IONIZER EQUIPPED WITH AN IONIC FLUID ACCELERATOR, PARTICULARLY FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of ionizers.

[0002] Ionizers are commonly used to purify the air. The principle, which is quite simple, is based on the corona effect: one (or more) electrode(s) connected to a high voltage (and low current) electrical source cause(s) the ionization of the surrounding environment, accompanied by electrical discharges.

[0003] In practice, the electrode can be formed (at least at one free end) of very fine filaments (e.g., fiberglass or carbon, treated to be electrically conductive). These filaments are placed in a flow of air generated by a blower, which carries away the ions.

[0004] The ions couple with particles suspended in the air, which, by weighing them down, help to stick to the ground.

[0005] A typical ionizer employing this technology is described in US patent US5268009.

[0006] Document WO2017038111A1 also describes an ion generating device of the type comprising a blower and an ion generator. Document US2011150697A1 describes an ion diffusion device.

[0007] It has recently been discovered that an ionizer can help repel insects (particularly diptera) that are usually attracted to body odors (especially female mosquitoes). Indeed, these body odors are carried by particles (particularly perspiration) that can be pinned to the ground by coupling with the ions from an ionizer.

[0008] In other words, it is possible to use an ionizer to permanently deodorize the individual (or animal) exposed to insects (especially mosquitoes). Rendered somewhat invisible to them, the individual (or animal) is protected from their stings (or bites).

[0009] Ionizers have been proposed for wearing around the neck or wrist. However, their range is limited and they cannot protect multiple individuals simultaneously.

[0010] The easiest way to increase the range of an ionizer is to increase the power of the blower. However, this results in an increase in the ionizer's power consumption, which is particularly incompatible with prolonged use on the go or in regions without mains power.

[0011] A first objective of the invention is therefore to propose an ionizer with increased range, while exhibiting moderate electrical consumption.

[0012] A second objective of the invention is to propose an ionizer making it possible to diffuse ions in a large volume, in particular for the purpose of making, in this volume, individuals invisible to the olfactory sense of insects and in particular mosquitoes.

[0013] For this purpose, an air ionization device (ionizer) is proposed, which comprises a housing and, in this housing: A blower, which includes a rotor for generating a pulsed air flow and an exhaust duct for channeling this flow; An ion production device, which comprises: A high-voltage electric generator; At least one electrode connected to the generator and one free end of which, formed from a bunch of filaments made of conductive material, extends in line with the exhaust duct to release ions therein by the Corona effect; A diffuser provided with: A tube which extends in the extension of the exhaust duct and delimits a compression chamber located downstream of the filaments of the at least one electrode of the ion production device relative to the pulsed air flow generated, and A divergent which extends the tube and comprises a series of channels which extend from an internal face of the divergent adjoining the compression chamber to an opposite external face.

[0014] The diffuser has the effect of accelerating the flow of air passing through it, benefiting the range (and therefore the efficiency) of the ionizer.

[0015] Various additional features may be provided, alone or in combination. For example: The channels move away from each other from the inner face of the divergent to its outer face. Each channel narrows from the inner face of the divergent to its outer face. The ionizer comprises a metal ring surrounding the free end of the electrode. The metal ring has a flared portion (particularly conical or pyramidal in shape) which surrounds the bunch of filaments of the electrode. The metal ring is crimped onto the electrode. The metal ring is made of copper. The metal ring is silver-plated on the surface. The housing comprises a base and a cover provided with perforations at least in line with the diffuser. The ionizer comprises an electronic control card provided with a switch for opening or closing an electrical circuit supplying power to the generator, and the housing is provided with a push button coupled to the switch.

[0016] Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the description of an embodiment, given below with reference to the appended drawings in which: there FIG.1 is an exploded perspective view showing an air ionization device; the FIG.2 is an exploded perspective view showing a wind tunnel and its associated diffuser; FIG.3 is a partially cutaway view, showing the blower and its diffuser assembled; the FIG.4 is a sectional view of the wind tunnel and diffuser, according to section plane IV-IV of the FIG.3 ; there FIG.5 is a sectional view along plane VV of the FIG.4 ; there FIG.6 is a partial cutaway view showing the assembled ionization device.

[0017] On the FIG.1 an air ionization device is shown, hereinafter more simply called an ionizer 1. This ionizer 1is designed to produce one or more pulsed ion streams, intended to associate with airborne particles of opposite electrical charge.

