Indoor unit of airconditioner comprising electric discharge generator   

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates air conditioners. Particularly, this invention relates to an air conditioner which comprises a discharge generator being configured to generate corona discharge for producing active substance such as radical.

BACKGROUND ART

Japanese patent application publication No. 2005-138034A discloses a prior air conditioner. The prior air conditioner comprises a fan and a discharge generator. The fan is configured to generate a forced air. The discharge generator has an emitter electrode and an opposed electrode which is spaced from the emitter electrode by a discharge space. The emitter electrode is configured to apply voltage to the discharge space upon receiving the voltage, whereby the emitter electrode generating the corona discharge in the discharge space. The corona discharge produces active substance such as radicals. The active substance is carried by the forced air. However, the corona discharge is not configured to produce a large amount of the active substance such as radicals. Therefore, it is difficult for the prior air conditioner to deodorize and sterilize room sufficiently by the forced air with the active substance.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

This invention is achieved to solve the above problem. It is an object of this invention to provide an air conditioner having a discharge generator which is configured to generate a large number of the active substance and also is configured to produce the active substance stably.

In order to solve the above problem, an air conditioner in this invention comprises a housing, a main fan, a heat exchanger, and a discharge generator. The housing is formed with an inlet, an outlet, a main airflow path. The inlet is provided for introducing outside air. The main airflow path extends from the inlet to the outlet. The main fan is disposed in the housing. The main fan is provided for generating a forced flow of the air through the main airflow path. The heat exchanger is disposed in the housing to heat and/or cool the air which flows through the main airflow path. The discharge generator has a casing, an emitter electrode, and an electrical insulator. The casing is formed with an intake, an outtake, and a second airflow path. The intake is provided for taking in the air into the casing. The outtake is communicated with the intake via the second airflow path within the casing in order to pass airflow through the casing. The electrical insulator is made of an electrical insulating material. The emitter electrode and the electrical insulator are disposed within the casing so as to form a discharge space. The emitter electrode is configured to apply high voltage to the discharge space. The emitter electrode has a circumferential surface. The circumferential surface is spaced from an inside surface of the casing by a clearance. The inside surface of the casing is opposed to the circumferential surface of the emitter electrode. The second airflow path is shaped to flow the airflow both through the clearance and the discharge space.

The air conditioner with this condition is configured to produce a large amount of active substance by generation of the electrical discharge in the discharge space. In addition, the active substance generated in the discharge space is immediately carried by the air which flows through the discharge space. In addition, the emitter electrode is cooled by the air which flows through the discharge space. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible for the air conditioner to produce a large amount of the active substance stably and over long periods.

It is preferred that the discharge space is defined by a first space and/or a second space. The electrical insulator is spaced from the emitter electrode by a gap which defines the first space. The electrical insulator is formed with an opening which extends through the electrical insulator and which defines the second space.

It is preferred that the air conditioner further comprises a filter which is located in downstream of the inlet. The outtake is located downstream of the filter.

It is preferred that the air conditioner further comprises a filter which is located in downstream of the inlet. The outtake is located upstream of the filter or is directed to the filter.

It is preferred that the air conditioner further comprises a filter which is located in downstream of the filter. The discharge generator further includes a selector which is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. The outtake is shaped to have a first port when the selector is located in the first position. The outtake is shaped to have a second port when the selector is located in the second position. The first port is located downstream of the filter. The second port is located upstream of the filter or is directed to the filter.

It is preferred that the air conditioner further comprises a filter which is located in downstream of the filter. The outtake is divided into a first port and a second port. The first port is located downstream of the filter. The second port is located upstream of the filter or is directed to the filter.

It is preferred that the heat exchanger is configured to condense vapor in the housing into water. The air conditioner further comprises a water supply means. The water supply means is configured to supply the water to an inside of the casing.

It is preferred that the discharge generator further comprises a water holder and a water diffusion member. The water holder is located between the outtake and the electrical insulator. The water diffusion means is configured to vaporize and/or atomize the water on the water holder.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross sectional view of an air conditioner of a first embodiment in this invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the air conditioner of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side cross sectional view of a discharge generator which is installed into the air conditioner.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross sectional view of an air conditioner of one modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side cross sectional view of an air conditioner of one modification of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 6(a) and (b) are a schematic side cross sectional views of the air conditioners of one modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross sectional view of the air conditioner of one modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side cross sectional view of the air conditioner of one modification of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 9(a) and (b) are schematic side cross sectional views of the air conditioners of one modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross sectional view of a discharge generator of one modification in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross sectional view of a discharge generator of one modification in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross sectional view of a discharge generator of one modification in the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross sectional view of a discharge generator of one modification in the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross sectional view of a discharge generator of one modification in the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross sectional view of a discharge generator of one modification in the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross sectional view of a discharge generator of one modification in the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross sectional view of a discharge generator of one modification in the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross sectional view of a discharge generator of one modification in the first embodiment.

