Air purifier and air conditioning device

Abstract

The air purifier is provided with a plurality of first discharge electrodes and purifies air in a space by supplying discharge products generated from the plurality of first discharge electrodes toward a processing object in the space. In the air cleaner, a plurality of first discharge electrodes are homopolar electrodes which are formed so as to extend in a first direction and are arranged at intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the air cleaner is provided with an induction electrode which forms an electric field between the induction electrode and the plurality of first discharge electrodes. The first electrode is disposed at a central portion of the plurality of first discharge electrodes when viewed in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air purifier and an air conditioning apparatus including a generation unit that generates chemical species such as discharge products by discharging using a high voltage. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an air purifier that supplies discharge products generated by applying a high voltage between electrodes to air and transports the discharge products to a treatment target such as bacteria or viruses to perform sterilization of bacteria or inactivation of viruses. Such an air purifier includes a generator that generates discharge products such as ions. As a conventional generator, for example, there is the ion generation device of Patent Document 1. The ion generation device of Patent Document 1 includes: a plurality of rod-shaped discharge electrodes arranged in parallel; a plurality of induction electrodes arranged to face the plurality of discharge electrodes in the axial direction of the discharge electrodes; and a high voltage application unit that applies a high voltage between the discharge electrodes and the induction electrodes. The ion generation device of Patent Document 1 generates discharge products between the plurality of discharge electrodes and the plurality of opposing electrodes.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-79423 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the ion generation device of Patent Document 1, the plurality of discharge electrodes have the same polarity, and most of the discharge products generated from the plurality of discharge electrodes have the same polarity. The discharge products having the same polarity repel each other. Therefore, it is possible that the discharge products diffuse due to the repulsion and the supply direction becomes uncertain. Therefore, when the ion device of Patent Document 1 is applied to an air purifier, the discharge products are not transported to the treatment target at a concentration required for sterilization of bacteria or inactivation of viruses. As a result, this air purifier has a problem that the sterilization and virus inactivation effects (hereinafter, referred to as the sterilization virus inactivation effect) cannot be sufficiently obtained.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of this point, and an object thereof is to provide an air purifier and an air conditioning apparatus that can suppress the diffusion of discharge products and improve the sterilization virus inactivation effect.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The air purifier according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of first discharge electrodes, and discharges generated from the plurality of first discharge electrodes are supplied toward an object to be processed in a space to purify the air in the space. Among them, the plurality of first discharge electrodes are electrodes of the same polarity that are formed to extend in a first direction and are arranged at intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The air purifier includes an induction electrode that forms an electric field between the plurality of first discharge electrodes and is arranged at the center of the plurality of first discharge electrodes when viewed in the first direction.

[0011] The air conditioning apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: the above-mentioned air purifier; a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant flowing inside and air existing around; and a blower unit that forms a flow of air, is arranged upstream of the plurality of first discharge electrodes, and supplies discharge products into the space. The air supplied by the blower unit passes through the heat exchanger, and the discharge products are supplied into the air by the air that has been air-conditioned through the heat exchanger.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] The air purifier and the air conditioning apparatus according to the present disclosure include a plurality of discharge electrodes, and the plurality of discharge electrodes are electrodes of the same polarity that are formed to extend in a first direction and are arranged at intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In the air purifier, an induction electrode that forms an electric field between the plurality of first discharge electrodes is arranged at the center of the plurality of first discharge electrodes when viewed in the first direction. Therefore, the air purifier can cause the discharge products generated from the plurality of discharge electrodes to gather toward the induction electrode in a direction where they are close to each other when viewed in the first direction, can suppress the diffusion of the discharge products, and can increase the concentration. As a result, the air purifier can transport the discharge products toward the object to be processed in a state of high concentration, and can improve the sterilization and virus inactivation effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view of the air purifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a schematic perspective view of the generation unit of the air purifier according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from below.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a schematic side view of the generation unit of the air purifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the electric field formed around the first discharge electrode in the comparative example.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the discharge products in the comparative example.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the electric field formed between the first discharge electrode and the induction electrode in the air purifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of discharge products in the air purifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a modified example of the air purifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a schematic side view of the air purifier according to Embodiment 2.

[0023] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of discharge products in the air purifier according to Embodiment 2.

[0024] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of discharge products in the air purifier according to Embodiment 1 as a comparative example.

[0025] Figure 12 It is a schematic perspective view of the air purifier according to Embodiment 3.

[0026] Figure 13 It is a schematic perspective view of the generation part of the air purifier according to Embodiment 3 observed from below.

[0027] Figure 14 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the generation part of the air purifier according to Embodiment 3.

[0028] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of discharge products in the air purifier according to Embodiment 3.

[0029] Figure 16 It is a schematic perspective view of the air purifier according to Embodiment 4.

[0030] Figure 17 It is a schematic perspective view of the generation part of the air purifier according to Embodiment 4 observed from below.

[0031] Figure 18 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the generation part of the air purifier according to Embodiment 4.

