ELECTROSTATIC ATOMIZING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle that is mounted in a vehicle and purifies a vehicle interior, having: an electrostatic atomizer comprising an electrode that generates an electric field when high voltage is applied thereto in a state where water is being supplied, to thereby turn the water into charged corpuscle water in the form of mist which is charged in either plus or minus, a water supply unit that supplies water to the electrode, and an emission outlet that emits the charged corpuscle water into the vehicle interior; and a potential holding unit that is installed in an on-vehicle component which a passenger contacts, and is used for holding a potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger in contact with the on-vehicle component.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

Since the interior of a vehicle, such as an automobile, is a closed space, the interior tends to become stuffy with such odors of tobacco and allergen substances. To solve this problem, various filtering type air purifiers have been provided. A filtering type air filter, however, cannot remove the odor components that adhere to the clothes of passengers and seats. A filtering type air purifier cannot inactivate allergen substances as well.

Therefore an electrostatic atomizing apparatus which atomizes water and generates nanometer sized charged corpuscle water (nano mist) is receiving attention. This nanometer sized charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizing apparatus contains radicals, such as a super oxide radicals and hydroxy radicals. Hence a deodorizing effect, virus decrease effect, germicidal and decrease effect on molds, and inactivation effect of allergen substances, can be provided. The nanometer sized charged corpuscle water is therefore currently receiving attention. The nanometer sized charged corpuscle water can deodorize components that adhere to walls and seats in the interior of a vehicle, and can decrease allergen substances, including pollen, which adhere to the human body and clothes carried into the interior.

Patent Document 1 discloses that the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizing apparatus is carried by air, which is output from an air conditioner installed in a vehicle, and released into the interior.

The potential of a passenger in a vehicle, on the other hand, who is electrically insulated from the outside, is not determined. Therefore when minus-charged corpuscle water, is released into the interior, according to the prior art, and if the passenger is plus-charged, then the minus-charged corpuscle water contacts the body and clothing of a passenger, the electric charges on the human body and clothes are neutralized, and are then eventually minus-charged. In this state, the passenger and the charged corpuscle water have the same electrical pole, so the charged corpuscle water, generated from the electrostatic atomizer, is repelled from the passenger. Because of this, the generated charged corpuscle water is no longer attracted to and absorbed by the passenger.

In the same way, if the passenger is minus-charged when plus-charged corpuscle water is emitted into the interior of the vehicle, the plus-charged corpuscle water contacts the body and clothes of the passenger, and electric charges on the human body and clothes are neutralized and are then eventually plus-charged. In this state, the passenger and the charged corpuscle water become the same electrical pole, so the charged corpuscle water generated from the electrostatic atomizer are repelled from the passenger. Because of this, the charged corpuscle water is no longer attracted to or absorbed by the passenger.

Therefore a problem of the prior art is that the charged corpuscle water cannot be attracted to or absorbed by the passenger continuously.

Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-151046

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

With the foregoing in view, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle, which can continuously attract and absorb the charged corpuscle water to/by the human body and clothes of a passenger in the vehicle, and decompose, inactivate or decrease odors, allergen substances, viruses and germs that adhere to the human body and clothes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an embodiment of a vehicle having an electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting an example when a potential holding unit is installed in the steering wheel portion of the above mentioned vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting an electrostatic atomizer main unit;

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting how the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by a human body, which is an object;

FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting an example when the potential holding unit is installed in a seat belt portion of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting a configuration of a vehicle in which the potential holding unit is installed in the seat portion of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting a general configuration of the above mentioned seat portion;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams depicting an example when the potential holding unit is installed in an armrest portion of the present invention, where FIG. 8A is a perspective view depicting an example when the armrest portion is in a fallen state, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view depicting an example when the armrest portion is in an upright state;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams depicting an example when the electrostatic atomizer is installed in a headrest of the present invention, where FIG. 9A is a perspective view, and FIG. 9B is a side view;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams depicting an example when the electrostatic atomizer is installed in a backrest portion of the present invention, where FIG. 10A is a perspective view, and FIG. 10B is a side view;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams depicting when an emission outlet of the electrostatic atomizing apparatus is connected to an air duct of an air conditioner for a vehicle according to the present invention, where FIG. 11A shows a general configuration, and FIG. 11B is a diagram depicting how ions emitted from the outlet of the air duct are attracted to and absorbed by the human body in contact with the steering wheel portion;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram depicting an example of the functional modules of the electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram depicting an example of the functional modules of a high voltage generation circuit installed in the electrostatic atomizer; and