Now, an air conditioner in this invention is explained with attached drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic side cross sectional view of the air conditioner. FIG. 2 shows a front view of the air conditioner. The air conditioner 100 in this invention comprises a housing 110, a main fan 200, a heat exchanger 300, a filter 400, and a discharge generator 500. In addition, the air conditioner 100 further comprises a power source which is not shown. The housing 110 is formed with an inlet 120, a main outlet 130, a sub outlet 131, a partition wall 150, a main airflow path 140, and a sub airflow path 141. The main airflow path 140 extends from the inlet 120 to the main outlet 130. The partition wall 150 is disposed within the housing 110. The partition wall 150 is shaped to separates the second airflow path 141 from the main airflow path 140. Therefore, the sub airflow path 141 is branched from the main airflow path 140. The main fan 200, the heat exchanger 300, the filter 400, and the discharge generator 500 are disposed within the housing 110. In particular, the main fan 200 is located within the main airflow path 140. Therefore, when the main fan 200 is started, the main fan 200 creates a forced flow of the air which is directed from the inlet 120 to the main outlet 130 through the main airflow path 140. On the basis of a direction of the forced flow, “upstream” is defined as an upstream position of the forced flow of the air. Similarly, “downstream” is defined as a downstream position of the forced flow of the air. The heat exchanger 300 is located upstream of both the main airflow path 140 and the sub airflow path 141. Both the main fan 200 and the heat exchanger 300 are driven by electrical power from the power source. The filter 400 is located between the heat exchanger 300 and the inlet 120. Consequently, the filter 400 is disposed downstream of the inlet 120. The discharge generator 500 is located in the sub outlet 131 so as to be located within the second airflow path 540.

The main fan 200 is configured to generate a forced flow of the air which passes from the inlet 120 through the main airflow path to the main outlet 130. Therefore, the inlet 120 acts as an upstream side of the main airflow path 140. The main outlet 130 acts as a downstream side of the main airflow path 140.

The heat exchanger 300 includes an evaporator and a condenser. The evaporator is configured to condense vapor of the air in the housing into water. The heat exchanger 300 is configured to heat and/or cool the air in the housing 110, such that a cooled air and/or a heated air is send from the main outlet 130 to the outside of the housing 110. Therefore, the cooled air and/or a heated air flow through the main airflow.

The filter 400 is configured to filter the air which flows from the outside to inside of the housing 110. Therefore, the filter catches causative substances of odor and fungus which are carried by the air.

FIG. 3 shows a side cross sectional view of the discharge generator 500. The discharge generator 500 has a casing 510, an emitter electrode 560, an electrical insulator 570, a high voltage source 580, and a sub fan 550. The casing 510 is formed with an inner circumferential surface 511. The casing 510 is formed with an intake 520, an outtake 530, and a second airflow path 540, whereby the outtake 530 communicates with the intake 520 via the second airflow path 540. The second airflow path 540 extends from the intake 520 to the outtake 530. The sub fan 550 is located in the intake 520. The intake 520 is provided for taking in the air into the casing. Therefore, the intake 520 acts as an upstream side of the second airflow path 540. The outtake 530 acts as a downstream side of the second airflow path 540. The outtake 530 is located downstream of the filter 400.

The emitter electrode 560 is disposed within the casing 510. The emitter electrode is made of material which is exemplified by metals and electrical conductive resins. The emitter electrode 560 is formed into a circular plate shape. The emitter electrode 560 is formed with an outer circumferential surface 561. The emitter electrode 560 is disposed within the casing 510 such that the outer circumferential surface 561 is opposed to the inner circumferential surface 511. Therefore, the outer circumferential surface 561 of the emitter electrode 560 is spaced from the inner circumferential surface 511 of the casing 510 by a clearance 512.

The electrical insulator 570 is formed into a plate shape. The electrical insulator 570 is formed at its center with an opening 572 which extends through a thickness direction of the electrical insulator 570. The opening 572 has a diameter of hundreds micrometers. The electrical insulator 570 is made of a material having an electrical insulation property. The material of the electrical insulator 570 is exemplified by ceramics material such as alumina. The electrical insulator 570 is formed with an outer circumferential surface 571. The electrical insulator 570 is disposed within the casing 510 such that the outer circumferential surface 571 is opposed to the inner circumferential surface 511. Therefore, the outer circumferential surface 571 of the electrical insulator 570 is spaced from the inner circumferential surface 511 of the casing 510 by a clearance 512. The electrical insulator 570 is spaced from the emitter electrode 560 by a gap 573 having hundreds micrometers. The gap 573 and the opening 572 act as a discharge space. The gap 573 is defined as a first space. The clearance 512 is defined as a second space.

The high voltage source 580 is configured to apply a high voltage to the emitter electrode 560 so that the emitter electrode 560 applies the high voltage to the discharge space 574.

The sub fan 550 is configured to flow the air through the second airflow path 540. The air which flows from the intake 520 to the outtake 530 flows through the second airflow path 540 which includes the clearance 512, the gap 573, and the opening 572.

The air conditioner 100 operates as follows. When the air conditioner 100 is started, the main fan 200 and the heat exchanger 300 are energized by the power source. Upon receiving the electrical power, the main fan 200 generates the forced flow of the air which is directed from the inlet 120 to the main outlet 130. According to the forced flow of the air, the air outside of the housing 110 is introduced into the housing 110 through the inlet 120 and the filter 400. When the air flows through the filter 400, the filter 400 extracts the causative substance of the odor and the fungus from the air, whereby the filter 400 producing the clean air. The heat exchanger 300 heat and/or cool the clean air in the housing 110, whereby the heat exchanger producing the conditioned air. The main fan 200 flows the conditioned air along the main airflow path 140, and subsequently sends the conditioned air to the outside of the housing through the main outlet 130. In this manner, the air conditioner 100 produces the conditioned air, and provides the conditioned air to the room.

When the air conditioner 100 is started, the discharge generator 500 is also started. When the discharge generator 500 is started, the high voltage source 580 starts applying the high voltage to the emitter electrode 560, and the sub fan 550. Upon receiving the high voltage from the high voltage source 580, the emitter electrode 560 applies the high voltage to the discharge space 574 of the opening 572 and the gap 573. In other words, the emitter electrode 560 applies the high voltage to the discharge space 574 in response to the high voltage to the emitter electrode 560, whereby the emitter electrode 560 generates electrical discharge in the discharge space 574. It is preferred that the emitter electrode 560 is configured to generate the electrical discharge of hundreds micro amperes to dozens milliampere. However, according to the electrical discharge, the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 are heated.

