Patent Description:
PTL <NUM> describes an effective component generation device (electrostatic atomization device) having a configuration in which internal components including a circuit board is housed in a case. The circuit board holds an electrostatic atomization generator including a discharger (discharge electrode), a drive circuit (high voltage application unit), an air blower, and the like. These internal components are housed in the case as one unit.

PTL <NUM> describes an effective component generation device according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The case constitutes the shell of the effective component generation device. The circuit board is supported by a support portion provided in the case, and is fixed by a fixing tool. The case is formed of a conductive material such as metal, and the fixing tool for fixing the circuit board to the case also serves as a ground. This reduces electromagnetic noise generated when the effective component generation device performs discharge. Further, the case is provided with an air supply port (hole) into which air flows and a discharge port for charged fine water particles generated by electrostatic atomization.

However, conventionally, the case of the effective component generation device described above is formed in a box shape by bending a metal sheet so as to be able to house the internal components. In the case formed by bending, a gap is generated at a joint of the bent metal sheet or the like. Therefore, the electromagnetic noise leaks from the gap, and an influence of the electromagnetic noise to an outside of the case cannot be sufficiently reduced.

The present disclosure provides an effective component generation device capable of reducing the influence of electromagnetic noise to an outside of a case, and a method for manufacturing the effective component generation device.

An effective component generation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is disclosed in independent claim <NUM> and includes internal components and a case. The internal components include a discharger that generates an effective component. The case has a box shape having a discharge port for discharging the effective component, and houses the internal components. The case has a metal body including a bottom plate and a peripheral wall surrounding at least the discharger among the internal components. The metal body has a seamless portion at a corner portion between two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls oriented in different directions.

A method for manufacturing an effective component generation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is defined in claim <NUM> and includes a case forming step and a housing step. The effective component generation device includes internal components and a case. The internal components include a discharger that generates an effective component. The case has a box shape having a discharge port for discharging the effective component, and houses the internal components. The case forming step is a step of forming a case by drawing a metal sheet. The housing step is a step of housing internal components in the case.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to more effectively reduce the influence of the electromagnetic noise to the outside the case.

Hereinafter, effective component generation device <NUM> according to a first exemplary embodiment will be described in terms of items with reference to the drawings.

First, an outline of effective component generation device <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Effective component generation device <NUM> includes discharger <NUM> (see <FIG>) that generates an effective component. In the first exemplary embodiment, discharger <NUM> includes discharge electrode <NUM> (see <FIG>), counter electrode <NUM> (see <FIG>), and the like. When a voltage is applied between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>, discharge is generated between the electrodes of discharger <NUM>.

The "effective component" in the present disclosure is a component generated by the discharge of discharger <NUM>. As an example, the effective component means a charged microparticle liquid containing OH radicals, OH radicals, O<NUM> radicals, negative ions, positive ions, ozone, nitrate ions, or the like. These effective components constitute a basis for exerting useful effects in various situations including sterile filtration, odor removal, moisture keeping, freshness keeping, and virus inactivation.

Effective component generation device <NUM> includes case <NUM> in addition to internal components <NUM> (see <FIG>) including discharger <NUM>. Case <NUM> constitutes an outer shell of effective component generation device <NUM>. Case <NUM> houses internal components <NUM> therein. Thus, effective component generation device <NUM> that is unitized is configured. Case <NUM> has discharge port <NUM> through which an effective component is discharged and air supply port <NUM> through which air is taken into case <NUM>.

Internal components <NUM> further include air blower <NUM>. Air blower <NUM> generates an air flow (wind) flowing from air supply port <NUM> of case <NUM> toward discharge port <NUM>. As a result, an air taken into case <NUM> from air supply port <NUM> is discharged to the outside of case <NUM> from discharge port <NUM>. As a result, the effective component generated in discharger <NUM> is discharged to the outside of case <NUM> through discharge port <NUM> along with an airflow generated in air blower <NUM>.

That is, effective component generation device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment includes internal components <NUM> including discharger <NUM>, and case <NUM>. Discharger <NUM> generates the effective component. Case <NUM> is formed in a box shape having air supply port <NUM> and discharge port <NUM>. Discharge port <NUM> is a port (opening) for releasing the effective component. Case <NUM> houses internal components <NUM>. Case <NUM> has metal body <NUM> including at least bottom plate <NUM> and peripheral walls <NUM>. Metal body <NUM> surrounds at least discharger <NUM> of internal components <NUM>. That is, hereinafter, a case where the metal body and the case are made of the same element will be described as an example, but since the metal body only needs to be configured to surround the discharger, only a part of the case may be constituted from the metal body. Metal body <NUM> has seamless portion <NUM> at a corner portion between two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> oriented in different directions (X direction and Y direction).

Note that the "seamless portion" of the present disclosure means a portion that seamlessly connects two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> at a corner portion between the two adjacent surfaces of peripheral walls <NUM> oriented in different directions.

That is, seamless portion <NUM> fills at least a part of a gap between the two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> at the corner portion of peripheral walls <NUM>. Thus, the two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> are continuously connected seamlessly.

Note that seamless portion <NUM> may be configured to reduce the gap so as to fill at least a part of the gap between the two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM>. Therefore, seamless portion <NUM> includes both a configuration in which the gap is completely filled and a configuration in which only a part of the gap is filled. That is, seamless portion <NUM> may be configured to close at least a part of the gap so as to reduce the gap between the two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> at each corner portion of metal body <NUM>. Therefore, in effective component generation device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment, although there are seamless portions <NUM>, there may be a configuration in which there is a slight gap or hole at a corner portion between two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> oriented in different directions in metal body <NUM>.

As described above, according to effective component generation device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment, at least discharger <NUM> is surrounded by metal body <NUM>. Therefore, metal body <NUM> functions as a shield against electromagnetic noise generated at the time of discharge in discharger <NUM>. Further, metal body <NUM> has a seamless portion <NUM> at each corner portion between two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> oriented in different directions. Seamless portion <NUM> makes it possible to reduce the electromagnetic noise leaking from the gap at the corner portion between the two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM>. That is, according to effective component generation device <NUM>, there is an advantage that the influence of the electromagnetic noise to the outside of case <NUM> can be more actively reduced.

Next, details of effective component generation device <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

In the following description, as an example, three axes of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to each other are set as illustrated in the drawings. Specifically, an axis along a longitudinal direction of case <NUM> is referred to as the "X-axis", and an axis along a direction in which case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> are combined is referred to as the "Z-axis". The "Y-axis" is an axis orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Z-axis and extending along a lateral direction of case <NUM>. Further, a direction in which the effective component is released from discharge port <NUM> of case <NUM> is defined as a positive direction of the X-axis, and a side of case <NUM> viewed from lid body <NUM> is defined as a positive direction of the Z-axis. In addition, hereinafter, a state viewed from the positive direction of the Z-axis may be referred to as a "plan view". Each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis is a virtual axis. Arrows denoted as "X", "Y", and "Z" in drawings express the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively, for better description, and do not represent axes as real entity. It should be noted that these directions are not intended to specify the direction of use of effective component generation device <NUM>.

Hereinafter, as an example, a case where effective component generation device <NUM> is mounted in a vehicle will be described. That is, effective component generation device <NUM> is disposed inside a dashboard, for example. As a result, effective component generation device <NUM> is used in such a manner that an effective component is released into a duct of an in-vehicle air conditioning facility and the effective component is released into the vehicle using a blow-out port of the air conditioning facility.

Next, an overall configuration of effective component generation device <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As described above, effective component generation device <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment includes internal components <NUM> including discharger <NUM>, and case <NUM>. Discharger <NUM> generates an effective component by discharging. Case <NUM> is formed in a box shape having discharge port <NUM> through which an effective component is released. Effective component generation device <NUM> further includes lid body <NUM>, buffer <NUM> (see <FIG>), air passage member <NUM>, and the like in addition to internal components <NUM> and case <NUM>.

Lid body <NUM> is joined to case <NUM>. Case <NUM> has opening <NUM> formed in peripheral walls <NUM> separately from discharge port <NUM>. Lid body <NUM> is joined to case <NUM> so as to close opening <NUM> in a state where internal components <NUM> are housed between lid body <NUM> and case <NUM>. That is, case <NUM> is formed in a box shape in which one surface (one surface orthogonal to the Z-axis) is opened as opening <NUM>. Lid body <NUM> is joined to case <NUM> to close opening <NUM>. Thus, lid body <NUM> constitutes an outer shell of effective component generation device <NUM> together with case <NUM>. Internal components <NUM> are housed in an inner space of case <NUM> surrounded by case <NUM> and lid body <NUM>. As a result, internal components <NUM> are covered with lid body <NUM> so as not to be exposed from opening <NUM> in a state of being assembled in case <NUM> from opening <NUM>.

A joint structure between case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> will be described in detail in a section of "(<NUM>) Joint structure between case and lid body".

Case <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment is formed of, for example, a conductive metal sheet such as SECD. Therefore, entire case <NUM> is metal body <NUM> made of metal. Similarly to case <NUM>, lid body <NUM> is also formed of a conductive metal sheet. Therefore, entire lid body <NUM> is also made of metal. As a result, internal components <NUM> are housed in a space surrounded by metal members (case <NUM> and lid body <NUM>).

As will be described in detail in a section of "(<NUM>) Fixing structure of internal component", internal components <NUM> are fixed to case <NUM> and housed in case <NUM>. Further, case <NUM> will be described in detail in a section of "(<NUM>) Detailed configuration of case".

Lid body <NUM> is formed in a rectangular shape with the X-axis direction as a longitudinal direction and the Y-axis direction as a lateral direction in plan view. Lid body <NUM> includes first closing piece <NUM> that closes a part of discharge port <NUM> of case <NUM> and second closing piece <NUM> that closes a part of connector port <NUM> of case <NUM>. Each of first closing piece <NUM> and second closing piece <NUM> is formed by a cut-and-raised portion (cut-and-bent portion) of a metal sheet constituting lid body <NUM>. Lid body <NUM> further includes ribs <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Ribs <NUM> reinforce strength against bending or the like of lid body <NUM>.

