ION GENERATOR

Abstract

 Ion generator for ionizing the air, comprising at least one emitter (10, 11), the emitter (10, 11) comprising a conductive element (12) and a plurality of conductive filaments (13) electrically connected and fixed to the conductive element (12), each emitter (10, 11) comprising a support (14) made with electrically insulating material holding the conductive element (12), said holding leaving the filaments (13) free of movements. Each emitter (10, 11) comprises a grounded mounting bracket (15) made with conductive material, the mounting bracket (15) holding the support (14), said support (14) comprising at least one spacer element (16) that is prolonged between the mounting bracket (15) and the filaments (13) forming a barrier to prevent electric arcs between said mounting bracket (15) and said filaments (13).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to ion generators, and more particularly to bipolar ionization generators.

PRIOR ART

[0002] The use of ion generators in purifying the air of different environments is known.

[0003] In this sense, negative ion generators in which a high voltage is applied to at least one emitter, said emitter emitting electrons into the air are known, for example. These electrons ionize the particles present in the air triggering reactions which allow purifying the air. However, ozone and other reactive oxygen species, which react with bacteria and virus present in the air, and also with volatile organic substances, improving air quality, are also produced. However, ozone also has negative effects on the human body, particularly in children, the elderly and people with heart problems and respiratory problems, with regulations in place restricting the concentration of ozone present in the air. The electric potential applied to the emitter must be reduced in order to reduce the generated ozone, but this entails a reduction in ion generation.

[0004] Negative and positive ion generators which attempt to solve the problems caused by negative ion generators are also known. By applying a high voltage to the positive and negative terminals of a power supply source of the ion generator, the emitter of the ion generator is capable of emitting positive and negative ions. The electrons emitted into the air through the application of negative voltage generate negative ions. The charge applied to the air through the generation of positive voltage generates positive ions. The generated positive and negative ions are unstable, causing a series of ionic recombinations, separations and conversions reacting with water molecules in the air, among others, and ion clusters are formed. These ion clusters ultimately result in reactive species with high oxidative capacity both for chemical and biological elements present in the air. The air is therefore purified without generating contaminating elements.

[0005] Ion generation is proportional to the voltage value in the ion emitters. The high voltage difference applied in ion generators produce the so-called corona effect in emitters comprising metallic tips for releasing electrons into the air. This corona effect occurs due to the potential gradient in the electric field of the surfaces of said tips, changing the characteristics of the air surrounding same, converting them into conductive ions and generating plasma, and furthermore releasing large amounts of ozone, being able to create atmospheres with concentrations exceeding 0.05 ppm (parts per million). Air molecules are ionized and can conduct electric current. If the geometry of the tip and the potential gradient are intense enough so as to ionize and cause dielectric breakdown of the air, it can reach another different lower-potential conductor, and a discharge resulting in an electric arc will be produced.

[0006] Document CN20526504 U describes a positive and negative ion generator for ionizing the air, comprising at least one emitter, the emitter comprising a conductive element and a plurality of conductive filaments electrically connected and fixed to the conductive element, each emitter comprising a support made with electrically insulating material holding the conductive element.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an ion generator, more particularly a bipolar ionization generator, as defined in the claims.

[0008] The ion generator of the invention describes a positive and negative ion generator for ionizing the air, comprising at least one emitter, the emitter comprising a conductive element and a plurality of conductive filaments electrically connected and fixed to the conductive element, each emitter comprising a support made with electrically insulating material holding the conductive element, said holding leaving the filaments free of movements.

[0009] Each emitter of the ion generator comprises a grounded mounting bracket made with conductive material, the mounting bracket holding the support, said support comprising at least one spacer element that is prolonged between the mounting bracket and the filaments forming a barrier to prevent electric arcs between said mounting bracket and said filaments.

