discharge device

Abstract

To provide a discharge device which is attached to a ceiling, can perform a discharge in the vicinity of the ceiling, and can exert an influence of a discharge product obtained by the discharge on each part in an indoor space from the vicinity of the ceiling.SOLUTION: A power receiving connecting part 13 of a housing 12 is attached to a power supply socket 51 of a ceiling 50, a discharge of an electrode part 11 can be performed from the vicinity of the ceiling, the electrode part 11 and a high-voltage generation part 15 occupying a prescribed space in the housing 12 are arranged so as to be overlapped on each other in a lateral direction, a space necessary in a vertical direction is reduced by an overlapped amount, a contour dimension of the housing 12 in the vertical direction can be reduced, the discharge can be thereby performed in the vicinity of the ceiling, a protrusion amount from the ceiling 50 in a state that a lighting device 90 is attached to the other end of the housing 12 is reduced while securing a state that the influence of the discharge product is exerted to each part in the indoor space, and the discharge can be performed without imparting an incongruity to a person in the indoor space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a discharge device that emits discharge products into the air by discharging electricity, thereby imparting a favorable effect of the discharge products to the air. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Various discharge devices have been proposed in the past that generate negative ions (anions) or ozone through discharge and bring these into contact with air to purify the air. Examples of such conventional discharge devices are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2016-91875 and 2019-155345. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-91875 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-155345 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional discharge devices have the configurations shown in the above-mentioned patent documents, in which a negative high voltage is applied between a negative electrode and a positive electrode to generate a corona discharge between the electrodes, and this discharge generates negative ions and ozone.

[0005] However, these conventional discharge devices are usually installed on the floor or above furniture in an indoor space, and generate negative ions and ozone in the air in the living area where people are active in the lower part of the indoor space. This makes it difficult to widely diffuse the generated negative ions and ozone throughout the indoor space and achieve their effects.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a discharge device that can be attached to a ceiling to enable discharge to occur near the ceiling, and to enable the effects of the discharge products obtained by the discharge to be felt in various parts of the indoor space from near the ceiling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The discharge device disclosed in the present invention is a discharge device that releases discharge products generated by discharge at an electrode portion into the air, and comprises: a housing that contains the electrode portion; a power receiving connection portion that is provided at one end of the housing and is attachable and detachable to a power socket on a ceiling; a power transmitting socket portion that is provided at the other end of the housing and is electrically connected to the power receiving connection portion, and to which a power receiving connector for a lighting device can be attached and detached; and a high voltage generation portion that is disposed within the housing and is capable of introducing power through the power receiving connection portion, and that generates a high voltage for discharging at the electrode portion, wherein the housing is provided with an outlet portion that connects the interior where the electrode portion is located to the outside, and the high voltage generation portion is disposed so that at least a portion of it overlaps the electrode portion in the horizontal direction.

[0008] As disclosed in the present invention, the power receiving connection portion at one end of the housing is attached to a power socket on the ceiling, allowing discharge at the electrode portion to occur from near the ceiling; the electrode portion and high voltage generating portion, which occupy a certain amount of space within the housing, are arranged to overlap horizontally, reducing the space required in the vertical direction by the amount of overlap; and the external dimensions of the housing in the vertical direction can be reduced, thereby ensuring that discharge can occur near the ceiling and that the discharge products can have an effect on various parts of the indoor space.However, when the lighting device is attached to the other end of the housing, the amount of protrusion from the ceiling is kept to an amount that does not give the impression of an unnatural protrusion, compared to the amount of protrusion when the lighting device is connected directly to the power transmission socket on the ceiling; and the functionality of the lighting device is maintained when installed on the ceiling, allowing it to be used without causing discomfort to people in the indoor space.

[0009] Furthermore, in the discharge device disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the housing is provided with an air flow path that leads to the electrode portion and the outlet portion, and an inlet portion that connects the air flow path to the outside is provided around the power transmission socket portion in the housing as an opening that faces downward when the power receiving connection portion is attached to the power socket.

[0010] Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the inlet portion of the air flow path in the housing is provided around the power transmission socket portion, allowing air around the lighting device connected to the power transmission socket portion to flow into the inlet portion. As the lighting device is used, the air around the lighting device is warmed by heat emitted to the outside from the lighting device, rises, flows into the inlet portion, travels through the air flow path, and reaches the electrode portion. In an atmosphere where the relative humidity is reduced by the warmed air, discharge at the electrode portion is promoted, increasing the amount of discharge products produced and making it possible to further increase the impact of the discharge products.

[0011] Furthermore, in the discharge device according to the present disclosure, the housing may have a predetermined guide means for guiding the air flowing in from the inlet portion toward the electrode portion, as required.

[0012] Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, a guide means that forms part of the air flow path is provided in the housing, and this guide means guides air to the electrode section, allowing the air that flows in from the inlet section to be smoothly introduced to the electrode section.This allows the air, which has been warmed by the heat from the lighting device and has increased in temperature, to flow into the inlet section and then smoothly travel through the air flow path to reach the electrode section without losing its temperature.In an atmosphere where the temperature has increased and the relative humidity has consequently decreased, discharge at the electrode section can be reliably promoted, and the amount of discharge products produced can be further increased.

[0013] Furthermore, in the discharge device disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the air flow path in the housing is formed as a flow path shape that guides the air flowing in from the inlet portion to a specified internal region of the housing that is deeper than the electrode portion relative to the outlet portion, and then changes the direction of the air to direct it toward the electrode portion and the outlet portion, so that the advancing air passes through the electrode portion and reaches the outlet portion.

[0014] Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the air flow path of the housing is shaped so that it changes the direction of air flowing in from the inlet portion and guides the air toward the electrode portion, and also so that the air continues straight after this guidance, passes through the electrode portion, and then, without changing its direction of travel, reaches the outlet portion and is discharged to the outside. By making it easier for the air that has come into contact with the discharge products through the electrode portion to proceed to the outlet portion, the discharge products generated by the discharge at the electrode portion can be guided to the outlet portion together with the air, facilitating their release to the outside, and the discharge products can be efficiently allowed to reach the indoor space.

[0015] In addition, in the discharge device disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the inlet portion of the air flow path in the housing has a downward expanding shape that introduces air that flows upward from the outside along the outer periphery of the lighting device attached to the power transmission socket portion.

[0016] Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, by making the inlet portion of the housing have a downward expanding shape, it becomes easier for the air moving upward along the outer periphery of the bulb-shaped lamp to flow into the air flow path of the housing, thereby introducing more air into the air flow path and strengthening the momentum of the air flow, making the air flow passing through the electrode portion and heading to the outside via the outlet portion stronger, further promoting the release to the outside of the discharge products generated by the discharge at the electrode portion, and allowing the effects of the discharge products to be felt over a wider area.

[0017] Furthermore, the discharge device according to the present disclosure may be provided with a predetermined flow rate limiting means for the introduced air at or near the inlet of the air flow path in the housing, as required.

[0018] Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, by providing a flow rate limiting means at or near the inlet portion of the housing and reducing the flow rate of the air flowing into the inlet portion, even if the housing is formed with the inlet portion positioned close to the electrode portion, the flow rate of the air flowing into the inlet portion can be suppressed, reducing the impact of the air that flows into this inlet portion and proceeds through the air flow path on the electrode portion and its surroundings, and achieving a state in which the negative ions generated by the discharge and the air flow resulting from them are not hindered from proceeding toward the outlet portion, and the air that has come into contact with the discharge products can be caused to flow directly out of the outlet portion and proceed into the indoor space, ensuring that the effects of the discharge products are exerted on the indoor space.

[0019] Furthermore, in the discharge device disclosed herein, if necessary, the power transmission socket portion is arranged within the housing so that at least a portion of it laterally overlaps with at least one of the electrode portion and the high voltage generating portion.

[0020] Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the power transmission socket portion is arranged in the housing so as to overlap laterally with the electrode portion and the high voltage generating portion, and the space required in the vertical direction is reduced by the amount that the power transmission socket portion overlaps with the electrode portion and the high voltage generating portion, and the external dimensions of the housing in the vertical direction can be reduced, thereby making the entire device even smaller and reducing the amount of protrusion from the ceiling, allowing it to be installed on the ceiling without any difficulty.

[0021] Furthermore, in the discharge device disclosed in the present invention, as necessary, the power receiving connection portion is formed so as to be attachable and detachable to the power socket on the ceiling in accordance with a predetermined rotational procedure, the power transmitting socket portion is formed so as to be attachable and detachable to the connector of the lighting device in accordance with a predetermined rotational procedure, the power receiving connection portion and the power transmitting socket portion are arranged in the housing in such a manner that the central axes of rotation for attachment and detachment are aligned, and the electrode portion and the high voltage generating portion are respectively arranged within the housing so as to sandwich the central axis of rotation.

[0022] As disclosed in the present invention, the power receiving connection portion, which undergoes a rotational movement when attached to or detached from the power socket on the ceiling, and the power transmitting socket portion, which requires the connector to rotate when the connector of the lighting device is attached or detached, are arranged in the housing so that the central axes of rotation for attachment and detachment are aligned, while the electrode portion and high voltage generating portion are arranged in the housing on either side of this central axis, with the electrode portion and high voltage generating portion facing each other on either side of the central axis, resulting in a structure in which the electrode portion and high voltage generating portion are arranged on the left and right sides of the power receiving connection portion and power transmitting connector portion as the center, and the housing can be formed with an approximately symmetrical external shape without any bias in the arrangement of parts, which improves the aesthetic appearance and makes it easier to balance the weight and improves the operability of attaching and detaching from the power socket on the ceiling.

[0023] Furthermore, the discharge device disclosed in the present invention may, as necessary, be provided with a control unit that controls discharge at the electrode portion, and a built-in power supply unit that stores energy related to the power supply and enables temporary power supply, and the control unit causes discharge at the electrode portion for a predetermined period of time using power supplied from the built-in power supply unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the external power supply through the power receiving connection unit was stopped.

[0024] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of power from the outside has stopped, the control unit for controlling discharge causes the electrode unit to discharge using the power of the built-in power supply unit, and discharge products are supplied. For example, in an indoor space where forced ventilation is required for a particular purpose, people will normally use a ventilation fan installed in the indoor space at the same time as lighting when using the indoor space. In this way, when a discharge device is attached to a power socket in an indoor space where a ventilation fan is used at the same time as lighting, the discharge device attached so as to be interposed between the power socket and the lighting device will be turned off when the power to the lighting is turned off. When the power supply from the socket is stopped, the lighting device attached to the power transmission socket will be turned off, and the ventilation fan used in the indoor space at the same time as the lighting device will also be turned off and is expected to stop operating, so it can be assumed that the ventilation fan has definitely stopped.If the control unit causes discharge at the electrode unit a predetermined time after the power supply from the power socket is stopped, the discharge products can be generated and released without being affected by the air flow that accompanies the operation of the ventilation fan, and the discharge products can be directed into the indoor space while coming into contact with the air without any problems, ensuring that the effects of the discharge products are felt in the indoor space.