The electrical discharge which is generated between the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 is fine plasmas which have micrometer sizes. In addition, a high density of fine plasmas is generated between the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570. Therefore, the electrical discharge produces the active substance such as hydroxyradicals, superoxide radicals, nitrate ion, and nitrogen oxide. In addition, when the high voltage is applied to the emitter electrode 560, the emitter electrode 560 generates a high density fine plasma. Therefore, the discharge generator 500 produces a large amount of the active substance in a short time.

On the other hand, when the sub fan 550 receives the high voltage, the sub fan 550 generates the airflow which is directed to the outtake 530 from the intake 520. According to the airflow, the air is introduced into the casing 510 from the outside through the intake 520, and send to the outside from the casing 510 through the outtake 530. That is, the air which is introduced into the casing 510 flows through the gap 573, the opening 572, and the clearance 512. In particular, the air in the casing 510 is blown to the emitter electrode 560. Subsequently, the air blown to the emitter electrode 560 flows through the clearance 512. The air which flows through the clearance 512 is divided into a first current of flowing the gap 573 and the opening 572, and a second current of flowing the gap between one surface of the electrical insulator 570 and the inside surface of the casing 510. Subsequently, the first current is joined with the second current, and finally is sent to the outside of the casing 510. According to the airflow, the active substance in the opening 572 and the gap 573 is carried by the air. Consequently, the active substance is sent to the outside of the casing 510. In addition, the air flows through the clearance 512, the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 are cooled by the airflow. Consequently, the heat generated by the electrical discharge is cooled with the airflow. In this manner, the sub fan 550 generates the airflow cools the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 as well as carries the active substance. The hydroxyradicals and superoxide radicals of the active substance deodorize and sterilize the room, inactivate the allergen, and degrade agrichemicals and organic substances. The nitrate ion and nitrogen oxide of the active substance keeps hair and skin weakly acidic, and also provide moisture to the hair and the skin.

As mentioned above, the air conditioner in this invention comprises a housing, a fan, a heat exchanger, and a discharge generator. The housing is formed with an inlet, an outlet, and a main airflow path. The inlet is provided for introducing the air from the outside of the housing 110. The outlet is provided for sending the air to the outside of the housing 110. The main airflow path extends from the inlet 120 to the main outlet 130. The fan is disposed in the housing. The main fan is configured to generate a forced flow of the air through the main airflow path. The heat exchanger is disposed in the housing to heat and/or cool the air which flows the main airflow path. The discharge generator has a casing, an intake, an outtake, and a second airflow path. The intake is provided for taking in the air into the casing 510. The outtake is provided for sending the air to the outside of the casing 510. The second airflow path communicates the intake 520 with the outtake 530. The second airflow path is provided for passing airflow through the second airflow path. The discharge generator includes the emitter electrode 560, the electrical insulator, and the high voltage source. The electrical insulator is made of an electrical insulating material. The emitter electrode and the electrical insulator are disposed within the casing so as to have a discharge space 574. The emitter electrode is configured to apply high voltage to the discharge space 574. The emitter electrode has a circumferential surface which is spaced from the inside surface of the casing by a clearance 512. The inside surface is opposed to the circumferential surface of the emitter electrode. The second airflow path is shaped to flow the airflow both through the clearance 512 and the discharge space 574. Therefore, the air conditioner with this configuration is configured to provide the active substances to the room. Consequently, the air conditioner with this configuration is configured to deodorize and sterilize the room. In addition, the airflow passes through the casing 510 such that the airflow cools the emitter electrode 560. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to stably generate a large amount of the active substance.

In addition, the discharge generator 500 further comprises the sub fan 550. The sub fan 550 creates the airflow forcibly. Therefore, it is possible to send the active substance immediately after generation of the active substance. In addition, this configuration also makes it possible to cool the emitter electrode 560 immediately.

It is noted that the main fan 200 is located downstream of the filter 400 and the heat exchanger 300. However, position of the main fan 200 within the housing 110 may be modified as necessary. That is, it is possible to dispose the main fan 200 such that the main fan 200 is located upstream of the filter 400 and the heat exchanger 300. Further, it is possible to dispose the main fan 200 such that the main fan 200 is located between the heat exchanger 300 and the filter 400.

In addition, the housing is formed with the sub airflow path and the partition wall which separates the sub airflow path from the main airflow path. The sub airflow path leads to the sub outlet. The discharge generator is disposed within the sub airflow path. Therefore, the discharge generator is capable of providing the active substance to the outside of the housing.

In addition, the discharge generator further includes a sub fan. Therefore, the discharge generator is capable of providing the active substance to the outside of the housing immediately.

FIG. 4 shows one modification of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 in this modification is different in position of the discharge generator 500 from the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment. In this modification, the discharge generator 500 is disposed within the housing 110 such that the discharge generator is located in the main airflow path 140. The discharge generator 500 in this modification also generates the active substance. The active substance is carried by the forced flow of the air which flows through the main airflow path 140 from the main fan 200. In addition, the forced flow of the air cools the emitter electrode 560. Therefore, this configuration also makes it possible to stably generate a large amount of the active substance.