FIG. 14 is a block diagram depicting an example of the functional modules of a voltage applying portion installed in the potential holding unit.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a vehicle 1, an automobile in this case, and an electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle 2, which purifies the interior la of the vehicle, is installed in the vehicle 1.

As FIG. 1 shows, the electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle 2 has an electrostatic atomizer 3 and a potential holding unit 4. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus 2 also has a controller 200 shown in FIG. 12. A detailed configuration of the electrostatic atomizer 3, potential holding unit 4 and controller 200 will be described herein below respectively.

As FIG. 3 shows, the electrostatic atomizer 3 has a discharge electrode 5, a counter electrode 20 which faces the discharge electrode 5, a high voltage applying circuit 6 for applying high voltage to the discharge electrode 5, and a water supply unit 7 which supplies water to the discharge electrode 5. In this electrostatic atomizer 3, the water supplied to the discharge electrode 5 is electrostatic-atomized by applying high voltage between the discharge electrode 5 and the counter electrode 20. Because of this, the charged corpuscle water is generated in the electrostatic atomizer 3. The electrostatic atomizer 3 has an emission outlet 19, as shown in FIG. 3, in order to emit the charged corpuscle water into the interior la of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram depicting a general configuration of the electrostatic atomizer 3 used for the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, water is supplied to the discharge electrode 5 by such a cooling means as a Peltier unit 21, cooling moisture in the air and generating condensed water.

In the Peltier unit 21 shown in FIG. 3, a pair of insulating plates 28 and 28, which have high thermal conductivity, are disposed facing each other, with the respective surfaces of the insulating plates 28 and 28 standing in the vertical direction (Y axis direction in FIG. 3). In each insulating plate pair 28 and 28, a plurality of Peltier circuit plates 22 are disposed on the surface facing the other insulating plate pair 28 and 28. Therefore a plurality of Peltier circuit plates 22 facing each other in the vertical direction (Y direction in FIG. 3) exist. By the plurality of Peltier circuit plates 22 facing each other, the “BiTe type” thermo-elements 23 disposed in many rows are sandwiched. The Peltier unit 21 has the above mentioned configuration. Therefore when the thermo-element 23 is energized via the Peltier input lead wire 24, heat propagates from one Peltier circuit plate 22 to the other Peltier circuit plate 22. As a result, a cooling effect is generated by the Peltier circuit plate 22 positioned in the later mentioned cooling unit 25 side.

A cooling unit 25 is connected to the outside (discharge electrode 5 side) of one side of the Peltier circuit plates 22, and a radiating unit 26 is connected to the outside (opposite side of discharge electrode 5) of the other side of the Peltier circuit plates 22. In the present embodiment, a radiating fin is shown as an example of the radiating unit 26. The rear end (root) portion 50 of the discharging electrode 5 is connected to the cooling unit 25 of the Peltier unit 21.

The discharge electrode 5 is enclosed by a cylinder 27 made of an insulating material. A ring type counter electrode 20 is disposed in the opening at the tip of the cylinder 27. The discharge electrode 5 and the counter electrode 20 face each other such that the center of the ring (center of the hole) of the counter electrode 20 is positioned on the extension of the axial line of the discharge electrode 5.

