Ozone generator

Abstract

To provide an ozone generator that allows its size and complexity to be reduced.SOLUTION: An ozone generator comprises a housing, a first space part provided in the housing and having an inlet and an outlet, a second space part provided in the housing, an electrode arranged inside the first space part between the inlet and the outlet, a high-frequency power source arranged in the second space part and capable of applying a voltage to the electrode, and an exhaust passage arranged vertically in the housing and having an upper opening opened to the outside of the housing and a lower opening communicated to the second space part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ozone generator.

Background Art

[0002] A general ozone generator includes an electrode and a high-frequency power source. When an alternating voltage is applied from the high-frequency power source to the electrode, surface discharge occurs, energy is imparted to the air (oxygen) passing through the discharge space, and a part of the dissociated or excited oxygen is changed into ozone. Since the high-frequency power source applies an alternating voltage to the electrode, it heats up, and there is a risk that the alternating voltage applied to the electrode height decreases. Therefore, an ozone generator requires a cooling device for cooling the high-frequency power source. As an ozone generator provided with a cooling device, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1 below.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional ozone generators arrange an electrode and a high-frequency power source in separate space portions and provide a fan for cooling the high-frequency power source. Therefore, there is a problem in that a space for arranging the fan is required, leading to an increase in the size and complexity of the device.

[0005] The present disclosure solves the above-described problems and aims to provide an ozone generator that suppresses an increase in the size and complexity of the device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The ozone generator of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes a housing, a first space portion provided in the housing and having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a second space portion provided in the housing, an electrode disposed inside the first space portion between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, a high-frequency power supply disposed in the second space portion and capable of applying a voltage to the electrode, and an exhaust passage disposed along the vertical direction in the housing, having an upper end opening opened to the outside of the housing and a lower end opening communicated with the second space portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the ozone generator of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the enlargement and complication of the device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by this embodiment, and when there are a plurality of embodiments, those configured by combining each embodiment are also included. In addition, the components in the embodiments include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those within the so-called equivalent range.

[0010] [First Embodiment] <Schematic Configuration of Ozone Generator> FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an ozone generator.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the ozone generator 10 includes a housing 11, a first space portion 12, a second space portion 13, an electrode 14, a high-frequency power source 15, and an exhaust passage 16.

[0012] The housing 11 has a hollow box shape. The first space portion 12 is provided at the upper part in the vertical direction in the housing 11. The second space portion 13 is provided at the lower part in the vertical direction in the housing 11 than the first space portion 12. The first space portion 12 has an inlet portion 21 and an outlet portion 22. The inlet portion 21 and the outlet portion 22 are arranged along the horizontal direction of the housing 11. The inlet portion 21 is provided on the front surface 11a of the housing 11, and the outlet portion 22 is provided on the rear surface 11b side of each side surface 11c, 11d of the housing 11. In the present embodiment, there are two outlet portions 22, which are respectively provided on each side surface 11c, 11d, but the number and position are not limited. The outlet portion 22 may be provided on the rear surface 11b, and the number may be one or three or more.

[0013] The electrode 14 is disposed inside the first space portion 12. The electrode 14 is disposed between the inlet portion 21 and the outlet portion 22. The high-frequency power supply 15 is disposed in the second space portion 13. In the present embodiment, two high-frequency power supplies 15 are provided, but the number of the high-frequency power supplies 15 may be appropriately set according to the amount of ozone Z to be generated, and may be one or three or more. The two high-frequency power supplies 15 are connected to the electrode 14 and can apply a voltage to the electrode 14.

[0014] The exhaust passage 16 is disposed inside the housing 11 along the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, two exhaust passages 16 are provided, but the number of the exhaust passages 16 is preferably set in accordance with the number of the high-frequency power supplies 15. However, the number of the exhaust passages 16 may be appropriately set regardless of the number of the high-frequency power supplies 15, and may be one or three or more. The two exhaust passages 16 are respectively disposed on the side surfaces 11c and 11d of the housing 11. The upper end opening 16a of the exhaust passage 16 is opened to the outside through the upper surface 11e of the housing 11, and the lower end opening 16b communicates with the second space portion 13.

[0015] <Specific Configuration of Ozone Generator> Hereinafter, the configuration of the ozone generator will be specifically described. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the ozone generator, FIG. 3 is a side view showing the internal structure of the ozone generator, FIG. 4 is an upper plan view showing the internal structure of the ozone generator, and FIG. 5 is a lower plan view showing the internal structure of the ozone generator.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the housing 11 has a first space portion 12 disposed at the upper portion and a second space portion 13 disposed at the lower portion. The housing 11 has a partition plate 31 disposed below the intermediate portion in the vertical direction. The partition plate 31 is disposed along the horizontal direction to partition the inside of the housing 11 vertically and form the first space portion 12 and the second space portion 13.