FIG. 5 shows another modification of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 in this modification is different in position of the discharge generator 500 from the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment. In this modification, the discharge generator 500 is disposed upstream of the filter 400, and downstream of the inlet 120. In particular, in this modification, the discharge generator 500 is disposed within the housing 110 such that the discharge generator 500 is located between the filter 400 and the inlet 120. Therefore, the discharge generator 500 has the outtake 530 which is located upstream of the filter 400. With this configuration, the discharge generator 500 produces the active substance, and sends the active substance to an upstream side of the filter 400. The active substance is carried by the air, is flown to the inside of the housing 110 through the filter 400, and is send to the outside of the housing 110 through the main outlet 130. In this manner, the active substance is provided to the room. In addition, when the active substance flows through the housing 110, the active substances such as hydroxyradicals and superoxide radicals are sprayed to the filter 400. Consequently, the filter 400 is deodorized and sterilized by the active substances which inactivate the causative substance of the odor and the fungus which are extracted by the filter 400. Furthermore, the allergen which is extracted by the filter 400 is also inactivated by the active substances from the discharge generator 500. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 with this configuration may have a clean filter. It is noted that the air conditioner 100 in this modification comprises the discharge generator 500 which has the outtake 530. The outtake 530 is located in upstream of the filter 400 so that the outtake 530 has the outtake which is located in upstream of the filter 400. However, the air conditioner 100 may employ the discharge generator 500 having the outtake 530 which is directed to the filter 400.

FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(b) show yet another modification of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 in this modification is different in position of the discharge generator 500 from the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment. In this modification, the discharge generator 500 further includes a selector 531. The selector 531 is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. FIG. 6(a) shows the air conditioner 100 comprising the discharge generator 500 having the selector 531 in the first position. As shown in FIG. 6(a), when the discharge generator 500 includes the selector 531 being located in the first position, the outtake 530 has a first port 532. The first port 532 is located downstream of the filter 400. Therefore, the discharge generator 500 supplies the active substance to the downstream side of the filter 400. Consequently, the active substance is sent to the outside of the housing 110 without passing through the filter 400. On the other hand, when the discharge generator 500 in FIG. 6(b) includes the selector 531 being located in the second position, the outtake 530 has a second port 533. The second port 533 is located upstream of the filter 400. Consequently, the discharge generator 500 supplies the active substance to the upstream side of the filter. Therefore, the active substance is sent to the outside of the housing 110 with passing through the filter 400. With this configuration, the air conditioner 100 has the clean filter, and also is configured to provide the active substance to the room. It is noted that the second port 533 may be directed to the filter.

FIG. 7 shows yet another modification of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 in this modification is different in position of the discharge generator 500 from the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment. In this modification, the air conditioner 100 comprises a first discharge generator 501 and a second discharge generator 502. The first discharge generator 501 and the second discharge generator 502 are respectively substantially same as the discharge generator 500 in the first embodiment except for the sub fan. That is, each one of the first discharge generator 501 and the second discharge generator 502 includes the casing 510, the emitter electrode 560, the electrical insulator 570, and the high voltage source 580. The first discharge generator 500 is disposed between the inlet 120 and the filter 400. Consequently, the first discharge generator 500 is configured to produce the active substance and subsequently supplies a large amount of the active substance to the filter 400. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 with the first discharge generator 501 is always configured to produce the conditioned air from the clean air. On the other hand, the second discharge generator 500 is disposed between the main outlet 130 and the main fan 200. Consequently, the second discharge generator 500 is configured to produce the active substance, and subsequently supplies a large amount of the active substance to outside of the housing 110. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 with the second discharge generator 502 is always configured to supply a large amount of the active substances to the room.

FIG. 8 shows yet another modification of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 in this modification is different in position of the discharge generator 500 from the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment. In addition, the discharge generator 500 in this modification is different in components from the discharge generator 500 in the first embodiment. In this modification, the air conditioner 100 comprises the discharge generator 500 which includes the casing 510, the emitter electrode 560, the electrical insulator 570, the sub fan 550, and a divider 534. The divider 534 is configured to divide the outtake 530into the first port 532 and the second port 533. The first port 532 is located in downstream of the filter 400. In particular, the first port 532 is located between the filter 400 and the main outlet 130 so as to be located downstream of the filter 400. On the other hand, the second port 533 is located upstream of the filter 400. In particular, the second port 533 is located between the filter 400 and the inlet 120 so as to be located upstream of the filter 400. Therefore, when the discharge generator 500 produces the active substance, the active substance is sent to the inside of the housing 110 through the first port 532 and the second port 533. The active substance is supplied upstream of the filter 400 through the second port 533, and subsequently is sprayed to the filter 400. In addition, the active substance which is supplied to downstream of the filter 400 through the first port 532 is sent to outside of the housing 110 through the main outlet 130. As mentioned in this modification, the outtake 530is divided into the first port and the second port by the divider 534. As a result, the active substance is supplied to an upstream side of the filter 400 and a downstream side of the filter 400. Therefore, the air conditioner 100 in this modification has the clean filter, and is configured to provide a large amount of the active substance to outside of the housing 110.

FIG. 9(a) shows yet another modification of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 in this modification is different in position of the discharge generator 500 from the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment. In addition, the discharge generator 500 in this modification is different in components from the discharge generator 500 in the first embodiment. In this modification, the discharge generator 500 includes the casing 510 which is formed at its circumferential wall with a first aperture 513. The first aperture 513 is located downstream of the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570. In other words, the first aperture 513 is located between the outtake 530 and the electrical insulator 570. In addition, the air conditioner 100 further comprises a water supply means which is composed of a water reservoir 160 and a water supply channel 161. The water reservoir 160 is configured to receive the water which is dropped from the heat exchanger 300. The water reservoir 160 is connected to the casing 510 through the water supply channel 161. The water supply channel is made from a material such as felt so as to cause a capillary action. The water supply channel connects the water reservoir 160 to the casing 510 in order to supply the water to a first portion between the electrical insulator 570 and the outtake 530.