[0025] Furthermore, the discharge device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, be provided with a blowing means disposed within the housing for blowing air through the air flow path to send the air to the outside through the outlet portion, and the blowing means is activated before discharge begins at the electrode portion to blow air to the outside through the outlet portion.

[0026] Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the air blowing means arranged in the housing is operated before discharge begins at the electrode section, so that the operating sound of the air blowing means and the air flow in the indoor space caused by the air blowing can be detected in the indoor space prior to discharge, allowing people in the indoor space to recognize in advance that discharge products generated by discharge are about to be released, and encouraging people to take action so as not to impair the favorable effects of the discharge products on the indoor space or to avoid the unfavorable effects of the discharge products on people, thereby maximizing the effects of the discharge products on the indoor space or preventing the effects of the discharge products from affecting people. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a partially cutaway schematic configuration diagram of a discharge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of a discharge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway schematic configuration diagram of a discharge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a discharge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a discharge device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a discharge device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the control states of discharge and the operation of the air blowing means in a discharge device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a discharge device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a discharge device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] (First embodiment of the present invention) A discharge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment, an example of a discharge device will be described, which corresponds to a case where a power socket provided on a ceiling is a lamp receptacle, which is a type of screw-in lamp socket, and the lighting device to be attached is a bulb-shaped lamp.

[0029] In each of the above figures, the discharge device 1 of this embodiment is configured to include an electrode unit 11 that generates discharge products by discharge, a housing 12 that houses this electrode unit 11, a power receiving connection unit 13 that is provided at one end of the housing 12 and is attachable and detachable to a power socket 51 on the ceiling 50, a power transmitting socket unit 14 that is provided at the other end of the housing 12 and is attachable and detachable to a connector 91 of a lighting device 90, and a high voltage generating unit 15 that can introduce power through the power receiving connection unit 13 and generates a high voltage for discharge at the electrode unit 11.

[0030] The electrode unit 11 is composed of a pair of a discharge electrode 11a and a counter electrode 11b, and discharge occurs between the discharge electrode 11a and the counter electrode 11b to generate discharge products. The discharge electrode 11 a is formed in a needle shape with a sharpened tip of a rod-shaped conductor, and is arranged in the air flow path inside the housing 12 .

[0031] The counter electrode 11b is formed in an annular shape and is arranged at a predetermined position inside the housing 12 closer to the outside than the discharge electrode 11a so as to be spaced a predetermined distance from the discharge electrode 11a in the longitudinal direction of the discharge electrode 11a.

[0032] These discharge electrode 11a and counter electrode 11b are well known in ion generators and ozone generators, with the discharge electrode 11a serving as a negative electrode and the counter electrode 11b serving as a positive electrode, and a corona discharge is caused between the electrodes by application of a high voltage, thereby generating negative ions and ozone as discharge products, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0033] The housing 12 accommodates the electrode unit 11 and the high voltage generating unit 15 therein, and is provided with an air flow path 12a that communicates with the electrode unit 11. The housing 12 is also provided with an inlet portion 12b and an outlet portion 12c that are openings that connect the internal air flow path 12a to the outside.

[0034] The inlet portion 12b is provided around the power transmission socket portion 14 at the other end of the housing 12. This inlet portion 12b is configured as a downward opening when the discharge device 1 is installed on the ceiling with the power receiving connection portion 13 attached to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50, and is capable of introducing external air that flows upward along the outer periphery of the bulb-shaped lamp serving as the lighting device 90 attached to the power transmission socket portion 14.

[0035] Furthermore, outlet portion 12c is provided on the side of housing 12, closer to one end of housing 12 than inlet portion 12b. The opening of outlet portion 12c is provided so as to face diagonally downward when discharge device 1 is installed on the ceiling, with power receiving connection portion 13 attached to power socket 51 on ceiling 50, and counter electrode 11b of electrode unit 11 is disposed inside outlet portion 12c. Furthermore, the housing 12 has therein a plate-like guide portion 12d as a guide means for guiding the air that has flowed in from the inlet portion 12b toward the electrode portion 11.

[0036] The power receiving connection portion 13 is formed in a shape similar to the screw-type base of a typical bulb-shaped lamp, and is provided in a protruding state at one end of the housing 12 so as to be detachably attached to a lamp receptacle that forms a power socket 51 on the ceiling 50.

[0037] This power receiving connection part 13 can be attached to the power socket 51 by screwing it in, similar to the base of a typical bulb-shaped lamp, and removed by the reverse operation, and can be attached and detached by following an attachment and detachment procedure that involves rotation.

[0038] The power transmission socket 14 is formed as a lamp socket having a receptacle that corresponds to the screw-type base of a general light bulb-shaped lamp, and is configured to be disposed at the other end of the housing 12 while being electrically connected to the power receiving connection portion 13. This power transmission socket 14 is capable of detachably attaching a connector 91 of the lighting device 90, specifically, the base of a light bulb-shaped lamp. Like the power socket 51, which is a lamp receptacle, the power transmission socket 14 is detachable by a rotational attachment / detachment procedure, such as by screwing in the screw-type base of a general light bulb-shaped lamp and removing it by the reverse operation. In the housing 12, the power receiving connection portion 13 and the power transmitting socket portion 14 are arranged so that the central axes of rotation for attachment and detachment are aligned.

[0039] The high-voltage generating unit 15 is disposed within the housing 12 and electrically connected to the power receiving connector 13. This allows power to be drawn from an external power source (commercial power) via the power receiving connector 13 and the power socket 51. The high-voltage generating unit 15 generates a high voltage for discharging power at the electrode unit 11. The high-voltage generating unit 15 includes a step-up transformer 15a and an electronic circuit unit 15b, which includes an inverter and a multiplier voltage circuit connected to the step-up transformer 15a, as well as a DC converter and a rectifier circuit provided before and after the step-up transformer 15a and the electronic circuit unit 15b. Specifically, the high-voltage generating unit 15 contains the step-up transformer 15a and the electronic circuit unit 15b in a box-shaped case, such as a cylindrical, rectangular, or cubic case. The case is also considered part of the high-voltage generating unit 15. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of a high-voltage generating unit using such a case. When the step-up transformer 15a and the electronic circuit unit 15b are housed within the case, they may be housed in a resin-sealed state.

[0040] This high voltage generating unit 15 is a known device that boosts the voltage of several to several hundred volts of power supplied as AC or DC from a power source to several thousand volts required for discharge, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] This high voltage generating unit 15 is arranged within the housing 12 so that a portion of it overlaps with the electrode unit 11 in a direction parallel to the ceiling surface, i.e., in the horizontal direction, when the power receiving connection unit 13 is attached to the power socket 51.

[0042] The high-voltage generating unit 15, which includes relatively bulky components such as the step-up transformer 15a, occupies a certain amount of space within the housing 12. However, by overlapping the high-voltage generating unit 15 laterally with the electrode unit 11 and thereby overlapping their vertical placement ranges, the space required for storage in the vertical direction within the housing 12 can be reduced compared to when they are not overlapped, and the external dimensions of the housing 12 in the vertical direction can be reduced accordingly.

[0043] Therefore, when the discharge device 1 is installed by connecting the power receiving connection part 13 to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50 and the lighting device 90 is attached to the power transmission socket part 14, the amount of protrusion from the ceiling 50 is kept to an amount that does not give the impression of an unnatural protrusion compared to the amount of protrusion when the lighting device 90 is connected directly to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50, and when installed on the ceiling, the discharge device 1 can be used to generate and release discharge products without causing discomfort to people in the indoor space, and the functionality of the lighting device 90 can also be maintained as is and used without any problems.

[0044] When high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 11a and the counter electrode 11b of the electrode unit 11 by the high-voltage generating unit 15, with the discharge electrode 11a acting as the negative electrode and the counter electrode 11b acting as the positive electrode, electrons are generated by ionization due to corona discharge between the electrodes. These electrons are received by molecules such as oxygen in the air, generating negative ions. Furthermore, collisions between the electrons generated by ionization and oxygen molecules in the surrounding air dissociate the oxygen molecules, and the oxygen atoms generated by this dissociation react with other oxygen molecules to generate ozone.

[0045] The generated negative ions move toward the counter electrode 11b, which is a positive electrode. However, as the negative ions accelerate and move toward the counter electrode 11b, they collide with surrounding particles such as gas molecules, which then move in the same direction as the negative ions, creating an air current (ionic wind).

[0046] The ion wind passes through the annular counter electrode 11b and advances forward, diffusing the negative ions into the air for utilization. Also, the ion wind can send ozone generated between the electrodes to the outside of the electrode unit 11, where it can come into contact with the external air.

[0047] Next, the installation and use of the discharge device according to this embodiment will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that a general light bulb-shaped lamp that lights up when powered is already attached to the power socket 51 of the ceiling 50 where the discharge device 1 is to be installed, and that the lighting by the light bulb-shaped lamp can be turned on and off by switching the power supply state of the power socket 51 with a power switch on the wall inside the room.

[0048] To explain how to install the discharge device 1, first, a light bulb-shaped lamp attached to the power socket 51 on the ceiling is removed, and then the discharge device 1 is attached to the power socket 51 in place of it. The installation of the discharge device 1 to the power socket 51 is completed by screwing the power receiving connection part 13 of the discharge device 1 into the power socket 51. Then, the light bulb-shaped lamp removed from the power socket 51 is screwed into the power transmitting socket part 14 of the discharge device 1 and attached as the lighting device 90, allowing for continued use of the lighting.

[0049] Next, we will explain the usage state of the discharge device 1. When the power switch in the room is operated to switch the power socket 51 to a state where it is energized, power is supplied from the power socket 51 to the high-voltage generating unit 15 through the power receiving connection unit 13. In addition, the power transmitting socket 14 is also energized via the power receiving connection unit 13, so that power is supplied to the light bulb-shaped lamp serving as the lighting device 90 attached to the power transmitting socket 14, and the lamp is turned on.

[0050] The high voltage generating unit 15 generates a high voltage for causing discharge in the electrode unit 11 using the supplied power. The high voltage generated by the high voltage generator 15 is applied to the discharge electrode 11a and the counter electrode 11b of the electrode unit 11 connected to the high voltage generator 15, with the discharge electrode 11a serving as the negative electrode and the counter electrode 11b serving as the positive electrode. This causes a corona discharge to occur between the discharge electrode 11a and the counter electrode 11b of the electrode unit 11.

