Ozonizer and Ozone Generating System

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an ozonizer is known that generates silent discharge by installing a dielectric between a high-voltage electrode and a ground electrode and providing a minute gap (discharge space) between the dielectric and the ground electrode. In such an ozonizer, ozone is generated by passing oxygen or air through this minute gap to convert oxygen molecules into ozone molecules.

[0003] Regarding this, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for uniformly maintaining a minute gap (discharge space) using a spacer (gap spacer) manufactured by bending a metal material or a resin material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to arrange a spacer to provide a minute gap, the number of parts of the ozonizer increases, and there has been a problem that improvement in productivity and cost reduction cannot be achieved.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ozonizer and an ozone generation system that can reduce the number of parts and improve productivity and reduce costs.

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0008] Furthermore, an ozonizer according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises one electrode, a dielectric that contacts the one electrode, and another electrode provided on a side of the dielectric that is different from the one electrode, the other electrode having a recess on its surface facing the dielectric, and generating a discharge in a discharge space formed between the recess and the dielectric when a voltage is applied to the one electrode.

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

[0010] Furthermore, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the recess is provided in a substantially horizontal manner.

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

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

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

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of an ozone generation system. [Figure 2]This is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the ozonizer according to this embodiment. (A) is a plan view of the ozonizer according to this embodiment. Also, (B) is a bottom view of the ozonizer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of the ozonizer according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 2(B). [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of the ozonizer according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a schematic enlarged view of a cross-section such as a discharge space shown in FIG. 3. In particular, (A) is a schematic enlarged view showing an example (specific example 1) in which a part of a concave portion provided in the planar region of the dielectric is used as the discharge space. Also, (B) is a schematic enlarged view showing an example (specific example 2) in which a part of a concave portion provided in the planar region of the ground electrode is used as the discharge space.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components and steps in each drawing as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

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

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

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

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

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

[0021] The high-voltage power line 12 is electrically connected to a power source (not shown) and the high-voltage electrode 18, and has a function of applying a high voltage to the high-voltage electrode 18 to generate silent discharge in the discharge space 24B. Further, for example, between the high-voltage power line 12 and the heat dissipation fins 16, external discharge to the heat dissipation fins 16 and the like is suppressed by being insulated by a tube made of polyvinyl chloride or a fluororesin-based tube or the like.

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

[0023] The heat dissipation fins 16 have a function of radiating the heat generated by silent discharge to the outside air through the heat dissipation sheet 14. For example, the heat dissipation fins 16 include a heat sink made of aluminum. A plurality of fins are provided on, for example, a portion of this heat sink that touches the outside air. The ozonizer 10A can generate a stable amount of ozone gas by heat radiation by the heat dissipation sheet 14 and the heat dissipation fins 16.

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

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

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

[0027] The discharge space 24B is a space (gap) formed between the dielectric 20 and the ground electrode 22. The discharge space 24B is also part (the central part) of a pair of flow holes that convert dry air or oxygen flowing in from the inlet into ozone gas and discharge the ozone gas to the outlet. In the discharge space 24B, a silent discharge occurs when a high voltage is applied to the high-voltage electrode 18, generating ozone gas. For example, in the discharge space 24B to In this system, dry air or oxygen at a predetermined pressure (for example, 10 kPa to 200 kPa) flows in from the inlet, and some of the oxygen molecules are converted into ozone molecules by silent discharge, causing ozone gas to be discharged from the outlet.

[0028] The O-ring 26 has a sealing function that prevents the leakage of dry air or ozone gas under a predetermined pressure. In this embodiment, since the O-ring 26 is placed in a circular recess provided in the ground electrode 22, there is no need to apply a sealant with high ozone resistance (which is expensive). The applied sealant The time cost required for the material to set is also eliminated.

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

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

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

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

[0033] In specific examples 1 and 2, the recess 24A is provided, for example, by machining. The shape of the recess 24A in front view can be approximately square, approximately rhombic, or approximately circular. For example, if the shape of the recess 24A is approximately square, it can be easily formed as there is no need to make the pair of flow holes through which dry air or ozone gas flows into a complex shape. Also, if the planes of the dielectric 20 and the ground electrode 22 are approximately square, they can be assembled even if they are shifted by 90 degrees, thus improving productivity. Furthermore, since the non-discharge area (the area in the recess 24A other than the area facing the high-voltage electrode 18) can be minimized, the ozonizer 10A can be made more compact.

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

[0035] The height D2 of the discharge space 24B (depth of the recess 24A) is preferably 0.2 mm or more from the viewpoint of suppressing adhesion to the opposing surface even if the dielectric 20 or ground electrode 22 undergoes slight changes due to deformation or tolerances caused by force or temperature during assembly. Furthermore, if the discharge space becomes too wide, it becomes necessary to increase the discharge voltage, so 0.6 mm or less is preferable.

[0036] The height D3 of the grounding electrode 22 is preferably 3.0 mm or more so as not to deform when the O-ring is pressed down, and preferably 5.0 mm or less considering the balance between strength and cost.

[0037] <Effects> In this embodiment, the ozonizer 10A comprises a high-voltage electrode 18, a ground electrode 22 facing the high-voltage electrode 18, and a dielectric 20 provided between the high-voltage electrode 18 and the ground electrode 22, the dielectric 20 having a recess 24A on the surface facing the ground electrode 22, and generating a discharge in the discharge space 24B formed between the recess 24A and the ground electrode 22 when a voltage is applied to the high-voltage electrode 18. According to this configuration, a discharge space 24B is formed by providing a recess 24A in the dielectric 20, thus reducing the number of parts in the ozonizer 10A. of This can be reduced. Therefore, while conventionally spacers provided to secure the discharge space are constantly exposed to ozone, requiring the selection of ozone-resistant materials such as Teflon (registered trademark), glass, or PVC, in this embodiment, the discharge space 24 is formed with dielectric 20, so an appropriate distance can be maintained without being adversely affected by ozone, and multiple sealing between dissimilar materials is not required, resulting in high reliability, improved productivity, and cost reduction. Furthermore, since there are no spacers in the discharge space 24B, ozone can be generated throughout the entire discharge space 24B, improving the performance of the ozonizer 10A.

