Ionized air flow discharge type non-dusting ionizer

The ionizer of the present invention comprises a chamber which has an ionization part that ionizes a portion of an ion carrier gas that is supplied to the interior of this chamber, and a blowing part which feeds the ion carrier gas toward a charged body. The ionization part is constructed from an ionization source which is contained in the chamber, and a control device which is connected with this ionization source via a high-voltage cable. Either the generating part of a soft X-ray generating device, the generating part of a low-energy electron beam generating device or the generating part of an ultraviolet radiation generating device is used as the ionization source. The control device, the connecting part between the control device and the high-voltage cable and the connecting part between the ionization source and the high-voltage cable are formed with an explosion-proof structure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an ionizer which is used to eliminate static electricity, and more particularly relates to an ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer which is an ionizer of a type that emits an ionized gas current toward the object of static electricity removal, and which can be used in explosion-proof facilities and equipment.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, in explosion-proof facilities such as facilities where hazardous substances are handled or the like, clogging during the air feeding of combustible powders and clogging of sieves, as well as static charge build-up and discharge in the interiors of agitating tanks for organic solvents or the like whose inside surfaces are coated with Teflon, have become problems. Conventionally, in the case of static charge build-up and discharge inside such agitating tanks, the ignition of the organic solvents has been prevented by purging the air from the tanks with N2gas, so that oxygen that might lead to ignition is eliminated. In the case of such de-charging methods, however, the initial costs and running costs of auxiliary facilities such as gas supply and exhaust facilities or the like are high, so that such methods are not desirable.

Meanwhile, air ionizing devices which neutralize electrical charges in charged bodies by means of ions have conventionally been used as devices for eliminating static electricity in production environments such as clean rooms or the like in which semiconductors, liquid crystal displays (hereafter referred to as “LCDs”) or the like are manufactured. Corona discharge type ionizers are commonly used as such air ionizing devices. In the case of such corona discharge type ionizers, a high positive or negative voltage is respectively applied to a positive or negative electrode, so that a corona discharge is generated, and the air surrounding the tip end of the abovementioned electrode is positively and negatively ionized; then, these ions are conveyed by air currents so that the charges on charged bodies are neutralized by ions of the opposite polarity.

However, semiconductor and liquid crystal manufacturing devices have become progressively smaller over the years, and in the case of conventional ionizers, it has become difficult to ensure an optimal installation space. Furthermore, the demand for static electricity countermeasures in narrow spaces such as the gaps between glass substrates inside cassettes and the like has also increased.

[Problems to Be Solved]

Accordingly, when the present inventors investigated the abovementioned reduction in size of air ionizing devices, and the application of such devices to explosion-proof facilities and equipment, the inventors found that the following problem points exist. Specifically, in the case of corona discharge type ionizers commonly used in the past, there is a considerable danger that the corona discharge itself will become an ignition source; accordingly, it has not been possible to use such ionizers in explosion-proof facilities such as facilities where hazardous substances are handled or the like.

Furthermore, in order to facilitate the generation of ions and prevent the consumption of generated ions, corona discharge type ionizers ionize the air in a state in which the electrodes are exposed in the vicinity of the object of de-charging. As a result, the following problems have also occurred.

(1) Generation of Ozone

Since the air in the vicinity of the object of de-charging is ionized by a corona discharge, a reaction which converts oxygen into ozone occurs besides the ionization of nitrogen and water vapor in the air. The surfaces of silicon wafers are oxidized by the oxidizing action of this ozone, and there are reactions with minute amounts of impurities in the air so that secondary particles are generated.

(2) Generation of Electromagnetic Noise

Irregular electromagnetic noise generated from the discharge electrode during the discharge may cause malfunctioning of precision instruments, computers or the like containing semiconductor elements.

(3) Generation of Dust from the Ion Generating Electrodes

The electrodes are consumed each time that a corona discharge is caused to occur, and the consumed electrode material is scattered. Furthermore, minute amounts of gas components in the air are converted into particles by the corona discharge, and are deposited on the ion generating electrodes, and when these particles reach a certain size, the particles are again scattered. As a result of such generation of dust, the yield drops.