[0032] Figure 19 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the air conditioning device according to Embodiment 5. Detailed Embodiments

[0033] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings and the like, the air purifier according to the embodiment will be described. In the following drawings, the structures denoted by the same reference numerals are the same or corresponding structures, and are common throughout the following description of the embodiment. In addition, the size relationships of the respective constituent members in the drawings may sometimes be different from the actual ones. Moreover, the manner of representing the constituent elements throughout the specification is merely illustrative and is not limited to the manner described in the specification. In particular, the combination of the constituent elements is not limited only to the combinations in the respective embodiments, and the constituent elements described in other embodiments can be applied to another embodiment.

[0034] Embodiment 1

[0035] [Overall Structure of Air Purifier 1]

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the air purifier 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the generation unit 2 of the air purifier 1 according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from below. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the generation unit 2 of the air purifier 1 according to Embodiment 1. In the figure, the arrows X, Y, and Z respectively represent three mutually orthogonal directions. The X direction represents the left - right direction, the Z direction represents the up - down direction, and the Y direction represents the front - back direction.

[0037] The air purifier 1 is a device for purifying the air in the space S where the air purifier 1 is provided. More specifically, the air purifier 1 is a device for sterilizing bacteria or inactivating viruses present in the space. The air purifier 1 may also be a device having functions as a so - called air - conditioning device, such as a temperature - adjusting function and a humidity - adjusting function, or a structure included in a device having a ventilation function.

[0038] The air purifier 1 has: a high - voltage conversion unit (not shown) that converts the input voltage into a high voltage; a generation unit 2 that generates discharge products DP1 (refer to Figure 7 described later); and a blower unit 3 that supplies the discharge products DP1 generated from the generation unit 2 to the space S. The discharge products DP1 are supplied to the space S in the direction of the hollow arrow Figure 1 . The discharge products DP1 supplied to the space S are transported to the treatment target W existing in the space S, and the treatment target W is treated. The treatment target W is bacteria, viruses, or both. "Treating the treatment target W" means performing sterilization of bacteria, inactivation of viruses, or both.

[0039] (Generation Unit 2)

[0040] The generating unit 2 includes a plurality of first discharge electrodes 4, induction electrodes 5, and a frame-shaped holding member 6 that holds the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 and induction electrodes 5. The first discharge electrodes 4 are formed to extend in a first direction shown in the Z direction in the figure. The plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 are arranged at intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second direction is a plane direction orthogonal to the first direction and is a plane direction including the X direction and the Y direction. Here, the number of the first discharge electrodes 4 is two, but it is not limited to two, and two or more are acceptable.

[0041] The first discharge electrode 4 is composed of a conical needle-shaped electrode whose diameter shrinks from the base end portion toward the front end portion. In the first discharge electrode 4, one of the two end portions in the first direction is the front end portion, and the other is the base end portion. The base end portion of the first discharge electrode 4 is held by a first holding portion 11 (to be described later) of the holding member 6. The first discharge electrode 4 has a discharge point 4a formed by a needle-shaped front end at the front end portion and generates discharge. The first discharge electrode 4 is held by the first holding portion 11 such that the discharge point 4a protrudes downward from the lower end surface 11a of the first holding portion 11 and the lower end surface 15a of a frame portion 15 (to be described later). The material of the first discharge electrode 4 is metal. The material of the first discharge electrode 4 is not limited to metal, and for example, it can also be formed of other conductive materials such as conductive carbon fiber.

[0042] The induction electrode 5 is formed to extend in the first direction in the same manner as the first discharge electrode 4. The induction electrode 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The induction electrode 5 is arranged at the center portion of the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 when viewed in the first direction. The induction electrode 5 is arranged side by side with the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4. The material of the induction electrode 5 is metal. In addition, the material of the induction electrode 5 is not limited to metal, and for example, it can also be formed of other conductive materials such as conductive carbon fiber.

[0043] As Figure 3 shown, the induction electrode 5 has a base end portion 5a held by a second holding portion 13 (to be described later) of the holding member 6 and a front end portion 5b on the side opposite to the base end portion 5a. The induction electrode 5 is arranged such that the front end surface 5b1 of the front end portion 5b overlaps with an imaginary line L connecting the discharge points 4a of the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4.

[0044] As the arrangement position in the second direction, the induction electrode 5 is arranged such that the central axis O of the induction electrode 5 coincides with the central axis of the air supply unit 3. In addition, for the induction electrode 5, there is no particular limitation on whether the central axis O of the induction electrode 5 coincides with the central axis of the frame (not shown) of the air purifier 1, and it can coincide or not coincide.

[0045] A plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 and induction electrodes 5 are held by a holding member 6. The ends of the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 and induction electrodes 5 on the same side in the first direction are held by the holding member 6. The holding member 6 has a first holding portion 11 for holding the first discharge electrode 4, a second holding portion 13 for holding the induction electrode 5, and a rectangular frame portion 15. The first holding portion 11, the second holding portion 13, and the frame portion 15 are integrally formed. The material of the holding member 6 is resin. In addition, the material of the holding member 6 is not limited to resin, and for example, it may be formed of other electrically insulating materials such as ceramics with high electrical insulation.

