Discharge device and air purifier

Abstract

To enable easy removal of dust deposited on the surface of a discharge device with a cleaning brush.SOLUTION: In a discharge device 6 which includes: a horizontal plate-like dielectric body 33; a rod-like first electrode 31 arranged on the upper surface side of the dielectric body 33; a second electrode 32 arranged on the lower surface side of the dielectric body 33, and a discharge case 34 for housing both electrodes 31, 32 and the dielectric body 33, a discharge opening 35 for exposing the first electrode 31 and the dielectric body 33 upward and an upward groove 73 adjacent to both sides of the discharge opening 35 are provided on the upper surface of the discharge case 34, and the upper surface of the dielectric body 33 and the bottom surface of the groove 73 are made flush with each other. Thus, the dust deposited on the surface of the dielectric body 33 or the like can be completely swept out by a simple operation of only moving the cleaning brush in the order of one groove 73, the discharge opening 35, and the other groove 73.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a discharge device composed of an electrode pair, a dielectric, etc., and an air purifier equipped with the same. Examples of air purifiers equipped with a discharge device include an ozone generator (ozonizer) that generates ozone by discharging electricity in the air, and an ion generator (ionizer) that generates various ions (negative ions, hydroxyl radicals, etc.). [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1, for example, is an example of a prior art document relating to this type of discharge device and air purifier. Patent Document 1 discloses a negative ion generator incorporating a discharge device for generating ozone (a deodorizing ozone generator). The discharge device includes a base portion fixed to the body of the negative ion generator and a discharge portion detachably attached to the base portion. The base portion is provided with multiple sleeve-shaped sockets, and the discharge portion is provided with multiple contacts that can be inserted into and removed from the sockets. When these contacts are inserted into the sockets, the discharge portion is attached to the base portion and the two are electrically connected. Specifically, the discharge portion is composed of a ground plate including a circular anode portion, an electrode needle pointing toward the center of the anode portion, a cathode plate supporting the electrode needle, and a body supporting the ground plate and the cathode plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3134429 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, when a discharge device is operated, various types of dust may adhere to the electrode pair and its surroundings. This dust may interfere with discharge, so it is desirable to remove it periodically. Patent Document 1 lists carbon particles as a specific example of dust, and to facilitate cleaning by wiping it off, the discharge unit is made detachable from the base unit. In other words, the electrode pair and its surroundings can be cleaned while the discharge unit is separated from the base unit.

[0005] The inventors considered using a cleaning brush to remove dust. However, the electrode pair of the discharge device in Patent Document 1 is composed of a circular anode and an electrode needle pointing toward the center, making it difficult to sweep the entire surface of the electrode pair with a cleaning brush in one go. In other words, the task of changing the orientation of the electrode pair relative to the bristles of the cleaning brush and sweeping it must be repeated several times, making the cleaning process time-consuming. As such, the configuration of the discharge device in Patent Document 1 is not suitable for cleaning using a cleaning brush.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a discharge device that can easily remove dust accumulated on its surface with a cleaning brush, and an air purifying device incorporating the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The discharge device according to the present invention comprises a horizontal plate-shaped dielectric 33, a rod-shaped first electrode 31 arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric 33, a second electrode 32 arranged on the lower surface of the dielectric 33, and a discharge case 34 that houses both electrodes 31 and 32 and the dielectric 33. The upper surface of the discharge case 34 is provided with a discharge opening 35 that exposes the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33 upward, and upward-facing grooves 73 adjacent to both sides of the discharge opening 35, and the upper surface of the dielectric 33 and the bottom surfaces of the grooves 73 are flush with each other.

[0008] A configuration can be adopted in which the direction in which the discharge opening 35 and the groove 73 are adjacent coincides with the extension direction of the first electrode 31 .

[0009] A pair of protrusions 74 extending parallel to the first electrode 31 are provided on the upper surface of the discharge case 34, with the discharge opening 35 between them. Each protrusion 74 can have a central guide surface 75 facing the dielectric 33 and end guide surfaces 76 that are continuous with both ends of the central guide surface 75 and define the groove portion 73.

[0010] The central guide surface 75 may be configured to bulge out toward the first electrode 31 .

[0011] The discharge case 34 is provided with an electrode support structure 64 that supports both ends of the first electrode 31 , and the electrode support structure 64 can be configured to cover at least the upper surface of the first electrode 31 .

[0012] A configuration can be adopted in which legs 201 that are inserted into the inside of the discharge case 34 continue downward at both ends of the first electrode 31, and notches 202 that allow the legs 201 to pass through are formed on both sides of the dielectric 33.

[0013] A pair of protrusions 74 extending parallel to the first electrode 31 are provided on the upper surface of the discharge case 34, with the discharge opening 35 between them, and each protrusion 74 can protrude upward beyond the first electrode 31.

[0014] A pair of protrusions 74 extending parallel to the first electrode 31 are provided on the upper surface of the discharge case 34, with the discharge opening 35 between them, and each protrusion 74 is provided with an inclined guide surface 121 that slopes downward toward the first electrode 31.

[0015] The discharge case 34 is provided with an electrode support structure 64 that supports both ends of the first electrode 31 , and a configuration can be adopted in which each ridge 74 protrudes upward beyond the electrode support structure 64 .

[0016] The first electrode 31 may be configured to be movable toward and away from the dielectric 33 .

[0017] The second electrode 32 may be formed in a plane parallel to the dielectric 33 .

[0018] The first electrode 31 may be formed in a round rod shape and configured to be rotatable around its central axis.

[0019] The first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33 may be subjected to a water-repellent treatment.

[0020] The air purifying device of the present invention comprises a casing 2 having an air passage 5 therein, a blower fan 7 that forms an air flow F in the air passage 5, and the above-mentioned discharge device 6 provided in the air passage 5, and is characterized in that the direction of the air flow F passing around the discharge device 6 coincides with the adjacent direction of the discharge opening 35 and the groove portion 73.

[0021] The discharge case 34 is provided with an electrode support structure 64 that supports both ends of the first electrode 31, and each electrode support structure 64 includes an upper support portion 65 that protrudes from the upper surface of the discharge case 34, and the longitudinal direction of the upper support portion 65 can be configured to coincide with the direction of the air flow F around the discharge device 6.

[0022] The upper support portion 65 may be formed in a streamlined shape that narrows toward the upstream side of the airflow F around the discharge device 6.

[0023] A configuration can be adopted in which a plurality of flow straightening ribs 207 or flow straightening grooves 208 extending in the longitudinal direction are formed on the surface of the upper support portion 65.

[0024] A pair of protrusions 74 are provided on the upper surface of the discharge case 34, with the discharge opening 35 between them, and extend parallel to the airflow F around the discharge device 6. Each protrusion 74 has a central guide surface 75 facing the dielectric 33 and end guide surfaces 76 that are continuous with both ends of the central guide surface 75 and define groove portions 73. A configuration can be adopted in which straightening ribs 207 or straightening grooves 208 extending in the longitudinal direction of the protrusions 74 are formed on at least the end guide surfaces 76 of the protrusions 74.

[0025] The side wall of the discharge case 34 facing the airflow F around the discharge device 6 can be configured to be continuous with the bottom surface of the groove 73 via an R-shaped wind collecting surface 83 that is curved outwardly.

[0026] Another air purifying device according to the present invention comprises a casing 2 having an air passage 5 therein, a blower fan 7 that forms an air flow F in the air passage 5, and the above-mentioned discharge device 6 provided in the air passage 5, and is characterized in that a throttling plate 204 that is inclined relative to the air passage 5 and throttling the air passage 5 is arranged upstream of the discharge opening 35 of the discharge device 6.

[0027] A guide plate 205 may be provided continuously with the downstream end of the throttle plate 204 so as to face the discharge opening 35 .

[0028] Another air purifying device according to the present invention comprises a casing 2 having an air passage 5 therein, a blower fan 7 that forms an air flow F in the air passage 5, and the above-mentioned discharge device 6 provided in the air passage 5, and is characterized in that the midstream section 12 of the air passage 5 in which the discharge device 6 is provided is formed narrower than its upstream section 11.

[0029] Another air purifying device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a casing 2 having an air passage 5 therein, a blower fan 7 that forms an air flow F in the air passage 5, the above-mentioned discharge device 6 provided in the air passage 5, and a light detection unit 28 that detects the light emitted by the discharge device 6 when it discharges.

[0030] A mode can be adopted in which a notification means 27 for notifying the result of detection by the light detection section 28 is provided.

[0031] The device is provided with a control unit 21 that controls the discharge device 6 and the notification means 27 based on the detection value of the optical detection unit 28, and the control unit 21 can take a form in which, when the detection value of the optical detection unit 28 falls outside a predetermined normal range, the control unit 21 stops the discharge device 6 and activates the notification means 27. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] In the discharge device according to the present invention, a pair of upper and lower electrodes 31 and 32 and a dielectric 33 are housed in a discharge case 34, and the top surface of this discharge case 34 is provided with a discharge opening 35 that exposes the rod-shaped first electrode 31 and dielectric 33 upward, and upward-facing grooves 73 adjacent to both sides of the discharge opening 35. This allows the user to sweep away dust accumulated on the surface of the dielectric 33 and the like by simply moving a cleaning brush over one groove 73, the discharge opening 35, and then the other groove 73. Furthermore, in the present invention, the top surface of the dielectric 33 and the bottom surface of the groove 73 are flush with each other, preventing dust from getting caught between the dielectric 33 and the groove 73 and allowing dust to be easily swept away without leaving any residue.

[0033] If the direction in which the discharge opening 35 and the groove 73 are adjacent to each other coincides with the extension direction of the first electrode 31, when the cleaning brush is moved in the aforementioned direction, the bristles can be moved from one end to the other end of the first electrode 31. In other words, the surface of the first electrode 31 can be cleaned accurately with the cleaning brush, and the dielectric 33 can be cleaned simultaneously.

[0034] If the pair of protrusions 74 extending parallel to the first electrode 31 with the discharge opening 35 therebetween have a central guide surface 75 facing the dielectric 33, when the cleaning brush is moved in the aforementioned direction, the bristles are guided in the same direction by the central guide surface 75 and are kept on the surface of the dielectric 33, thereby enabling accurate cleaning. Furthermore, if end guide surfaces 76 that define the grooves 73 are provided contiguous to both ends of the central guide surface 75, the bristles of the cleaning brush can be smoothly introduced from one groove 73 onto the surface of the dielectric 33 and smoothly led out from that surface to the other groove 73.

[0035] When the central guide surface 75 bulges toward the first electrode 31, the bristles of the cleaning brush moving in the aforementioned direction can be guided diagonally by the central guide surface 75, bringing them closer to the first electrode 31, thereby enabling the surface of the first electrode 31 to be cleaned efficiently.

[0036] If the electrode support structure 64, which supports both ends of the first electrode 31, covers at least the upper surface of the first electrode 31, when the discharge device is accidentally turned upside down and dropped, the electrode support structure 64 will strike the floor or other surface first, preventing a direct impact on the first electrode 31.

[0037] By providing legs 201 on both ends of the first electrode 31 and inserting them into the discharge case 34, the unevenness of the top surface of the discharge case 34 can be reduced compared to when the aforementioned electrode support structure 64 is provided, making it easier to clean the top surface with a cleaning brush.

[0038] By providing a protrusion 74 that protrudes above the first electrode 31, when the discharge device is accidentally turned upside down and dropped, the protrusion 74 will strike the floor or the like first, preventing a direct impact from reaching the first electrode 31.

[0039] If each of a pair of protrusions 74 extending parallel to the first electrode 31 is provided with an inclined guide surface 121 that slopes downward toward the first electrode 31, when cleaning the discharge device with a cleaning brush, the inclined guide surface 121 can guide the bristles toward the first electrode 31, allowing the surface of the first electrode 31 to be cleaned accurately.

[0040] If each ridge 74 protrudes above the electrode support structure 64, when the discharge device is accidentally turned upside down and dropped, the ridge 74 can strike the floor or other surface before the electrode support structure 64. In other words, the electrode support structure 64 is protected by the ridge 74, and it is possible to avoid problems such as deformation of the electrode support structure 64 and unstable support of the first electrode 31.

[0041] If the first electrode 31 can be moved toward and away from the dielectric 33, the first electrode 31 and its surroundings can be cleaned with a cleaning brush or the like while the first electrode 31 is separated from the dielectric 33.

[0042] If the second electrode 32 paired with the rod-shaped first electrode 31 is formed in a plane parallel to the dielectric 33, discharge can be generated between the electrodes 31 and 32 without any problems even if there is a deviation in the relative positions of the electrodes 31 and 32 due to, for example, design tolerances in the support structure of the electrodes 31 and 32. This allows for more stable discharge.