[0051] Corona discharge between the electrodes generates electrons through ionization, and negative ions are generated when molecules in the air, such as oxygen, receive these electrons. In addition, the electrons produced by ionization collide with oxygen molecules in the surrounding air, causing the oxygen molecules to dissociate, and when the oxygen atoms produced by this dissociation react with other oxygen molecules, ozone is produced.

[0052] The negative ions generated between the electrodes move toward the counter electrode 11b, which is the positive electrode. However, as the negative ions accelerate and move toward the counter electrode 11b, they collide with surrounding particles such as gas molecules, which then move in the same direction as the negative ions, creating an air current (ionic wind).

[0053] Since the counter electrode 11b is annular, this ion wind can pass through the counter electrode 11b and move forward, and some of the negative ions also reach the front beyond the counter electrode 11b.

[0054] On the other hand, lighting device 90, which is a bulb-shaped lamp attached to power transmission socket 14 at the other end of housing 12, increases in temperature as it remains lit, and the heat emitted from lighting device 90 warms the external air near lighting device 90, creating an updraft.

[0055] In this way, the external air is heated and moves upward along the outer periphery of the lighting device 90, and is continuously introduced into the air flow path 12a leading to the internal electrode portion 11 through the downward inlet portion 12b provided around the power transmission socket portion 14.

[0056] The air that flows in from inlet portion 12b is guided by plate-shaped guide portion 12d, which serves as a guiding means inside housing 12, and travels through air flow path 12a toward electrode portion 11, until it reaches electrode portion 11. While lighting device 90 is turned on, external air continues to flow into inlet portion 12b, causing an air flow in air flow path 12a from inlet portion 12b to outlet portion 12c. The air that has reached electrode portion 11 passes through electrode portion 11, continues to travel through air flow path 12a, and exits discharge device 1 from outlet portion 12c, which is provided on the side of housing 12.

[0057] In the electrode unit 11, an ionic wind is generated between the discharge electrode 11a, which is a negative electrode, and the counter electrode 11b, which is a positive electrode. This ionic wind passes through the annular counter electrode 11b and tends to move forward, thereby diffusing negative ions into the external air that reaches the electrode unit 11.

[0058] Furthermore, when ozone is generated between the discharge electrode 11a and the counter electrode 11b, the ozone can be sent to the outside of the electrode unit 11 by the ion wind and brought into contact with the external air flowing through the air flow path 12a.

[0059] In this way, the air that has passed through the electrode portion 11 and absorbed negative ions and ozone flows out from the outlet portion 12c and reaches the indoor space from near the ceiling 50, thereby creating a state in which the effects of negative ions and ozone as discharge products can be smoothly exerted on various parts of the indoor space.

[0060] Furthermore, by providing inlet portion 12b in housing 12 around power transmission socket portion 14 and allowing air around lighting device 90 connected to power transmission socket portion 14 to flow into inlet portion 12b, the air around lighting device 90 that has been warmed by heat emitted to the outside from lighting device 90 as it continues to be used rises and flows into inlet portion 12b, travels through air flow path 12a and reaches electrode portion 11, and in an atmosphere where the relative humidity has decreased due to the warmed air, discharge at electrode portion 11 is promoted, increasing the amount of discharge products produced and making it possible to further increase the impact of the discharge products.

[0061] Furthermore, a guide portion 12d is provided in the housing 12 as a guiding means that forms part of the air flow path 12a, and this guide portion 12d guides air to the electrode portion 11, allowing the air that flows in from the inlet portion 12b to be smoothly introduced to the electrode portion 11.As a result, the air that has been heated by the heat from the lighting device 90 and has increased in temperature flows into the inlet portion 12b, and then proceeds smoothly through the air flow path 12a to reach the electrode portion 11 without a drop in temperature.In an atmosphere where the temperature has increased and the relative humidity has decreased accordingly, discharge at the electrode portion 11 can be reliably promoted, and the amount of discharge products produced can be further increased.

[0062] When the power switch in the room is operated to turn off the lights and the power socket 51 is switched to a non-energized state, the power supply to the power transmission socket 14 via the power receiving connection part 13 in the discharge device 1 is also stopped, and the lighting device 90 attached to the power transmission socket part 14 is turned off. At the same time, the power supply to the high voltage generation part 15 in the discharge device 1 is cut off, so that the high voltage generation part 15 cannot generate a high voltage, discharge at the electrode part 11 ceases, and the generation of negative ions and ozone ends.

[0063] In this way, in the discharge device of this embodiment, the power receiving connection portion 13 at one end of the housing 12 is attached to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50, allowing discharge at the electrode portion 11 to occur near the ceiling 50; the electrode portion 11 and the high-voltage generating portion 15, which occupy a certain amount of space within the housing 12, are arranged to overlap horizontally, reducing the amount of space required in the vertical direction by the amount of overlap, and the external dimensions of the housing 12 in the vertical direction can be reduced. This ensures that discharge can occur near the ceiling 50 and that the effects of the discharge products can be exerted on various parts of the indoor space, while the amount of protrusion from the ceiling 50 when the lighting device 90 is attached to the other end of the housing 12 is limited to an amount that does not give the impression of an unnatural protrusion, compared to the amount of protrusion when the lighting device 90 is directly connected to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50; and the functionality of the lighting device 90 is maintained when installed on the ceiling 50, allowing it to be used to generate and release discharge products without causing discomfort to people in the indoor space.

[0064] In the discharge device according to the above embodiment, the power receiving connection part 13 at one end of the housing 12 attached to the power socket 51 is made to correspond to the lamp receptacle that forms the power socket 51 on the ceiling side and is shaped like the base of a light bulb-shaped lamp. However, this is not limited to this, and other types may be used as long as they have a structure that corresponds to the power socket provided on the ceiling and can achieve both electrical connection and suspension of the discharge device when attached to the power socket. For example, in cases where the power socket is a ceiling hook body, the power receiving connection part may be configured as a ceiling hook cap.

[0065] Furthermore, while the power transmission socket 14 on the other end of the housing 12 is configured as a lamp socket having a receptacle that corresponds to the base of a light bulb-shaped lamp, this is not limited to this, and the power transmission socket can also be configured as a ceiling hook body that corresponds to a connector of a lighting device other than a light bulb-shaped lamp, for example, a lighting device that has a ceiling hook cap as a connector. Furthermore, even when the power transmission socket is a lamp socket, the receptacle is not limited to the screw-in type (Edison screw type), and can be of another type that corresponds to the shape of the connector, for example, a bayonet type.

[0066] Furthermore, in the discharge device according to the above embodiment, it is assumed that the power is turned on and off using a lighting switch installed on the wall, etc., just as in the case of normal lighting use in which a bulb-shaped lamp or other lighting fixture is attached to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50. However, this is not limited to this, and the power may be turned on and off by providing an operating cord hanging down to a height within reach of a person on the discharge device or a switch that can be operated by a remote control means (remote control).

[0067] (Second embodiment of the present invention) A discharge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In each of the figures, the discharge device 2 of this embodiment comprises an electrode portion 21, a housing 22, a power receiving connection portion 23, a power transmission socket portion 24, and a high voltage generating portion 25, similar to the first embodiment, but differs in that it comprises a control portion 26 that controls the discharge at the electrode portion 21, and an air blowing means 27 that is arranged within the housing 22 and blows air.

[0068] The electrode section 21 is a pair of rod-shaped electrodes 21a and 21b, and discharge occurs between these electrodes to generate discharge products. Each rod-shaped electrode 21a, 21b is arranged facing each other at a predetermined distance, and is disposed inside the housing 22 so that the longitudinal direction of the electrode is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the air flowing inside the housing 22.

[0069] These rod-shaped electrodes 21a, 21b are well-known in ion generators and ozone generators, with one electrode serving as a negative electrode and the other as a positive electrode, and when a high voltage is applied, a corona discharge occurs between the electrodes, generating negative ions and ozone as discharge products, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0070] The housing 22 accommodates the electrode unit 21 and the high-voltage generating unit 25 therein, and is provided with an air flow path 22a that communicates with the electrode unit 21. The housing 22 is also configured to be provided with an inlet portion 22b and an outlet portion 22c, which are openings that connect the internal air flow path 22a to the outside.

[0071] The inlet portion 22b is provided around the power transmission socket portion 24 at the other end of the housing 22. This inlet portion 22b is configured to have an expanded shape that faces downward when the discharge device 2 is installed on the ceiling with the power receiving connection portion 23 attached to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50, and is capable of introducing external air that flows upward along the outer periphery of the bulb-shaped lamp that serves as the lighting device 90 attached to the power transmission socket portion 24.

[0072] Furthermore, outlet portion 22c is provided on the side of housing 22. The opening of outlet portion 22c is provided so as to face diagonally downward when discharge device 2 is installed on the ceiling with power receiving connection portion 23 attached to power socket 51 on ceiling 50, and rod-shaped electrodes 21a, 21b of electrode unit 21 are positioned inside housing 22, behind outlet portion 22c in housing 22, relative to outlet portion 22c.

[0073] Furthermore, the housing 22 has a guide portion 22d therein as a guiding means for guiding the airflow that flows in from the inlet portion 22b and moves upward so that it changes course diagonally downward and is directed toward the electrode portion 21 and the outlet portion 22c.

[0074] The air flow path 22a in the housing 22 is formed as a flow path shape that guides the air flowing upward from the inlet portion 22b to a specified internal region of the housing 22 that is deeper than the electrode portion 21 relative to the outlet portion 22c, and then changes the direction of the air at the guide portion 22d to direct it toward the electrode portion 21 and the outlet portion 22c, so that the air moving straight passes through the electrode portion 21 and reaches the outlet portion 22c.

[0075] As in the first embodiment, the power receiving connection portion 23 is formed in a shape similar to the screw-type base of a typical bulb-shaped lamp, and is provided in a protruding state at one end of the housing 22 so as to be attachable and detachable to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50. This power receiving connector 23 is also detachable by following a procedure that involves rotation, such as being attached to the power socket 51 by screwing it in and being detached by the reverse operation.

[0076] As in the first embodiment, the power transmission socket portion 24 is formed as a lamp socket having a receptacle that corresponds to the screw-type base of a typical light bulb-shaped lamp, and is arranged at the other end of the housing 22 while electrically connected to the power receiving connection portion 23, so that the connector 91 of the lighting device 90, specifically the base of the light bulb-shaped lamp, can be attached and detached.

[0077] This power transmission socket portion 24 can also be attached and detached by a rotational attachment and detachment procedure, such as by screwing in the screw-type base of a typical bulb-shaped lamp or by removing the connector of another lighting device of the same shape, and by performing the reverse operation.