[0017] In the first space portion 12, an electrode 14 and a centrifugal fan (blower) 32 are arranged. The electrode 14 and the centrifugal fan 32 are arranged in series along the horizontal direction. The electrode 14 has a casing 14a and a plurality of electrode bodies 14b. The casing 14a has a cylindrical shape with a central axis O1 along the horizontal direction. The plurality of electrode bodies 14b are rod-shaped and are arranged inside the casing 14a. The plurality of electrode bodies 14b are arranged along the horizontal direction orthogonal to the central axis O1 and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. Each end portion in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of electrode bodies 14b is supported by the casing 14a. Although not shown, the electrode body 14b is composed of a metal electrode inside a ceramic cylindrical tube and an electrode on the outer surface of the cylindrical tube. And the electrode region on the outer surface of the cylindrical tube of the electrode body 14b becomes the ozone generation region S. However, the electrode body 14b is not limited to this configuration.

[0018] The centrifugal fan 32 forms a fluid flow from the inlet portion 21 to the outlet portion 22. Although not shown, the centrifugal fan 32 has blades rotatably supported inside an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape, and the blades can be rotated by a motor. The electrode 14 and the centrifugal fan 32 are arranged concentrically so that the central axis O1 is a common center. And the inlet portion 21 is arranged on one side of the casing 14a of the electrode 14, and an inlet guide vane 14c is provided on the other side. The centrifugal fan 32 is arranged so as to be connected to the inlet guide vane 14c of the electrode 14. On the other hand, each outlet portion 22 is provided on the rear surface 11b side of each side surface 11c, 11d of the housing 11. The centrifugal fan 32 is arranged so that the outlet side communicates with the outlet portion 22.

[0019] The second space portion 13 is where two high-frequency power supplies 15 and one fan power supply 33 are arranged. Each high-frequency power supply 15 is arranged close to each side surface 11c, 11d of the housing 11, and the fan power supply 33 is arranged between the high-frequency power supplies 15. Each high-frequency power supply 15 is connected to the electrode 14 via a connection line (not shown). When an operating device (not shown) is operated, a current flows from the high-frequency power supply 15 to the electrode 14, and a predetermined voltage is applied. Also, the fan power supply 33 is connected to the motor of the centrifugal fan 32 via a connection line (not shown). When the operating device is operated, a current flows from the fan power supply 33 to the centrifugal fan 32, and the centrifugal fan 32 is driven.

[0020] The exhaust passage 16 is arranged to vertically penetrate the first space portion 12 of the housing 11. The exhaust passage 16 extends along each side surface 11c, 11d of the housing 11 and is arranged close to the front surface 11a side. That is, the exhaust passage 16 is a passage formed by four partition walls including each side surface 11c, 11d inside each side surface 11c, 11d of the housing 11. Each exhaust passage 16 has an upper end opening 16a and a lower end opening 16b formed so that the upper and lower portions in the vertical direction penetrate. In each exhaust passage 16, the upper end opening 16a is opened to the outside through the upper surface 11e of the housing 11, and the lower end opening 16b communicates with the second space portion 13. The exhaust passage 16 has a rectangular tube shape, but is not limited to this shape, and may be a cylindrical shape or a polygonal tube shape. Also, the exhaust passage 16 has a constant passage area along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), but the passage area may increase or decrease upward in the extension direction. Further, the exhaust passage 16 is arranged along the vertical direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction, but may be arranged to be inclined within a range of 90 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0021] The housing 11 is provided with an outside air intake port 34 for taking in outside air into the second space portion 13. The outside air intake port 34 is provided to open at positions on the rear surface 11b of the housing 11 that face the respective high-frequency power supplies 15. Therefore, each high-frequency power supply 15 will be disposed between each outside air intake port 34 in the second space portion 13 and the lower-end opening 16b of the exhaust passage 16. Note that in a side view of the housing 11 (FIG. 3), the outside air intake port 34, the high-frequency power supply 15, and the lower-end opening 16b are arranged so as to be aligned along the left-right direction (horizontal direction), but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the lower-end opening 16b may be disposed above the high-frequency power supply 15.

[0022] Two outside air guiding portions 35 are provided at the lower part of the partition plate 31 in the housing 11. The outside air guiding portions 35 are in the shape of a rectangular plate and are fixed to the lower surface of the partition plate 31, the front surface 11a, and the rear surface 11b of the housing 11. The vertical length of the outside air guiding portions 35 is shorter than the height of the second space portion 13. The outside air guiding portions 35 are respectively disposed between each high-frequency power supply 15 and the fan power supply 33. The outside air guiding portions 35 guide the outside air taken in from the outside air intake port 34 through the high-frequency power supply 15 to the lower-end opening 16b of the exhaust passage 16. Note that the two outside air guiding portions 35 also function as reinforcing ribs for suppressing deformation of the partition plate 31.

[0023] <Operation of the ozone generator> As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the ozone generator 10, the centrifugal fan 32 is driven by a current supplied from the fan power supply 33 and sucks outside air A from the inlet portion 21 into the first space portion 12. At this time, when an alternating voltage is applied to the electrode 14 from the high-frequency power supply 15, surface discharge occurs. Then, as the air A passes through the discharge space, which is the ozone generation region S, part of the oxygen that has been dissociated or excited by the applied energy changes into ozone Z. The generated ozone Z is discharged to the outside from each outlet portion 22 by the wind force of the centrifugal fan 32.