[0043] If the rod-shaped first electrode 31 is configured to be rotatable around its central axis, its entire surface can be easily cleaned. Even if part of the surface of the first electrode 31 is contaminated with dirt that cannot be completely removed, discharging can be performed without any problems by placing the clean surface facing the dielectric 33.

[0044] If the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33 are subjected to a water-repellent treatment, water droplets formed by condensation or the like are easily repelled by the surface of the first electrode 31 or the dielectric 33. This makes it possible to prevent the water droplets from drying on the surface of the first electrode 31 or the dielectric 33, and to prevent dirt contained in the water droplets from adhering to the surface of the first electrode 31 or the dielectric 33.

[0045] The air purifying device according to the present invention comprises a casing 2 having an air passage 5 therein, a blower fan 7 that forms an airflow F in the air passage 5, and the above-described discharge device 6 provided in the air passage 5. This allows the airflow F to be formed around the discharge device 6, thereby suppressing the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33. Furthermore, by aligning the direction of the airflow F passing around the discharge device 6 with the direction in which the discharge opening 35 and the groove 73 are adjacent, i.e., the optimal movement direction of the cleaning brush, the accumulation of dust can be more effectively suppressed.

[0046] If the electrode support structure 64 that supports both ends of the first electrode 31 includes an upper support portion 65 that protrudes from the upper surface of the discharge case 34, and the longitudinal direction of this upper support portion 65 coincides with the direction of the airflow F around the discharge device 6, the airflow F can be rectified by the upper support portion 65. This increases the straightness of the airflow F that passes through the groove portion 73 and the discharge opening 35, and more effectively suppresses the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33.

[0047] If the upper support part 65 is formed in a streamlined shape that narrows toward the upstream side of the airflow F around the discharge device 6, the airflow F can be deflected by the upper support part 65, increasing the wind speed around the upper support part 65 and on the downstream side. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33.

[0048] If multiple straightening ribs 207 or straightening grooves 208 extending in the longitudinal direction are formed on the surface of the upper support part 65, the airflow F is straightened not only by the upper support part 65 itself but also by these straightening ribs 207 or straightening grooves 208, thereby further enhancing the straightening effect of the upper support part 65.

[0049] If a pair of ridges 74 are provided on the top surface of the discharge case 34, with the discharge opening 35 between them, and extending parallel to the airflow F around the discharge device 6, the airflow F can be rectified by the ridges 74. This increases the linearity of the airflow F passing through the grooves 73 and the discharge openings 35, and more effectively prevents dust from accumulating on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33. Furthermore, if rectifying ribs 207 or rectifying grooves 208 extending in the longitudinal direction of the ridges 74 are formed on at least the end guide surfaces 76 of the ridges 74, the airflow F is rectified not only by the ridges 74 themselves but also by the rectifying ribs 207 or rectifying grooves 208, thereby further enhancing the rectifying effect of the ridges 74.

[0050] If the side wall of the discharge case 34 directly facing the airflow F around the discharge device 6 is connected to the bottom surface of the groove portion 73 via an R-shaped airflow collecting surface 83 that is curved outwardly convexly, it is possible to guide part of the airflow F into the groove portion 73 by the airflow collecting surface 83. This increases the wind speed in the groove portion 73 and downstream thereof, making it possible to more effectively suppress the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33.

[0051] When the throttle plate 204 that is inclined relative to the air passage 5 and throttles it is disposed upstream of the discharge opening 35 of the discharge device 6, the wind speed of the airflow F passing through the discharge opening 35 can be increased compared to when the throttle plate is not disposed. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33.

[0052] By providing a guide plate 205 directly opposite the discharge opening 35, continuous with the downstream end of the throttling plate 204, the wind speed of the airflow F increased by the throttling plate 204 can be maintained until it passes through the discharge opening 35, thereby more effectively suppressing the accumulation of dust.

[0053] By forming the midstream section 12 of the air passage 5 narrower than the upstream section 11, the wind speed of the airflow F can be increased from the upstream section 11 to the midstream section 12. This increases the wind speed in the midstream section 12, i.e., around the discharge device 6, and more effectively suppresses the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33.

[0054] By providing a light detection unit 28 that detects light emitted when the discharge device 6 discharges, it is possible to determine the degree of dust accumulation on the surface of the dielectric 33, etc., based on the detected value. Unlike when the user judges by visual inspection, there is no room for user subjectivity, and the degree can be determined accurately.

[0055] By providing a notification means 27 that notifies the detection results by the light detection unit 28, the user can be notified of a decrease in the amount of light emitted during discharge from the discharge device 6, i.e., the accumulation of dust on the surface of the dielectric 33, etc., and be encouraged to clean the discharge device 6 as soon as possible.

[0056] If the detection value of the optical detection unit 28 is outside the specified normal range, i.e., if it is deemed that dust accumulation is progressing on the surface of the dielectric 33 or the like, control is performed to stop the discharge device 6 and activate the notification means 27, thereby avoiding the inconvenience of continuing to supply electricity to the discharge device 6 in a state where normal discharge cannot be performed, and also urging the user to clean to resolve the situation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] 1 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a main part of a discharge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional front view schematically showing an ozonizer equipped with the discharge device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the ozonizer. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a discharge unit and a base unit that constitute the discharge device. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of components of the discharge unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 11] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the separated discharge part and base part taken along line AA in FIG. 7. [Figure 12] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 7. [Figure 13] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the separated discharge part and base part taken along line CC in FIG. 7. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the base portion and the discharge portion turned upside down. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an electrode pair that constitutes a discharge unit. [Figure 16] 6 is a time chart illustrating the operation of the discharge device and the notification means based on the detection value of the light detection unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional front view of a discharge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an electrode pair that constitutes the discharge unit of the discharge device. [Figure 20]FIG. 10 is a plan view of a discharge device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of a main part of a discharge device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a discharge device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional front view of the main part of the discharge device. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing a discharge device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional front view showing the internal structure of an ozonizer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a side view of the main part of a discharge device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a side view of the main part of a discharge device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] (First embodiment) A first embodiment in which a discharge device and an air purifier according to the present invention are applied to a desktop ozonizer (ozone generator) is shown in Figs. 1 to 16. In the ozonizer, the discharge device generates ozone by discharging electricity in the air. In this embodiment, the front, back, left, right, and top and bottom refer to the crossed arrows shown in Figs. 2 and 4 and the indications given near each arrow. The same applies to the second and subsequent embodiments.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the casing 2, which forms the base of the ozonizer (air purifier) ​​1, consists of a main case 3, which occupies the majority of the casing, and a sub-case 4, which is detachably attached to the top surface of the main case 3. By joining the two cases 3 and 4, a roughly L-shaped air passage 5 is formed within the casing 2. The air passage 5 contains a discharge device 6 that generates ozone by electrical discharge and a blower fan 7 that discharges the generated ozone from the air passage 5. An intake port 8 for the air passage 5 is located on the right wall of the main case 3, and the blower fan 7 is positioned facing this intake port 8. The left portion of the top wall of the sub-case 4 forms a slope that slopes downward from right to left, and an outlet port 9 for the air passage 5 is located on this slope. The blower fan 7 generates a leftward airflow F in the air passage 5, flowing from the intake port 8 to the outlet port 9, and the ozone-containing air is discharged from the outlet port 9.

[0060] From the intake port 8 (upstream side) to the exhaust port 9 (downstream side), the air passage 5 is divided into an upstream section 11 formed solely by the main case 3, a midstream section 12 formed by joining the two cases 3 and 4 vertically, and a downstream section 13 formed solely by the sub-case 4. The blower fan 7 is located in the upstream section 11 together with a fan motor 14, which serves as its driving source, and the discharge device 6 is located in the midstream section 12. The air passage 5 narrows from the upstream section 11 to the midstream section 12. In other words, the midstream section 12 is narrower than the upstream section 11. As a result, the air velocity in the midstream section 12 is higher than in the upstream section 11. The discharge device 6 consists of a lower base section 15 and an upper discharge section 16. The base section 15 is fixed to the lower half of the midstream section 12, i.e., the main case 3, and the discharge section 16 is detachably attached to the base section 15. The base section 15 is provided with an attachment detection section 17 (see Figure 3) that detects whether the discharge section 16 is attached. The discharge device 6 will be described in detail later.

[0061] The lower half of the midstream section 12 is defined by the main case 3, while the upper half is defined by the sub-case 4. Therefore, when the sub-case 4 is separated from the main case 3, the top surface of the discharge device 6 is exposed, allowing maintenance of the discharge device 6 to be performed. Specifically, for example, after separating the discharge unit 16 from the base section 15, the surface of the discharge unit 16 can be cleaned. A safety switch 18 is provided on the joint surface of the main case 3 with the sub-case 4 to mechanically detect whether the sub-case 4 is joined.

[0062] The main case 3 houses a control unit 21 that controls the entire ozonizer 1 and a boost circuit (transformer) 22. The main case 3 is also connected to a power supply unit 23 (see FIG. 3 ), such as a commercial power source, via a power cord, and a power switch 24 for turning the power on is provided on the front (left) surface of the main case 3. The boost circuit 22 boosts the AC voltage, for example, 100 V, supplied from the power supply unit 23 to several kV and applies this high voltage to the discharge device 6. The main case 3 also houses a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the AC voltage supplied from the power supply unit 23 into a DC voltage of a predetermined value (e.g., 5 V, 12 V, 24 V, etc.). This DC voltage serves as a drive source for the ICs in the control unit 21 and the fan motor 14. The boost circuit 22 may boost the DC voltage output from the switching power supply and apply it to the discharge device 6. The power supply unit 23 may be a power adapter that outputs DC voltage. In this case, the boost circuit 22 also boosts the DC voltage and applies it to the discharge device 6.

[0063] When the user turns on the power switch 24, the control unit 21 first checks whether the discharge unit 16 and sub-case 4 are present based on the output of the attachment detection unit 17 and the safety switch 18. After confirming that the discharge unit 16 is attached to the base unit 15 and that the sub-case 4 is connected to the main case 3, the control unit 21 starts supplying electricity from the power supply unit 23 to the fan motor 14 and the boost circuit 22. When power is supplied to the fan motor 14 and the boost circuit 22, the blower fan 7 and the discharge device 6 are driven. This creates an airflow F in the air passage 5, flowing from the intake port 8 to the outlet port 9, and air containing ozone generated around the discharge device 6 is blown out through the outlet port 9. When the control unit 21 confirms that the sub-case 4 or the discharge unit 16 has been separated, the control unit 21 immediately stops supplying electricity to the boost circuit 22 and other components. This reliably prevents electric shock accidents that could occur if the user were to touch electrodes 31 and 32 (described below) or terminals 85 and 86 (described below) to which high voltage is being applied from the boost circuit 22.

[0064] When starting to energize the fan motor 14 and the boost circuit 22, the control unit 21 may light the notification means 27, which is a lamp, for example, in green to notify the user that the ozonizer 1 is running. If the presence of the discharge unit 16 and the sub-case 4 cannot be confirmed, the notification means 27 may light up in red, for example, to notify the user of this.

[0065] A light detection unit 28 is provided in the air passage 5 near the discharge device 6 to detect the blue light emitted by the discharge unit 16 during discharge. Specific examples of the light detection unit 28 include a color sensor using a photodiode and a camera. The control unit 21 can determine the degree of contamination (accumulation of dust, etc.) on the discharge unit 16 based on the amount of blue light detected by the light detection unit 28.

[0066] If the detection value (the amount of blue light) of the light detection unit 28 is less than a predetermined value, i.e., if the controller 21 determines that the level of contamination is high, the controller 21 activates the notification unit 27, for example, by illuminating it in yellow, to prompt the user to promptly clean the discharge device 6. At the same time, the controller 21 may increase the voltage applied to the discharge device 6. This suppresses a decrease in the amount of ozone generated due to contamination (accumulation of dust, etc.) on the discharge unit 16, enabling the generation of ozone at a level close to that of an uncontaminated environment. Specifically, for example, the ozonizer 1 or the discharge device 6 may be equipped with multiple boost circuits 22 with different transformation ratios, and the voltage applied to the discharge device 6 may be increased by switching between the boost circuits 22. Alternatively, the voltage applied to the discharge device 6 may be increased by controlling the duty ratio of the switching elements constituting the boost circuit 22. Instead of increasing the voltage of the discharge device 6, the controller 21 may stop powering the discharge device 6 (boost circuit 22) or the fan motor 14. In a situation where there is a risk that the amount of ozone generated will be insufficient, it is possible to avoid unnecessary power consumption by stopping the discharge device 6 and the like rather than continuing to drive them.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the discharge device 6 is composed of a base 15 fixed within the air passage 5 and a discharge unit 16 detachably attached to the upper side of the base 15. The detachable discharge unit 16 allows for easy cleaning of the discharge unit 16, which is relatively prone to soiling, while separated from the base 15. Furthermore, if the discharge unit 16 malfunctions, it can be replaced alone, reducing repair costs compared to replacing the entire discharge device 6, including the base 15. Another advantage is that workers can easily attach the discharge unit 16 to the base 15 on the discharge device 6 or ozonizer 1 production line. The entire discharge unit 16 is rotationally symmetrical around a vertical axis, or more precisely, two-fold symmetrical. In other words, if the orientation of the discharge unit 16 shown in Figure 4 is defined as a first position, and the state in which the discharge unit 16 is rotated 180° around the vertical axis from this first position is defined as a second position, the discharge unit 16 can be properly attached to the base 15 in either the first or second position.