In this electrostatic atomizer 3, the cooling unit 25 is cooled by energizing the Peltier unit 21. Then the discharge electrode 5 is cooled by the cooling unit 25 being cooled. Therefore moisture in the ambient air of the discharge electrode 5 condenses. By the Peltier unit 21 condensing the moisture in the ambient air of the discharge electrode 5 like this, water (condensed water) is supplied to the discharge electrode 5. If high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 5 and the counter electrode 20 in a state where water is being supplied to the discharge electrode 5, Coulomb's force is applied to the water positioned at the tip 51, out of the water supplied to the discharge electrode 5, in the direction to the counter electrode 20, by the electric field between the discharge electrode 5 and the counter electrode 20 generated by the applied high voltage. Because of this, the surface of the water at the tip 51 of the discharge electrode 5 locally rises in a conical form. The portion locally rising in a conical form at the tip 51 of the discharge electrode 5 like this is called “Taylor cone”. If a Taylor cone is formed, electric charges concentrate on the tip of the Taylor cone. Then the electric field strength in this portion increases. So the Coulomb's force generated in this portion increases. As a result, the Taylor cone grows.

If the Taylor cone keeps growing like this, electric charges further concentrate on the tip of the Taylor cone. And if the density of the electric charges become high, water at the tip of the Taylor cone receives high energy (repulsion of high density electric charges). If the repulsion of the electric charges exceeds the surface tension of the water at the tip of the Taylor cone, water at the tip scatters and splashes. Such scattering and splashing of water at the tip of the Taylor cone is called “Rayleigh scattering”. By repeating this Rayleigh scattering, a large quantity of nanometer sized plus- or minus-charged corpuscle water is generated.

The charged corpuscle water generated in the electrostatic atomizer 3 is emitted to the outside from the emitting outlet 19, which is linked to the opening at the tip of the cylinder 27. The emitting outlet 19 is a hole of a ring type counter electrode 20, for example. The opening at the tip of the cylinder 27 could also be used as the emitting outlet 19. The opening of the tip of the cylinder 27 and the emission outlet 19 may be linked via a communicating vessel (not illustrated).

In the above mentioned embodiment, the water supply unit is constructed by the Peltier element 21. However, the water supply unit 7 may be structured such that the water stored in a water containing portion is supplied to the tip 51 of the discharge electrode 5 using capillary action, for example. In the above example of the present embodiment, the counter electrode 20 is disposed, but the counter electrode 20 need not always be disposed.

The high voltage applying circuit 6 applies DC−5 kV to the discharge electrode 5 if minus-charged corpuscle water is generated in the discharge electrode 5, and applies DC+5 kV to the discharge electrode 5 if plus-charged corpuscle water is generated.

In the electrostatic atomizer 3, the discharge electrode 5 is tapered from the bottom end 50 to the tip 51. Therefore if high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 5 in a state where water is not being supplied to the tip 51, a Corona discharge is generated at the tip 51. By this Corona discharge, either plus ions or minus ions are generated at the tip 51.

This means that if plus high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 5 before water is supplied to the tip 51, plus ions are generated at the tip 51. If minus high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 5 before water is supplied to the tip 51, on the other hand, minus ions are generated at the tip 51.

The electrostatic atomizer 3 having the above configuration is installed in a vehicle 1, and emits the charged corpuscle water into the interior la of the vehicle. This electrostatic atomizer 3 is operated by turning the switch ON (e.g. electrostatic atomizer driving switch SW1 shown in FIG. 12). An example of this switch to turn the electrostatic atomizer 3 ON or OFF is a switch that turns ON by turning the ignition key IG of the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 12) ON, and turns OFF by turning the ignition key IG OFF. A switch which is independently operated manually from the operation of the ignition key IG may be used instead.

FIG. 1 shows an example when the electrostatic atomizer 3 is installed in a ceiling portion 13 of the vehicle 1.

The potential holding unit 4 is installed in an on-vehicle component 8, which a passenger (including a driver) M contacts. The potential holding unit 4 holds the potential of the on-vehicle component 8 which the passenger M contacts at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger M in contact with the on-vehicle component 8. Therefore the potential of the body and clothes of the passenger M is held in this potential by the passenger M contacting the on-vehicle component 8, where the potential holding unit 4 is installed, while driving.

The potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger M in contact with the on-vehicle component 8 can be a following potential, for example. That is, a potential at which the polarity is the opposite of the polarity of the charged corpuscle. Or a potential of which polarity is the same as that of the charged corpuscle water, and which is lower than the potential of the charged corpuscle water, may be used.