[0024] The high-frequency power supply 15 generates heat and reaches a high temperature by applying a voltage to the electrode 14. At this time, the air in the second space portion 13 whose temperature has risen due to the high-frequency power supply 15 flows toward the lower end opening 16b side and rises through the exhaust passage 16 from the lower end opening 16b. On the other hand, as the air in the second space portion 13 rises through the exhaust passage 16, outside air is drawn into the second space portion 13 inside the housing 11 from the outside air intake port 34 through the second space portion 13. That is, outside air (air) is taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34 as cooling air C and cools the heated high-frequency power supply 15. That is, due to the chimney effect of the exhaust passage 16, cooling air C from the outside is taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34 to cool the high-frequency power supply 15. The cooling air C that has cooled the high-frequency power supply 15 enters the exhaust passage 16 from the lower end opening 16b, rises through the exhaust passage 16, and a natural air flow is generated that is discharged from the upper end opening 16a. The cooling air C taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34 is guided by the outside air guide portion 35, efficiently guided to the high-frequency power supply 15, and flows to the lower end opening 16b. Therefore, the high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen is continuously cooled by the cooling air C taken in from the outside due to its own heat generation.

[0025] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the ozone generator of the second embodiment. Note that members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 6, the ozone generator 10A includes a housing 11, a first space portion 12, a second space portion 13, an electrode 14, a high-frequency power supply 15, and an exhaust passage 16A.

[0027] The housing 11, the first space portion 12, the second space portion 13, the electrode 14, and the high-frequency power supply 15 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the exhaust passage 16A is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0028] The exhaust passage 16A is arranged to vertically penetrate the first space portion 12 of the housing 11. The exhaust passage 16A is arranged along each side surface 11c, 11d of the housing 11 and close to the front surface 11a side. Each exhaust passage 16A has its upper end opening 16a opened to the outside through the upper surface 11e of the housing 11, and its lower end opening 16b communicated with the second space portion 13.

[0029] Further, the exhaust passage 16A has an auxiliary outside air intake port 41. The auxiliary outside air intake port 41 is provided between the upper end opening 16a and the lower end opening 26b in the exhaust passage 16A. The auxiliary outside air intake port 41 is an opening that opens to each side surface 11c, 11d of the housing 11 between the upper end opening 16a and the lower end opening 26b in the exhaust passage 16A. Therefore, the auxiliary outside air intake port 41 can take outside air into the exhaust passage 16A. Note that the auxiliary outside air intake port 41 is preferably arranged on the lower end opening 26b side in the exhaust passage 16A, but may also be arranged at an intermediate portion between the upper end opening 16a and the lower end opening 26b or on the upper end opening 16a side.

[0030] In the ozone generator 10A, when the electrode 14 discharges in the ozone generation region S with respect to the air A sucked from the inlet portion 21 by driving the centrifugal fan 32, ozone Z is generated. The generated ozone Z is discharged to the outside from the outlet portion 22 by the wind force of the centrifugal fan 32.

[0031] At this time, the air in the second space part 13 that has been heated by the high-frequency power supply 15 and has risen in temperature flows toward the lower-end opening 16b side and rises from the lower-end opening 16b through the exhaust passage 16A. On the other hand, as the air in the second space part 13 rises through the exhaust passage 16A, outside air is drawn into the second space part 13 inside the housing 11 from the outside-air intake port 34 through the second space part 13. That is, outside air (air) is taken into the second space part 13 from the outside-air intake port 34 as cooling air C to cool the high-frequency power supply 15 that has generated heat. Also, at this time, outside air (air) is taken into the exhaust passage 16A from the auxiliary outside-air intake port 41. Then, the chimney effect of the exhaust passage 16A is promoted by the air taken in from the auxiliary outside-air intake port 41. That is, due to the chimney effect of the exhaust passage 16A, more cooling air C from the outside is taken into the second space part 13 from the outside-air intake port 34, and the high-frequency power supply 15 with a rising temperature is efficiently cooled by the cooling air C.

[0032] [Third Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the ozone generator of the third embodiment. Members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, the ozone generator 10B includes a housing 11, a first space part 12, a second space part 13, an electrode 14A, a high-frequency power supply 15, and an exhaust passage 16.

[0034] The housing 11, the first space part 12, the second space part 13, the high-frequency power supply 15, and the exhaust passage 16 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the electrode 14B is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0035] The electrode 14B has a casing 14a and a plurality of electrode bodies 14b. The plurality of electrode bodies 14b are rod-shaped and are arranged inside the casing 14a. The plurality of electrode bodies 14b are arranged along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the central axis O1 and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. Each end of the plurality of electrode bodies 14b in the longitudinal direction penetrates the casing 14a and is supported. Each end of the plurality of electrode bodies 14b extends into the exhaust passage 16. That is, each end of the plurality of electrode bodies 14b in the longitudinal direction penetrates the casing 14a and is arranged in the exhaust passage 16.