[0046] The number of the first holding portions 11 is set to be the same as the number of the first discharge electrodes 4, which is 2 here. The two first holding portions 11 are fixed inside the frame portion 15 separately from each other. The first holding portion 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the periphery of the first discharge electrode 4. The first holding portion 11 is fixed to the frame portion 15 by a pair of fixing legs 12 extending in opposite directions from the outer peripheral surface of the first holding portion 11. In the first discharge electrode 4, the end portion on the side opposite to the discharge point 4a is inserted into the first holding portion 11 and fixed to the first holding portion 11. The first discharge electrode 4 is fixed to the first holding portion 11 by inserting a fixing member (not shown) between the outer peripheral surface of the first discharge electrode 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the first holding portion 11.

[0047] The second holding portion 13 is disposed at the central portion of the two second holding portions 13 when viewed in the first direction. The second holding portion 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the periphery of the induction electrode 5. The second holding portion 13 is fixed to the frame portion 15 by a pair of fixing legs 14 extending in opposite directions from the outer peripheral surface of the second holding portion 13. In the induction electrode 5, the base end portion 5a of the induction electrode 5 is inserted into the second holding portion 13 and held by the second holding portion 13. The induction electrode 5 is fixed to the second holding portion 13 by inserting a fixing member (not shown) between the outer peripheral surface of the induction electrode 5 and the inner peripheral surface of the second holding portion 13. The fixing member is, for example, an electrically insulating resin member, potting material, or adhesive.

[0048] By applying a high voltage obtained from the high voltage conversion unit to the first discharge electrode 4, the air near the first discharge electrode 4 is ionized to generate discharge products DP1 such as negative ions or positive ions. The polarities of the electricity applied to the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 are the same. That is, the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 are electrodes of the same polarity. Thus, the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 are all of the same polarity. The polarity of the electricity applied to the first discharge electrode 4 is negative here, but it is not limited to negative and may also be positive.

[0049] The polarity of the ions generated from the first discharge electrode 4 corresponds to the polarity of the high voltage applied by the high voltage conversion unit. When the polarity of the high voltage applied by the high voltage conversion unit is negative, the ions generated from the first discharge electrode 4 are negative ions, and when the polarity of the high voltage applied by the high voltage conversion unit is positive, the ions generated from the first discharge electrode 4 are positive ions. When a high voltage is applied to the negative electrode of the first discharge electrode 4, electrons are emitted from the first discharge electrode 4, and these electrons combine with oxygen or water present in the air near the first discharge electrode 4 to generate a discharge product DP1.

[0050] Since the first discharge electrode 4 is a needle-shaped electrode, the electric field formed between the first discharge electrode 4 and the induction electrode 5 can be concentrated at the discharge point 4a at the tip of the first discharge electrode 4. Compared with the case where the electric field EF (refer to the following Figure 6 ) formed between the first discharge electrode 4 and the induction electrode 5 is not concentrated on the first discharge electrode 4, when it is concentrated on the first discharge electrode 4, the emission of electrons from the first discharge electrode 4 is easier when a negative high voltage is applied to the first discharge electrode 4. Since the first discharge electrode 4 is a needle-shaped electrode as described above, the electric field can be concentrated at the discharge point 4a at the tip of the first discharge electrode 4, and the emission of electrons can be easily performed. In addition, due to the above reasons, the first discharge electrode 4 is preferably in the shape of a needle-shaped electrode or the like having a pointed tip portion, but is not limited to this shape and may also be columnar. In addition, the first discharge electrode 4 may also be an electrode composed of equal-diameter thin wires or a brush-shaped electrode formed by bundling multiple thin wires.

[0051] The induction electrode 5 forms an electric field EF between itself and the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4, and attracts the discharge product DP1 generated from the first discharge electrode 4. The induction electrode 5 is grounded or applied with a polarity different from that of the first discharge electrode 4. By applying a voltage to the first discharge electrode 4, an electric field EF is formed between the induction electrode 5 and the first discharge electrode 4.

[0052] (Air supply unit 3)

[0053] The air supply unit 3 is composed of a fan, forms an air flow, and generates wind. The air supply unit 3 supplies the discharge product DP1 generated from the generation unit 2 into the space S using the wind. The discharge product DP1 supplied into the space S reaches the surfaces of daily utensils such as tables in the room, and acts on the bacteria and viruses attached to their surfaces for treatment. The air supply unit 3 is arranged near the generation unit 2. The air supply unit 3 is arranged on the upstream side of the generation unit 2. If the air supply unit 3 is arranged on the downstream side of the generation unit 2, the discharge product DP1 generated from the generation unit 2 may be stirred and diffused by passing through the air supply unit 3. Therefore, the air supply unit 3 is arranged on the upstream side of the generation unit 2.