The air conditioner 100 operates as follows. When the air conditioner 100 is started, the main fan 200 and the heat exchanger 300 are energized by the power source. Upon receiving the electrical power, the main fan 200 generates the forced air which is directed from the inlet 120 to the main outlet 130. According to the forced air, the air outside of the housing 110 is introduced into the housing 110 through the filter 400. When the air flows through the filter 400, the filter 400 filters the air in order to catch the causative substance of the odor and the fungus, whereby the filter producing the clean air. The heat exchanger 300 heat and/or cool the clean air in the housing 110, whereby the heat exchanger producing the conditioned air. In addition, the heat exchanger 300 condenses the vapor of the air into the water. The water on the heat exchanger 300 is dropped into the water reservoir 160. The main fan 200 flows the conditioned air along the main airflow path 140, and subsequently sends the conditioned air to the outside of the housing through the main outlet 130. In this manner, the air conditioner 100 produces the conditioned air, and provides the conditioned air to the room.

When the air conditioner 100 is started, the discharge generator 500 is also started. When the discharge generator 500 is started, the high voltage source 580 starts applying the high voltage to the emitter electrode 560, and the sub fan 550. Upon receiving the high voltage from the high voltage source 580, the emitter electrode 560 applies the high voltage to the discharge space 574 of the opening 572 and the gap 573. In other words, the emitter electrode 560 applies the high voltage to the discharge space 574 in response to the high voltage to the emitter electrode 560, whereby the emitter electrode 560 generates the electrical discharge in the discharge space 574.

The electrical discharge which is generated by the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 is fine plasma which has micrometer sizes. Therefore, the electrical discharge produces the active substance such as hydroxyradicals, superoxide radicals, nitrate ion, and nitrogen oxide. In addition, when the high voltage is applied to the emitter electrode 560, the emitter electrode 560 generates a high density fine plasma. Therefore, the discharge generator 500 produces a large amount of the active substance in a short time.

In addition, the water supply channel 161 transports the water in the water reservoir 160 to the discharge generator 500. The water supplied to the portion between the electrical insulator 570 and the outtake 530 is vaporized within the casing 510.

The electrical discharge generated between the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 reaches to a position downstream of the electrical insulator. Consequently, the discharge generator 500 efficiently produces the active substance by applying the electrical discharge to the vapor. Specifically, when the electrical discharge is applied to the vapor in the casing 510, oxygen molecules (O2) reacts with water molecules to form the hydroxyradicals. Similarly, when the electrical discharge is applied to the vapor in the casing 510, nitrogen molecules (N2) reacts with water molecules to form the hydroxyradicals. In addition, generation of the oxygenated water is accelerated according to the reaction. Therefore, the air conditioner with this configuration is configured to produce a large amount of the active substance.

It is noted that the water supply means in this modification is composed of the water reservoir and the water supply channel. However, the water supply means is only required to include the water supply channel which is configured to supply the water of the heat exchanger to the first portion of the casing.

FIG. 9(b) shows yet another modification of the air conditioner 100. In this modification, the discharge generator 500 includes the casing 510 which is formed at its circumferential wall with a second aperture 514. The second aperture 514 is located in upstream of the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570. In other words, the first aperture 513 is located between the intake 520 and the emitter electrode 560. In addition, the air conditioner 100 further comprises the water supply means which is composed of the water reservoir 160 and the water supply channel 161. The water reservoir 160 is configured to receive the water which is dropped from the heat exchanger 300. The water reservoir 160 is connected to the casing 510 through the water supply channel 161. The water supply channel is made from a material such as felt so as to cause a capillary action. The water supply channel connects the water reservoir 160 to the casing 510 in order to supply the water to a second portion between the emitter electrode 560 and the intake 520.

In this case, the water in the water reservoir 160 is transported to the discharge generator 500. The water supplied to the portion between the emitter electrode 560 and the intake 520 is vaporized within the casing 510.

The vapor is flown to the outside of the casing through the discharge space 574. When the vapor flows to the discharge space 574, the electrical discharge is applied to the vapor. Consequently, the discharge generator 500 efficiently produces the active substance by applying the electrical discharge to the vapor. Specifically, when the electrical discharge is applied to the vapor in the casing 510, oxygen molecules (O2) reacts with water molecules to form the hydroxyradicals. Similarly, when the electrical discharge is applied to the vapor in the casing 510, nitrogen molecules (N2) reacts with water molecules to form the hydroxyradicals. In addition, generation of the oxygenated water is accelerated according to the reaction. Therefore, the air conditioner with this configuration is configured to produce a large amount of the active substance.

The discharge generator 500 in the first embodiment includes the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570. The electrical insulator 570 is formed with the opening which extends through the electrical insulator 570. In addition, the electrical insulator 570 is spaced from the emitter electrode 560 by a gap 573. However, an arrangement of the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 is not limited to the above mentioned arrangement. Therefore, configurations and arrangements of the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 may be modified appropriately.

That is, the discharge generator 500 requires the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 which satisfies a predetermined condition of generating the electrical discharge when the emitter electrode 560 receives the high voltage. In order to satisfy a predetermined condition, the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 are arranged such that the emitter electrode 560 is cooperative with the electrical insulator 570 to form the discharge space 574. Therefore, the discharge generator 500 may employ and the electrical insulator 570 which is disposed to come into contact with the emitter electrode 560 or which is spaced from the emitter electrode 560 by the gap 573. In this case, the electrical insulator 570 is formed with the opening 572 which extends through the electrical insulator. The opening 572 acts as the discharge space 574. In addition, the discharge generator 500 may also employ the electrical insulator 570 which is spaced from the emitter electrode 560 by the gap 573. In this case, the gap 573 acts as the discharge space 574. Furthermore, the discharge generator 500 may employ the electrical insulator 570 which is spaced from the emitter electrode 560 by the gap 573 and which is formed with the opening 572 extending through the electrical insulator 570.