[0010] The generation of positive and negative ions with emitters comprising filaments requires the application of high voltages, ionizing the air and converting it into an electrical conductor. The geometry of the filaments and a high potential gradient in said filaments can cause dielectric breakdown of the air, reaching a different lower-potential conductor, such as the mounting bracket, a discharge resulting in an electric arc being produced. This situation occurs because given that since the filaments have freedom of movements, they move closer to lower-potential conductive parts, due to airflow or due to the differences in applied voltage.

[0011] To prevent these electric arcs, the emitter of the ion generator of the invention comprises the insulating support, which prevents possible unwanted electric discharges, with a spacer element forming a barrier between the filaments in motion and the mounting bracket.

[0012] These and other advantages and features of the invention will become evident in view of the drawings and the detailed description of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] 

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a linear emitter.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the linear emitter of Figure 1.

Figure 3a shows a front schematic view of an embodiment of a T-shaped, linear-type ion generator of the invention, with a positive emitter and a negative emitter, comprising a single mounting bracket, and a DC power supply source supported on said mounting bracket.

Figure 3b shows a front schematic longitudinal section view of the ion generator of the Figure 3a, showing the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the power supply source electrically connected, respectively, to a conductive element of the positive emitter and of the negative emitter.

Figure 4 shows a front schematic view of a second embodiment of the cylindrical-type ion generator, with a cylindrical-shaped positive emitter and a cylindrical-shaped negative emitter, and a DC power supply source with a positive terminal and a negative terminal electrically connected, respectively, to the positive emitter and to the negative emitter.

Figure 5 shows a front longitudinal section view of an embodiment of a cylindrical emitter.

Figure 6 shows a front cross-section view of the cylindrical emitter of Figure 5.

Figure 7 shows a partial schematic view of an air conditioning system with a linear-type ion generator.

Figure 8 shows a partial schematic view of an air conditioning system with a cylindrical-type ion generator.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The object of the invention is to generate the largest amount of primary ions and to have the largest possible air volume coming into contact with said primary ions, and to thereby purify the air, but without generating, or generating the smallest possible amount of, compounds that are particularly harmful to health, such as ozone, for example, without posing any safety issues, for example electric arcs, for users either.

[0015] In normal conditions, air is mainly formed by nitrogen N (about 78%) and oxygen O (about 21%), with a water percentage of about 0.97%. When air passes through a large enough field of ionization, primary ions N2+, O2+, N+, and O+ are generated, which are quickly converted to protonated hydrates H+, (H2O)n, for n<10, due to their capacity to attract water. Furthermore, free electrons bind rapidly to oxygen molecules to form radical superoxide 302-. These species are referred to as ion clusters. These ion clusters ultimately result in reactive species with a high oxidative capacity both for chemical and biological elements present in the air. The air is thereby purified without generating contaminating elements.

[0016] There is furthermore generated around the ion emitters and due to the produced voltage, an electric field with a force capable of breaking down those volatile compounds the kinetic energy binding of which is less than or equal to 12 electronvolts, such as, for example, ammonia, acetone, formaldehydes, etc. In this sense, in the case of ammonia NH3, for example, it breaks down into N and H, converting a potentially hazardous contaminant into a natural compound present in the air.

[0017] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a linear emitter 10. Figure 2 shows a front view of the linear emitter 10 of the Figure 1. Figure 3a shows a front schematic view of an embodiment of a T-shaped linear-type ion generator 200 of the invention, with a positive emitter 10 and a negative emitter 10, comprising a single mounting bracket 15 and a DC power supply source 100 supported on said mounting bracket 15. Additionally, Figure 3b shows a front schematic longitudinal section view of the ion generator 200 of Figure 3a, showing the positive terminal 110 and the negative terminal 120 of the power supply source 100 electrically connected, respectively, to a conductive element 12 of the positive emitter 10 and of the negative emitter 11.

