さにおいて、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置よりも多くのマイナスイオンを発生できる。
図７は、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０によって発生されたマイナスイオン量のポイントＰ１〜Ｐ６における分布を示す。また、図８は、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置によって発生されたマイナスイオン量のポイントＰ１〜Ｐ６における分布を示す。なお、図７および図８に示すマイナスイオン量は、測定器Ｂにより測定された。
図７および図８において、縦軸は、マイナスイオン量を表わす。図７および図８からも、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０は、部屋３０において、空中放電方式によるマイナスイオン発生装置よりも多くのマイナスイオンを発生できることが明らかである。
表７は、滝において発生されたマイナスイオン量の測定結果を示す。

表７に示すマイナスイオン量は、測定器Ａにより測定され、測定条件は、気温３０℃、湿度：６０％である。測定場所は、滝壷から水平方向へ約１５ｍの位置、および滝壷から水平方向へ約３０ｍの位置である。滝壷から約１５ｍの位置では、２００００〜３００００個／ｃｍ^３のマイナスイオンが検出され、滝壷から約３０ｍの位置では、５０００〜８０００個／ｃｍ^３のマイナスイオンが検出された。
一般的には、滝壷の周辺に存在するマイナスイオン量が健康に良いと評価されており、健康に良いマイナスイオン量は、数千〜数万個／ｃｍ^３の範囲であることが解った。
表６に示したように、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０は、約１５ｍ^２の広さを有する部屋３０の全領域において、２２０００個／ｃｍ^３以上のマイナスイオン量を発生する。なお、この数値は、表７の測定結果と比較するために測定器Ａによる測定値である。
したがって、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０は、健康に良いと評価されているマイナスイオン量よりも多くのマイナスイオン量を発生できることが解った。
上述したように、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０は、従来のマイナスイオン発生装置に比べ、より多くのマイナスイオンを、より広い範囲で発生でき、オゾンの発生を抑制できる。
また、この発明によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０は、自然界において発生されるマイナスイオン量よりも多くのマイナスイオンを発生できる。
なお、電源回路６は、「電圧印加回路」を構成する。また、針状電極２、対向電極３、絶縁物４、電源回路６および配線７，８は、「電子放出器」を構成する。
［実施の形態２］
図９を参照して、実施の形態２によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ａは、マイナスイオン発生装置１０に絶縁物９を追加し、絶縁物４を削除したものであり、その他は、マイナスイオン発生装置１０と同じである。
絶縁物９は、針状電極２の先端部２Ａおよび後端部２Ｂを除く胴体部２Ｃを覆う。そして、絶縁物９は、ガラス、セラミックス、樹脂および半導体のいずれかからなる。針状電極２の胴体部２Ｃを絶縁物９で覆ったものは、負電極２０を構成する。負電極２０は、胴体部２Ｃおよび絶縁物９が支持部材５を貫通することにより、支持部材５に固定される。針状電極２の後端部２Ｂは、配線７に接続される。
マイナスイオン発生装置１０Ａにおいては、対向電極３は、被覆されず、針状電極２の胴体部２Ｃが絶縁物９によって被覆される。つまり、針状電極２の一部を絶縁物９によって被覆することによって、針状電極２と対向電極３との間に電流が流れないようにしている。
図１０を参照して、図９に示すマイナスイオン発生装置１０ＡのＡ方向から見た断面構造について説明する。ケース１の底面１Ａ上に対向電極３、支持部材５および電源回路６が設置される。そして、負電極２０は、その胴体部２Ｃおよび絶縁物９が支持部材５を貫通することにより支持部材５により固定される。その他は、図２の説明と同じである。
また、図９に示すマイナスイオン発生装置１０ＡのＢ方向から見た平面構造は、図３に示す平面構造と同じである。
図１１を参照して、対向電極３の配置位置について説明する。負電極２０の先端部２Ａから後端部２Ｂに向かう方向をｘ方向とすると、対向電極３は、通常、絶縁物９のｘ方向における中央部ｃｐに対向して配置される。しかし、対向電極３は、これに限らず、針状電極２の先端部２Ａが接する面１５よりもｘ方向側に配置されればよい。したがって、対向電極３は、点Ｃ〜Ｆのどの位置に配置されてもよい。対向電極３を平面１５よりもｘ方向と反対側に配置すると、絶縁物によって覆われていない針状電極２と対向電極３とが対向することになり、針状電極２と対向電極３との間で放電が生じ易くなるので、これを防止するために、対向電極３の配置位置を上記のように制限したものである。
その他は、マイナスイオン発生装置１０と同じである。
再び、図９を参照して、電源回路６が配線７を介して−５ｋＶ〜−９ｋＶの負電圧を負電極２０の針状電極２に印加し、配線８を介して接地電圧（０Ｖ）を対向電極３に印加すると、針状電極２と対向電極３との間に空気の絶縁破壊電界よりも弱い電界が生成され、負電極２０は、先端部２Ａから電子を放出する。または、負電極２０は、先端部２Ａの近傍の空気分子から電子を放出させる。そして、放出された電子は、空気中の酸素分子３１または窒素分子３２と衝突し、プラスイオン３１Ａ，３２Ａと電子３１Ｂ，３２Ｂとを生成する。そうすると、負電極２０は、先端部２Ａの近傍で生成されたプラスイオン３１Ａ，３２Ａを吸引し、酸素分子３１または窒素分子３２から放出された電子３１Ｂ，３２Ｂは、他の酸素分子または窒素分子に付着してマイナスイオン３３，３４を生成する。そして、マイナスイオン発生装置１０Ａは、開口部１１からマイナスイオン３３，３４を放出する。
このように、対向電極３を絶縁物によって覆わず、負電圧が印加される針状電極２の胴体部２Ｃを絶縁物９によって覆うことによっても、針状電極２と対向電極との間に空気の絶縁破壊電界よりも弱い電界を生成でき、多くのマイナスイオンを発生させることができる。
図１２〜図１５を参照して、対向電極３の変形例について説明する。図１２を参照して、対向電極３は、負電極２０の絶縁物９の周方向に沿って弧状に曲げられた対向電極３Ａであってもよい。
図１３を参照して、対向電極３は、線状の対向電極３Ｂであってもよい。したがって、対向電極３Ｂは、より具体的には、通常の配線材によって構成されてもよい。
図１４を参照して、対向電極３は、負電極２０の絶縁物９を中心軸とするリング状の対向電極３Ｃであってもよい。
図１５を参照して、対向電極３は、負電極２０の軸方向に螺旋状に曲げられた対向電極３Ｄであってもよい。
図１２〜図１５に示す対向電極３Ａ〜３Ｄをマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ａに用いた場合も、針状電極２と対向電極３との間に空気の絶縁破壊電界よりも弱い電界が生成され、オゾンの発生を抑えて多くのマイナスイオンを発生させることができる。
図１２〜図１５に示した対向電極３Ａ〜３Ｄは、実施の形態１におけるマイナスイオン発生装置１０に用いられてもよい。
なお、負電極２０、対向電極３、電源回路６および配線７，８は、「電子放出器」を構成する。
その他は、実施の形態１と同じである。
［実施の形態３］
図１６を参照して、実施の形態３によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｂは、マイナスイオン発生装置１０に絶縁物９を追加したものであり、その他は、マイナスイオン発生装置１０と同じである。
針状電極２および絶縁物９は、負電極２０を構成する。したがって、絶縁物９の具体的な材料、負電極２０の支持部材５への固定方法および負電極２０と配線７との接続方法については、実施の形態２において説明したとおりである。
マイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｂにおいては、針状電極２および対向電極３が、それぞれ、絶縁物４，９によって被覆される。したがって、対向電極３および絶縁物４は、実施の形態１において説明したように、ケース１内のどの位置に配置されてもよい。
針状電極２および対向電極３がそれぞれ絶縁物９，４によって覆われたマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｂにおいて、−５ｋＶ〜−９ｋＶの負電圧が配線７を介して針状電極２に印加され、接地電圧（０Ｖ）が配線８を介して対向電極３に印加されると、空気の絶縁破壊電界よりも弱い電界が針状電極２と対向電極３との間に生成され、多くのマイナスイオンが発生する。
なお、負電極２０、対向電極３、絶縁物４、電源回路６および配線７，８は、「電子放出器」を構成する。
その他は、実施の形態１，２と同じである。
［実施の形態４］