It is noted that FIG. 9(a) shows the water supply channel 161 which supplies the water to the position of the casing 510 downstream of the electrical insulator 570. FIG. 9(b) shows the water supply channel 161 which supplies the water to the position of the casing 510 upstream of the emitter electrode 560. However, it is possible for the air conditioner 100 to employ the water supply channel 161 which supplies the water to two the positions of the casing downstream of the electrical insulator 570 and upstream of the emitter electrode 560.

That is, the air conditioner comprises a water supply means which is configured to supply the water to the first portion and the second portion of the casing 510. The first portion is located upstream of the electrical insulator 570. The second portion is located downstream of the emitter electrode 560.

In particular, the water supply means includes the water reservoir 160 and the water supply channel 161. The water supply channel is a main channel and a branch channel. The water supply channel 161 is configured to supply water in the water reservoir 160 to the first portion through the main channel. The water supply channel 161 is configured to supply water in the water reservoir 160 to the second portion through the branch channel.

On the other hand, it is also preferred that the water supply means includes the water reservoir, a first water supply channel and a second water supply channel. The first water supply channel is configured to supply the water in the water reservoir 160 to the first portion. The second water supply channel is configured to supply the water in the water reservoir 160 to the second portion.

The above explained air conditioner 100 comprises the discharge generator 500 having the electrical insulator 570 and the emitter electrode 560 shown in FIG. 3. However, the emitter electrodes 560 and the electrical insulators 570 shown in FIG. 10 to FIG. 16 may be employed to the discharge generator 500 in this invention.

It is noted that the water supply means in this modification is composed of the water reservoir and the water supply channel. However, the water supply means is only required to include the water supply channel which is configured to supply the water of the heat exchanger to the first portion of the casing.

FIG. 10 shows a one modification of the discharge generator 500. The discharge generator 500 in this modification is different in the emitter electrode 560 from the discharge generator 500 in the first embodiment. That is, the discharge generator 500 includes the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570. The emitter electrode 560 is formed at its center with an opening 562 which extends through the emitter electrode 560. Therefore, both emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 are formed with openings 562, 572, respectively. The opening 562 of the emitter electrode 560 is aligned to the opening 572 of the electrical insulator 570. In this case, the air in the casing 510 flows through the opening 562 in addition to the clearance 512, the opening 572, and the gap 573. Therefore, the air flows to the opening 572 directly through the opening 562. Consequently, the air which flows through the opening 572, the opening 562, the clearance 512, and the gap 573 immediately cools the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570. It is noted that the discharge generator 500 may employ the electrical insulator 570 which is disposed to come into contact with the emitter electrode 560. In this case, the electrical insulator 570 acts as a heat radiator of the emitter electrode 560.

FIG. 11 shows another modification of the discharge generator 500. The discharge generator 500 in this modification is different in the emitter electrode 560 from the discharge generator in the first embodiment. That is, the emitter electrode 560 is formed with a plurality of the openings 562 which extend through the emitter electrode 560. The openings 562 are offset from the center of the electrical insulator 570. In other words, the openings 562 are offset from an axis of the opening 572. Therefore the openings 572 are not aligned to the openings 562. With this configuration, the air flows through the openings 562 in addition to the opening 572, the clearance 512, and the gap 573. Therefore, the openings 562 make it possible to cool the emitter electrode effectively. Furthermore, in order to cool the emitter electrode effectively, it is possible to employ the emitter electrode having a mesh shape.

FIG. 12 shows yet another modification of the discharge generator 500. The discharge generator 500 in this modification is different in the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator from the discharge generator 500 in the first modification. As shown in FIG. 12, the emitter electrode 560 is formed with a plurality of the openings 562. Similarly, the electrical insulator 570 is also formed with a plurality of the openings 572. The openings 572 are respectively aligned with the openings 562 through the gap 573. Therefore, a plurality of the openings 572 acts as the discharge space 574. Consequently, the discharge generator 500 with this configuration is configured to produce a large amount of the active substance in a short time. In addition, the heat of the emitter electrode 560 is effectively radiated to the air which flows through the openings 562. Meanwhile, the discharge generator 500 may employ the electrical insulator 570 which is disposed to come into contact with the emitter electrode 560. In this case, the heat of the emitter electrode 560 is transferred to the electrical insulator 570 and subsequently radiated to the air which flows through the openings 572. Therefore, the emitter electrode 560 is cooled by the air more effectively. Also in this case, when the electrical insulator 570 is disposed within the casing 510 to come into contact with the emitter electrode 560, the electrical insulator 570 also acts as the heat radiator.

FIG. 13 is a yet another modification of the discharge generator 500. This discharge generator 500 in this modification is different in the electrical insulator 570 and the emitter electrode 560 from the discharge generator 500 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the emitter electrode 560 is formed with the opening 562 which extends through the emitter electrode 560. The electrical insulator 570 is formed with a plurality of the openings 572 which is displaced from the center of the electrical insulator 570. In other words, the electrical insulator 570 is formed with a plurality of the openings 572 which is displaced from a center axis of the electrical insulator 570. Therefore, the openings 572 are not aligned with the opening 562. This configuration also makes it possible to increase the generation of the active substance, and cool the emitter electrode 560 effectively.