[0078] As in the first embodiment, the high voltage generating unit 25 has a step-up transformer 25a and an electronic circuit unit 25b, which are housed in a box-shaped storage case and arranged inside the housing 22. The high voltage generating unit 25 is electrically connected to the power receiving connection unit 23, and is capable of drawing in power from an external power source (commercial power source) through the power receiving connection unit 23 and the power socket 51, thereby generating a high voltage for discharge.

[0079] This high voltage generating unit 25 is arranged within the housing 22 so that a portion of it overlaps with the electrode unit 21 in a direction parallel to the ceiling surface, i.e., in the horizontal direction, when the power receiving connection unit 23 is attached to the power socket 51.

[0080] In this way, the high voltage generating unit 25, which includes relatively bulky components such as the step-up transformer 25a and occupies a certain space within the housing 22, is overlapped laterally with the electrode unit 21, and the vertical arrangement range overlaps, so that the space that needs to be secured for storage in the vertical direction within the housing 22 can be reduced compared to when they are arranged not to overlap, and the external dimensions of the housing 22 in the vertical direction can be reduced accordingly.

[0081] As a result, when the discharge device 2 is installed by connecting the power receiving connection part 23 to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50 and the lighting device 90 is attached to the power transmission socket part 24, the amount of protrusion from the ceiling 50 is kept to an amount that does not give the impression of an unnatural protrusion, and the discharge device 2 and the lighting device 90 can be used without causing discomfort to people in the indoor space.

[0082] The control unit 26 controls the high voltage generating unit 25 to adjust the discharge state at the electrode unit 21. In detail, the control unit 26 controls the electronic circuit unit 25b of the high voltage generating unit 25 to change or adjust the voltage applied to the electrode unit 21, and switches between starting and stopping discharge by applying a high voltage at a predetermined timing. The control unit 26 can also control the operation of the air blowing means 27.

[0083] The air blowing means 27 is disposed at a predetermined location on the air flow path 22a inside the housing 22, near the power transmission socket portion 24 and the inlet portion 22b, and by blowing air through the air flow path 22a, it encourages the inflow of external air from the inlet portion 22b, and causes the air to travel along the air flow path 22a to reach the electrode portion 21, and then sends it out to the outside from the outlet portion 22c.

[0084] This air blowing means 27 is activated under the control of the control unit 26 before discharge begins at the electrode unit 21, and by blowing air in the air flow path 22a toward the outlet unit 22c, it is possible to blow air to the outside through the outlet unit 22c.

[0085] Next, the usage state of the discharge device according to this embodiment will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that the discharge device 2 is attached to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50 in place of an existing light bulb-shaped lamp using the same procedure as in the first embodiment, and that the removed light bulb-shaped lamp is attached to the power transmission socket 24 of the discharge device 2 as the lighting device 90. Also, as in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the power supply state of the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50 can be switched by a power switch provided on the wall inside the room.

[0086] When the power switch in the room is operated to switch the power socket 51 to a state where it is energized, power is supplied from the power socket 51 to the control unit 26 through the power receiving connection unit 23, and the control unit 26 is then able to control the high voltage generating unit 25 and the blowing means 27.

[0087] Meanwhile, the power transmission socket 24 is also energized via the power receiving connection 23, so that power is supplied to the bulb-shaped lamp serving as the lighting device 90 attached to the power transmission socket 24, and the lamp is turned on.

[0088] Prior to the application of high voltage to the electrode section 21 by the high voltage generating section 25 for discharge, the control section 26 activates the blowing means 27, blows air in the air flow path 22a toward the outlet section 22c, and blows air from the outlet section 22c to the outside of the discharge device 2, i.e., the indoor space.

[0089] In this way, the operating noise caused by the operation of the air blowing means 27 and the air flow in the indoor space caused by the air blowing become detectable in the indoor space before the discharge occurs. This allows people in the indoor space to be aware in advance that discharge products such as negative ions and ozone generated by the discharge may be released, and encourages people to take action to avoid the favorable effects of the discharge products on the indoor space, thereby maximizing the effects of the discharge products on the indoor space. Furthermore, by making people aware in advance of the release of discharge products, it is possible to encourage people to take action to avoid the unfavorable effects of discharge products such as ozone on people, thereby preventing the effects of the discharge products from reaching people.

[0090] Meanwhile, operation of the blower 27 draws external air into the air flow path 22a through the inlet 22b at the other end of the housing 12, and at the same time, as in the first embodiment, the air near the lighting device 90 that has been warmed by heat radiated from the lighting device 90 in the lit state forms an ascending air current and moves upward along the outer periphery of the lighting device 90. In this way, the air drawn in by the blower and the air that has been warmed and rises are continuously introduced into the air flow path 22a through the inlet 22b that widens downward around the power transmission socket 24.

[0091] The air flowing in from inlet portion 22b travels through air flow path 22a and is guided to a predetermined region inside housing 22 that is deeper than electrode portion 21 relative to outlet portion 22c. The air is then guided by guide portion 22d of housing 22, changes direction, and heads toward electrode portion 21 and outlet portion 22c beyond, before continuing toward electrode portion 21.

[0092] While the lighting device 90 is turned on, a part of the heated and rising outside air continues to flow into the inlet portion 22b, and the warm air reaches the electrode portion 21 through the air flow path 22a.

[0093] Furthermore, while the blowing means 27 is operating, it continues to attract external air and cause it to flow into the inlet 22b, creating an air flow in the air flow path 22a from the inlet 22b to the outlet 22c, and the air that reaches the electrode 21 passes through the electrode 21 and continues through the air flow path 22a, exiting the discharge device 2 from the outlet 22c on the side of the housing 22.

[0094] After the control unit 26 activates the air blowing means 27, power is supplied to the high voltage generating unit 25. The high voltage generating unit 25 uses the supplied power to generate a high voltage for causing discharge in the electrode unit 21.

[0095] High voltage generator 25 applies a high voltage to rod-shaped electrodes 21a and 21b of electrode unit 21, with one electrode serving as a negative electrode and the other as a positive electrode, thereby generating a corona discharge between rod-shaped electrodes 21a and 21b of electrode unit 21.

[0096] Corona discharge between the electrodes generates electrons through ionization, and negative ions are generated when molecules in the air, such as oxygen, receive these electrons. In addition, the electrons produced by ionization collide with oxygen molecules in the surrounding air, causing the oxygen molecules to dissociate, and when the oxygen atoms produced by this dissociation react with other oxygen molecules, ozone is produced.

[0097] Negative ions generated between the rod-shaped electrodes 21a and 21b of the electrode unit 21 move toward the rod-shaped electrode which is the positive electrode, but in the air flow path 22a, the air that reaches the electrode unit 21 passes between the rod-shaped electrodes 21a and 21b of the electrode unit 21 and proceeds directly toward the outlet 22c, causing some of the negative ions to change course along with the air flow, and some of these negative ions move away from the electrode unit 21 toward the outlet 22c, thereby diffusing the negative ions into the outside air.

[0098] Furthermore, when ozone is generated between the rod-shaped electrodes 21a and 21b, the ozone can be sent to the outside of the electrode portion 21 by air passing between the rod-shaped electrodes 21a and 21b and moving straight toward the outlet portion 22c, where it can come into contact with the external air moving through the air flow path 22a.

[0099] In this way, the air that has passed through the electrode portion 21 and absorbed negative ions and ozone flows out from the outlet portion 22c and reaches the indoor space from near the ceiling 50, thereby creating a state in which the effects of negative ions and ozone as discharge products can be smoothly exerted on various parts of the indoor space.

[0100] Furthermore, inlet portion 22b of housing 22 is provided in a downwardly expanding shape around power transmission socket portion 24, allowing air around lighting device 90 connected to power transmission socket portion 24 to flow into inlet portion 22b, and part of housing 22 is used as a guide means, changing the direction of air traveling through air flow path 22a so that the air can be smoothly introduced to electrode portion 21. As a result, the air around lighting device 90 that has been warmed by heat released to the outside from lighting device 90 with continued use rises and flows into inlet portion 22b, and then travels smoothly through air flow path 22a to reach electrode portion 21 without a drop in temperature. In an atmosphere where the relative humidity has decreased due to the warmed air, discharge at electrode portion 21 can be promoted, the amount of discharge products produced increases, and the impact of the discharge products can be made greater.

[0101] When the indoor power switch is operated to turn off the lights, power socket 51 is switched to a non-energized state, and power supply to power transmission socket 24 via power receiving connection 23 in discharge device 2 is also stopped, so that lighting device 90 attached to power transmission socket 24 is turned off. At the same time, the power supply to discharge device 2 is cut off, and control unit 26 is unable to control high voltage generation unit 25 and air blowing means 27, high voltage generation unit 25 cannot generate high voltage, discharge at electrode unit 21 ceases, the generation of negative ions and ozone stops, and air blowing by air blowing means 27 also stops, which ends the release and diffusion of negative ions and ozone into the outside air.

[0102] In this way, the discharge device of this embodiment has an air flow path 22a of the housing 22 that changes the direction of air flowing upward from the inlet portion 22b, guiding the air toward the electrode portion 21, and also causes the air to continue straight after this guidance, passing through the electrode portion 21, and then, without changing its direction, leading to the outlet portion 22c and flowing out to the outside.This makes it easier for the air that has come into contact with the discharge products through the electrode portion 21 to proceed to the outlet portion 22c, and therefore discharge products such as negative ions and ozone generated by the discharge at the electrode portion 21 can be guided to the outlet portion 22c together with the air, facilitating their release to the outside, and allowing the discharge products to reach the indoor space efficiently.

[0103] (Third embodiment of the present invention) A discharge device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the figures, the discharge device 3 of this embodiment comprises an electrode portion 31, a housing 32, a power receiving connection portion 33, a power transmitting socket portion 34, a high voltage generating portion 35, a control portion 36, and a blowing means 37, similar to the second embodiment, but differs in that it is configured to comprise an internal power supply portion 38 that stores energy related to the power supply and enables temporary power supply.

[0104] The electrode unit 31 is a pair of rod-shaped electrodes 31a, 31b, as in the second embodiment, and discharge occurs between these electrodes to generate discharge products. As in the second embodiment, these rod-shaped electrodes 31a, 31b are well-known in ion generators and ozone generators, whereby corona discharge occurs between the electrodes when a high voltage is applied, thereby generating negative ions and ozone as discharge products, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0105] The housing 32 accommodates the electrode unit 31 and the high-voltage generating unit 35 therein, and is provided with an air flow path 32a that communicates with the electrode unit 31. The housing 32 is also configured to be provided with an inlet portion 32b and an outlet portion 32c, which are openings that connect the internal air flow path 32a to the outside.