図１７を参照して、実施の形態４によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｃは、マイナスイオン発生装置１０の絶縁物４を絶縁物１２に代えたものであり、その他は、マイナスイオン発生装置１０と同じである。
絶縁物１２は、針状電極２と対向電極３との間に配置される。つまり、絶縁物１２は、針状電極２または対向電極３を覆うのではなく、針状電極２と対向電極３とを空間的に隔てるために針状電極２と対向電極３との間に配置される。絶縁物１２は、ガラス、セラミックスおよび樹脂のいずれかからなる。また、絶縁物１２は、対向電極３よりも少なくとも３ｍｍ程度以上高くなる高さＨ、対向電極３の幅よりも少なくとも３ｍｍ程度以上広い幅Ｗ、および０．１ｍｍ程度以上の奥行きＤを有する。そして、奥行きＤは、絶縁物の絶縁能力によって決定される。なお、絶縁物１２は、１０^６Ωｃｍ以上の比抵抗を有する半導体（すなわち、ｐ型またはｎ型にドーピングされていない半導体）によって構成されてもよい。この場合、絶縁物１２の奥行きＤは、数百ミクロンのオーダーである。
マイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｃは、針状電極２および対向電極３の両方を絶縁物によって覆うのではなく、針状電極２と対向電極３との間に絶縁物１２を配置することにより針状電極２と対向電極３との間に空気の絶縁破壊電界よりも弱い電界を生成することにしたものである。
図１８を参照して、図１７に示すマイナスイオン発生装置１０ＣのＡ方向から見た断面構造について説明する。支持部材５、電源回路６および絶縁物１２がケース１の底面１Ａ上に配置される。絶縁物１２は、針状電極２の向こう側に配置され、対向電極３は、さらに、絶縁物１２の向こう側に配置される（図１８においては、対向電極３は、絶縁物１２により隠されている。）。その他は、図２の説明と同じである。
図１９を参照して、図１７に示すマイナスイオン発生装置１０ＣのＢ方向から見た平面構造について説明する。絶縁物１２は、針状電極２と平行に針状電極２から距離Ｌ５を隔てた位置に配置される。また、対向電極３は、絶縁物１２から距離Ｌ６を隔てた位置に配置される。距離Ｌ５は、０〜３０ｍｍの範囲であり、距離Ｌ６は、０〜３０ｍｍの範囲である。
その他は、図３の説明と同じである。
負電圧が針状電極２に印加され、接地電圧（０Ｖ）が対向電圧３に印加されると、対向電極３から針状電極２へ向かう電界が生成される。そして、その電界における電気力線は、対向電極３から出発して針状電極２に入射する。この場合、電気力線は、尖った部分に集中する性質を有するので、針状電極２の先端部２Ａに電気力線が集中する傾向が強い。したがって、絶縁物１２は、好ましくは、対向電極３と針状電極２の先端部２Ａとを結ぶ直線をさえぎる位置に配置される。
針状電極２および対向電極３が絶縁物１２によって隔てられたマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｃにおいて、−５ｋＶ〜−９ｋＶの負電圧が配線７を介して針状電極２に印加され、接地電圧（０Ｖ）が配線８を介して対向電極３に印加されると、空気の絶縁破壊電界よりも弱い電界が針状電極２と対向電極３との間に生成され、多くのマイナスイオンが発生する。
なお、針状電極２、対向電極３、絶縁物１２、電源回路６および配線７，８は、「電子放出器」を構成する。
その他は、実施の形態１と同じである。
［実施の形態５］
図２０を参照して、実施の形態５によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｄは、マイナスイオン発生装置１０の対向電極３、絶縁物４および配線８を削除したものであり、その他は、マイナスイオン発生装置１０と同じである。
電源回路６は、−５ｋＶ〜−９ｋＶの負電圧を配線７を介して針状電極２に印加し、接地電圧（０Ｖ）を端子６６へ出力する。そうすると、針状電極２と電源回路６の端子６６との間に空気の絶縁破壊電界よりも弱い電界が生成される。そして、針状電極２は、先端部２Ａから電子を放出し、その放出された電子は、空気中の酸素分子または窒素分子に衝突し、プラスイオンと電子とを生成する。針状電極２は、さらに、生成されたプラスイオンを吸引し、空気中に生成されたプラスイオンを消滅させる。そして、酸素分子または窒素分子から放出された電子は、他の酸素分子または窒素分子に付着し、マイナスイオンが生成される。
マイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｄにおいては、針状電極２と電源回路６の端子６６との間で放電が生じることはないので、プラスイオンは、専ら針状電極２の先端部２Ａの近傍で生成される。したがって、マイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｄのように、特に、対向電極３を設けなくてもオゾンの発生を抑制し、多くのマイナスイオンを発生させることができる。
なお、針状電極２、電源回路６および配線７は、「電子放出器」を構成する。また、実施の形態５によるマイナスイオン発生装置は、実施の形態２によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ａから対向電極３および配線８を削除したもの、または実施の形態３によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｂから対向電極３、絶縁物４および配線８を削除したもの、または実施の形態４によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｃから対向電極３、絶縁物１２および配線８を削除したものであってもよい。
その他は、実施の形態１，２，３，４と同じである。
［実施の形態６］
実施の形態６によるマイナスイオン発生装置は、マイナスイオン発生装置１０のケース１の内壁を絶縁物で覆ったマイナスイオン発生装置である。図２１を参照して、実施の形態６によるマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｅの断面構造について説明する。ケース１の内壁は、絶縁物１３によって覆われている。ケース１は、開口部１１を有するが、開口部１１の端面１１Ａ，１１Ａも、絶縁物１３により覆われている。つまり、絶縁物１３は、針状電極２から放出された電子がケース１に帯電しないようにケース１の内壁および開口部１１の端面１１Ａ，１１Ａを覆う。そして、絶縁物１３は、アースされている。また、絶縁物１３は、テフロンまたはガイシからなる。また、絶縁物１３は、セラミックス、樹脂および半導体のいずれかにより構成されてもよい。
ケース１の内壁および開口部１１の端面１１Ａ，１１Ａが絶縁物１３によって覆われるのは、次の理由による。絶縁物１３が設けられていないと、針状電極２から放出された電子は、その一部がケース１の内壁または開口部１１の端面１１Ａ，１１Ａに帯電する。そうすると、ケース１が絶縁物によって構成されていても、電気を通すようになり、ケース１と針状電極２との間で放電が生じる。したがって、ケース１が帯電することによってケース１と針状電極２との間で放電が生じるのを防止するためにケース１の内壁および開口部１１の端面１１Ａ，１１Ａが絶縁物１３によって覆われる。
対向電極３、絶縁物４、支持部材５および電源回路６は、アースされた絶縁物１３上に配置される。
図２１に示すマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｅの開口部１１は、その端面１１Ａ，１１Ａにテーパが形成されている。これにより、生成された電子およびマイナスイオンは、開口部１１から外部へ放出され易い。
その他は、図２の説明と同じである。
マイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｅは、図２２に示すように、開口部１１の端面１１Ａ，１１Ａが絶縁物１３によって覆われていれば、テーパが形成されていなくてもよい。
マイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｅにおいて、電源回路６が、−５ｋＶ〜−９ｋＶの範囲の負電圧を配線７を介して針状電極２に印加し、接地電圧（０Ｖ）を配線８を介して対向電極３に印加すると、針状電極２と対向電極３との間に空気の絶縁破壊電界よりも弱い電界が生成され、針状電極２は、電子を開口部１１の方向へ放出する。そして、針状電極２の先端部２Ａの近傍で、針状電極２から放出された電子と空気中の酸素分子または窒素分子との衝突が生じ、プラスイオンおよび電子が発生する。プラスイオンは、針状電極２に吸引されて消滅し、電子は、空気中の他の酸素分子または窒素分子に付着してマイナスイオンが生成される。
そして、マイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｅは、電子およびマイナスイオンを開口部１１から外部へ放出する。この場合、ケース１は、その内壁および開口部１１の端面１１Ａ，１１Ａが絶縁物１３により覆われているため、針状電極２から放出された電子により帯電することはなく、ケース１と針状電極２との間で放電は生じない。
したがって、マイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｅは、安定してマイナスイオンを発生できる。