[0068] The discharge unit 16 is composed of a first electrode 31 and a second electrode 32 facing each other from top to bottom, a dielectric 33 interposed between the electrodes 31 and 32, and a discharge case 34 supporting these. The upper first electrode 31 is formed in a straight rod shape extending laterally and abutting the upper surface of the dielectric 33. The lower second electrode 32 is formed of a film formed on the lower surface of the dielectric 33 by a film-forming method such as sputtering. Each electrode 31 and 32 can be formed of any metal or alloy, such as silver, copper, or stainless steel. In this embodiment, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are formed of titanium, which has excellent corrosion resistance. The diameter of the rod-shaped first electrode 31 is 1 mm, and the thickness of the film-shaped second electrode 32 is 50 to 150 nm. By using a thin film for the second electrode 32, the discharge unit 16 can be made compact with small vertical dimensions.

[0069] The dielectric 33 is made of an insulating material such as glass and is formed into a horizontal rectangular plate that is long in the left-right direction. Specific examples of insulating glass include borosilicate glass and quartz glass. In this embodiment, the thickness of the dielectric 33 is 0.7 mm. The discharge case 34 is made of insulating plastic, and a rectangular discharge opening 35 is formed in the upper surface thereof, exposing the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33 upward.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge case 34 is composed of a rectangular frame-shaped outer case 37 with openings at the top and bottom, and a rectangular dish-shaped inner case 38 with a downward opening. The inner case 38 is fitted inside the outer case 37 from below. The upper opening of the outer case 37 functions as the discharge opening 35, and the lower opening of the outer case 37 is closed by the inner case 38. An engagement structure consisting of a protrusion 39 and a recess 40 is provided on each of the front and rear walls of both cases 37 and 38 (see FIG. 12). In this embodiment, the protrusions 39 are provided on the outer surfaces of the front and rear walls of the inner case 38, and the recesses 40 are provided on the inner surfaces of the front and rear walls of the outer case 37, but of course this arrangement may be reversed. An engagement structure may also be provided on the left and right walls of both cases 37 and 38.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6 , the base case 42, which forms the base of the base portion 15, is made of insulating plastic molding, similar to the outer case 37 and inner case 38 of the discharge case 34. It is formed in a rectangular, stepped platform shape, with a relatively small upper section 43 and a large lower section 44 integrated into one unit. The lower section 44 of the base case 42 is fixed to the main case 3 with a plurality of screws 45. A downward-facing mounting recess 46 is provided inside the inner case 38, receiving the upper section 43 and surrounding it from the front, rear, left, and right. A downward-facing engaging protrusion 47 is formed in the center of the bottom surface of this mounting recess 46. Correspondingly, an upward-facing engaging recess 48 is formed in the center of the top surface of the upper section 43, receiving the engaging protrusion 47. The engaging protrusion 47 is a flat protrusion with a rectangular cross section, and the engaging recess 48 is a flat, rectangular recess slightly larger than the engaging protrusion 47.

[0072] When the discharge unit 16 is attached to the base unit 15 from above, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the upper step 43 of the base case 42 fits into the inner case 38 of the discharge case 34 from below and engages with the attachment recess 46, and the engaging protrusion 47 engages with the engaging recess 48. This engagement restricts horizontal displacement and rotation of the discharge unit 16 relative to the base unit 15. The planar shapes of the engaging protrusion 47 and the engaging recess 48 are not limited to rectangular. For example, if they are other non-circular shapes such as polygonal or elliptical, the periphery of the engaging protrusion 47 can be tightly surrounded by the wall of the engaging recess 48, thereby restricting displacement and rotation of the discharge unit 16. Multiple pairs of engaging protrusions 47 and engaging recesses 48 can also be provided. In this case, displacement and rotation of the discharge unit 16 can be restricted regardless of the planar shapes of the engaging protrusions 47 and engaging recesses 48.

[0073] When the discharge unit 16 is attached, the horizontal top walls of the inner case 38 and the upper section 43 face each other vertically. Hereinafter, the portion of the top wall of the inner case 38 that faces the upper section 43 (excluding both left and right ends) will be referred to as the upper facing wall 51, and the top wall of the upper section 43 will be referred to as the lower facing wall 52. These facing walls 51 and 52 are provided with attachment / retention means for preventing the discharge unit 16 from unintentionally separating upward from the base section 15 and for maintaining the discharge unit 16 in the attached state. This attachment / retention means is composed of a rectangular parallelepiped magnet 53 attached to the upper facing wall 51 of the inner case 38 and a rectangular plate-shaped magnetic body 54 attached to the lower facing wall 52 of the upper section 43.

[0074] Specifically, an upper accommodating recess 55 that opens upward and accommodates the magnet 53 is formed in the center of the upper surface of the upper opposing wall 51, and a lower accommodating recess 56 that opens downward and accommodates the magnetic body 54 is formed in the center of the lower surface of the lower opposing wall 52. The upper surface of the magnet 53 accommodated in the upper accommodating recess 55 is approximately flush with the upper surface of the upper opposing wall 51. The aforementioned attachment detection unit 17 made up of a magnetic sensor is fixed to the lower surface of the magnetic body 54, and the attachment detection unit 17 is accommodated in the lower accommodating recess 56 together with the magnetic body 54.

[0075] The magnet 53 constituting the attachment / retention means is disposed on the rear side (upper side) of the engaging protrusion 47, with the upper opposing wall 51 sandwiched therebetween, and the magnetic body 54 is disposed on the rear side (lower side) of the engaging recess 48, with the lower opposing wall 52 sandwiched therebetween. Therefore, when the engaging protrusion 47 is engaged with the engaging recess 48, the magnet 53 is positioned directly above and close to the magnetic body 54, and the magnetic body 54 is reliably attracted to the magnet 53. This attractive force prevents the discharge unit 16 from unintentionally separating upward from the base unit 15. The attachment detection unit 17, located below the magnetic body 54, outputs a signal to the control unit 21 when it detects the magnetic field emitted by the magnet 53. By receiving this signal, the control unit 21 can determine that the discharge unit 16 is attached to the base unit 15. When the magnetic body 54 is arranged in the upper part 43 of the base case 42, the impact when the discharge device 6 is subjected to an external force is less likely to reach the magnetic body 54, and the discharge part 16 is less likely to come off the base part 15, compared to when it is arranged in the lower part 44.

[0076] The magnet 53 accommodated in the upper accommodating recess 55 is surrounded on all four sides (front, back, left, and right) by the walls of the upper accommodating recess 55, thereby restricting horizontal displacement and rotation about a vertical axis. Similarly, the magnetic body 54 accommodated in the lower accommodating recess 56 is also restricted on all four sides (front, back, left, and right) by the walls of the lower accommodating recess 56, thereby restricting horizontal displacement and rotation about a vertical axis. Note that the planar shape of the magnet 53 and the magnetic body 54 is not limited to a rectangle. For example, if the shape is a non-circular shape such as a polygon or an ellipse, the periphery can be surrounded by the walls of the accommodating recesses 55 and 56 to restrict displacement and rotation of the magnet 53 and the magnetic body 54. Furthermore, contrary to this embodiment, the magnetic body may be arranged in the discharge unit 16 and the magnet may be arranged in the base unit 15, or magnets may be arranged in both the discharge unit 16 and the base unit 15. However, if a magnet 53 is placed next to the discharge part 16, the discharge part 16 separated from the base part 15 can be attracted and held on a stainless steel sink or the like, which is convenient when drying the discharge part 16 after washing it with water.

[0077] The second electrode 32 and the dielectric 33 are adhesively fixed to the upper surfaces of the upper opposing walls 51 (and magnet 53) of the inner case 38 via cushion material 58 made of double-sided tape. The cushion material 58 is formed in the shape of a rectangular sheet that is slightly larger than the dielectric 33, and the second electrode 32 is sandwiched from above and below between the dielectric 33 and the cushion material 58. The peripheral edge of the cushion material 58 elastically deforms and is in close contact with the dielectric 33. As shown in FIG. 8, the upper ends of the front and rear walls of the outer case 37 protrude inward toward the rod-shaped first electrode 31, and the underside of this protrusion is formed in a stepped shape with an upper internal receiving portion 59 that receives the front and rear edges of the dielectric 33 and a lower external receiving portion 60 that receives the front and rear edges of the cushion material 58.

[0078] The dielectric 33 is sandwiched from above and below between the outer case 37 (internal receiving portion 59) and the inner case 38 (upper opposing wall 51). The cushion material 58 located between the dielectric 33 and the inner case 38 is elastically deformed by being pressed from above by the dielectric 33 and the external receiving portion 60 and from below by the inner case 38, thereby absorbing design tolerances such as the thickness of the dielectric 33. The dielectric 33 is positioned in the front-to-rear direction by the vertical wall between the internal receiving portion 59 and the external receiving portion 60 of the outer case 37. As shown in FIG. 5, the upper part of the outer case 37 is provided with a pair of left and right upper walls 61 that form the left and right edges of the discharge opening 35, and the dielectric 33 is positioned in the left-to-right direction by the opposing end faces of both walls 61.

[0079] The rod-shaped first electrode 31 is supported by a pair of left and right electrode support structures 64 provided on the discharge case 34. The electrode support structures 64 are composed of upper support portions 65 provided on both the left and right sides of the discharge opening 35 in the outer case 37 and lower support portions 66 protruding from both the left and right ends of the top wall of the inner case 38 (both the left and right sides of the upper opposing wall 51). The upper support portions 65 are formed in the front-to-rear center of each top wall 61 of the outer case 37, protruding in a tunnel-like shape extending left and right. An upper semicircular receiving groove 67 is recessed into the inner surface of the upper support portion 65 to receive the upper half of the first electrode 31, and a relief recess 68 is formed in the left and right midpoints of each receiving groove 67 to receive an electrode connection portion 90 of a first current conductor 87 (described later) (see FIG. 7). The outermost of the left and right ends of each receiving groove 67 (the end closest to the tip of the first electrode 31) is located directly above a lower semicircular receiving portion 69 (see Figure 9) recessed into the tip surface of the lower support portion 66, and these two portions 67, 69 cooperate to hold the first electrode 31 from above and below. A guide groove 70 (see Figure 9) extending downward and continuing from the receiving groove 67 is recessed into the inner surface of the left and right walls of the outer case 37. When assembling the discharge unit 16, the first electrode 31 can be slid upward along this guide groove 70 until it is positioned so that it can be received in the receiving groove 67.

[0080] The electrode support structure 64 of this embodiment is composed of an upper support portion 65 (receiving groove 67) and a lower support portion 66 (receiving portion 69), which are in close contact with the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31, and restricts the up-down and back-and-forth movement of the first electrode 31. However, this is not essential to the present invention, and the electrode support structure 64 may allow some movement of the first electrode 31. For example, the hole surrounded by the receiving groove 67 and the receiving portion 69 may be oval in the vertical direction, allowing the up-down movement of the first electrode 31 within the length of the oval. In essence, the electrode support structure 64 is only required to perform the minimum function of supporting the first electrode 31. Alternatively, the electrode support structure 64 may be disposed at only one end of the first electrode 31 and support it in a cantilevered manner. This allows for the omission of one of the left and right electrode support structures 64, thereby simplifying the structure of the discharge case 34 and contributing to cost reduction of the discharge device 6. In this case, the first electrode 31 can be formed in a straight rod shape, a zigzag shape, a crank shape, a serpentine shape, a spiral shape, or the like.

[0081] When a set of the first electrode 31, the dielectric 33, and the second electrode 32 is defined as an electrode unit 71 (see FIG. 8), the electrode unit 71 is sandwiched from above and below by the outer case 37 and the inner case 38 together with the cushion material 58 inside the discharge case 34. Specifically, the first electrode 31 constituting the upper part of the electrode unit 71 is supported from above by the upper support part 65 of the outer case 37, and the second electrode 32 and the dielectric 33 constituting the lower part of the electrode unit 71 are supported from below by the upper opposing wall 51 of the inner case 38 via the cushion material 58.