[0018] In a first embodiment, the ion generator 200 of the invention comprises a high-voltage DC power supply source 100, for example, not less than 1.5 KV (kilovolts), and up to 15 KV, of both a positive voltage V+ and a negative voltage V-, and preferably between 5 KV and 7 KV. In other embodiments, the DC power supply source 100 sends voltage pulses. The power supply source 100 comprises a positive terminal 110 where the positive voltage V+ is applied, and a negative terminal 120 where the negative voltage V- is applied. Said positive and negative terminals 110, 120 are electrically connected to a positive emitter 10 and to a negative emitter 11, respectively. Each of the positive and negative emitters 10, 11 comprises a conductive element 12 electrically connected to the positive terminal 110 and to the negative terminal 120 of the power supply source 100 by means of a conductive wire, the conductive element 12 in this embodiment being a longitudinal elongated plate made with a conductive material, preferably a metallic conductive material. The positive and negative emitters 10, 11 also comprise a plurality of conductive filaments 13, electrically connected and fixed to each conductive element 12. In other embodiments of the ion generator 200, the power supply source 100 is a high-voltage AC power supply source (not shown in the drawings), an alternating voltage being applied to a single emitter between the positive terminal 110 and the negative terminal 120, this alternating voltage being a sine wave, for example, alternatingly supplying positive voltage V+ and negative voltage V- to said emitter. Naturally, and like in the DC power supply source 100, the voltage can be changed in each terminal simultaneously depending on wave amplitude.

[0019] The filaments 13 are thin fibers with a thickness equal to or less than 0.2 millimeters (mm) in diameter, and the number thereof is always equal to or more than five hundred, in this embodiment of the ion generator 200 the number being a few thousand per conductive element 12. In the embodiment of the linear emitter 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the filaments 13 are attached to the conductive element 12 on one of the sides thereof, being fixed by different methods, screwing, clamping, etc., maintaining electrical connection with the conductive element 12. The filaments 13 are always arranged projecting transversely with respect to the length of the conductive element 12, and they therefore have freedom of movements when exposed to an airflow or subjected to high electrical voltages. These filaments 13 are formed by a non-conductive or less conductive substrate, such as, for example, cotton, polyester, nylon, or stainless steel for high-performance ionization fibers, such as aramids, high-density polyethylene, polymers such as PBI, PBO or PTFE, carbon nanotubes or other materials having similar characteristics. Said substrate is coated or integrated with conductive elements such as nickel, copper, gold, silver or titanium. Since they have such a small diameter, the very high number of filaments 13 amounting to thousands can be positioned very close together in the small space of the conductive element 12.

[0020] When the power supply source 100 is activated and a voltage difference ΔV, such as the voltage difference between the positive voltage V+ of the positive terminal 110 and the negative voltage V- of the negative terminal, is applied, the voltage of each terminal 110, 120 of the power supply source 100 is applied to the filaments 13. For example, if the absolute voltage in each positive and negative terminal 110, 120 is 5 KV, the generated voltage difference ΔV is 10 KV. An electric field gradient is generated in said filaments 13, and it must be taken into account that said electric field gradient increases in a manner inversely proportional to the diameter of the filaments 13, which allows said filaments 13 to act as independent ion generators by releasing electrons into the air, the positive emitter 10 and the negative emitter 11 simultaneously emitting positive and negative ions, respectively. A high concentration of ionizing tips is therefore obtained with the filaments 13 in a small space, generating a very high ion density.

[0021] However, the corona effect can occur if the voltage of application is very high, which effect can lead to the generation of a large amount of harmful ozone or nitrogen oxides. The probability of this corona effect occurring increases in a manner that is inversely proportional to the diameter of the filaments 13. However, the probability of ozone and nitrogen oxides occurring also varies depending on the material subjected to the mentioned electric field gradient. The material described above with which the filaments 13 are formed, minimizes the occurrence of said compounds in the ion generator 200 of the invention.