In recent years, furthermore, ionizers which use soft X-rays as an ionization source have been developed. However, since the connecting parts between [such] ionizers and electrical cables, and the control devices for the ionization sources do not have explosion-proof specifications, it has been impossible to use such ionizers in explosion-proof facilities such as facilities handling hazardous substances or the like.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve such problem points encountered in the prior art; it is an object of the present invention to provide an ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer which makes it possible to take countermeasures against static electricity in narrow spaces without causing the generation of ozone, electromagnetic noise, dust or the like, and which is also devised so that this ionizer can be used in explosion-proof facilities and equipment.

The present invention is an ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer which comprises a chamber having an ionization part that ionizes a portion of an ion carrier gas that is supplied to the interior of this chamber, and a blowing part that feeds the ion carrier gas toward a charged body, and in which the above-mentioned ionization part is constructed from an ionization source that is contained in the above-mentioned chamber, and a control device which is disposed outside the above-mentioned chamber and which controls the quantity of ions generated by the above-mentioned ionization source via a high-voltage cable, this ionizer being characterized in that the above-mentioned ionization source is either the generating part of a soft X-ray generating device, the generating part of a low-energy electron beam generating device, or the generating part of an ultraviolet radiation generating device, the above-mentioned chamber is formed in a cylindrical shape and is adapted so that the above-mentioned ion carrier gas is supplied to the vicinity of the ionization source inside the above-mentioned chamber from the side end portion of the chamber, and a shielding part which is used to block the soft X-rays or low-energy electron beam generated by the above-mentioned ionization source is formed between the above-mentioned ionization source and blowing part.

In the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present invention, which has the construction described above, since a corona discharge that might be a cause of ignition is not used as the ionization source, the ignition of combustible substances such as organic solvents or the like can be prevented. Furthermore, since the ionization source and control device are disposed so that these parts are separated from each other, and since the chamber is formed in a cylindrical shape and is adapted so that the ion carrier gas is supplied to the vicinity of the ionization source inside the chamber from the side end portion of the chamber, the internal diameter of the chamber can be reduced, so that de-charging in a narrow space can be accomplished. Furthermore, since a shielding part which is used to block the soft X-rays or low-energy electron beam generated by the ionization source is formed between the ionization source and the blowing part, it is possible to supply only ions to the charged body.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Concrete embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached figures.

(1) FIRST EMBODIMENT

(1-1-1) Overall Construction

FIG. 1is a model diagram which shows the overall construction of the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment. In the same figure,1indicates a cylindrical ionization chamber (hereafter referred to as a “chamber”); this chamber is constructed from a metal such as aluminum, stainless steel or the like, or a resin such as polyvinyl chloride or the like. Furthermore, in terms of main parts, this chamber1is constructed from an ionization part, a shielding part and a blowing part. An ionization source4is disposed in the interior of the chamber1; this ionization source4is connected via a high-voltage cable6to a control device5which controls the quantity of ions generated by the ionization source4.

Furthermore, the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present invention has characterizing features in the construction of the control device5, the construction of the connecting part (part A inFIG. 1) between the control device5and high-voltage cable6, and connecting part (part B inFIG. 1) between the abovementioned ionization source4and high-voltage cable6. The constructions of these respective parts will be described in detail below.

(1-1-2) Construction of Control Device

As is shown inFIG. 1, the control device5is constructed from an air-tight chamber51which has an explosion-proof function. Furthermore, a control board53which is a control part that is used to cause the generation of soft X-rays, a low-energy electron beam or ultraviolet radiation from the abovementioned ionization source4, a circulating fan54which circulates cooled air or the like, and a cooling device55which controls the interior of the device to a constant temperature, are installed inside the control device5. Furthermore, a power supply cable56is connected to the abovementioned control board53, and the control device5is thus adapted so that this device can be connected to an explosion-proof socket (not shown in the figures) installed on the outside. In the present embodiment, furthermore, the abovementioned cooling device55is constructed (for example) by attaching a Peltier element (thermoelectric refrigerating element) to an aluminum heat dissipating plate.

(1-1-3) Construction of Connecting Part Between High-Voltage Cable and Control Device

FIG. 2(A)is an enlarged sectional view which shows the construction of the connecting part (part A inFIG. 1) between the abovementioned control device5and the high-voltage cable6. Furthermore, as is described below, this connecting part has explosion-proof specifications.

