Discharge device

Abstract

To provide a discharge device allowing a connection of an electroconductive body to a planar electrode without any trouble and also capable of preventing an energization failure therebetween.SOLUTION: A planar second electrode 32 is to be electrified by a second electroconductive body 88, which is elastically adhered closely onto the second electrode 32. Accordingly, even without inseparably bonding a tip of the second electroconductive body 88 to the second electrode 32, the second electroconductive body 88 and the second electrode 32 can be electrically connected, improving a production efficiency of the discharge device through omitting a bonding process. Furthermore, using the second electroconductive body 88 that elastically adheres closely onto the second electrode 32 can help these components 32 and 88 surely be contacted and prevent an electrification failure from occurring.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a discharge device in which at least one of a pair of electrodes is planar. This discharge device can be applied to an ozone generator (ozonizer) that generates ozone by discharging in air, an ion generator (ionizer) that generates various ions (negative ions, hydroxyl radicals, etc.), and the like.

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art document related to this type of discharge device, for example, Patent Document 1 can be cited. Patent Document 1 discloses a creeping discharge ozone generator that ozoneizes surrounding oxygen by creeping discharge. This creeping discharge ozone generator includes a ceramic plate as a dielectric, a rod-shaped first electrode disposed on one surface of the plate, a thin plate-shaped second electrode disposed on the other surface of the plate, a high-voltage power supply that applies a high voltage to both electrodes, and the like. The rod-shaped first electrode is connected to the high-voltage power supply via a metal clip and a conducting wire, and the thin plate-shaped second electrode is connected to the high-voltage power supply via a conducting wire.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For joining a conducting wire to a thin plate-shaped electrode, soldering or an adhesive is generally used. However, soldering is time-consuming, and soldering defects may occur due to the skill level of the operator, etc., leading to poor conduction. Fixing with an adhesive is also time-consuming, and may cause problems such as an increase in the electrical resistance of the joint due to the aging deterioration of the adhesive.

[0005] The present invention was made to solve these problems and aims to provide a discharge device that can connect a current-carrying body to a planar electrode without requiring much effort, and that can prevent poor current flow between the two. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The discharge device according to the present invention comprises a first electrode 31 and a planar second electrode 32 paired with the first electrode 31. It has a second current-carrying body 88 that is responsible for supplying current to the second electrode 32, and the second current-carrying body 88 is characterized in that it is elastically in close contact with the second electrode 32 or a current-receiving body 161 having the same potential as the second electrode 32.

[0007] A plate-shaped dielectric 33 is placed between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, and the dielectric 33 is in close contact with one side of the second electrode 32, while the second current-carrying element 88 is in close contact with the other side of the second electrode 32.

[0008] The dielectric 33 can be formed to be thicker than the second electrode 32.

[0009] The first electrode 31 can be formed in a rod shape and be in close contact with the dielectric 33.

[0010] The first electrode 31 can be formed in a planar shape and be in close contact with the dielectric 33.

[0011] The device includes a discharge case 34 that houses both electrodes 31 and 32 and a dielectric 33, and the discharge case 34 can be provided with an upper receiving portion 59 that receives the surface of the dielectric 33 on the side of the first electrode 31.

[0012] The first current-carrying element 87, which is responsible for supplying current to the first electrode 31, is elastically in close contact with the dielectric 33 side of the first electrode 31, and the discharge case 34 houses both electrodes 31 and 32 and the dielectric 33, and the discharge case 34 is provided with an upper receiving portion 164 that receives the first electrode 31 from the back side of the dielectric 33.

[0013] The device includes a discharge case 34 that houses both electrodes 31 and 32 and a current receiver 161. The discharge case 34 is provided with an upper receiving portion 162 that receives one side of the current receiver 161, and the second current-carrying element 88 can be in close contact with the other side of the current receiver 161.

[0014] The second electrode 32 is connected to the second terminal 86 via the second current-carrying body 88, and the upper discharge section 16, including the second electrode 32, is mounted on the lower base section 15, including the second terminal 86 and the second current-carrying body 88. The lower end of the second current-carrying body 88 is crimped and fixed to the second terminal 86, and the upper end of the second current-carrying body 88 is in close contact with the second electrode 32.

[0015] The base portion 15 can be configured to include a storage hole 104 for housing at least a portion of the second energizing element 88.

[0016] In the mounted state of the discharge unit 16, the upper opposing wall 51 of the discharge unit 16 and the lower opposing wall 52 of the base unit 15 are opposed to each other vertically, and the storage hole 104 can be partitioned by an upper storage boss 105 protruding upward from the lower opposing wall 52 and a lower storage boss 106 protruding downward from the lower opposing wall 52.

[0017] The height T of the upper storage boss 105 can be set to be less than half the depth D2 of the storage hole 104.

[0018] A configuration can be adopted in which a through-hole 107 surrounding the upper storage boss 105 is provided through the upper opposing wall 51 of the discharge section 16.

[0019] A configuration can be adopted in which a downwardly widening guide surface 109 is formed at the lower part of the insertion hole 107.

[0020] Before the discharge unit 16 is attached to the base unit 15, the lower majority of the second current-carrying body 88, which is of its natural length, can be housed in the storage hole 104.

[0021] The second electrode 32 can be connected to the second terminal 86 via a plurality of second current conductors 88.

[0022] The upper discharge part 16 including the second electrode 32 is mounted on the lower base part 15 including the second current conductor 88, and the second current conductor 88 can adopt a form including a columnar current conduction pin 147 in close contact with the second electrode 32 and a current conduction spring 148 that biases the current conduction pin 147 toward the second electrode 32.

[0023] The base part 15 can adopt a form provided with a storage hole 104 for storing at least the current conduction spring 148 of the second current conductor 88.

[0024] In the mounted state of the discharge part 16, the upper opposing wall 51 of the discharge part 16 and the lower opposing wall 52 of the base part 15 face each other vertically, and the storage hole 104 can adopt a form partitioned by an upper storage boss portion 105 protruding upward from the lower opposing wall 52 and a lower storage boss portion 106 protruding downward from the lower opposing wall 52.

[0025] The height T of the upper storage boss portion 105 can be set to be smaller than half of the depth D2 of the storage hole 104.

[0026] The base part 15 includes a base case 42 and a bottom cover 145 joined vertically, the base case 42 has a vertically penetrating storage hole 104, and the bottom cover 145 can adopt a form of closing the lower surface opening of the storage hole 104 to support the current conduction spring 148.

[0027] An engagement hole 153 for receiving the tip of the lower storage boss portion 106 can be recessed on the inner surface of the bottom cover 145.

[0028] An engagement protrusion 154 that penetrates inside the tip of the lower storage boss portion 106 can be protruded on the inner surface of the bottom cover 145.

[0029] An engagement hole 153 for receiving the tip of the lower storage boss 106 can be formed as a recess on the inner surface of the bottom cover 145, and an engagement projection 154 that penetrates into the inside of the tip of the lower storage boss 106 can be formed as a projection on the bottom surface of the engagement hole 153.

[0030] A configuration can be adopted in which a through-hole 107 surrounding the upper storage boss 105 is provided through the upper opposing wall 51 of the discharge section 16.

[0031] A configuration can be adopted in which a downwardly widening guide surface 109 is formed at the lower part of the insertion hole 107.

[0032] The base case 42, which forms the base of the base portion 15, is formed in a stepped shape having an upper portion 43 and a lower portion 44, and the discharge portion 16 can be provided with a downward-facing mounting recess 46 that engages with the upper portion 43.

[0033] A configuration can be adopted in which mounting and holding means for holding the discharge unit 16 in a mounted state is provided between the upper part 43 of the base case 42 and the discharge unit 16.

[0034] The device may have a first current-carrying element 87 that is responsible for supplying current to the first electrode 31, and the first current-carrying element 87 may have a tensioning element 93 that biases the first electrode 31 in a direction that brings it into close contact with the dielectric 33.

[0035] A configuration can be adopted in which the magnitude of the elastic force exerted by the tensile portion 93 and the second energizing body 88 is the same.

[0036] The first electrode 31 is connected to the first terminal 85 via the first current-carrying element 87, and the upper discharge section 16, including the first electrode 31 and the first current-carrying element 87, can be configured to be detachably attached to the lower base section 15, including the first terminal 85.

[0037] An electrode connection portion 90 can be provided at one end of the first current-carrying body 87, which is wrapped around the first electrode 31 at least once in the circumferential direction.

[0038] A configuration can be adopted in which a crimping portion 91 is provided that biases the electrode connection portion 90 of the first current-carrying body 87 toward the direction away from the first electrode 31.

[0039] A discharge case 34 housing both electrodes 31 and 32 is provided with a pair of electrode support structures 64 that support both ends of the first electrode 31, and each electrode support structure 64 can be configured with an upper support portion 65 and a lower support portion 66 that clamp the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31 from above and below.

[0040] A discharge case 34 housing both electrodes 31 and 32 is provided with a pair of electrode support structures 64 that support both ends of the first electrode 31, and each electrode support structure 64 can be configured to have a holding groove 118 that opens laterally and holds the first electrode 31 so that it cannot move up or down.

[0041] An upper spring 157 can be provided to bias the first electrode 31 into close contact with the dielectric 33.

[0042] A pair of electrode support structures 64 are provided in the discharge case 34 that houses both electrodes 31 and 32, supporting both ends of the first electrode 31, and the electrode support structures 64 can be configured to support the first electrode 31 so that it can move toward and away from the dielectric 33.

[0043] The device includes a discharge case 34 that houses both electrodes 31 and 32 and a dielectric 33. The first electrode 31, the dielectric 33, and the second electrode 32 are arranged vertically to form an electrode unit 71, and the entire electrode unit 71 can be held between the top and bottom within the discharge case 34.

[0044] The electrode unit 71 can be held in place from above and below together with the cushioning material 58 within the discharge case 34.

[0045] A terminal connection portion 92 made of a spring that expands and contracts vertically is provided at the other end of the first current-carrying body 87. When the discharge portion 16 is mounted on the base portion 15, the lower end of the compressed terminal connection portion 92 is elastically in close contact with the first terminal 85. The discharge portion 16 includes a discharge case 34 that supports the first electrode 31 and the first current-carrying body 87. When the discharge portion 16 is separated from the base portion 15 and the terminal connection portion 92 returns to its natural length, the lower end of the terminal connection portion 92 can be positioned above the lower end of the discharge case 34. [Effects of the Invention]

[0046] In the discharge device according to the present invention, the second current-carrying body 88, which is responsible for supplying current to the planar second electrode 32, is made to adhere elastically to the second electrode 32 or the current-receiving body 161 which is at the same potential as the second electrode 32. As a result, the second current-carrying body 88 and the second electrode 32 or the current-receiving body 161 can be electrically connected without having to irremovably join (solder or adhesive fix) the tip of the second current-carrying body 88 to the second electrode 32 or the current-receiving body 161, thereby eliminating the joining process and increasing the production efficiency of the discharge device. Furthermore, by using a second current-carrying body 88 that adheres elastically to the second electrode 32 or the current-receiving body 161, reliable contact between the two can be ensured, preventing the occurrence of current supply failures. In addition, design tolerances such as the thickness dimensions of the second electrode 32 or the current-receiving body 161 can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the second current-carrying body 88.

[0047] In this configuration, a plate-shaped dielectric 33 is in close contact with one surface of the second electrode 32, and the second current-carrying body 88 is in close contact with the other surface of the second electrode 32. This configuration allows the dielectric 33 to firmly support the second electrode 32 when it is pressed by the second current-carrying body 88, thereby preventing deformation of the second electrode 32 and further improving the contact between the second electrode 32 and the second current-carrying body 88.

[0048] If the dielectric 33 is formed to be thicker than the second electrode 32, the dielectric 33 will more firmly support the second electrode 32, thereby more reliably preventing deformation of the second electrode 32.

[0049] When the rod-shaped first electrode 31 is brought into close contact with the dielectric 33, the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33 can cooperate to support the second electrode 32, thereby more reliably preventing deformation of the second electrode 32.

[0050] When the planar first electrode 31 is brought into close contact with the dielectric 33, the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33 can cooperate to support the second electrode 32, thereby more reliably preventing deformation of the second electrode 32.

[0051] By providing an upper receiving portion 59 that receives the surface of the dielectric 33 on the side of the first electrode 31 in the discharge case 34 that houses both electrodes 31 and 32 and the dielectric 33, the upper receiving portion 59 and the dielectric 33 can cooperate to support the second electrode 32, thereby more reliably preventing deformation of the second electrode 32. Furthermore, by supporting the surface of the dielectric 33 on the side of the first electrode 31 with the upper receiving portion 59, the first electrode 31 is not strongly pressed by the dielectric 33, thereby preventing deformation of the first electrode 31.