[0022] Each positive and negative emitter 10, 11 comprises a support 14 made with electrically insulating material holding the conductive element 12, and preventing the user from receiving possible unwanted electric discharges. In this embodiment of the ion generator 200, the support 14 has a general U shape, comprising a housing 20 where the linear conductive element 12 is housed. Said housing 20 comprises an inner space 18 and a groove 17. The inner space 18 is arranged in the lower portion of the U, and the groove 17, which is narrower than the inner space 18, communicates with the inner space 18 through an end, and is open at the other end thereof with the upper portion of the U. The conductive element 12 with the mounted filaments 13 is introduced from a side opening of the support 14 towards the housing 20, the conductive element 12 abutting with the lower portion of the inner space 18 of the housing 20, the conductive element 12 being held laterally in the groove 17. The filaments 13 are therefore free of movements substantially above the central groove 17. The inner space 18 allows making it easier to place the conductive element 12, as well as to mass produce the emitter 10, 11 by allowing the installation and laying out of cables therein, for example.

[0023] Each positive and negative emitter 10, 11 also comprises a grounded mounting bracket 15 made with conductive material, the mounting bracket 15 holding the support 14. Since the support 14 is made of an insulating material, for example, a plastic, static charges which may cause problems in the operation of the ion generator 200, or even become a nuisance, and furthermore hazardous for the user, can be generated, so grounding the mounting bracket 15 solves this problem. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 15 has a U shape and surrounds the support 14 in its lower side portion and in its lower portion, the support 14 fitting in the mounting bracket 15, being retained therein. The central and upper side portions of the support 14 are therefore free.

[0024] Since it is subjected to a high electrical voltage, the emitter 10, 11 causes the filaments 13 to separate from one another taking up more space, an issue that may be compounded if the emitter is within an airflow. The use of high voltages for generating positive and negative ions with emitters comprising filaments, ionizes the air and converts it into an electrical conductor. The geometry of the filaments and a high potential gradient in said filaments can cause dielectric breakdown of the air, reaching another different conductor, such as the lower-potential mounting bracket 15, a discharge resulting in an electric arc being produced. To prevent this, the support 14 has sides around the conductive element 12 with the mounted filaments 13 raised, comprising in the upper and side portions thereof a spacer element 16 on each side of the filaments 13. In this embodiment of the support 14, the spacer element 16 is an integral part thereof, being made by extrusion at the same time as the support 14. In other embodiments, the spacer element 16 is a separate part with respect to the support 14 but attached thereto. The two spacer elements 16 have a U shape or open vessel shape and are arranged on the sides of the support 14, in the upper portion, partially surrounding the filaments 13, with a semicircular-shaped interior, on the side close to the filaments 13, an arrangement which allows free movement of said filaments 13. The spacer elements 16 therefore space the filaments 13 in the air from the mounting bracket 15, preventing electric arcs from being formed when the power supply source 100 applies the voltage difference ΔV, and the potential gradient generated in the filaments 13 is intense enough to cause dielectric breakdown of the air.

[0025] Figures 3a and 3b show an embodiment of a T-shaped linear-type ion generator 200 with a linear positive emitter 10 and a linear negative emitter 10. This ion generator 200 comprises a single mounting bracket 15 acquiring a T shape, and a DC power supply source 100 supported on said mounting bracket 15. A support 14 holding a conductive element 12 with the mounted and fixed filaments 13 is arranged inside the single mounting bracket 15, on each side of the T, forming the positive emitter 10 and the negative emitter 11. The positive terminal 110 and the negative terminal 120 of the power supply source 100 are electrically connected, respectively, to the conductive element 12 of the positive emitter 10 and of the negative emitter 11, by means of a conductive wire. The power supply source 100 is arranged inside the same mounting bracket 15 between the positive emitter 10 and the negative emitter 11.

[0026] In other embodiments of T-shaped ion generators 200 of this type, the single mounting bracket 15 holds a plurality of supports 14, each with its conductive element 12 and filaments 13, arranged on the positive emitter 10 side and on the negative emitter 11 side parallel to one another at one and the same voltage. Similarly, in other embodiments of the T-shaped ion generator 200, the number of supports 14 with their conductive element 12 and filaments 13 is different for the positive emitter 10 and the negative emitter 11. A different number of ions are thereby generated from both emitters according to the interest in each installation made.