Specifically, a plug61is attached to the tip end portion of the high-voltage cable6; thus, the high-voltage cable6is adapted so that this cable can be detachably connected to a socket71disposed in the side wall of the control device5. Furthermore, the abovementioned plug61has a three-core structure, and electrodes63are attached to the tip ends of electrode supporting parts62that have a specified length “L”. Furthermore, a cap nut65which has a screw part64formed on the inside wall is attached to the outside of the base part61aof the abovementioned plug61so that this nut can rotate.

Meanwhile, insertion holes72which engage with the electrode supporting parts62that are formed on the abovementioned plug61are formed in the socket71that is disposed in the side wall of the control device5, and electrodes73that are connected with the electrodes63on the side of the abovementioned plug are formed in the deepest parts of these insertion holes72. Furthermore, a screw part74is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the flange part71aof the socket71, and the device is adapted so that [this screw part74] engages with the screw part64of the cap nut65attached to the abovementioned plug61.

Furthermore, the length of the insertion holes72is set as “L” in correspondence to the electrode supporting parts62on the plug side, and this length “L” is set so that the attachment and detachment of both sets of electrodes can be performed in air-tight spaces constructed by the electrode supporting parts62of the plug61and the insertion holes72of the socket71. Furthermore, as is shown inFIG. 2(B), packing66such as O-rings or the like may be disposed on the base end portions of the electrode supporting parts62in order to maintain the air-tightness of the connecting part between the plug61and the socket71.

(1-1-4) Construction of Connecting Part Between Ionization Source and High-Voltage Cable

As is shown inFIG. 2(c), the connecting part (part B inFIG. 1)between the ionization source4and the high-voltage cable6is constructed by causing a pipe41made of a resin which has electrical insulating properties such as a polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, acrylic or the like through the side surface of the chamber1, and filling the interior of this pipe with an insulating resin42such as an epoxy resin or the like.

(1-1-5) Construction of Ionization Part

As is shown inFIG. 1, a slender tube (not shown in the figures) is connected to the side end portion (right side end portion in the figure) of the chamber1via a tube fitting2, and the device is thus adapted so that the air inside the chamber that is the object of de-charging, or a non-reactive gas such as high-purity N2gas or the like (hereafter referred to as the “ion carrier gas”) can be supplied to the interior of the chamber1via this tube. Here, furthermore, the term “high-purity N2gas” refers to N2gas which contains enough oxygen or water vapor to form negative ions, and which has an oxygen concentration (approximately 5% or less) that does not generate ozone.

Furthermore, an ionization source4is disposed near the installation position of the tube fitting2inside the chamber1. Moreover, an ion generating device is formed by this ionization source4and the abovementioned control device5.

Furthermore, the abovementioned ionization source4comprises the generating part of a soft X-ray generating device, the generating part of a low-energy electron beam generating device, the generating part of an ultraviolet radiation generating device or the like, and is adapted so that this ionization source ionizes the ion carrier gas that flows through the interior of the chamber1.

(1-1-6) Construction of Shielding Part

In the present embodiment, as is shown inFIG. 1, the shielding part of the chamber1is formed by two punched plates10aand10bin which numerous fine holes11with a diameter of approximately 3 φ are formed. These two punched plates10aand10bare separated from each other by a distance of approximately 3 mm, and are disposed in shifted positions so that the fine holes11do not overlap.

(1-1-7) Construction of Blowing Part

The tip end portion of the chamber1is opened; this part is disposed in the vicinity of the charged body that is the object of de-charging, and is adapted so that the positive and negative ions generated in the abovementioned ion generating device are fed toward this charged body.

Soft X-rays are extremely weak X-rays with an energy of approximately 3 to 9.5 keV. Furthermore, a low-energy electron beam is an electron beam (soft electron beam) which is extracted at a low operating voltage of several tens of kilovolts by means of (for example) a super-compact electron beam irradiation tube manufactured by Ushio Denki K.K. or the like. This electron beam has a travel distance of only about 5 cm in air, and ionizes air or gases in this region.

Furthermore, in the case of a low-energy electron beam, since soft X-rays are also generated at the same time that ozone is generated in gases containing oxygen, shielding is necessary. Accordingly, in cases where a low-energy electron beam is used as an ionization source, it is desirable to use a non-reactive gas whose oxygen content is small enough that ozone is not generated, such as high-purity N2gas or the like, as the ion carrier gas. Furthermore, the ultraviolet radiation generated by an ultraviolet radiation generating device is short-wavelength radiation with a wavelength of 400 nm or less, and an output power of approximately 30 W.