The potential holding unit 4 turns ON in conjunction with

ON of the switch (e.g. electrostatic atomizer driving switch SW1) of the electrostatic atomizer 3, so as to apply a predetermined voltage. Needless to say, a switch which turns ON or OFF the potential holding unit 4 manually, independent from the switch of the electrostatic atomizer 3 (e.g. electrostatic atomizer driving switch SW1), may be installed.

The potential holding unit 4 is constructed so that the potential holding unit 4 generates plus voltage, if a minus high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 5 in the high voltage applying circuit 6 to generate minus-charged corpuscle water, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. If plus high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 5 in the high voltage applying circuit 6 to generate plus-charged corpuscle water, on the other hand, the potential holding unit 4 applies minus voltage, although this is not illustrated.

As a result, the potential of the body and clothes of the passenger M is held to be a potential of which polarity is the opposite that of the charged corpuscle water generated in the electrostatic atomizer 3 when the passenger M contacts the on-vehicle component 8 having the potential holding unit 4.

Generating the charged corpuscle water by the electrostatic atomizer 3 is not limited to generating only one of minus-charged corpuscle water and plus-charged corpuscle water. For example, the generation of minus-charged corpuscle water and the generation of plus-charged corpuscle water plus-charged may be selected by installing two high voltage generation units 61 and 62, that is, a high voltage generation unit which applies minus high voltage (second high voltage generation unit 62 shown in FIG. 13), and a high voltage generation unit which applies plus high voltage (first high voltage generation unit 61 shown in FIG. 13), as the high voltage applying circuit 6.

These two high voltage generation units 61 and 62 are controlled as follows, depending on whether plus-charged corpuscle water is generated, or minus-charged corpuscle water is generated from the discharge electrode 5. In other words, when plus-charged corpuscle water is generated from the discharge electrode 5, only the first high voltage generation unit 61, out of the two high voltage generation units 61 and 62, is driven to apply plus high voltage to the discharge electrode 5. When the minus-charged corpuscle water is generated from the discharge electrode 5, only the second high voltage generation unit 62 is driven to apply minus high voltage to the discharge electrode 5.

Here switching control is performed so that if the minus-charged corpuscle water is generated, the potential holding unit 4 (electrode, to be more specific) applies plus voltage, and if plus-charged corpuscle water is generated, the potential holding unit 4 (electrode, to be more specific) applies minus voltage.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show examples when the electrostatic atomizer 3 is installed in the ceiling 13 of the vehicle 1, and the potential holding unit 4 is installed in the steering wheel portion 9, which is an on-vehicle component 8. When a DC−5 kV voltage is applied to the discharge electrode 5 by the high voltage applying circuit 6, minus ions are generated, and then the minus-charged corpuscle water are generated, as mentioned above.

In this case, the potential holding unit 4 installed in the steering wheel portion 9 applies plus voltage to the steering wheel portion 9, so when the passenger (driver) M holds the steering wheel portion 9, the body and clothes of the passenger M plus-charges. Since electric force lines are generated from the electrostatic atomizer 3 to the passenger M, the minus-charged corpuscle water moves toward the passenger M side along the electric force lines, and are attracted to the human body and clothes. As a result, minus ions are absorbed by the human body and clothes.

After absorption, the charges of the charged corpuscle water flows outside via the potential holding unit 4 having plus voltage, so the voltage charged on the human body and clothes is held in the same plus voltage state, and the minus-charged corpuscle water continues colliding against the human body and clothes. As a result, radicals contained in the charged corpuscle water continue interacting with the human body and clothes.

If the plus-charged corpuscle water is generated by the electrostatic atomizer 3, on the other hand, the potential holding unit 4, installed in the steering wheel portion 9, applies the minus voltage to the steering wheel portion 9, so if the passenger (driver) M holds the steering wheel portion 9, the body and clothes of the passenger M are minus-charged. Therefore electric force lines are generated from the electrostatic atomizer 3 to the passenger M side, and the plus-charged corpuscle water moves to the passenger M side along the electric force lines, and are attracted to the human body and clothes. As a result, the plus-charged corpuscle water are absorbed by the human body and clothes.