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

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dielectric 20 is in contact with the ground electrode 22 at locations other than the recess 24A. This configuration allows for greater precision in the height D2 of the discharge space 24B compared to the case where a spacer is provided to form the discharge space 24B.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recess 24A is provided in a substantially horizontal position. This configuration eliminates the need to create complex shapes for the pair of flow holes through which dry air or ozone gas flows, making it easy to manufacture.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the depth of the recess 24A is 0.2 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the dielectric 20 or the ground electrode 22 from sticking to the opposing surface, and also allows for more efficient ozone generation in a small space in the height direction.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ozone gas generation system 1 is equipped with a plurality of ozonizers 10A, and each ozonizer 10A is connected in series. This configuration allows for the efficient generation of high-concentration ozone gas in an ozone gas generation system 1 equipped with multiple ozonizers 10A.

[0043] <Variation> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, any modifications made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above embodiments and the modifications described later can be combined to the extent that it is technically possible, and any combination thereof is also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as it retains the features of the present invention.

[0044] For example, in the above embodiment, a case was described in which a recess 24A with a height D2 is provided substantially horizontally in the planar region of the dielectric 20 and the ground electrode 22. However, the horizontal projection area with respect to the above planar region may be kept the same, and the discharge distance (height D2) may be made uniform to widen the effective discharge area, so that the shape is not substantially horizontal. For example, the recess 24A may be a wave shape, mountain shape, mortar shape, or bellows shape, which are easy to process, and the opposing ground electrode 22 may also be the same shape (including substantially the same shape in which the discharge characteristics do not change in substance). In this case, the minimum and maximum values ​​of the height D2 are preferably within the range of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm as described above, and from the viewpoint of securing internal pressure in the discharge space by expanding the discharge area, the internal pressure may be increased as appropriate in accordance with the increase in discharge area, or the discharge current value may be increased instead of increasing the internal pressure, or both may be used in combination. According to this, even with a compact ozonizer, the effective area of ​​the discharge electrode is expanded and efficient ozone generation becomes possible.

[0045] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the case in which the recess 24A is formed in the dielectric 20 or the ground electrode 22, the recess 24A may be provided in the component with the higher unit cost among the dielectric 20 and the ground electrode 22. This can reduce costs. In the above embodiment, the ground electrode 22 (e.g., titanium) has a higher unit cost than the dielectric 20 (e.g., ceramic), which can reduce costs, and is also easier to process, so it is preferable to provide the recess 24A in the ground electrode 22. On the other hand, since the dielectric 20 is less prone to oxidation than the ground electrode 22 during discharge, it is preferable to provide the recess 24A in the dielectric 20 from the viewpoint of keeping the height D2 of the recess 24A constant.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case was described in which a recess 24A is provided in the planar region of the dielectric 20 or the ground electrode 22 as the discharge space 24B. However, recesses 24A may be provided in the planar regions of both the dielectric 20 and the ground electrode 22, and the space formed by both recesses 24A may be used as the discharge space 24B. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1…Ozone generation system, 10A…Ozonizer, 18…High-voltage electrode (one electrode), 20…Dielectric, 22…Ground electrode (the other electrode), 24A…Recess, 24B…Discharge space

Claims

1. An ozonizer comprising one electrode, another electrode facing the first electrode, and a dielectric material provided between the first electrode and the other electrode, The dielectric material is provided with a single continuous recess on the surface facing the other electrode, and the dielectric material is in contact with the other electrode at locations other than the recess. When a voltage is applied to one of the electrodes, a discharge is generated in the discharge space formed between the recess and the other electrode. The discharge space constitutes part of a pair of flow holes that convert dry air or oxygen flowing in from the inlet into ozone gas and discharge it at the outlet. The recess is provided in a substantially horizontal manner. Ozonizer.

2. An ozonizer comprising one electrode, a dielectric that contacts the one electrode, and another electrode provided on a side of the dielectric that is different from the one electrode, The other electrode is provided with a single continuous recess on the surface facing the dielectric, and the other electrode is in contact with the dielectric at locations other than the recess. When a voltage is applied to one of the electrodes, a discharge is generated in the discharge space formed between the recess and the dielectric. The discharge space constitutes part of a pair of flow holes that convert dry air or oxygen flowing in from the inlet into ozone gas and discharge it at the outlet. The recess is provided in a substantially horizontal manner. Ozonizer.

3. The depth of the recess is 0.2 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The ozonizer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The outlet is provided with an orifice for controlling the flow rate or pressure of the ozone gas generated in the discharge space, The ozonizer according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The dry air or oxygen flowing into the discharge space from the inlet is subjected to a pressure of 10 kPa or more and 200 kPa or less. The ozonizer according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The other electrode comprises an O-ring positioned in a circular recess, The O-ring prevents leakage of the dry air or oxygen and the ozone gas under a predetermined pressure. The ozonizer according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The shape of the recess provided in the dielectric or the other electrode, when viewed from the front, is substantially square, substantially rhombic, or substantially circular. The ozonizer according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The shape of the recess of the other electrode when viewed from the front is substantially rhombic, The shape of one of the electrodes when viewed from the front is circular. The ozonizer according to claim 2.

9. A plurality of the ozonizers described in claim 1 or 2, wherein each ozonizer is connected in series, Ozone generating system.

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