なお、針状電極２、対向電極３、絶縁物４、電源回路６、配線７，８および絶縁物１３は、「電子放出器」を構成する。
また、絶縁物１３をマイナスイオン発生装置１０Ａ，１０Ｂ，１０Ｃ，１０Ｄのいずれに適用してもよい。この場合にも、マイナスイオン発生装置１０Ｅと同じように、ケース１と針状電極２との間で放電が生じない。
その他は、実施の形態１〜実施の形態５と同じである。
針状電極２は、図２３に示す針状電極２１であってもよい。針状電極２１は、板状の本体２１０と、尖端部２１１，２１２と、絶縁物２１３とからなる。尖端部２１１，２１２は、本体２１０に取付けられ、または本体２１０の一部として形成される。絶縁物２１３は、樹脂からなり、尖端部２１１，２１２を除く本体２１０を覆う。
針状電極２１を用いた場合も、針状電極２１と対向電極３との間に空気の絶縁破壊電界よりも弱い電界が生成され、オゾンの発生を抑制して多くのマイナスイオンを発生させることができる。
また、針状電極２１は、複数の尖端部２１１，２１２を有するので、より多くの電子を放出することができ、その結果、より多くのマイナスイオンを発生させることができる。
図２４〜図３１を参照して、針状電極２および対向電極３を含む電子放出器の変形例について説明する。
図２４を参照して、電子放出器１４０は、２本の針状電極２，２と、配線１３１を有するプリント基板１３０と、支持部材５と、配線７，８とを含む。２本の針状電極２，２は、その一部が直角に曲げられている。そして、直角に曲げられた部分を支持部材５に挿入することにより、２本の針状電極２，２が支持部材５に固定される。配線７は、支持部材５中で針状電極２，２に接続されている。また、配線１３１を有するプリント基板１３０が２本の針状電極２，２の下側に配置され、配線８は、配線１３１に接続される。この場合、プリント基板１３０は、配線１３１と２本の針状電極２，２との間に介在するように配置される。
電源回路６が、−５ｋＶ〜−９ｋＶの範囲の負電圧を配線７を介して針状電極２，２に印加し、接地電圧（０Ｖ）を配線８を介して配線１３１に印加すると、針状電極２，２と対向電極３としての配線１３１との間は、絶縁物であるプリント基板１３０によって絶縁されているので、針状電極２，２と配線１３１との間に放電が生じない。その結果、上述した機構により、オゾンの発生を抑制して多くのマイナスイオンを発生できる。
図２５を参照して、電子放出器１４１は、２本の針状電極２，２と、配線１３１を有するプリント基板１３０と、配線７，８とを含む。２本の針状電極２，２は、その一部が直角に曲げられている。そして、直角に曲げられた部分をプリント基板１３０に挿入することにより、２本の針状電極２，２が配線１３１を有するプリント基板１３０に固定される。この場合、２本の針状電極２，２は、配線１３１が設けられたプリント基板１３０の表面と反対側の表面に固定される。そして、配線７は、２本の針状電極２，２に接続され、配線８は、配線１３１に接続される。
電子放出器１４１は、電子放出器１４０と同様に、オゾンの発生を抑制して多くのマイナスイオンを発生できる。電子放出器１４１の場合、配線１３１を有するプリント基板１３０は、針状電極２，２の支持部材５および針状電極２と対向電極３との間に設けられた絶縁物１２として機能するため、より簡単に電子放出器を形成することができる。
図２６を参照して、電子放出器１４２は、２本の針状電極２，２と、プリント基板１３０Ａ，１３０Ｂと、配線１３１と、配線７，８とを含む。２本の針状電極２，２は、その一部が直角に曲げられている。そして、直角に曲げられた部分をプリント基板１３０Ａに挿入することにより、２本の針状電極２，２がプリント基板１３０Ａの一方の表面に固定される。配線７は、２本の針状電極２，２に接続される。
配線１３１は、プリント基板１３０Ａおよびプリント基板１３０Ｂのいずれかの表面に形成され、プリント基板１３０Ａとプリント基板１３０Ｂとにより挟まれる。そして、配線１３１は、配線８に接続される。
電子放出器１４２においては、対向電極３としての配線１３１は、２つのプリント基板１３０Ａ，１３０Ｂによって針状電極２，２から絶縁されているので、電子放出器１４２は、上述した機構によって、オゾンの発生を抑制し、多くのマイナスイオンを発生する。
図２７を参照して、電子放出器１４３は、図２５に示す電子放出器１４２において、針状電極２，２を直線状の針状電極２，２に代えたものであり、その他は、電子放出器１４１と同じである。
図２８を参照して、電子放出器１４４は、図２６に示す電子放出器１４２において、針状電極２，２を直線状の針状電極２，２に代えたものであり、その他は、電子放出器１４２と同じである。
図２９を参照して、電子放出器１４５は、２本の針状電極２，２と、配線１３１を有するプリント基板１３０と、絶縁物１３２と、配線７，８とを含む。２本の針状電極２，２は、直線形状を有する。そして、針状電極２，２は、その一部がプリント基板１３０に挿入されることによりプリント基板１３０に固定される。
電子放出器１４５においては、配線１３１は、針状電極２，２が固定されるプリント基板１３０の表面と同じ表面に配置される。そして、絶縁物１３２は、配線１３１を覆うようにプリント基板１３０の表面に形成される。配線７は、針状電極２，２に接続され、配線８は、配線１３１に接続される。
電子放出器１４５においては、対向電極３としての配線１３１が絶縁物１３２によって針状電極２，２から絶縁されるので、電子放出器１４５は、上述した機構と同じ機構に従って、オゾンの発生を抑制し、より多くのマイナスイオンを発生する。
図３０を参照して、電子放出器１４６は、針状電極２（２Ａ）と、対向電極１３３と、絶縁物１３４とを含む。対向電極１３３は、針状電極２の直径よりも大きい直径を有するチューブからなる。そして、対向電極１３３の内壁および端面は、絶縁物１３４により覆われている。また、針状電極２は、対向電極１３３の中へ入り込み、先端部２Ａだけが対向電極１３３から出ている。針状電極２は、配線７に接続され、−５ｋＶ〜−９ｋＶの負電圧が印加される。また、対向電極１３３は、配線８に接続され、接地電圧（０Ｖ）が印加される。
電子放出器１４６においては、対向電極１３３が絶縁物１３４によって針状電極２から絶縁されるので、電子放出器１４６は、上述した機構と同じ機構に従って、オゾンの発生を抑制し、より多くのマイナスイオンを発生する。
図３１を参照して、電子放出器１４７は、針状電極２と、配線１３５，１３６とを含む。配線１３５，１３６は、絶縁物によって被覆された通常の配線からなる。そして、配線１３５，１３６は、その一方端が針状電極２に接触するように配置される。この場合、針状電極２に接触する一方端は、絶縁物によって被覆されている。
針状電極２は、配線７に接続され、−５ｋＶ〜−９ｋＶの負電圧が印加される。また、配線１３５，１３６は、配線８に接続され、接地電圧（０Ｖ）が印加される。電子放出器１４７においては、対向電極３としての配線１３５，１３６が絶縁物によって針状電極２から絶縁されるので、電子放出器１４７は、上述した機構と同じ機構に従って、オゾンの発生を抑制し、より多くのマイナスイオンを発生する。
図２４〜図３１に示す電子放出器１４０〜１４７をマイナスイオン発生装置１０〜１０Ｅのいずれに適用しても、上述したように、オゾンの発生を抑制し、より多くのマイナスイオンを発生させることができる。
なお、上記においては、２つの電極の間に存在する媒質は、空気であるとして説明したが、この発明においては、２つの電極に間に存在する媒質は空気に限らず、それ以外の媒質であってもよい。
２つの電極の間に存在する媒質が空気以外の場合、２つの電極の間に存在する媒質の絶縁破壊電界よりも弱い電界を生成するための負電圧が針状電極２に印加される。
つまり、この発明は、２つの電極間に存在する媒質中に放電を生じさせないで、マイナスイオンを優先的に発生させるマイナスイオン発生装置に適用可能である。
また、上記においては、対向電極３は、接地電圧（０Ｖ）が印加されるとして説明したが、この発明においては、接地電圧（０Ｖ）に限らず、針状電極２と対向電極３との間に存在する媒質の絶縁破壊電界よりも弱い電界を生成する正の電圧が対向電極３に印加されてもよい。
さらに、上記においては、マイナスイオン発生装置１０〜１０Ｅは、マイナスイオンを発生すると説明したが、５ｋＶ〜９ｋＶの範囲の正の電圧が針状電極２に印加され、接地電圧（０Ｖ）が対向電極３に印加されることにより、マイナスイオン発生装置１０〜１０Ｅは、上述した機構と同じ機構によってプラスイオンのみを発生する。そして、発生されるプラスイオン量は、上述したマイナスイオン量と同等である。
したがって、上述したマイナスイオン発生装置１０〜１０Ｅは、マイナスイオンのみ、またはプラスイオンのみを発生するイオン発生装置を構成する。
さらに、マイナスイオンのみ、またはプラスイオンのみを発生するイオン発生装置は、静電気除去装置に適用される。静電気除去装置に適用されたイオン発生装置は、−５ｋＶ〜−９ｋＶの負電圧および接地電圧（０Ｖ）がそれぞれ針状電極２および対向電極３に一定期間印加されてマイナスイオンを発生し、５ｋＶ〜９ｋＶの正電圧および接地電圧（０Ｖ）がそれぞれ針状電極２および対向電極３に一定期間印加されてプラスイオンを発生する。このように、一定の周期でマイナスイオンとプラスイオンとを交互に発生するイオン発生装置は、静電気除去装置に適している。Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.