Lid body <NUM> is formed to have a dimension in which the longitudinal direction is larger than that of case <NUM>. Therefore, in a state where lid body <NUM> is joined to case <NUM>, at least both end portions of lid body <NUM> in the longitudinal direction protrude outward from case <NUM> in plan view. That is, lid body <NUM> has overhanging portions <NUM> overhanging outward from outer peripheral edges of case <NUM> in the X-axis direction in plan view. In effective component generation device <NUM>, overhanging portions <NUM> of lid body <NUM> are, for example, screwed to an attachment object (In the first exemplary embodiment, for example, a vehicle). As a result, effective component generation device <NUM> is attached to the attachment object such as a vehicle.

Buffer <NUM> is disposed between lid body <NUM> and a part of internal components <NUM>, and sandwiched therebetween. That is, buffer <NUM> is housed together with internal components <NUM> in the inner space of case <NUM> surrounded by case <NUM> and lid body <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, buffer <NUM> is attached to lid body <NUM> which is an opposing surface facing case <NUM>.

Specifically, buffer <NUM> is disposed so as to be sandwiched between air blower <NUM> which is a part of internal components <NUM>, and lid body <NUM>. That is, internal component <NUM> includes air blower <NUM> that generates an air flow for outputting the effective component from discharge port <NUM> to the outside of case <NUM>. Buffer <NUM> is disposed in contact with at least air blower <NUM>.

Therefore, air blower <NUM> is not brought into direct contact with lid body <NUM>, and buffer <NUM> is interposed between air blower <NUM> and lid body <NUM>. Buffer <NUM> is made of a material having elasticity. As an example, buffer <NUM> is formed of a cushion material such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) foam. Therefore, in a state where lid body <NUM> is joined to case <NUM>, buffer <NUM> is compressed between lid body <NUM> and air blower <NUM>. As a result, internal components <NUM> are pressed against bottom surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) of bottom plate <NUM> of case <NUM> by elastic force of buffer <NUM>. As a result, movement of internal components <NUM> generated in a direction away from bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM>, vibration of internal components <NUM>, and the like are absorbed and suppressed by buffer <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, in particular, buffer <NUM> is brought into contact with air blower <NUM> which has a movable portion and thus easily generates mechanical vibration. As a result, mechanical vibration generated in air blower <NUM> can be effectively suppressed.

Air passage member <NUM> is housed in case <NUM>. That is, air passage member <NUM> is housed in the inner space of case <NUM> surrounded by case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> together with internal components <NUM> and buffer <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, air passage member <NUM> is disposed between internal component <NUM> and lid body <NUM> in a state of being fixed to lid body <NUM>. Air passage member <NUM> forms an air passage for allowing an air flow (wind) to pass between air supply port <NUM> and discharge port <NUM> of case <NUM>. Air passage member <NUM> divides the inner space of case <NUM> into a space through which the air flow passes and another space. Accordingly, air passage member <NUM> forms air passage in case <NUM>.

Air blower <NUM> and discharger <NUM> of internal components <NUM> are disposed in a middle of the air passage formed by air passage member <NUM>. Air blower <NUM> generates an air flow (wind) flowing from air supply port <NUM> toward discharge port <NUM> through the air passage. In the first exemplary embodiment, discharger <NUM> is disposed on a downstream side of air blower <NUM> in the air passage, that is, between air blower <NUM> and discharge port <NUM>.

Therefore, the air taken into case <NUM> from air supply port <NUM> moves through the air passage of air passage member <NUM> to discharge port <NUM> in case <NUM>, and is discharged from discharge port <NUM> to the outside of case <NUM>. At this time, the effective component generated in discharger <NUM> is discharged to the outside of case <NUM> through discharge port <NUM> along the airflow generated by air blower <NUM>. That is, air blower <NUM> is disposed between air supply port <NUM> and discharger <NUM> in the air passage. As a result, the effective component generated in discharger <NUM> is pushed out to discharge port <NUM> by air blower <NUM>, and discharged to the outside of case <NUM>.

The air passage formed by air passage member <NUM> includes an air supply passage on an upstream side of air blower <NUM> and an air discharge passage on the downstream side of air blower <NUM>. The air supply passage connects between air blower <NUM> and air supply port <NUM>. The air discharge passage connects between air blower <NUM> and discharge port <NUM>. Accordingly, air passage member <NUM> controls the flow of air (including the effective component) such that the effective component is relatively efficiently released to the outside of case <NUM>.

In the first exemplary embodiment, air passage member <NUM> is made of a synthetic resin such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Air passage member <NUM> made of a resin molded article is fixed to lid body <NUM> made of a metal sheet. As illustrated in <FIG>, air passage member <NUM> is fixed to lid body <NUM> by, for example, a method such as thermal caulking.

Further, air passage member <NUM> is integrally formed with nozzle <NUM> that discharges air containing the effective component. That is, effective component generation device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment includes nozzle <NUM> integrally formed with air passage member <NUM>. Nozzle <NUM> is disposed in discharge port <NUM> of case <NUM>. As a result, the air discharged from discharge port <NUM> to the outside of case <NUM> is discharged to the outside of case <NUM> through nozzle <NUM>.

Next, the configuration of internal components <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

Internal components <NUM> further include drive circuit <NUM> and liquid supply unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) in addition to discharger <NUM> and air blower <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, discharger <NUM> includes discharge electrode <NUM>, counter electrode <NUM>, and the like. Discharger <NUM> further includes holding block <NUM> made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin such as syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS).

As described above, discharger <NUM> generates discharge by applying a voltage between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>.

Discharge electrode <NUM> is a columnar electrode extending along the X-axis. Discharge electrode <NUM> is a needle electrode in which at least distal end 211a in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) is formed in a tapered shape. The "tapered shape" herein is not limited to a shape having a highly sharpened distal end, and includes a shape having a rounded tip. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, distal end 211a of discharge electrode <NUM> has a spherical shape, specifically, a half (a hemispherical portion on the positive side of the X-axis) of distal end 211a facing discharge electrode <NUM> has a rounded tapered shape. Discharge electrode <NUM> is made of, for example, a conductive metal material such as a titanium alloy (Ti alloy).

Counter electrode <NUM> is disposed so as to face distal end 211a of discharge electrode <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, counter electrode <NUM> is formed of a metal sheet, and is disposed at a position away from distal end 211a of discharge electrode <NUM> in the positive direction of the X-axis. Counter electrode <NUM> has through-hole 212a formed in a part of counter electrode <NUM>, and penetrating the metal sheet in a thickness direction (X-axis direction). Further, counter electrode <NUM> includes a plurality of (for example, four) projecting electrode portions 212b formed so as to project from peripheral edges of through-hole 212a toward a center of through-hole 212a. Counter electrode <NUM> is made of, for example, a conductive metal material such as a titanium alloy (Ti alloy).

Holding block <NUM> holds discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>. Holding block <NUM> is coupled to counter electrode <NUM> by, for example, thermal caulking. As a result, counter electrode <NUM> is held by holding block <NUM>. In a state where discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM> are held by holding block <NUM>, the center of through-hole 212a is located on a center axis of discharge electrode <NUM> as viewed from one side of the center axis of discharge electrode <NUM>.

Air blower <NUM> that is a part of internal components <NUM> is configured by, for example, a fan motor. That is, air blower <NUM> includes a fan and a motor mechanically connected to the fan. In air blower <NUM>, the motor is rotated by power supply to the motor, and the fan is rotated. Accordingly, air blower <NUM> generates an air flow flowing along a rotation axis of the fan. That is, in the first exemplary embodiment, air blower <NUM> is disposed such that the rotation axis of the fan is parallel to the X-axis. Therefore, air blower <NUM> generates an air flow (wind) flowing in the positive direction of the X-axis from air supply port <NUM> toward discharge port <NUM> of case <NUM> along the X-axis.

Drive circuit <NUM> that is a part of internal components <NUM> includes circuit board <NUM> and various mounting components such as transformer <NUM>. The mounting components such as transformer <NUM> are mounted on circuit board <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, not only the mounting components (such as transformer <NUM>) constituting drive circuit <NUM> but also discharger <NUM>, air blower <NUM>, liquid supply unit <NUM>, connector <NUM>, and the like are mounted on circuit board <NUM>. Connector <NUM> electrically connects drive circuit <NUM> to an external circuit. Here, the "mounting" means mechanical and electrical connection to circuit board <NUM>. That is, the mounting components (such as transformer <NUM>), discharger <NUM>, air blower <NUM>, liquid supply unit <NUM>, and connector <NUM> are mechanically connected (joined) and electrically connected to circuit board <NUM> by a method such as soldering or connector connection. In the first exemplary embodiment, the mechanical connection of air blower <NUM> to circuit board <NUM> is achieved by, for example, snap-fitting in which a claw (hook) provided in air blower <NUM> is hooked on circuit board <NUM>.

Drive circuit <NUM> is a circuit that drives discharger <NUM>. That is, drive circuit <NUM> applies an application voltage between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM> constituting discharger <NUM>. As a result, drive circuit <NUM> generates discharge between the electrodes of discharger <NUM>. Note that the "application voltage" stated in the present disclosure means the voltage that drive circuit <NUM> applies across discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM> to cause discharger <NUM> to discharge.

That is, drive circuit <NUM> receives power supply from, for example, an external power supply, and generates the voltage (application voltage) to be applied to discharger <NUM>. Here, the "power supply" is a power supply that supplies power for operation to drive circuit <NUM> and the like. Specifically, the power supply generates a DC voltage of, for example, about several V to several tens of V, and inputs the generated voltage to drive circuit <NUM>. Drive circuit <NUM> boosts an input voltage from the power supply by transformer <NUM>, and outputs the boosted voltage to discharger <NUM> as an application voltage. That is, drive circuit <NUM> generates a high voltage (application voltage) for causing discharger <NUM> to discharge on a secondary side of transformer <NUM>.