[0106] Inlet portion 32b is provided around power transmission socket portion 34 at the other end of housing 32. Inlet portion 32b has an expanded shape that faces downward when discharge device 3 is installed on the ceiling, with power receiving connection portion 33 attached to power socket 51 on ceiling 50, and is capable of introducing outside air that flows upward along the outer periphery of light bulb-shaped lamp serving as lighting device 90 attached to power transmission socket portion 34.

[0107] Furthermore, outlet portion 32c is provided on the side of housing 32. The opening of outlet portion 32c is provided so as to face diagonally downward when discharge device 3 is installed on a ceiling with power receiving connection portion 33 attached to power socket 51 on ceiling 50. Rod-shaped electrodes 31a, 31b of electrode unit 31 are positioned inside housing 32, behind outlet portion 32c in housing 32.

[0108] Furthermore, a part of the housing 32 is structured to also serve as a guide means, guiding the airflow that flows in from the inlet portion 32b and moves upward so that it changes course diagonally downward and is directed toward the electrode portion 31 and the outlet portion 32c.

[0109] The air flow path 32a in the housing 32 is formed as a flow path shape that guides the air flowing upward from the inlet portion 32b to a specified internal region of the housing 32 that is deeper than the electrode portion 31 relative to the outlet portion 32c, and then changes the direction of the air to direct it toward the electrode portion 31 and the outlet portion 32c, so that the air traveling straight passes through the electrode portion 31 and reaches the outlet portion 32c.

[0110] In addition, the housing 32 is provided with a shielding plate 32d that separates the inlet portion 32b and the outlet portion 32c to prevent the air flowing in from the inlet portion 32b from going to the outlet portion 32c without passing through the original flow path (short circuit).

[0111] The power transmission socket 34 is disposed in the housing 32 beside at least one of the electrode 31 and the high voltage generator 35 so that at least a portion of the power transmission socket 34 laterally overlaps the electrode 31 and the high voltage generator 35 .

[0112] As in the first embodiment, the power receiving connection portion 33 is formed in a shape similar to the screw-type base of a typical bulb-shaped lamp, and is provided in a protruding state at one end of the housing 32 so as to be attachable to and detachable from the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50. This power receiving connector 33 is also detachable by following a procedure that involves rotation, such as being attached to the power socket 51 by screwing it in and being detached by the reverse operation.

[0113] As in the first embodiment, the power transmission socket portion 34 is formed as a lamp socket having a receptacle that corresponds to the screw-type base of a typical light bulb-shaped lamp, and is arranged at the other end of the housing 32 while electrically connected to the power receiving connection portion 33, so that the connector 91 of the lighting device 90, specifically the base of the light bulb-shaped lamp, can be attached and detached. However, the power transmission socket portion 34 is disposed next to the high voltage generating portion 35 in the housing 32 so that a portion of the power transmission socket portion 34 overlaps the electrode portion 31 and the high voltage generating portion 35 in the horizontal direction.

[0114] This power transmission socket portion 34 can also be attached and detached by a rotational attachment and detachment procedure, such as by screwing in the screw-type base of a typical bulb-shaped lamp or by removing the connector of another lighting device of the same shape, and by performing the reverse operation.

[0115] As in the first embodiment, the high voltage generating unit 35 has a step-up transformer 35a and an electronic circuit unit 35b, which are housed in a box-shaped storage case and arranged inside the housing 32. The high voltage generating unit 35 is electrically connected to the power receiving connection unit 33, and is capable of drawing in power from an external power source (commercial power source) through the power receiving connection unit 33 and the power socket 51, thereby generating a high voltage for discharge.

[0116] This high voltage generating unit 35 is arranged within the housing 32 so that a portion of it overlaps with the electrode unit 31 and the power transmission socket unit 34 in a direction parallel to the ceiling surface, i.e., in the horizontal direction, when the power receiving connection unit 33 is attached to the power socket 51.

[0117] In this way, the high-voltage generating unit 35, which occupies a certain amount of space within the housing 32, is arranged so as to overlap horizontally with the electrode unit 31 and the power transmission socket unit 34, which also occupy a relatively large space within the housing 32. As a result, the vertical arrangement ranges overlap, and the space that must be secured for storage in the vertical direction within the housing 32 can be reduced compared to an arrangement in which these do not overlap, and the external dimensions of the housing 32 in the vertical direction can be reduced accordingly.

[0118] As a result, when the discharge device 3 is installed by connecting the power receiving connection part 33 to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50 and the lighting device 90 is attached to the power transmission socket part 34, the amount of protrusion from the ceiling 50 is kept to an amount that does not give the impression of an unnatural protrusion, and the discharge device 3 and lighting device 90 can be used without causing discomfort to people in the indoor space.

[0119] The control unit 36 ​​controls the high voltage generating unit 35 to adjust the discharge state at the electrode unit 31. In detail, the control unit 36 ​​controls the electronic circuit unit 35b of the high voltage generating unit 35 to change or adjust the voltage applied to the electrode unit 31, and switches between starting and stopping discharge by applying a high voltage at a predetermined timing. The control unit 36 ​​can also select the operating state of the built-in power supply unit 38 for the electronic circuit unit 35b of the high voltage generating unit 35, and control the operation of the air blowing means 37.

[0120] In particular, when the external power supply through the power receiving connection part 33 is stopped, the control part 36 transitions to a state in which it receives power from the built-in power supply part 38 instead of the external power source, and after a predetermined time has elapsed since the external power supply was stopped, it controls the high voltage generating part 35 and the air blowing means 37 to discharge at the electrode part 31 and blow air for a predetermined period of time, respectively.

[0121] The air blowing means 37 is disposed at a predetermined location inside the housing 32, deeper than the electrode portion 31 relative to the outlet portion 32c, and is positioned above the air flow path 32a. By blowing air through this air flow path 32a, it encourages the inflow of external air from the inlet portion 32b, and causes the air to travel along the air flow path 32a, reach the electrode portion 31, and then send it out to the outside from the outlet portion 32c.

[0122] This air blowing means 37 is activated under the control of the control unit 36 ​​before discharge begins at the electrode unit 21, and by blowing air in the air flow path 32a toward the outlet unit 32c, it is possible to blow air to the outside through the outlet unit 32c.

[0123] In addition, when the external power supply through the power receiving connection part 33 is stopped, the air blowing means 37 is controlled by the control part 36 and operates by power supply from the built-in power supply part 38 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the external power supply was stopped, and blows air for a predetermined period of time.

[0124] The built-in power supply unit 38 is electrically connectable to the power receiving connection unit 33 via the control unit 36, and is configured to receive power from an external source and store it, i.e., store energy related to the power supply, while enabling power supply to other devices based on the stored power, and temporarily supplies power to the control unit 36, high voltage generation unit 35, air blowing means 37, etc. in place of an external power source as needed. The built-in power supply unit 38 is, for example, a secondary battery (battery) such as a lithium-ion battery or a lead-acid battery.

[0125] Under the control of the control unit 36, the built-in power supply unit 38 is placed in a charging state as necessary to store power while power is being supplied from the outside through the power receiving connection unit 33. When the supply of power from the outside through the power receiving connection unit 33 is stopped, the built-in power supply unit 38 supplies power to the control unit 36 ​​in place of the external power source, and under the control of the control unit 36, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply was stopped, the built-in power supply unit 38 supplies power to the high-voltage generation unit 35 and the air blowing means 37, enabling discharge at the electrode unit 31 and air blowing for a predetermined period of time.

[0126] Next, the usage state of the discharge device according to this embodiment will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that the discharge device 3 is attached to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50 in place of an existing light bulb-shaped lamp using the same procedure as in the first embodiment, and that the removed light bulb-shaped lamp is attached to the power transmission socket 34 of the discharge device 3 as a lighting device 90. Also, as in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the power supply state of the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50 can be switched by a power switch provided on the wall inside the room.

[0127] When the power switch in the room is operated to switch the power socket 51 to a state where it is energized, power is supplied from the power socket 51 to the control unit 36 ​​via the power receiving connection unit 33, and the control unit 36 ​​is then able to control the high voltage generating unit 35 and the air blowing means 37. Furthermore, if the built-in power supply unit 38 is not in a sufficient charged state (fully charged state), the control unit 36 ​​supplies power to the built-in power supply unit 38 to charge it.

[0128] Meanwhile, the power transmission socket 34 is also energized via the power receiving connection 33, so that power is supplied to the bulb-shaped lamp serving as the lighting device 90 attached to the power transmission socket 34, and the lamp is turned on.

[0129] While the lighting device 90 is turned on, the lighting device 90, which is a bulb-shaped lamp, increases in temperature due to its continued lighting state, and the heat emitted from the lighting device 90 warms the external air near the lighting device 90, causing an updraft.

[0130] In this way, the external air is heated and moves upward along the outer periphery of the lighting device 90, and is continuously introduced into the air flow path 32a leading to the internal electrode portion 31 through the downward-opening inlet portion 32b provided around the power transmission socket portion 34.

[0131] The air that flows in through inlet 32b is guided by a part of housing 32 that also serves as a guide means, and travels through air flow path 32a toward electrode 31, finally reaching electrode 31. While lighting device 90 is on, external air continues to flow into inlet 32b, creating an air flow in air flow path 32a from inlet 32b to outlet 32c. The air that reaches electrode 31 passes through electrode 31, continues through air flow path 32a, and exits discharge device 3 through outlet 32c, which is provided on the side of housing 32. As a result, air flow path 32a of housing 32 becomes filled with heated external air. This causes the temperature of each part of air flow path 32a, including the area around electrode 31, to rise.

[0132] When the indoor power switch is operated to turn off the lights and switch the power socket 51 to a non-energized state, the discharge device 3 also stops supplying power to the power transmission socket 34 via the power receiving connection 33, and the lighting device 90 attached to the power transmission socket 34 goes into a non-lighted state. At this time, with the supply of external power stopped via the power receiving connection 33, the control unit 36 ​​transitions to a state in which it receives power from the built-in power supply 38 instead of the external power source, and maintains a state in which it can control the high voltage generation unit 35 and the air blowing means 37.

[0133] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the external power supply was stopped, the control unit 36 ​​activates the air blowing means 37 before the high voltage generating unit 35 applies a high voltage to the electrode unit 31 for discharge, and causes the air to be blown in the air flow path 32a toward the outlet unit 32c, and then blows the air from the outlet unit 32c to the outside of the discharge device 3, i.e., the indoor space.