In cases where the ionization source4is a soft X-ray generating part, either air or a non-reactive gas may be used as the ion carrier gas that is supplied to the chamber1; however, in cases where the ionization source4is a low-energy electron beam generating part or ultraviolet radiation generating part, it is desirable to a non-reactive gas whose oxygen content is small enough that ozone is not generated, such as high-purity N2gas or the like, as the ion carrier gas.

(1-2) Effects and Merits

Next the effects and merits of the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, which has the construction described above, will be described.

Since the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment uses the generating part of a soft X-ray generating device, the generating part of a low-energy electron beam generating device, the generating part of an ultraviolet radiation generating device or the like as an ionization source without using a corona discharge that might be a cause of ignition as this ionization source, the ignition of combustible substances such as organic solvents or the like can be prevented.

Furthermore, in the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, a cooling device consisting of a Peltier element (thermoelectric cooling element) or the like is disposed inside the control device5that controls the quantity of ions generated by the abovementioned ionization source, so that heat radiating from the control board and heat sources disposed inside the control device, thus making it possible to control the interior of the device to a constant temperature; accordingly, the control device can be formed with an air-tight structure. As a result, the ignition of combustible substances such as organic solvents or the like by the control board and heat sources disposed inside the device can be prevented.

Furthermore, since the connecting part between the high-voltage cable6and the control device5has an explosion-proof structure of the type shown inFIG. 2, the attachment or detachment of the electrodes can be performed in an air-tight space formed by the electrode supporting parts62of the plug61and the insertion holes72of the socket71; accordingly, the ignition of combustible substances such as organic solvents or the like caused by discharges during the attachment or detachment of the plug can be prevented. Furthermore, since the connecting part between the ionization source4and the high-voltage cable6also has an explosion-proof structure of the type shown inFIG. 1, the ignition of combustible substances such as organic solvents or the like in this connecting part can also be prevented.

Furthermore, in the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, the ion carrier gas that is supplied to the chamber1via a tube (not shown in the figures) and the tube fitting2is converted into positive and negative ions by irradiation with soft X-rays, a low-energy electron beam, ultraviolet radiation or the like by the ionization source4contained in the chamber1. Furthermore, these positive and negative ions pass through the shielding part installed on the downstream side of the ionization part, and are supplied to the charged body that constitutes the object of de-charging from the tip end portion of the chamber1, so that the positive and negative charges of opposite polarity on the charged body can be respectively neutralized.

Thus, in the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, in cases where the ionization source4is a soft X-ray generating part, there is no generation of ozone, regardless of whether air or a non-reactive gas is used as the ion carrier gas. Furthermore, there is no generation of dust such as the scattering of electrode materials or deposition and re-scattering of impurities in the air, and there is likewise no generation of electromagnetic noise.

Furthermore, in cases where the ionization source4is a low-energy electron beam or ultraviolet radiation generating part, since a non-reactive gas whose oxygen content is small enough that there is no generation of ozone, such as high-purity N2gas or the like, is used as the ion carrier gas, there is no generation of ozone, no generation of dust and no generation of electromagnetic noise during ionization.

Furthermore, soft X-rays or a low-energy electron beam can be sufficiently blocked by a thin polyvinyl chloride plate or the like, so that there is almost no reflection; accordingly, shielding can be accomplished using a simple structure of the type shown inFIG. 1. Moreover, since the distance from the ionization source4to the chamber outlet port is short, the following advantage is also obtained: namely, there is almost no decrease in ions due to the re-coupling of positive and negative ions.

Furthermore, as a result of the installation of the abovementioned shielding part, the disturbance of the gas current from the chamber blowing port can be reduced; accordingly, the following merit is also obtained: namely, the decrease in the quantity of ions caused by disturbance of the gas current can be ameliorated.

Furthermore, since the ionization source4and the control device5constituting the power supply part and control part of this ionization source4are installed separately with a high-voltage cable interposed, and since only the ionization source4is disposed inside the chamber1, the internal diameter of the chamber1can be reduced; accordingly, the following merits can be obtained: namely, ions can be generated in an extremely narrow space, and de-charging can be performed even in the case of a narrow space such as (for example) the gaps between glass substrates accommodated inside a cassette.

