Ozonizer and ozone generation system

Abstract

To provide an ozonizer with improved productivity and reduced costs by reducing the number of parts.SOLUTION: An ozonizer 10A that comprises one electrode (18), another electrode facing the one electrode, and a dielectric (20) provided between one electrode (18) and the other electrode (22), wherein the dielectric (20) is provided with a recess (24A) on the surface facing the other electrode (22), and a discharge space (24B) is formed between the recess (24A) and the other electrode (22), so that electrical discharge occurs in the discharge space when voltage is applied to the one electrode (18).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ozonizer and an ozone generation system that generate ozone by generating a silent discharge. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, ozonizers have been known in which a dielectric is placed between a high-voltage electrode and a ground electrode, and a minute gap (discharge space) is provided between the dielectric and the ground electrode to generate a silent discharge. In such ozonizers, ozone is generated by passing oxygen or air through this minute gap, converting the oxygen molecules into ozone molecules.

[0003] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for maintaining a uniform minute gap (discharge space) by using a spacer (gap spacer) made by bending a metal or resin material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-179102 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires the placement of spacers to create a minute gap, which increases the number of parts in the ozonizer, creating the problem that it is not possible to improve productivity or reduce costs.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ozonizer and an ozone generation system that can reduce the number of parts, thereby improving productivity and reducing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an ozonizer according to a first aspect of the present invention includes one electrode, another electrode opposing the one electrode, and a dielectric provided between the one electrode and the other electrode, the dielectric having a recess on a surface opposing the other electrode, and generating a discharge in a discharge space formed between the recess and the other electrode when a voltage is applied to the one electrode.

[0008] An ozonizer according to a second aspect of the present invention includes one electrode, a dielectric in contact with the one electrode, and another electrode provided on a side of the dielectric opposite the one electrode, the other electrode having a recess on a surface facing the dielectric, and generating a discharge in a discharge space formed between the recess and the dielectric when a voltage is applied to the one electrode.

[0009] In a third aspect of the present invention, the dielectric material is in contact with the other electrode at a location other than the recess.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the recess is provided substantially horizontally.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the depth of the recess is 0.2 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less.

[0012] An ozone gas generation system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of the ozonizers, each connected in series. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby improving productivity and reducing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an ozone generation system. [Figure 2]1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of the appearance of an ozonizer according to the present embodiment, in which (A) is a plan view of the ozonizer according to the present embodiment, and (B) is a bottom view of the ozonizer according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the ozonizer according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2(B). [Figure 4] 4 is a BB cross-sectional view of the ozonizer according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 4A and 4B are enlarged schematic views of cross sections of the discharge space and the like shown in Fig. 3. In particular, (A) is an enlarged schematic view showing an example (specific example 1) in which a part of a recess provided in a planar region of a dielectric is used as the discharge space. Also, (B) is an enlarged schematic view showing an example (specific example 2) in which a part of a recess provided in a planar region of a ground electrode is used as the discharge space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0016] <Overall structure> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an ozone generation system 1.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, the ozone generation system 1 includes a plurality of, for example, four ozonizer assemblies 10 in a housing. In Fig. 1, the top surface of the housing of the ozone generation system 1 is removed to show the internal structure.

[0018] The ozonizer assembly 10 is an ozone generating device that generates ozone by generating silent discharge, and includes one to three, for example three, ozonizers 10A shown in FIG. 2 in its casing.

[0019] <Configuration of Ozonizer 10> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an ozonizer 10A according to this embodiment. Fig. 2(A) is a plan view of the ozonizer 10A according to this embodiment. Fig. 2(B) is a bottom view of the ozonizer 10A according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the ozonizer 10A according to this embodiment shown in Fig. 2(B). Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the ozonizer 10A according to this embodiment shown in Fig. 3.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the ozonizer 10A according to this embodiment includes, for example, a high-voltage power line 12, a heat dissipation sheet 14, heat dissipation fins 16, a high-voltage electrode 18 as one electrode, a dielectric 20, a ground electrode 22 as the other electrode, a discharge space 24B, an O-ring 26, and an orifice 28.

[0021] The high-voltage power supply line 12 is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown) and the high-voltage electrode 18, and has the function of applying a high voltage to the high-voltage electrode 18 to generate a silent discharge in the discharge space 24B. In addition, for example, the high-voltage power supply line 12 and the heat dissipation fins 16 are insulated by a polyvinyl chloride or fluororesin tube or the like, thereby suppressing external discharge to the heat dissipation fins 16, etc.