[0054] The fan is, for example, an axial-flow propeller fan. By using an axial-flow propeller fan as the air-sending fan, the air-sending fan can generate an air flow with a large air volume. The motor connected to the air-sending fan is a general AC capacitor motor, but is not limited to an AC capacitor motor.

[0055] Next, the functions exerted by the above structure will be described. First, as a comparative example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 will be used to describe a structure in which there is no induction electrode 5 between multiple first discharge electrodes 4.

[0056] Figure 4 FIG. is a diagram showing the electric field EF formed around the first discharge electrode 4 in the comparative example. Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the discharge product DP1 in the comparative example. In Figure 4 , a case is shown where there is no induction electrode 5 between multiple first discharge electrodes 4 and the high voltage applied to the first discharge electrode 4 is negative polarity. Since the high voltage applied to the first discharge electrode 4 is negative polarity, the direction of the electric field EF becomes the direction from the outside toward the first discharge electrode 4. In Figure 4 , the electric field EF is indicated by an arrow. Since the high voltage applied to the first discharge electrode 4 is negative polarity, as Figure 5 shows, negative ions are generated as the discharge product DP1 from the first discharge electrode 4. Since the negative ions carry negative charges, a force in the direction opposite to the electric field EF acts on them. Therefore, in the comparative example, as Figure 5 shows, the negative ions generated from the multiple first discharge electrodes 4 of the same polarity repel each other and diffuse. Therefore, in the comparative example, the concentration of the discharge product DP1 reaching the object to be treated W becomes low.

[0057] Figure 6 FIG. is a diagram showing the electric field EF formed between the first discharge electrode 4 and the induction electrode 5 in the air cleaner 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the discharge product DP1 in the air cleaner 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 and Figure 7 show a case where the high voltage applied to the first discharge electrode 4 is negative polarity.

[0058] Since the high voltage applied to the first discharge electrode 4 is negative polarity, the direction of the electric field EF becomes the direction from the induction electrode 5 toward the first discharge electrode 4. In addition, since the high voltage applied to the first discharge electrode 4 is negative polarity, negative ions are generated from the first discharge electrode 4. Since the negative ions carry negative charges, a force in the direction opposite to the electric field EF acts on them. Thus, as Figure 7As shown, the negative ions are subjected to a force in the direction from the first discharge electrode 4 towards the induction electrode 5 and are attracted by the induction electrode 5 as indicated by the hollow arrows.

[0059] Here, when the electric field EF is E [V / m] and the charge of the discharge product DP1 is q [C], the force F [N] acting on the discharge product DP1 can be expressed by the following formula.

[0060] F = qE

[0061] As described above, the induction electrode 5 is disposed at the central portion of the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 when viewed in the first direction. Therefore, the negative ions generated from the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 respectively gather at the central portion of the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 when viewed in the first direction. In other words, the negative ions generated from the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 respectively gather towards the induction electrode 5 in the direction of approaching each other when viewed in the first direction. In addition, the induction electrode 5 is arranged side by side with the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4. When the arrangement position of the induction electrode 5 is not side by side with the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4, that is, when the induction electrode 5 and the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 are arranged facing each other in the first direction, there may be a repulsion of the discharge product DP1 as shown in Figure 5 Therefore, the induction electrode 5 is arranged side by side with the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4.

[0062] In this way, the air purifier 1 can cause the negative ions generated from the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 to gather in the direction of approaching each other, can suppress the diffusion of the negative ions and increase the concentration. Thus, the air purifier 1 can transport the negative ions to the processing object W in a high-concentration state even at a position where the processing object W is far from the air purifier 1. In this way, the air purifier 1 can transport the negative ions to the processing object W in a high-concentration state, and therefore, a high bactericidal and virus-inactivating effect can be obtained.

[0063] When the high voltage applied to the first discharge electrode 4 is positive, the direction of the electric field EF becomes the direction from the first discharge electrode 4 towards the induction electrode 5. When the high voltage applied to the first discharge electrode 4 is positive, positive ions are generated from the first discharge electrode 4. Since the positive ions carry positive charges, a force in the same direction as the electric field EF is applied to the positive ions. That is, a force is applied to the positive ions in the direction from the first discharge electrode 4 towards the induction electrode 5 in the same manner as in the case of negative ions, and the positive ions are attracted by the induction electrode 5. Thus, the air purifier 1 can also obtain the same effect as in the case where the high voltage applied to the first discharge electrode 4 is negative as described above when the high voltage applied to the first discharge electrode 4 is positive.

[0064] In addition, in Figure 1 there are 2 first discharge electrodes 4, but the number of the first discharge electrodes 4 may be 2 or more. In the followingFigure 8 The drawing shows an example of the configuration in the case where there are four first discharge electrodes 4.

[0065] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a modified example of the air purifier 1 according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 4 this modified example, there are four first discharge electrodes 4, and the four first discharge electrodes 4 are arranged in a circular shape at intervals in the second direction. Further, the induction electrode 5 is disposed at the center of the four first discharge electrodes 4 when viewed in the first direction.