[0052] By elastically adhering the first current-carrying body 87 to the dielectric 33 side of the first electrode 31 and providing an upper receiving portion 164 that receives the first electrode 31 from the back side of the dielectric 33, the upper receiving portion 164 firmly receives the first electrode 31 being pushed by the first current-carrying body 87, preventing deformation of the first electrode 31 and improving the adhesion between the first electrode 31 and the first current-carrying body 87. Furthermore, the upper receiving portion 164, the first electrode 31, and the dielectric 33 can work together to receive the second electrode 32 being pushed by the second current-carrying body 88, thus more reliably preventing deformation of the second electrode 32.

[0053] By providing an upper receiving portion 162 on the discharge case 34 that houses both electrodes 31 and 32 and the current receiver 161, and by bringing the second current-carrying body 88 into close contact with the other surface of the current receiver 161, the upper receiving portion 162 firmly receives the current receiver 161 being pushed by the second current-carrying body 88, preventing deformation of the current receiver 161 and improving the contact between the current receiver 161 and the second current-carrying body 88. Furthermore, by bringing the second current-carrying body 88 into close contact with the current receiver 161 instead of the second electrode 32, the strength of the second electrode 32 can be reduced, allowing the second electrode 32 to be made thinner and the entire discharge device to be made more compact.

[0054] By crimping and fixing the lower end of the second current-carrying body 88 to the second terminal 86, the second current-carrying body 88 can be supported in an upright position by the second terminal 86 in the base portion 15 before the discharge portion 16 is attached, thus making it easy to attach the discharge portion 16 to the base portion 15.

[0055] If the base portion 15 is provided with a storage hole 104 that accommodates at least a part of the second energizing element 88, the second energizing element 88 can be supported in an upright position by the storage hole 104 in the base portion 15 before the discharge portion 16 is attached, thus making it easy to attach the discharge portion 16 to the base portion 15.

[0056] By dividing the storage hole 104 with an upper storage boss 105 projecting upward from the lower opposing wall 52 of the base portion 15 and a lower storage boss 106 projecting downward from the same wall 52, the height of each storage boss 105 and 106 can be reduced compared to the case where the storage hole 104 of the same depth is divided by bosses projecting upward or downward from the lower opposing wall 52, thereby effectively preventing deformation and damage to each storage boss 105 and 106.

[0057] The upper storage boss 105 has more opportunities to come into contact with the discharge section 16 and other parts compared to the lower storage boss 106, and is therefore more susceptible to deformation or damage from external forces. By setting the height T of the upper storage boss 105 to be less than half the depth D2 of the storage hole 104, the amount of protrusion of the upper storage boss 105 from the lower opposing wall 52 is reduced, which effectively prevents deformation or damage to the upper storage boss 105, which is susceptible to external forces.

[0058] By providing a through-hole 107 that surrounds the upper storage boss 105 in the upper opposing wall 51 of the discharge section 16, the horizontal displacement of the upper storage boss 105 relative to the second electrode 32 can be restricted by the through-hole 107, thereby ensuring that the second current-carrying body 88 contacts the appropriate location on the second electrode 32.

[0059] By forming a downwardly widening guide surface 109 at the lower part of the insertion hole 107, the upper storage boss 105 can be easily guided into the interior of the insertion hole 107 when the discharge unit 16 is attached to the base unit 15.

[0060] By housing the lower majority of the second current-carrying body 88 in the storage hole 104, the upper and lower central portion of the second current-carrying body 88, which is relatively prone to buckling, is surrounded by the storage hole 104, effectively preventing buckling. Furthermore, since the second current-carrying body 88 will not shrink beyond the vertical height of the storage hole 104 (becoming shorter than the vertical height), by setting this vertical height to be greater than half the natural length of the second current-carrying body 88, the second current-carrying body 88 is not excessively compressed when the discharge section 16 is installed, thereby suppressing deterioration of the second current-carrying body 88 and extending its lifespan.

[0061] By connecting the second electrode 32 and the second terminal 86 with multiple second current-carrying elements 88, even if a connection failure occurs between one second current-carrying element 88 and the second electrode 32 or the second terminal 86, current can still be supplied through the remaining second current-carrying elements 88, thereby improving the reliability of the discharge device.

[0062] In this configuration, where a columnar current-carrying pin 147 is biased by a current-carrying spring 148 and closely adheres to the second electrode 32, the shape of the tip of the current-carrying pin 147 (the contact portion with the second electrode 32) can be designed relatively freely to match the shape of the second electrode 32. For example, by making the second electrode 32 and the current-carrying pin 147 surface-contact over as wide a range as possible, the contact pressure between the two 32 and 147 is reduced, thereby suppressing wear of the second electrode 32. Furthermore, even if a part of the surface of the second electrode 32 or the current-carrying pin 147 oxidizes over time, poor conductivity is less likely to occur, and the voltage applied to the second electrode 32 can be maintained at a high level. In addition, since the current-carrying pin 147 does not need to exhibit elasticity, its material can be selected considering only conductivity, and its electrical resistance can be reduced compared to the case where the entire second current-carrying body 88 is formed from a spring.

[0063] If the base portion 15 is provided with a storage hole 104 for housing at least the energizing spring 148 of the second energizing body 88, the energizing spring 148 can be protected from external forces and prevented from being damaged, such as by deformation.

[0064] By dividing the storage hole 104 with an upper storage boss 105 projecting upward from the lower opposing wall 52 of the base portion 15 and a lower storage boss 106 projecting downward from the same wall 52, the height of each storage boss 105 and 106 can be reduced compared to the case where the storage hole 104 of the same depth is divided by bosses projecting upward or downward from the lower opposing wall 52, thereby effectively preventing deformation and damage to each storage boss 105 and 106.

[0065] The upper storage boss 105 has more opportunities to come into contact with the discharge section 16 and other parts compared to the lower storage boss 106, and is therefore more susceptible to deformation or damage from external forces. By setting the height T of the upper storage boss 105 to be less than half the depth D2 of the storage hole 104, the amount of protrusion of the upper storage boss 105 from the lower opposing wall 52 is reduced, which effectively prevents deformation or damage to the upper storage boss 105, which is susceptible to external forces.

[0066] In a configuration where the base case 42 has a vertically penetrating storage hole 104 and the bottom cover 145 closes the lower opening of the storage hole 104 and supports the energizing spring 148, the energizing spring 148 can exert a biasing force that biases the energizing pin 147 toward the second electrode 32 by simply inserting the energizing spring 148 into the storage hole 104 from below and joining the bottom cover 145 to the base case 42, so that the lower end of the energizing spring 148 is supported by the bottom cover 145.

[0067] By forming a recessed engagement hole 153 on the inner surface of the bottom cover 145 to receive the tip of the lower storage boss 106, the engagement of both 106 and 153 can restrict the horizontal misalignment of the bottom cover 145 relative to the base case 42.

[0068] By forming an engaging projection 154 on the inner surface of the bottom cover 145 that penetrates the inside of the tip of the lower storage boss 106, the engagement of both 106 and 154 can restrict the horizontal misalignment of the bottom cover 145 relative to the base case 42. Furthermore, by allowing the engaging projection 154 to penetrate the tip of the lower storage boss 106, the vertical dimension of the storage hole 104 is reduced accordingly, which allows for cost reduction by miniaturizing the conductive spring 148.

[0069] By forming a recess in the inner surface of the bottom cover 145 to receive the tip of the lower storage boss 106, and further forming a projection on the bottom surface of the engagement hole 153 that penetrates into the inside of the tip of the lower storage boss 106, the engagement projection 154 and the engagement hole 153 engage with the tip of the lower storage boss 106 from both the inside and outside, thereby more reliably restricting the misalignment of the bottom cover 145. In addition, by allowing the engagement projection 154 to penetrate the tip of the lower storage boss 106, the vertical dimension of the storage hole 104 is reduced accordingly, which allows for cost reduction by miniaturizing the conductive spring 148.

[0070] By providing a through-hole 107 that surrounds the upper storage boss 105 in the upper opposing wall 51 of the discharge section 16, the horizontal displacement of the upper storage boss 105 relative to the second electrode 32 can be restricted by the through-hole 107, thereby ensuring that the second current-carrying body 88 contacts the appropriate location on the second electrode 32.

[0071] By forming a downwardly widening guide surface 109 at the lower part of the insertion hole 107, the upper storage boss 105 can be easily guided into the interior of the insertion hole 107 when the discharge unit 16 is attached to the base unit 15.

[0072] If the base case 42, which forms the base of the base portion 15, is formed in a stepped shape having an upper portion 43 and a lower portion 44, and the discharge portion 16 is provided with a downward-facing mounting recess 46 that engages with the upper portion 43, then when the mounting portion 16 is attached to the base portion 15, the engagement between the upper portion 43 and the mounting recess 46 can restrict the horizontal displacement of the discharge portion 16.

[0073] By providing a mounting and holding means between the upper part 43 of the base case 42 and the discharge unit 16, it is possible to prevent the discharge unit 16 from unintentionally separating from the base unit 15. Furthermore, compared to the case where the mounting and holding means is located on the lower part 44, the impact when the discharge device is subjected to an external force is less likely to reach the mounting and holding means, making it less likely for the discharge unit 16 to detach from the base unit 15.

[0074] If the first current-carrying body 87, which is responsible for supplying current to the first electrode 31, is equipped with a tensioning portion 93 that biases the first electrode 31 in a direction that brings it into close contact with the dielectric 33, then this biasing force can be applied to the second electrode 32 via the dielectric 33. With this tensioning portion 93, the second electrode 32 can be biased in the opposite direction to the biasing force acting on the second electrode 32 from the second current-carrying body 88, thereby further improving the contact between the second electrode 32 and the second current-carrying body 88.

[0075] If the magnitude of the elastic force exerted by the tensile portion 93 and the second energizing body 88 is the same, the second electrode 32 can be stabilized by preventing it from being strongly pushed to one side.

[0076] If the discharge unit 16, which includes the first electrode 31 and the first current-carrying element 87, is detachable from the base unit 15, which includes the first terminal 85, the discharge unit 16, which is relatively prone to getting dirty due to the inclusion of the first electrode 31, can be easily cleaned while separated from the base unit 15. In addition, if the discharge unit 16 malfunctions, only the discharge unit 16 can be replaced, which reduces repair costs compared to replacing the entire discharge device, including the base unit 15. There is also the advantage that workers can easily attach the discharge unit 16 to the base unit 15 on the manufacturing line of the discharge device.

[0077] By providing an electrode connection portion 90 that is wrapped around the first electrode 31 at least once in the circumferential direction at one end of the first current-carrying body 87, which is responsible for supplying current to the rod-shaped first electrode 31, the first electrode 31 and the first current-carrying body 87 can be brought into line contact, thereby increasing the contact area between the two 31 and 87. Increasing the contact area between the first electrode 31 and the first current-carrying body 87 reduces the contact pressure at the connection portion between the two 31 and 87, thereby increasing the long-term durability of the connection portion. Furthermore, even if a part of the surface of the first electrode 31 or the first current-carrying body 87 oxidizes over time, it becomes less likely for current leakage to occur, and the voltage applied to the first electrode 31 can be maintained at a high level.

[0078] By providing a crimping portion 91 that biases the electrode connection portion 90 of the first current-carrying body 87 toward the direction away from the first electrode 31, the adhesion of the electrode connection portion 90 to the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31 can be increased, thereby reducing the electrical resistance between the two, 31 and 87.

[0079] By configuring the electrode support structure 64 with an upper support portion 65 and a lower support portion 66 that clamp the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31 from above and below, the first electrode 31 can be fixed to the discharge case 34 with a simple operation of clamping the first electrode 31 from above and below with the upper support portion 65 and the lower support portion 66.

[0080] By configuring the electrode support structure 64 with a holding groove 118 that opens laterally and holds the first electrode 31 so that it cannot move up or down, the first electrode 31 can be fixed to the discharge case 34 with a simple operation of just sliding the first electrode 31 laterally into the back of the holding groove 118.

[0081] The upper spring 157, which biases the first electrode 31 to adhere closely to the dielectric 33, ensures that the first electrode 31 is securely in contact with the dielectric 33, preventing unintended movement of the first electrode 31 relative to the dielectric 33.

[0082] If the first electrode 31 is able to move toward and away from the dielectric 33, the first electrode 31 can be separated from the dielectric 33 against the biasing force of the upper spring 157, and in that state, the first electrode 31 and its surroundings can be thoroughly cleaned with a cleaning brush or the like.

[0083] By clamping the entire electrode unit 71, consisting of the first electrode 31, the dielectric 33, and the second electrode 32, from above and below within the discharge case 34, the structure of the discharge case 34 and, consequently, the discharge device can be simplified compared to the case where support structures for each electrode 31, 32, and the dielectric 33 are provided individually.

[0084] When the electrode unit 71 is clamped together with the cushioning material 58, the electrode unit 71 can be brought into close contact with the cushioning material 58, effectively restricting its movement. Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the cushioning material 58 can absorb the design tolerances of the electrode unit 71 and the discharge case 34.