[0036] In the ozone generator 10B, when the electrode 14B discharges in the ozone generation region S with respect to the air A sucked from the inlet portion 21 by driving the centrifugal fan 32, ozone Z is generated. The generated ozone Z is discharged to the outside from the outlet portion 22 by the wind force of the centrifugal fan 32.

[0037] At this time, the air in the second space portion 13 heated by the high-frequency power supply 15 and having its temperature increased flows toward the lower end opening 16b side and rises through the exhaust passage 16 from the lower end opening 16b. On the other hand, as the air in the second space portion 13 rises through the exhaust passage 16, outside air is drawn into the second space portion 13 inside the housing 11 from the outside air intake port 34 through the second space portion 13. That is, outside air (air) is taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34 as cooling air C to cool the high-frequency power supply 15 that has generated heat. That is, due to the chimney effect of the exhaust passage 16, cooling air C from the outside is taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34 to cool the high-frequency power supply 15. The cooling air C that has cooled the high-frequency power supply 15 enters the exhaust passage 16 from the lower end opening 16b, rises through the exhaust passage 16, and a natural air flow is generated that is discharged from the upper end opening 16a. Therefore, the high-frequency power supply 15 with its temperature increased is continuously cooled by the cooling air C taken in from the outside due to its own heat generation.

[0038] Further, for the electrode 14B, the ends of the plurality of electrode bodies 14b extend into the exhaust passage 16. Therefore, the cooling air C rising in the exhaust passage 16 is heated by the high-temperature electrode bodies 14b. Then, the chimney effect of the exhaust passage 16 is promoted by the heating of the cooling air C rising in the exhaust passage 16. That is, due to the chimney effect of the exhaust passage 16, more cooling air C from the outside is taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34, and the temperature-risen electrode 14B is efficiently cooled by the cooling air C. Also, for the electrode 14B, the high-temperature electrode bodies 14b are cooled by the cooling air C rising in the exhaust passage 16. Therefore, the temperature in the ozone generation region S of the electrode 14B decreases, and a decrease in the generation amount of ozone Z due to the thermal decomposition reaction is suppressed.

[0039] [Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the internal structure of the ozone generator according to the fourth embodiment. Note that members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8, the ozone generator 10C includes a housing 11, a first space portion 12, a second space portion 13, an electrode 14, a high-frequency power source 15, and an exhaust passage 16.

[0041] The housing 11, the first space portion 12, the second space portion 13, the electrode 14, the high-frequency power source 15, and the exhaust passage 16 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0042] The housing 11 is provided with an outside air intake guide portion 51 at the outside air intake port 34. The outside air intake port 34 takes in outside air into the second space portion 13 of the housing 11. The outside air intake port 34 is an opening provided on the rear surface 11b of the housing 11 facing the high-frequency power supply 15. The outside air intake guide portion 51 is for efficiently taking in outside air from the outside air intake port 34 into the second space portion 43. Specifically, the outside air intake guide portion 51 has a function of improving the suction performance by increasing the flow rate of the outside air taken in from the outside air intake port 34 into the second space portion 13 or increasing the flow velocity of the outside air. The outside air intake guide portion 51 is, for example, a louver, but is not limited to a louver, and may be a slit, a bell mouth, a mesh member, a perforated plate (punching metal), or the like.

[0043] In the ozone generator 10C, when the electrode 14 discharges in the ozone generation region S with respect to the air A sucked from the inlet portion 21 by driving the centrifugal fan 32, ozone Z is generated. The generated ozone Z is discharged to the outside from the outlet portion 22 by the wind force of the centrifugal fan 32.

[0044] At this time, the air in the second space portion 13 that has been heated by the high-frequency power supply 15 and has risen in temperature flows toward the lower end opening 16b side and rises from the lower end opening 16b through the exhaust passage 16A. On the other hand, as the air in the second space portion 13 rises through the exhaust passage 16A, outside air is drawn into the second space portion 13 inside the housing 11 from the outside air intake port 34 through the second space portion 13. That is, outside air (air) is taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34 as cooling air C and cools the high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen. The outside air is efficiently taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34 by the outside air intake guide portion 51. That is, due to the chimney effect of the exhaust passage 16, more cooling air C from the outside is taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34, and the high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen is efficiently cooled by the cooling air C.

[0045] [Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the internal structure of the ozone generator according to the fifth embodiment. Note that members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 9, the ozone generator 10D includes a housing 11, a first space portion 12, a second space portion 13, an electrode 14, a high-frequency power supply 15, and an exhaust passage 16.