[0134] In this way, the operating noise caused by the operation of the air blowing means 37 and the air flow in the indoor space caused by the air blowing become detectable in the indoor space before the discharge occurs. This allows people in the indoor space to be aware in advance that discharge products such as negative ions and ozone generated by the discharge may be released, and encourages people to take action to avoid the favorable effects of the discharge products on the indoor space, thereby maximizing the effects of the discharge products on the indoor space. Furthermore, by making people aware in advance of the release of discharge products, it is possible to encourage people to take action to avoid the unfavorable effects of discharge products such as ozone on people, thereby preventing the effects of the discharge products from reaching people.

[0135] On the other hand, when the blowing means 37 is operated, outside air is drawn into the air flow path 32a through the inlet portion 32b at the other end of the housing 32, and the air drawn in by this blowing is continuously introduced into the air flow path 32a through the inlet portion 32b, which has a downwardly expanding shape around the power transmission socket portion 34.

[0136] The air flowing in from the inlet portion 32b travels through the air flow path 32a, is guided by a part of the housing 32 that also serves as a guide means, changes its direction of travel, passes through the air blowing means 37, and then travels further towards the electrode portion 31.

[0137] After the air blowing means 37 is activated, power is supplied from the built-in power supply 38 to the high voltage generating unit 35 under the control of the control unit 36. The high voltage generating unit 35 uses the supplied power to generate a high voltage for causing discharge in the electrode unit 31.

[0138] High voltage generator 35 applies a high voltage to rod-shaped electrodes 31a and 31b of electrode unit 31, with one electrode serving as a negative electrode and the other as a positive electrode, thereby generating a corona discharge between rod-shaped electrodes 31a and 31b of electrode unit 31.

[0139] Corona discharge between the electrodes generates electrons through ionization, and negative ions are generated when molecules in the air, such as oxygen, receive these electrons. In addition, the electrons produced by ionization collide with oxygen molecules in the surrounding air, causing the oxygen molecules to dissociate, and when the oxygen atoms produced by this dissociation react with other oxygen molecules, ozone is produced.

[0140] Negative ions generated between the rod-shaped electrodes 31a and 31b of the electrode unit 31 move toward the rod-shaped electrode, which is the positive electrode. However, in the air flow path 32a, air is blown by the air blowing means 37, and the air that reaches the electrode unit 31 passes between the rod-shaped electrodes 31a and 31b of the electrode unit 31 and proceeds directly toward the outlet 32c. As a result, some of the negative ions change course along with the air flow, and some of these negative ions move away from the electrode unit 31 and toward the outlet 32c, thereby diffusing the negative ions into the outside air.

[0141] Furthermore, when ozone is generated between the rod-shaped electrodes 31a and 31b, the ozone can be sent to the outside of the electrode portion 31 by air passing between the rod-shaped electrodes 31a and 31b and moving straight toward the outlet portion 32c, where it can come into contact with the external air moving through the air flow path 32a.

[0142] In this way, the air that has passed through the electrode section 31 and absorbed negative ions and ozone flows out from the outlet section 32c and reaches the indoor space from near the ceiling 50, thereby creating a state in which the effects of negative ions and ozone as discharge products can be smoothly exerted on various parts of the indoor space.

[0143] Furthermore, while the lighting device 90 is on, the temperature of each part of the air flow path 32a rises due to the air heated by the lighting device 90. As a result, when the external power supply is stopped and the air blowing means 37 operates to introduce external air into the air flow path 32a, the air is heated by the air flow path 32a, and this heated air reaches the electrode section 31. In an atmosphere where the relative humidity has decreased due to the heated air, discharge at the electrode section 31 can be promoted, increasing the amount of discharge products produced and making it possible to further increase the impact of the discharge products.

[0144] After a preset time has elapsed, the power supply to the high voltage generating unit 35 and the blowing means 37 is cut off under the control of the control unit 36, the discharge at the electrode unit 31 ceases, and the generation of negative ions and ozone ends.

[0145] In this way, in the discharge device according to this embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of power from the outside has stopped, the control unit 36 ​​causes discharge at the electrode unit 31 using power from the built-in power supply unit 38, and discharge products are supplied. Therefore, for example, in an indoor space that requires forced ventilation for its intended use, when people use the indoor space, they will normally use a ventilation fan installed in the indoor space at the same time as lighting. In this indoor space where a ventilation fan is used at the same time as lighting, when the discharge device 3 is attached to the power socket 51, the discharge device 3 is attached so as to be interposed between the power socket 51 and the lighting device 90, and when the lighting is turned off, the discharge device 3 is turned off. When the power supply from socket 51 is stopped, lighting device 90 attached to power transmission socket 34 will be turned off, and the ventilation fan that is used in the indoor space at the same time as the lighting by lighting device 90 will also be turned off and is expected to stop operating, and it will be assumed that the ventilation fan has definitely stopped.When control unit 36 ​​causes discharge at electrode unit 31 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply from power socket 51 was stopped, discharge products can be generated and released by the discharge without being affected by the air flow that accompanies the operation of the ventilation fan, and the discharge products can be directed into the indoor space while coming into contact with the air without any problems, ensuring that the effects of the discharge products are felt in the indoor space.

[0146] The power socket 51 on the ceiling 50 to which the discharge device according to the embodiment is attached is configured so that the power supply to this power socket 51 can be switched on and off by turning on and off a power switch for the lighting installed on the wall or the like, just as in the case of normal lighting use with a bulb-shaped lamp or other lighting fixture attached. However, this is not limited to this, and the power socket may be one that uses a mechanism that can switch between a powered state and a non-powered state using a human sensor or the like so that the lighting can be automatically switched on and off depending on people entering and leaving the indoor space without the need to operate a power switch.

[0147] In addition, in cases where the supply of electricity to the power socket related to the lighting is linked to the operation of the ventilation fan, while the ventilation fan can continue to operate for a while even after the lighting is turned off due to the power supply to the power socket being stopped, and a time lag is created between the power supply to the power socket being stopped (the lighting being turned off) and the ventilation fan being stopped by a specified power control, the discharge device can be configured so that the elapsed time from the stop of the power supply to the power socket, which is related to the timing of discharge execution, is set by the control unit so that discharge occurs at the electrode unit after the ventilation fan is stopped.

[0148] (Fourth embodiment of the present invention) A discharge device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In each of the figures, the discharge device 4 of this embodiment comprises an electrode portion 41, a housing 42, a power receiving connection portion 43, a power transmission socket portion 44, and a high voltage generating portion 45, similar to the first embodiment, but differs in that the electrode portion 41, the power transmission socket portion 44, and the high voltage generating portion 45 in the housing 42 are arranged in a horizontally overlapping relationship, and a flow rate limiting means 42d is provided at the inlet portion 42b.

[0149] As in the first embodiment, the electrode unit 41 is a set of a needle-shaped discharge electrode 41a and an annular counter electrode 41b, and discharge occurs between the discharge electrode 41a and the counter electrode 41b to generate discharge products.

[0150] As in the first embodiment, the discharge electrode 41 a and the counter electrode 41 b are well-known electrodes that generate corona discharge between the electrodes by applying a high voltage in an ion generator or an ozone generator, thereby generating negative ions and ozone as discharge products, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0151] The housing 42 accommodates the electrode unit 41 and the high-voltage generating unit 45 therein, and is provided with an air flow path 42a that communicates with the electrode unit 41. The housing 42 is also configured to be provided with an inlet portion 42b and an outlet portion 42c, which are openings that connect the internal air flow path 42a to the outside.

[0152] Inlet 42b is provided near power transmission socket 44 at the other end of housing 42. Inlet 42b is configured to be a downward opening when discharge device 4 is installed on the ceiling, with power receiving connection 43 attached to power socket 51 on ceiling 50, and is capable of introducing outside air that flows upward along the outer periphery of light bulb-shaped lamp serving as lighting device 90 attached to power transmission socket 44.

[0153] Furthermore, outlet portion 42c is provided in a portion of the side of housing 42 close to the location of inlet portion 42b at the other end. The opening of outlet portion 42c is provided so as to face diagonally downward when discharge device 4 is installed on the ceiling with power receiving connection portion 43 attached to power socket 51 on ceiling 50, and counter electrode 41b of electrode unit 41 is disposed inside outlet portion 42c.

[0154] In addition, since the inlet portion 42b of the housing 42 is located relatively close to the electrode portion 41, the upward flow of air flowing in from the inlet portion 42b and proceeding through the air flow path 42a may have adverse effects such as making it difficult for the negative ions generated by the discharge at the electrode portion 41 and the resulting airflow (ionic wind) to proceed to the counter electrode 41b and the outlet portion 42c beyond. To prevent this, the inlet portion 42b or the portion of the housing 42 near the inlet portion is provided with a predetermined flow rate limiting means 42d that increases the inflow resistance of the inflowing air and reduces the flow rate of the inflowing air, thereby suppressing the impact of the inflowing air on the electrode portion 41.

[0155] Specifically, the flow rate restricting means 42d may be, for example, a porous body that is provided with a large number of minute holes that form the inlet portion 42b and that forms part of the housing 42 (see Figure 8), a mesh body that covers the opening that forms the inlet portion 42b, or a baffle (baffle plate), obstacle, or non-linear passage that is provided inside the inlet portion 42b in the housing 42 and that narrows (narrows) and complicates the air flow path.

[0156] As in the first embodiment, the power receiving connection portion 43 is formed in a shape similar to the screw-type base of a typical bulb-shaped lamp, and is provided in a protruding state at one end of the housing 42 so as to be attachable and detachable to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50. This power receiving connector 43 is also detachable by following a procedure that involves rotation, such as being attached to the power socket 51 by screwing it in and being detached by the reverse operation.

[0157] As in the first embodiment, the power transmission socket portion 44 is formed as a lamp socket having a receptacle that corresponds to the screw-type base of a typical light bulb-shaped lamp, and is arranged at the other end of the housing 42 while electrically connected to the power receiving connection portion 43, so that the connector 91 of the lighting device 90, specifically the base of the light bulb-shaped lamp, can be attached and detached.

[0158] However, the power transmission socket portion 44 is arranged side by side with the electrode portion 41 and the high voltage generating portion 45, with a portion of the power transmission socket portion 44 overlapping horizontally with the electrode portion 41 and the high voltage generating portion 45 within the housing 42 and sandwiched between the electrode portion 41 and the high voltage generating portion 45.

[0159] This power transmission socket portion 44 can also be attached and detached by a rotational attachment and detachment procedure, such as by screwing in the screw-type base of a typical bulb-shaped lamp or by removing the connector of another lighting device of the same shape, and by performing the reverse operation.