[0018] The molecules (or groups of molecules) formed by the association of pulsed ions and particles are heavy and, under the effect of their weight, are stuck to the ground.

[0019] The ionizer 1 is advantageously designed to generate negative ions (anions), typically CO 3 -< ions. We will see how below.

[0020] The ionizer 1 comprises, firstly, a housing 2.

[0021] In the example shown, the case 2 includes a base 3 and a cover 4.

[0022] The base 3 can rest on a support (e.g. a table), be hung on a wall or partition (wall-mounted), or be hung on a ceiling (ceiling-mounted).

[0023] In the example shown, the base 3 has a substantially square outline (preferably with rounded corners).

[0024] The cover 4 is advantageously pyramidal, with a base complementary to the contour of the base 3.

[0025] Together, the base 3 and the cover 4 define a volume 5 internal in which various components of the ionizer are arranged 1.

[0026] The cover 4 is provided with perforations 6. These perforations 6 are intended to allow air to pass through the cover 4.

[0027] The ionizer 1 includes, secondly, at least one wind tunnel 7. This wind tunnel 7 includes a rotor 8 to generate a pulsed air flow, and a duct 9 exhaust to channel this flow.

[0028] In the example shown, the wind tunnel 7 comes in the form of a fan. The blower 7 includes, in this case, a box 10 (here cylindrical) in which the rotor 8 is mounted pivoting. The box 10 carries a stator (not shown) powered by current, and designed to generate a rotating magnetic field driving the rotor 8 rotating.

[0029] In the example shown, the rotor 8 includes a tree 11 and a plurality of fins 12 peripherals attached to the shaft 11 and which, when the rotor rotates 8, generate the airflow.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the FIG.1 , the ionizer 1 includes two blowers 7. The wind tunnels 7 are e.g. mounted back-to-back, i.e. the generated flows are pulsed in opposite directions.

[0031] As illustrated in particular on the FIG.1 , the box 10 is provided with an air inlet (here formed by an opening 13 directly above the rotor 8).

[0032] The conduit 9 exhaust is here formed by an opening made on one side of the box 10. In the example shown, the conduit 9 The exhaust pipe is rectangular (or square) in section, but it could be circular or oval in section.

[0033] The ionizer 1 includes, thirdly, a device 14 ion production, which includes: A generator 15 high voltage electric; At least one electrode 16 connected to the generator 15 and one end of which 16 free, formed from a bouquet of filaments 18 made of conductive material, extends into the conduit 9exhaust to release ions by corona effect.

[0034] The generator 15 high voltage generator is connected to an electrical voltage source (e.g. a battery, a cell, or the mains - via a transformer). The generator 15 is designed to produce electricity at high voltage (several thousand volts, or even several tens of thousands of volts) and low intensity (a few milliamps, or even a few microamps).

[0035] In the example shown, where the ionizer 1 includes two blowers 7, the device 14 ion production includes two electrodes 16, each associated with a blower 7.

[0036] Each electrode 16 includes a driver 19 connected to the generator. To minimize losses, the conductor 19 is, over at least part of its length, surrounded by a sheath 20(e.g. in a flexible insulating polymer). As can be clearly seen in the FIG.2 and on the FIG.3 , the end 16 free from the electrode (i.e. the bunch of filaments 18) is stripped bare.

[0037] The filaments 18 can together constitute the driver 19 along its entire length, or form only part of the conductor 19 by being connected to a wire (e.g. metal) itself connected to the generator 15.

[0038] As seen on the FIG.1 and on the FIG.5 , the ionizer 1 includes, fourthly, control electronics, in the form of a card 21 integrated circuits including electronic components and forming an electrical circuit supplying the generator 15.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the card 21 includes a transformer 22,designed to generate an average voltage (of the order of 12 V) intended to power the other components and to be supplied to the generator 15 high voltage.

[0040] The map 21 also includes terminal blocks 23, to which conductors are connected 24 generator power supply electrical 15, as well as drivers 25 electrical power supplies for the (or each) blower 7. More specifically, these latter drivers 25 electrical are connected to the stator of each blower 7.

[0041] Starting the ionizer 1 can be controlled remotely, e.g. by means of a remote control (infrared or radio frequency), or by means of a remote switch mounted on an electrical circuit supplying the ionizer 1.

[0042] Starting the ionizer 1can also be carried out by direct action on it. Thus, according to an embodiment illustrated on the FIG.1 et FIG.5 , the map 21 is equipped with a switch 26 opening or closing of the generator's electrical power supply circuit 15.