Here, drive circuit <NUM> includes a reference potential point electrically connected to metal body <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, the reference potential point corresponds to the ground of drive circuit <NUM>. That is, metal body <NUM> of case <NUM> is electrically connected to the ground that is the reference potential point of drive circuit <NUM>. As a result, a frame ground of drive circuit <NUM> is achieved.

Drive circuit <NUM> is electrically connected to discharger <NUM> (discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>). Specifically, connection terminal <NUM> (see <FIG>) that is a secondary terminal of transformer <NUM> in drive circuit <NUM> is electrically connected to discharger <NUM> through harness <NUM>. In drive circuit <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment, a high voltage is applied between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM> with discharge electrode <NUM> as a negative electrode (ground) and counter electrode <NUM> as a positive electrode.

That is, connection terminal <NUM> of transformer <NUM> is connected to counter electrode <NUM> of discharger <NUM>, and the ground is connected to discharge electrode <NUM> as a reference potential point set on circuit board <NUM>. As a result, drive circuit <NUM> applies a high voltage to discharger <NUM> such that discharge electrode <NUM> is on a low potential side and counter electrode <NUM> is on a high potential side. Here, the "high voltage" only needs to be a voltage set such that full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge or partial dielectric breakdown discharge described later occurs in discharger <NUM>. The high voltage is, for example, a voltage having a peak of about <NUM> kV.

The full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge and the partial dielectric breakdown discharge will be described in detail in the section of "(<NUM>) Operation".

Liquid supply unit <NUM> that is a part of internal components <NUM> supplies liquid to discharge electrode <NUM> of discharger <NUM>. Effective component generation device <NUM> electrostatically atomizes the liquid supplied from liquid supply unit <NUM> by the discharge generated in discharger <NUM>.

Specifically, the liquid supplied from liquid supply unit <NUM> adheres to a surface of discharge electrode <NUM>. Then, the application voltage is applied from drive circuit <NUM> to discharger <NUM> in a state where the liquid is held in discharge electrode <NUM>. As a result, discharge is generated in discharger <NUM>. In this configuration, the liquid held by discharge electrode <NUM> is electrostatically atomized by discharge energy generated in discharger <NUM>. In the present disclosure, the liquid held in discharge electrode <NUM>, that is, a liquid to be electrostatically atomized is also simply referred to as "liquid".

Liquid supply unit <NUM> supplies the liquid for electrostatic atomization to discharge electrode <NUM>. Liquid supply unit <NUM> includes, for example, a Peltier element. The Peltier element cools discharge electrode <NUM> to generate dew condensation water on discharge electrode <NUM>, and supplies liquid (dew condensation water) to discharge electrode <NUM>. That is, liquid supply unit <NUM> cools discharge electrode <NUM> thermally coupled with the Peltier element by energization to the Peltier element from drive circuit <NUM>. Accordingly, moisture in the air condenses and adheres to the surface of discharge electrode <NUM> as dew condensation water. That is, liquid supply unit <NUM> is configured to cool discharge electrode <NUM> and generate dew condensation water as liquid on the surface of discharge electrode <NUM>. According to this configuration, liquid supply unit <NUM> supplies the liquid (dew condensation water) to discharge electrode <NUM> using the moisture in the air. This eliminates the need for additional components such as supplying and refilling liquid to effective component generation device <NUM>.

Effective component generation device <NUM> configured as described above causes discharge in discharger <NUM> (discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>) by operation of drive circuit <NUM> described below.

Here, drive circuit <NUM> includes two modes of a first mode and a second mode as operation modes. The first mode is a mode for increasing application voltage in accordance with an elapse of time to form a discharge path developed from a corona discharge and dielectrically broken at least partially between discharge electrode <NUM> and opposite electrode <NUM>, to consequently generate a discharge current. The second mode is a mode for cutting off the discharge current by bringing discharger <NUM> into an overcurrent state. The "discharge current" in the present disclosure means a relatively large current flowing through the discharge path. Therefore, the discharge current does not include a minute current of about several pA generated in the corona discharge before the discharge path is formed. In addition, the "overcurrent state" of the present disclosure means a state in which a current equal to or larger than an assumed value flows through discharger <NUM> due to discharge.

In effective component generation device <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment, drive circuit <NUM> operates to alternately repeat the first mode and the second mode during a drive period. That is, drive circuit <NUM> switches between the first mode and the second mode at a drive frequency at which a magnitude of the application voltage applied to discharger <NUM> is periodically varied. The "drive period" of the present disclosure is a period during which drive circuit <NUM> that causes discharger <NUM> to discharge operates.

That is, drive circuit <NUM> does not keep the magnitude of the voltage applied to discharger <NUM> including discharge electrode <NUM> at a fixed value, but periodically changes the voltage at a drive frequency within a predetermined range. As a result, drive circuit <NUM> intermittently causes discharger <NUM> to discharge. That is, the discharge path is periodically formed in accordance with a change cycle of the application voltage, and the discharge is periodically generated. In the following description, a cycle at which discharge (full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge or partial dielectric breakdown discharge) occurs is referred to as a "discharge cycle", in some cases.

By the operation of drive circuit <NUM> described above, the magnitude of the electric energy acting on the liquid held by discharge electrode <NUM> periodically fluctuates according to the drive frequency. As a result, the liquid held by discharge electrode <NUM> mechanically vibrates according to the fluctuation of the drive frequency.

That is, drive circuit <NUM> applies a voltage to discharger <NUM> including discharge electrode <NUM>. As a result, a force due to the electric field acts on the liquid held by discharge electrode <NUM>, and the liquid is deformed.

In the first exemplary embodiment, in discharger <NUM>, voltage is applied between counter electrode <NUM> and discharge electrode <NUM> facing each other. Therefore, a force in a direction of being pulled toward counter electrode <NUM> by an electric field acts on the liquid. As a result, the liquid held by discharge electrode <NUM> of discharger <NUM> extends toward counter electrode <NUM> along the center axis of discharge electrode <NUM> (along the X-axis) to form a conical shape called a Taylor cone. Then, when the voltage applied to discharger <NUM> decreases, the force acting on the liquid due to the influence of the electric field also decreases, and thus the liquid is deformed from the state of the Taylor cone. As a result, the liquid held by discharger <NUM> of discharge electrode <NUM> contracts.

That is, when the magnitude of the voltage applied to discharger <NUM> periodically varies depending on the drive frequency, the liquid held by discharge electrode <NUM> expands and contracts along the center axis of discharge electrode <NUM> (along the X-axis). Accordingly, an electric field is concentrated on a distal end (apex portion) of the Taylor cone, which leads development of discharge. Therefore, dielectric breakdown of air occurs in a state where the distal end of the Taylor cone is pointed. In synchronization with the drive frequency, therefore, discharge (full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge or partial dielectric breakdown discharge) occurs intermittently.

That is, the liquid held by discharge electrode <NUM> is subjected to a force of the electric field to form the Taylor cone. As a result, the electric field tends to concentrate between the distal end (vertex) of the Tailor cone and counter electrode <NUM>. This generates relatively high-energy discharge between the liquid and counter electrode <NUM>. Then, the corona discharge generated in the liquid held by discharge electrode <NUM> is developed to higher energy discharge. As a result, at at least a part between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>, a discharge path in a state of dielectric breakdown can be formed intermittently.

Then, the liquid held by discharge electrode <NUM> is electrostatically atomized by the high-energy discharge. As a result, in effective component generation device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment, a nanometer-sized charged fine particle liquid containing OH radicals is generated. That is, the charged fine microparticle liquid as an effective component is generated in discharger <NUM>. The generated charged fine particle liquid is discharged to the outside of case <NUM> through discharge port <NUM> of metal body <NUM> of case <NUM>.

As described above, effective component generation device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment operates to release the generated charged fine particle liquid to the outside.

Next, the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge and the partial breakdown discharge in the above-described discharge state will be described.

The full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge is a discharge state in which the corona discharge progresses to the full-scale dielectric breakdown between the pair of electrodes (discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>). That is, in the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge, a discharge path entirely and dielectrically broken is formed between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>.

The "dielectric breakdown" described in the present disclosure means that electrical insulation of an insulator (including gases such as air) separating conductors is broken, and the insulating state cannot be maintained. Specifically, in a case of dielectric breakdown of a gas, for example, ionized molecules are accelerated by an electric field and collide with other gas molecules, and ionize the other gas molecules. Then, the ion concentration suddenly increases to cause gas discharge, so that dielectric breakdown occurs.

On the other hand, the partial dielectric breakdown discharge is a discharge state in which a discharge path is formed by partial dielectric breakdown between the pair of electrodes (discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>) developed from the corona discharge. That is, in the partial dielectric breakdown discharge, a discharge path partially and dielectrically broken is formed between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>. That is, a discharge path dielectrically broken is formed between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM> not entirely but partially (locally). Thus, in the partial dielectric breakdown discharge, the discharge path formed between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM> does not reach entire dielectric breakdown, but has partial dielectric breakdown.

However, in effective component generation device <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment, regardless of whether the discharge state is the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge or the partial dielectric breakdown discharge, the dielectric breakdown between the pair of electrodes (discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>) is not continuously generated, but is intermittently generated. Therefore, a discharge current generated between the pair of electrodes (discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>) is also intermittently generated.

At this time, in a case where the power supply (drive circuit <NUM>) does not have a current capacity required to maintain the discharge path, the voltage applied between the pair of electrodes decreases as soon as the corona discharge develops into the dielectric breakdown. Therefore, the discharge path is interrupted, and the discharge is stopped. Note that the "current capacity" indicates a capacity of current that can be released by the power supply in a unit time.

Then, the discharge current intermittently flows by repetition of generation and stop of the discharge. That is, the discharge state of effective component generation device <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment repeats a state where the discharge energy is high and a state where the discharge energy is low. In this respect, the discharge state of effective component generation device <NUM> is different from glow discharge and arc discharge in that the dielectric breakdown is continuously generated (discharge current is continuously generated).