[0085] When the discharge unit 16 is separated from the base unit 15, if the lower end of the terminal connection part 92 is positioned above the lower end of the discharge case 34, the terminal connection part 92 will not touch the table or other surface when the discharge unit 16 is placed on a table, i.e., it will not be compressed, thereby suppressing deterioration of the terminal connection part 92 and extending its lifespan. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0086] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the main part of a discharge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the CC line in Figure 7. [Figure 2] This is a schematic longitudinal front view showing an ozonizer equipped with the discharge device. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the control system for an ozonizer. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the discharge device. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of the discharge device. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the discharge unit and base unit that make up the discharge device. [Figure 7] This is a front cross-sectional view of the discharge device. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view along line BB. [Figure 9] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the components of the discharge section. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 7. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the separated discharge section and base section along line AA in Figure 7. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the separated discharge section and base section along the CC line in Figure 7. [Figure 13] This is a plan view of the base and the inverted discharge section. [Figure 14] This is a plan view of the electrode pair that constitutes the discharge section. [Figure 15] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional front view of a discharge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view along the DD line. [Figure 17] This is a plan view of the electrode pair that constitutes the discharge section of the discharge device. [Figure 18] This is a schematic front view showing a discharge device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a schematic front view showing a discharge device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a schematic front view showing a discharge device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This figure shows the energizing structure of a discharge device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This figure shows the energizing structure of a discharge device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This figure shows the electrode support structure of a discharge device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the main part of a discharge device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a schematic front view showing a discharge device according to the 10th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This is a schematic front view showing a discharge device according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0087] (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 14. The discharge device of this embodiment is built into a tabletop ozonizer (ozone generator) and is responsible for generating ozone by discharging electricity into the air. In this embodiment, front, back, left, right, and up and down refer to the intersecting arrows shown in Figures 2 and 4 and the front, back, left, right, and up and down indications written near each arrow. The same applies to the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments.

[0088] As shown in Figure 2, the casing 2 that forms the base of the ozonizer 1 consists of a main case 3 that occupies the majority of the casing and a sub-case 4 that is detachably joined to the upper surface of the main case 3. By joining the two cases 3 and 4, a roughly L-shaped air passage 5 is formed inside the casing 2. Inside the air passage 5, there is a discharge device 6 that generates ozone by discharge and a blower fan 7 for releasing the generated ozone from the air passage 5. The intake port 8 of the air passage 5 is located on the right side wall of the main case 3, and the blower fan 7 is positioned facing this intake port 8. The left side of the upper wall of the sub-case 4 is an inclined surface that slopes downward from right to left, and the outlet port 9 of the air passage 5 is located on this inclined surface. The blower fan 7 forms a leftward airflow inside the air passage 5 from the intake port 8 to the outlet port 9, and releases ozone-containing air from the outlet port 9.

[0089] The air passage 5 is divided into an upstream section 11 formed only by the main case 3, a middle section 12 formed by joining both cases 3 and 4 vertically, and a downstream section 13 formed only by the sub-case 4, from the intake port 8 (upstream side) to the outlet port 9 (downstream side). The blower fan 7 is located in the upstream section 11 together with the fan motor 14, which is the drive source, and the discharge device 6 is located in the middle section 12. 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 middle 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) for detecting whether or not the discharge section 16 is attached. Details of the discharge device 6 will be described later.

[0090] The lower half of the middle section 12 is partitioned by the main case 3, while the upper half is partitioned by the sub-case 4. Therefore, by separating the sub-case 4 from the main case 3, the upper surface of the discharge device 6 can be exposed, allowing for maintenance of the discharge device 6. Specifically, for example, the discharge section 16 can be separated from the base section 15, and the surface of the discharge section 16 can be cleaned. A safety switch 18 is provided at the joint surface between the main case 3 and the sub-case 4 to mechanically detect whether or not the sub-case 4 is connected.

[0091] 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 connected to a power supply unit 23 (see Figure 3), such as a commercial power supply, via a power cord, and a power switch 24 for powering on is provided on the front surface (left side) of the main case 3. The boost circuit 22 boosts the AC voltage supplied from the power supply unit 23, for example 100V, 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., 5V, 12V, 24V, etc.). This DC voltage serves as the driving source for the IC of the control unit 21 and the fan motor 14. The boost circuit 22 may also 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 a DC voltage, in which case the boost circuit 22 also boosts the DC voltage and applies it to the discharge device 6.

[0092] When the power switch 24 is turned on by the user, the control unit 21 first checks for the presence or absence of the discharge unit 16 and sub-case 4 based on the output of the mounting detection unit 17 and the safety switch 18. After confirming that the discharge unit 16 is mounted on the base unit 15 and that the sub-case 4 is connected to the main case 3, the control unit 21 starts supplying power 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 within the air passage 5 from the intake port 8 to the outlet port 9, and air containing ozone generated around the discharge device 6 is blown out from the outlet port 9. If the separation of the sub-case 4 or the discharge unit 16 is confirmed, the control unit 21 immediately cuts off power to the boost circuit 22, etc. This reliably prevents electric shock accidents caused by the user touching electrodes 31 and 32 (described later) or terminals 85 and 86 (described later) while high voltage is applied from the boost circuit 22.

[0093] Furthermore, when power is supplied to the fan motor 14 and the boost circuit 22, the control unit 21 may light up an indicator lamp 27, for example, in green, to inform the user that the ozonizer 1 is in operation. Also, if the presence of the discharge unit 16 and the sub-case 4 cannot be confirmed, the indicator lamp 27 may be lit up in red, for example, to inform the user of this fact.

[0094] Near the discharge device 6 in the airflow path 5, a light detection unit 28 is provided 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 or a camera. The control unit 21 can determine the degree of contamination (accumulation of dust, etc.) of the discharge unit 16 based on the amount of blue light detected by the light detection unit 28. If this light amount is less than a predetermined value, i.e., the degree of contamination is high, the control unit 21 can illuminate the notification means 27, for example, in yellow, to prompt the user to clean the discharge device 6 as soon as possible.

[0095] As shown in Figure 4, the discharge device 6 consists of a base portion 15 fixed within the air passage 5 and a discharge portion 16 detachably mounted on the upper side of the base portion 15. Since the discharge portion 16 is detachably mounted to the base portion 15, the discharge portion 16, which is relatively prone to soiling, can be easily cleaned while separated from the base portion 15. Furthermore, if the discharge portion 16 malfunctions, only the discharge portion 16 can be replaced, reducing repair costs compared to replacing the entire discharge device 6, including the base portion 15. Another advantage is that workers can easily attach the discharge portion 16 to the base portion 15 in the manufacturing line of the discharge device 6 or ozonizer 1. The entire discharge portion 16 is formed with rotational symmetry, or more precisely, twofold symmetry, around the vertical axis. That is, if we define the orientation of the discharge portion 16 shown in Figure 4 as the first position, and the state obtained by rotating the discharge portion 16 180° around the vertical axis from this first position as the second position, the discharge portion 16 can be properly mounted to the base portion 15 in either the first or second position.

[0096] The discharge section 16 consists of a first electrode 31 and a second electrode 32 facing each other vertically, a dielectric 33 interposed between the two electrodes 31 and 32, and a discharge case 34 that supports them. The upper first electrode 31 is formed in the shape of a round rod extending straight from side to side and is in contact with the upper surface of the dielectric 33. The lower second electrode 32 is made of a film formed on the lower surface of the dielectric 33 by a film deposition method such as sputtering. Each electrode 31 and 32 can be made 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 made of titanium, which has excellent corrosion resistance. The diameter of the round rod-shaped first electrode 31 is 1 mm, and the thickness of the film-like second electrode 32 is 50 to 150 nm. By making the second electrode 32 a thin film, the discharge section 16 can be made compact with a small vertical dimension.

[0097] The dielectric 33 is formed from an insulating material such as glass and is shaped like a long, horizontal rectangular plate. 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 on its upper surface to expose the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33 upwards.

[0098] As shown in Figure 5, the discharge case 34 consists 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 case 37 is closed by the inner case 38. The front and rear walls of both cases 37 and 38 are each provided with an engagement structure consisting of a projection 39 and a recess 40 (see Figure 1). In this embodiment, the projection 39 is provided on the outer surface of the front and rear walls of the inner case 38, and the recess 40 is provided on the inner surface of the front and rear walls of the outer case 37, but of course this arrangement can be reversed. The engagement structure can also be provided on the left and right walls of both cases 37 and 38.

[0099] As shown in Figure 6, the base case 42, which forms the base of the base portion 15, is made of insulating plastic molded product, similar to the outer case 37 and inner case 38 of the discharge case 34, and is formed in a rectangular, stepped stand shape with a relatively small upper portion 43 and a large lower portion 44 integrated into one unit. The lower portion 44 of the base case 42 is fixed to the main case 3 with a number of screws 45. Inside the inner case 38, there is a downward-facing mounting recess 46 that receives the upper portion 43 and surrounds it from the front, back and sides. A downward-facing engaging projection 47 is formed protruding from the center of the bottom surface of this mounting recess 46, and correspondingly, an upward-facing engaging recess 48 is formed as a recess in the center of the top surface of the upper portion 43 to receive the engaging projection 47. The engaging projection 47 consists of a flat projection with a rectangular cross-section, and the engaging recess 48 consists of a flat rectangular recess that is slightly larger than the engaging projection 47.

[0100] When the discharge unit 16 is mounted onto the base unit 15 from above, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the upper part 43 of the base case 42 fits into the inner case 38 of the discharge case 34 from below and engages with the mounting recess 46, while the engaging projection 47 engages with the engaging recess 48. These engagements restrict the horizontal displacement and rotation of the discharge unit 16 relative to the base unit 15. The planar shape of the engaging projection 47 and the engaging recess 48 is not limited to a rectangle; for example, if they are other polygons or non-circular shapes such as ovals, the engaging projection 47 can be completely surrounded by the wall surface of the engaging recess 48, thereby restricting the displacement and rotation of the discharge unit 16. Multiple sets of engaging projections 47 and engaging recesses 48 can also be provided, in which case the displacement and rotation of the discharge unit 16 can be restricted regardless of the planar shape of both 47 and 48.

[0101] When the discharge unit 16 is installed, 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 opposing wall 51, and the top wall of the upper section 43 will be referred to as the lower opposing wall 52. These opposing walls 51 and 52 are provided with mounting and holding means to prevent the discharge unit 16 from unintentionally separating upward from the base section 15 and to keep the discharge unit 16 in the installed state. This mounting and holding means consists of a rectangular parallelepiped magnet 53 attached to the upper opposing wall 51 of the inner case 38 and a rectangular plate-shaped magnetic body 54 attached to the lower opposing wall 52 of the upper section 43.

[0102] Specifically, an upper housing recess 55 is formed in the center of the upper surface of the upper opposing wall 51, opening upward to accommodate the magnet 53, and a lower housing recess 56 is formed in the center of the lower surface of the lower opposing wall 52, opening downward to accommodate the magnetic material 54. The upper surface of the magnet 53 housed in the upper housing recess 55 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper opposing wall 51. The aforementioned mounting detection unit 17, which consists of a magnetic sensor, is fixed to the lower surface of the magnetic material 54, and the mounting detection unit 17 is housed in the lower housing recess 56 together with the magnetic material 54.

[0103] The magnet 53, which constitutes the mounting and holding means, is positioned on the back side (upper side) of the engaging projection 47, with the upper opposing wall 51 in between, and the magnetic body 54 is positioned on the back side (lower side) of the engaging recess 48, with the lower opposing wall 52 in between. Therefore, when the engaging projection 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 mounting 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 mounted on the base unit 15. When the magnetic material 54 is placed on 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 material 54, compared to when it is placed on the lower part 44, and the discharge unit 16 is less likely to detach from the base unit 15.

[0104] The magnet 53 housed in the upper recess 55 is surrounded on all four sides by the walls of the upper recess 55, thereby restricting its horizontal displacement and rotation around its vertical axis. Similarly, the magnetic body 54 housed in the lower recess 56 is also surrounded on all four sides by the walls of the lower recess 56, thereby restricting its horizontal displacement and rotation around its vertical axis. The planar shapes of the magnet 53 and magnetic body 54 are not limited to rectangles; for example, if they are other polygons or non-circular shapes such as ovals, their periphery can be surrounded by the walls of the recesses 55 and 56 to restrict their displacement and rotation. The arrangement of the magnet 53 and magnetic body 54 may be reversed, but if the magnet 53 is located on the side of the discharge unit 16, the discharge unit 16 separated from the base unit 15 can be attracted and held in place by a stainless steel sink or the like, which is convenient when drying the discharge unit 16 after washing it with water.

[0105] The second electrode 32 and the dielectric 33 are bonded and fixed to the upper surface of the upper opposing wall 51 (and magnet 53) of the inner case 38 via a cushioning material 58 made of double-sided tape. The cushioning material 58 is formed in a rectangular shape that is slightly larger than the dielectric 33, and the second electrode 32 is sandwiched from above and below by the dielectric 33 and the cushioning material 58. The peripheral edge of the cushioning material 58 is elastically deformed and adheres tightly to the dielectric 33. As shown in Figure 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 on the lower surface of this protrusion, an upper inner receiving portion (upper receiving portion) 59 that receives the front and rear edges of the dielectric 33 and a lower outer receiving portion 60 that receives the front and rear edges of the cushioning material 58 are formed in a stepped manner.