[Embodiment 1]
Referring to FIG. 1, negative ion generator 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes case 1, needle electrode 2, counter electrode 3, insulator 4, support member 5, power supply circuit 6, and wiring. 7 and 8.
The insulator 4, the support member 5, and the power supply circuit 6 are fixed to the bottom surface 1 </ b> A of the case 1. The case 1 has an opening 11. The needle electrode 2 is made of tungsten having a diameter of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. The needle-like electrode 2 has a pointed tip 2 </ b> A and is fixed to the support member 5 so that the tip 2 </ b> A faces the opening 11 of the case 1. Further, the needle electrode 2 is not covered with an insulator. The needle-like electrode 2 is not limited to tungsten, but may be an electrical conductor having a high density and a high heat resistance temperature.
The counter electrode 3 is covered with an insulator 4 and is disposed with a predetermined distance from the needle electrode 2. The insulator 4 covers the counter electrode 3. The insulator 4 is made of any one of glass, ceramics, resin, and semiconductor. Therefore, the insulator 4 electrically insulates the counter electrode 3. In addition, the semiconductor which comprises the insulator 4 is 10 ⁶ It has a specific resistance of Ωcm or more. That is, the semiconductor constituting the insulator 4 is not doped in either p-type or n-type.
The support member 5 is made of an insulator. Therefore, the support member 5 electrically floats the needle electrode 2 from the case 1. The power supply circuit 6 generates a negative voltage in the range of −5 kV to −9 kV and a ground voltage (0 V). Then, the power supply circuit 6 applies the generated negative voltage to the needle electrode 2 via the wiring 7 and applies the generated ground voltage (0 V) to the counter electrode 3 via the wiring 8.
The wiring 7 has one end connected to the needle electrode 2 and the other end connected to the power supply circuit 6. The wiring 8 has one end connected to the counter electrode 3 and the other end connected to the power supply circuit 6. Therefore, the needle electrode 2 receives a negative voltage in the range of −5 kV to −9 kV from the power supply circuit 6 through the wiring 7, and the counter electrode 3 receives the ground voltage (0 V) from the power supply circuit 6 through the wiring 8. receive.
With reference to FIG. 2, the cross-sectional structure of the negative ion generator 10 shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the A direction will be described. The insulator 4, the support member 5, and the power supply circuit 6 are in contact with the bottom surface 1 </ b> A of the case 1. The counter electrode 3 and the insulator 4 are disposed on the other side of the needle electrode 2. The power supply circuit 6 is disposed on the other side of the needle electrode 2 and the support member 5.
The distance L1 between the tip 2A of the needle electrode 2 and the opening 11 of the case 1 is in the range of 0 cm to 3 cm, preferably about 1 cm. The distance L2 of the opening 11 in the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 1A of the case 1 is in the range of 0.5 cm to 1 cm, preferably in the range of 0.5 cm to 0.7 cm.
With reference to FIG. 3, the planar structure seen from the B direction of the negative ion generator 10 shown in FIG. 1 is demonstrated. The needle-like electrode 2 is fixed by the support member 5 so that the distal end portion 2 </ b> A is located at a distance L <b> 1 from the opening 11 of the case 1. The counter electrode 3 and the insulator 4 are disposed at a distance L4 from the needle electrode 2. The distance L4 varies depending on the material of the insulator 4. When the insulator 4 is made of glass, the distance L4 is in the range of 0 mm to 15 mm, and when the insulator 4 is made of Teflon, the distance L4 is 30 mm. The distance L3 of the opening 11 in the direction parallel to the bottom surface 1A of the case 1 is in the range of 0.5 cm to 1 cm, and preferably in the range of 0.5 cm to 0.7 cm. The counter electrode 3 and the insulator 4 may be disposed closer to the opening 11 than the distal end 2A of the needle electrode 2 or may be disposed between the support member 5 and the case 1.
When a negative voltage in the range of −5 kV to −9 kV is applied to the needle electrode 2 and a ground voltage (0 V) is applied to the counter electrode 3, the negative ion generator 10 releases negative ions from the opening 11. . With reference to FIG. 4, the mechanism by which the negative ion generator 10 releases negative ions will be described.
When a negative voltage is applied to the needle-like electrode 2 and a ground voltage (0 V) is applied to the counter electrode 3, the needle-like electrode 2 causes the tip 2A to emit electrons toward the opening 11 of the case 1. (Or the needle electrode 2 emits electrons from air molecules in the vicinity of the tip 2A. The same applies hereinafter.) The emitted electrons collide with oxygen molecules 31 and nitrogen molecules 32 in the air. Then, the oxygen molecule 31 emits electrons 31B and changes to positive ions 31A. Further, the nitrogen molecule 32 emits electrons 32B and changes to positive ions 32A. The electrons 31B and 32B are attached to other oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules, and negative ions 33 and 34 are generated.
The positive ions 31 </ b> A and 32 </ b> A generated by the collision of electrons are attracted to the needle-like electrode 2 by the electric field generated between the needle-like electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 and disappear at the needle-like electrode 2.
As a result, the negative ion generator 10 generates only negative ions 33 and 34.
When a negative voltage in the range of −5 kV to −9 kV is applied to the needle electrode 2, the electrons jump out of the needle electrode 2, and oxygen molecules 31 or nitrogen molecules in the region 40 in the vicinity of the needle electrode 2. Collide with 32. In the region 40, the oxygen molecules 31 and the nitrogen molecules 32 emit electrons 31B and 32B, respectively, and change into positive ions 31A and 32A. The emitted electrons 31B and 32B diffuse in the air and adhere to other oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules, and negative ions 33 and 34 are generated.
In this way, the negative ion generator 10 emits electrons from the needle electrode 2 and ionizes molecules in the air near the needle electrode 2 (region 40) to generate positive ions and electrons. The generated electrons are further diffused in a direction away from the needle-like electrode 2 by a negative voltage applied to the needle-like electrode 2, and positive ions are attracted by the negative voltage applied to the needle-like electrode 2. As a result, the negative ion generator 10 can diffuse only electrons into the air and generate negative ions around it.
FIG. 5 shows a circuit diagram of the needle electrode 2, the counter electrode, the wirings 7 and 8, and the power supply circuit 6 in the negative ion generator 10. The power source 6 </ b> A is a power source that applies a negative voltage in the range of −5 kV to −9 kV to the needle electrode 2.
The result of measuring the current flowing from the power source 6A to the needle electrode 2 by inserting an ammeter between the power source 6A and the needle electrode 2 was 8 μA. The result of measuring the current flowing from the counter electrode 3 to the ground node GND by inserting an ammeter between the counter electrode 3 to which the ground voltage (0 V) was applied and the ground node GND was 0 A.
Therefore, no current flows between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3. That is, no current flows through the air existing between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3. The fact that no current flows through the air existing between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 means that no discharge occurs between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3.
When the insulator 4 is made of glass, the distance L4 between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 is, for example, 10 mm, and the negative voltage applied to the needle electrode 2 is −5 kV to −9 kV Therefore, the electric field between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 is in the range of −5 kV / cm to −9 kV / cm.
Since an electric field of 10 kV / cm or more is required to cause discharge in air at 1 atm, a negative voltage applied to the needle electrode 2 is discharged between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3. Is a voltage for generating an electric field that is weaker than the electric field that generates the electric field (that is, the breakdown electric field of air).
Therefore, the present invention is characterized in that an electric field that is weaker than an electric field in which a discharge occurs between the needle-like electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 (that is, a dielectric breakdown electric field of air) is generated.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the power supply circuit 6 applies a negative voltage in the range of −5 kV to −9 kV to the needle electrode 2 through the wiring 7, and applies the ground voltage (0 V) through the wiring 8 to the counter electrode. 3, an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown field of air is generated between the needle-like electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3, and the needle-like electrode 2 generates electrons from the air molecules in the vicinity of the tip 2A or the tip 2A. To release. The emitted electrons collide with oxygen molecules 31 or nitrogen molecules 32 in the air to generate positive ions 31A and 32A and electrons 31B and 32B. Then, the acicular electrode 2 attracts positive ions generated in the vicinity of the tip 2A, and the electrons 31B and 32B emitted from the oxygen molecules 31 or the nitrogen molecules 32 adhere to other oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules. Thus, negative ions 33 and 34 are generated. And the negative ion generator 10 discharge | releases the negative ions 33 and 34 from the opening part 11. FIG.
Table 1 shows the results of measuring the amount of negative ions generated for Units 1 to 10 of the negative ion generator according to the present invention. For comparison, the measurement result of the negative ion generator using the air discharge method is shown.

The measuring instruments for measuring negative ions are as follows. A measuring instrument (referred to as measuring instrument A) whose model is Andes Electric ITC-201A and a measuring method is a flat plate method, and a measuring instrument (measuring instrument) whose model is Sigma Tech SC-10 and whose measuring method is a double cylinder method B)), and the amount of negative ions was measured.