[0047] The housing 11, the first space portion 12, the second space portion 13, the electrode 14, the high-frequency power supply 15, and the exhaust passage 16 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0048] In the housing 11, the first space portion 12 is arranged at the upper part, and the second space portion 13 is arranged at the lower part. The housing 11 is partitioned into the first space portion 12 and the second space portion 13 inside by arranging a partition plate 31D along the horizontal direction. The partition plate 31D has a first partition plate 31a and a second partition plate 31b. The first partition plate 31a is arranged between the rear surface 11b of the housing 11 and the lower end opening 16b of the exhaust passage 16. The second partition plate 31b is arranged between the front surface 11a of the housing 1 and the lower end opening 16b of the exhaust passage 16. The first partition plate 31a is arranged to incline upward in the vertical direction from the outside air intake port 34 provided on the rear surface 11b toward the lower end opening 16b. The second partition plate 31b is arranged to incline upward in the vertical direction from the front surface 11a toward the lower end opening 16b. That is, in the second space portion 13, the ceiling portion formed by the partition plate 31D inclines so as to gradually become higher at least from the outside air intake port 34 toward the lower end opening 16b.

[0049] Note that the first partition plate 31a and the second partition plate 31b have a planar shape, but for example, they may have a curved shape protruding upward in the vertical direction or the like. Also, although the partition plate 31D is composed of two first partition plates 31a and the second partition plate 31b, it may be three or more. Further, when the exhaust passage 16 is provided in contact with the front surface 11a of the housing 11, it may be composed of only one first partition plate 31a.

[0050] In the ozone generator 10D, when the electrode 14 discharges in the ozone generation region S with respect to the air A sucked from the inlet portion 21 by driving the centrifugal fan 32, ozone Z is generated. The generated ozone Z is discharged to the outside from the outlet portion 22 by the wind force of the centrifugal fan 32.

[0051] At this time, the air in the second space portion 13 that has been heated by the high-frequency power supply 15 and has its temperature increased flows toward the lower end opening 16b side and rises from the lower end opening 16b through the exhaust passage 16A. On the other hand, as the air in the second space portion 13 rises through the exhaust passage 16A, outside air is drawn into the second space portion 13 inside the housing 11 from the outside air intake port 34 through the second space portion 13. That is, outside air (air) is taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34 as cooling air C to cool the high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen. The outside air taken in from the outside air intake port 34 is smoothly guided by the inclined partition plate 31D and flows to the lower end opening 16b. That is, due to the chimney effect of the exhaust passage 16 and the guiding effect of the partition plate 31D, more cooling air C from the outside is taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34, and the high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen is efficiently cooled by the cooling air C.

[0052] [Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 10 is a front view of the ozone generator according to the sixth embodiment. Note that members having the same functions as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 10, the ozone generator 10E includes a housing 11, a first space portion 12, a second space portion 13E, an electrode 14, a high-frequency power supply 15, and an exhaust passage 16.

[0054] The housing 11, the first space portion 12, the electrode 14, the high-frequency power supply 15, and the exhaust passage 16 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the second space portion 13 is different from the first embodiment.

[0055] The housing 11 has a first space portion 12 arranged at the upper part and a second space portion 13 arranged at the lower part. The housing 11 has a partition plate 31 arranged horizontally inside, and thus the interior of the housing 11 is partitioned into the first space portion 12 and the second space portion 13. The second space portion 13E is partitioned into three power supply arrangement portions 13a, 13b, and 13c by two partition plates 61. The two high-frequency power supplies 15 are arranged in the power supply arrangement portions 13a and 13b respectively. The fan power supply 33 is arranged in the power supply arrangement portion 13c. The high-frequency power supplies 15 are arranged in the power supply arrangement portions 13a and 13b provided close to the respective side surfaces 11c and 11d of the housing 11, and the fan power supply 33 is arranged in the power supply arrangement portion 13c between the power supply arrangement portions 13a and 13b.

[0056] The two exhaust passages 16 are arranged along the respective side surfaces 11c and 11d of the housing 11. Each exhaust passage 16 has an upper end opening 16a opened to the outside through the upper surface 11e of the housing 11, and a lower end opening 16b communicated with each of the power supply arrangement portions 13a and 13b in the second space portion 13. Further, the outside air intake 34 is provided in each of the power supply arrangement portions 13a and 13b.

[0057] Note that two high-frequency power supplies 15 and one fan power supply 33 are provided and arranged in the three power supply arrangement portions 13a, 13b, and 13c that partition the second space portion 13E, respectively. However, the number of power supply arrangement portions may be appropriately set according to the number of high-frequency power supplies 15 and fan power supplies 33.

[0058] In the ozone generator 10E, when the electrode 14 discharges in the ozone generation region S with respect to the air A sucked from the inlet portion 21 by driving the centrifugal fan 32, ozone Z is generated. The generated ozone Z is discharged to the outside from the outlet portion 22 by the wind force of the centrifugal fan 32.