[0160] In the housing 42, the power receiving connection portion 43 and the power transmission socket portion 44 are arranged so that the central axis of rotation for attaching and detaching the power receiving connection portion 43 to the power socket 51 coincides with the central axis of rotation for attaching and detaching the connector 91 of the lighting device 90 to the power transmission socket portion 44.

[0161] The electrode part 41 and the high voltage generating part 45 are arranged in the housing 42 so that they are positioned on either side of the central axis of rotation for attachment and detachment, which is aligned with the power receiving connection part 43 and the power transmitting socket part 44.

[0162] As in the first embodiment, the high voltage generating unit 45 has a step-up transformer 45a and an electronic circuit unit 45b, which are housed in a box-shaped storage case and arranged inside the housing 42. The high voltage generating unit 45 is electrically connected to the power receiving connection unit 43, and is capable of drawing in power from an external power source (commercial power source) through the power receiving connection unit 43 and the power socket 51, thereby generating a high voltage for discharge.

[0163] This high voltage generating unit 45 is arranged within the housing 42 so that a portion of it overlaps with the electrode unit 41 and the power transmitting socket unit 44 in a direction parallel to the ceiling surface, i.e., in the horizontal direction, when the power receiving connection unit 43 is attached to the power socket 51.

[0164] In this way, the high-voltage generating unit 45, which occupies a certain amount of space within the housing 42, is arranged so as to overlap laterally with the electrode unit 41 and the power transmission socket unit 44, which also occupy a relatively large space within the housing 42, and since their vertical arrangement ranges overlap, the space that needs to be secured for storage in the vertical direction within the housing 42 can be reduced compared to an arrangement in which they do not overlap, and the external dimensions of the housing 42 in the vertical direction can be reduced accordingly.

[0165] As a result, when the discharge device 4 is installed by connecting the power receiving connection part 43 to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50 and the lighting device 90 is attached to the power transmitting socket part 44, the amount of protrusion from the ceiling 50 is kept to an amount that does not give the impression of an unnatural protrusion, and the discharge device 4 and the lighting device 90 can be used without causing discomfort to people in the indoor space.

[0166] Next, the usage state of the discharge device according to this embodiment will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that the discharge device 4 is attached to the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50 in place of an existing light bulb-shaped lamp using the same procedure as in the first embodiment, and that the removed light bulb-shaped lamp is attached to the power transmission socket 44 of the discharge device 4 as a lighting device 90. Also, as in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the power supply state of the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50 can be switched by a power switch provided on the wall inside the room.

[0167] When the power switch in the room is operated to switch the power socket 51 to a powered state, power is supplied from the power socket 51 to the high voltage generator 45 via the power receiving connector 43. In addition, the power transmitting socket 44 is also energized via the power receiving connector 43, so that power is supplied to the bulb-shaped lamp serving as the lighting device 90 attached to the power transmitting socket 44, and the lamp is turned on.

[0168] The high voltage generating unit 45 generates a high voltage from the supplied power to cause the electrode unit 41 to discharge. The high voltage generated by the high voltage generator 45 is applied to the discharge electrode 41a and the counter electrode 41b of the electrode unit 41 connected to the high voltage generator 45, with the discharge electrode 41a serving as the negative electrode and the counter electrode 41b serving as the positive electrode. This causes a corona discharge between the discharge electrode 41a and the counter electrode 41b of the electrode unit 41.

[0169] Corona discharge between the electrodes generates electrons through ionization, and negative ions are generated when molecules in the air, such as oxygen, receive these electrons. In addition, the electrons produced by ionization collide with oxygen molecules in the surrounding air, causing the oxygen molecules to dissociate, and when the oxygen atoms produced by this dissociation react with other oxygen molecules, ozone is produced.

[0170] The negative ions generated between the electrodes move toward the counter electrode 41b, which is a positive electrode. However, as the negative ions accelerate and move toward the counter electrode 41b, they collide with surrounding particles such as gas molecules, which then move in the same direction as the negative ions, creating an air current (ionic wind).

[0171] Since the counter electrode 41b is annular, the ion wind can pass through the counter electrode 41b and move forward, and some of the negative ions also reach the front beyond the counter electrode 41b.

[0172] On the other hand, lighting device 90, which is a bulb-shaped lamp attached to power transmission socket portion 44 at the other end of housing 42, increases in temperature as it remains lit, and the heat emitted from lighting device 90 warms the external air near lighting device 90, creating an updraft.

[0173] In this way, the external air is heated and moves upward along the outer periphery of the lighting device 90, and is continuously introduced into the air flow path 42a leading to the internal electrode portion 41 through the downward inlet portion 42b located near the power transmission socket portion 44.

[0174] This inlet portion 42b is provided with a flow rate limiting means 42d, which reduces the flow rate of air when it flows into the inlet portion 42b, so that the air flowing in from this inlet portion 42b does not adversely affect the flow of discharge products such as negative ions in the electrode portion 41 or other air.

[0175] The air that flows in from inlet portion 42b travels through air flow path 42a toward electrode portion 41 and reaches electrode portion 41. While lighting device 90 is turned on, external air continues to flow into inlet portion 42b, causing an air flow in air flow path 42a from inlet portion 42b to outlet portion 42c, and the air that reaches electrode portion 41 passes through electrode portion 41, travels further through air flow path 42a, and exits discharge device 4 from outlet portion 42c provided on the side of housing 42.

[0176] In the electrode unit 41, an ionic wind is generated between the discharge electrode 41a, which is a negative electrode, and the counter electrode 41b, which is a positive electrode. This ionic wind passes through the annular counter electrode 41b and tends to move forward, thereby diffusing negative ions into the external air that reaches the electrode unit 41.

[0177] Furthermore, when ozone is generated between the discharge electrode 41a and the counter electrode 41b, the ozone can be sent to the outside of the electrode unit 41 by the ion wind and brought into contact with the external air flowing through the air flow path 42a.

[0178] In this way, the air that has passed through the electrode portion 41 and absorbed negative ions and ozone flows out from the outlet portion 42c and reaches the indoor space from near the ceiling 50, thereby creating a state in which the effects of negative ions and ozone as discharge products can be smoothly exerted on various parts of the indoor space.

[0179] Furthermore, by providing inlet portion 42b in housing 42 near power transmission socket portion 44 and allowing air around lighting device 90 connected to power transmission socket portion 44 to flow into inlet portion 42b, the air around lighting device 90, which has been warmed by heat released to the outside from lighting device 90 as it continues to be used, rises and flows into inlet portion 42b, passes through flow rate restriction means 42d, and with its flow rate reduced, travels through air flow path 42a and reaches electrode portion 41. In an atmosphere where the relative humidity has decreased due to the warmed air, discharge at electrode portion 41 is promoted, increasing the amount of discharge products produced and making it possible to further increase the impact of the discharge products.

[0180] When the power switch in the room is operated to turn off the lights and switch the power socket 51 to a non-energized state, the discharge device 4 also stops supplying electricity to the power transmission socket 44 via the power receiving connection part 43, and the lighting device 90 attached to the power transmission socket 44 goes out. At the same time, the power supply to the high voltage generation part 45 in the discharge device 4 is cut off, so that the high voltage generation part 45 cannot generate a high voltage, discharge at the electrode part 41 stops, and the generation of negative ions and ozone ends.

[0181] In addition, a cylindrical air tunnel section may be provided within the housing 42 to isolate the rear half of the air flow path 42a from the electrode section 41 to the outlet section 42c (for example, the part indicated by the dashed double-dashed line in the housing 42 in Figure 8) from the surrounding area, thereby more reliably suppressing the impact of air flowing in from the inlet section 42b and moving upward on the electrode section, etc.

[0182] However, because outlet portion 42c is located relatively close to inlet portion 42b in housing 42, if the upward flow of air flowing into inlet portion 42b is fast, it may be affected and the airflow exiting outlet portion 42c may not proceed in the desired direction. To prevent this from happening, flow rate limiting means may be provided in inlet portion 42b or in the vicinity of the inlet portion of housing 42 to increase the inflow resistance of the inflowing air and reduce the flow rate of the inflowing air, thereby minimizing the impact on the surroundings.

[0183] In this case, when the air that has absorbed negative ions and ozone flows out from outlet 42c into the indoor space outside discharge device 4, a flow of air flows into inlet 42b near outlet 42c. However, by providing a flow rate limiting means at inlet 42b or near the inlet in housing 42 to reduce the flow rate of the air as it flows into inlet 42b, the impact of the air flowing into inlet 42b on the surroundings, particularly the impact on the air flowing out from outlet 42c, can be reduced, and a state can be achieved in which the air that has left outlet 42c is less likely to be attracted toward the inlet. This allows the air that comes into contact with the discharge products and flows out from outlet 42c to proceed smoothly into the indoor space, ensuring that the effects of the discharge products are exerted on the indoor space.

[0184] In this way, in the discharge device of this embodiment, the power receiving connection portion 43, which undergoes a rotational movement when attached to or detached from the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50, and the power transmitting socket portion 44, which requires a rotational movement of the lighting device 90 when the connector 91 of the lighting device 90 is attached or detached, are arranged in the housing 42 so that the central axes of rotation for attachment and detachment are aligned, while the electrode portion 41 and the high voltage generation portion 45 are arranged in the housing 42 on either side of this central axis, with the electrode portion 41 and the high voltage generation portion 45 facing each other across the central axis.As a result, the housing 42 has a structure in which the electrode portion 41 and the high voltage generation portion 45 are arranged on either side of the power receiving connection portion 43 and the power transmitting connector portion 44, and the electrode portion 41 and the high voltage generation portion 45 are arranged on the left and right sides of the housing 42.This means that there is no bias in the arrangement of the parts, and the housing 42 can be formed with an approximately symmetrical external shape, which improves the aesthetic appearance and makes it easier to balance the weight and improves the operability of attaching and detaching from the power socket 51 on the ceiling 50.

[0185] In the discharge devices according to the first to fourth embodiments, the high voltage generating unit that generates a high voltage sufficient to discharge at the electrode unit from the power supplied from an external power source or an internal power source is configured to generate the high voltage using a step-up transformer and an electronic circuit unit, but this is not limiting, and the high voltage may be generated only by the electronic circuit unit without using a step-up transformer.