[0022] The heat dissipation sheet 14 has the function of transferring (thermal conduction) the heat generated by the silent discharge to the heat dissipation fins 16. For example, silicon, which has high thermal conductivity and some flexibility, is suitable as the material for the heat dissipation sheet 14. In this embodiment, a heat-conducting gap pad is used as the heat dissipation sheet 14.

[0023] The heat dissipation fins 16 have the function of dissipating heat generated by the silent discharge to the outside air via the heat dissipation sheet 14. For example, the heat dissipation fins 16 can be a heat sink made of aluminum. This heat sink has, for example, multiple fins on the part that comes into contact with the outside air. The ozonizer 10A can generate a stable amount of ozone gas by dissipating heat through the heat dissipation sheet 14 and the heat dissipation fins 16.

[0024] The high-voltage electrode 18 is sandwiched between and in contact with the dielectric 20 and the heat dissipation sheet 14. Examples of materials for the high-voltage electrode 18 include copper, aluminum, iron, and the like, which have high conductivity. In this embodiment, the high-voltage electrode 18 is a copper foil having a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0025] The dielectric 20 is provided between the high-voltage electrode 18 and the ground electrode 22. The dielectric 20 has a planar area facing the ground electrode 22, and generates a silent discharge in a discharge space 24B, which is the gap between the facing ground electrode 22. Examples of materials for the dielectric 20 include ceramic, glass, and mica. In this embodiment, the dielectric 20 is a flat plate with a substantially square shape whose planar area is wider than the width of the high-voltage electrode 18 (copper foil). In this embodiment, the dielectric 20 is fixed by the heat dissipation sheet 14 and the heat dissipation fins 16, so that the dielectric 20 does not deform even when a predetermined pressure is applied to dry air or ozone gas, contributing to stable generation of ozone gas.

[0026] The ground electrode 22 is disposed opposite the high-voltage electrode 18 and the dielectric 20. This ground electrode 22 has a planar area facing the dielectric 20, and generates a silent discharge in a discharge space 24B, which is a gap between the facing dielectric 20. Materials for the ground electrode 22 include titanium and stainless steel, which are resistant to corrosion by ozone. In this embodiment, the ground electrode 22 is a flat plate with a substantially square shape whose planar area is wider than the width of the dielectric 20.

[0027] The discharge space 24B is a space (gap) formed between the dielectric 20 and the ground electrode 22. The discharge space 24B is also a part (center) of a pair of communication holes that convert dry air or oxygen flowing in from an inlet into ozone gas and discharge the ozone gas to an outlet. In the discharge space 24B, a silent discharge occurs when a high voltage is applied to the high-voltage electrode 18, and ozone gas is generated. For example, dry air or oxygen applied with a predetermined pressure (for example, 10 Kpa or more and 200 Kpa or less) flows in from the inlet into the discharge space 24B, and some of the oxygen molecules are converted into ozone molecules by the silent discharge, and the ozone gas is discharged from the outlet.

[0028] The O-ring 26 has a sealing function that prevents leakage of dry air or ozone gas under a predetermined pressure. In this embodiment, the O-ring 26 is placed in a circular recess provided in the ground electrode 22, eliminating the need to apply a highly ozone-resistant (and therefore expensive) sealant, and also eliminating the time and cost required for the sealant to adhere.

[0029] The orifice 28 has the function of controlling the flow rate and pressure of the ozone gas generated in the discharge space 24B. This orifice 28 is provided at the outlet from which the ozone gas generated in the discharge space 24B is discharged. This orifice 28 enables the ozonizer 10 to ensure a constant amount of ozone generation. The orifice 28 is connected to the inlet of another ozonizer 10A in the ozone generation system 1 via a pipe (not shown). In other words, multiple ozonizers 10A are connected in series within the ozonizer assembly 10.

[0030] <Configuration of discharge space 24B> Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic view of a cross section of the discharge space 24B etc. shown in Figure 3. In particular, Figure 5(A) is an enlarged schematic view showing an example (specific example 1) in which a part of the recess 24A provided in the planar region of the dielectric 20 is used as the discharge space 24B. Also, Figure 5(B) is an enlarged schematic view showing an example (specific example 2) in which a part of the recess 24A provided in the planar region of the ground electrode 22 is used as the discharge space 24B.