[0027] Ion generators 200 with linear-type positive and negative emitters 10, 11 can also be made with a mounting bracket 15 having a modular structure (not shown in the drawings). This modular mounting bracket 15 has elements on the sides which allow attaching different emitters 10, 11 between mounting brackets 15, such that a plurality of emitters 10, 11 can be arranged parallel to one another. As described above, the number of attached positive emitters 10 and the number of attached negative emitters 11 can be different, a different number of ions being generated from both emitters according to the interest in each installation made.

[0028] The electrical conductivity of compounds present in the air which are subjected to a high voltage level can change. Ambient humidity can favor air conductivity in a manner inversely proportional to voltage, i.e., the higher the humidity, the less voltage is required to produce this effect. This effect increases ozone generation and causes a voltage drop which reduces ion generation. In this situation, the distance d separating the ends of both emitters 10, 11 assures that this problem does not arise. This distance d is proportional to the voltage difference ΔV between the positive terminal 110 and the negative terminal 120 of the power supply source 100. Depending on the arrangement of the emitters 10, 11, the distance d is the smallest distance between elements in voltage, i.e., the distance between filaments 13 in the embodiment that is shown. A distance d preventing the problem of ozone generation is therefore defined for the maximum operating voltage envisaged in the power supply source 100.

[0029] Figure 4 shows a front schematic view of a second embodiment of the cylindrical-type ion generator 200 with a cylindrical-shaped positive emitter 10 and a cylindrical-shaped negative emitter 11, and a DC power supply source 100 with a positive terminal 110 and a negative terminal 120 electrically connected, respectively, to the positive emitter 10 and to the negative emitter 11. Figure 5 shows a front longitudinal section view of an embodiment of a cylindrical emitter 10, and Figure 6 shows a front, cross-section view of the cylindrical emitter 10 of Figure 5.

[0030] This cylindrical-type ion generator 200 has the same features as the linear-type ion generator 200 described above, with the following differences. Each of the positive and negative emitters 10, 11 comprises a conductive element 12 electrically connected to the positive terminal 110 or to the negative terminal 120 of the power supply source 100 by means of a conductive wire, the conductive element 12 in this embodiment being an elongated cylinder made with a conductive material, preferably metallic conductive material. The positive and negative emitters 10, 11 also comprise a plurality of conductive filaments 13 electrically connected and fixed to each conductive element 12. In the embodiment of the cylindrical emitter 10 shown in Figures 5 and 6, the filaments 13 are attached to the conductive element 12 completely surrounding it 360° along its entire length, except in an initial segment in which the conductive element 12 is attached to the support 14, in a manner transverse to the body of said conductive element 12. The filaments 13 can be fixed to the conductive element 12 in different ways, such as by means of screwing, clamping, bonding, etc., maintaining the electrical connection with the conductive element 12.

[0031] In this embodiment, the filaments 13 also are attached to the conductive element 12 at the end thereof, said filaments 13 always being arranged projecting transversely with respect to the length of the conductive element 12, and they therefore have freedom of movements when exposed to an airflow or subjected to high electrical voltages. Since they have such a small diameter, the very high number of filaments 13 amounting to thousands, can be positioned very close together in the small space of the cylindrical conductive element 12.

[0032] Each positive and negative emitter 10, 11 comprises the support 14 made with electrically insulating material holding the conductive element 12, and preventing the user from receiving possible unwanted electric discharges. In this embodiment of the cylindrical-type ion generator 200, the support 14 has a general cylindrical shape with a U-shaped cross-section, with a groove 17 open from the upper portion of the support 14 and arranged on the side of the conductive element 12. The conductive element 12 with the mounted filaments 13 is introduced in the groove 17, the conductive element 12 being held in the groove 17 by means of snap-fitting or by means of threading, the filaments 13 being free of movements throughout the entire conductive element 12.