The measurement order is to first measure the negative ion generator by the air discharge method, and then measure the negative ion amount sequentially for No. 1 to No. 5 of the negative ion generator according to the present invention. Then, the amount of negative ions is measured again for the negative ion generator using the air discharge method, and then the amount of negative ions is sequentially measured for Units 6 to 10 of the negative ion generator according to the present invention. Finally, the amount of negative ions is measured for the negative ion generator using the air discharge method.
The above-described measurement was performed under the conditions of air temperature: 25 ° C. and humidity: 50% and air temperature: 26 ° C. and humidity: 58%.
As a result, the negative ion generator according to the present invention generates more than twice as many negative ions as the negative ion generator using the air discharge method, regardless of which measuring instrument A or B is used for measurement. I understood that. Further, there is almost no change in the amount of negative ions due to the humidity changing from 50% to 58%.
The negative ion generator using the air discharge method generates the most negative ions in the device that generates negative ions using the discharge method. However, the negative ion generator according to the present invention generates negative ions using the air discharge method. It was revealed that more negative ions were generated than the device.
Table 2 shows the distance dependency of the amount of negative ions from the negative ion generator.

The measuring instrument B mentioned above was used for the measuring instrument. The measurement conditions are air temperature: 25 ° C. and humidity: 51%. It has been clarified that the negative ion generator according to the present invention generates more negative ions than the negative ion generator using the air discharge method at all measured distances.
Further, the amount of negative ions generated in the negative ion generator by the air discharge method is 59% at a distance of 3 mm with respect to the amount of negative ions generated in the negative ion generator according to the present invention. , 43% at a distance of 1 m. This means that the negative ion generator according to the present invention can generate negative ions in a wider range.
Table 3 shows the results of measuring the amount of negative ions at positions 3 mm and 10 cm from the negative ion generator for No. 1 to No. 10 of the negative ion generator according to the present invention.

At a distance of 3 mm, the average value of the amount of negative ions generated by Units 1 to 10 is 7.64 million pieces / cm. ³ At a distance of 10 cm, the average value of the amount of negative ions generated by Units 1 to 10 is 4.38 million / cm. ³ It is. And in two distances, the dispersion | variation in the amount of negative ions by the apparatus between 1st machine-10th machine is small. Therefore, the negative ion generator according to the present invention has sufficient reproducibility as an apparatus.
Table 4 shows a comparison of the amount of ozone generated between the negative ion generator according to the present invention and the negative ion generator according to the air discharge method. The measurement location is the front of the device. The measurement conditions are air temperature: 25 ° C. and humidity: 50%. Furthermore, the measuring device is an ozone monitor EG-5000 of Sugawara Jitsugyo Co., Ltd.

In both the center and the left, the amount of ozone generated in the negative ion generator according to the present invention is below the detection limit, and is two orders of magnitude less than in the case of the negative ion generator using the air discharge method.
Table 5 compares the ozone amounts of a plurality of devices of the negative ion generator according to the present invention and the negative ion generator by the air discharge method. The measurement conditions are air temperature: 22 ° C. and humidity: 60%.

In the case of the negative ion generator according to the present invention, the ozone generation amount is below the detection limit for all devices, and the amount of generated ozone is smaller than that in the case of the negative ion generator using the air discharge method.
FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a room 30 having a certain size. The length L7 is 3.46 m, and the length L8 is 4.36 m. At each of the points P1 to P6 in the room 30, the amount of negative ions generated by the negative ion generator 10 was measured. The points P1, P2, P3, and P5 are located at the four corners of the room 30, the point P4 is located at an intermediate point between the points P3 and P5, and the point P6 is located 2 m from the negative ion generator 10. Located in.
Table 6 shows the measurement results at the points P1 to P6 of the amount of negative ions generated by the negative ion generator 10 according to the present invention.

Table 6 shows the measurement results at points P1 to P6 of the amount of negative ions generated by the negative ion generator using the air discharge method for comparison. Measurement conditions are air temperature: 30 ° C. and humidity: 56%.
The amount of negative ions generated by the negative ion generator 10 according to the present invention decreases in the order of points P1, P2, P6, P4, P3, and P5 regardless of whether the measuring device is one of the measuring devices A and B. , It decreases most at point P5.
On the other hand, the amount of negative ions generated by the negative ion generator using the air discharge method decreases in the order of points P1, P2, P6, P3, P4 and P5, and decreases most at point P5.
And it turned out that the negative ion generator 10 by this invention can generate | occur | produce many negative ions more than the negative ion generator by an air discharge system in all the points P1-P6. That is, the negative ion generator 10 according to the present invention is 15.08 m. ² In the area of (= 4.36 m × 3.46 m), more negative ions can be generated than the negative ion generator by the air discharge method.
FIG. 7 shows the distribution of the amount of negative ions generated at the points P1 to P6 by the negative ion generator 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 8 shows the distribution of the negative ion amount generated at the points P1 to P6 by the negative ion generator using the air discharge method. The amount of negative ions shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 was measured by the measuring device B.
7 and 8, the vertical axis represents the amount of negative ions. 7 and 8, it is clear that the negative ion generator 10 according to the present invention can generate more negative ions in the room 30 than the negative ion generator using the air discharge method.
Table 7 shows the measurement results of the amount of negative ions generated in the waterfall.

The amount of negative ions shown in Table 7 is measured by the measuring instrument A, and the measurement conditions are an air temperature of 30 ° C. and a humidity of 60%. The measurement location is a position about 15 m horizontally from the waterhole and a position about 30 m horizontally from the waterhole. 20000 to 30000 pieces / cm at a position about 15m from the waterfall ³ Negative ions are detected, and at a position of about 30 m from the waterhole, 5000 to 8000 ions / cm ³ Negative ions were detected.
In general, the amount of negative ions present around waterfalls is evaluated as being good for health, and the amount of negative ions good for health is thousands to tens of thousands / cm. ³ It was found that it was in the range.
As shown in Table 6, the negative ion generator 10 according to the present invention is about 15 m. ² 22,000 pieces / cm in the entire area of the room 30 having the size of ³ The amount of negative ions is generated. This numerical value is a value measured by the measuring instrument A for comparison with the measurement result in Table 7.
Therefore, it was found that the negative ion generator 10 according to the present invention can generate a larger amount of negative ions than the amount of negative ions evaluated as being good for health.
As described above, the negative ion generator 10 according to the present invention can generate more negative ions in a wider range than the conventional negative ion generator and can suppress the generation of ozone.
The negative ion generator 10 according to the present invention can generate more negative ions than the amount of negative ions generated in nature.
The power supply circuit 6 constitutes a “voltage application circuit”. Further, the needle-like electrode 2, the counter electrode 3, the insulator 4, the power supply circuit 6 and the wirings 7 and 8 constitute an “electron emitter”.
[Embodiment 2]
Referring to FIG. 9, negative ion generator 10A according to Embodiment 2 is obtained by adding insulator 9 to negative ion generator 10 and omitting insulator 4, and the other is negative ion generator 10. Is the same.
The insulator 9 covers the body portion 2C excluding the front end portion 2A and the rear end portion 2B of the needle electrode 2. The insulator 9 is made of any one of glass, ceramics, resin, and semiconductor. The body 2C of the needle electrode 2 covered with the insulator 9 constitutes the negative electrode 20. The negative electrode 20 is fixed to the support member 5 when the body portion 2 </ b> C and the insulator 9 penetrate the support member 5. The rear end 2 </ b> B of the needle electrode 2 is connected to the wiring 7.
In the negative ion generator 10 </ b> A, the counter electrode 3 is not covered, and the body portion 2 </ b> C of the needle-like electrode 2 is covered with the insulator 9. That is, a part of the needle-like electrode 2 is covered with the insulator 9 so that no current flows between the needle-like electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3.
With reference to FIG. 10, the cross-sectional structure seen from the A direction of 10 A of negative ion generators shown in FIG. 9 is demonstrated. On the bottom surface 1 </ b> A of the case 1, the counter electrode 3, the support member 5, and the power circuit 6 are installed. The negative electrode 20 is fixed by the support member 5 when the body portion 2 </ b> C and the insulator 9 penetrate the support member 5. Others are the same as the description of FIG.
Moreover, the planar structure seen from the B direction of the negative ion generator 10A shown in FIG. 9 is the same as the planar structure shown in FIG.
The arrangement position of the counter electrode 3 will be described with reference to FIG. Assuming that the direction from the front end 2A to the rear end 2B of the negative electrode 20 is the x direction, the counter electrode 3 is usually arranged to face the central portion cp in the x direction of the insulator 9. However, the counter electrode 3 is not limited thereto, and may be disposed on the x direction side with respect to the surface 15 with which the distal end portion 2A of the needle electrode 2 is in contact. Therefore, the counter electrode 3 may be disposed at any position of the points C to F. When the counter electrode 3 is disposed on the opposite side of the x direction from the plane 15, the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 that are not covered with the insulator face each other. In order to prevent this, the arrangement position of the counter electrode 3 is limited as described above.