FIG. 14 is a yet another modification of the discharge generator 500. The discharge generator 500 includes the casing 510, the sub fan 550, a first emitter electrode 591, a second emitter electrode 592, the electrical insulator 570, a first wall 515, a second wall 516, and a valve 519. The first emitter electrode 591 is formed at its center with the opening 562 which extends through the first emitter electrode 591. The second emitter electrode 592 is formed at its center with the opening 593 which extends through the second emitter electrode 592. The first emitter electrode 591 is spaced from the second emitter electrode 592. The first emitter electrode 591 is disposed in upstream of the second emitter electrode 592 and the electrical insulator 570. The electrical insulator 570 is disposed between the first emitter electrode 591 and the second emitter electrode 592. In particular, both the first emitter electrode 591 and the second emitter electrode 592 come into contact with the electrical insulator 570. The high voltage source 580 is configured to apply voltage between the first emitter electrode 591 and the second emitter electrode 592. The first emitter electrode 591 is formed with the opening 562 which extends through the first emitter electrode 591. The second emitter electrode 592 is formed with an opening 593 which extends through the second emitter electrode 592. The electrical insulator 570 is formed with the opening 572 which extends through the electrical insulator 570. The opening 572 communicates the opening 562 with the opening 593.

The first wall 515 is formed into cylindrical shape, thereby forming a first channel 517 in the first wall 515. The first wall 515 is provided for separating the first channel 517 from the second airflow path 141. Therefore, the first wall is disposed within the casing 510 and between the intake 520 and the first emitter electrode 591 such that first channel 517 communicates the opening 562 with the intake 520. The first channel 517 is formed at its one end with a sub intake 521 which is located away from the first emitter electrode 591. The valve 519 is disposed in the sub intake 521. The valve 519 is configured to regulate an air volume introduced into the first channel 517 so as to introduce a certain amount of the air into the first channel.

The second wall 516 is formed into cylindrical shape, thereby forming a second channel 518 in the second wall 516. The second wall 516 is provided for separating the second channel 518 from the second airflow path 141. Therefore, the first wall is disposed within the casing 510 and between the outtake 530 and the second emitter electrode 592 such that the second channel 518 communicates the opening 593 with the outtake 530.

In the modified discharge generator shown in FIG. 14, when the air conditioner 100 is started, the discharge generator 500 is also started. When the discharge generator 500 is started, the high voltage source 580 starts applying the high voltage to the emitter electrode 560, and the sub fan 550. Upon receiving the high voltage from the high voltage source 580, the emitter electrode 560 applies the high voltage to the discharge space 574 of the opening 572 and the gap 573. In other words, the emitter electrode 560 applies the high voltage to the discharge space 574 in response to the high voltage to the emitter electrode 560, whereby the emitter electrode 560 generates the electrical discharge in the discharge space 574.

The electrical discharge which is generated by the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 is fine plasma which has micrometer sizes. Therefore, the electrical discharge produces the active substance such as hydroxyradicals, superoxide radicals, nitrate ion, and nitrogen oxide. In addition, when the high voltage is applied to the emitter electrode 560, the emitter electrode 560 generates a high density fine plasma. Therefore, the discharge generator 500 produces a large amount of the active substance in a short time.

In addition, because the air introduced into the second airflow path 141 flows through the clearance 512, the air immediately cools the first emitter electrode 591, the electrical insulator 570, and the second emitter electrode 592. Further, because the air introduced into the first channel 517 flows through the openings 562, 571, and 593, the active substance generated in the opening 572 is immediately carried by the air to the outtake 530. Consequently, the electrical discharge is generated in the opening 562 without effect of the air volume which flows through the second airflow path 141.

FIG. 15 shows yet another modification of the discharge generator 500. The discharge generator 500 in this modification is different in the emitter electrode 560 and the electrical insulator 570 from the discharge generator 500 in the first embodiment. The discharge generator 500 includes the casing 510, the sub fan 550, a first emitter electrode 591, a second emitter electrode 592, the electrical insulator 570. The first emitter electrode 591 is same as the emitter electrode 560 in the first embodiment. The first emitter electrode 591 is spaced from the second emitter electrode 592. The first emitter electrode 591 is disposed upstream of the second emitter electrode 592 and the electrical insulator 570. The electrical insulator 570 is disposed between the first emitter electrode 591 and the second emitter electrode 592. The first emitter electrode 591 is formed with the opening 562 which extends through the first emitter electrode. The second emitter electrode 592 is formed with an opening 593 which extends through the second emitter electrode 592. The opening 593 has a diameter which is larger than a diameter of the openings 572 and 562.

In this case, the air introduced into the casing 510 flows through the openings 572, 562, and 593, the gap 573, and clearance 512. Therefore, the air introduced into the casing 510 immediately cools the first emitter electrode 591, the electrical insulator 570, and the second emitter electrode 592 when the air flows through the second airflow path 141.

In addition, the opening 593 has the diameter which is larger than the diameter of the opening 562. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the active substance from adhering to the second emitter electrode 592. Consequently, this configuration makes it possible to send a large amount of the active substance without adhesion of the active substance to the second emitter electrode 592.

FIG. 16 shows yet another modification of the discharge generator 500. The discharge generator 500 in this modification is different in the first emitter electrode 591 and the electrical insulator 570 from the discharge generator in FIG. 15. That is, the first emitter electrode 591 comes into contact with the electrical insulator 570. This configuration makes it possible for the discharge generator 500 to generate a large amount of the active substance. In addition, this configuration makes it possible to immediately cool the first emitter electrode 591, the discharge generator, and the second emitter electrode 592 by the air introduced into the casing 510.

FIG. 17 shows yet another modification of the discharge generator 500. The discharge generator 500 in this modification is different in components from the discharge generator 500 shown in FIG. 14. That is, the discharge generator 500 includes a water holder 610, a water generation means 620, and a water diffusion means 630, and a water flow path 640.

The water holder 610 is provided for holding the water. The water holder 610 is disposed between the second emitter electrode 592 and the outtake 530. Therefore, the water holder 610 is located between the electrical insulator 570 and the outtake 530. The water holder 610 is communicated with the opening 593.