As a result, effective component generation device <NUM> generates an effective component such as radicals with larger discharge energy in the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge or the partial dielectric breakdown discharge than that in the corona discharge. Specifically, effective component generation device <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment generates a large amount of effective components which is about <NUM> to <NUM> times as large as that of the corona discharge. The effective components thus generated constitute a basis for exerting useful effects in various situations including sterile filtration, odor removal, moisture keeping, freshness keeping, and virus inactivation.

In addition, in the partial dielectric breakdown discharge, dissipation of an effective component due to excessive discharge energy can be suppressed as compared with that of the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge. Therefore, the partial dielectric breakdown discharge can improve the generation efficiency of the effective component as compared with that of the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge. That is, in the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge, since discharge energy related to the discharge is too high, a part of the generated effective component dissipates. Therefore, in the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge, there is a possibility that the generation efficiency of the effective component decreases.

On the other hand, in the partial breakdown discharge, the discharge energy related to the discharge is suppressed to be small as compared with that of the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge. Therefore, in the partial dielectric breakdown discharge, it is possible to reduce the amount of effective component dissipated due to exposure to excessive discharge energy, and to improve the generation efficiency of the effective component.

Furthermore, in the partial dielectric breakdown discharge, concentration of an electric field is reduced as compared with that of the full-scale breakdown discharge. That is, in the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge, a large discharge current momentarily flows between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM> through a discharge path completely broken. Therefore, electric resistance at the time of the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge becomes very small.

That is, in the partial dielectric breakdown discharge, a maximum value of the current instantaneously flowing between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM> at the time of forming the discharge path partially dielectric broken down is suppressed to be smaller than that in the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge. As a result, in the partial breakdown discharge, generation of nitride oxide (NOx) is suppressed as compared with that of the full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge. Further, in the partial breakdown discharge, generation of the electromagnetic noise is also suppressed.

Next, a more detailed configuration of case <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, and <FIG>.

Case <NUM> is formed in a box-shaped rectangular parallelepiped shape having a dimension in the Y-axis direction smaller than a dimension in the X-axis direction and a dimension in the Z-axis direction smaller than a dimension in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, case <NUM> has a rectangular shape with the X-axis direction as the longitudinal direction and the Y-axis direction as the lateral direction in plan view (as viewed from the positive direction of the Z-axis).

Case <NUM> has an opening <NUM> that opens to a surface (peripheral wall <NUM>) facing a negative direction of the Z-axis. In addition, case <NUM> has discharge port <NUM> formed on a surface (peripheral wall <NUM>) facing the positive direction of the X-axis.

Further, case <NUM> has air supply port <NUM> and connector port <NUM> formed on a surface (peripheral wall <NUM>) facing a positive direction of the Y-axis. Connector port <NUM> constitutes an opening for exposing connector <NUM> mounted on circuit board <NUM> to the outside of case <NUM>. For example, an external circuit or the like is electrically connected to connector <NUM> exposed from connector port <NUM>. Thus, drive circuit <NUM> is electrically connected to the external circuit via connector <NUM>.

In the first exemplary embodiment, case <NUM> includes bottom plate <NUM>, peripheral walls <NUM>, flange <NUM>, and the like. Peripheral walls <NUM> are provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheral edges of bottom plate <NUM> toward the negative direction of the Z-axis. Of bottom plate <NUM>, a surface facing the positive direction of the Z-axis, that is, a surface surrounded by distal ends of peripheral walls <NUM> (a side of bottom plate <NUM>) is bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> (see <FIG>). Flange <NUM> is provided so as to protrude outward (in the X-axis and Y-axis directions) from the distal ends (a side of opening <NUM>) of peripheral walls <NUM>. Case <NUM> is joined to lid body <NUM> via flange <NUM>.

The joining structure of case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> will be described in detail in the section of "(<NUM>) Joint structure of case and lid body".

Case <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment includes metal body <NUM>. That is, as described above, since case <NUM> is formed of a metal sheet, entire case <NUM> constitutes metal body <NUM>. Metal body <NUM> has seamless portion <NUM> at a corner portion between two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> oriented in different directions (the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction). Seamless portion <NUM> fills at least a part of the gap between the two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> at the corner portion.

In the first exemplary embodiment, metal body <NUM> corresponding to case <NUM> has a seamless structure. That is, in effective component generation device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment, internal components <NUM> including discharger <NUM> and drive circuit <NUM> is surrounded by metal body <NUM> of case <NUM>. Therefore, metal body <NUM> functions as a shield against the electromagnetic noise generated in discharger <NUM>, drive circuit <NUM>, and the like.

When metal body <NUM> has a seamless structure, it is easy to suppress leakage of the electromagnetic noise to the outside of case <NUM>. As a result, for example, at a time of occurrence of discharge in discharger <NUM>, an influence of leakage of electromagnetic noise on peripheral devices of effective component generation device <NUM> can be reduced.

In addition, when metal body <NUM> has a seamless structure, entry of electrical noise into the inside of case <NUM> is easily suppressed. As a result, internal components <NUM> is less likely to be affected by electromagnetic noise generated around effective component generation device <NUM>. As a result, measures against both electro magnetic interference (EMI) and electro magnetic susceptibility (EMS) can be implemented by metal body <NUM> of case <NUM>. That is, the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measures can be implemented by metal body <NUM>.

Furthermore, when metal body <NUM> has a seamless structure, electromagnetic noise in a frequency band of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less can be reduced. More specifically, the present discloser and the like have confirmed that electromagnetic noise in a frequency band of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less can be particularly reduced.

Specifically, metal body <NUM> corresponding to case <NUM> is formed in a box shape by drawing (rectangular cylindrical drawing) of a metal sheet. Therefore, in case <NUM> thus formed, not only corner portions between bottom plate <NUM> and peripheral walls <NUM>, but also four corner portions of peripheral walls <NUM> positioned at four corners in plan view do not have joints. In other words, in the first exemplary embodiment, at least a gap at a corner portion between two adjacent surfaces of peripheral walls <NUM> oriented in different directions from each other is completely filled by seamless portion <NUM>. For example, a gap at a corner portion between a surface of peripheral wall <NUM> facing the positive direction of the X-axis and a surface facing the positive direction of the Y-axis is filled with seamless portion <NUM>. That is, peripheral walls <NUM> surrounding bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> are formed of one metal sheet continuously without a seam in a circumferential direction of bottom surface <NUM>.

In general, in a case of forming a case in a box shape by bending a metal sheet, a gap is inevitably generated at a joint or the like of the bent metal sheet. On the other hand, case <NUM> of effective component generation device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment is formed by drawing a metal sheet. Therefore, the gap is filled with seamless portion <NUM>. That is, as compared with a box-shaped case formed by bending a metal sheet, case <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment can eliminate or reduce a gap generated at a corner portion between two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> oriented in different directions of metal body <NUM>.

Metal body <NUM> of case <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment further includes fixing portion <NUM>. Fixing portion <NUM> is a portion for fixing internal components <NUM> to bottom surface <NUM> of bottom plate <NUM> of case <NUM>. Since fixing portion <NUM> is formed integrally with metal body <NUM>, the fixing portion is provided continuously with metal body <NUM> without a seam. Specifically, for internal components <NUM>, circuit board <NUM> is fixed to fixing portion <NUM> by screw <NUM> and nut <NUM>. As a result, internal components <NUM> are fixed to bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM>. That is, case <NUM> has fixing portion <NUM> that fixes circuit board <NUM> to bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM>.

Details will be described in the section of "(<NUM>) Fixing structure of internal component".

Fixing portion <NUM> is formed of a cylindrical portion protruding from bottom surface <NUM> of bottom plate <NUM> of metal body <NUM> of case <NUM> toward lid body <NUM>. Fixing portion <NUM> is disposed at a central portion of bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, cylindrical fixing portion <NUM> is formed integrally with bottom plate <NUM> of metal body <NUM> by drawing (cylindrical drawing) bottom plate <NUM> of case <NUM>. Therefore, formed fixing portion <NUM> does not form a seam with bottom plate <NUM>. That is, no gap is generated between the fixing portion <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> over the entire circumference of the fixing portion <NUM>. With such a configuration, bottom plate <NUM> that is a part of metal body <NUM> and fixing portion <NUM> are formed of one metal sheet continuously formed without a seam.

Case <NUM> further includes support portion <NUM>. Support portion <NUM> has a function of supporting circuit board <NUM> included in drive circuit <NUM>. Support portion <NUM> is formed integrally with one of peripheral walls <NUM> of case <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, a pair of support portions <NUM> is provided on a pair of inner side surfaces of peripheral walls <NUM> facing each other in the Y-axis direction. The pair of support portions <NUM> is formed so as to protrude in directions approaching each other from portions of the pair of inner side surfaces facing each other.

Case <NUM> further includes restriction portion <NUM>. Restriction portion <NUM> is disposed at a position between bottom surface <NUM> of bottom plate <NUM> of metal body <NUM> of case <NUM> and circuit board <NUM>. Restriction portion <NUM> has a function of restricting movement of circuit board <NUM> in a direction approaching bottom surface <NUM>. Restriction portion <NUM> is formed integrally with one of peripheral walls <NUM> of case <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, a pair of restriction portions <NUM> is provided on a pair of inner side surfaces of peripheral walls <NUM> facing each other in the Y-axis direction. The pair of restriction portions <NUM> is formed so as to protrude from portions of the pair of inner side surfaces facing each other in directions approaching each other.

That is, in the first exemplary embodiment, each of support portions <NUM> and restriction portions <NUM> is formed of a cut-and-bent portion of a metal sheet constituting metal body <NUM> of case <NUM>. Specifically, first, two slits (lances) parallel to the X-axis are formed in parts of peripheral walls <NUM>. Then, the portions between the two slits are bent and raised so as to protrude toward the inside of case <NUM>. Thus, support portions <NUM> or restriction portions <NUM> are formed.