[0082] It is not essential that the first electrode 31 abuts against the upper surface of the dielectric 33; the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 33 may be arranged facing each other vertically with a small gap between them. Specifically, for example, a support structure that supports the dielectric 33 (and the second electrode 32) at a position spaced downward from the first electrode 31 may be provided separately from the electrode support structure 64. Alternatively, a spacer or bushing may be interposed between the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33. In this case, the first electrode 31 may be urged downward by a first current-carrying body 87 (described later) to press the first electrode 31 against the spacer or the like.

[0083] As the discharge device 6 operates, i.e., discharges, white dust, primarily composed of nitrates, may accumulate on the upper surface of the discharge unit 16, particularly on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and dielectric 33. When ozone is generated, nitrogen, oxygen, and moisture in the air may react to produce nitric acid, which causes the accumulation of nitrates, i.e., dust. Because this dust interferes with discharge, it is desirable to remove it periodically. The surfaces of the first electrode 31 and dielectric 33 are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene or fluororesin, i.e., treated to be water-repellent, so the dust can be easily removed by washing with water. In addition, in places where water is not available, the dust can be swept away with a cleaning brush.

[0084] The cleaning brush desirably moves left and right, corresponding to the extension direction of the first electrode 31. This allows the bristles of the cleaning brush to move from one end of the first electrode 31 to the other, simultaneously cleaning the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33. As shown in FIG. 4, upward grooves 73 are provided on the top surface of the outer case 37 of the discharge case 34, adjacent to both the left and right sides of the dielectric 33 (discharge opening 35), to smoothly guide the bristles of the cleaning brush onto the surface of the dielectric 33 and smoothly remove the bristles that have captured dust on the surface. The top surface of the dielectric 33 and the bottom surface of the grooves 73 are flush with each other (see FIG. 1). This prevents dust from getting caught between the dielectric 33 and the grooves 73, allowing it to be easily swept away without leaving any residue.

[0085] Furthermore, a pair of ridges 74 extending parallel to the first electrode 31 are provided on the upper surface of the outer case 37 of the discharge case 34, with the dielectric 33 (discharge opening 35) between them. The side surfaces of each ridge 74 facing the dielectric 33 at the left and right center form a central guide surface 75, and the side surfaces continuing on both the left and right sides of the central guide surface 75 form end guide surfaces 76 that define the groove 73. In this embodiment, the groove 73 is defined by the ridges 74 (end guide surfaces 76), the upper wall 61, and the upper support portion 65, and the groove 73 is formed on both the front and rear sides of each of the left and right upper support portions 65.

[0086] The central guide surface 75 of each protrusion 74 guides the bristles of the cleaning brush left and right and keeps them on the surface of the dielectric 33, contributing to accurate cleaning of the surface. The left and right end guide surfaces 76 smoothly connect to the central guide surface 75. These guide surfaces 75 allow the bristles of the cleaning brush to smoothly enter the surface of the dielectric 33 from one groove 73 and exit smoothly from that surface to the other groove 73. For example, a user can insert the cleaning brush into the left groove 73, move the brush straight to the right to capture dust, and then sweep it out through the right groove 73. Performing this procedure on both the front and rear sides of the first electrode 31 completes dust removal, i.e., cleaning.

[0087] The above cleaning work is performed with the discharge unit 16 separated from the base unit 15. When removing the discharge unit 16, the left and right upper support parts 65 function as knobs. To indicate to the user that these upper support parts 65 are knobs, marks 79 consisting of protrusions are provided at the front-to-back centers of the left and right outer surfaces of the discharge case 34 (outer case 37). This allows the user to recognize that the upper support part 65 directly above the marks 79 is the knob. For example, the user can place their thumb on one upper support part 65 and their index finger on the other upper support part 65, and then pick up and pull up the discharge unit 16 with both fingers from both the left and right sides, thereby separating it from the base unit 15. The left-to-right dimension of the discharge unit 16 (discharge case 34) according to this embodiment is approximately 45 mm, and the front-to-back dimension is approximately 16 mm.

[0088] Using the upper support part 65, which protrudes significantly above the first electrode 31, as a knob effectively prevents the user from touching the first electrode 31 or the dielectric 33 and getting sebum or the like on them. Indicating that the upper support part 65 is a knob with a mark 79 effectively prevents the user from accidentally touching the first electrode 31 or the dielectric 33 by gripping parts other than the upper support part 65, such as the front or rear walls of the discharge case 34. The mark 79 may be a mark printed on the discharge case 34, but by making it a protrusion, the mark 79 can also function as an anti-slip material, allowing the user to hold the discharge case 34 firmly.

[0089] Furthermore, the tunnel-shaped upper support portion 65 that covers the first electrode 31 from above protrudes farther upward than the first electrode 31, so that when the discharge portion 16 is dropped upside down, it strikes the floor or the like first, preventing direct impact on the first electrode 31. In other words, the upper support portion 65 also serves as a first protective portion 81 that protects the first electrode 31 from impact when dropped. Furthermore, although a pair of protrusions 74 provided on the front and rear of the outer case 37 also protrudes less than the first protective portion 81 (upper support portion 65), they protrude upward from the first electrode 31 (see FIG. 1) and can strike the floor or the like first, like the first protective portion 81. In other words, the protrusions 74 constitute a second protective portion 82 that protects the first electrode 31 from impact when dropped.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 2, in air passage 5, blower fan 7 creates airflow F that crosses the top surface of discharge device 6 from right to left. This airflow F not only carries ozone generated by discharge device 6 toward outlet 9, but also blows away and removes dust adhering to the surfaces of first electrode 31 and dielectric 33, thereby contributing to preventing dust accumulation. As described above, air passage 5 is narrowed from upstream section 11 to midstream section 12, and the wind speed is higher in midstream section 12, where discharge device 6 is located, than in upstream section 11. This allows airflow F to effectively remove dust, i.e., prevent dust accumulation.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 4, the left and right side walls of the outer case 37 of the discharge case 34 and the bottom surface of the groove 73 are connected via an R-shaped wind collecting surface 83 that curves outwardly. This wind collecting surface 83 guides a portion of the airflow F that travels straight toward the side walls of the outer case 37 into the groove 73, thereby increasing the wind speed at the groove 73 and at the upper surface of the dielectric 33 downstream thereof. Furthermore, the upper support portion 65 (first protective portion 81) that protrudes from the upper surface of the outer case 37 is long in the direction of the airflow F around the discharge device 6 and is formed in a streamlined shape that narrows toward the upstream side of the airflow F. By diverting the airflow F with this upper support portion 65, the wind speed at the grooves 73 in front of and behind the upper support portion 65 and at the upper surface of the dielectric 33 downstream thereof can also be increased.

[0092] Next, the current-carrying structure for the electrodes 31 and 32 will be described. As shown in Figure 7, the base portion 15 is provided with a first terminal 85 and a second terminal 86 to which an AC voltage of several kV is supplied from the boost circuit 22. The first electrode 31 is electrically connected to the first terminal 85 via a first current-carrying body 87, and the second electrode 32 is electrically connected to the second terminal 86 via a second current-carrying body 88. In other words, the boost circuit 22 applies a high AC voltage to the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 via the terminals 85 and 86 and the current-carrying bodies 87 and 88. The terminals 85 and 86 and the current-carrying bodies 87 and 88 are formed of a metal such as gold-plated stainless steel.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 10 , the first current-carrying body 87 is formed by bending a single conductive wire (metal wire) and includes, in order from the top side of the first electrode 31, an electrode connection portion 90, a seaming portion 91, and a terminal connection portion 92. The electrode connection portion 90 is formed in a coil shape with its axis in the left-right direction and is wound around the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31 so as to closely contact the electrode connection portion 90 (see FIG. 7 ). The seaming portion 91 is L-shaped in side view, having vertical and horizontal portions, and biases one end of the electrode connection portion 90, which is continuous with the vertical portion, downward. Pulling one end of the electrode connection portion 90 downward with the seaming portion 91 enhances the tightness of contact between the electrode connection portion 90 and the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31. The seaming portion 91 exhibits spring properties because the horizontal portion of the seaming portion 91 is received by the underside of the top wall 61 of the outer case 37, i.e., the seat portion 94.

[0094] In the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 31 is not limited to a perfect circle, but may be other shapes such as an ellipse, an oval, a regular polygon, a diamond, a cross, or a D-shape. In these cases, the electrode connection portion 90 is formed into a shape that corresponds to the first electrode 31 and allows for close contact (line contact) with the circumferential surface thereof. The various non-circular cross sections described above can also be formed by forming a D-cut or the like only on the end of the first electrode 31 around which the electrode connection portion 90 is wound. By bringing the electrode connection portion 90 into close contact (line contact) with the circumferential surface of the non-circular cross section of the first electrode 31, the electrode connection portion 90 can restrict rotation of the first electrode 31 around its central axis. The first electrode 31 may also be formed in the shape of a hollow round or square pipe.

[0095] The terminal connection portion 92, which is continuous with the lower side of the seaming portion 91, is formed as a compression coil spring with its axis extending vertically. When the discharge unit 16 is attached as shown in FIG. 10 , the lower end of the terminal connection portion 92 elastically contacts the upper surface of the first terminal 85, electrically connecting the first conductive body 87 to the first terminal 85. At this time, the terminal connection portion 92 is compressed vertically, and its upper end is received by the seat 94, similar to the horizontal portion of the seaming portion 91. The lower end of the terminal connection portion 92, i.e., the first contact 95, is formed in an annular shape, and a spring receiving portion 96 that fits into the first contact 95 is formed on the upper surface of the first terminal 85. The spring receiving portion 96 penetrates into and engages with the inside of the first contact 95, thereby restricting misalignment of the terminal connection portion 92 relative to the first terminal 85 and further stabilizing the electrical connection between the terminals 85 and 92.

[0096] The first current-carrying body 87, which integrally includes the electrode connection portion 90, seaming portion 91, and terminal connection portion 92, reduces the number of parts and reduces assembly labor and costs during manufacturing. The compressed terminal connection portion 92 resiliently contacts the first terminal 85, ensuring stable and reliable electrical connection between them. Additionally, it can accommodate vertical dimensional design tolerances of the discharge case 34 (outer case 37) and base case 42. Furthermore, the terminal connection portion 92 is spaced horizontally (front-to-back) from the vertical portion of the seaming portion 91 via the horizontal portion. This prevents the downward biasing force acting on the electrode connection portion 90 from the vertical portion of the seaming portion 91 from being counteracted by the repulsive force of the terminal connection portion 92, allowing the electrode connection portion 90 to be tightly attached to the peripheral surface of the first electrode 31.

[0097] A generally cylindrical storage boss 99 projects downward from the underside of the upper wall 61 of the outer case 37, surrounding the seat 94. The storage boss 99 defines a storage hole 98 for the terminal connection portion 92 of the first current-carrying body 87. The upper half of the terminal connection portion 92 is stored in the storage hole 98, and by surrounding the upper half of the terminal connection portion 92 with the storage boss 99 in this manner, the upper half can be protected from external forces and prevented from deformation or other damage. A vertical groove is formed in part of the peripheral wall of the storage boss 99, allowing the horizontal portion of the seaming portion 91 to pass through.

[0098] On the top wall of the inner case 38, there is provided an insertion hole 100 that allows the insertion of the storage boss 99 and the terminal connection part 92. The peripheral surface of the insertion hole 100 is close to and surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the protruding end part (lower end part) of the storage boss 99. That is, the insertion hole 100 can protect the protruding end part of the storage boss 99 from external forces and prevent damage such as deformation. On the upper surface of the lower part 44 of the base case 42, a terminal block 101 that faces the storage boss 99 when the discharge part 16 is mounted is provided protruding. The terminal block 101 is formed in a square tube shape that opens upward, and the spring receiving part 96 of the first terminal 85 is arranged inside it.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 11, when the discharge part 16 is separated from the base part 15, the first current conductor 87 moves integrally with the discharge part 16, and the terminal connection part 92 separates from the first terminal 85 and returns to its natural length L1 from the compressed state. With respect to this natural length L1, the depth of the storage hole 98 (the height of the storage boss 99) D1 is set to a dimension that satisfies the inequality (L1 / 2 < D1 < L1). When the depth D1 of the storage hole 98 is greater than half of the natural length L1 of the terminal connection part 92, that is, when the upper over half part of the terminal connection part 92 is stored in the storage hole 98, the upper and lower central part of the terminal connection part 92 that is relatively easy to buckle can be surrounded by the storage boss 99, and its buckling can be accurately prevented. Also, since the terminal connection part 92 does not shrink beyond the depth D1 of the storage hole 98 (so as to be shorter than the depth D1), by setting this depth D1 to be greater than half of the natural length L1 of the terminal connection part 92, the terminal connection part 92 is not excessively compressed when the discharge part 16 is mounted, the deterioration of the terminal connection part 92 can be suppressed, and the life of the first current conductor 87 can be extended. The lower end of the terminal connection part 92 at the natural length L1 is located above the lower end of the discharge case 34. According to this, when the discharge part 16 separated from the base part 15 is placed on a tabletop or the like, the terminal connection part 92 does not touch the tabletop, that is, it is not compressed, the deterioration of the terminal connection part 92 can be suppressed, and the life can be extended.