Thus, the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment makes it possible to obtain an ionizer which allows countermeasures against static electricity to be taken in a narrow space without generating ozone, electromagnetic noise or dust, and which can be used in explosion-proof facilities and equipment.

(2) SECOND EMBODIMENT

The present embodiment is a modification in which the construction of the shielding part of the abovementioned first embodiment is altered.

In the present embodiment, as is shown inFIG. 3, the shielding part of the chamber1is constructed from two semi-circular partition walls7,7; these partition walls7,7are alternately formed on the upper part and lower part of the chamber1so that a fixed gap is left. Specifically, in cases where the ionization source4is a soft X-ray generating part or low-energy electron beam generating part, the system is adapted so that the linearly advancing soft X-rays or electron beam electrons strike the partition walls7,7, thus providing a construction in which shielding is provided so that these soft X-rays or electrons do not leak to the outside. Furthermore, in cases where the ionization source4is an ultraviolet radiation generating part, this shielding part is unnecessary. The remaining construction is the same as in the abovementioned first embodiment; accordingly, a description is omitted.

The ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, which has the construction described above, has the same effects and merits as the abovementioned first embodiment; this ionizer can be used in explosion-proof facilities and equipment, and can form the area on the downstream side of the ionization part of the chamber1into a shielding structure by means of a simple construction.

The present embodiment is a modification in which the construction of the blowing part of the abovementioned first embodiment is altered. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the blowing part of the present embodiment can also be applied to the abovementioned second embodiment.

In the present embodiment, as is shown inFIG. 4, a nozzle20which is used to cause jetting of the ionized gas current is disposed on the downstream side of the shielding part of the chamber1. For example, a nozzle216, flat nozzle920, air curtain302–306, air knife392–396or the like manufactured by SILVENT Co. can be used as the abovementioned nozzle20.

In the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, which has the construction described above, the same effects and merits as those of the abovementioned first embodiment or second embodiment can be obtained; moreover, since a nozzle20which has a desired shape and size is attached to the blowing part, the ionized gas current can be blown onto the charged body at a high velocity, so that dirt or the like adhering to the charged body can be removed with a high efficiency while the charged body is de-charged. Furthermore, by selecting various types of nozzles20, it is possible to broaden the ionized gas current at a wide angle in a conical shape, or to spread the ionized gas current into the form of an air curtain; accordingly, the ionized gas current can be controlled in accordance with the object of de-charging. Furthermore, by using a nozzle that allows adjustment of the degree of opening, it is easily possible to alter the jet velocity of the ionized gas current.

The present embodiment is a modification in which the construction of the blowing part of the abovementioned third embodiment is further altered.

In the present embodiment, as is shown inFIG. 5, a flexible hose30is attached to the blowing part of the chamber1, and a nozzle31is attached to the tip end of this flexible hose30. Furthermore, as in the abovementioned third embodiment, a nozzle216, flat nozzle920, air curtain302–306, air knife392–396or the like manufactured by SILVENT Co. can be used as the abovementioned nozzle31. Furthermore, this flexible hose30differs from a vinyl tube or the like in that this hose has a structure can maintain a set shape.

In the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, which has the construction described above, since a flexible hose30is attached to the blowing part and a nozzle31is further attached to the tip end of this flexible hose30, not only can the same effects and merits as those of the abovementioned first through third embodiments be obtained, but it is also possible blow the ionized gas current onto the charged body at a high velocity, so that dirt or the like adhering to the charged body can be removed with a high efficiency while the charged body is de-charged. Furthermore, by selecting various types of nozzles31, it is possible to broaden the ionized gas current at a wide angle in a conical shape, or to spread the ionized gas current into the form of an air curtain; accordingly, the ionized gas current can be controlled in accordance with the object of de-charging. Furthermore, by using a nozzle that allows adjustment of the degree of opening, it is easily possible to alter the jet velocity of the ionized gas current.

The present embodiment is an embodiment in which the shielding part and blowing part are constructed as an integral unit.

In the present embodiment, as is shown inFIG. 6, one or a plurality of openings (holes with a diameter of approximately 1 φ)40which are of a size that can block X-rays or the like are formed (in accordance with the object of de-charging) in a portion of the chamber (e. g., side surface) on the downstream side of the ionization source4. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, these openings40function as a shielding part and a blowing part.