Fixing portion <NUM>, support portion <NUM>, and restriction portion <NUM> will be described in detail in the section of "(<NUM>) Fixing structure of internal components".

Next, a joint structure between case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

As described above, lid body <NUM> is joined to case <NUM> so as to close opening <NUM> in a state where internal components <NUM> are housed between lid body <NUM> and case <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> are joined via flange <NUM> protruding outward from the distal ends of peripheral walls <NUM> of case <NUM>. That is, in plan view, case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> are joined to each other at a plurality of joints located in flange <NUM> around opening <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, two metal sheets (flange <NUM> of case <NUM> and lid body <NUM>) overlapped with each other in the Z-axis direction are joined by caulking via a plurality of joints, for example, by dowel caulking or the like in a state of being brought into close contact with each other. That is, each of the plurality of joints constitutes a caulked joint. Accordingly, a gap between case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> can be reduced. As a result, electromagnetic noise leaking from the gap can be more effectively reduced.

Specifically, the plurality of joints are disposed in flange <NUM> of case <NUM> so as to be aligned in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edge of bottom plate <NUM> in plan view. The plurality of joints are disposed on four sides of flange <NUM> so as to surround bottom plate <NUM> of case <NUM> from four sides. In the first exemplary embodiment, as an example, <NUM> joints <NUM> to <NUM> including first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, third joint <NUM>, and fourth joint <NUM> are provided. Note that a plurality of joints will be simply referred to as "joints" except for individually describing the joints.

As illustrated in <FIG>, each of first joint <NUM> and second joint <NUM> is disposed at a corner portion of opening <NUM> of metal body <NUM> as well as a position of flange <NUM> on a diagonal line of opening <NUM> in plan view. Third joint <NUM> and fourth joint <NUM> are disposed on flange <NUM> on both sides in the Y-axis direction as well as at positions not facing opening <NUM> of metal body <NUM> in the X-axis direction.

Fifth joint <NUM> and sixth joint <NUM> are disposed on both sides of flange <NUM> in the Y-axis direction with respect to nozzle <NUM> in plan view. Each of seventh joint <NUM> and eighth joint <NUM> is disposed at a corner portion of opening <NUM> of metal body <NUM> as well as at a position of flange <NUM> on a diagonal line of opening <NUM> in plan view. Seventh joint <NUM> and eighth joint <NUM> are disposed to face first joint <NUM> and second joint <NUM>, respectively, in the Y-axis direction. Ninth joint <NUM> and tenth joint <NUM> are disposed on both sides in the Y-axis direction so as to face opening <NUM> of metal body <NUM>.

The plurality of joints <NUM> to <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment include corner joints disposed at flange <NUM> at the corner portions of opening <NUM>. That is, among ten joints <NUM> to <NUM>, four of first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, seventh joint <NUM>, and eighth joint <NUM> constitute a corner joint. That is, the four corner joints (first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, seventh joint <NUM>, and eighth joint <NUM>) are disposed at the four corner positions of flange <NUM>. As a result, even when the four corners of flange <NUM> are caught in a manufacturing step, an assembling step, or the like of effective component generation device <NUM>, the corner joints prevent flange <NUM> from curling. As a result, it is possible to prevent a gap between case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> from being widened due to curling.

Here, as illustrated in <FIG>, first straight line L1 connecting first joint <NUM> and second joint <NUM> and second straight line L2 connecting third joint <NUM> and fourth joint <NUM> are assumed. First straight line L1 and second straight line L2 are both virtual lines and are not substantive. First straight line L1 and second straight line L2 intersect each other in opening <NUM> of case <NUM> in plan view.

That is, in the first exemplary embodiment, case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> are joined to each other via the plurality of joints <NUM> to <NUM> formed at positions of flange <NUM> around opening <NUM> and including first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, third joint <NUM>, and fourth joint <NUM>. First straight line L1 connecting first joint <NUM> and second joint <NUM> and second straight line L2 connecting third joint <NUM> and fourth joint <NUM> intersect each other in opening <NUM>.

Furthermore, first straight line L1 and second straight line L2 pass over buffer <NUM> in plan view. More specifically, an intersection of first straight line L1 and second straight line L2 is located on buffer <NUM> when viewed from one side (the positive direction of the Z-axis) of the joining direction between case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> in plan view. That is, the positional relationship among buffer <NUM>, and first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, third joint <NUM>, and fourth joint <NUM> is set so as to satisfy the above conditions.

Therefore, buffer <NUM> is compressed by being sandwiched between lid body <NUM> and a part of internal components <NUM> (air blower <NUM>) in a state where lid body <NUM> is joined to case <NUM>. Then, internal components <NUM> are pressed against bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> by the elastic force of buffer <NUM>. Accordingly, at the time of joining case <NUM> and lid body <NUM>, lid body <NUM> receives a reaction force from buffer <NUM>.

At this time, a gap may be generated between the peripheral edge (flange <NUM>) of opening <NUM> of case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> by the reaction force from buffer <NUM>. Therefore, in the first exemplary embodiment, the positional relationship among buffer <NUM> and first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, third joint <NUM>, and fourth joint <NUM> is determined as described above. With such a configuration, a portion of lid body <NUM> that is brought into contact with buffer <NUM> can be reliably pressed.

That is, in lid body <NUM>, two tensions act on buffer <NUM>. One of the tensions is a tension generated when lid body <NUM> is joined to case <NUM> via first joint <NUM> and second joint <NUM>. The other tension is tension generated by joining lid body <NUM> to case <NUM> via third joint <NUM> and fourth joint <NUM>. As a result, the reaction force received from buffer <NUM> by lid body <NUM> is suppressed, and floating of lid body <NUM> due to the reaction force, or deformation of lid body <NUM> due to the reaction force is suppressed. As a result, a gap is hardly generated between the peripheral edge (flange <NUM>) of opening <NUM> of case <NUM> and lid body <NUM>.

Next, details of a fixing structure of internal components <NUM> to case <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

In the first exemplary embodiment, as described above, fixing portion <NUM>, support portions <NUM>, and restriction portions <NUM> are formed in case <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in internal components <NUM>, circuit board <NUM> is fixed to fixing portion <NUM> by screw <NUM> and nut <NUM>. As a result, circuit board <NUM> is fixed to bottom surface <NUM> of bottom plate <NUM> of metal body <NUM> of case <NUM>.

Fixing portion <NUM> is formed integrally with bottom plate <NUM> of case <NUM> by drawing (cylindrical drawing) so as to protrude from bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> toward lid body <NUM> (in the negative direction of the Z-axis). In internal components <NUM>, a central portion of circuit board <NUM> is fixed to fixing portion <NUM>. Thus, circuit board <NUM> is fixed to case <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, support portion <NUM> is in contact with circuit board <NUM> from one side (positive direction of the Z-axis) in a thickness direction of circuit board <NUM>. Thus, support portion <NUM> supports circuit board <NUM>. Support portion <NUM> is provided at a position between bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> and circuit board <NUM> in the Z-axis direction. That is, support portion <NUM> supports circuit board <NUM> by coming into contact with the opposing surface of circuit board <NUM> facing bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM>.

Support portion <NUM> includes connecting portion <NUM> and is formed integrally with metal body <NUM>. Connecting portion <NUM> is electrically connected to the reference potential point (ground) by being in contact with circuit board <NUM>. Specifically, circuit board <NUM> has conductive pad <NUM> (see <FIG>) serving as a reference potential point on a part of an opposing surface facing bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM>. Conductive pad <NUM> is formed by, for example, solder. Connecting portion <NUM> of support portion <NUM> is in contact with conductive pad <NUM> of circuit board <NUM>. As a result, the reference potential point of drive circuit <NUM> and connecting portion <NUM> are electrically connected. Further, conductive pad <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment also protects and reinforces a contact portion of circuit board <NUM> with support portions <NUM>.

In the first exemplary embodiment, fixing portion <NUM> is also formed integrally with metal body <NUM> similarly to support portions <NUM>. Fixing portion <NUM> is also electrically connected to the reference potential point (ground) by contact with circuit board <NUM>. That is, since circuit board <NUM> is fixed to fixing portion <NUM> by screw <NUM> and nut <NUM>, the circuit board is brought into contact with not only support portions <NUM> and connecting portion <NUM> but also fixing portion <NUM>. Therefore, conductive pad <NUM> serving as the reference potential point is formed not only at a portion in contact with support portions <NUM> and connecting portion <NUM> but also at a portion in contact with fixing portion <NUM> in the opposing surface facing bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> of circuit board <NUM>. That is, fixing portion <NUM> is electrically connected to the reference potential point of drive circuit <NUM> by contact with conductive pad <NUM>. Further, conductive pad <NUM> also protects and reinforces a contact portion of circuit board <NUM> with fixing portion <NUM>.

The pair of support portions <NUM> is provided on peripheral walls <NUM> facing each other, of case <NUM> in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, as illustrated in <FIG>, circuit board <NUM> is supported by bottom surface <NUM> of bottom plate <NUM> of case <NUM> at three points of one fixing portion <NUM> and the pair of support portions <NUM>. Metal body <NUM> included in case <NUM> is electrically connected to the reference potential point (ground) of drive circuit <NUM> at three points of one fixing portion <NUM> and the pair of support portions <NUM>. In particular, in the first exemplary embodiment, conductive pad <NUM> with which at least one support portion <NUM> is in contact is disposed in a vicinity of the power supply portion (connector <NUM>) of circuit board <NUM>. Therefore, a potential of metal body <NUM> is easily stabilized. This makes it easy to suppress generation of the electromagnetic noise that is likely to occur due to potential fluctuation.