The water generation means 620 is provided for producing the water. The water generation means 620 is disposed between the water holder 610 and the intake 520. The water generation means includes a cooling device 621. The cooling device 621 is so called a Peltier module. The cooling device 621 is provided with a cooling plate 622, a heat radiating plate 623, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements 624. When the thermoelectric elements are energized, the thermoelectric elements transfer the heat from the cooling plate 622 to the heat radiating plate 623. Consequently, the thermoelectric elements 624 cool the cooling plate 622. When the cooling plate 622 is cooled, the cooling plate 622 condenses the vapor of the air which surrounds the cooling plate 622 into water. The water flow path 640 is provided for sending the water from the cooling plate 622 to the water diffusion means 630. The water flow path 640 extends from the cooling plate 622 to the water holder 610. The water on the cooling plate 622 receives a wind pressure caused by the air within the casing 510. Consequently, the water flow path 640 transports the water from the cooling plate 622 to the water holder 610 which is in downstream of the opening 593. In this manner, the water is supplied to the water holder from the water generation means 620.

The water diffusion means 630 is provided for vaporizing and/or atomizing the water held on the water holder 610. The water diffusion means 630 includes an ultrasonic transducer 631. The ultrasonic transducer 631 is configured to vibrate the water holder in order to vaporize and/or atomize the water on the water holder 610.

The discharge generator in FIG. 17 also generates the electrical discharge, thereby producing the active substance. The active substance is carried by the air which flows through the second channel. The active substance which is reached to the water holder 610 is dissolved in the water held on the water holder 610. In addition, the water on the water holder 610 receives the wind pressure. The wind pressure causes air bubbles in the water on the water holder 610. The water including the air bubble receives the electrical discharge which is reached to the water holder 610. When the water including the air bubble receives the electrical discharge, the generation of the active substance is increased. The water diffusion means 630 vibrates the water holder to vaporize and/or atomize the water including the active substance, whereby the water diffusion means 630 generating mist including the active substance. The mist including the active substance is sent to the outside of the casing 510 through the outtake 530. In this manner, the discharge generator 500 in this modification is configured to produce the mist including the active substance to the outside of the air conditioner 100.

It is noted that the water flow path 640 is not limited thereto. That is, fibriform member such as a felt may be used as the water flow path 640. Similarly, porous member which is made of ceramic and foamed material may be used as the water flow path 640. Furthermore, a water holder having a tank may be used as the water holder 610. Furthermore, the water generation means is not limited to the Peltier module. That is, moisture absorption member such as silica-gel and zeolite may be used as the water generation means. In this case, the silica-gel and the zeolite absorb the water in the air, and discharge the water to the water flow path 640.

Furthermore, the water diffusion means 630 in this modification is realized by the ultrasonic transducer 631. However, the water diffusion means 630 is not limited to the ultrasonic transducer 631. That is, the water diffusion means being configured to vaporize and/or atomize the water by use of surface acoustic wave also realizes the water diffusion means. The water diffusion means being configured to apply pressure so as to blow the water to wall also realizes the water diffusion means. In this case, the water particles are created when the water is blown to the wall. The water diffusion means being configured to splay water in order to atomize the water realizes the water diffusion means. In addition, the water diffusion means being configured to electrostatically atomize the water in order to generate the mist realizes the water diffusion means. In addition, it is possible to employ a vaporizing means of vaporizing the water by the airflow and the heat as the water diffusion means.

FIG. 18 shows yet another modification of the discharge generator 500. In this modification, the discharge generator 500 includes a water diffusion means which is configured to atomize the water on the water holder by an electrostatically atomization. That is, the water diffusion means 630 in this modification includes the first emitter electrode 591, the electrical insulator 570, the second emitter electrode 592, and the water holder 76. The first emitter electrode 591 is disposed so as to come into contact with the electrical insulator 570. The water holder 610 is shaped to store the water. The water holder 610 is disposed in downstream of the electrical insulator so that the water holder 610 comes into contact with the electrical insulator 570. The opening 572 of the electrical insulator 570 is communicated with an inside of the water holder 610. The second emitter electrode 592 is disposed within the water holder 610. The high voltage source 580 is configured to apply the voltage between the first emitter electrode 591 and the second emitter electrode 592 through the water. Consequently, when the voltage is applied between the first emitter electrode 591 and the second emitter electrode 592, the first emitter electrode 591 generates the fine plasma to the opening 572 which acts as the discharge space 574. In addition, the second emitter electrode 592 in this modification also acts as an electrode for electrostatically atomization. The water holder 610 is provided with a water carry path 611. The water in the water holder 610 is supplied to a tip of the water carry path 611 by means of a capillary action. When the second emitter electrode 592 receives the high voltage from the high voltage source, the second emitter electrode 592 applies the voltage to the water on a tip of the water carry path.

The water on a tip of the water carry path 611 is formed into cone shape upon receiving the high voltage from the high voltage source. This cone shaped water is so called Taylor cone. When the Taylor cone is broken by the Rayleigh breakup, the cone shaped water is electrostatically atomized, whereby the cone shaped water generates a mist having charged minute water particles of nanometer sizes and including the active substance. The mist is carried by the air which flows through and to the outside of the casing 510. Meanwhile, in this modification, the second emitter electrode 592 is used for generation of the discharge and also for electrostatically atomization. However, it is possible to employ electrode for electrostatically atomization in addition to the second emitter electrode 592.

Although the present invention is described with particular reference to the above illustrated embodiments, the present invention should not be limited thereto, and should be interpreted to encompass any combinations of the individual features of the embodiment and the modifications.