[0043] This switch 26 includes e.g. a stem 27 translational rise between a high position in which the circuit is open (the generator 15 and each blower 7 being then deprived of electrical power) and a low position in which the circuit is closed (the generator 15 and each blower 7 being then electrically powered).

[0044] From an architectural point of view, as illustrated in the FIG.1 and on the FIG.5 , the generator 15 is mounted on a wall 18 bottom of the base3. The (or each) wind tunnel 7 is mounted on a turntable 29 (made for example from a plastic material). This plate 29 is fixed on the base 3. In the example shown, the turntable 29 is mounted on chimneys 30 which protrude from the wall 28 bottom of the base 3. Fixing the plate 29 on the chimneys 30 is e.g. made using screws 31.

[0045] As illustrated in the FIG.1 , each blower 7 is nested in a housing 32 complementary formed protruding from the plate 29. The fixing of each blower 7 on the turntable 29 is e.g. made using screws.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the FIG.1 and on the FIG.5 , the map 21electronics is mounted above the blower(s). For this purpose, the card 21 is mounted on pawns 33 which protrude from the plate 29. Fixing the card 21 on the pawns 33 is e.g. made using screws 34.

[0047] In the example shown, the cover 4 is in the form of a truncated pyramid and is topped with a cache 35, of shape e.g. hemispherical.

[0048] A gap 36 is advantageously provided between the perimeter of the cache 35 and the cover 4.

[0049] This gap 36 can, first, form an air inlet to supply fresh air to the blower(s) 7.

[0050] The gap 36 can then form a passage for the light emitted by an ionizer operating indicator light 1, e.g. a diode37 electroluminescent (LED) mounted on the board 21 control electronics.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the FIG.1 And FIG.5 , in which the ionizer is started 1 is performed by direct manual action on it, the cache 35 forms a push button coupled to the switch 26. Cache actuation 35 (by simple pressure of the finger or hand) allows, via the rod 27 of the switch 26, to open or close the generator's power supply circuit 15 and the wind tunnel(s). According to an embodiment illustrated in the FIG.5 , the cache 35 is force-fitted onto the rod 27, which thus provides support.

[0052] In operation, the (or each) rotor 8generates a pulsed airflow through the duct 9 exhaust. The filaments 18 of the electrode 16 (supplied with high voltage by the generator 15) generate electrical discharges (corona effect) accompanied by the production of large quantities of ions. These ions are carried by the air flow and ejected from the ionizer 1 through the perforations 6 of the cover 4.

[0053] To increase the range of the ionizer 1, that is, the distance at which the ions are projected, the ionizer 1 includes, fifthly, and for each wind tunnel 7, a diffuser 38.

[0054] This diffuser 38 is provided: From a tube 39 which extends in the extension of the conduit 9 exhaust and delimits a room 40 of compression, and of a divergent 41which extends the tubing 39 and includes a series of channels 42 which extend from one face 43 internal divergent 41 adjoining the bedroom 40 compression to one side 44 external opposite.

[0055] In the example shown, the diffuser 38 is a single piece, preferably made of a plastic material.

[0056] The tubing 39 has an identical or complementary section of the conduit 9 exhaust. In the example shown, the manifold 39 is thus rectangular (or square) in section.

[0057] The broadcaster 38 can be fixed directly to the box 10 from the wind tunnel 7. In the example shown, the diffuser 38 is provided with a tip 45 male which protrudes from the tubing to fit forcefully (or with a snap) into the conduit 9exhaust.

[0058] As illustrated in the FIG.2 , the diffuser 38 and / or the blower 7 is (are) provided with a notch 46 to allow assembly ( FIG.2 ) and the passage ( FIG.3 ) of the electrode 16, so that the bunch of filaments 18 extends to the right of the conduit 9 exhaust. In the example shown, the diffuser 38 and the box 10 from the wind tunnel 7 are both provided with notches 46 complementary which, once the broadcaster 38 mounted on the box 10, jointly form an opening 47 through which the electrode passes 16, whose filaments 18 thus extend to the junction between the conduit 9 exhaust and manifold 39.

[0059] In the illustrated example (see in particular FIG.3 ), the canals 42 are nine in number, but this number is only illustrative. The canals 42 could be fewer, or more numerous.