[0033] Each positive and negative emitter 10, 11 also comprises a grounded mounting bracket 15 made with conductive material, the mounting bracket 15 holding the support 14. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 15 has a cylindrical shape and a base surrounding the support 14, the support 14 fitting in the mounting bracket 15, being retained therein. The upper central side portion of the support 14 is therefore free.

[0034] To prevent electric arcs between the filaments 13 closest to the support 14 and the mounting bracket 15, the support 14 has an upper edge having a larger diameter than the central body of the support 14, this upper edge forming the spacer element 16. In this embodiment of the support 14, the spacer element 16 is an integral part thereof, being made by injection at the same time as the support 14. In other embodiments, the spacer element 16 is a separate part with respect to the support 14 but attached thereto. The spacer element 16 demarcates with its shape a closed contour around the conductive element 12, with a hollow shape therein on the side close to the filaments 13, surrounding the filaments 13 close to the support 14, which allows the free movement of said filaments 13. The spacer element 16 therefore forms a barrier to prevent electric arcs between the mounting bracket 15 and the filaments 13.

[0035] In other embodiments of the cylindrical-type ion generator 200, said generator comprises a single mounting bracket 15 in which a single support 14 with spaced grooves 17 is mounted, acquiring a U shape with an elongated bottom. There is arranged inside the single mounting bracket 15, in the support 14, for example in a first row, a plurality of conductive elements 12 with their filaments 13 mounted forming the positive emitter 10, and in a second row parallel to the first row, a plurality of conductive elements 12 with their filaments 13 mounted forming the negative emitter 11. The positive terminal 110 and the negative terminal 120 of the power supply source 100 are electrically connected, respectively, to the conductive elements 12 of the positive emitter 10, and of the negative emitter 11 by means of a conductive wire. Naturally, the number of conductive elements 12 between the positive emitter 10 and the negative emitter 11 can be different. A different number of ions are thereby generated from both emitters according to the interest in each installation made.

[0036] Another possible way of making cylindrical-type ion generators 200 is with a mounting bracket 15 having a modular structure (not shown in the drawings). This modular mounting bracket 15 has elements on the sides which allow attaching mounting brackets 15 of different emitters 10, 11 such that a plurality of emitters 10, 11 can be arranged parallel to one another. As described above, the number of attached positive emitters 10 and the number of attached negative emitters 11 can be different, a different number of ions being generated from both emitters, according to the interest in each installation made.

[0037] The distance d separating the emitters 10, 11 assures that the problem of ozone generation due to high voltage gradients is minimized. This distance d, which is the distance between the longitudinal axes of the conductive elements 12, is proportional to the voltage difference ΔV between the positive terminal 110 and the negative terminal 120 of the power supply source 100. Depending on the arrangement of the emitters 10, 11, the distance d is the smallest distance between live elements, i.e., the distance between filaments 13, or the distance between the longitudinal axes of the conductive elements 12, in the embodiment that is shown. A distance d preventing the problem of ozone generation, is therefore defined for the maximum operating voltage envisaged in the power supply source 100.

[0038] The power supply source 100 of the ion generator 200 is configured to apply positive voltage V+ in the positive terminal 110, and negative voltage V- in the negative terminal 120, generating the voltage difference ΔV applied to the positive and negative emitters 10, 11, the voltage V+, V- in each terminal 110, 120 being able to be changed simultaneously and with the same absolute value, but the absolute value of each terminal can also be changed in a different manner. If the environmental conditions of the area where the ion generator 200 in installed are known, the voltage of the terminals 110, 120 can be preset, defining a voltage ratio V+: V- which can be changed in a preset manner. A different number of positive and negative ions is thereby generated for each voltage ratio V+: V-.

[0039] Figure 7 shows a partial schematic view of an air conditioning system 400 with a linear-type ion generator 200. Additionally, Figure 8 shows a partial schematic view of an air conditioning system 400 with a cylindrical-type ion generator 200.