[0059] At this time, the air in the power supply arrangement parts 13a and 13b that is heated by each high-frequency power supply 15 and has its temperature raised flows toward the lower-end opening 16b side respectively, and rises from the lower-end opening 16b through each exhaust passage 16. On the other hand, as the air in the power supply arrangement parts 13a and 13b rises through the exhaust passage 16, outside air is drawn into the second space part 13 inside the housing 11 from each outside air intake 34 through the second space part 13. That is, outside air (air) is taken into each of the power supply arrangement parts 13a and 13b from the outside air intake 34 as cooling air C, and cools the high-frequency power supplies 15 whose temperatures have risen. The outside air (cooling air C) taken in from the outside air intake 34 does not flow to the power supply arrangement part 13c that does not require cooling by the partition plate 61, and the cooling air C flowing to the power supply arrangement parts 13a and 13b that require cooling does not decrease. That is, due to the chimney effect of the exhaust passage 16 and the guiding effect of the partition plate 61, more cooling air C from the outside flows from the outside air intake 34 to the power supply arrangement parts 13a and 13b, and each high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen is efficiently cooled by the cooling air C.

[0060] [Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the ozone generator of the seventh embodiment. Note that members having the same functions as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 11, the ozone generator 10F includes a housing 11, a first space part 12, a second space part 13, an electrode 14, a high-frequency power supply 15, and an exhaust passage 16.

[0062] The inlet part 21 is provided on the front surface 11a of the housing 11, and the outlet part 22 is provided on the opposing side surfaces 11c and 11d of the housing 11. The outlet part 22 has a first outlet part 22a provided on one side surface 11c and a second outlet part 22b provided on the other side surface 11d. The first space part 12 has two axial flow fans (blowers) 81 and 82 arranged therein. The first axial flow fan (first blower) 81 is provided adjacent to the first outlet part 22a, and the second axial flow fan (second blower) 82 is provided adjacent to the second outlet part 22b.

[0063] The housing 11 is provided with a flow path partition plate 83 that partitions a first flow path and a second flow path. The flow path partition plate 83 partitions, in the first space portion 12, a first flow path extending from the inlet portion 21 to the first outlet portion 22a and a second flow path extending from the inlet portion 21 to the second outlet portion 22b. Therefore, the first axial flow fan 81 forms a fluid flow in the first flow path extending from the inlet portion 21 to the first outlet portion 22a. The second axial flow fan 82 forms a fluid flow in the first flow path extending from the inlet portion 21 to the second outlet portion 22b.

[0064] In the ozone generator 10F, when the electrodes 14 discharge in the ozone generation region S with respect to the air A sucked from the inlet portion 21 by driving the axial flow fans 81 and 82, ozone Z is generated. The generated ozone Z is discharged to the outside from the first outlet portion 22a and the second outlet portion 22b by the wind force of the axial flow fans 81 and 82.

[0065] At this time, the air in the power supply arrangement portions 13a and 13b that has been heated by each high-frequency power supply 15 and has increased in temperature flows toward the lower end opening 16b side, respectively, and rises from the lower end opening 16b through each exhaust passage 16. On the other hand, as the air in the second space portion 13 rises through the exhaust passage 16, outside air is drawn into the second space portion 13 inside the housing 11 from each outside air intake port 34 through the second space portion 13, and the high-frequency power supplies 15 whose temperatures have risen are cooled respectively.

[0066] Although one electrode 14 is provided in the first space portion 12, the electrodes 14 may be arranged in each of the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0067] [Operation and Effect of the Present Embodiment] The ozone generator according to the first aspect includes a housing 11, a first space portion 12 provided in the housing 11 and having an inlet portion 21 and an outlet portion 22, second space portions 13 and 13E provided in the housing 11, electrodes 14 and 14B disposed between the inlet portion 21 and the outlet portion 22 inside the first space portion 12, high-frequency power supplies 15 disposed in the second space portions 13 and 13E and capable of applying a voltage to the electrodes 14 and 14B, and exhaust passages 16 and 16A disposed along the vertical direction in the housing 11, wherein an upper end opening 16a is open to the outside of the housing 11 and a lower end opening 16b communicates with the second space portions 13 and 13E.

[0068] According to the ozone generator according to the first aspect, since the electrodes 14 and 14B are discharged by applying a voltage from the high-frequency power supply 15 to generate ozone Z, the high-frequency power supply 15 generates heat and becomes high temperature. At this time, the air in the second space portions 13 and 13E whose temperature has risen due to the high-frequency power supply 15 enters the exhaust passage 16 from the lower end opening 16b and rises, and is discharged to the outside from the upper end opening 16a. On the other hand, in the second space portions 13 and 13E, outside air (cooling air C) is taken in as the air rises through the exhaust passage 16, and the high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen is cooled. That is, due to the chimney effect of the exhaust passages 16 and 16A, outside cooling air C is taken into the second space portions 13 and 13E to cool the high-frequency power supply 15, and a natural flow is generated that is discharged to the outside through the exhaust passage 16. Therefore, the high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen is continuously cooled by the cooling air C taken in from the outside due to its own heat generation. As a result, equipment such as a fan for cooling the high-frequency power supply 15 becomes unnecessary, and an increase in the size and complexity of the device can be suppressed.