In the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, which has the construction described above, since a plurality of openings which are of a size that can block X-rays are formed in a portion of the chamber on the downstream side of the ionization source4, the jetting of an ionized gas current toward the object of de-charging can be accomplished simultaneously with shielding. Furthermore, as will be described below, the present embodiment is especially effective in cases where de-charging is performed by blowing an ionized gas current into the deep portions of narrow spaces such as the gaps between glass substrates in a cassette or the like.

The ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment has characterizing features in the construction of the blowing port. Specifically, as is shown inFIG. 7, the blowing port81in the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical or prismatic shape, and a chamber82and duct83are connected to the upstream side of this blowing port81. Furthermore, the duct83comprises piping which is used to supply air or a non-reactive gas such as high-purity N2gas or the like (hereafter referred to as the “ion carrier gas”) to the object of de-charging in an explosion-proof facility via the abovementioned chamber82and blowing port81. Moreover, the chamber82is formed (for example) in the shape of a cone or square pyramid so that the cross-sectional area on the downstream side is larger than that on the upstream side, and the end portion on the upstream side is connected to the abovementioned duct83, while the end portion on the downstream side is connected to the abovementioned blowing port81. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the chamber82and blowing port81can also be constructed as an integral unit.

Furthermore, a shielding part84is disposed in the vicinity of the tip end portion of the abovementioned blowing port81. As is shown (for example) inFIG. 7, this shielding part84is constructed from two punched plates86aand86bwith a thickness of 1 mm in which numerous fine holes85with a diameter of approximately 5 mm φ and an opening pitch of approximately 12 mm are formed. These two punched plates86aand86bare separated from each other by a distance of approximately 3 mm, and are disposed in positions that are shifted so that the abovementioned fine holes85do not overlap. Furthermore, the tip end portion of the blowing port81is open, and is disposed in the vicinity of the charged body S; the system is thus adapted so that positive and negative ions generated in the ion generating device are fed toward this charged body S.

Furthermore, an ion generating device is disposed in the side portion of the abovementioned blowing port81. This ion generating device is constructed from an ionization source4which is disposed in the side portion of the blowing port81, and a control device5which controls the quantity of ions generated by this ionization source4. Furthermore, this control device5is disposed on the outside of the blowing port81, and consists of a power supply part and control part which are used to generate soft X-rays or ultraviolet radiation from the ionization source; the control device5is connected to the ionization source4by a high-voltage cable6.

Furthermore, the construction of this control device5, the construction of the connecting part between the high-voltage cable6and the control device5, and the construction of the connecting part between the ionization source4and the high-voltage cable6, are the same as in the abovementioned first embodiment; accordingly, a description is omitted.

In the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, which has the construction described above, this ionizer can be used in explosion-proof facilities and equipment; furthermore, since the ionization source4is contained internally in the vicinity of the outlet part of the blowing port81, the ion carrier gas can be ionized in the vicinity of the blowing port81, so that ionized air or the like can be supplied to the desired object of de-charging. Furthermore, since the ionization source4is contained internally in the side portion of the blowing port81, and irradiation with radiation such as soft X-rays or the like is performed horizontally with the blowing port, a broad range can be covered by a single ionization source. Furthermore, since the ionization source4is contained internally in the vicinity of the outlet part of the blowing port81, the distance from the ionization source4to the outlet of the blowing port is short, so that the following merit is also obtained: namely, there is little decrease in the ions due to the re-coupling of positive and negative ions.

This embodiment is a modification in which the installation position of the ionization source of the abovementioned sixth embodiment is altered. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as is shown inFIG. 8, the ionization source4is disposed in the central portion of a chamber82which is formed in the shape of a cone or square pyramid. The remaining construction is the same as in the abovementioned sixth embodiment; accordingly, a description is omitted. Furthermore, the ionization source that can be disposed as shown inFIG. 8is a soft X-ray or ultraviolet radiation generating part.

In the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, which has the construction described above, not only can the same effects and merits as in the abovementioned sixth embodiment be obtained, but it also possible to perform ionization over a broad range with a small ionization source in the case of an ionization source that can emit soft X-rays or the like over a broad angle. Accordingly, since the ionization efficiency is good, and the quantity of ions generated is increased, the de-charging performance is improved. Furthermore, the angle of incidence of the radiation on the shielding plates is greater than in cases where irradiation is performed horizontally in the vicinity of the shielding plates; accordingly, shielding is facilitated, and shielding plate with vertical holes or the like are unnecessary.