[0066] For the above structure, the same effects as those in the case where there are two first discharge electrodes 4 can also be obtained.

[0067] [Effects of the air purifier 1]

[0068] The air purifier 1 includes a plurality of first discharge electrodes 4, and supplies discharge products DP1 generated from the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 to a processing object W in a space S to purify the air in the space. The plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 are electrodes of the same polarity that are formed to extend in the first direction and are arranged at intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The air purifier 1A includes an induction electrode 5 that forms an electric field between the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 and is disposed at the center of the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 when viewed in the first direction.

[0069] With the above structure, the air purifier 1 can cause the discharge products DP1 generated from the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 to gather toward the induction electrode in a direction in which they are closer to each other when viewed in the first direction, can suppress the diffusion of the discharge products, and can increase the concentration. As a result, the air purifier can transport the discharge products DP1 to the processing object in a state of high concentration, and can improve the sterilization and virus inactivation effects.

[0070] The air purifier 1 includes a holding member 6 that has electrical insulation properties and holds the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 and the induction electrode 5. Each of the plurality of first discharge electrodes 4 has a discharge point 4a formed by a needle-like tip at one of the both end portions in the first direction and generates discharge, and the end portion on the side opposite to the discharge point 4a is held by the holding member 6.

[0071] When the tip of the first discharge electrode 4 is not needle-shaped, in order to cause discharge, it is necessary to increase the voltage or arrange an induction electrode 5 near the first discharge electrode 4. Increasing the voltage has the disadvantages of inevitable enlargement and high cost of the power supply. If an induction electrode 5 is arranged near the first discharge electrode 4, there will be drawbacks such as the generation of ozone in addition to ions. In addition, when the end portion of the first discharge electrode 4 on the side opposite to the discharge point 4a is not held by the holding member 6, when a voltage is applied, there is a possibility of abnormal discharge or leakage due to contact between the first discharge electrode 4 and the metal frame constituting the outer contour of the air purifier 1, etc.

[0072] On the other hand, in the air purifier 1, the tip of the first discharge electrode 4 is needle-shaped, and in addition, the end portion of the first discharge electrode 4 on the side opposite to the discharge point 4a is held by the holding member 6, so the above problems can be avoided.

[0073] Embodiment 2

[0074] The difference between the air purifier 1A according to Embodiment 2 and the air purifier 1 according to Embodiment 1 lies in the position of the front end face 5b1 of the induction electrode 5 in the first direction. Hereinafter, the description will be centered on the differences between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1, and the structures not described in Embodiment 2 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0075] Figure 9 It is a schematic side view of the air purifier 1A according to Embodiment 2. The difference between the air purifier 1A and the air purifier 1 of Embodiment 1 is that the front end face 5b1 of the induction electrode 5 is located on the side of the object to be treated W relative to the imaginary line L in the first direction. The structures other than this are the same as those of the air purifier 1 of Embodiment 1. The specific structure for making the position of the front end face 5b1 of the induction electrode 5 be in the above position is not particularly limited, and it can be set in the following manner, for example. For example, the air purifier 1A may adopt the following structure: extend the length of the second holding portion 13 in the first direction toward the object to be treated W, and insert the base end portion 5a of the induction electrode 5 into the extended portion for fixation.

[0076] The behavior of the discharge product DP1 in Embodiment 2 is compared with the behavior of the discharge product DP1 in Embodiment 1 to illustrate the effects produced by the above structure.

[0077] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the discharge product DP1 in the air purifier 1A according to Embodiment 2. Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the discharge product DP1 in the air purifier 1 according to Embodiment 1 as a comparative example. In Figure 10In Embodiment 2 shown, the distance between the discharge product group DPg in the portion surrounded by the solid-line circle and the induction electrode 5 is closer than Figure 11 that in Embodiment 1 shown. Specifically, Figure 10 the distance l1 is shorter than Figure 11 the distance l2. Thus, in the air purifier 1A of Embodiment 2, the discharge product group DPg is liable to be affected by the attracting effect of the induction electrode 5, and the diffusion of the discharge product DP1 can be suppressed to further increase the concentration.

[0078] In Figure 10 , the discharge product DPs1 surrounded by the dashed-line circle and the discharge product DPs2 surrounded by the dashed-line circle in Figure 11 are the discharge product DP1 at the same distance from the holding member 6 in the first direction. Since the front end face 5b1 of the induction electrode 5 is located on the side closer to the object to be treated W than the imaginary line L, the discharge products DPs1 and DPs2 exhibit the following different behaviors. Figure 11 The discharge product DPs2 in Figure 10 is attracted by the induction electrode 5 laterally as indicated by the arrow r2. In contrast,

[0079] [Effect of the air purifier 1A]

[0080] The air purifier 1A can achieve the same effect as the air purifier 1 and can achieve the following effect. By positioning the front end face 5b1 of the induction electrode 5 on the side closer to the object to be treated W than the imaginary line L in the first direction, the air purifier 1A makes the discharge product DP1 more liable to be affected by the attracting effect of the induction electrode 5 than the air purifier 1. Thus, the air purifier 1A can suppress the diffusion of the discharge product DP1 and further increase the concentration compared with the air purifier 1. As a result, the air purifier 1A can transport the discharge product DP1 to the object to be treated at a higher concentration than the air purifier 1 and can improve the sterilization and virus inactivation effect.