[0031] (Example 1) 5(A), in the ozonizer 10A according to the first specific example, a substantially horizontal recess 24A is provided on the bottom surface of the dielectric 20, i.e., on the plane facing the ground electrode 22. The space formed between this recess 24A and the ground electrode 22 serves as a discharge space 24B, and a discharge is generated in the discharge space 24B when a voltage is applied to the high-voltage electrode 18. The dielectric 20 is in contact (close contact) with the ground electrode 22 at locations other than the recess 24A.

[0032] (Example 2) 5(B), in the ozonizer 10A according to the second specific example, a substantially horizontal recess 24A is provided on the upper surface of the ground electrode 22, which is provided on the side opposite the high-voltage electrode 18 across the dielectric 20, i.e., on the plane of the ground electrode 22 facing the dielectric 20. The space formed between this recess 24A and the dielectric 20 serves as a discharge space 24B, and a discharge occurs in the discharge space 24B when a voltage is applied to the high-voltage electrode 18. The dielectric 20 is in contact (close contact) with the ground electrode 22 at locations other than the recess 24A.

[0033] In Specific Examples 1 and 2, the recess 24A is formed by, for example, an excavation process. The recess 24A may have a shape in a front view that is generally square, generally rhombic, or generally circular. For example, if the recess 24A is generally square, the pair of flow holes through which the dry air and ozone gas flow do not need to be complexly shaped, and therefore can be easily formed. Furthermore, if the planar surfaces of the dielectric 20 and the ground electrode 22 are generally square, assembly can be performed even if the planes are offset by 90 degrees, thereby improving productivity. Furthermore, the non-discharge region (the region of the recess 24A other than the region facing the high-voltage electrode 18) can be minimized, allowing the ozonizer 10A to be made compact.

[0034] Here, height D1 of dielectric 20 is preferably 0.1 mm or more from the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of dielectric 20, and is preferably 2.0 mm or less from the viewpoint of preventing the voltage applied to high-voltage electrode 18 from becoming too high. Furthermore, height D1 of dielectric 20 is more preferably 0.2 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.8 mm or more, from the viewpoint of increasing the strength of dielectric 20. Furthermore, height D1 of dielectric 20 is more preferably 1.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or less, from the viewpoint of adjusting the voltage applied to high-voltage electrode 18 to an appropriate value.

[0035] The height D2 of the discharge space 24B (depth of the recess 24A) is preferably 0.2 mm or more from the viewpoint of preventing the dielectric 20 or the ground electrode 22 from adhering to the opposing surface even if there are slight changes in the dielectric 20 or the ground electrode 22 due to deformation caused by force or temperature during assembly or tolerances, and is preferably 0.6 mm or less because if the discharge space becomes too wide, the discharge voltage must be increased.

[0036] The height D3 of the ground electrode 22 is preferably 3.0 mm or more so that it will not deform even when pressed against an O-ring, and is preferably 5.0 mm or less in consideration of the balance between strength and cost.

[0037] <Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the ozonizer 10A includes the high-voltage electrode 18, the ground electrode 22 facing the high-voltage electrode 18, and the dielectric 20 provided between the high-voltage electrode 18 and the ground electrode 22, with the recess 24A provided on the surface facing the ground electrode 22, and when a voltage is applied to the high-voltage electrode 18, a discharge is generated in the discharge space 24B formed between the recess 24A and the ground electrode 22. According to this configuration, the discharge space 24B is formed by providing a recess 24A in the dielectric 20, thereby reducing the number of components in the ozonizer 10A. Conventionally, spacers used to secure the discharge space are constantly exposed to ozone, so ozone-resistant materials such as Teflon (registered trademark), glass, and PVC must be selected. In contrast, in this embodiment, the discharge space 24 is formed by the dielectric 20. This maintains an appropriate distance without being adversely affected by ozone, and eliminates the need for multiple seals between different materials. This results in high reliability, improved productivity, and cost reduction. Furthermore, because there are no spacers in the discharge space 24B, ozone can be generated throughout the entire discharge space 24B, improving the performance of the ozonizer 10A.

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, the ozonizer 10A includes a high-voltage electrode 18, a dielectric 20 in contact with the high-voltage electrode 18, and a ground electrode 22 provided on a side of the dielectric 20 different from the high-voltage electrode 18, with a recess 24A provided on the surface facing the dielectric 20, and the ground electrode 22 generating a discharge in a discharge space 24B formed between the recess 24A and the dielectric 20 when a voltage is applied to the high-voltage electrode 18. With this configuration, the discharge space 24B is formed by providing the recess 24A in the ground electrode 22, which reduces the number of parts in the ozonizer 10A, and because the ground electrode 22 is made of metal, it can be machined with higher precision than a ceramic dielectric, allowing for cost reduction while accurately securing the discharge space 24B. Furthermore, because there are no spacers in the discharge space 24B, ozone can be generated throughout the entire discharge space 24B, improving the performance of the ozonizer 10A.