As illustrated in <FIG>, fixing portion <NUM> is formed at a position where a height (the negative direction of the Z-axis) from bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> is lower than a position where connecting portion <NUM> is formed. That is, height H1 (see <FIG>) of fixing portion <NUM> from bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> is set slightly lower than height H2 (see <FIG>) of connecting portion <NUM> from bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> (H1 < H2). Due to the above dimensional relationship, circuit board <NUM> easily comes into contact with connecting portion <NUM> with an appropriate contact pressure in a state where circuit board <NUM> is fixed to fixing portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, restriction portions <NUM> are disposed between bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> and circuit board <NUM> in the Z-axis direction. However, unlike support portions <NUM>, restriction portions <NUM> are disposed with a gap from circuit board <NUM>. Therefore, restriction portions <NUM> are basically not in contact with circuit board <NUM>. However, when warpage or the like occurs in circuit board <NUM>, for example, restriction portions <NUM> come into contact with circuit board <NUM> from one side (the positive direction of the Z-axis) in the thickness direction of circuit board <NUM>. As a result, further movement (warpage) of circuit board <NUM> in a direction approaching bottom surface <NUM> of metal body <NUM> is restricted. That is, when warpage or the like occurs in circuit board <NUM>, restriction portions <NUM> come into contact with the opposing surface of circuit board <NUM> facing bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> to restrict the movement of circuit board <NUM>. In the first exemplary embodiment, similarly to support portions <NUM>, restriction portions <NUM> are also formed integrally with metal body <NUM> constituting case <NUM>.

Here, restriction portions <NUM> each are formed at a position where a height (the negative direction of the Z-axis) from bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> is lower than a forming position of fixing portion <NUM>. That is, height H3 (see <FIG>) of restriction portion <NUM> from bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> is set slightly lower than height H1 (see <FIG>) of fixing portion <NUM> from bottom surface <NUM> of case <NUM> (H3 < H1). Due to the above dimensional relationship, a gap is secured between each of restriction portions <NUM> and circuit board <NUM> in a normal state where no warpage or the like occurs in circuit board <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, transformer <NUM> included in drive circuit <NUM> includes coiled portion <NUM> and connection terminal <NUM> connected to discharger <NUM>. Discharger <NUM> and connection terminal <NUM> are disposed at positions opposite to each other as viewed from coiled portion <NUM> in the X-axis direction.

Transformer <NUM> includes coiled portion <NUM> formed of a conductive wire wound around central axis Ax1 and connection terminal <NUM> as the secondary terminal. Central axis Ax1 of coiled portion <NUM> is along the X-axis.

Transformer <NUM> boosts the input voltage from the power supply by coiled portion <NUM>. Transformer <NUM> then outputs the boosted voltage as an application voltage from connection terminal <NUM>, which is the secondary terminal, to discharger <NUM>. That is, connection terminal <NUM> is electrically connected to discharger <NUM> via harness <NUM>.

Further, transformer <NUM> is mounted on circuit board <NUM> in a direction in which discharger <NUM> and connection terminal <NUM> are located on opposite sides as viewed from coiled portion <NUM>. Specifically, when viewed from coiled portion <NUM>, discharger <NUM> is located in the positive direction of the X-axis, and connection terminal <NUM> is located in the negative direction of the X-axis. In other words, connection terminal <NUM>, coiled portion <NUM>, and discharger <NUM> are disposed in this order in the positive direction along the X-axis (central axis Ax1 of coiled portion <NUM>). That is, coiled portion <NUM> is disposed between connection terminal <NUM> and discharger <NUM> in the positive direction along the X-axis (central axis Ax1 of coiled portion <NUM>). Harness <NUM> is routed between transformer <NUM> and peripheral walls <NUM> of metal body <NUM> to connect connection terminal <NUM> and discharger <NUM>.

As a result, coiled portion <NUM> of transformer <NUM> can be disposed in a vicinity of the central portion of circuit board <NUM>. As a result, coiled portion <NUM> of transformer <NUM> is disposed away from peripheral walls <NUM> of case <NUM> by a certain distance or more. Here, coiled portion <NUM> may be a generation source of the electromagnetic noise at the time of boosting in drive circuit <NUM>. However, by disposing coiled portion <NUM> away from peripheral wall <NUM> of case <NUM>, leakage of the electromagnetic noise to the outside of case <NUM> (metal body <NUM>) can be easily suppressed. In particular, in central axis Ax1 of coiled portion <NUM>, connection terminal <NUM> is interposed between coiled portion <NUM> and peripheral walls <NUM> of case <NUM>. Accordingly, a distance between coiled portion <NUM> and peripheral walls <NUM> of case <NUM> can be increased. As a result, leakage of the electromagnetic noise to the outside of case <NUM> (metal body <NUM>) can be more easily suppressed.

Note that, in addition to coiled portion <NUM> of transformer <NUM>, it is preferable to have a configuration in which, for example, a component such as an inductor that can be a main generation source of the electromagnetic noise is also disposed in the vicinity of the central portion of circuit board <NUM>. That is, it is preferable that a component serving as a generation source of the electromagnetic noise is disposed in case <NUM> at a position away from peripheral walls <NUM> of case <NUM> by a certain distance or more.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing effective component generation device <NUM> described above will be described.

The method for manufacturing effective component generation device <NUM> basically includes each step of manufacturing internal components <NUM>, case <NUM>, and lid body <NUM>, respectively, and a step of assembling them.

In the step of manufacturing internal components <NUM>, first, circuit board <NUM> and the like are manufactured. This step is performed in a step of mounting components (such as transformer <NUM>) constituting drive circuit <NUM>, discharger <NUM>, air blower <NUM>, liquid supply unit <NUM>, connector <NUM>, and the like on circuit board <NUM>.

In the step of manufacturing lid body <NUM>, first, lid body <NUM> is prepared. This step is performed by fixing buffer <NUM> and air passage member <NUM> to lid body <NUM>.

Further, a case manufacturing step of manufacturing case <NUM> is executed in a step of manufacturing box-shaped case <NUM> by performing drawing (rectangular cylindrical drawing) on the metal sheet. In the case manufacturing step, it is possible to manufacture case <NUM> having a seamless structure in which a joint is not formed not only at the corner portions between bottom plate <NUM> and peripheral walls <NUM> but also at the four corner portions of peripheral walls <NUM> positioned at the four corners in plan view.

In the step of assembling internal components <NUM>, case <NUM>, and lid body <NUM>, first, a step of housing internal components <NUM> in case <NUM> and joining case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> is executed.

In the housing step of housing internal components <NUM> in case <NUM>, first, internal components <NUM> configured by mounting discharger <NUM>, air blower <NUM>, and the like on circuit board <NUM> is housed in case <NUM>. Next, a step of fixing circuit board <NUM> to fixing portion <NUM> with screw <NUM> and nut <NUM> is executed. As a result, internal components <NUM> are fixed to bottom surface <NUM> of bottom plate <NUM> of case <NUM>.

That is, the method for manufacturing effective component generation device <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment includes the case manufacturing step and the housing step.

As described above, effective component generation device <NUM> includes internal components <NUM> and case <NUM>. Internal components <NUM> include discharger <NUM> that generates an effective component. Case <NUM> is formed in a box shape having discharge port <NUM> through which an effective component is discharged, and houses internal components <NUM>. The case manufacturing step is a step of forming case <NUM> by drawing a metal sheet. The housing step is a step of housing internal components <NUM> in case <NUM>.

The first exemplary embodiment is merely one of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. If the purpose of the present disclosure can be achieved, the first exemplary embodiment can be variously modified according to the design and the like. The drawings referred to in the present disclosure are all schematic views. Therefore, the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in the drawings does not necessarily reflect the actual dimension ratio. Hereinafter, modifications of the first exemplary embodiment will be listed. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination.

That is, in the first exemplary embodiment, the application of effective component generation device <NUM> has been described by taking the in-vehicle application as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Effective component generation device <NUM> may be used for, for example, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, an air conditioner, an electric fan, an air purifier, a humidifier, or a facial treatment device used in a house or an office.

In addition, in the first exemplary embodiment, an example has been described in which the seamless structure of metal body <NUM> is achieved by forming case <NUM> by drawing, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, effective component generation device <NUM> may have a configuration in which at least a part of the gap is closed by seamless portion <NUM> so as to reduce the gap between the two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> at the corner portion of metal body <NUM>. For example, at the corner portion of metal body <NUM>, the gap between the two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> may be welded or filled with a metal sheet, a metal tape, a metal plate, a metal paste, or the like to achieve seamless portion <NUM>. In this case, even in case <NUM> formed in a box shape by bending a metal sheet, seamless portion <NUM> may be achieved by filling at least a part of a gap generated at a joint or the like of the bent metal sheet by the above method.

In addition, in the first exemplary embodiment, an example in which entire case <NUM> is formed of metal body <NUM> has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the fact that entire case <NUM> is metal body <NUM> is not an essential configuration of effective component generation device <NUM>. For example, only a part of case <NUM> may be formed of metal body <NUM> made of metal. Specifically, case <NUM> may be configured in a form including the metal body and the resin molded article by integrating the metal body and the resin molded article by, for example, insert molding or the like. Alternatively, case <NUM> may be formed by forming a metal body on the surface of the resin molded article by a method such as metal plating or attaching a metal sheet to the resin molded article.

Further, in the first exemplary embodiment, an example in which buffer <NUM> is formed of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) foam has been described, but buffer <NUM> may be formed of a cushion material such as polyurethane foam. Furthermore, buffer <NUM> may be achieved by a member having elasticity, such as a rubber member, a polyurethane member, a sponge, or a spring member (including a leaf spring), in addition to the cushion material. Even in these cases, buffer <NUM> is pressed against a part of internal components <NUM> (for example, air blower <NUM>) by the elasticity of buffer <NUM>.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the configuration in which buffer <NUM> is in contact with air blower <NUM> of internal components <NUM> has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, buffer <NUM> may be sandwiched between lid body <NUM> and a part of internal components <NUM>. Therefore, for example, buffer <NUM> may be sandwiched between transformer <NUM> that is a part of internal components <NUM> and lid body <NUM>. In this case, transformer <NUM> is pressed against bottom surface <NUM> of bottom plate <NUM> of case <NUM> by the elastic force of buffer <NUM>. As a result, effects such as retention stability can be obtained.