After absorption, charges of the charged corpuscle water flows outside via the potential holding unit 4 having minus voltage, so the voltage charged on the human body and clothes is held in the same minus voltage state, and the plus-charged corpuscle water continues colliding against the human body and clothes. As a result, the plus-charged corpuscle water continues to interact with the human body and clothes.

The potential holding unit 4 (electrode, to be more specific) is exposed in the steering wheel portion 9, as shown in FIG. 2, so that the body and clothes of the passenger (driver) M are charged when the passenger (driver) M holds the steering wheel portion 9. It is preferable that the material of the steering wheel portion 9 is a conductor, so that voltage is applied directly to the steering wheel portion 9 via an electrode.

Compared with residential space, such as a home, the space of the interior la of the vehicle 1 is limited, with a low ceiling, and becomes a closed space if windows thereof are closed. Therefore the charged corpuscle water diffuses only in this space. Also the position of the passenger M is generally fixed, and the potential of the passenger M is held, as mentioned above, hence the charged corpuscle water can be efficiently and continuously attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes.

Since the charged corpuscle water absorbed by the human body and the clothes contain radicals, the following effects continue. That is, the decomposition and deactivation of odors, allergen substances, viruses and germs adhering to the human body and clothes continues. Or a decrease of these thereof continues. Also by the charged corpuscles adhering to human hair, the hair becomes naturally lustrous and smooth while the passenger M is in the vehicle.

When the electrostatic atomizer 3 is positioned in the ceiling portion 13, as shown in FIG. 1, if the electrostatic atomizer 3 is positioned to be closest to the hair portion, out of each area of the passenger M sitting in the seat portion 11, then the charged corpuscle water is intensively attracted to and absorbed by the hair. This further increases the effect to make the hair lustrous and smooth.

The above embodiment shows an example when the potential holding unit 4 is installed in the steering wheel portion 9, which is an on-vehicle component 8, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The potential holding unit 4 may be installed in another on-vehicle component 8 which the passenger M contacts, for example.

FIG. 5 shows an example when the potential holding unit 4 is installed in a seat belt 10, which is an on-vehicle component 8.

According to this embodiment, the seat belt 10 is electrically activated when the seat belt 10 is fastened, so the body and clothes of the passenger M are charged via the seat belt 10. If the potential holding unit 4 is installed in the seat belt 10 like this, the potential of the body and clothes of the passenger M, not only of the driver, but of other passengers as well, is held in a predetermined potential. Therefore the charged corpuscle water is efficiently and continuously attracted to and absorbed by human bodies and clothes.

In this case, it is preferable that the material of the seat belt 10 is a conductor, so that the body and clothes of the passenger M can be charged when the passenger M fastens the seat belt 10. However, even if the seat belt 10 is not made of a conductor, the body and clothes of the passenger M can be charged if the passenger M contacts the potential holding unit 4 (electrode, to be more specific). Therefore the electrode of the potential holding unit 4 may be installed in a portion which directly contacts the passenger M using the seat belt 10.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show examples when the potential holding unit 4 is installed in a seat portion 11, which is an on-vehicle component 8. In this embodiment, the body and clothes of the passenger M are charged while in the vehicle, by the passenger M sitting in the seat portion 11, and the passenger M is continuously held in a predetermined potential. Therefore the charged corpuscle water is efficiently attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes continuously. In this example, even if a passenger can not fasten a seat belt 10, such as a case of an individual with heart problems and a pregnant woman, the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by this passenger by the passenger sitting in the seat portion 11.

In this case, it is preferable that the material of the seat portion 11 is a conductor, so that the body and clothes of the passenger M are held in a predetermined potential when the passenger M is sitting in the seat portion 11. However, even if the seat portion 11 is not made of a conductor, the body and clothe's of the passenger M can be charged if the passenger M contacts the potential holding unit 4 (electrode, to be more specific). Therefore the electrode of the potential holding unit 4 may be installed in a portion which directly contacts the passenger M in the seat portion 11.