[0060] The canals 42 preferably move away from each other from the face 43 internal divergent 41 up to his face 44 external. The sum of the passage sections of the channels 42 is less than the passage section of the conduit 9 exhaust (and the manifold 39 ). Therefore, the air is compressed in the chamber 40 compression, upstream and near the face 43 internal divergent 41.

[0061] It follows that the speed of movement of the air (charged with ions) is higher in the channels 42 to the speed of air movement in the duct 9exhaust (air flow is illustrated by white arrows on the FIG.5 ).

[0062] In other words, the broadcaster 38 procures, in the divergent 41, an acceleration of the air flow entering through the face 43 internal. This results in the ions being projected out of the ionizer 1 at a distance greater than the distance they would be projected without the diffuser 38. The range (and therefore the effectiveness) of the ionizer 1 is increased.

[0063] Further, according to a preferred embodiment, each channel 42 tapers from the face 43 internal divergent 41 up to his face 44 external, which further increases the flow acceleration effect and therefore the range of the ionizer 1.

[0064] The perforations 6 in the lid 4extend at least to the right of the (or each) broadcaster 38. We will ensure that each channel 42 opens at the right of a perforation 6, so as to minimize rebounds of the outgoing airflow. In the example shown, perforations 6 are provided over the entire surface of the cover 4.

[0065] The face 44 external of the divergent preferably extends as close as possible to the cover 4. According to a preferred embodiment, the face 44 external of the divergent 41 fits the inside of the lid 4.

[0066] To increase the density of ions produced at the filaments 18, the ionizer 1 may include a ring 48 metal surrounding the end 17 free from the electrode 16.

[0067] This ring 48,maintained at zero potential, forms an electrical mass which provides a gain effect by increasing the number of electrical discharges (and therefore the formation of ions) at the end 17 free from the electrode 16.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the FIG.2 And FIG.3 , the ring 48 metallic has a portion 49 flared which surrounds the bouquet of filaments 18 of the electrode 16. This portion 49 flared has the function of fitting the bouquet of filaments 18, which in fact tend to move away from each other. According to an embodiment illustrated in solid lines on the FIG.2 , the portion 49 flared end of the ring is conical. According to another embodiment, illustrated in dotted lines on the FIG.2 , the portion 49flared is pyramidal (polygonal base) and has any number of facets (although greater than or equal to three).

[0069] The ring 48 metal is advantageously crimped onto the electrode 16. As illustrated in the FIG.3 , the ring 48 metal is preferably fitted into the opening 47. The ring 48 The metal ring can be made of copper. Alternatively, the metal ring is silver-plated on the surface. It can be in the form of a braid or a lattice.

Claims

1. Device (1) for ionising air, which comprises a case (2) and, in this case (2): - A blower (7), which comprises a rotor (8) to generate a pulsed airflow and an exhaust pipe (9) to channel this flow; - A device (14) for producing ions, which comprises: • A high-voltage electrical generator (15); • At least one electrode (16) connected to the generator (15) and of which a free end (17) formed of a cluster of filaments (18) made of conductive material, extends to the right of the exhaust pipe (9) to release ions there by corona discharge; This device (1) being characterised in that it further comprises: - A diffuser (38) provided: • With a pipe (39) which extends into the extension of the exhaust pipe (9) and delimits a compression chamber (40) located downstream of the filaments of the at least one electrode of the ion-generating device with respect to the pulsed air flow generated, and • With an expander (41) which extends the pipe (39) and comprises a series of channels (42) which extend from an inner face (43) of the expander (41) adjoining the compression chamber (40) to an opposite outer face (44).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the channels (42) will be deviated from one another from the inner face (43) of the expander (41) to the outer face (44) thereof.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that each channel (42) will be narrowed from the inner face (43) of the expander (41) to the outer face (44) thereof.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a metal ring (48) surrounding the free end (17) of the electrode (16).

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the metal ring (48) has a flared portion (49) which surrounds the cluster of filaments (18) of the electrode (16).

6. Device (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterised in that the metal ring (48) is crimped on the electrode (16).

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the metal ring (48) is made of copper.

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the metal ring (48) is silver on the surface.

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the case (2) comprises a base (3) and a cover (4) provided with perforations (6) at least to the right of the diffuser (38).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises an electronic control board (21) provided with a switch (26) for opening or closing a circuit for electrically supplying the generator (15), and in that the case (2) is provided with a pushbutton (35) coupled with the switch (26).