[0100] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, current is passed from the second terminal 86 to the second electrode 32 via a pair of front and rear second current-carrying bodies 88. Each second current-carrying body 88 is formed from a single conductive wire (metal wire) and is shaped like a compression coil spring with its axis extending vertically. While the first current-carrying body 87 is connected to the first electrode 31 of the discharge unit 16 and is separable from the first terminal 85 of the base unit 15, the second current-carrying body 88 is connected to the second terminal 86 of the base unit 15 and is separable from the second electrode 32 of the discharge unit 16. The lower end of the second current-carrying body 88 is crimped and fixed to the second terminal 86, thereby supporting the second current-carrying body 88 in a self-standing state by the second terminal 86. When the discharge unit 16 is attached as shown in Figure 12, each second current-carrying body 88 is compressed vertically, and its upper end elastically contacts the lower surface of the second electrode 32.

[0101] The upper end of the second current conductor 88 is formed in an annular shape and is in line contact with the lower surface of the second electrode 32. This reduces the contact pressure between the two conductors 32 and 88, thereby suppressing wear on the second electrode 32. Furthermore, even when part of the surface of the second electrode 32 or the second current conductor 88 oxidizes over time, poor electrical conductivity is less likely to occur, and the voltage applied to the second electrode 32 can be maintained at a high level.

[0102] Cylindrical storage bosses 105 and 106 protrude upward and downward from the lower opposing wall 52 of the base case 42, defining a storage hole 104 for the second current-carrying body 88. The lower majority of the second current-carrying body 88, excluding its upper end, is housed in the storage hole 104. By surrounding the lower majority of the second current-carrying body 88 with the storage bosses 105 and 106, this majority is protected from external forces, preventing deformation and other damage. The protruding end (lower end) of the lower storage boss 106 abuts against the second terminal 86 and surrounds the connecting (crimped) portion between the second terminal 86 and the second current-carrying body 88. The protruding end (upper end) of the upper storage boss 105 is in close proximity to, but not in contact with, the underside of the second electrode 32 when the discharge unit 16 is attached to the base unit 15. At this time, the upper end of the second current-carrying body 88 protrudes from the tip of the upper housing boss 105 , that is, from the upper opening of the housing hole 104 , and comes into close contact with the lower surface of the second electrode 32 .

[0103] The upper opposing wall 51 and cushion material 58 of the inner case 38 of the discharge unit 16 are each provided with insertion holes 107 and 108 that allow the upper storage boss 105 to pass through. The inner peripheral surface of each insertion hole 107 and 108 is closely spaced from and surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the upper storage boss 105. These insertion holes 107 and 108 prevent horizontal misalignment of the upper storage boss 105 relative to the second electrode 32, thereby ensuring that the second current-carrying body 88 abuts the appropriate location on the second electrode 32. The outer peripheral surface of the tip of the upper storage boss 105 is tapered, narrowing upward, and a tapered guide surface 109 that widens downward is formed at the bottom of the insertion hole 107 in the upper opposing wall 51 that allows the upper storage boss 105 to pass through. These tapered surfaces allow the upper storage boss 105 to be easily guided into the insertion hole 107 when the discharge unit 16 is attached to the base unit 15. In addition, the guide surface 109 may be an inclined surface with a constant angle as in this embodiment, or may be an inclined surface or a curved surface with a variable inclination, or may be a C-surface or R-surface created by chamfering the lower end of the insertion hole 107.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 13, when the discharge part 16 is separated from the base part 15, the second current-carrying body 88 is separated from the second electrode 32 and returns from the compressed state to the natural length L2. With respect to this natural length L2, the depth D2 of the storage hole 104 is set to a dimension that satisfies the inequality (L2 / 2 < D2 < L2). When the depth D2 of the storage hole 104 is greater than half of the natural length L2 of the second current-carrying body 88, that is, when the lower over half of the second current-carrying body 88 is stored in the storage hole 104, the upper and lower central part of the second current-carrying body 88 that is relatively prone to buckling can be surrounded by the storage hole 104, and its buckling can be accurately prevented. Furthermore, since the second current-carrying body 88 does not shrink beyond the depth D2 of the storage hole 104 (so as to be shorter than the depth D2), by setting this depth D2 to be greater than half of the natural length L2 of the second current-carrying body 88, the second current-carrying body 88 is not overly compressed when the discharge part 16 is mounted, the deterioration of the second current-carrying body 88 can be suppressed, and its lifespan can be extended. Also, the height T of the upper storage boss 105 is set to be smaller than half of the depth D2 of the storage hole 104 (T < D2 / 2). According to this, the protrusion amount of the upper storage boss 105 from the lower opposing wall 52 can be reduced, and deformation and breakage of the upper storage boss 105 when it receives an external force can be well prevented.

[0105] According to the form in which the second current-carrying body 88 in the compressed state elastically adheres to the second electrode 32, the electrical connection between the two 32 and 88 becomes stable and reliable. In addition, design tolerances such as the vertical dimension of the base case 42 and the vertical thickness of the dielectric 33 can be absorbed. By supporting the back side, that is, the upper surface of the surface of the second electrode 32 that receives the second current-carrying body 88 with the dielectric 33 made of a glass plate, the second electrode 32 can be reinforced and its deformation and the like can be prevented. Since the dielectric 33 is sufficiently thicker than the second electrode 32, the second electrode 32 can be firmly reinforced. The upward elastic force acting on the dielectric 33 from the second current-carrying body 88 via the second electrode 32 is firmly received by the inner receiving part 59 of the outer case 37.

[0106] When the second electrode 32 and the second terminal 86 are electrically connected by a pair of second current-carrying bodies 88, even if a connection failure occurs between one of the second current-carrying bodies 88 and the second electrode 32 or the second terminal 86, current can be passed through the other second current-carrying body 88, improving the reliability of the discharge device 6. The pair of second current-carrying bodies 88 have the same spring constant. This allows the elastic force acting on the second electrode 32 to be uniform, without bias toward either the front or rear, thereby ensuring appropriate contact between both second current-carrying bodies 88 and the second electrode 32 and stabilizing the electrical connection therebetween. Furthermore, the upward elastic force acting from each second current-carrying body 88 on the second electrode 32 also acts on the first electrode 31 via the dielectric 33. The synergistic effect of this upward elastic force and the elastic force of the seaming portion 91 of the first current-carrying body 87 pulling one end of the electrode connection portion 90 downward further improves the contact of the electrode connection portion 90 with the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31.

[0107] Of course, the vertical repulsive force exerted by the second current-carrying body 88 and the terminal connection portion 92 of the first current-carrying body 87 in a compressed state is sufficiently smaller than the attractive force between the magnet 53 and the magnetic body 54 that constitute the aforementioned attachment and retention means, and the discharge portion 16 will not be separated from the base portion 15 solely by the repulsive force between the second current-carrying body 88 and the terminal connection portion 92. However, since part of the attractive force of the attachment and retention means is offset by the repulsive force between the second current-carrying body 88 and the terminal connection portion 92, the user can separate the discharge portion 16 from the base portion 15 with less force when cleaning the discharge portion 16, for example.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 14 , the first terminal 85 (spring receiving portion 96) is disposed at only one left or right end (here, the left end) of the base portion 15, whereas the first current-carrying body 87 is disposed at both left and right ends of the first electrode 31. Of these, only one first current-carrying body 87 comes into close contact with the first terminal 85 when the discharge unit 16 is attached, contributing to the conduction of electricity from the first terminal 85 to the first electrode 31. Furthermore, a pair of second current-carrying bodies 88 are disposed at only one left or right side (here, the right side) of the base portion 15, whereas insertion holes 107 and 108 that allow the second current-carrying bodies 88 to pass through are disposed on both left and right sides of the discharge unit 16. Of these, only one insertion hole 107 and 108 allows the second current-carrying body 88 to pass through when the discharge unit 16 is attached, contributing to the conduction of electricity from the second terminal 86 to the second electrode 32.

[0109] The arrangement of the first current-carrying bodies 87 on both the left and right sides of the first electrode 31 and the insertion holes 107 and 108 on both the left and right sides of the discharge unit 16 is due to the fact that the discharge unit 16 has two-fold symmetry about the vertical axis, as described above. When the discharge unit 16 is attached to the base unit 15 in the first position, the left-side first current-carrying body 87 and the right-side insertion holes 107 and 108 perform their functions, and when the discharge unit 16 is attached in the second position, the right-side first current-carrying body 87 and the left-side insertion holes 107 and 108 perform their functions. In other words, whether the two-fold symmetric discharge unit 16 is attached to the base unit 15 in the first position or the second position, the electrodes 31 and 32 and the terminals 85 and 86 are electrically connected via the current-carrying bodies 87 and 88. This makes the discharge device 6 user-friendly, as the user does not need to worry about the orientation of the discharge unit 16 when attaching it.

[0110] In addition, no terminal block 101 or the like is provided at a diagonal position of the first terminal 85 (spring receiving portion 96) in a plan view of the base case 42. Therefore, when the terminal connection portion 92 of one first current conductor 87 is in close contact with the first terminal 85, the terminal connection portion 92 of the other first current conductor 87 is extended to its natural length and faces the upper surface of the lower portion 44 of the base case 42. In other words, by preventing the terminal connection portion 92 from being compressed, its deterioration can be suppressed and its lifespan can be extended. Furthermore, the location where the second electrode 32 is in close contact with the second current conductor 88 differs between the first and second positions of the discharge unit 16. This suppresses wear on the second electrode 32 and extends its lifespan.

[0111] The spring bearing portion 96 of the first terminal 85 that receives the first current-carrying body 87 is disposed in the lower portion 44 of the base case 42, whereas the second current-carrying body 88 extending from the second terminal 86 is disposed in the upper portion 43 of the same case 42. In other words, the pair of terminals 85 and 86 and the current-carrying bodies 87 and 88 are disposed separately in the upper and lower portions 43 and 44 of the base case 42.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 15 , the second electrode 32 is formed in a rectangular shape that is slightly smaller than the dielectric 33 and is elongated from side to side. A gap 110 is provided as a non-conductive region in the front-to-rear center, i.e., directly below the first electrode 31. This gap 110 is formed in a strip shape extending parallel to the first electrode 31, i.e., in the left-to-right direction. The second electrode 32 is divided by the gap 110 into a first region 111 on the front side and a second region 112 on the rear side, and the two regions 111 and 112 are connected only by three bridge portions 113 on the left and right sides. The bridge portions 113 are arranged so as to cross the longitudinal center and both end portions of the gap 110. Each bridge portion 113 is formed (deposited) simultaneously with the first region 111 and the second region 112, but may be formed separately from these regions 111 and 112.

[0113] When a high AC voltage is applied to the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, a silent discharge (dielectric barrier discharge) occurs between the first electrode 31 and the surface (top surface) of the dielectric 33 covering the second electrode 32, converting some of the oxygen in the surrounding air into ozone. To increase the amount of ozone generated by causing this silent discharge to occur over a wide area, a gap 110 is provided at the front-to-rear center of the second electrode 32, i.e., directly below the first electrode 31. The presence of this gap 110 causes the charge on the surface of the dielectric 33 to concentrate more in front of and behind the first electrode 31 (above the first region 111 and the second region 112) than directly below it, resulting in a discharge occurring over a wide area on the surface of the dielectric 33. In addition, the gap 110 makes it possible to prevent the discharge from concentrating directly below the first electrode 31, where white dust (nitrates) that hinders discharge is likely to accumulate. By generating discharge in front of and behind the first electrode 31 where dust accumulation is relatively small, the amount of discharge can be maintained for a relatively long period of time, thereby reducing the number of times the user needs to clean the discharge unit 16.