[0069] In the ozone generator according to the second aspect, the first space portion 12 is disposed at the upper part in the vertical direction in the housing 11, the second space portions 13 and 13E are disposed at the lower part in the vertical direction than the first space portion 12 in the housing 11, and the exhaust passages 16 and 16A are disposed so as to penetrate the first space portion 12 in the vertical direction. Thereby, the electrodes 14 and 14B and the high-frequency power supply 15 can be efficiently arranged, and the cooling air C that has cooled the high-frequency power supply 15 can be appropriately discharged through the exhaust passage 16 without contacting the electrodes 14 and 14B.

[0070] In the ozone generator according to the third aspect, an outside air intake port 34 for taking in outside air is provided in the second space portions 13 and 13E, and the high-frequency power supply 15 is disposed between the outside air intake port 34 and the lower end opening 16b in the second space portions 13 and 13E. Thereby, outside cooling air C enters the second space portions 13 and 13E from the outside air intake port 34 to cool the high-frequency power supply 15, a natural flow flowing through the exhaust passage 16 is generated, and the high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen can be efficiently cooled.

[0071] The ozone generator according to the fourth aspect is provided with an outside air intake guide part 51 for taking in outside air from the outside air intake port 34 into the second space parts 13, 13E. Thereby, the outside air intake guide part 51 improves the suction performance by increasing the flow rate of the outside air taken in from the outside air intake port 34 into the second space parts 13, 13E or increasing the flow velocity of the outside air. Therefore, the cooling air C taken into the second space part 13 from the outside air intake port 34 can efficiently cool the high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen.

[0072] The ozone generator according to the fifth aspect is provided with an outside air guide part 35 for guiding the outside air taken in from the outside air intake port 34 through the high-frequency power supply 15 to the lower end opening 16b. Thereby, the cooling air C taken into the second space parts 13, 13E from the outside air intake port 34 is guided by the outside air guide part 35 through the high-frequency power supply 15 to the lower end opening 16b of the exhaust passage 16, and the high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen can be efficiently cooled. Further, since the outside air guide part 35 also functions as a reinforcing rib for suppressing the deformation of the partition plate 31, the rigidity of the housing 11 can be improved.

[0073] The ozone generator according to the sixth aspect is partitioned by a partition plate 31D along the horizontal direction between the first space part 12 and the second space parts 13, 13E, and the partition plate 31D is arranged to be inclined upward in the vertical direction from the outside air intake port 34 toward the lower end opening 16b. Thereby, the cooling air C taken in from the outside air intake port 34 is guided by the inclined partition plate 31D and smoothly flows to the lower end opening 16b, and the high-frequency power supply 15 whose temperature has risen can be efficiently cooled.

[0074] The ozone generator according to the seventh aspect is provided with an auxiliary outside air intake port 41 for taking in outside air between the upper end opening 16a and the lower end opening 16b in the exhaust passage 16A. As a result, when the air in the second space portion 13 rises in the exhaust passage 16A, outside air is taken into the second space portion 13 from the outside air intake port 34, and outside air is taken into the exhaust passage 16A from the auxiliary outside air intake port 41. Then, the chimney effect of the exhaust passage 16A is promoted by the air taken in from the auxiliary outside air intake port 41, and the high-frequency power supply 15 with an increased temperature can be efficiently cooled.

[0075] The ozone generator according to the eighth aspect has a plurality of electrode bodies 14b in which the electrode 14B is rod-shaped, and the longitudinal ends of the electrode bodies 14b extend into the exhaust passages 16. As a result, the cooling air C rising in the exhaust passages 16, 16A is heated by the high-temperature electrode bodies 14b, the chimney effect of the exhaust passages 16, 16A can be promoted, and the electrode 14B with an increased temperature can be efficiently cooled. Further, since the high-temperature electrode bodies 14b of the electrode 14B are cooled by the cooling air C rising in the exhaust passages 16, 16A, the temperature of the electrode bodies 14b in the ozone generation region S decreases, and a decrease in the amount of ozone Z generated by the thermal decomposition reaction can be suppressed.

[0076] The ozone generator according to the ninth aspect is provided with a plurality of high-frequency power supplies 15, and the plurality of high-frequency power supplies 15 are individually arranged in a plurality of power supply arrangement portions 13a, 13b partitioned in the second space portion 13E. As a result, the outside air taken in from the outside air intake port 34 does not flow into the power supply arrangement portion 13c that does not require cooling, but flows into the power supply arrangement portions 13a, 13b that require cooling, and each high-frequency power supply 15 with an increased temperature can be efficiently cooled.

[0077] The ozone generator according to the tenth aspect is provided with a plurality of exhaust passages 16 corresponding to the plurality of power supply arrangement portions 13a, 13b. As a result, the cooling air C of the power supply arrangement portions 13a, 13b that have cooled the high-frequency power supply 15 can be efficiently discharged through each exhaust passage 16.

[0078] In the ozone generator according to the 11th aspect, an inlet portion 21 is provided on the front surface 11a of the housing 11, an outlet portion 22 is provided on the rear surface 11b or the opposing side surfaces 11c, 11d of the housing 11, and a centrifugal fan (blower) 32 or an axial flow fan (blower) 81, 82 that forms a fluid flow from the inlet portion 21 to the outlet portion 22 is disposed in the first space portion 12. Thereby, the generated ozone Z can be efficiently discharged.