[0039] In this embodiment, the dielectric 20 is in contact with the ground electrode 22 at a location other than the recess 24A. According to this configuration, the accuracy of the height D2 of the discharge space 24B can be improved compared to when spacers are provided to form the discharge space 24B.

[0040] In this embodiment, the recess 24A is provided substantially horizontally. According to this configuration, the pair of flow holes through which the dry air and ozone gas flow do not need to have a complex shape, and can be easily formed.

[0041] In this embodiment, the depth of the recess 24A is not less than 0.2 mm and not more than 0.6 mm. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the dielectric 20 or the ground electrode 22 from sticking to the opposing surface, and ozone can be generated more efficiently in a space that is minute in the height direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, the ozone gas generation system 1 includes a plurality of ozonizers 10A, which are connected in series. According to this configuration, in the ozone gas generation system 1 including the multiple ozonizers 10A, highly concentrated ozone gas can be efficiently generated.

[0043] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, variations of the above-described embodiments, which are appropriately modified by a person skilled in the art, are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments and the modifications described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0044] For example, in the above embodiment, the recess 24A having a height D2 is provided substantially horizontally in the planar region of the dielectric 20 or the ground electrode 22. However, the recess 24A may have a shape other than substantially horizontal so that the discharge distance (height D2) is uniform and the effective discharge area is expanded while maintaining the horizontal projection area relative to the planar region. For example, the recess 24A may be corrugated, mountain-shaped, cone-shaped, or bellows-shaped, which are easy to process, and the opposing ground electrode 22 may have the same shape (including a substantially similar shape that does not substantially change the discharge characteristics). In this case, the minimum and maximum values ​​of the height D2 are preferably within the aforementioned range of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. From the viewpoint of ensuring internal pressure in the discharge space by expanding the discharge area, the internal pressure may be increased as the discharge area increases, or the discharge current value may be increased instead of the internal pressure increase, or both may be used. This increases the effective area of ​​the discharge electrode, enabling efficient ozone generation even in a compact ozonizer.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the recess 24A is formed in the dielectric 20 or the ground electrode 22. However, the recess 24A may be formed in either the dielectric 20 or the ground electrode 22, whichever has a higher unit price. This allows for cost reduction. In the above embodiment, the ground electrode 22 (e.g., titanium) has a higher unit price than the dielectric 20 (e.g., ceramic), allowing for cost reduction and is also easy to process. Therefore, it is preferable to form the recess 24A in the ground electrode 22. On the other hand, since the dielectric 20 is less likely to oxidize than the ground electrode 22 during discharge, it is preferable to form the recess 24A in the dielectric 20 from the viewpoint of maintaining a constant height D2 of the recess 24A.

[0046] In addition, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a recess 24A is provided in the planar area of ​​the dielectric 20 or the ground electrode 22 as the discharge space 24B, but it is also possible to provide a recess 24A in each of the planar areas of the dielectric 20 and the ground electrode 22, and the space formed by both recesses 24A can be used as the discharge space 24B. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1... ozone generation system, 10A... ozonizer, 18... high-voltage electrode (one electrode), 20... dielectric, 22... ground electrode (the other electrode), 24A... recess, 24B... discharge space

Claims

1. One electrode, another electrode facing the one electrode; a dielectric provided between the one electrode and the other electrode, the dielectric having a recess on a surface facing the other electrode, the dielectric generating a discharge in a discharge space formed between the recess and the other electrode when a voltage is applied to the one electrode; An ozonizer comprising:

2. One electrode, a dielectric in contact with the one electrode; a second electrode provided on a side different from the first electrode across the dielectric, the second electrode having a recess on a surface facing the dielectric, the second electrode generating a discharge in a discharge space formed between the recess and the dielectric when a voltage is applied to the first electrode; An ozonizer comprising:

3. the dielectric is in contact with the other electrode at a location other than the recess; 3. The ozonizer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The recess is provided substantially horizontally.

3. The ozonizer according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The depth of the recess is 0.2 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less.

3. The ozonizer according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A plurality of the ozonizers according to claim 1 or 2 are provided, and the ozonizers are connected in series. Ozone generation system.

Images