Others are the same as the negative ion generator 10.
Referring again to FIG. 9, the power supply circuit 6 applies a negative voltage of −5 kV to −9 kV to the needle electrode 2 of the negative electrode 20 via the wiring 7, and applies the ground voltage (0 V) via the wiring 8. When applied to the counter electrode 3, an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown field of air is generated between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3, and the negative electrode 20 emits electrons from the tip 2A. Alternatively, the negative electrode 20 emits electrons from air molecules near the tip 2A. The emitted electrons collide with oxygen molecules 31 or nitrogen molecules 32 in the air to generate positive ions 31A and 32A and electrons 31B and 32B. Then, the negative electrode 20 attracts positive ions 31A and 32A generated in the vicinity of the tip 2A, and the electrons 31B and 32B emitted from the oxygen molecules 31 or the nitrogen molecules 32 are transferred to other oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules. The negative ions 33 and 34 are generated by adhering. Then, the negative ion generator 10 </ b> A releases the negative ions 33 and 34 from the opening 11.
As described above, the air between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode can also be obtained by covering the body 2C of the needle electrode 2 to which the negative voltage is applied with the insulator 9 without covering the counter electrode 3 with the insulator. An electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field can be generated, and a large number of negative ions can be generated.
A modification of the counter electrode 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. Referring to FIG. 12, counter electrode 3 may be counter electrode 3 </ b> A bent in an arc along the circumferential direction of insulator 9 of negative electrode 20.
Referring to FIG. 13, the counter electrode 3 may be a linear counter electrode 3B. Therefore, more specifically, the counter electrode 3B may be configured by a normal wiring material.
Referring to FIG. 14, counter electrode 3 may be a ring-shaped counter electrode 3 </ b> C having an insulator 9 of negative electrode 20 as a central axis.
Referring to FIG. 15, the counter electrode 3 may be a counter electrode 3 </ b> D that is spirally bent in the axial direction of the negative electrode 20.
When the counter electrodes 3A to 3D shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 are used in the negative ion generator 10A, an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of air is generated between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3, Generation of many negative ions can be suppressed.
The counter electrodes 3A to 3D shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 may be used in the negative ion generator 10 in the first embodiment.
The negative electrode 20, the counter electrode 3, the power supply circuit 6, and the wirings 7 and 8 constitute an “electron emitter”.
Others are the same as in the first embodiment.
[Embodiment 3]
Referring to FIG. 16, negative ion generator 10 </ b> B according to Embodiment 3 is the same as negative ion generator 10 except that insulator 9 is added to negative ion generator 10.
The needle electrode 2 and the insulator 9 constitute a negative electrode 20. Therefore, the specific material of the insulator 9, the method for fixing the negative electrode 20 to the support member 5, and the method for connecting the negative electrode 20 and the wiring 7 are as described in the second embodiment.
In the negative ion generator 10B, the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 are covered with the insulators 4 and 9, respectively. Therefore, the counter electrode 3 and the insulator 4 may be disposed at any position in the case 1 as described in the first embodiment.
In the negative ion generator 10B in which the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 are covered with the insulators 9 and 4, respectively, a negative voltage of −5 kV to −9 kV is applied to the needle electrode 2 via the wiring 7, and the ground voltage When (0 V) is applied to the counter electrode 3 via the wiring 8, an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown field of air is generated between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3, and many negative ions are generated. .
The negative electrode 20, the counter electrode 3, the insulator 4, the power supply circuit 6 and the wirings 7 and 8 constitute an “electron emitter”.
The rest is the same as in the first and second embodiments.
[Embodiment 4]
Referring to FIG. 17, negative ion generator 10C according to the fourth embodiment is the same as negative ion generator 10 except that insulator 4 of negative ion generator 10 is replaced with insulator 12. is there.
The insulator 12 is disposed between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3. That is, the insulator 12 does not cover the needle electrode 2 or the counter electrode 3 but is disposed between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 so as to spatially separate the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3. Is done. The insulator 12 is made of any one of glass, ceramics, and resin. The insulator 12 has a height H that is at least about 3 mm higher than the counter electrode 3, a width W that is at least about 3 mm wider than the width of the counter electrode 3, and a depth D that is about 0.1 mm or more. The depth D is determined by the insulating ability of the insulator. The insulator 12 is 10 ⁶ You may comprise by the semiconductor (namely, semiconductor which is not doped in p-type or n-type) which has a specific resistance of Ωcm or more. In this case, the depth D of the insulator 12 is on the order of several hundred microns.
The negative ion generator 10 </ b> C does not cover both the needle-like electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 with an insulator, but arranges the insulator 12 between the needle-like electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 to provide the needle-like electrode 2. An electric field weaker than a dielectric breakdown electric field of air is generated between the counter electrode 3 and the counter electrode 3.
With reference to FIG. 18, the cross-sectional structure seen from the A direction of the negative ion generator 10C shown in FIG. 17 is demonstrated. Support member 5, power supply circuit 6 and insulator 12 are arranged on bottom surface 1 </ b> A of case 1. The insulator 12 is disposed beyond the needle electrode 2, and the counter electrode 3 is further disposed beyond the insulator 12 (in FIG. 18, the counter electrode 3 is hidden by the insulator 12. ing.). Others are the same as the description of FIG.
With reference to FIG. 19, the planar structure seen from the B direction of the negative ion generator 10C shown in FIG. 17 is demonstrated. The insulator 12 is disposed in parallel to the needle-like electrode 2 at a position separated from the needle-like electrode 2 by a distance L5. The counter electrode 3 is disposed at a position separated from the insulator 12 by a distance L6. The distance L5 is in the range of 0 to 30 mm, and the distance L6 is in the range of 0 to 30 mm.
Others are the same as the description of FIG.
When a negative voltage is applied to the needle electrode 2 and a ground voltage (0 V) is applied to the counter voltage 3, an electric field from the counter electrode 3 toward the needle electrode 2 is generated. The lines of electric force in the electric field enter the needle electrode 2 starting from the counter electrode 3. In this case, the electric lines of force are concentrated at the pointed portion, so that the electric lines of force tend to concentrate on the tip portion 2A of the needle electrode 2. Therefore, the insulator 12 is preferably disposed at a position that blocks a straight line connecting the counter electrode 3 and the tip portion 2A of the needle electrode 2.
In the negative ion generator 10C in which the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 are separated by the insulator 12, a negative voltage of −5 kV to −9 kV is applied to the needle electrode 2 via the wiring 7, and the ground voltage (0 V) is applied. Is applied to the counter electrode 3 via the wiring 8, an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown field of air is generated between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3, and a lot of negative ions are generated.
The needle electrode 2, the counter electrode 3, the insulator 12, the power supply circuit 6, and the wirings 7 and 8 constitute an “electron emitter”.
Others are the same as in the first embodiment.
[Embodiment 5]
Referring to FIG. 20, negative ion generator 10D according to Embodiment 5 is obtained by removing counter electrode 3, insulator 4 and wiring 8 of negative ion generator 10, and the other is the negative ion generator 10. Is the same.
The power supply circuit 6 applies a negative voltage of −5 kV to −9 kV to the needle electrode 2 via the wiring 7 and outputs the ground voltage (0 V) to the terminal 66. Then, an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown field of air is generated between the needle-like electrode 2 and the terminal 66 of the power supply circuit 6. The needle-like electrode 2 emits electrons from the distal end portion 2A, and the emitted electrons collide with oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules in the air to generate positive ions and electrons. The needle-like electrode 2 further sucks the generated positive ions and extinguishes the positive ions generated in the air. Then, electrons released from oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules are attached to other oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules, and negative ions are generated.
In the negative ion generator 10D, since no discharge occurs between the needle electrode 2 and the terminal 66 of the power supply circuit 6, positive ions are generated exclusively in the vicinity of the tip 2A of the needle electrode 2. . Therefore, unlike the negative ion generator 10D, generation of ozone can be suppressed and a large amount of negative ions can be generated without providing the counter electrode 3 in particular.
The needle electrode 2, the power supply circuit 6, and the wiring 7 constitute an “electron emitter”. Further, the negative ion generation device according to the fifth embodiment is obtained by removing the counter electrode 3 and the wiring 8 from the negative ion generation device 10A according to the second embodiment or the negative ion generation device 10B according to the third embodiment from the counter electrode 3. Alternatively, the insulator 4 and the wiring 8 may be omitted, or the counter electrode 3, the insulator 12 and the wiring 8 may be deleted from the negative ion generator 10C according to the fourth embodiment.