[0079] In the ozone generator according to the 12th aspect, as the outlet portion 22, a first outlet portion 22a provided on one side surface 11c and a second outlet portion 22b provided on the other side surface 11d are provided, a first axial flow fan (first blower) 81 provided in the first outlet portion 22a, and a second axial flow fan (second blower) 82 provided in the second outlet portion 22b are provided, and a flow path partition plate 83 that partitions a first flow path from the inlet portion 21 to the first outlet portion 22a and a second flow path from the inlet portion 21 to the second outlet portion 22b is provided. Thereby, the flow rate of ozone Z flowing from the electrode 14 to the first outlet portion 22a and the flow rate of ozone Z flowing from the electrode 14 to the second outlet portion 22b can be made uniform, and the generated ozone Z can be efficiently discharged.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the electrodes 14, 14B and the centrifugal fan 32 are connected in series and disposed in the first space portion 12, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, the electrodes 14, 14B and the centrifugal fan 32 may be independently disposed in the first space portion 12 without being connected. For example, the electrodes 14, 14B may be disposed near the inlet portion 21, and the centrifugal fan 32 or the axial flow fan may be disposed near the outlet portion 22.

[0081] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the first space portion 12 is disposed in the upper part in the vertical direction in the housing 11, and the second space portions 13, 13E are disposed in the lower part in the vertical direction in the housing 11 than the first space portion 12, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. For example, the first space portion 12 and the second space portions 13, 13E may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, or the second space portions 13, 13E may be disposed above the first space portion 12.

Explanation of Signs

[0082] Ozone generators 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E 11 Housing 12 First space part 13, 13E Second space part 13a, 13b, 13c Power supply arrangement part 14, 14B Electrodes 14a Casing 14b Electrode body 14c Inlet guide vane 15 High-frequency power supply 16, 16A Exhaust passage 16a Upper end opening 16b Lower end opening 21 Inlet part 22 Outlet part 22a First outlet part 22b Second outlet part 31, 31D Partition plate 32 Centrifugal fan (blower) 33 Power supply for fan 34 Outside air intake port 35 Outside air guide 41 Auxiliary outside air intake port 51 Outside air intake guide 61 Partition board 81 First axial flow fan (first blower) 82 Second axial flow fan (second blower) 83 Flow path partition plate A Air C Cooling air S Ozone generation area Z Ozone

Claims

1. A housing, a first space portion provided in the housing and having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a second space portion provided in the housing, an electrode disposed inside the first space portion between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, a high-frequency power source disposed in the second space portion and capable of applying a voltage to the electrode, an exhaust passage disposed along the vertical direction in the housing, with an upper end opening open to the outside of the housing and a lower end opening communicating with the second space portion, and an ozone generator comprising the above.

2. The first space portion is disposed in the upper part in the vertical direction of the housing, the second space portion is disposed in the lower part in the vertical direction of the housing than the first space portion, and the exhaust passage is disposed so as to penetrate the first space portion in the vertical direction. The ozone generator according to Claim 1.

3. An outside air intake opening for taking in outside air is provided in the second space portion, and the high-frequency power source is disposed between the outside air intake opening and the lower end opening in the second space portion. The ozone generator according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. An outside air intake guiding portion for taking in outside air from the outside air intake opening into the second space portion is provided. The ozone generator according to Claim 3.

5. An outside air guiding portion for guiding the outside air taken in from the outside air intake opening to the lower end opening through the high-frequency power source is provided. The ozone generator according to Claim 3 or Claim 4.

6. The first space portion and the second space portion are partitioned by a partition plate along the horizontal direction, and the partition plate is disposed to be inclined upward in the vertical direction from the outside air intake opening toward the lower end opening. The ozone generator according to any one of Claims 3 to 5.

7. An auxiliary outside air intake opening for taking in outside air is provided between the upper end opening and the lower end opening of the exhaust passage. The ozone generator according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. The electrode has a plurality of rod-shaped electrode bodies, and the longitudinal ends of the electrode bodies extend into the exhaust passage. The ozone generator according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.

9. A plurality of the high-frequency power sources are provided, and the plurality of high-frequency power sources are individually disposed in a plurality of power source arrangement portions partitioned in the second space portion. The ozone generator according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

10. A plurality of the exhaust passages are provided corresponding to the plurality of power source arrangement portions. The ozone generator according to Claim 9.

11. The inlet portion is provided on the front surface of the housing, the outlet portion is provided on the rear surface or the opposing side surface of the housing, and a blower for forming a fluid flow from the inlet portion to the outlet portion is disposed in the first space portion. The ozone generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The outlet portion has a first outlet portion provided on one of the side surfaces and a second outlet portion provided on the other side surface, the blower has a first blower provided on the first outlet portion and a second blower provided on the second outlet portion, and a flow path partition plate for partitioning a first flow path from the inlet portion to the first outlet portion and a second flow path from the inlet portion to the second outlet portion is provided. The ozone generator according to claim 11.

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