[0114] The width W1 of the first electrode 31 in the front-to-rear direction is 1 mm, which corresponds to its diameter, while the width W2 of the gap 110 in the same direction is set to 2 mm. Setting the width W2 of the gap 110 larger than the width W1 of the first electrode 31 reduces the charge that accumulates directly below the first electrode 31 on the surface of the dielectric 33, allowing the discharge to spread over a wider area. Also, as shown in FIG. 13 , the height H1 of the first electrode 31 in the vertical direction is 1 mm, which corresponds to its diameter, while the thickness H2 of the dielectric 33 in the vertical direction is set to 0.7 mm. Setting the thickness H2 of the dielectric 33 smaller than the height H1 of the first electrode 31 moves the imaginary line connecting the front and rear edges of the second electrode 32 and the first electrode 31 closer to horizontal than vertical, thereby moving the charge distribution on the surface of the dielectric 33 closer to the front and rear edges, allowing the discharge to spread over a wider area.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 15 , one of a pair of front and rear second current-carrying bodies 88 extending from the second terminal 86 is connected to the first region 111 of the second electrode 32, and the other is connected to the second region 112. Therefore, even if the bridge portion 113 is not present and the regions 111 and 112 are separated from each other, it is possible to supply voltage to each of the regions 111 and 112. However, if one of the second current-carrying bodies 88 deteriorates and a connection failure occurs between the second electrode 32 and the second terminal 86, this would result in a disadvantage in that voltage could only be supplied to half of the region of the second electrode 32. To avoid this disadvantage, in this embodiment, the first region 111 and the second region 112 are connected by the bridge portion 113. As a result, even if a connection failure occurs in one of the second current-carrying bodies 88, voltage can be supplied to the entire second electrode 32 via the other second current-carrying body 88. In plan view, the entire second electrode 32 is disposed inside the periphery of the dielectric 33, which makes it possible to reliably prevent discharge between the electrodes 31 and 32 without the dielectric 33 intervening therebetween.

[0116] Instead of arranging the rod-shaped first electrode 31 straight from side to side, it can be arranged at an angle in the horizontal plane, for example, along the diagonal of the discharge opening 35. This allows the overall length of the first electrode 31 to be longer and the range of discharge to be wider than when the first electrode 31 is arranged straight from side to side. In this case, it is desirable to form the gap 110 parallel to the first electrode 31 along the diagonal of the discharge opening 35. The first electrode 31 (and gap 110) can also be bent, curved, or meandered, or two or more first electrodes 31 (and gap 110) can be provided, which also widens the range of discharge. Increasing the range of discharge in this way can increase the amount of ozone generated accordingly.

[0117] As described above, in the discharge device 6 according to this embodiment, the pair of upper and lower electrodes 31 and 32 and the dielectric 33 are housed in the discharge case 34, and the top surface of this discharge case 34 is provided with the discharge opening 35 that exposes the rod-shaped first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33 upward, and the upward-facing grooves 73 adjacent to both sides of the discharge opening 35. This allows the user to sweep away dust accumulated on the surface of the dielectric 33 and the like by simply moving a cleaning brush over one groove 73, the discharge opening 35, and the other groove 73 in that order. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top surface of the dielectric 33 and the bottom surface of the groove 73 are flush with each other, preventing dust from getting caught between the dielectric 33 and the groove 73 and allowing dust to be easily swept away without leaving any residue.

[0118] If the direction in which the discharge opening 35 and the groove 73 are adjacent to each other coincides with the extension direction of the first electrode 31, when the cleaning brush is moved in the aforementioned direction, the bristles can be moved from one end to the other end of the first electrode 31. In other words, the surface of the first electrode 31 can be cleaned accurately with the cleaning brush, and the dielectric 33 can be cleaned simultaneously.

[0119] If the pair of protrusions 74 extending parallel to the first electrode 31 with the discharge opening 35 therebetween have a central guide surface 75 facing the dielectric 33, when the cleaning brush is moved in the aforementioned direction, the bristles are guided in the same direction by the central guide surface 75 and are kept on the surface of the dielectric 33, thereby enabling accurate cleaning. Furthermore, if end guide surfaces 76 that define the grooves 73 are provided contiguous to both ends of the central guide surface 75, the bristles of the cleaning brush can be smoothly introduced from one groove 73 onto the surface of the dielectric 33 and smoothly led out from that surface to the other groove 73.

[0120] If the electrode support structure 64, which supports both ends of the first electrode 31, covers at least the upper surface of the first electrode 31, when the discharge part 16 of the discharge device 6 is accidentally turned upside down and dropped, the electrode support structure 64 will strike the floor or the like first, preventing a direct impact on the first electrode 31. Furthermore, if a protrusion 74 (second protective part 82) is provided that protrudes above the first electrode 31, when the discharge part 16 of the discharge device 6 is accidentally turned upside down and dropped, the protrusion 74 will strike the floor or the like first, preventing a direct impact on the first electrode 31.

[0121] If the second electrode 32 paired with the rod-shaped first electrode 31 is formed in a plane parallel to the dielectric 33, discharge can be generated between the electrodes 31 and 32 without any problems even if there is a deviation in the relative positions of the electrodes 31 and 32 due to, for example, design tolerances in the support structure of the electrodes 31 and 32. This allows for more stable discharge.

[0122] If the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33 are subjected to a water-repellent treatment, water droplets formed by condensation or the like are easily repelled by the surface of the first electrode 31 or the dielectric 33. This makes it possible to prevent the water droplets from drying on the surface of the first electrode 31 or the dielectric 33, and to prevent dirt contained in the water droplets from adhering to the surface of the first electrode 31 or the dielectric 33.

[0123] The ozonizer 1 according to this embodiment includes a casing 2 having an air passage 5 therein, a blower fan 7 that forms an airflow F in the air passage 5, and the above-described discharge device 6 that is provided in the air passage 5. This allows the airflow F to be formed around the discharge device 6, thereby suppressing the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33. Furthermore, by aligning the direction of the airflow F passing around the discharge device 6 with the direction in which the discharge opening 35 and the groove 73 are adjacent, i.e., the optimal movement direction of the cleaning brush, the accumulation of dust can be more effectively suppressed.

[0124] The electrode support structure 64, which supports both ends of the first electrode 31, includes upper support portions 65 that protrude from the upper surface of the discharge case 34. If the longitudinal direction of these upper support portions 65 coincides with the direction of the airflow F around the discharge device 6, the airflow F can be rectified by the upper support portions 65. This increases the linearity of the airflow F passing through the groove portions 73 and the discharge opening 35, making it possible to more effectively prevent dust from accumulating on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33. Furthermore, if the upper support portions 65 are formed in a streamlined shape that narrows toward the upstream side of the airflow F around the discharge device 6, the airflow F can be deflected by the upper support portions 65, increasing the wind speed around the upper support portions 65 and on the downstream side. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent dust from accumulating on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33.

[0125] If a pair of ridges 74 are provided on the top surface of the discharge case 34, extending parallel to the airflow F around the discharge device 6 with the discharge opening 35 between them, the airflow F can be rectified by the ridges 74. This increases the linearity of the airflow F passing through the grooves 73 and the discharge opening 35, and more effectively suppresses the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33.

[0126] If the side wall of the discharge case 34 directly facing the airflow F around the discharge device 6 is connected to the bottom surface of the groove portion 73 via an R-shaped airflow collecting surface 83 that is curved outwardly convexly, it is possible to guide part of the airflow F into the groove portion 73 by the airflow collecting surface 83. This increases the wind speed in the groove portion 73 and downstream thereof, making it possible to more effectively suppress the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33.

[0127] By forming the midstream section 12 of the air passage 5 narrower than the upstream section 11, the wind speed of the airflow F can be increased from the upstream section 11 to the midstream section 12. This increases the wind speed in the midstream section 12, i.e., around the discharge device 6, and more effectively suppresses the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33.

[0128] By providing a light detection unit 28 that detects the light emitted by the discharge device 6 during discharge, it is possible to determine the degree of dust accumulation on the surface of the dielectric 33, etc., based on the detected value. Unlike when the user judges visually, there is no room for user subjectivity, and the degree can be determined accurately. Furthermore, by providing notification means 27 that notifies the result of detection by the light detection unit 28, the user can be notified of a decrease in the amount of light emitted by the discharge device 6 during discharge, i.e., that dust accumulation is progressing on the surface of the dielectric 33, etc., and can be encouraged to clean the discharge device 6 promptly.

[0129] A discharge unit comprising a discharge device 6 having a dielectric 33 disposed between a pair of electrodes 31 and 32, a light detection section 28 that detects light emitted by the discharge device 6 during discharge, and notification means 27 that notifies the detection result by the light detection section 28. The light detection section 28 and the notification means 27 may be separate from the discharge device 6, or may be mounted on the discharge device 6. The discharge unit, which includes the discharge device 6, the light detector 28, and the notification means 27, can first determine the degree of contamination (accumulation of dust, etc.) on the surface of the dielectric 33 of the discharge device 6 based on the detection value of the light detector 28. Unlike when a user visually determines the degree of contamination, there is no room for user subjectivity, and the degree can be accurately determined. In addition, by providing the notification means 27 that notifies the detection results by the light detector 28, the user can be notified of a decrease in the amount of light emitted by the discharge device 6 during discharge, i.e., the progression of contamination on the surface of the dielectric 33, etc., and can be encouraged to clean the discharge device 6 promptly. This makes it possible to avoid the inconvenience of continuing to operate the discharge device 6 when the surface contamination hinders discharge and the amount of discharge has decreased.

[0130] The light detection unit 28 can be configured, for example, with a camera that photographs the discharge device 6. In this case, images taken when the discharge device 6 is normal, i.e., when the contamination of the discharge device 6 is within the allowable range, and images taken when the discharge device 6 is abnormal, i.e., when the contamination of the discharge device 6 exceeds the allowable range, are stored in a storage unit (not shown). Then, each time the camera photographs the discharge device 6, the AI ​​(control unit 21) determines whether the photographed image is classified as normal or abnormal. The light detection unit 28 can also be configured with a photodiode facing the discharge device 6. The magnitude of the current flowing through the photodiode is approximately proportional to the amount of light received. Therefore, the amount of light emitted by the discharge device 6 during discharge, i.e., the degree of contamination on its surface, can be determined based on the current value of the photodiode. Furthermore, the light detection unit 28 can be configured with a color sensor facing the discharge device 6. A color sensor is a type of photoelectric sensor equipped with a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and can detect the amount of light received from each of the three primary colors of light, namely red, blue, and green, and determine the color of the object based on that information. Similar to the photodiode described above, the light-receiving element of the color sensor outputs an electrical signal according to the amount of light received, and based on that, it is possible to determine the amount of blue light emitted by the discharge device 6 when it discharges, i.e., the degree of contamination on the surface.

[0131] A discharge unit characterized in that the light detection section 28 is composed of an element that outputs an electrical signal according to the amount of received light. If the light detection unit 28 is configured using an element that outputs an electrical signal according to the amount of light received, such as a photodiode or a color sensor, the light detection unit 28 can be configured more inexpensively than if it were configured using a camera or the like.

[0132] A discharge unit characterized in that the discharge device (6) comprises a discharge section (16) including a pair of electrodes (31, 32) and a dielectric (33), and a base section (15) to which the discharge section (16) is detachably attached. If the discharge section 16 of the discharge device 6 is detachable from the base section 15, the discharge section 16, which is relatively prone to getting dirty because it includes a pair of electrodes 31 and 32 and a dielectric 33, can be easily cleaned while separated from the base section 15. Furthermore, if the discharge section 16 breaks down, only the discharge section 16 can be replaced, which is more economical than replacing the entire discharge device 6 including the base section 15.

[0133] A discharge unit characterized in that the voltage applied to both electrodes 31 and 32 of discharge device 6 when the detection value of light detection unit 28 is outside a predetermined normal range is set higher than the voltage applied to both electrodes 31 and 32 when the detection value is within the normal range. The detection value of light detection unit 28 being outside the normal range may be when it falls below a predetermined value (lower threshold) or, conversely, when it exceeds a predetermined value (upper threshold). If the detection value of the optical detection unit 28 is outside the normal range, i.e., if the surface of the discharge device 6 is heavily soiled, setting the voltage applied to both electrodes 31 and 32 of the discharge device 6 high will suppress the decrease in the discharge amount caused by the soiling and will make it possible to maintain a discharge amount close to that when there is little soiling (when the detection value of the optical detection unit 28 is within the normal range).