[0106] The dielectric 33 is sandwiched from above and below by the outer case 37 (internal receiving portion 59) and the inner case 38 (upper opposing wall 51). The cushioning 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 outer receiving portion 60 and from below by the inner case 38, absorbing design tolerances such as the thickness dimension of the dielectric 33. The dielectric 33 is positioned in the front-rear direction by the vertical wall between the internal receiving portion 59 and the outer receiving portion 60 of the outer case 37. As shown in Figure 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-right direction by the mutually opposing end faces of both walls 61, 61.

[0107] 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 structure 64 consists of upper support parts 65 provided on both the left and right sides of the discharge opening 35 in the outer case 37, and lower support parts 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 parts 65 are formed as tunnel-shaped bulges extending left and right in the front-to-back center of each upper wall 61 of the outer case 37. On the inner surface of the upper support parts 65, upper semicircular receiving grooves 67 are recessed to receive the upper half of the first electrode 31, and relief recesses 68 are formed in the middle of each receiving groove 67 on both the left and right sides to receive the electrode connection part 90 of the first current-carrying body 87, which will be described later (see Figure 7). The outer end of each receiving groove 67 (the tip side of the first electrode 31) is positioned directly above the lower semicircular receiving portion 69 (see Figure 9) which is recessed into the protruding end surface of the lower support portion 66, and both 67 and 69 work together to clamp the first electrode 31 from above and below. On the inner surfaces of the left and right walls of the outer case 37, an introduction groove 70 (see Figure 9) is formed as a recess, extending downward in a manner continuous with the receiving groove 67. When assembling the discharge section 16, the first electrode 31 can be slid upward along this introduction groove 70 to a position where it can be received by the receiving groove 67.

[0108] In this embodiment, the electrode support structure 64 is composed of an upper support portion 65 (receiving groove 67) and a lower support portion 66 (receiving portion 69) that are in close contact with the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31, thereby restricting the vertical and horizontal movement of the first electrode 31. However, this is not essential in the present invention, and the electrode support structure 64 may allow some degree of movement of the first electrode 31. For example, the hole surrounded by the receiving groove 67 and the receiving portion 69 can be made into an oval shape in the vertical direction, allowing vertical movement of the first electrode 31 within the range of its length. In short, the electrode support structure 64 only needs to have the minimum function of supporting the first electrode 31. Furthermore, the electrode support structure 64 may be placed only at one end of the first electrode 31, providing cantilever support. This would allow for the omission of one of the left or right electrode support structures 64, simplifying the structure of the discharge case 34 and contributing to a cost reduction of the discharge device 6. In this case, the first electrode 31 can be formed in the shape of a straight rod, a zigzag, a crank, a meandering, a spiral, or the like.

[0109] When the set of the first electrode 31, the dielectric 33, and the second electrode 32 is defined as an electrode unit 71 (see Figure 8), the electrode unit 71 is sandwiched from above and below by the outer case 37 and the inner case 38 within the discharge case 34, along with the cushioning material 58. Specifically, the first electrode 31, which constitutes the upper part of the electrode unit 71, is supported from above by the upper support portion 65 of the outer case 37, and the second electrode 32 and the dielectric 33, which constitute 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 cushioning material 58. The upper opposing wall 51 constitutes a lower receiving portion 72 that receives the surface of the dielectric 33 on the second electrode 32 side, or a lower receiving portion 72 that receives the second electrode 32 from the back side of the dielectric 33.

[0110] It is not essential that the first electrode 31 contacts the upper surface of the dielectric 33; the two electrodes 31 and 33 may face 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 below the first electrode 31 can be provided separately from the electrode support structure 64. Alternatively, a spacer or bush can be interposed between the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33. In this case, the first current-carrying element 87, described later, may be used to bias the first electrode 31 downwards and press it against the spacer or the like.

[0111] When the discharge device 6 is driven, i.e., when discharge occurs, white dust mainly composed of nitrates may accumulate on the upper surface of the discharge section 16, particularly on the surface of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33. During ozone generation, nitrogen, oxygen, and moisture in the air react to produce nitric acid, which causes the accumulation of nitrates, i.e., dust. Since this dust hinders discharge, it is desirable to remove it periodically, and in addition to washing with water, a cleaning brush can be used for this purpose.

[0112] The direction of movement of the cleaning brush is preferably the left-right direction, which coincides with 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, enabling simultaneous cleaning of the surfaces of the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33. As shown in Figure 4, upward-facing grooves 73 are provided on the upper 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), in order to smoothly introduce the bristles of the cleaning brush onto the surface of the dielectric 33 and to smoothly guide out the bristles that have captured dust from the surface. The upper surface of the dielectric 33 and the bottom surface of the grooves 73 are flush. Therefore, dust can be easily swept away without being caught between the dielectric 33 and the grooves 73.

[0113] Furthermore, a pair of protrusions 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) in between. The left and right central sides of each protrusion 74 facing the dielectric 33 constitute a central guide surface 75, and the left and right continuous sides of the central guide surface 75 constitute end guide surfaces 76 that define the groove 73. In this embodiment, the groove 73 is defined by the protrusions 74 (end guide surfaces 76), the upper wall 61, and the upper support portion 65, and grooves 73 are formed on both the front and rear sides of each of the left and right upper support portions 65.

[0114] The central guide surface 75 of each ridge 74 guides the bristles of the cleaning brush in the left-right direction 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 are smoothly continuous with the central guide surface 75. These guide surfaces 75 and 76 allow the bristles of the cleaning brush to be smoothly introduced from one groove 73 to the surface of the dielectric 33 and smoothly guided from that surface to the other groove 73. For example, the user can introduce the cleaning brush from the left groove 73, move the brush straight to the right to capture dust, and sweep it out from the right groove 73. Performing this operation on both the front and rear sides of the first electrode 31 completes the removal of dust, i.e., cleaning.

[0115] The above cleaning procedure is performed with the discharge unit 16 separated from the base unit 15. When removing it, the left and right upper support parts 65 function as grips. To indicate to the user that these upper support parts 65 are grips, a marker 79 consisting of a projection is provided in the front-to-back center 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 marker 79 is a grip, and by, for example, placing their thumb on one upper support part 65 and their index finger on the other upper support part 65, they can grasp the discharge unit 16 from both sides with both fingers and pull it up to separate 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.

[0116] Using the upper support portion 65, which protrudes significantly above the first electrode 31, as a grip effectively prevents the user from touching the first electrode 31 or the dielectric 33 and causing sebum or other substances to adhere to them. Indicating that the upper support portion 65 is a grip with a marker 79 effectively prevents the user from gripping other parts, such as the front or rear walls of the discharge case 34, and accidentally touching the first electrode 31 or the dielectric 33. The marker 79 may be a mark printed on the discharge case 34, but by making it a protrusion, the marker 79 can also function as an anti-slip feature, allowing the user to firmly hold the discharge case 34.

[0117] Furthermore, the tunnel-shaped upper support portion 65 that covers the first electrode 31 from above protrudes significantly above the first electrode 31, so when the discharge portion 16 inverts and falls, it will hit the floor or other surface first, preventing a 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. In addition, the pair of protrusions 74 provided on the front and rear of the outer case 37, although their protrusion dimensions are smaller than those of the first protective portion 81 (upper support portion 65), protrude above the first electrode 31 (see Figure 7), and can hit the floor or other surface first, similar to 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.

[0118] Next, the current supply structure to each electrode 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 the first current-carrying element 87, and the second electrode 32 is electrically connected to the second terminal 86 via the second current-carrying element 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 elements 87 and 88. The terminals 85 and 86 and the current-carrying elements 87 and 88 are made of a metal such as gold-plated stainless steel.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 10, the first current-carrying body 87 is formed by bending a single wire (metal wire), and integrally includes an electrode connection portion 90, a winding portion 91 (tension portion 93), and a terminal connection portion 92 in this order from the side of the first electrode 31, that is, from the upper side. The electrode connection portion 90 is formed in a coil shape with the horizontal direction as the axial direction, and is wound around the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31 so as to be in close contact therewith (see FIG. 7). The winding portion 91 is formed in an L shape having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion in a side view, and biases one end of the electrode connection portion 90 continuous with the vertical portion downward. By pulling one end of the electrode connection portion 90 downward with the winding portion 91, the adhesion of the electrode connection portion 90 to the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31 can be enhanced. The reason why the winding portion 91 exhibits spring properties is that the horizontal portion of the winding portion 91 is received by the lower surface of the upper wall 61 of the outer case 37, that is, the seat portion 94.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 5, the diameter R2 of the inner circumferential surface in the natural state before the electrode connection portion 90 is wound around the first electrode 31 is slightly smaller than the diameter R1 of the first electrode 31 (R2 < R1). By press-fitting the first electrode 31 into the electrode connection portion 90, the electrode connection portion 90 is pushed from the inside and expanded in diameter, and is wound around the electrode 31. According to this, the electrode connection portion 90 can be firmly adhered over the entire circumferential length of the first electrode 31, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the two members 31 and 90 from being in a point contact state where they contact only at one or several points in the circumferential direction. Further, when the electrode connection portion 90 is firmly adhered to the first electrode 31, it is possible to surely prevent the electrode connection portion 90 from coming off the first electrode 31 without taking the trouble of welding and fixing the tip of the electrode connection portion 90 to the first electrode 31 (of course, welding and fixing can also be performed to ensure complete safety). These effects can be further enhanced by pulling the electrode connection portion 90 downward with the winding portion 91, but even if the winding portion 91 is omitted, sufficiently high effects can be obtained.

[0121] 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, oblong, regular polygon, rhombus, cross, or D-shape. In these cases, the electrode connection portion 90 is formed in a shape that allows for close contact (line contact) with the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31. A D-cut or the like can be applied only to the end of the first electrode 31 around which the electrode connection portion 90 is wrapped, resulting in the various non-circular cross-sections mentioned above. By making the electrode connection portion 90 close contact (line contact) with the circumferential surface of the non-circular cross-sectional portion of the first electrode 31, the rotation of the first electrode 31 around its central axis can be restricted by the electrode connection portion 90. The first electrode 31 may also be formed in the shape of a hollow round pipe or a square pipe.

[0122] The terminal connection portion 92, which is continuous with the lower side of the crimping portion 91, is formed in the shape of a compression coil spring with the vertical direction as its axis. In the mounting state of the discharge portion 16 shown in Figure 10, the lower end of the terminal connection portion 92 elastically adheres to the upper surface of the first terminal 85, and the first current-carrying body 87 is electrically connected to the first terminal 85. At this time, the terminal connection portion 92 is compressed in the vertical direction, and its upper end is supported by the seat portion 94, similar to the horizontal portion of the crimping 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 inside the first contact 95 is formed protruding from the upper surface of the first terminal 85. When the spring-receiving portion 96 penetrates inside the first contact 95 and engages, the misalignment movement of the terminal connection portion 92 relative to the first terminal 85 is restricted, and the electrical connection between the two 85 and 92 is further stabilized.

[0123] The first current-carrying body 87, which integrates the electrode connection portion 90, the crimping portion 91, and the terminal connection portion 92 as described above, reduces the number of parts and thus the effort and cost of assembly during manufacturing. In the configuration in which the compressed terminal connection portion 92 elastically adheres to the first terminal 85, the electrical connection between the two 85 and 92 becomes stable and reliable, and in addition, it can absorb design tolerances for the vertical dimensions of the discharge case 34 (outer case 37) and the base case 42. Furthermore, the terminal connection portion 92 is spaced horizontally (front-to-back direction) from the vertical portion of the crimping portion 91 via the horizontal portion of the crimping portion 91. This prevents the downward biasing force acting on the electrode connection portion 90 from the vertical portion of the crimping portion 91 from being canceled out by the repulsive force of the terminal connection portion 92, and allows the electrode connection portion 90 to adhere well to the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31 with this biasing force.

[0124] On the lower surface of the upper wall 61 of the outer case 37, a substantially cylindrical storage boss 99 is provided projecting downward, surrounding the seat portion 94 and defining a storage hole 98 for the terminal connection portion 92 of the first energizing body 87. The upper half of the terminal connection portion 92 is housed in the storage hole 98, and by surrounding the upper half of the terminal connection portion 92 with the storage boss 99 in this way, the upper half can be protected from external forces and prevented from being damaged by deformation or other damage. A vertical groove is formed in a part of the peripheral wall of the storage boss 99, allowing the horizontal portion of the crimping portion 91 to pass through.

[0125] The top wall of the inner case 38 is provided with an insertion hole 100 that allows the storage boss 99 and the terminal connection portion 92 to pass through. The circumferential surface of the insertion hole 100 is close to and surrounds the outer surface of the protruding end (lower end) of the storage boss 99. In other words, the insertion hole 100 can protect the protruding end of the storage boss 99 from external forces and prevent damage such as deformation. A terminal block 101 is provided protruding from the upper surface of the lower section 44 of the base case 42, facing the storage boss 99 when the discharge section 16 is mounted. The terminal block 101 is formed in the shape of a rectangular tube that opens upward, and the spring receiving portion 96 of the first terminal 85 is arranged inside it.