Others are the same as the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments.
[Embodiment 6]
The negative ion generator according to Embodiment 6 is a negative ion generator in which the inner wall of the case 1 of the negative ion generator 10 is covered with an insulator. With reference to FIG. 21, the cross-sectional structure of negative ion generator 10E according to Embodiment 6 will be described. The inner wall of the case 1 is covered with an insulator 13. The case 1 has the opening 11, but the end surfaces 11 </ b> A and 11 </ b> A of the opening 11 are also covered with the insulator 13. That is, the insulator 13 covers the inner wall of the case 1 and the end surfaces 11A and 11A of the opening 11 so that electrons emitted from the needle-like electrode 2 are not charged to the case 1. The insulator 13 is grounded. The insulator 13 is made of Teflon or insulator. The insulator 13 may be made of any one of ceramics, resins, and semiconductors.
The reason why the inner wall of the case 1 and the end faces 11A and 11A of the opening 11 are covered with the insulator 13 is as follows. If the insulator 13 is not provided, a part of the electrons emitted from the needle electrode 2 is charged on the inner wall of the case 1 or the end faces 11A and 11A of the opening 11. If it does so, even if the case 1 is comprised with the insulator, it will come to conduct electricity and a discharge will arise between the case 1 and the acicular electrode 2. FIG. Therefore, the inner wall of the case 1 and the end surfaces 11A and 11A of the opening 11 are covered with the insulator 13 in order to prevent the case 1 from being charged and causing a discharge between the case 1 and the needle electrode 2.
The counter electrode 3, the insulator 4, the support member 5, and the power supply circuit 6 are disposed on the grounded insulator 13.
The opening 11 of the negative ion generator 10E shown in FIG. 21 is tapered at its end faces 11A and 11A. Thereby, the generated electrons and negative ions are easily released from the opening 11 to the outside.
Others are the same as the description of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 22, the negative ion generator 10 </ b> E does not need to be tapered as long as the end surfaces 11 </ b> A and 11 </ b> A of the opening 11 are covered with the insulator 13.
In the negative ion generator 10E, the power supply circuit 6 applies a negative voltage in the range of −5 kV to −9 kV to the needle-like electrode 2 via the wiring 7 and applies the ground voltage (0 V) via the wiring 8 to the counter electrode 3. When applied to, an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown field of air is generated between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3, and the needle electrode 2 emits electrons in the direction of the opening 11. Then, in the vicinity of the distal end portion 2A of the needle electrode 2, collision between electrons emitted from the needle electrode 2 and oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules in the air occurs, and positive ions and electrons are generated. The positive ions are attracted to the needle-like electrode 2 and disappear, and the electrons are attached to other oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules in the air to generate negative ions.
And the negative ion generator 10E discharge | releases an electron and a negative ion to the exterior from the opening part 11. FIG. In this case, the case 1 is not charged by electrons emitted from the acicular electrode 2 because the inner wall of the case 1 and the end surfaces 11A and 11A of the opening 11 are covered with the insulator 13, and the case 1 and the acicular shape No discharge occurs between the electrodes 2.
Accordingly, the negative ion generator 10E can stably generate negative ions.
The needle-like electrode 2, the counter electrode 3, the insulator 4, the power supply circuit 6, the wirings 7 and 8, and the insulator 13 constitute an “electron emitter”.
The insulator 13 may be applied to any of the negative ion generators 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D. In this case as well, no discharge occurs between the case 1 and the needle electrode 2 as in the negative ion generator 10E.
Others are the same as those in the first to fifth embodiments.
The needle electrode 2 may be the needle electrode 21 shown in FIG. The acicular electrode 21 includes a plate-shaped main body 210, pointed portions 211 and 212, and an insulator 213. The pointed portions 211 and 212 are attached to the main body 210 or formed as a part of the main body 210. The insulator 213 is made of resin and covers the main body 210 excluding the pointed portions 211 and 212.
Even when the acicular electrode 21 is used, an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown field of air is generated between the acicular electrode 21 and the counter electrode 3, and generation of many negative ions is suppressed by suppressing the generation of ozone. Can do.
Moreover, since the acicular electrode 21 has the some point part 211,212, it can discharge | release more electrons and can generate more negative ions as a result.
A modification of the electron emitter including the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Referring to FIG. 24, electron emitter 140 includes two needle-like electrodes 2, 2, printed circuit board 130 having wiring 131, support member 5, and wirings 7 and 8. The two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 are partially bent at a right angle. Then, the two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 are fixed to the support member 5 by inserting a portion bent at a right angle into the support member 5. The wiring 7 is connected to the needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 in the support member 5. In addition, a printed circuit board 130 having a wiring 131 is disposed below the two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2, and the wiring 8 is connected to the wiring 131. In this case, the printed circuit board 130 is disposed so as to be interposed between the wiring 131 and the two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2.
When the power supply circuit 6 applies a negative voltage in the range of −5 kV to −9 kV to the needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 through the wiring 7 and applies the ground voltage (0 V) to the wiring 131 through the wiring 8, the needle-like Since the electrodes 131, 2 and the wiring 131 serving as the counter electrode 3 are insulated by the printed circuit board 130 that is an insulator, no discharge occurs between the needle-like electrodes 2, 2 and the wiring 131. As a result, the mechanism described above can suppress the generation of ozone and generate many negative ions.
Referring to FIG. 25, electron emitter 141 includes two needle-like electrodes 2, 2, printed circuit board 130 having wiring 131, and wirings 7 and 8. The two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 are partially bent at a right angle. Then, by inserting the portion bent at a right angle into the printed board 130, the two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 are fixed to the printed board 130 having the wiring 131. In this case, the two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 are fixed to the surface opposite to the surface of the printed board 130 on which the wiring 131 is provided. The wiring 7 is connected to the two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2, and the wiring 8 is connected to the wiring 131.
Similar to the electron emitter 140, the electron emitter 141 can generate a lot of negative ions by suppressing the generation of ozone. In the case of the electron emitter 141, the printed circuit board 130 having the wiring 131 functions as the support member 5 of the needle-like electrodes 2 and 2, and the insulator 12 provided between the needle-like electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3. An electron emitter can be formed more easily.
Referring to FIG. 26, electron emitter 142 includes two needle-like electrodes 2, 2, printed boards 130 </ b> A and 130 </ b> B, wiring 131, and wirings 7 and 8. The two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 are partially bent at a right angle. Then, by inserting the portion bent at a right angle into the printed board 130A, the two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 are fixed to one surface of the printed board 130A. The wiring 7 is connected to the two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2.
The wiring 131 is formed on one surface of the printed circuit board 130A and the printed circuit board 130B, and is sandwiched between the printed circuit board 130A and the printed circuit board 130B. The wiring 131 is connected to the wiring 8.
In the electron emitter 142, the wiring 131 as the counter electrode 3 is insulated from the needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 by the two printed boards 130A and 130B. Suppresses generation and generates many negative ions.
Referring to FIG. 27, an electron emitter 143 is obtained by replacing needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 with linear needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 in electron emitter 142 shown in FIG. It is the same as the emitter 141.
Referring to FIG. 28, an electron emitter 144 is obtained by replacing needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 with linear needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 in the electron emitter 142 shown in FIG. Same as emitter 142.
Referring to FIG. 29, electron emitter 145 includes two needle-like electrodes 2, 2, printed circuit board 130 having wiring 131, insulator 132, and wirings 7 and 8. The two needle-like electrodes 2 and 2 have a linear shape. The needle electrodes 2 and 2 are fixed to the printed circuit board 130 by inserting a part of the needle electrodes 2 and 2 into the printed circuit board 130.
In the electron emitter 145, the wiring 131 is disposed on the same surface as the surface of the printed circuit board 130 to which the needle electrodes 2 and 2 are fixed. The insulator 132 is formed on the surface of the printed board 130 so as to cover the wiring 131. The wiring 7 is connected to the needle-like electrodes 2 and 2, and the wiring 8 is connected to the wiring 131.
In the electron emitter 145, since the wiring 131 as the counter electrode 3 is insulated from the needle electrodes 2 and 2 by the insulator 132, the electron emitter 145 suppresses the generation of ozone according to the same mechanism as described above. And more negative ions are generated.
Referring to FIG. 30, the electron emitter 146 includes a needle-like electrode 2 (2A), a counter electrode 133, and an insulator 134. The counter electrode 133 is made of a tube having a diameter larger than the diameter of the needle electrode 2. The inner wall and end surface of the counter electrode 133 are covered with an insulator 134. Further, the needle electrode 2 enters the counter electrode 133, and only the tip portion 2 </ b> A protrudes from the counter electrode 133. The acicular electrode 2 is connected to the wiring 7 and a negative voltage of −5 kV to −9 kV is applied. The counter electrode 133 is connected to the wiring 8 and is applied with a ground voltage (0 V).