[0040] The effective actuation radius of ion generators is in zones close to ion emitters. Ion generators act on atoms or molecules passing through the disruptive area located around the ion emitter. The so-called electron avalanche effect is produced in said area in which atoms or molecules are struck by electrons, releasing their own electrons and generating a chain of reactions that result in positive or negative ions, depending on the polarity of the emitter.

[0041] In other embodiments such as those shown in Figures 7 and 8, showing one and the same structure with the only difference being the type of ion generator 200 used, said ion generator 200 comprises an air quality sensor 160 arranged in a ventilation conduit 30 in which an airflow 20 circulates. This air conditioning system 400 comprises a heat exchange machine 300 generating the airflow 20 in the conduit 30 when put in operation, causing the airflow 20 with contaminants to pass through the ion generator 200, in order to then cause clean and purified airflow to pass through the inside thereof and to proceed to heat exchange. Finally, this heat exchange machine 300 will supply the purified and conditioned air to a defined area. The air quality sensor 160 can also be arranged in an area to be treated, and the air can therefore be purified. The power supply source 100, and therefore the ion generator 200, can also be put directly in operation when the heat exchange machine 300 is activated.

[0042] The air quality sensor 160 is electrically communicated with the power supply source 100, and the positive and negative emitters 10, 11 are arranged horizontally, but they can also be arranged vertically or at another angle, both emitters 10, 11 being arranged parallel to one another in a plane transverse to the forced circulation of the airflow 20, the air quality sensor 160 sending a control signal to the power supply source 100 when it detects a specific air quality in the conduit 30, i.e., a specific air composition. The power supply source 100, and therefore the ion generator 200, can also be directly activated when the heat exchange machine 300 is activated. The power supply source 100 is configured such that the voltage of the terminals 110, 120 can be changed, defining a different voltage ratio V+: V- depending on the detected air composition. This voltage ratio V+: V- can change, having values of 1:1, 1:1,5, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, or 1:5, for example.

[0043] In the air conditioning systems 400 shown in Figures 7 and 8, the ion generator 200 also comprises an airflow sensor 150 arranged in the ventilation conduit 30 in which the airflow 20 circulates. The airflow sensor 150 is electrically communicated with the power supply source 100 of the ion generator 200, the air sensor 150 sending an activation signal to the power supply source 100 when it detects a specific air flow rate in the conduit 30.

[0044] The arrangement of the emitters 10, 11 of the ion generators 200 in a manner transverse to the circulation of an airflow 20 in an area in which said ion generator 200 is arranged, maximizes the disruptive area and therefore the ion generation efficacy, in all the directions in which it acts. The arrangement of the ion generator 200 in a manner transverse to the circulation of the airflow 20 in the conduit 30, greatly minimizes the cancelling out of positive or negative ions, caused by the presence of ions with the opposite charge in the air, and therefore maximizes the time the ions are present in the affected area. The emitters 10, 11 of the ion generator 200 are arranged horizontally or vertically or at an angle, in a plane transverse to the forced circulation of the airflow 20, both emitters 10, 11 being arranged parallel to one another, such that the air which has already been in contact with one of the emitters 10, 11 will not later pass through the inversely polarized emitter 10, 11.

[0045] The airflow sensor 150 assures the operation of the air conditioning system 400 provided that there is the airflow 20 in the conduit 30 due to the operation of the air conditioning system 400. Energy consumption is thereby optimized by operating the ion generator 200 only when needed. In no case does the ion generator 200 exceed the ozone level established by law. By using the airflow sensor 150 and disconnecting the ion generator 200, possible ozone concentrations are even further minimized since there is no air circulation.

[0046] The configuration of the support 14 of the positive and negative ion emitters 10, 11, with the spacer element 16, will help to prevent electric arcs from being produced between the filaments 13 and the metallic mounting bracket 15 when, either in a predetermined manner, or depending on the air quality detected in the area to be ionized, the voltages V+ and V- applied in the terminals 110, 120 of the power supply source 100 are high.