[0126] 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 is separated from the first terminal 85, returning from the compressed state to the natural length L1. 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 prone to buckling is 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 overly compressed when the discharge part 16 is mounted, suppressing the deterioration of the terminal connection part 92 and extending the life of the first current conductor 87. 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, is not compressed, suppressing the deterioration of the terminal connection part 92 and extending its life.

[0127] As shown in Figs. 1 and 12, the energization from the second terminal 86 to the second electrode 32 is performed through a pair of front and rear second current conductors 88. Each second current conductor 88 is formed in a compressed coil spring shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction using a single wire (metal wire) as the material. While the previous first current conductor 87 is connected to the first electrode 31 of the discharge part 16 and can be separated from the first terminal 85 of the base part 15, this second current conductor 88 is connected to the second terminal 86 of the base part 15 and can be separated from the second electrode 32 of the discharge part 16. The lower end of the second current conductor 88 is caulked and fixed to the second terminal 86, whereby the second current conductor 88 is supported in a self-standing state by the second terminal 86. In the mounted state of the discharge part 16 shown in Fig. 1, each second current conductor 88 is compressed in the vertical direction, and its upper end elastically adheres to the lower surface of the second electrode 32.

[0128] The upper end of the second current-carrying element 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 elements 32 and 88, thereby suppressing wear on the second electrode 32. Furthermore, even when a portion of the surface of the second electrode 32 or the second current-carrying element 88 oxidizes over time, it is less likely to cause poor conductivity, and the voltage applied to the second electrode 32 can be maintained at a high level.

[0129] Cylindrical storage bosses 105 and 106 are provided projecting upward and downward from the lower opposing wall 52 of the base case 42, demarcating 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 in this way, the majority can be protected from external forces and prevented from being damaged, such as deformation. The projection (lower end) of the lower storage boss 106 abuts against the second terminal 86, surrounding the connection (crimping and fixing) portion between the second terminal 86 and the second current-carrying body 88. The projection (upper end) of the upper storage boss 105 is in close proximity to the lower surface of the second electrode 32 when the discharge section 16 is mounted on the base section 15, without making contact. At this time, the upper end of the second energizing body 88 protrudes from the tip of the upper storage boss 105, that is, from the upper opening of the storage hole 104, and comes into close contact with the lower surface of the second electrode 32.

[0130] The upper opposing wall 51 and cushioning material 58 of the inner case 38 of the discharge section 16 are provided with through holes 107 and 108, respectively, which allow the upper storage boss 105 to pass through. The inner circumferential surfaces of each through hole 107 and 108 are close to and surround the outer circumferential surface of the upper storage boss 105. These through holes 107 and 108 prevent horizontal displacement of the upper storage boss 105 relative to the second electrode 32, thereby ensuring that the second current-carrying body 88 contacts the appropriate location on the second electrode 32. Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the tip of the upper storage boss 105 is formed in a tapered shape that narrows upwards, and a tapered guide surface 109 that widens downwards is formed below the through hole 107 in the upper opposing wall 51 that allows its insertion. These tapered surfaces allow the upper storage boss 105 to be easily guided into the through hole 107 when the discharge section 16 is mounted on the base section 15. The guide surface 109 may be an inclined surface with a constant angle as in this embodiment, or it may be an inclined surface with a changing inclination or a curved surface, or it may be a chamfered or rounded surface created by the chamfering of the lower end of the insertion hole 107.

[0131] As shown in Fig. 12, when the discharge part 16 is separated from the base part 15, the second current conductor 88 is separated from the second electrode 32 and returns from the compressed state to its 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 conductor 88, that is, when the lower over half of the second current conductor 88 is stored in the storage hole 104, the upper and lower central part of the second current conductor 88, which is relatively prone to buckling, can be surrounded by the storage hole 104 to accurately prevent its buckling. Furthermore, since the second current conductor 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 conductor 88, the second current conductor 88 is not overly compressed when the discharge part 16 is mounted, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the second current conductor 88 and extending its lifespan. 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.

[0132] According to the form in which the second current conductor 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 conductor 88, with the dielectric 33 made of a glass plate, the second electrode 32 can be reinforced to prevent its deformation and the like. 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 conductor 88 via the second electrode 32 is firmly received by the inner receiving part 59 of the outer case 37.

[0133] By electrically connecting the second electrode 32 and the second terminal 86 with 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 still be supplied through the other second current-carrying body 88, thereby improving the reliability of the discharge device 6. The spring constants of the pair of second current-carrying bodies 88 are the same, which ensures that the elastic force acting on the second electrode 32 is uniform without bias to either the front or back, allowing both second current-carrying bodies 88 to adhere properly to the second electrode 32 and stabilizing the electrical connection between them. Furthermore, the upward elastic force acting on the second electrode 32 from each second current-carrying body 88 also acts on the first electrode 31 via the dielectric 33. The synergistic effect of this upward elastic force and the elastic force exerted by the crimping portion 91 of the first current-carrying body 87 pulling one end of the electrode connection portion 90 downwards further improves the adhesion of the electrode connection portion 90 to the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31.

[0134] Of course, the vertical repulsive force exerted by the terminal connection portion 92 of the second current-carrying body 88 and the first current-carrying body 87 in a compressed state is sufficiently smaller than the attractive force between the magnet 53 and the magnetic material 54 that constitute the aforementioned mounting and holding means, and the discharge unit 16 will not separate from the base unit 15 solely by the repulsive force between the second current-carrying body 88 and the terminal connection portion 92. However, since a portion of the attractive force of the mounting and holding 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 unit 16 from the base unit 15 with less force when cleaning the discharge unit 16, etc.

[0135] As shown in Figure 13, the first terminal 85 (spring receiving portion 96) is located only at one end of the base portion 15 (in this case, the left end), while the first current-carrying body 87 is located at both ends of the first electrode 31. Of these, only one of the first current-carrying bodies 87 is in close contact with the first terminal 85 when the discharge portion 16 is installed, contributing to the conduction of current from the first terminal 85 to the first electrode 31. Furthermore, while the pair of second current-carrying bodies 88 are located only on one side of the base portion 15 (in this case, the right side), the through holes 107 and 108 that allow their insertion are located on both the left and right sides of the discharge portion 16. Of these, only one of the through holes 107 and 108 allows the second current-carrying body 88 to be inserted when the discharge portion 16 is installed, contributing to the conduction of current from the second terminal 86 to the second electrode 32.

[0136] The placement of the first current-carrying elements 87 on both the left and right sides of the first electrode 31, and the placement of through-holes 107 and 108 on both the left and right sides of the discharge section 16, is due to the fact that the discharge section 16 is twice symmetrical around the vertical axis, as mentioned above. When the discharge section 16 is mounted on the base section 15 in the first position, the left first current-carrying element 87 and the right through-holes 107 and 108 perform their functions, and when the discharge section 16 is mounted in the second position, the right first current-carrying element 87 and the left through-holes 107 and 108 perform their functions. In other words, whether the twice-symmetrical discharge section 16 is mounted on the base section 15 in the first or second position, each electrode 31 and 32 and each terminal 85 and 86 are electrically connected via the current-carrying elements 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 section 16 when mounting it.

[0137] Furthermore, no terminal block 101 or similar is provided at the 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-carrying body 87 is in close contact with the first terminal 85, the terminal connection portion 92 of the other first current-carrying body 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, the terminal connection portion 92 is not compressed, thereby suppressing its deterioration and extending its lifespan. In addition, the point at which the second electrode 32 is in close contact with the second current-carrying body 88 differs between the first and second positions of the discharge section 16. This suppresses wear on the second electrode 32 and extends its lifespan.

[0138] The spring receiving portion 96 of the first terminal 85 that receives the first current-carrying element 87 is located in the lower section 44 of the base case 42, while the second current-carrying element 88 extending from the second terminal 86 is located in the upper section 43 of the same case 42. In other words, the pair of terminals 85 and 86 and the current-carrying elements 87 and 88 are located separately in the upper and lower sections 43 and 44 of the base case 42.

[0139] As shown in Figure 14, the second electrode 32 is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape, slightly smaller than the dielectric 33, and a gap 110 is provided in the front-to-back center, that is, directly below the first electrode 31, extending parallel to the electrode 31. In other words, the second electrode 32 is divided into a front first region 111 and a rear second region 112 by the gap 110, and the two regions 111 and 112 are continuous only through three bridging portions 113 on the left and right sides. The bridging portions 113 are located in the left-right center and at both ends of the second electrode 32. Each bridging portion 113 is formed (film-formed) simultaneously with the first region 111 and the second region 112, but it may also be formed separately from these regions 111 and 112.

[0140] 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 surface (top surface) of the dielectric 33 covering the second electrode 32 and the first electrode 31, and some of the oxygen in the surrounding air is converted into ozone. In a plan view, the entire second electrode 32 is positioned inward from the periphery of the dielectric 33, which ensures that discharge between electrodes 31 and 32 without the dielectric 33 is reliably prevented. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the periphery of the cushioning material 58 is in close contact with the dielectric 33, and the periphery of the second electrode 32 is sealed between the dielectric 33 and the cushioning material 58 around its entire circumference. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent discharge between the periphery of the second electrode 32 and the first electrode 31 without the dielectric 33.

[0141] To increase ozone generation by allowing this silent discharge to occur over a wide area, a gap 110 is provided in the center of the front and back of the second electrode 32, that is, directly below the first electrode 31. 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 discharge occurring over a wide area of ​​the dielectric 33's surface. Furthermore, the gap 110 prevents the discharge from concentrating directly below the first electrode 31, where white dust (nitrates), which hinders discharge, tends to accumulate. By generating discharge in front of and behind the first electrode 31, where dust accumulation is relatively low, the discharge amount can be maintained for a relatively long period, thereby reducing the need to prompt the user to clean the discharge section 16.

[0142] The width W1 of the first electrode 31 in the front-to-back direction is 1 mm, which matches its diameter, while the width W2 of the air gap 110 in the same direction is set to 2 mm. Setting the width W2 of the air gap 110 to be larger than the width W1 of the first electrode 31 reduces the amount of 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 Figure 12, the height H1 of the first electrode 31 in the vertical direction is 1 mm, which matches 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 to be smaller than the height H1 of the first electrode 31 brings the imaginary line connecting the front and rear edges of the second electrode 32 and the first electrode 31 closer to horizontal than vertical, allowing the charge distribution on the surface of the dielectric 33 to be closer to its front and rear edges, thereby allowing the discharge to spread over a wider area.

[0143] Instead of arranging the rod-shaped first electrode 31 straight from left to right, 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 increased and the discharge range to be widened compared to when the first electrode 31 is arranged straight from left to right. The first electrode 31 can also be bent, curved, or meandered, or two or more first electrodes 31 can be provided, which also widens the discharge range. Widening the discharge range in this way increases the amount of ozone generated.

[0144] As shown in Figure 14, of the pair of front and rear second current-carrying elements 88 extending from the second terminal 86, one 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 there is no bridging portion 113 and the two regions 111 and 112 are separated, it is possible to supply voltage to each region 111 and 112. However, if one of the second current-carrying elements 88 deteriorates and a connection failure occurs between it and the second electrode 32 or the second terminal 86, a disadvantage arises in that voltage can 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 a bridging portion 113. With this, even if a connection failure occurs in one of the second current-carrying elements 88, voltage can be supplied to the entire second electrode 32 via the other second current-carrying element 88.

[0145] As described above, in the discharge device 6 according to this embodiment, the second current-carrying body 88 is made to adhere elastically to the second electrode 32. This allows the second current-carrying body 88 and the second electrode 32 to be electrically connected without having to irremovably join (solder or adhesive fix) the tip of the second current-carrying body 88 to the second electrode 32, thereby eliminating the joining process and increasing the production efficiency of the discharge device 6. Furthermore, by using a second current-carrying body 88 that adheres elastically to the second electrode 32, reliable contact between 32 and 88 can be ensured, preventing the occurrence of poor current flow. In addition, design tolerances such as the thickness dimension of the second electrode 32 can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the second current-carrying body 88.

[0146] In a configuration where a plate-shaped dielectric 33 is in close contact with one surface of the second electrode 32 and a second current-carrying body 88 is in close contact with the other surface of the second electrode 32, the dielectric 33 firmly receives the second electrode 32 when it is pressed by the second current-carrying body 88, thereby preventing deformation of the second electrode 32 and further improving the contact between the second electrode 32 and the second current-carrying body 88. If the dielectric 33 is formed to be thicker than the second electrode 32, the dielectric 33 will receive the second electrode 32 more firmly, and deformation of the second electrode 32 can be prevented more reliably.