[0081] Embodiment 3

[0082] The air purifier 1B according to Embodiment 3 is different from the air purifier 1 according to Embodiment 1 and the air purifier 1A according to Embodiment 2 in that it further has a second discharge electrode and the shape of the induction electrode 5. Hereinafter, the differences between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 1 will be mainly described, and the structures not described in Embodiment 3 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0083] Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view of the air purifier 1B according to Embodiment 3. Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view of the generation unit 2 of the air purifier 1B according to Embodiment 3, observed from below. Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the generation unit 2 of the air purifier 1B according to Embodiment 3. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the discharge products DP1 and DP2 in the air purifier 1B according to Embodiment 3.

[0084] In addition to the structure of the air purifier 1, the air purifier 1B further includes a second discharge electrode 21. The second discharge electrode 21 is surrounded by an electrically insulating resin member (not shown) and fixed to the second holding portion 13, or fixed to the second holding portion 13 by screw fastening or bonding. In addition, the shape of the induction electrode 5B of the air purifier 1B is different from that of the induction electrode 5 in Embodiment 1 and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The induction electrode 5B is formed in a cylindrical shape in order to guide the discharge product DP2 generated between it and the second discharge electrode 21 toward the object to be treated W. As Figure 14 shown, the induction electrode 5B is arranged such that the front end face 5b1 overlaps with the imaginary line L, or may be arranged on the object-to-be-treated W side of the imaginary line L in the first direction.

[0085] The second discharge electrode 21 is formed to extend in the first direction in the same manner as the first discharge electrode 4. Specifically, the second discharge electrode 21 is composed of a conical needle electrode whose diameter decreases from the base end portion toward the front end portion. The second discharge electrode 21 is arranged inside the induction electrode 5B when viewed in the first direction. The second discharge electrode 21 is arranged at the center of the induction electrode 5B when viewed in the first direction. The second discharge electrode 21 is arranged on the side opposite to the object-to-be-treated W side with respect to the induction electrode 5B in the first direction. The front end portion of the second discharge electrode 21 is arranged to face the induction electrode 5B in the first direction. The second discharge electrode 21 is arranged separately from the induction electrode 5B in the first direction. In addition, the second discharge electrode 21 may not be arranged separately from the induction electrode 5B in the first direction, or may be arranged to overlap the induction electrode 5B in the first direction. Specifically, the lower end portion of the second discharge electrode 21 may be inserted into the internal space of the induction electrode 5B.

[0086] Regarding the second discharge electrode 21, as Figure 15As shown, the second discharge electrode 21 causes discharge between itself and the induction electrode 5B by being applied with a high voltage obtained from a high-voltage conversion unit (not shown), generating a discharge product DP2 different from the discharge product DP1. The discharge distance between the second discharge electrode 21 and the induction electrode 5B is configured to be shorter than the discharge distance between the first discharge electrode 4 and the induction electrode 5B. The second discharge electrode 21 generates a discharge product DP2 different from the discharge product DP1 by making the discharge distance between the second discharge electrode 21 and the induction electrode 5B shorter than the discharge distance between the first discharge electrode 4 and the induction electrode 5B.

[0087] The second discharge electrode 21 is provided as a needle-shaped electrode, but is not limited to a needle-shaped electrode. In order to concentrate the electric field, the second discharge electrode 21 preferably has a shape with a pointed tip, but is not limited to this shape and may also be columnar. In addition, the second discharge electrode 21 may also be an electrode formed of an equal-diameter thin wire or a brush-shaped electrode formed by bundling multiple thin wires. The material of the second discharge electrode 21 is metal. The material of the second discharge electrode 21 is not limited to metal, and for example, it may also be formed of other conductive materials such as conductive carbon fiber.

[0088] The discharge product DP2 generated from the second discharge electrode 21 is different from the discharge product DP1 generated from the first discharge electrode 4 as described above. Specifically, for example, the discharge product DP1 is ions and the discharge product DP2 is ozone. The discharge distance between the second discharge electrode 21 and the induction electrode 5B is shorter than the discharge distance between the first discharge electrode 4 and the induction electrode 5B, so that the electrons emitted from the second discharge electrode 21 are easily accelerated between the second discharge electrode 21 and the induction electrode 5B and are in a high-energy state. Therefore, the electrons between the second discharge electrode 21 and the induction electrode 5B also include electrons with energy higher than the dissociation energy of oxygen molecules in the air, which is 5.12 eV. The high-energy electrons collide with oxygen molecules in the air, and a three-body collision involving dissociated oxygen molecules and oxygen molecules occurs to generate ozone. In addition, the difference between the discharge product DP1 and the discharge product DP2 is not limited to the above-mentioned ions and ozone, and for example, it may also be discharge products with different ratios or concentrations of active species.