Claims

1. Ion generator for ionizing the air, comprising at least one emitter (10, 11), the emitter (10, 11) comprising a conductive element (12) and a plurality of conductive filaments (13) electrically connected and fixed to the conductive element (12), each emitter (10, 11) comprising a support (14) made with electrically insulating material holding the conductive element (12), said holding leaving the filaments (13) free of movements, characterized in that each emitter (10, 11) comprises a grounded mounting bracket (15) made with conductive material, the mounting bracket (15) holding the support (14), said support (14) comprising at least one spacer element (16) that is prolonged between the mounting bracket (15) and the filaments (13), forming a barrier to prevent electric arcs between said mounting bracket (15) and said filaments (13).

2. Ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spacer element (16) is arranged partially surrounding the filaments (13), forming a cavity (19) on the side close to the filaments (13) allowing movement of said filaments (13).

3. Ion generator according to claim 2, wherein the at least one spacer element (16) has a substantially semicircular cross-section.

4. Ion generator according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one spacer element (16) of the support (14) is integral with the support (14).

5. Ion generator according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mounting bracket (15) has a modular structure, a plurality of emitters (10, 11) being attached parallel to one another.

6. Ion generator according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mounting bracket (15) holds a plurality of supports (14) for the emitter (10, 11) and the power supply source (100).

7. Ion generator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive element (12) is in the form of a longitudinal plate, the filaments (13) being fixed in a direction transverse to the length of the conductive element (12), the support (14) comprising a spacer element (16) on each side of the longitudinal conductive element (12).

8. Ion generator according to claim 7, wherein the support (14) comprises a housing (20) in which the conductive element (12) is housed, said housing (20) comprising an inner space (18) and a groove (17) narrower than the inner space (18) communicating said inner space (18) with the outside, the base of the conductive element (12) being supported in the inner space (18), and said conductive element (12) being held laterally by means of the groove (17).

9. Ion generator according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conductive element (12) has a cylindrical shape, the filaments (13) being fixed in a direction transverse to the length of the conductive element (12), the spacer element (16) of the support (14) demarcating a closed contour around the conductive element (12).

10. Ion generator according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a DC power supply source (100), a positive emitter (10) electrically connected to a positive terminal (110) of the power supply source (100), and a negative emitter (11) electrically connected to a negative terminal (120) of the power supply source (100), the positive emitter (10) and the negative emitter (11) simultaneously emitting positive and negative ions, respectively, the positive emitter (10) and the negative emitter (11) being spaced a distance (d) that is proportional to the voltage difference (ΔV) between the positive terminal (110) and the negative terminal (120).

11. Ion generator according to any of claims 1 to 9, comprising a power supply source (100) configured to apply a positive voltage (V₊) in a positive terminal (110), and a negative voltage (V_-) in a negative terminal (120), generating a voltage difference (ΔV) with absolute voltage values defining a voltage ratio (V+: V-), generating a different number of positive and negative ions for each voltage ratio (V+: V-).

12. Ion generator according to claim 11, comprising an air quality sensor (160) arranged in the air to be treated, and electrically communicated with the power supply source (100), the air quality sensor (160) sending a control signal to the power supply source (100) and a voltage ratio (V+: V-) variation signal when it detects a specific air composition.

13. Ion generator according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an airflow sensor (150) arranged in an airflow (20), the emitter (10, 11) being arranged horizontally or vertically in a plane transverse to the forced circulation of the airflow (20), the air sensor (150) sending an activation signal for generating ions when it detects a specific air flow rate.

14. Ion generator according to claim 13, wherein the emitter (10, 11) is arranged inside a conduit (30) in which the airflow (20) circulates.

15. Air conditioning system comprising at least one heat exchange machine (300), characterized in that it comprises an ion generator (200) according to any of the preceding claims.

Drawing