[0147] When the rod-shaped first electrode 31 is brought into close contact with the dielectric 33, the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33 can cooperate to support the second electrode 32, thereby more reliably preventing deformation of the second electrode 32. When an internal receiving portion 59 is provided to receive the surface of the dielectric 33 on the side of the first electrode 31, the internal receiving portion 59 and the dielectric 33 can cooperate to support the second electrode 32, thereby more reliably preventing deformation of the second electrode 32. Furthermore, when the surface of the dielectric 33 on the side of the first electrode 31 is supported by the internal receiving portion 59, the first electrode 31 is not strongly pressed by the dielectric 33, thereby preventing deformation of the first electrode 31.

[0148] If the lower end of the second current-carrying body 88 is crimped and fixed to the second terminal 86, or if the base portion 15 is provided with a storage hole 104 that accommodates at least the lower part of the second current-carrying body 88, the second current-carrying body 88 can be supported in an upright position by the second terminal 86 in the base portion 15 before the discharge portion 16 is attached, thus making it easy to attach the discharge portion 16 to the base portion 15.

[0149] By dividing the storage hole 104 with an upper storage boss 105 projecting upward from the lower opposing wall 52 of the base portion 15 and a lower storage boss 106 projecting downward from the same wall 52, the height of each storage boss 105 and 106 can be reduced compared to the case where the storage hole 104 of the same depth is divided by bosses projecting upward or downward from the lower opposing wall 52, thereby effectively preventing deformation and damage to each storage boss 105 and 106.

[0150] The upper storage boss 105 has more opportunities to come into contact with the discharge section 16 and other parts compared to the lower storage boss 106, and is therefore more susceptible to deformation or damage from external forces. By setting the height T of the upper storage boss 105 to be less than half the depth D2 of the storage hole 104, the amount of protrusion of the upper storage boss 105 from the lower opposing wall 52 is reduced, which effectively prevents deformation or damage to the upper storage boss 105, which is susceptible to external forces.

[0151] By providing a through-hole 107 surrounding the upper storage boss 105 in the upper opposing wall 51 of the discharge section 16, the horizontal displacement of the upper storage boss 105 relative to the second electrode 32 can be restricted by the through-hole 107, thereby ensuring that the second current-carrying body 88 contacts the appropriate location on the second electrode 32. By forming a downwardly widening guide surface 109 at the lower part of the through-hole 107, the upper storage boss 105 can be easily guided into the through-hole 107 when mounting the discharge section 16 to the base section 15.

[0152] By housing the lower majority of the second current-carrying body 88 in the storage hole 104, the upper and lower central portion of the second current-carrying body 88, which is relatively prone to buckling, is surrounded by the storage hole 104, effectively preventing buckling. Furthermore, since the second current-carrying body 88 will not shrink beyond the vertical height of the storage hole 104 (becoming shorter than the vertical height), by setting this vertical height to be greater than half the natural length of the second current-carrying body 88, the second current-carrying body 88 is not excessively compressed when the discharge section 16 is installed, thereby suppressing deterioration of the second current-carrying body 88 and extending its lifespan.

[0153] By connecting the second electrode 32 and the second terminal 86 with two (or more) second current-carrying elements 88, even if a connection failure occurs between one of the second current-carrying elements 88 and the second electrode 32 or the second terminal 86, current can still be supplied through the remaining second current-carrying elements 88, thereby improving the reliability of the discharge device 6.

[0154] If the base case 42, which forms the base of the base portion 15, is formed in a stepped shape having an upper portion 43 and a lower portion 44, and the discharge portion 16 is provided with a downward-facing mounting recess 46 that engages with the upper portion 43, then when the mounting portion 16 is attached to the base portion 15, the engagement between the upper portion 43 and the mounting recess 46 can restrict the horizontal displacement of the discharge portion 16.

[0155] By providing a mounting and holding means between the upper part 43 of the base case 42 and the discharge unit 16, it is possible to prevent the discharge unit 16 from unintentionally separating from the base unit 15. Furthermore, compared to the case where the mounting and holding means is located on the lower part 44, the impact when the discharge device 6 is subjected to an external force is less likely to reach the mounting and holding means, making it less likely for the discharge unit 16 to detach from the base unit 15.

[0156] If the first current-carrying body 87, which is responsible for supplying current to the first electrode 31, is equipped with a tensioning portion 93 that biases the first electrode 31 in a direction that brings it into close contact with the dielectric 33, then this biasing force can be applied to the second electrode 32 via the dielectric 33. With this tensioning portion 93, the second electrode 32 can be biased in the opposite direction to the biasing force acting on the second electrode 32 from the second current-carrying body 88, thereby further improving the contact between the second electrode 32 and the second current-carrying body 88.

[0157] If the discharge unit 16, which includes the first electrode 31 and the first current-carrying element 87, is detachable from the base unit 15, which includes the first terminal 85, the discharge unit 16, which is relatively prone to getting dirty due to the inclusion of the first electrode 31, can be easily cleaned while separated from the base unit 15. In addition, if the discharge unit 16 malfunctions, only the discharge unit 16 can be replaced, which reduces repair costs compared to replacing the entire discharge device 6, including the base unit 15. There is also the advantage that workers on the manufacturing line of the discharge device 6 can easily attach the discharge unit 16 to the base unit 15.

[0158] By providing an electrode connection portion 90 that is wrapped around the first electrode 31 at least once in the circumferential direction at one end of the first current-carrying body 87, which is responsible for supplying current to the rod-shaped first electrode 31, the first electrode 31 and the first current-carrying body 87 can be brought into line contact, thereby increasing the contact area between the two 31 and 87. Increasing the contact area between the first electrode 31 and the first current-carrying body 87 reduces the contact pressure at the connection portion between the two 31 and 87, thereby increasing the long-term durability of the connection portion. Furthermore, even if a part of the surface of the first electrode 31 or the first current-carrying body 87 oxidizes over time, it becomes less likely for current leakage to occur, and the voltage applied to the first electrode 31 can be maintained at a high level.

[0159] By providing a crimping portion 91 that biases the electrode connection portion 90 of the first current-carrying body 87 toward the direction away from the first electrode 31, the adhesion of the electrode connection portion 90 to the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31 can be increased, thereby reducing the electrical resistance between the two, 31 and 87.

[0160] By configuring the electrode support structure 64 with an upper support portion 65 and a lower support portion 66 that clamp the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31 from above and below, the first electrode 31 can be fixed to the discharge case 34 with a simple operation of clamping the first electrode 31 from above and below with the upper support portion 65 and the lower support portion 66.

[0161] By clamping the entire electrode unit 71, consisting of the first electrode 31, the dielectric 33, and the second electrode 32, from above and below within the discharge case 34, the structure of the discharge case 34 and, consequently, the discharge device 6 can be simplified compared to the case where support structures for each electrode 31, 32, and the dielectric 33 are provided individually. By clamping the electrode unit 71 together with the cushioning material 58, the electrode unit 71 can be brought into close contact with the cushioning material 58, effectively restricting its movement. Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the cushioning material 58 can absorb the design tolerances of the electrode unit 71 and the discharge case 34.

[0162] When the discharge unit 16 is separated from the base unit 15, if the lower end of the terminal connection part 92 is positioned above the lower end of the discharge case 34, the terminal connection part 92 will not touch the table or other surface when the discharge unit 16 is placed on a table, i.e., it will not be compressed, thereby suppressing deterioration of the terminal connection part 92 and extending its lifespan.

[0163] (Second Embodiment) Figures 15 to 17 show a second embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that a second current-carrying body 88 is arranged in the center of the base portion 15 in a plan view. The second electrode 32 is formed in a horizontal H shape as a whole, and a bridging portion 113 is provided only in the left and right center of the second electrode 32. The second current-carrying body 88 consists of an upper current-carrying pin 147 that elastically adheres to the lower surface of the bridging portion 113 of the second electrode 32, a lower current-carrying spring 148 that biases the current-carrying pin 147 upward toward the second electrode 32, and a current-carrying piece 149 that extends substantially horizontally in continuity 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 clear from this embodiment, at least a part of the second current-carrying body 88 should be elastically deformable in the thickness direction, i.e., vertical direction, of the second electrode 32.

[0164] The conductive pin 147 and conductive spring 148 are housed in a storage hole 104 that runs vertically through the center of the base case 42, and the conductive pin 147 is guided to slide only vertically on the circumferential surface of the storage hole 104. The conductive pin 147 is formed in a cylindrical shape from any metal or other material with excellent conductivity, and its tip (upper end) has a circular horizontal surface that makes surface contact with the lower surface of the second electrode 32. The conductive spring 148 is formed in the shape of a compression coil spring with the vertical direction as its axis, and its upper end is connected to the lower end of the conductive pin 147.

[0165] The base portion 15 includes a bottom cover 145 that fits into the base case 42 from below, and the lower opening of the storage hole 104 is closed by the bottom cover 145. A circular engagement hole 153 is recessed in the center of the inner surface of the bottom cover 145 to receive the tip (lower end) of the lower storage boss 106, and a cylindrical engagement projection 154 is formed protruding from the center of the bottom surface of this engagement hole 153, which penetrates into the inside of the tip of the lower storage boss 106. The lower end of the conductive spring 148 is supported by the inner surface (upper surface) of the bottom cover 145, or more precisely, the tip surface (upper surface) of the engagement projection 154. In addition, a vertical groove 155 is formed at the tip of the lower storage boss 106 to allow the insertion of the conductive piece 149. Note that it is also possible to omit either the engagement hole 153 or the engagement projection 154, and provide only the engagement hole 153 or only the engagement projection 154 in the center of the inner surface of the bottom cover 145.

[0166] The electrode support structure 64 that supports both ends of the first electrode 31 consists only of an upper support portion 65 provided on the outer case 37 of the discharge case 34, and the lower support portion 66 of the inner case 38 is omitted. Each upper support portion 65 is provided with a vertically elongated guide hole 151 through which the first electrode 31 is inserted, and the first electrode 31 is able to move up and down relative to the dielectric 33 along the front and rear sides of the guide hole 151. In the normal state, the first electrode 31 is biased downward by the crimping portion 91 and upper spring 157 of the first current-carrying body 87 and is in close contact with the upper surface of the dielectric 33.

[0167] The upper spring 157 is a compression coil spring with its axis oriented vertically and is positioned inside each of the left and right upper support portions 65. The inner surface of the upper support portion 65 is provided with a spring recess 158 that accommodates the upper part of the upper spring 157. The lower end of the upper spring 157 is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the electrode connection portion 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 portion 90. When the first electrode 31 is lifted against the biasing force of the crimping portion 91 and the upper spring 157, the area around the lower part of the first electrode 31 can be cleaned thoroughly with a cleaning brush. When using the upper spring 157 as in this embodiment, the crimping portion 91 may be omitted from the first current-carrying body 87. However, using both the crimping portion 91 and the upper spring 157 ensures that the first electrode 31 is securely in contact with the dielectric 33.

[0168] The terminal connection portion 92 of the first current-carrying body 87 is formed in the shape of a conical coil spring that widens at the bottom. This allows the lower end of the terminal connection portion 92 to contact the upper surface of the first terminal 85 over several turns when the terminal connection portion 92 is compressed in the vertical direction. In other words, the contact area between the two 85 and 92 can be increased, thereby reducing the electrical resistance between the two 85 and 92. The coil spring constituting the terminal connection portion 92 can be formed in other shapes, such as a bell mouth shape that widens at the bottom or a drum shape that widens at both the top and bottom, and the same effects as described above can be obtained in these cases as well. The lower part of the terminal connection portion 92 may be formed in a barrel shape that narrows at the bottom, and in this case as well, the lower end of the terminal connection portion 92 can contact the first terminal 85 over several turns, and the same effects as described above can be obtained. In this embodiment, the spring receiving portion 96 on the upper surface of the first terminal 85 is omitted.

[0169] In this embodiment, the mounting and holding means for holding the discharge unit 16 in the mounted state is composed of two sets of magnets 53 and a magnetic material 54. The inner case 38 of the discharge case 34 is provided with a pair of left and right engaging protrusions 47, and an upper housing recess 55 for housing the magnets 53 is formed on the back side (upper side) of each engaging protrusion 47, sandwiched between the upper opposing wall 51. Similarly, the base case 42 is provided with a pair of left and right engaging recesses 48, and a lower housing recess 56 for housing the magnetic material 54 is formed on the back side (lower side) of each engaging recess 48, sandwiched between the lower opposing wall 52. The lower opening of the lower housing recess 56 is closed by the bottom cover 145.

[0170] The terminal block 101 of the base case 42 is positioned horizontally (to the left) away from the upper section 43. A circumferential regulating rib 159 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the inner case 38 of the discharge section 16. A portion of this regulating rib 159 enters the space between the upper section 43 and the terminal block 101 when the discharge section 16 is installed, and contacts the inner surface of the terminal block 101 (the surface facing the upper section 43). In addition to the engagement of the aforementioned engaging projection 47 and engaging recess 48, contacting the regulating rib 159 with the inner surface of the terminal block 101 more reliably restricts the horizontal displacement movement of the discharge section 16 relative to the base section 15 and its rotation around the vertical axis. The rest is the same as in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same components and their descriptions are omitted. The same applies to the third embodiment and subsequent embodiments.