[0089] As described above, in addition to the discharge product DP1 generated from the first discharge electrode 4, the air purifier 1B also generates a discharge product DP2 different from the discharge product DP1 from the second discharge electrode 21. Thus, the air purifier 1B can use both the discharge product DP1 and the discharge product DP2 to treat the object to be treated W, and therefore, the sterilization and inactivation effect can be improved.

[0090] Since the induction electrode 5B is cylindrical, at least a part of the discharge product DP2 generated from the second discharge electrode 21 is guided to the object to be treated W side through the internal space of the induction electrode 5B. Thus, the induction electrode 5B functions as a guiding path for the discharge product DP2 to the space S, and therefore, the diffusion of the discharge product DP2 can be suppressed and the concentration can be increased.

[0091] [Effect of the air purifier 1B]

[0092] The air purifier 1B can achieve the same effects as those in the first embodiment, and can also achieve the following effects. The air purifier 1B includes a second discharge electrode 21 that generates a discharge product DP2 different from the discharge product DP1 generated from the first discharge electrode 4. Thereby, the air purifier 1B can treat the object to be treated W using both the discharge product DP1 and the discharge product DP2, and can improve the sterilization and virus inactivation effects.

[0093] In addition, in the air purifier 1B, the discharge distance between the second discharge electrode 21 and the induction electrode 5B is shorter than the discharge distance between the first discharge electrode 4 and the induction electrode 5B. Thereby, the second discharge electrode 21 generates a discharge product DP2 different from the discharge product DP1. In the air purifier 1B, the induction electrode 5B is cylindrical, and the second discharge electrode 21 is disposed inside the cylindrical induction electrode 5B when viewed in the first direction. Thus, at least a part of the discharge product DP2 is guided to the object to be treated W side through the internal space of the cylindrical induction electrode 5B, and the diffusion of the discharge product DP2 is suppressed. Thereby, the air purifier 1B can not only increase the concentration of the discharge product DP1, but also increase the concentration of the discharge product DP2. As a result, the air purifier 1B can transport both the discharge product DP1 and the discharge product DP2 to the object to be treated W at a high concentration, and can improve the sterilization and virus inactivation effects.

[0094] Embodiment 4

[0095] The air purifier 1C according to the fourth embodiment is different from the air purifier 1B according to the third embodiment in that it further includes a shielding electrode 31. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences between the fourth embodiment and the third embodiment, and the structures not described in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the third embodiment.

[0096] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of the air purifier 1C according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of the generation unit 2 of the air purifier 1C according to the fourth embodiment as viewed from below. Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the generation unit 2 of the air purifier 1B according to the fourth embodiment.

[0097] In addition to the structure of the air purifier 1B, the air purifier 1C is provided with a shielding electrode 31 that prevents the holding member 6 from being charged due to the discharge product DP1. The shielding electrode 31 is configured in a cylindrical shape and surrounds the induction electrode 5B and the second discharge electrode 21. The shielding electrode 31 surrounds the periphery of the end portion of the induction electrode 5B on the second discharge electrode 21 side and the end portion of the second discharge electrode 21 on the induction electrode 5B side. The shielding electrode 31 is arranged to intersect both the line L1 and the line L2. The line L1 connects the front end of the first discharge electrode 4 and the front end of the second discharge electrode 21, and the line L2 connects the front end of the first discharge electrode 4 and the upper end of the induction electrode 5B.

[0098] The shielding electrode 31 prevents the charging phenomenon in which the discharge product DP1 generated from the first discharge electrode 4 adheres to the surface near the second discharge electrode 21 in the holding member 6 and charges the surface of the holding member 6. In addition, the shielding electrode 31 can not only prevent charging due to the discharge product DP1, but also prevent the charging phenomenon caused by the discharge product DP2 adhering to the surface near the second discharge electrode 21 in the holding member 6 when the discharge product DP2 has a polarity.

[0099] The shielding electrode 31 is grounded, and the charge is released to the outside of the system through grounding. The shielding electrode 31 prevents the charging phenomenon by allowing the discharge product DP1 to come into contact and releasing the charge to the outside of the system. Therefore, the material of the shielding electrode 31 is metal. In addition, the material of the shielding electrode 31 is not limited to metal, and for example, it can also be formed of other conductive materials such as conductive carbon fiber. The shielding electrode 31 prevents the charging phenomenon by shielding the portion surrounded by the circle in Figure 18 that is, the portion where the induction electrode 5B faces the second discharge electrode 21.

[0100] Here, if charging cannot be prevented, the electric field 25 [kV / cm] required for discharge can no longer be ensured, the discharge products DP1 and DP2 are no longer stably generated, and the concentrations of the discharge products DP1 and DP2 decrease. In contrast, since the air purifier 1C can prevent charging, the discharge products DP1 and DP2 can be stably generated, and the concentrations of the discharge products DP1 and DP2 are increased.