[0186] Furthermore, in the discharge devices according to the first to fourth embodiments, the high-voltage generating unit is configured such that a step-up transformer and an electronic circuit unit are housed in a box-shaped housing case, and a state in which the housing case constituting a part of the high-voltage generating unit overlaps the electrode unit or the power transmission socket in the horizontal direction is treated as if the high-voltage generating unit were disposed overlapping the electrode unit or the power transmission socket in the horizontal direction. However, it is also possible to use a housing case for the high-voltage generating unit, and to arrange the high-voltage generating unit with the step-up transformer and the electronic circuit unit exposed as is or in a resin-encapsulated state, overlapping the electrode unit and the power transmission socket in the horizontal direction. In this case, the present invention includes any configuration in which a part of the step-up transformer or a part of the electronic circuit unit (e.g., a part of a circuit board or a part of an electronic device) constituting the high-voltage generating unit overlaps at least the electrode unit or the power transmission socket in the horizontal direction. In this way, by overlapping the vertical placement range of the step-up transformer and electronic circuit unit that make up the high-voltage generating unit with the vertical placement range of the electrode unit and power transmission socket unit, the vertical space within the housing required to accommodate these can be reduced, and as in the previous embodiments, the housing can be made smaller in the vertical direction, and the amount of protrusion of the discharge device from the ceiling can be reduced.

[0187] Furthermore, in the discharge devices according to the first to fourth embodiments, the opening of the outlet portion of the housing is configured to face diagonally downward when the discharge device is installed on a ceiling. However, this is not limited to this, and the outlet portion can also be configured to face diagonally upward. In this case, the discharge products, such as negative ions and ozone, that reach the indoor space from the outlet portion can be retained in the indoor space for a longer period of time, allowing the discharge products to more effectively affect the indoor space. Furthermore, if the discharge products are ions or ozone with disinfecting properties, these discharge products can be made to travel diagonally upward and come into contact with the ceiling surface, thereby disinfecting the ceiling surface.

[0188] Furthermore, in the discharge devices according to the first to fourth embodiments, a high voltage is applied between two electrodes of the electrode unit by the high-voltage generating unit, causing a discharge between the electrodes, and negative ions and ozone are generated based on this discharge. However, the high-voltage application state of the high-voltage generating unit can also be adjusted to mainly generate negative ions, or conversely, to mainly generate ozone. The discharge conditions can be appropriately set to exclusively obtain specific discharge products according to the intended use. Furthermore, the electrode unit that generates the discharge is not limited to one that obtains negative ions and ozone as discharge products, and can also be configured to employ an electrode structure specialized for generating negative ions or ozone, such as the electrode unit of an ionizer (a device dedicated to generating ions) or the electrode unit of an ozonizer (a device dedicated to generating ozone).

[0189] Furthermore, in the discharge devices according to the first to fourth embodiments, negative ions and ozone, which are discharge products generated based on the discharge between the two electrodes of the electrode section, are allowed to travel from between the electrodes to the outlet section and diffuse into the air, thereby exerting their effects on the air. However, this is not limited to this. While electrons are generated by ionization due to the discharge between the electrodes, positive ions, which are generated when some of the molecules in the air lose electrons as a result of this ionization, can also be configured to travel from between the electrodes to the outlet section as other discharge products, together with the negative ions generated at the same time, or alternately with the negative ions, and diffuse into the air, thereby making it possible to make maximum use of the favorable effects that discharge products have on the air.

[0190] Furthermore, in the discharge devices according to the first to fourth embodiments, the air flow path within the housing is formed by the inner wall of the housing and the guide portion, or by the inner wall of the housing alone. However, this is not limited to this, and other structures may be used in which the inlet and outlet are connected to form an air passage. For example, a cylindrical air tunnel may be provided connecting the inlet and outlet of the housing, the interior of this air tunnel may be used as the air flow path, and an electrode portion may be disposed inside the air tunnel. This allows the air flowing in from the inlet portion to proceed efficiently to the electrode portion, and allows the discharge products and the air carrying them to proceed efficiently from the electrode portion to the outlet portion and be sent out to the outside.

[0191] As a specific example, when the downward-facing inlet of the housing is located near the electrode or the diagonally downward-facing outlet, as in the fourth embodiment, the air tunnel body, which connects the inlet and outlet via the electrode, is a cylindrical body with a large bend (e.g., an acute bend angle) like an elbow pipe. If the outlet is an opening facing diagonally upward, the air tunnel body can be a cylindrical body with a more gradual bend (e.g., an obtuse bend angle). Such an air tunnel body can be formed, for example, by combining two semicircular cross-sectional recessed bodies obtained by dividing a cylindrical body at its center. When the housing also has a divided structure, it is preferable to integrate the recessed body constituting the air tunnel body with the divided housing bodies in advance, and then, when the divided housing bodies are combined to form the housing, the recessed body is also combined to form the air tunnel body. This eliminates the assembly work and reduces the manufacturing cost of the discharge device, which is preferable.

[0192] The discharge device according to the present disclosure, specifically shown in each of the first to fourth embodiments, can make occupied spaces such as toilets and living rooms comfortable. Such a discharge device is expected to contribute to the achievement of some of the 17 goals set out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, such as goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages). [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 1, 2, 3, 4 discharge device 11, 21, 31, 41 Electrode section 11a, 41a discharge electrode 11b, 41b Counter electrode 12, 22, 32, 42 housing 12a Air flow path 12b Entrance section 12c Exit section 12d Guide section 13, 23, 33, 43 Power receiving connection 14, 24, 34, 44 Power transmission socket 15 High voltage generator 15a step-up transformer 15b Electronic circuit section 21a, 21b Rod-shaped electrode 22a Air flow path 22b Entrance 22c Exit section 22d Guide section 25 High voltage generator 25a step-up transformer 25b Electronic circuit section 26 Control Unit 27 Air blowing means 31a, 31b Rod-shaped electrode 32a Air flow path 32b Entrance 32c Exit section 32d shielding plate 35 High voltage generator 35a step-up transformer 35b Electronic circuit section 36 Control Unit 37 Air blowing means 38 Built-in power supply 42a Air flow path 42b Entrance 42c Exit section 42d Flow rate limiting means 45 High voltage generator 45a step-up transformer 45b Electronic circuit section 50 ceiling 51 power socket 90 Lighting Equipment 91 Connector

Claims

1. A discharge device that releases discharge products generated by discharge at an electrode portion into the air, a housing that accommodates the electrode portion; a power receiving connection portion provided at one end of the housing and detachable to a power socket on a ceiling; a power transmission socket portion provided at the other end of the housing, electrically connected to the power receiving connection portion, and configured to allow a power receiving connector of a lighting device to be attached and detached; a high-voltage generating unit disposed within the housing, capable of introducing electric power through the power-receiving connection unit, and configured to generate a high voltage for causing discharge in the electrode unit; the housing is provided with an outlet portion that communicates the interior where the electrode portion is located with the exterior, the high voltage generating unit is disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the high voltage generating unit with the electrode unit in the lateral direction, the housing is provided with an air flow path communicating with the electrode portion and the outlet portion, an inlet portion that communicates the air flow path with the outside is provided around the power transmission socket portion in the housing as an opening that faces downward when the power receiving connection portion is attached to the power socket, a predetermined flow rate limiting means for restricting the flow rate of the air introduced into the housing at an inlet or a position near the inlet of the air flow path; A discharge device characterized by:

2. A discharge device that releases discharge products generated by discharge at an electrode section into the air, a housing that accommodates the electrode portion; a power receiving connection portion provided at one end of the housing and detachable to a power socket on a ceiling; a power transmission socket portion provided at the other end of the housing, electrically connected to the power receiving connection portion, and configured to allow a power receiving connector of a lighting device to be attached and detached; a high-voltage generating unit disposed within the housing, capable of introducing electric power through the power-receiving connection unit, and configured to generate a high voltage for causing discharge in the electrode unit; the housing is provided with an outlet portion that communicates the interior where the electrode portion is located with the exterior, The power transmission socket portion is disposed in the housing so that at least a portion of the power transmission socket portion overlaps with at least one of the electrode portion and the high voltage generating portion in the lateral direction. A discharge device characterized by:

3. A discharge device that releases discharge products generated by discharge at an electrode portion into the air, a housing that accommodates the electrode portion; a power receiving connection portion provided at one end of the housing and detachable to a power socket on a ceiling; a power transmission socket portion provided at the other end of the housing, electrically connected to the power receiving connection portion, and configured to allow a power receiving connector of a lighting device to be attached and detached; a high-voltage generating unit disposed within the housing, capable of introducing electric power through the power-receiving connection unit, and configured to generate a high voltage for causing discharge in the electrode unit; the housing is provided with an outlet portion that communicates the interior where the electrode portion is located with the exterior, the high voltage generating unit is disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the high voltage generating unit with the electrode unit in the lateral direction, the power receiving connection portion is formed to be attachable to and detachable from the power socket on the ceiling in accordance with a predetermined rotational attachment and detachment procedure; the power transmission socket portion is formed so that the connector of the lighting device can be attached and detached by a predetermined rotational attachment and detachment procedure, the power receiving connection portion and the power transmitting socket portion are disposed in the housing so that the central axes of rotation for attachment and detachment are aligned; The electrode unit and the high voltage generating unit are disposed in a housing so as to sandwich the central axis of rotation. A discharge device characterized by:

4. A discharge device that releases discharge products generated by discharge at an electrode portion into the air, a housing that accommodates the electrode portion; a power receiving connection portion provided at one end of the housing and detachable to a power socket on a ceiling; a power transmission socket portion provided at the other end of the housing, electrically connected to the power receiving connection portion, and configured to allow a power receiving connector of a lighting device to be attached and detached; a high voltage generating unit disposed within the housing, capable of introducing electric power through the power receiving connection unit, and configured to generate a high voltage for causing discharge at the electrode unit; a control unit that controls discharge in the electrode unit; a built-in power supply unit that stores energy related to the power supply and enables temporary power supply; the housing is provided with an outlet portion that communicates the interior where the electrode portion is located with the exterior, the high voltage generating unit is disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the high voltage generating unit with the electrode unit in the lateral direction, The control unit causes the electrode unit to discharge for a predetermined period of time using power supplied from the built-in power supply unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of power from the outside through the power receiving connection unit was stopped. A discharge device characterized by:

5. A discharge device that releases discharge products generated by discharge at an electrode portion into the air, a housing that accommodates the electrode portion; a power receiving connection portion provided at one end of the housing and detachable to a power socket on a ceiling; a power transmission socket portion provided at the other end of the housing, electrically connected to the power receiving connection portion, and configured to allow a power receiving connector of a lighting device to be attached and detached; a high-voltage generating unit disposed within the housing, capable of introducing electric power through the power-receiving connection unit, and configured to generate a high voltage for causing discharge in the electrode unit; the housing is provided with an outlet portion that communicates the interior where the electrode portion is located with the exterior, the high voltage generating unit is disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the high voltage generating unit with the electrode unit in the lateral direction, a blowing means disposed in the housing for blowing air through the air flow path to send the air out through the outlet portion; The air blowing means is activated before discharge starts at the electrode portion to blow air to the outside through the outlet portion. A discharge device characterized by:

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