[0134] A discharge unit characterized in that the discharge device is stopped when the detection value of the light detection section is outside the normal range. If the detection value of the light detection unit 28 is outside the normal range, that is, if the surface of the discharge device 6 is heavily soiled, the discharge device 6 can be stopped. By stopping the discharge device 6 rather than continuing to operate it under conditions where the amount of discharge may be insufficient due to soiling, it is possible to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

[0135] As shown in the time chart of FIG. 16, a first normal range and a second normal range wider than the first normal range are set for the detection value of the light detection unit 28, When the detection value of the optical detection unit 28 falls outside the first normal range and falls only within the second normal range, the voltage applied to both electrodes 31 and 32 of the discharge device 6 is increased (time t1), and when the detection value also falls outside the second normal range, the discharge device 6 is stopped (time t2). The voltage when the detection value of the light detection unit 28, i.e., the amount of light received from the discharge device 6, falls only within the second normal range (times t1 to t2), may be constant regardless of the amount of light received, or may increase linearly or stepwise as the amount of light received decreases. If the detection value of the optical detection unit 28 falls outside the first normal range and falls solely within the second normal range, i.e., if the degree of contamination on the surface of the discharge device 6 has increased, increasing the voltage applied to both electrodes 31 and 32 of the discharge device 6 can suppress the decrease in the discharge amount due to the contamination and maintain a discharge amount close to that when the contamination is small (i.e., when the detection value of the optical detection unit 28 is within the first normal range).Furthermore, if the detection value of the optical detection unit 28 also falls outside the second normal range, i.e., if the degree of contamination on the surface of the discharge device 6 has increased to the point where the decrease in the discharge amount cannot be suppressed even by increasing the voltage applied to both electrodes 31 and 32, stopping the discharge device 6 can avoid unnecessary power consumption.

[0136] The detection value of the light detector 28 can be used to determine the degree of contamination on the surface of the discharge device 6 as described above, as well as to determine whether or not there is a malfunction in the electrical system related to the electrodes 31 and 32 of the discharge device 6. For example, if the detection value of the light detector 28 falls outside the normal range as the amount of light emitted by the discharge device 6 decreases, and the user notices this and cleans the surface of the discharge device 6, but the situation persists (the amount of light emitted by the discharge device 6 remains low), it can be determined that a malfunction (voltage drop) has occurred in the electrical system related to the electrodes 31 and 32. Furthermore, if the amount of light emitted by the discharge device 6 increases abnormally during discharge, causing the detection value of the light detector 28 to fall outside the normal range, it can also be determined that a malfunction (voltage rise) has occurred in the electrical system. Because high concentrations of ozone are harmful to the human body, detecting a malfunction due to a voltage rise on the electrodes 31 and 32 is particularly important for the ozonizer 1. Upon detection, the discharge device 6 can be immediately shut down to ensure user safety. In addition to the above, the presence or absence of a fault in the electrical system related to the electrodes 31 and 32 can also be determined by measuring the current flowing through the discharge device 6. However, the current flowing through the discharge device 6 is very small, at only a few mA, and it is not easy to accurately measure its fluctuations. In other words, compared to the above method that uses the detection value of the optical detection unit 28, there is a risk that the cost of building a system required to determine a fault will be higher.

[0137] A discharge unit characterized in that a first electrode (31) arranged on the front side of a dielectric (33) is formed in a rod shape, and a second electrode (32) arranged on the back side of the dielectric (33) is formed in a flat shape. If the first electrode 31 on the surface side of the dielectric 33 is formed in a rod shape, the portion of the surface of the dielectric 33 that is covered by the first electrode 31 can be reduced, and most of the surface of the dielectric 33 can be exposed to the light detection unit 28. In other words, the light detection unit 28 can easily detect the light emitted when the discharge device 6 discharges. However, if the first electrode 31 is formed in a flat shape, most of the surface of the dielectric 33 will be covered by the first electrode 31, making it difficult for the light detection unit 28 to detect the light emitted. If the second electrode 32 on the back side of the dielectric 33 is formed in a flat shape, discharge and the accompanying light emission can be generated over a wide area on the surface of the dielectric 33. This, combined with the rod-shaped first electrode 31 as described above, makes it even easier for the light detection unit 28 to detect the emitted light. This effect is further improved by forming a gap 110 as a non-conductive area in the second electrode 32. Note that if both electrodes 31 and 32 are formed in a rod shape, the area in which discharge occurs becomes relatively narrow, making it difficult for the light detection unit 28 to detect the accompanying light emission. Furthermore, if the first electrode 31 is formed in a rod shape and the second electrode 32 is formed in a flat shape, discharge can be generated between the electrodes 31 and 32 without any problems even if there is a deviation in the relative positions of the electrodes 31 and 32 due to, for example, design tolerances in the support structures of the electrodes 31 and 32. Therefore, discharge can be generated more stably.

[0138] Second Embodiment FIGS. 17 to 19 show a second embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a single second current-carrying body 88 is disposed in the center of the base 15 in a plan view. The second electrode 32 is generally shaped like a recumbent H, and a bridge portion 113 is provided only in the center of the second electrode 32. The second current-carrying body 88 includes an upper current-carrying pin 147 that elastically contacts the lower surface of the bridge portion 113 of the second electrode 32, a lower current-carrying spring 148 that urges the current-carrying pin 147 upward toward the second electrode 32, and a current-carrying piece 149 that extends substantially horizontally and is continuous with the lower end of the current-carrying spring 148. The tip of the current-carrying piece 149 is connected to the boost circuit 22 via a conductor or the like. As is apparent from this embodiment, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the second current-carrying body 88 is elastically deformable in the thickness direction of the second electrode 32, i.e., in the vertical direction.

[0139] The current-carrying pin 147 and the current-carrying spring 148 are housed in a housing hole 104 that penetrates the center of the base case 42 vertically. The current-carrying pin 147 is slidably guided along the periphery of the housing hole 104 so as to be movable only up and down. The current-carrying pin 147 is cylindrical and made of any metal or other material with excellent conductivity. Its tip (upper end) has a circular horizontal surface that makes surface contact with the lower surface of the second electrode 32. The current-carrying spring 148 is shaped like a compression coil spring with its axis extending vertically, and its upper end is connected to the lower end of the current-carrying pin 147. Bringing the tip of the current-carrying pin 147 into surface contact with the second electrode 32 reduces the contact pressure between the two electrodes 32 and 147, suppressing wear on the second electrode 32. This also reduces the likelihood of electrical conductivity failure even when parts of the surfaces of the second electrode 32 and the current-carrying pin 147 oxidize over time, making it possible to maintain a high level of voltage applied to the second electrode 32.

[0140] The base portion 15 includes a bottom cover 145 that fits into the base case 42 from below, and the bottom opening of the storage hole 104 is closed by the bottom cover 145. A circular engagement hole 153 that receives the tip (lower end) of the lower storage boss 106 is recessed in the center of the inner surface of the bottom cover 145, and a cylindrical engagement protrusion 154 that fits inside the tip of the lower storage boss 106 is protruded from the center of the bottom surface of this engagement hole 153. The lower end of the conductive spring 148 is supported by the inner surface (upper surface) of the bottom cover 145, or more precisely, by the tip surface (upper surface) of the engagement protrusion 154. In addition, a vertical groove 155 that allows the conductive piece 149 to be inserted is formed in the tip of the lower storage boss 106. By forming engagement hole 153 and engagement protrusion 154 on the inner surface of bottom cover 145, engagement protrusion 154 and engagement hole 153 can be engaged from the inside and outside with the tip of lower storage boss 106, reliably preventing misalignment of bottom cover 145. Furthermore, by inserting engagement protrusion 154 into the tip of lower storage boss 106, the vertical dimension of storage hole 104 is reduced accordingly, which allows for the miniaturization of current-carrying spring 148 and therefore cost reduction. Note that it is also possible to omit either engagement hole 153 or engagement protrusion 154, and provide only engagement hole 153 or only engagement protrusion 154 in the center of the inner surface of bottom cover 145.

[0141] The electrode support structure 64, which supports both ends of the first electrode 31, is composed only of upper support portions 65 provided on the outer case 37 of the discharge case 34; the lower support portions 66 of the inner case 38 are omitted. Each upper support portion 65 has a vertically long guide hole 151 through which the first electrode 31 is inserted, and the first electrode 31 can move up and down relative to the dielectric 33 along the front and rear sides of the guide hole 151. Since the first electrode 31 can be moved toward and away from the dielectric 33 in this manner, the first electrode 31 and its surroundings can be cleaned with a cleaning brush or the like while the first electrode 31 is separated from the dielectric 33. In the normal state, the first electrode 31 is urged downward by the winding portion 91 of the first current-carrying body 87 and the upper spring 157, and is in close contact with the upper surface of the dielectric 33.

[0142] The upper spring 157 is a compression coil spring with its axis aligned vertically and is disposed inside each of the left and right upper support members 65. A spring recess 158 is provided on the inner surface of the upper support member 65 to accommodate the upper portion of the upper spring 157. The lower end of the upper spring 157 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the electrode connection member 90 of the first current-carrying body 87, thereby causing the downward biasing force of the upper spring 157 to act on the first electrode 31 via the electrode connection member 90. By lifting the first electrode 31 against the biasing forces of the seaming member 91 and the upper spring 157, the area around the lower portion of the first electrode 31 can be cleaned with a cleaning brush. When the upper spring 157 is used as in this embodiment, the seaming member 91 may be omitted from the first current-carrying body 87. However, using both the seaming member 91 and the upper spring 157 can more reliably bring the first electrode 31 into close contact with the dielectric 33.

[0143] The terminal connection portion 92 of the first current-carrying body 87 is formed as a downwardly expanding conical coil spring. This allows the lower end of the terminal connection portion 92 to contact the upper surface of the first terminal 85 over several revolutions when compressed vertically. This increases the contact area between the first terminal 85 and the second terminal 85, thereby reducing the electrical resistance between the first terminal 85 and the second terminal 85. The coil spring constituting the terminal connection portion 92 can also be formed into a downwardly expanding bell-mouth shape or an hourglass shape that expands both upward and downward. These shapes also achieve the same effects as described above. The terminal connection portion 92 may also be formed into a barrel shape, with the lower end tapering downward. In this case, the lower end of the terminal connection portion 92 can contact the first terminal 85 over several revolutions, achieving the same effects as described above. In this embodiment, the spring seat 96 on the upper surface of the first terminal 85 is omitted.

[0144] In this embodiment, the attachment / retention means for holding the discharge unit 16 in an attached state is composed of two sets of magnets 53 and a magnetic body 54. A pair of left and right engagement protrusions 47 is provided on the inner case 38 of the discharge case 34, and an upper accommodating recess 55 for accommodating the magnet 53 is formed on the back side (upper side) of each engagement protrusion 47, with the upper opposing wall 51 in between. Similarly, a pair of left and right engagement recesses 48 is provided on the base case 42, and a lower accommodating recess 56 for accommodating the magnetic body 54 is formed on the back side (lower side) of each engagement recess 48, with the lower opposing wall 52 in between. The lower opening of the lower accommodating recess 56 is closed by the bottom cover 145.

[0145] The terminal block 101 of the base case 42 is positioned horizontally (to the left) away from the upper stage 43. A circular restricting rib 159 protrudes downward from the underside of the inner case 38 of the discharge unit 16. When the discharge unit 16 is attached, a portion of this restricting rib 159 enters between the upper stage 43 and the terminal block 101 and abuts against the inner surface of the terminal block 101 (the surface facing the upper stage 43). In addition to the engagement between the engaging protrusions 47 and the engaging recesses 48 described above, abutting the restricting rib 159 against the inner surface of the terminal block 101 more reliably restricts horizontal displacement and rotation about the vertical axis of the discharge unit 16 relative to the base unit 15. Since the remaining configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. This also applies to the following third and subsequent embodiments.

[0146] 20 shows a third embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that the central guide surface 75 of the protrusion 74 bulges out in a trapezoidal shape toward the first electrode 31. As a result, the bristles of the cleaning brush moving left and right from one groove 73 toward the dielectric 33 are guided by the inclined portion (leg portion of the trapezoid) of the central guide surface 75 in an oblique direction approaching the first electrode 31, allowing them to enter the gap between the lower semicircular portion of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33, thereby efficiently sweeping out dust accumulated in the gap. Note that the central guide surface 75 can be formed in a shape other than a trapezoidal shape, for example, an arch shape.

[0147] 21 shows a fourth embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that a second protective portion 82 consisting of a ridge 74 protrudes higher than the first protective portion 81. This allows the second protective portion 82 to strike the floor or the like before the first protective portion 81 when the discharge portion 16 is accidentally turned upside down and dropped. In other words, the first protective portion 81, which also serves as the upper support portion 65 of the electrode support structure 64, is protected by the second protective portion 82, thereby preventing the first protective portion 81 from deforming and causing the support of the first electrode 31 to become unstable.

[0148] In addition, an inclined guide surface 121 that slopes downward toward the first electrode 31 is provided on the upper part of each second protective portion 82. With this, when the surface of the discharge portion 16 is cleaned with the cleaning brush, the bristles of the cleaning brush are guided by the inclined guide surface 121 toward the first electrode 31, thereby enabling accurate cleaning of the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33. Note that the inclined guide surface 121 may be an inclined surface with a constant angle as in this embodiment, or may be an inclined surface with a variable slope or a curved surface, or may be a C-surface or R-surface created by chamfering the corners of the second protective portion 82.