[0101] [Effect of the air purifier 1C]

[0102] The air purifier 1C can achieve the same effects as the air purifier 1B and can achieve the following effects. The air purifier 1C is provided with a shielding electrode 31 that surrounds the induction electrode 5B and the second discharge electrode 21. Thus, the air purifier 1C can prevent charging, and therefore, can stably generate discharge products DP1 and discharge products DP2, and increase the concentrations of the discharge products DP1 and the discharge products DP2. As a result, compared with the air purifier 1B, the air purifier 1C can transport the discharge products DP1 and the discharge products DP2 to the object to be treated W at a high concentration, and can improve the bactericidal virus inactivation effect.

[0103] Embodiment 5

[0104] Embodiment 5 relates to an air conditioning device including any one of the air purifiers according to Embodiments 1 to 4. Hereinafter, an example in which the air conditioning device includes the air purifier 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0105] Figure 19 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the air conditioning device 40 according to Embodiment 5. The air conditioning device 40 has an air purifier 1 and a heat exchanger 41 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchanger 41 and the air existing around the heat exchanger 41. In the air conditioning device 40, the air supplied by the air supply unit 3 passes through the heat exchanger 41, and the discharge product DP1 is supplied into the space S by using the air that has been air-conditioned by passing through the heat exchanger 41. In Figure 19 this case, the air purifier 1 is provided with the air supply unit 3, but the air supply unit 3 may be provided inside the air conditioning device 40.

[0106] The air conditioning device 40 having the above structure includes the air purifier 1, so that the discharge product DP1 generated by the air purifier 1 can be transported toward the object to be treated W in a high-concentration state, and a high bactericidal virus inactivation effect can be exhibited.

[0107] The structures shown in the above embodiments show an example of the content of the present disclosure, and can also be combined with other known technologies, and a part of the structure can also be omitted and changed without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0108] Reference numeral description

[0109] 1 Air purifier, 1A Air purifier, 1B Air purifier, 1C Air purifier, 2 Generation unit, 3 Air supply unit, 4 First discharge electrode, 4a Discharge point, 5 Induction electrode, 5B Induction electrode, 5a Base end portion, 5b Front end portion, 5b1 Front end face, 6 Holding member, 11 First holding portion, 11a Lower end face, 12 Fixed leg, 13 Second holding portion, 14 Fixed leg, 15 Frame portion, 15a Lower end face, 21 Second discharge electrode, 25 Electric field, 31 Shielding electrode, 40 Air conditioning device, 41 Heat exchanger, D1 Discharge product, DP1 Discharge product, DP2 Discharge product, DPg Discharge product group, DPs1 Discharge product, DPs2 Discharge product, EF Electric field, L Imaginary line, L1 Line connecting the front end of the first discharge electrode and the front end of the second discharge electrode, L2 Line connecting the front end of the first discharge electrode and the upper end of the induction electrode, O Central axis, S Space, W Object to be processed.

Claims

1. An air purifier, the air purifier having a plurality of first discharge electrodes, and supplying discharge products generated from the plurality of first discharge electrodes to a treatment object in a space to purify the air in the space, wherein, the plurality of first discharge electrodes are electrodes of the same polarity formed to extend in a first direction and arranged at intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; the air purifier has an induction electrode that forms an electric field between the plurality of first discharge electrodes and is arranged at the center of the plurality of first discharge electrodes when viewed in the first direction.

2. The air purifier according to claim 1, wherein, the air purifier has a holding member that has electrical insulation properties and holds the plurality of first discharge electrodes and the induction electrode; each of the plurality of first discharge electrodes has a discharge point formed by a needle-like tip at one of the two end portions in the first direction for generating discharge, and the end portion on the side opposite to the discharge point is held by the holding member.

3. The air purifier according to claim 2, wherein, the induction electrode has a base end portion held by the holding member and a front end portion on the side opposite to the base end portion, and the front end face of the front end portion is located on the treatment object side in the first direction at a position closer to the treatment object than an imaginary line connecting the discharge points of the plurality of first discharge electrodes.

4. The air purifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the air purifier has a second discharge electrode that generates a discharge product different from the discharge product generated from the plurality of first discharge electrodes.

5. The air purifier according to claim 4, wherein, the induction electrode is cylindrical; the second discharge electrode is arranged inside the induction electrode when viewed in the first direction; the discharge distance between the second discharge electrode and the induction electrode is shorter than the discharge distance between the first discharge electrode and the induction electrode.

6. The air purifier according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, the air purifier further has a cylindrical shielding electrode that surrounds the periphery of the induction electrode and the second discharge electrode to prevent the holding member from being charged due to the discharge product.

7. An air conditioning device, wherein, The air conditioning device has: the air purifier according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant flowing inside and air existing around; and a blower unit that forms an air flow, is arranged upstream of the plurality of first discharge electrodes, and supplies the discharge product into the space; the air supplied by the blower unit passes through the heat exchanger, and the discharge product is supplied into the space by the air that has been air-conditioned through the heat exchanger.

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