[0171] In this configuration, where a columnar current-carrying pin 147 is biased by a current-carrying spring 148 and closely contacts the second electrode 32, the shape of the tip of the current-carrying pin 147 (the contact portion with the second electrode 32) can be designed relatively freely to match the shape of the second electrode 32. By making the tip of the current-carrying pin 147 a circular horizontal surface and making surface contact with the second electrode 32, as in this embodiment, the contact pressure between the two 32 and 147 is reduced, suppressing wear of the second electrode 32. Furthermore, even when a part of the surface of the second electrode 32 or the current-carrying pin 147 oxidizes over time, poor conductivity is less likely to occur, and the voltage applied to the second electrode 32 can be maintained at a high level. In addition, since the current-carrying pin 147 does not need to exhibit elasticity, its material can be selected considering only conductivity, and its electrical resistance can be reduced compared to the case where the entire second current-carrying body 88 is formed from a spring.

[0172] If the base portion 15 is provided with a storage hole 104 for housing the energizing pin 147 and energizing spring 148 of the second energizing body 88, the energizing pin 147 and energizing spring 148 can be protected from external forces and prevented from being damaged, such as by deformation.

[0173] In a configuration where the base case 42 has a vertically penetrating storage hole 104 and the bottom cover 145 closes the lower opening of the storage hole 104 and supports the energizing spring 148, the energizing spring 148 can exert a biasing force that biases the energizing pin 147 toward the second electrode 32 by simply inserting the energizing spring 148 into the storage hole 104 from below and joining the bottom cover 145 to the base case 42, so that the lower end of the energizing spring 148 is supported by the bottom cover 145.

[0174] By forming a recess in the inner surface of the bottom cover 145 to receive the tip of the lower storage boss 106, and further forming a projection on the bottom surface of the engagement hole 153 that penetrates into the inside of the tip of the lower storage boss 106, the engagement projection 154 and the engagement hole 153 engage with the tip of the lower storage boss 106 from both the inside and outside, thereby reliably restricting the misalignment of the bottom cover 145. In addition, by allowing the engagement projection 154 to penetrate the tip of the lower storage boss 106, the vertical dimension of the storage hole 104 is reduced accordingly, which allows for cost reduction by miniaturizing the conductive spring 148.

[0175] The crimping portion 91 and upper spring 157, which bias the first electrode 31 to adhere tightly to the dielectric 33, ensure that the first electrode 31 adheres firmly to the dielectric 33, preventing unintended movement of the first electrode 31 relative to the dielectric 33. When the first electrode 31 can move toward and away from the dielectric 33, the first electrode 31 can be separated from the dielectric 33 against the biasing force of the crimping portion 91 and upper spring 157, and in that state, the first electrode 31 and its surroundings can be thoroughly cleaned with a cleaning brush.

[0176] In this embodiment as well, the height T of the upper storage boss 105 that partitions the upper part of the storage hole 104 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 that is easily subjected to external force can be effectively prevented. An insertion hole 107 that surrounds the upper storage boss 105 is provided in a penetrating manner in the upper opposing wall 51 of the discharge part 16. According to this, the horizontal displacement of the upper storage boss 105 with respect to the second electrode 32 can be restricted by the insertion hole 107, and the second current-carrying body 88 can be surely brought into contact with an appropriate position of the second electrode 32. A downwardly expanding guide surface 109 is formed at the lower part of the insertion hole 107. According to this, when the discharge part 16 is mounted on the base part 15, the upper storage boss 105 can be easily guided into the insertion hole 107.

[0177] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 18 shows a third embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, and is different from the first embodiment in that the second current-carrying body 88 elastically adheres to the current-receiving body 161 having the same potential as the second electrode 32. The current-receiving body 161 is made of a metal piece that is sufficiently thicker than the second electrode 32 and is electrically connected to the second electrode 32 by any means. The second current-carrying body 88 adheres to the lower surface of the current-receiving body 161, and the upper surface of the current-receiving body 161 is supported by an upper receiving part 162 provided on the discharge case 34.

[0178] When an upper receiving part 162 that receives one surface of the current-receiving body 161 is provided in the discharge case 34 that houses both electrodes 31 and 32 and the current-receiving body 161, and the second current-carrying body 88 is adhered to the other surface of the current-receiving body 161, the current-receiving body 161 pushed by the second current-carrying body 88 can be firmly supported by the upper receiving part 162, preventing deformation of the current-receiving body 161 and enhancing the adhesion between the current-receiving body 161 and the second current-carrying body 88. Further, when the second current-carrying body 88 is adhered to the current-receiving body 161 instead of the second electrode 32, the strength of the second electrode 32 can be made smaller, so that the second electrode 32 can be made thinner and the entire discharge part 16 and thus the entire discharge device 6 can be made more compact.

[0179] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 19 shows a fourth embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are formed from metal plates having a predetermined thickness. The first electrode 31 is bonded and fixed to the upper surface of the dielectric 33, and the second electrode 32 is bonded and fixed to the lower surface of the dielectric 33, so as to be in close contact with each other. The first current-carrying body 87 is formed in the same way as the second current-carrying body 88, in the shape of a compression coil spring with the vertical direction as its axial direction, and its lower end is fixed to the first terminal 85. Through holes are provided in the second electrode 32 and the dielectric 33 in a vertical direction to allow the insertion of the first current-carrying body 87, and the upper end of the first current-carrying body 87 is elastically in close contact with the lower surface of the first electrode 31 through these through holes. A predetermined insulating treatment is applied between the edge of the through hole in the second electrode 32 and the first current-carrying body 87. In addition to the upper receiving portion 59 that receives the upper surface of the dielectric 33, the discharge case 34 is also provided with an upper receiving portion 164 that receives the upper surface of the first electrode 31.

[0180] When the planar first electrode 31 is brought into close contact with the dielectric 33, the first electrode 31 and the dielectric 33 can cooperate to support the second electrode 32, thereby more reliably preventing deformation of the second electrode 32. By providing an upper support portion 164 that supports the first electrode 31 from the back side of the dielectric 33, the upper support portion 164 firmly supports the first electrode 31 being pushed by the first current-carrying body 87, preventing deformation of the first electrode 31 and further improving the contact between the first electrode 31 and the first current-carrying body 87. Furthermore, the upper support portion 164, the first electrode 31, and the dielectric 33 can cooperate to support the second electrode 32 being pushed by the second current-carrying body 88, thereby more reliably preventing deformation of the second electrode 32.

[0181] (Embodiment 5) FIG. 20 shows Embodiment 5 of the discharge device according to the present invention, which is different from Embodiment 4 in that the first current conductor 87 elastically adheres to the power receiving body 161 having the same potential as the first electrode 31. The power receiving body 161 is made of a metal piece thicker than the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, and is electrically connected to the first electrode 31 by any means. The first current conductor 87 adheres to the lower surface of the power receiving body 161, and the upper surface of the power receiving body 161 is supported by the upper receiving portion 162 provided on the discharge case 34. This upper receiving portion 162 is provided integrally with the upper receiving portion 59 that receives the left side of the dielectric body 33.

[0182] (Embodiment 6) FIG. 21 shows Embodiment 6 of the discharge device according to the present invention. In the natural state before the electrode connection portion 90 is wound around the first electrode 31, it is different from Embodiment 1 in that it is divided into a large diameter portion 141 and a small diameter portion 142 from the side of the winding portion 91. The diameter R3 of the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 141 in the natural state is the same as or larger than the diameter R1 of the first electrode 31, and the diameter R4 of the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 142 is slightly smaller than the diameter R1 of the first electrode 31 (R4 < R1 ≦ R3). By press-fitting the first electrode 31 into the electrode connection portion 90, the small diameter portion 142 is pressed from the inside and expanded in the same manner as the electrode connection portion 90 of Embodiment 1, and firmly adheres to the first electrode 31. The large diameter portion 141 is contracted by being pulled downward at the winding portion 91 and firmly adheres to the first electrode 31. The large diameter portion 141 wraps around the first electrode 31 approximately once, and the remaining portion of the electrode connection portion 90 excluding the large diameter portion 141 constitutes the small diameter portion 142. Also according to this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent the electrode connection portion 90 from firmly adhering over the entire circumferential length of the first electrode 31 and the point contact state where the two 31 and 90 contact only at one or several points in the circumferential direction, and it is possible to surely prevent the electrode connection portion 90 from coming off the first electrode 31.

[0183] (Seventh Embodiment) Figure 22 shows a seventh embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that the electrode connection portion 90 is wrapped around the first electrode 31 only once (approximately 360°), and the tip of the electrode connection portion 90 is welded and fixed to the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31. The welded portion 144 that fixes both 31 and 90 is located at the 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock position on the circumferential surface of the first electrode 31.

[0184] (Eighth Embodiment) Figure 23 shows the eighth embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, in which the electrode support structure 64 that supports both ends of the first electrode 31 differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, each of the left and right electrode support structures 64 is composed of a lateral gripping groove 118 provided in the outer case 37 (discharge case 34). Each gripping groove 118 has an opening on one side, front or rear, and an introduction groove 70 extends downward from the opening to the lower end of the outer case 37. A restricting projection 119 that restricts the detachment of the first electrode 31 is provided near the opening of the gripping groove 118.

[0185] To attach the first electrode 31 to the outer case 37, first the first electrode 31 is slid upward along the introduction groove 70 until it reaches the upper end of the introduction groove 70. Next, the first electrode 31 is slid laterally into the rear of the holding groove 118, overcoming the restricting projection 119. As a result, the first electrode 31 is held securely in the rear of the holding groove 118, preventing it from moving freely. In this embodiment, the tunnel-shaped projection that constituted the upper support portion 65 functions exclusively as the first protective portion 81. By configuring the electrode support structure 64 with the holding groove 118 as in this embodiment, the first electrode 31 can be fixed to the discharge case 34 with a simple operation of sliding the first electrode 31 laterally into the rear of the holding groove 118.

[0186] (Ninth Embodiment) Figure 24 shows the ninth embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, in which the mounting and holding means for holding the discharge unit 16 in a mounted state relative to the base unit 15 differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the mounting and holding means consists of an engagement hole 123 provided in the discharge case 34 (inner case 38) of the discharge unit 16 and an engagement claw 124 provided in the base case 42 of the base unit 15 that engages with and disengages from the engagement hole 123. The engagement claw 124 is positioned on the side surface of the upper part 43 of the base case 42 and is supported so as to be displaceable between a locked position in which it engages with the engagement hole 123 and an unlocked position in which it disengages from the engagement hole 123, and is biased to the locked position by a lock spring 125. The engaging claw 124 is integrally equipped with an operating portion 126 that protrudes from the outer surface of the base case 42. When this operating portion 126 is pushed inward against the biasing force of the lock spring 125, the engaging claw 124 is displaced from the locked position to the unlocked position and disengages from the engaging hole 123, allowing the discharge portion 16 to be separated from the base portion 15.

[0187] (Tenth Embodiment) Figure 25 shows a tenth embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that it is equipped with an operating lever 129 for separating the discharge unit 16 from the base unit 15. The operating lever 129 is supported by the base unit 15 so as to be able to swing up and down around a pivot point 130 which is a horizontal axis, and is provided with an action part 131 at one end that faces the lower surface of the discharge unit 16 and an operating part 132 at the other end. When the operating part 132 is swung downward, a force in the opposite direction, i.e., upward, acts on the discharge unit 16 from the action part 131, and when this force exceeds the attractive force between the magnet 53 and the magnetic material 54, the discharge unit 16 separates from the base unit 15. By using this operating lever 129, the discharge unit 16 can be separated from the base unit 15 without touching it, so that it is possible to reliably prevent fingertips from accidentally touching the first electrode 31 or the dielectric 33 during separation.

[0188] In this embodiment, the mounting detection unit 17 is composed of a microswitch provided on the base unit 15, and its passive pin 133 is positioned to face the lower surface of the discharge unit 16. In addition, a boost circuit (transformer) 22 is built into the base unit 15. When the discharge unit 16 is mounted on the base unit 15 and the passive pin 133 is pressed against the lower surface of the discharge unit 16, the mounting detection unit 17 outputs a signal to the control unit 21. When the control unit 21 is in the ON state and receives this signal, it determines that the discharge unit 16 is mounted on the base unit 15 and supplies voltage to the boost circuit 22. On the other hand, when the control unit 21 switches to the OFF state and can no longer receive a signal from the mounting detection unit 17, it determines that the discharge unit 16 has separated from the base unit 15 and immediately stops supplying voltage to the boost circuit 22. This reliably prevents electric shock accidents caused by a user touching terminals 85 and 86 while high voltage is applied from the boost circuit 22.