In the case of the example when the potential holding unit 4 is installed in the seat portion 11, if the electrostatic atomizer 3 is turned ON and the potential holding unit 4 is turned ON when the passenger M is not sitting in the seat portion 11, the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the seat portion 11. Therefore odors, allergen substances, viruses and germs adhering to the seat portion 11 can be decomposed, inactivated or decreased continuously.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an example when the potential holding unit 4 is installed in an armrest portion 12, which is an on-vehicle component 8. In this embodiment, the body and clothes of the passenger M are charged and are continuously held in a predetermined potential when the passenger M rests their arm on the armrest portion 12. Therefore the charged corpuscle water is attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes efficiently. In this case, the charged corpuscle water can be attracted and adhered not to the driver, but to other passengers resting their arms on the armrest portions 12 intensively.

In this case, it is preferable that a material of the armrest portion 12 is a conductor, so that the body and clothes of the passenger M are held in a predetermined potential when the passenger M rests their arm on the armrest portion 12. However, even if the armrest portion 12 is not made of a conductor, the body and clothes of the passenger M can be charged if the passenger M contacts the potential holding unit 4 (electrode, to be more specific). Therefore, the electrode of the potential holding unit 4 may be installed in a portion which directly contacts the passenger M of the armrest portion 12.

If the potential holding unit 4 is installed in the armrest portion 12 like this, and if the armrest portion 12 can freely move between an upright state and a fallen state, then it may be constructed such that voltage is not applied by the potential holding unit 4 when the armrest portion 12 is had be in a the upright state and housed in a housing portion 110, as shown in FIG. 8B, and the voltage is applied by the potential holding unit 4 when the armrest portion 12 is had be in the fallen state and used, as shown in FIG. 8A. Charged corpuscle water can be efficiently attracted to and absorbed by an appropriate passenger M intensively when necessary.

Turning the voltage supply ON/OFF by the potential holding unit 4 depending on whether the armrest portion 12 is in the upright state or the fallen state is implemented by the following configuration, for example. In other words, a pressure sensor 18 is installed in a housing portion 110 for housing the armrest portion 12. If the pressure sensor 18 does not detect that the armrest portion 12 is not housed in the housing portion 110, as shown in FIG. 8A, the voltage holding unit 4 is controlled to apply the voltage.

If the pressure sensor 18 detects that the armrest portion 12 is housed, as shown in FIG. 8B, on the other hand, the potential holding unit 4 is controlled to stop applying voltage. By the above configuration, ON/OFF of applying voltage by the potential holding unit 4 depending on whether the armrest portion 12 is in the upright state or the fallen state is implemented.

The embodiment in FIG. 1 shows an example when the electrostatic atomizer 3 is installed in the ceiling portion 13, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an example when the electrostatic atomizer 3 is installed in the headrest portion 14, and the charged corpuscle water is emitted from the top face of the headrest portion 14. If the electrostatic atomizer 3 is installed in the headrest portion 14, the charged corpuscle water is effectively attracted to and absorbed by the hair of the passenger M from the area very close to the hair of the passenger M.

The electrostatic atomizer 3 may be installed in a backrest portion 30, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. In this case, the charged corpuscle water is efficiently emitted from the backrest portion 30, which is located very close to the body and clothes, to the body and clothes. Therefore the charge corpuscle water can be efficiently attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes.

FIGS. 11A and 11B shows another embodiment. FIG. 11 shows an air conditioner for a vehicle 15. In air duct 17 of the air conditioner for a vehicle 15, a blower 32, a filter 33 and an evaporator 34 are installed in an area from an inlet 31 at the edge of the upstream side from an outlet 16 at the edge of the downstream side. The present embodiment shows an example in which the electrostatic atomizer 3 is disposed outside the air duct 17, and the emission outlet 19 of the electrostatic atomizer 3 is connected to the air duct 17.