In the first exemplary embodiment, an example in which discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM> are made of a titanium alloy (Ti alloy) has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as an example, a copper alloy such as a copper-tungsten alloy (Cu-W alloy) may be used. As a result, an effect such as cost reduction can be obtained.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the tip of discharge electrode <NUM> is tapered. Alternatively, the tip of discharge electrode may be bulged. As a result, an effect such as an increase in the dew condensation water retention amount can be obtained.

Further, in the first exemplary embodiment, the case where the high voltage applied from drive circuit <NUM> to discharger <NUM> is about <NUM> kV has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The voltage is preferably appropriately set according to, for example, the shapes of discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>, or the distance between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>.

The fixing structure of internal components <NUM> is not limited to the structure described in the first exemplary embodiment. In the first exemplary embodiment, for example, the configuration in which circuit board <NUM> is fixed to fixing portion <NUM> using the fasteners such as screw <NUM> and nut <NUM> has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be achieved by caulking, adhesion, snap-fit, or the like. The bonding includes bonding using an adhesive or an adhesive tape.

In the first exemplary embodiment, case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> are joined to each other by caulking. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, welding, joining using a fastener, bonding, or the like may be used. In a case of joining using a fastener, joining using a screw, a rivet, or the like is included. Further, even in a case of welding other than caulking, it is preferable to join case <NUM> and lid body <NUM> by welding the plurality of joints <NUM> to <NUM> positioned around opening <NUM> as in the first exemplary embodiment.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the configuration in which the electric connection between the reference potential point of drive circuit <NUM> and metal body <NUM> is achieved by the contact between support portions <NUM> (connecting portion <NUM>) and fixing portion <NUM>, and conductive pad <NUM> of drive circuit <NUM> has been described as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the reference potential point of drive circuit <NUM> and metal body <NUM> may be connected by a member such as a lead wire, a harness, or a screw to achieve electrical connection between the reference potential point of drive circuit <NUM> and metal body <NUM>. Accordingly, a stronger connection can be achieved.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the configuration including liquid supply unit <NUM> has been described as an example. However, liquid supply unit <NUM> is not an essential component of effective component generation device <NUM>, and thus may be omitted as appropriate. In this case, discharger <NUM> is configured to generate an effective component such as negative ions by discharge (full-scale dielectric breakdown discharge or partial dielectric breakdown discharge) generated between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>. As a result, an effect such as cost reduction can be obtained.

In the first exemplary embodiment, liquid supply unit <NUM> configured to cool discharge electrode <NUM> to generate dew condensation water has been described as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the first exemplary embodiment. Liquid supply unit <NUM> may be configured to supply liquid from a tank to discharge electrode <NUM> by using a capillary phenomenon or a supply mechanism such as a pump, for example. As a result, an effect such as cost reduction can be obtained. Furthermore, the liquid is not limited to water (including dew condensation water), and may be, for example, a functional liquid having a sterilizing action other than water.

In addition, in the first exemplary embodiment, the configuration has been described as an example in which drive circuit <NUM> applies a high voltage between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM> with discharge electrode <NUM> as a negative electrode (ground) and counter electrode <NUM> as a positive electrode, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a high voltage may be applied between the electrodes with discharge electrode <NUM> as a positive electrode and counter electrode <NUM> as a negative electrode (ground). Furthermore, the object of the present disclosure can be achieved as long as a potential difference (voltage) is generated between discharge electrode <NUM> and counter electrode <NUM>. Therefore, drive circuit <NUM> may be configured such that the electrode on the high potential side (positive electrode) is set to the ground, the electrode on the low potential side (negative electrode) is set to the negative potential, and a negative voltage is applied to discharger <NUM>. This can reduce the risk of electric shock caused by touching the electrode on the high potential side.

In the comparison between the two values in the first exemplary embodiment, "equal to or more than" includes both a case where the two values are equal to each other and a case where one of the two values exceeds the other. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this definition, and "more than or equal to" herein may be synonymous with "more than" including only the case where one of the two values exceeds the other. That is, whether or not the case where the two values are equal to each other is included can be arbitrarily changed depending on setting of a threshold value or the like. Therefore, there is no technical difference between "more than or equal to" and "more than". Similarly, "less than" may be synonymous with "equal to or less than ".

Hereinafter, effective component generation device 1A according to a second exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, effective component generation device 1A according to the second exemplary embodiment is different from effective component generation device <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment in that it includes shield wall <NUM>. Hereinafter, common reference numerals denote the same constituent elements as those of the first exemplary embodiment, and descriptions of the constituent elements will be omitted as appropriate.

Shield wall <NUM> of effective component generation device 1A is provided on lid body <NUM>, and is disposed in case <NUM> at a position overlapping discharger <NUM> when viewed from discharge port <NUM>. In other words, shield wall <NUM> is disposed at a position between discharger <NUM> and discharge port <NUM> in plan view.

As illustrated in <FIG>, shield wall <NUM> provided on lid body <NUM> is inserted into a space between discharger <NUM> and discharge port <NUM> when lid body <NUM> and case <NUM> are combined.

Case <NUM> has discharge port <NUM> formed to discharge the effective component generated in discharger <NUM> to the outside of case <NUM>. Shield wall <NUM> is disposed at a position corresponding to discharge port <NUM> in case <NUM>. As a result, shield wall <NUM> shields electromagnetic noise generated in discharger <NUM> and the like. As a result, shield wall <NUM> reduces emission of the electromagnetic noise to the outside of case <NUM> through discharge port <NUM>.

Shield wall <NUM> is made of a conductive metal sheet such as SECC.

As illustrated in <FIG>, shield wall <NUM> is formed in a substantially L shape (including an L shape), and one side (short side) thereof is joined to lid body <NUM>. Therefore, the other side (long side) of shield wall <NUM> extends substantially perpendicularly (including perpendicularly) to lid body <NUM>. Shield wall <NUM> is electrically connected to lid body <NUM> and case <NUM> (metal body <NUM>) by being joined to lid body <NUM>. At this time, metal body <NUM> is electrically connected to a reference potential point (ground) of drive circuit <NUM>. Therefore, shield wall <NUM> is electrically connected to the reference potential point of drive circuit <NUM> via lid body <NUM> and metal body <NUM>.

Further, shield wall <NUM> is covered with electrically insulating protective member <NUM> such as PBT. In the second exemplary embodiment, the entire circumference (including the apex portion) of shield wall <NUM> in plan view is covered with protective member <NUM>. As a result, even when the effective component generated in discharger <NUM> is charged, the charged effective component is less likely to be adsorbed to shield wall <NUM>. Therefore, as illustrated in <FIG>, the effective component generated in discharger <NUM> is carried on air flow F1 bypassing shield wall <NUM> and protective member <NUM>, and is smoothly discharged from nozzle <NUM> disposed in discharge port <NUM> of case <NUM> to the outside of case <NUM> without being adsorbed to shield wall <NUM>.

In the second exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, protective member <NUM> is formed integrally with air passage member <NUM>. That is, air passage member <NUM> is molded integrally with nozzle <NUM> and protective member <NUM>. Therefore, even if protective member <NUM> is provided, an increase in a number of parts can be suppressed.

In the second exemplary embodiment, a configuration in which an electric connection between the reference potential point of drive circuit <NUM> and shield wall <NUM> is achieved by the bonding between lid body <NUM> and shield wall <NUM> has been described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the reference potential point of drive circuit <NUM> and shield wall <NUM> may be connected by a member such as a lead wire, a harness, or a screw to achieve electrical connection between the reference potential point of drive circuit <NUM> and shield wall <NUM>.

In the second exemplary embodiment, an example in which protective member <NUM> is integrally formed with air passage member <NUM> has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Protective member <NUM> may be achieved by, for example, an electrically insulating tape (insulating tape) covering shield wall <NUM> or an electrically insulating coating film. Further, shield wall <NUM> and air passage member <NUM> may be integrally formed by insert molding air passage member <NUM> with shield wall <NUM> as an insert product. As a result, effects such as improvement in assemblability can be obtained.

In addition, the various configurations described in the second exemplary embodiment may be appropriately combined with the various configurations described in the first exemplary embodiment to constitute an effective component generation device.

As described above, effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure includes internal components (<NUM>) and case (<NUM>). Internal components (<NUM>) include discharger (<NUM>) that generates an effective component. Case (<NUM>) is formed in a box shape having discharge port (<NUM>) through which an effective component is discharged, and houses internal components (<NUM>). Case (<NUM>) includes metal body (<NUM>) including bottom plate (<NUM>) surrounding at least discharger (<NUM>) and peripheral walls (<NUM>) among internal components (<NUM>). Metal body (<NUM>) has seamless portion (<NUM>) at a corner portion between two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls (<NUM>) oriented in different directions.

According to this configuration, at least discharger (<NUM>) is surrounded by metal body (<NUM>) of case (<NUM>). Therefore, metal body (<NUM>) functions as a shield against the electromagnetic noise of discharger (<NUM>), generated at the time of discharge. Further, metal body (<NUM>) has seamless portion (<NUM>) at a corner portion between two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls (<NUM>) oriented in different directions. Therefore, the electromagnetic noise leaking from the corner portion between the two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls (<NUM>) can be reduced by seamless portion (<NUM>). As a result, emission of the electromagnetic noise to the outside of case (<NUM>) can be suppressed, and an influence of the electromagnetic noise on the electrical equipment and the like disposed outside can be further reduced.

Effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure further includes lid body (<NUM>). Lid body (<NUM>) is joined to case (<NUM>). Case (<NUM>) has opening (<NUM>) provided at a position different from discharge port (<NUM>). Lid body (<NUM>) is joined to case (<NUM>) so as to close opening (<NUM>) in a state where internal components (<NUM>) are housed between lid body (<NUM>) and case (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, internal components (<NUM>) can be housed in case (<NUM>) through opening (<NUM>). Further, lid body (<NUM>) closes opening (<NUM>). This makes it possible to reduce the electromagnetic noise leaking from opening (<NUM>).

In effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure, case (<NUM>) and lid body (<NUM>) are joined to each other at a plurality of joints. The plurality of joints are disposed at positions around opening (<NUM>) and include at least first joint (<NUM>), second joint (<NUM>), third joint (<NUM>), and fourth joint (<NUM>). First joint (<NUM>), second joint (<NUM>), third joint (<NUM>), and fourth joint (<NUM>) are disposed such that first straight line (L1) connecting first joint (<NUM>) and second joint (<NUM>) and second straight line (L2) connecting third joint (<NUM>) and fourth joint (<NUM>) intersect each other in opening (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, the plurality of joints for joining case (<NUM>) and lid body (<NUM>) are disposed over the entire periphery of opening (<NUM>) so as to surround opening (<NUM>). Accordingly, a gap is hardly generated between case (<NUM>) and lid body (<NUM>). As a result, the electromagnetic noise leaking from the gap can be reduced.

Effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure further includes buffer (<NUM>). Buffer (<NUM>) is sandwiched between lid body (<NUM>) and a part of internal components (<NUM>). An intersection of first straight line (L1) and second straight line (L2) is located on buffer (<NUM>) when viewed from one side in the joining direction between case (<NUM>) and lid body (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, lid body (<NUM>) can easily suppress a reaction force received from buffer (<NUM>). This makes it possible to suppress floating of lid body (<NUM>) due to the reaction force of buffer (<NUM>) or deformation of lid body (<NUM>) due to the reaction force. As a result, a gap is hardly generated between the peripheral edge (flange (<NUM>)) of opening (<NUM>) of case (<NUM>) and lid body (<NUM>). As a result, the electromagnetic noise leaking from the gap can be reduced.

In effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure, internal components (<NUM>) further include air blower (<NUM>). Air blower (<NUM>) generates an air flow for outputting the effective component from discharge port (<NUM>) to the outside of case (<NUM>). Buffer (<NUM>) is disposed in contact with at least air blower (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, the vibration generated in air blower (<NUM>) and transmitted to case (<NUM>) or lid body (<NUM>) can be absorbed and reduced by buffer (<NUM>).

In effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure, the plurality of joints include corner joints (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed at corner portions of opening (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, the vicinity of the corner portion of opening (<NUM>) of case (<NUM>) can suppress the occurrence of curling due to catching in the manufacturing step, the assembling step, or the like of effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A). That is, even when a part of the corner portions of opening (<NUM>) is caught in each step, the corner joints prevent case (<NUM>) from curling. With such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably avoid expansion of a gap formed between case (<NUM>) and lid body (<NUM>).

In effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure, internal components (<NUM>) further include drive circuit (<NUM>). Drive circuit (<NUM>) drives discharger (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, the emission of the electromagnetic noise generated in drive circuit (<NUM>) to the outside is suppressed by metal body <NUM> of case <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to reduce the influence of the electromagnetic noise on the electrical equipment and the like outside case (<NUM>).

In effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure, drive circuit (<NUM>) includes transformer (<NUM>). Transformer (<NUM>) includes coiled portion (<NUM>) and connection terminal (<NUM>) connected to discharger (<NUM>). Discharger (<NUM>) and connection terminal (<NUM>) are disposed at positions opposite to each other as viewed from coiled portion (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, coiled portion (<NUM>) is disposed at a position away from case (<NUM>). This makes it easy to suppress leakage of electromagnetic noise to the outside of case (<NUM>).

In effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure, drive circuit (<NUM>) includes a reference potential point. The reference potential point is electrically connected to metal body (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, the potential of metal body (<NUM>) becomes the reference potential point. As a result, the potential of metal body (<NUM>) is stabilized. As a result, it is possible to suppress generation of the electromagnetic noise due to potential fluctuation and to improve the shielding effect.

In effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure, case (<NUM>) has support portions (<NUM>). Support portions (<NUM>) support circuit board (<NUM>) included in drive circuit (<NUM>). Support portions (<NUM>) are formed integrally with metal body (<NUM>). Support portions (<NUM>) further include connecting portion (<NUM>). Connecting portion (<NUM>) is electrically connected to the reference potential point by contact with circuit board (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, the support of circuit board (<NUM>) via support portions (<NUM>) also serves as an electrical connection between metal body (<NUM>) and reference potential point. Thus, the electrical connection configuration between metal body (<NUM>) and the reference potential point can be simplified.

In effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure, case (<NUM>) has fixing portion (<NUM>). Fixing portion (<NUM>) fixes circuit board (<NUM>) to bottom surface (<NUM>) of case (<NUM>). Fixing portion (<NUM>) is formed integrally with metal body (<NUM>). Fixing portion (<NUM>) is electrically connected to the reference potential point by contact with circuit board (<NUM>). Fixing portion (<NUM>) is lower in height from bottom surface (<NUM>) of case (<NUM>) than connecting portion (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, fixing portion (<NUM>) and connecting portion (<NUM>) can be reliably brought into contact with circuit board (<NUM>). As a result, metal body (<NUM>) and the reference potential point can be electrically connected by both fixing portion (<NUM>) and connecting portion (<NUM>).

In effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure, case (<NUM>) has restriction portions (<NUM>). Restriction portions (<NUM>) are provided at a position between bottom surface (<NUM>) of case (<NUM>) and circuit board (<NUM>). Restriction portions (<NUM>) regulate movement of circuit board (<NUM>) in a direction approaching bottom surface (<NUM>). Restriction portions (<NUM>) are lower in height from bottom surface (<NUM>) of case (<NUM>) than fixing portion (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, a gap is basically provided between each of restriction portions (<NUM>) and circuit board (<NUM>). Therefore, it is possible to suppress occurrence of warpage or the like of circuit board (<NUM>) due to contact of restriction portions (<NUM>) with circuit board (<NUM>).

In effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure, case (<NUM>) has fixing portion (<NUM>). Fixing portion (<NUM>) fixes internal components (<NUM>) to bottom surface (<NUM>) of case (<NUM>). Fixing portion (<NUM>) is formed integrally with metal body (<NUM>). Fixing portion (<NUM>) is provided continuously and seamlessly with metal body (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, no gap is formed between fixing portion (<NUM>) and metal body (<NUM>). Accordingly, leakage of the electromagnetic noise from the gap can be more reliably reduced.

Effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure further includes shield wall (<NUM>). Shield wall (<NUM>) is disposed at a position overlapping discharger (<NUM>) as viewed from discharge port (<NUM>) in case (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, the electromagnetic noise leaking from discharge port (<NUM>) can be reduced by shield wall (<NUM>).

A method for manufacturing effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) of the present disclosure includes a case (<NUM>) forming step and a housing step. Effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) includes internal components (<NUM>) and case (<NUM>). Internal components (<NUM>) include discharger (<NUM>) that generates an effective component. Case (<NUM>) is formed in a box shape having discharge port (<NUM>) for discharging the effective component, and houses internal components (<NUM>). The case forming step is a step of forming case (<NUM>) by drawing a metal sheet. The housing step is a step of housing internal parts (<NUM>) in case (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, at least discharger (<NUM>) is surrounded by case (<NUM>) made of a metal sheet. Therefore, case (<NUM>) functions as a shield against electromagnetic noise of discharger (<NUM>) generated at the time of discharge. Case (<NUM>) is formed by drawing a metal sheet. Therefore, in metal body (<NUM>), it is possible to reduce a gap generated at the corner portion between the two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls <NUM> oriented in different directions. This makes it possible to reduce electromagnetic noise leaking from the gap at a corner portion between two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls (<NUM>). That is, radiation of the electromagnetic noise to the outside of case (<NUM>) can be suppressed, and an influence of the electromagnetic noise on the external electrical equipment and the like can be reduced.

The above configuration of the present disclosure is not essential for effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A), and can be omitted as appropriate. Accordingly, it is possible to provide appropriate effective component generation device (<NUM>, 1A) according to the application and the like.

Claim 1:
An effective component generation device (<NUM>) comprising:
an internal component (<NUM>) including a discharger (<NUM>) that generates an effective component; and
a case (<NUM>) having a box shape having a discharge port (<NUM>) through which the effective component is discharged, the case (<NUM>) housing the internal component (<NUM>), wherein
the case (<NUM>) includes a metal body (<NUM>) including a bottom plate (<NUM>) and peripheral walls (<NUM>), the bottom plate (<NUM>) and the peripheral walls (<NUM>) surrounding at least the discharger (<NUM>) and the internal component (<NUM>);
the metal body (<NUM>) includes a seamless portion (<NUM>) at a corner portion between two surfaces of adjacent peripheral walls (<NUM>) oriented in different directions; and
a lid body (<NUM>) joined to the case (<NUM>), wherein
the case (<NUM>) has an opening (<NUM>) provided at a position different from a position of the discharge port (<NUM>); and
the lid body (<NUM>) is joined to the case (<NUM>), closing the opening (<NUM>) in a state where the internal component (<NUM>) is housed between the lid body (<NUM>) and the case (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the case (<NUM>) and the lid body (<NUM>) are joined to each other at a plurality of joints (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed at positions around the opening (<NUM>), the plurality of joints (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including at least a first joint (<NUM>), a second joint, (<NUM>) a third joint (<NUM>) and a fourth joint (<NUM>),
the first joint (<NUM>), the second joint (<NUM>), the third joint (<NUM>) and the fourth joint (<NUM>) are disposed in such a manner that a first straight line (L1) connecting the first joint (<NUM>) and the second joint (<NUM>) and a second straight line (L2) connecting the third joint (<NUM>) and the fourth joint (<NUM>) intersect each other in the opening (<NUM>); and
the effective component generation device (<NUM>) further comprises a buffer (<NUM>) sandwiched between the lid body (<NUM>) and a part of the internal component (<NUM>), wherein an intersection of the first straight line (L1) and the second straight line (L2) is located on the buffer (<NUM>) when viewed from one side in a joining direction between the case (<NUM>) and the lid body (<NUM>).