This embodiment is a modification of the abovementioned sixth embodiment, and indicates a case in which an HEPA filter or ULPA filter is disposed on the upstream side of the blowing port. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as is shown inFIG. 9, a laminar flow forming filter91such as a HEPA filter, ULPA filter or the like is disposed on the upstream side of the blowing port81, and the system is adapted so that the ion carrier gas that is fed in via the duct83and chamber82can be formed into a gas current that has a uniform flow velocity distribution over the entire surface of the blowing port81. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the ionization source4is disposed in the vicinity of the side wall portion between the abovementioned laminar flow forming filter91and the shielding part84. The remaining construction is the same as in the abovementioned sixth embodiment; accordingly, a description is omitted.

In the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, which has the abovementioned construction, not only can the same effects and merits as those of the abovementioned sixth embodiment be obtained, but it is also possible to form the ion carrier gas that is fed in from the chamber82into a laminar flow, since a laminar flow forming filter91is disposed on the upstream side of the blowing port81. As a result, in cases where a turbulent flow (jet) is supplied to the blowing port, the problem of a decrease in the quantity of ions and a drop in the de-charging efficiency due to the promotion of the re-coupling of positive and negative ions by the mixing effect can be prevented; accordingly, more efficient ionization can be accomplished, so that a superior de-charging performance can be obtained.

The ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment is a modification of the abovementioned sixth embodiment. In this ionizer, as is shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, a laminar flow forming filter91such as a HEPA filter, ULPA filter or the like is disposed on the upstream side of the blowing port81, and an aluminum honeycomb92which has vertical holes is disposed on the upstream side of the two punched plates86aand86bdisposed in the shielding part84of the blowing port81. Furthermore, it would also be possible to install a sleeve-equipped punched plate93such as that shown inFIG. 11(C) instead of installing an aluminum honeycomb92with vertical holes. The remaining construction is that same as that of the abovementioned sixth embodiment; accordingly, a description is omitted.

In the ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer of the present embodiment, which has the abovementioned construction, the ionizer can be used in explosion-proof facilities and equipment; furthermore, since a laminar flow forming filter91is disposed on the upstream said of the blowing port81, the ion carrier gas that is fed in from the chamber82can be formed into a laminar flow. As a result, in cases where a turbulent flow (jet) is supplied to the blowing port, the problem of a decrease in the quantity of ions and a drop in the de-charging efficiency due to the promotion of the re-coupling of positive and negative ions by the mixing effect can be prevented; accordingly, more efficient ionization can be accomplished, so that a superior de-charging performance can be obtained.

Furthermore, as is shown inFIG. 11(A), in cases where two punched plates86aand86bare respectively disposed with a specified gap between the plates in positions that are shifted so that the fine holes formed in the respective plates do not overlap, it is difficult to completely block radiation such as soft X-rays or the like that is incident on the fine holes of the punched plates86aand86bat an inclination from above. However, in the blowing port of the present embodiment shown inFIG. 10, soft X-rays that are incident at an inclination from above are completely blocked by striking the side walls of the vertical hole parts in the aluminum honeycomb92as shown inFIG. 11(B), or are completely blocked by striking the side walls of the sleeve of the sleeve-equipped punched plate93as shown inFIG. 11(C).

(10) OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above; various configurations such as those described below are possible. Specifically, the shapes or attachment positions and methods of respective concrete members may be appropriately altered. For example, the shape of the shielding part is not limited to the punched plates indicated in the respective embodiments described above; any shape that is capable of preventing the leakage of linearly advancing soft X-rays, low-energy electron beam electrons or the like to the outside, and that can carry the positive and negative ions that are generated, may be used.

Furthermore, the ionization source4is not limited to soft X-rays, a low-energy electron beam or ultraviolet radiation; other electromagnetic waves, beams or the like may be used as long as these sources do not generate ozone, dust or electromagnetic noise as a result of ionization. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 12, a construction in which an air supply fan94is incorporated may be applied.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As was described above, the present invention can provide an ionized gas current emission type dust-free ionizer which makes it possible to take countermeasures against static electricity in a narrow space without causing the generation of ozone, electromagnetic noise, dust or the like, and which can also be used in explosion-proof facilities and equipment.