In the electron emitter 146, since the counter electrode 133 is insulated from the needle electrode 2 by the insulator 134, the electron emitter 146 suppresses the generation of ozone according to the same mechanism as described above, and more negative Generates ions.
Referring to FIG. 31, electron emitter 147 includes needle electrode 2 and wirings 135 and 136. The wirings 135 and 136 are normal wirings covered with an insulator. The wires 135 and 136 are arranged so that one end thereof is in contact with the needle electrode 2. In this case, one end in contact with the needle electrode 2 is covered with an insulator.
The acicular electrode 2 is connected to the wiring 7 and a negative voltage of −5 kV to −9 kV is applied. Further, the wirings 135 and 136 are connected to the wiring 8 and applied with a ground voltage (0 V). In the electron emitter 147, since the wirings 135 and 136 as the counter electrode 3 are insulated from the needle electrode 2 by an insulator, the electron emitter 147 suppresses the generation of ozone according to the same mechanism as described above. , Generate more negative ions.
Even if the electron emitters 140 to 147 shown in FIGS. 24 to 31 are applied to any of the negative ion generators 10 to 10E, as described above, generation of ozone is suppressed and more negative ions are generated. Can do.
In the above description, the medium existing between the two electrodes has been described as air. However, in the present invention, the medium existing between the two electrodes is not limited to air, and other mediums may be used. There may be.
When the medium existing between the two electrodes is other than air, a negative voltage for generating an electric field weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the medium existing between the two electrodes is applied to the needle electrode 2.
That is, the present invention can be applied to a negative ion generator that generates negative ions preferentially without causing discharge in a medium existing between two electrodes.
In the above description, the counter electrode 3 has been described as being applied with the ground voltage (0 V). However, in the present invention, not only the ground voltage (0 V) but also between the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3. A positive voltage that generates an electric field that is weaker than the dielectric breakdown electric field of the medium existing in the medium may be applied to the counter electrode 3.
Further, in the above description, the negative ion generators 10 to 10E have been described as generating negative ions. However, a positive voltage in the range of 5 kV to 9 kV is applied to the needle electrode 2 and the ground voltage (0 V) is applied to the counter electrode. 3, the negative ion generators 10 to 10E generate only positive ions by the same mechanism as described above. The amount of positive ions generated is equivalent to the amount of negative ions described above.
Therefore, the negative ion generators 10 to 10E described above constitute an ion generator that generates only negative ions or only positive ions.
Furthermore, an ion generator that generates only negative ions or only positive ions is applied to a static eliminating device. The ion generator applied to the static eliminator generates negative ions when a negative voltage of −5 kV to −9 kV and a ground voltage (0 V) are applied to the needle electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 for a certain period, respectively, and 5 kV to A positive voltage of 9 kV and a ground voltage (0 V) are applied to the needle-like electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 for a certain period to generate positive ions. Thus, an ion generator that alternately generates negative ions and positive ions at a constant cycle is suitable for a static electricity removing device.

  The present invention is applicable to an ion generator that generates ions by generating an electric field weaker than a dielectric breakdown field of air between a needle electrode and a counter electrode.

Claims (12)

A case (1) having an opening (11);
An insulator (13) formed in contact with the inner wall of the case (1) and the end surface (11A) of the opening (11) and grounded;
An electron emitter disposed in the case (1) and emitting electrons from the opening (11) to the outside of the case (1);
The electron emitter is
A needle-like negative electrode (2) which is arranged so as to face the opening (11) on its axis and emits the electrons;
A counter electrode (4) disposed at a predetermined distance in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the negative electrode (2);
A negative electrode (2) for generating an electric field between the negative electrode (2) and the counter electrode (4) having a positive electrode and a negative electrode and weaker than a dielectric breakdown electric field of a medium existing around the negative electrode (2) An ion generator comprising: a voltage application circuit (6) for applying a negative voltage from the negative electrode to the negative electrode (2). A case (1) having an opening (11);
A first insulator (13) formed in contact with an inner wall of the case (1) and an end surface (11A) of the opening (11) and grounded;
An electron emitter disposed in the case (1) and emitting electrons from the opening (11) to the outside of the case (1);
The electron emitter is
It is arranged to face the opening (11) in its axis line, a needle-like negative electrode that emits the electrons at Rukoto predetermined negative voltage is applied (2),
A counter electrode (3) disposed at a predetermined distance from the negative electrode (2) and covered with a second insulator (4);
The predetermined negative voltage has an electric field weaker than a dielectric breakdown electric field of a medium existing between the negative electrode (2) and the counter electrode (3), and the negative electrode (2) and the counter electrode (3). Is a voltage for generating during
The counter electrode (3) is covered electric wire (135, 136) der is,
Wherein at least a portion of said covered wire (135, 136) is Ru extends along the axial direction of the negative electrode (2), the ion generating device. A case (1) having an opening (11);
A first insulator (13) formed in contact with an inner wall of the case (1) and an end surface (11A) of the opening (11) and grounded;
An electron emitter disposed in the case (1) and emitting electrons from the opening (11) to the outside of the case (1);
The electron emitter is
A needle-like negative electrode (20) in which the body part (2C) excluding the tip part (2A) is covered with a second insulator (9);
A counter electrode (3) disposed at a predetermined distance in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the negative electrode (20) and generating a predetermined electric field between the negative electrode (20) and
The ion generator, wherein the predetermined electric field is an electric field weaker than a dielectric breakdown electric field of a medium existing between the negative electrode (20) and the counter electrode (3). A case (1) having an opening (11);
A first insulator (13) formed in contact with an inner wall of the case (1) and an end surface (11A) of the opening (11) and grounded;
An electron emitter disposed in the case (1) and emitting electrons from the opening (11) to the outside of the case (1);
The electron emitter is
A needle-like negative electrode (2, 20) that is arranged so as to face the opening (11) on its axis and emits the electrons;
A counter electrode (3) disposed at a predetermined distance in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the negative electrode (2, 20) ;
A second insulator (4, 9) provided between the negative electrode (2, 20) and the counter electrode (3);
An electric field weaker than a dielectric breakdown electric field of a medium existing between the negative electrode (2, 20) and the counter electrode (3) is interposed between the negative electrode (2, 20) and the counter electrode (3). An ion generator comprising: a voltage application circuit (6) for applying a negative voltage for generation to the negative electrode (2, 20). The second insulator (4) covers the counter electrode (3),
The ion generator according to claim 4, wherein the first and second insulators (13, 4) are made of any one of glass, ceramics, resin, and semiconductor. The second insulator (9) covers a portion (2C) excluding the tip (2A) of the negative electrode (20),
The ion generator according to claim 4, wherein the first and second insulators (13, 9) are made of any one of glass, ceramics, resin, and semiconductor. The second insulator (4, 9) is composed of first and second electrode insulators,
The first electrode insulator (4) covers the counter electrode (3),
The second electrode insulator (9) covers a portion (2C) excluding the tip (2A) of the negative electrode (20),
The first insulator (13), the first electrode insulator (4), and the second electrode insulator (9) are made of any one of glass, ceramics, resin, and semiconductor. 4. The ion generator according to 4. A case (1) having an opening (11);
A first insulator (13) formed in contact with an inner wall of the case (1) and an end surface (11A) of the opening (11) and grounded;
An electron emitter disposed in the case (1) and emitting electrons from the opening (11) to the outside of the case (1);
The electron emitter is
A needle-like negative electrode (2, 20) that is arranged so as to face the opening (11) on its axis and emits the electrons;
A counter electrode (3) disposed at a predetermined distance in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the negative electrode (2, 20) and generating a predetermined electric field between the negative electrode (2, 20) and ,
A second insulator (4, 9) provided between the negative electrode (2, 20) and the counter electrode (3);
The ion generator, wherein the predetermined electric field is an electric field weaker than a dielectric breakdown electric field of a medium existing between the negative electrode (2, 20) and the counter electrode (3). The second insulator (4) covers the counter electrode (3),
The ion generator according to claim 8, wherein the first and second insulators (13, 4) are made of any one of glass, ceramics, resin and semiconductor. The second insulator (9) covers a portion (2C) excluding the tip (2A) of the negative electrode (20),
The ion generator according to claim 8, wherein the first and second insulators (13, 9) are made of any one of glass, ceramics, resin, and semiconductor. The second insulator (4, 9) is composed of first and second electrode insulators,
The first electrode insulator (4) covers the counter electrode (3),
The second electrode insulator (9) covers a portion (2C) excluding the tip (2A) of the negative electrode (20),
The first insulator (13), the first electrode insulator (4), and the second electrode insulator (9) are made of any one of glass, ceramics, resin, and semiconductor. 8. The ion generator according to 8.   The ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a tip (2A) of the negative electrode (2, 20) is pointed.

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