[0189] (Eleventh Embodiment) Figure 26 shows the eleventh embodiment of the discharge device according to the present invention, which differs from the tenth embodiment in that the boost circuit (transformer) 22 is located on the side of the discharge unit 16. The base unit 15 has a built-in power supply unit 136 that supplies a drive voltage to the boost circuit 22. When the discharge unit 16 is mounted on the base unit 15, the tips of a pair of output connectors 137 extending from the power supply unit 136 and a pair of input connectors 138 extending from the boost circuit 22 come into contact. As a result, both connectors 137 and 138 are electrically connected, and a DC voltage of, for example, several volts is supplied from the power supply unit 136 to the boost circuit 22.

[0190] The magnet 53 is positioned between a pair of input connectors 138 of the discharge unit 16, and the magnetic material 54 is positioned between a pair of output connectors 137 of the base unit 15. In this embodiment, the magnet 53 and magnetic material 54 hold the discharge unit 16 in an attached state by the attractive force acting between them, and also hold the output connectors 137 and input connectors 138 in a connected (contacted) state. According to this embodiment, even if the discharge unit 16 separates from the base unit 15 while the power supply unit 136 is running and a user touches the output connectors 137, the voltage applied to the output connectors 137 is low, so the risk of electric shock is extremely low.

[0191] The discharge device according to the present invention can be applied to ozonizers and ionizers, and can therefore contribute to Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the discharge device can be incorporated into equipment such as air conditioners, humidifiers, and air purifiers that release treated air, and can be used for disinfecting the released air. Alternatively, it can be installed inside refrigerators, closets, toilets, etc., and used for deodorizing and disinfecting those spaces. In addition, the discharge device can be applied to ozone water generators that dissolve 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]

[0192] 6 Discharge device 15 Base section 16 Discharge section 31 1st electrode 32 2nd electrode 33 Dielectrics 34 Discharge Case 42 Bass Case 43 Upper section 44 Lower section 46 Mounting recess 51 Upper facing wall 52 Lower facing wall 58 Cushioning material 59 Dielectric upper receiving part (internal receiving part) 64 Electrode support structure 65 Upper support part 66 Lower support part 71 Electrode Unit 85 1st terminal 86 2nd terminal 87 1st current carrying body 88 2nd current carrying body 90 Electrode connection section 91 Seam 92 Terminal connection section 93 Tensile section 104 storage holes 105 Upper storage boss 106 Lower storage boss 107 Through hole 109 Guide surface 118 Holding groove 145 Bottom lid 147 Powered pins 148 Conductive spring 153 Engagement holes 154 Engagement protrusion 157 Upper spring 161 Power receiver 162 Upper receiving part of the power receiving body 164 Upper receiving portion of the first electrode

Claims

1. A discharge device comprising a first electrode (31) and a planar second electrode (32) paired with the first electrode (31), It has a second current-carrying element (88) which is responsible for supplying current to the second electrode (32), The second current-carrying body (88) is elastically in close contact with the second electrode (32) or the current-receiving body (161) which is at the same potential as the second electrode (32). A discharge device characterized in that the first electrode (31) is formed in a rod shape and is in close contact with the dielectric (33).

2. A discharge device comprising a first electrode (31) and a planar second electrode (32) paired with the first electrode (31), It has a second current-carrying element (88) which is responsible for supplying current to the second electrode (32), The second current-carrying body (88) is elastically in close contact with the second electrode (32) or the current-receiving body (161) which is at the same potential as the second electrode (32). A plate-shaped dielectric (33) is placed between the first electrode (31) and the second electrode (32). It comprises a discharge case (34) that houses a first electrode (31), a second electrode (32), and a dielectric (33), A discharge device characterized in that the discharge case (34) is provided with an upper receiving portion (59) that receives the surface of the dielectric (33) on the first electrode (31) side.

3. A discharge device comprising a first electrode (31) and a planar second electrode (32) paired with the first electrode (31), It has a second current-carrying element (88) which is responsible for supplying current to the second electrode (32), The second current-carrying body (88) is elastically in close contact with the second electrode (32) or the current-receiving body (161) which is at the same potential as the second electrode (32). The first electrode (31) is formed in a planar shape and is in close contact with the dielectric (33). The first current-carrying element (87), which is responsible for supplying current to the first electrode (31), is elastically in close contact with the dielectric (33) side surface of the first electrode (31). It comprises a discharge case (34) that houses a first electrode (31), a second electrode (32), and a dielectric (33), A discharge device characterized in that the discharge case (34) is provided with an upper receiving portion (164) that receives the first electrode (31) from the back side of the dielectric (33).

4. A discharge device comprising a first electrode (31) and a planar second electrode (32) paired with the first electrode (31), It has a second current-carrying element (88) which is responsible for supplying current to the second electrode (32), The second current-carrying body (88) is elastically in close contact with the second electrode (32). It is equipped with a discharge case (34) that houses a first electrode (31), a second electrode (32), and a current receiver (161), A discharge device characterized in that the discharge case (34) is provided with an upper receiving portion (162) that receives one surface of the current receiving body (161), and the second current-carrying body (88) is in close contact with the other surface of the current receiving body (161).

5. A discharge device comprising a first electrode (31) and a planar second electrode (32) paired with the first electrode (31), It has a second current-carrying element (88) which is responsible for supplying current to the second electrode (32), The second current-carrying body (88) is elastically in close contact with the second electrode (32) or the current-receiving body (161) which is at the same potential as the second electrode (32). The second electrode (32) is connected to the second terminal (86) via the second current-carrying element (88). The upper discharge section (16), including the second electrode (32), is mounted on the lower base section (15), which includes the second terminal (86) and the second current-carrying element (88). A discharge device characterized in that the lower end of the second current-carrying body (88) is crimped and fixed to the second terminal (86), and the upper end of the second current-carrying body (88) is in close contact with the second electrode (32).

6. The discharge device according to claim 5, wherein the base portion (15) comprises a storage hole (104) for housing at least a part of the second energizing element (88).

7. In the state in which the discharge unit (16) is mounted, the upper opposing wall (51) of the discharge unit (16) and the lower opposing wall (52) of the base unit (15) are facing each other vertically. The discharge device according to claim 6, wherein the storage hole (104) is partitioned by an upper storage boss (105) projecting upward from the lower opposing wall (52) and a lower storage boss (106) projecting downward from the lower opposing wall (52).

8. The discharge device according to claim 7, wherein the height (T) of the upper storage boss (105) is set to be less than half the depth (D2) of the storage hole (104).

9. The discharge device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a through hole (107) surrounding an upper storage boss (105) is provided through the upper opposing wall (51) of the discharge section (16).

10. The discharge device according to claim 9, wherein a downwardly widening guide surface (109) is formed at the lower part of the insertion hole (107).

11. The discharge device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, in the state before the discharge unit (16) is attached to the base unit (15), the lower majority of the second current-carrying body (88) of its natural length is housed in the storage hole (104).

12. The discharge device according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the second electrode (32) is connected to the second terminal (86) via a plurality of second current-carrying elements (88).

13. A discharge device comprising a first electrode (31) and a planar second electrode (32) paired with the first electrode (31), It has a second current-carrying element (88) which is responsible for supplying current to the second electrode (32), The second current-carrying body (88) is elastically in close contact with the second electrode (32) or the current-receiving body (161) which is at the same potential as the second electrode (32). The upper discharge section (16), including the second electrode (32), is mounted on the lower base section (15), including the second current-carrying element (88). A discharge device characterized in that the second current-carrying body (88) includes a columnar current-carrying pin (147) that is in close contact with the second electrode (32), and a current-carrying spring (148) that biases the current-carrying pin (147) toward the second electrode (32).

14. The discharge device according to claim 13, wherein the base portion (15) comprises a storage hole (104) for housing at least the energizing spring (148) of the second energizing body (88).

15. In the state in which the discharge unit (16) is mounted, the upper opposing wall (51) of the discharge unit (16) and the lower opposing wall (52) of the base unit (15) are facing each other vertically. The discharge device according to claim 14, wherein the storage hole (104) is partitioned by an upper storage boss (105) projecting upward from the lower opposing wall (52) and a lower storage boss (106) projecting downward from the lower opposing wall (52).

16. The discharge device according to claim 15, wherein the height (T) of the upper storage boss (105) is set to be less than half the depth (D2) of the storage hole (104).

17. The base portion (15) comprises a base case (42) and a bottom cover (145) which are joined vertically, The discharge device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the base case (42) has a vertically penetrating storage hole (104), and the bottom cover (145) closes the lower opening of the storage hole (104) and supports the energizing spring (148).

18. The discharge device according to claim 17, wherein an engagement hole (153) for receiving the tip of the lower storage boss (106) is recessed on the inner surface of the bottom cover (145).

19. The discharge device according to claim 17, wherein an engaging projection (154) is formed on the inner surface of the bottom cover (145) that penetrates into the inner surface of the tip of the lower storage boss (106).

20. An engagement hole (153) for receiving the tip of the lower storage boss (106) is formed as a recess on the inner surface of the bottom cover (145), The discharge device according to claim 17, wherein an engaging projection (154) is formed protruding from the bottom surface of the engaging hole (153) and penetrates into the inside of the tip of the lower storage boss (106).

21. The discharge device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein a through hole (107) surrounding an upper storage boss (105) is provided through the upper opposing wall (51) of the discharge section (16).

22. The discharge device according to claim 21, wherein a downwardly widening guide surface (109) is formed at the lower part of the insertion hole (107).

23. The base case (42) which forms the base of the base portion (15) is formed in a stepped shape having an upper portion (43) and a lower portion (44), A discharge device according to any one of claims 5 to 22, wherein the discharge section (16) is provided with a downward-facing mounting recess (46) that engages with the upper section (43).

24. The discharge device according to claim 23, wherein mounting and holding means for holding the discharge unit (16) in a mounted state is provided between the upper part (43) of the base case (42) and the discharge unit (16).

25. Having a first current-carrying body (87) which is responsible for supplying current to the first electrode (31), The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the first current-carrying element (87) is provided with a tensioning portion (93) that biases the first electrode (31) in a direction that brings it into close contact with the dielectric (33).

26. The discharge device according to claim 25, wherein the magnitude of the elastic force exerted by the tensile portion (93) and the second energizing body (88) is the same.

27. ​​The first electrode (31) is connected to the first terminal (85) via the first current-carrying body (87), The discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the upper discharge section (16), which includes a first electrode (31) and a first current-carrying element (87), is detachably attached to the lower base section (15), which includes a first terminal (85).

28. The discharge device according to claim 27, wherein one end of the first current-carrying body (87) is provided with an electrode connection portion (90) that is wrapped around the first electrode (31) at least once in the circumferential direction.

29. The discharge device according to claim 28, further comprising a crimping portion (91) that biases the electrode connection portion (90) of the first current-carrying body (87) toward the first electrode (31).

30. A discharge case (34) housing a first electrode (31) and a second electrode (32) is provided with a pair of electrode support structures (64) that support both ends of the first electrode (31), The discharge device according to claim 28 or 29, wherein each electrode support structure (64) is composed of an upper support portion (65) and a lower support portion (66) that clamp the circumferential surface of the first electrode (31) from above and below.

31. A discharge case (34) housing a first electrode (31) and a second electrode (32) is provided with a pair of electrode support structures (64) that support both ends of the first electrode (31), The discharge device according to claim 28 or 29, wherein each electrode support structure (64) is configured with a holding groove (118) that opens laterally and holds the first electrode (31) so that it cannot move up or down.

32. The discharge device according to claim 1, further comprising an upper spring (157) that biases the first electrode (31) to adhere closely to the dielectric (33).

33. A discharge case (34) housing a first electrode (31) and a second electrode (32) is provided with a pair of electrode support structures (64) that support both ends of the first electrode (31), The discharge apparatus according to claim 25 or 32, wherein the electrode support structure (64) supports the first electrode (31) so as to be able to move toward and away from the dielectric (33).

34. A discharge device comprising a first electrode (31) and a planar second electrode (32) paired with the first electrode (31), It has a second current-carrying element (88) which is responsible for supplying current to the second electrode (32), The second current-carrying body (88) is elastically in close contact with the second electrode (32) or the current-receiving body (161) which is at the same potential as the second electrode (32). A plate-shaped dielectric (33) is placed between the first electrode (31) and the second electrode (32). It comprises a discharge case (34) that houses a first electrode (31), a second electrode (32), and a dielectric (33), The first electrode (31), the dielectric (33), and the second electrode (32) are arranged vertically to form an electrode unit (71). A discharge device characterized in that the entire electrode unit (71) is held between the top and bottom within the discharge case (34).

35. The discharge device according to claim 34, wherein the electrode unit (71) is held together with the cushioning material (58) from above and below within the discharge case (34).

36. The other end of the first energizing body (87) is provided with a terminal connection portion (92) made of a spring that expands and contracts in the vertical direction, With the discharge section (16) mounted on the base section (15), the lower end of the compressed terminal connection section (92) is elastically in close contact with the first terminal (85). The discharge section (16) includes a discharge case (34) that supports the first electrode (31) and the first current-carrying element (87). The discharge device according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein, when the discharge section (16) is separated from the base section (15) and the terminal connection section (92) returns to its natural length, the lower end of the terminal connection section (92) is located above the lower end of the discharge case (34).

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