[0149] 22 and 23 show a fifth embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that legs 201 extend downward from both ends of a rod-shaped first electrode 31. Notches 202 are formed in the front-to-rear center of both left and right ends of the dielectric 33 to allow the legs 201 to pass through. The legs 201 are inserted into the discharge case 34 through these notches 202 so that they cannot slip out or move freely. Inside the discharge case 34, the legs 201 are spaced outwardly from the second electrode 32 on the left and right sides. Furthermore, cushioning material 58 is positioned between the second electrode 32 and the legs 201, ensuring insulation between the legs 201 and the second electrode 32. The upper support portion 65 (first protective portion 81) on the top surface of the outer case 37 is omitted, and the first electrode 31 is protected from drop impacts solely by a pair of front and rear protrusions 74 (second protective portion 82).

[0150] When the upper support portion 65 is omitted as in this embodiment, the upper surface of each upper wall 61 can be made flat. In other words, the unevenness of the upper surface of the discharge case 34 (outer case 37) can be reduced, making it easier to clean the upper surface with a cleaning brush. By omitting the upper support portion 65, a single groove portion 73 is formed on the upper surface of each of the left and right upper walls 61, and is defined by a pair of front and rear protrusions 74 (end guide surfaces 76) and the upper wall 61. The front-to-rear width of this groove portion 73 and the discharge opening 35 are the same. As in the above embodiments, the bottom surface of the groove portion 73 is flush with the upper surface of the dielectric 33.

[0151] 24 shows a sixth embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, which differs from the second embodiment in that the rod-shaped first electrode 31 is rotatable around its central axis. One end of the first electrode 31 is connected to an operating dial 167 for rotation, which is located on the outside of the discharge case 34. The electrode connection part 90 of the first current conductor 87 is simply wrapped around the first electrode 31 without being fixed thereto, and friction between the electrode connection part 90 and the first electrode 31 is sufficiently small, so that the first current conductor 87 does not rotate together with the first electrode 31.

[0152] If the rod-shaped first electrode 31 is configured to be rotatable around its central axis, its entire surface can be easily cleaned. Even if part of the surface of the first electrode 31 is contaminated with dirt that cannot be completely removed, discharging can be performed without any problems by placing the clean surface facing the dielectric 33.

[0153] 25 shows an air purifying device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a throttle plate 204 that is inclined relative to air passage 5 to throttle the air, and a horizontal guide plate 205 that is continuous with the downstream end of throttle plate 204. Throttle plate 204 is disposed upstream of discharge opening 35 of discharge device 6, and guide plate 205 faces discharge opening 35 from above. Throttle plate 204 can increase the wind speed of airflow F passing through discharge opening 35, and guide plate 205 can maintain the wind speed of airflow F increased by throttle plate 204 until it passes through discharge opening 35, thereby more effectively suppressing the accumulation of dust on the surfaces of first electrode 31 and dielectric 33.

[0154] In this embodiment, the control unit 21 controls the stop of the discharge device 6 based on the detection value of the optical detector 28. While electricity is being applied to both electrodes 31 and 32 of the discharge device 6 via the step-up circuit (transformer) 22, the control unit 21 continues to monitor the detection value of the optical detector 28, and when the detection value falls below a predetermined value, the control unit 21 determines that dust is accumulating on the surface of the dielectric 33 or the like, and immediately stops the supply of electricity to the discharge device 6 and the fan motor 14. This makes it possible to avoid the inconvenience of continuing to supply electricity to the discharge device 6 in a state where normal discharge cannot be performed. Furthermore, the control unit 21 activates the notification means 27 at the same time as stopping the supply of electricity to the discharge device 6 and the like, to prompt the user to clean the discharge device 6.

[0155] Eighth Embodiment Figure 26 shows an eighth embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that it is provided with a plurality of rectifying ribs 207 for rectifying the airflow F around the discharge device 6. Each rectifying rib 207 extends in the direction of the airflow F, i.e., in the left-right direction. A plurality of rectifying ribs 207 are provided radially (at equal intervals in the circumferential direction) protruding from the upper surface of the upper support part 65, and each of the front and rear protrusions 74 also has a rectifying rib 207 that spans the central guide surface 75 and the end guide surfaces 76 and protrudes perpendicular to the guide surfaces 75, 76.

[0156] 27 shows a ninth embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that it is provided with a plurality of straightening grooves 208 for straightening the airflow F around the discharge device 6. Each straightening groove 208 extends in the direction of the airflow F, i.e., in the left-right direction. A plurality of straightening grooves 208 are recessed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in the upper surface of the upper support part 65, and each of the front and rear protrusions 74 also has a straightening groove 208 recessed therein, spanning both the central guide surface 75 and the end guide surface 76.

[0157] As in the eighth and ninth embodiments, when a plurality of straightening ribs 207 or straightening grooves 208 are formed on the surface of the upper support portion 65, the airflow F is straightened not only by the upper support portion 65 itself but also by these straightening ribs 207 or straightening grooves 208, thereby further enhancing the straightening effect of the upper support portion 65. Furthermore, when straightening ribs 207 or straightening grooves 208 are formed on each protrusion 74 across the central guide surface 75 and the end guide surface 76, the airflow F is straightened not only by the protrusion 74 itself but also by these straightening ribs 207 or straightening grooves 208, thereby further enhancing the straightening effect of the protrusion 74. Alternatively, for example, the straightening ribs 207 may be formed on the upper support portion 65 and the straightening grooves 208 may be formed on each protrusion 74. The straightening ribs 207 or straightening grooves 208 of each protrusion 74 may be formed only on the end guide surface 76 .

[0158] The discharge device and air purifier according to the present invention can be applied to ozonizers and ionizers, contributing to Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the discharge device can be incorporated into devices that emit treated air, such as air conditioners, humidifiers, and air purifiers, and can be used to disinfect the emitted air. Alternatively, by installing it inside a refrigerator, closet, or toilet, the device can be used to deodorize and disinfect the space. Furthermore, the discharge device can also be applied to an ozone water generator that dissolves ozone in water. The generated ozone water can be used in washing machines, flush toilets, for washing food and dishes, and for cleaning medical equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 1. Air purifier (ozonizer) 2 Casing 5 Wind path 6 Discharge device 7. Blower fan 11 Upper reaches 12 Middle reaches 21 Control section 27 Notification methods 28 Light detection unit 31 1st electrode 32 2nd electrode 33 Dielectric 34 Discharge case 35 Discharge opening 37 Outer case 38 Inner case 58 Cushioning material 64 Electrode support structure 65 Upper support part 73 Groove 74 Projection 75 Central guide surface 76 End guide surface 83 Wind collection surface 121 Inclined guide surface 201 Legs 202 Notch 204 Aperture plate 205 Guide plate 207 Straightening rib 208 Rectifying groove F airflow

Claims

1. The device comprises a horizontal plate-like dielectric (33), a rod-like first electrode (31) arranged on the upper surface side of the dielectric (33), a second electrode (32) arranged on the lower surface side of the dielectric (33), and a discharge case (34) that houses both electrodes (31, 32) and the dielectric (33), The upper surface of the discharge case (34) is provided with a discharge opening (35) that exposes the first electrode (31) and the dielectric (33) upward, and upward grooves (73) adjacent to both sides of the discharge opening (35), A discharge device characterized in that the top surface of the dielectric (33) and the bottom surface of the groove (73) are flush with each other.

2. 2. The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which the discharge opening (35) and the groove (73) are adjacent to each other coincides with the extension direction of the first electrode (31).

3. A pair of protrusions (74) extending parallel to the first electrode (31) are provided on the upper surface of the discharge case (34) with the discharge opening (35) therebetween, 3. The discharge device according to claim 2, wherein each of the protrusions (74) has a central guide surface (75) facing the dielectric (33) and end guide surfaces (76) that are continuous with both ends of the central guide surface (75) and define a groove portion (73).

4. 4. The discharge device according to claim 3, wherein the central guide surface (75) bulges toward the first electrode (31).

5. The discharge case (34) is provided with an electrode support structure (64) that supports both ends of the first electrode (31), 5. The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode support structure (64) covers at least the upper surface of the first electrode (31).

6. The first electrode (31) has downwardly extending legs (201) at both ends thereof, which are inserted into the discharge case (34).

5. The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric body has cutouts (202) formed on both sides thereof to allow the legs (201) to pass through.

7. A pair of protrusions (74) extending parallel to the first electrode (31) are provided on the upper surface of the discharge case (34) with the discharge opening (35) therebetween, 5. The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein each of the protrusions (74) protrudes above the first electrode (31).

8. A pair of protrusions (74) extending parallel to the first electrode (31) are provided on the upper surface of the discharge case (34) with the discharge opening (35) therebetween, 5. The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein each of the ridges (74) is provided with an inclined guide surface (121) that is inclined downward toward the first electrode (31).

9. The discharge case (34) is provided with an electrode support structure (64) that supports both ends of the first electrode (31), 8. The discharge device of claim 7, wherein each ridge (74) projects above the electrode support structure (64).

10. 2. The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode (31) is movable toward and away from the dielectric (33).

11. 2. The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode (32) is formed in a plane parallel to the dielectric (33).

12. 2. The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode (31) is formed in a round rod shape and is configured to be rotatable around its central axis.

13. 2. The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode (31) and the dielectric (33) are subjected to a water-repellent treatment.

14. The present invention comprises a casing (2) having an air passage (5) therein, a blower fan (7) that forms an air flow (F) in the air passage (5), and the discharge device (6) according to claim 1 that is provided in the air passage (5), An air purifying device characterized in that the direction of the air flow (F) passing around the discharge device (6) coincides with the direction in which the discharge opening (35) and the groove portion (73) are adjacent to each other.

15. The discharge case (34) is provided with an electrode support structure (64) that supports both ends of the first electrode (31), Each electrode support structure (64) includes an upper support portion (65) protruding from the upper surface of the discharge case (34); 15. The air purifying device according to claim 14, wherein the longitudinal direction of the upper support portion (65) coincides with the direction of the air flow (F) around the discharge device (6).

16. 16. The air purifying device according to claim 15, wherein the upper support portion (65) is formed in a streamlined shape narrowing toward the upstream side of the air flow (F) around the discharge device (6).

17. 16. The air purifying device according to claim 15, wherein a plurality of flow straightening ribs (207) or flow straightening grooves (208) extending in the longitudinal direction are formed on the surface of the upper support portion (65).

18. A pair of protrusions (74) extending parallel to the air flow (F) around the discharge device (6) are provided on the upper surface of the discharge case (34) with the discharge opening (35) therebetween, Each of the protrusions (74) has a central guide surface (75) facing the dielectric (33) and end guide surfaces (76) that are continuous with both ends of the central guide surface (75) and define a groove portion (73), 18. An air purifying device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein at least the end guide surface (76) of the protrusion (74) is formed with a straightening rib (207) or straightening groove (208) extending in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion (74).

19. 18. An air purifying device according to claim 14, wherein the side wall of the discharge case (34) facing the air flow (F) around the discharge device (6) is continuous with the bottom surface of the groove portion (73) via an R-shaped wind collecting surface (83) that is curved outwardly convexly.

20. The present invention comprises a casing (2) having an air passage (5) therein, a blower fan (7) that forms an air flow (F) in the air passage (5), and the discharge device (6) according to claim 1 that is provided in the air passage (5), An air purifying device characterized in that a throttle plate (204) that is inclined relative to the air passage (5) and throttles the air passage (5) is arranged upstream of a discharge opening (35) of a discharge device (6).

21. 21. The air purifying device according to claim 20, wherein a guide plate (205) facing the discharge opening (35) is provided continuously with the downstream end of the throttle plate (204).

22. The present invention comprises a casing (2) having an air passage (5) therein, a blower fan (7) that forms an air flow (F) in the air passage (5), and the discharge device (6) according to claim 1 that is provided in the air passage (5), An air purifying device characterized in that a midstream portion (12) of an air passage (5) in which a discharge device (6) is provided is formed narrower than an upstream portion (11) thereof.

23. An air purifying device comprising: a casing (2) having an air passage (5) therein; a blower fan (7) that forms an air flow (F) in the air passage (5); a discharge device (6) according to claim 1 that is provided in the air passage (5); and a light detection unit (28) that detects light emitted by the discharge device (6) when it discharges.

24. 24. The air purifying device according to claim 23, further comprising a notification means (27) for notifying the result of detection by the light detection section (28).

25. The device is provided with a control unit (21) that controls the discharge device (6) and the notification means (27) based on the detection value of the light detection unit (28), 25. The air purifying device according to claim 24, wherein the control unit (21) stops the discharge device (6) and activates the notification means (27) when the detection value of the light detection unit (28) falls outside a predetermined normal range.

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