According to the present embodiment, the charged corpuscle water emitted from the emission outlet 19 is carried by the air flow of the air conditioned-air discharged from the outlet 16. Therefore diffusion of the charged corpuscle water into the interior la of the vehicle improves, and the charged corpuscle water is attracted and absorbed to the entire body of the passenger M. FIG. 11A shows an example when the charged corpuscle water emitted from the outlet 16 are attracted and adhered to the human body holding the steering wheel portion 9. FIG. 11B, on the other hand, is an example when the charged corpuscle water emitted from the outlet 16 is attracted and adhered to the arm M1. The charged corpuscle water also reaches the passenger M in the back seat, and is attracted to and absorbed by the passenger M in the back seat.

The emission outlet 19 may be connected to a portion of the middle of the air duct 17. The emission outlet 19 may also be connected to a portion near the outlet 16 at the edge of the downstream side of the air duct 17, as shown in FIG. 11A.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment described above, the potential holding unit 4 generates plus voltage when the electrostatic atomizer 3 generates minus-charged corpuscle water, and the potential holding unit 4 generates minus voltage when the electrostatic atomizer 3 generates plus-charged corpuscle water. However, the potential holding unit 4 may hold the potential of the passenger M in a polarity the same as that of the charges of the charged corpuscle water generated in the electrostatic atomizer 3 and at a level lower than the potential of the charged corpuscle water.

In the present embodiment, the body and clothes of the passenger M are held in a polarity the same as that of the charges of the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer 3, and at a level lower than the potential of the generated charged corpuscle water, by the passenger M contacting the on-vehicle component 8 in which the potential holding unit 4 is installed. Therefore the generated charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes because of the potential difference.

In each of the above embodiments, the body and clothes are charged while the passenger M is in the vehicle, if the potential holding unit 4 holds the potential such that the emitted charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes. Therefore static electricity, which remains on the body and clothes of the passenger M, causes discomfort when the passenger M exits the vehicle. To prevent this, charges on the body and clothes of the passenger M are removed by the potential holding unit 4 changing the polarity of the voltage which is applied by the potential holding unit 4, when the passenger M exits the vehicle, so as to prevent static electricity. For example, a switch to change the polarity of the voltage to be applied by the potential holding unit 4 (e.g. potential polarity selector switch SW2 shown in FIG. 12) is installed, and the body and clothes of the passenger M, which are plus- or minus-charged, are neutralized by operating the switch just before the passenger M exits the vehicle, switching the polarity of the voltage applied by the potential holding unit 4, whereby static electricity is prevented.

As FIG. 7 shows, the potential holding unit 4 and a pressure sensor 18 may be installed in the seat portion 11, so that the control unit controls the potential holding unit 4 to start applying voltage when the pressure sensor 18 detects the passenger M sitting in the seat portion 11. An example of the control unit is the controller 200 shown in FIG. 12.

In the present embodiment, when the passenger M sits in the seat portion 11, the potential holding unit 4 installed in this seat portion 11 applies voltage, and holds the passenger M in a predetermined potential. Therefore the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer 3 can be continuously attracted to the passenger M, and absorbed by the body and clothes of the passenger M efficiently.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram depicting an example of the functional modules of the electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram depicting an example of the functional modules of the high voltage generation circuit 6 installed in the electrostatic atomizer 3. FIG. 14 is a block diagram depicting an example of the functional modules of the voltage applying unit 40 installed in the potential holding unit 4.

The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle 2 shown in FIG. 12 has a controller 200, the electrostatic atomizer 3, the potential holding unit 4, the pressure sensor 18, the electrostatic atomizer driving switch SW1, and the potential polarity selector switch SW2.

The controller 200 is, for example, a microprocessor enclosing a memory. The controller 200 comprehensively controls the electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle 2 according to a control program, which is provided in advance. The electrostatic atomizer 3 has the discharge electrode 5, the high voltage applying circuit 6, and the Peltier unit 21. The discharge electrode 5 generates either the plus-charged corpuscle water MI or the minus-charged corpuscle water MI, when high voltage applying circuit 6 applies high voltage to the discharge electrode 5 in a state of the Peltier unit 21 supplying water to the discharge electrode 5.

The high voltage applying circuit 6 applies high voltage having one polarity, either plus or minus, to the discharge electrode 5 by the control performed by the controller 200. The high voltage applying circuit 6 has a first and second high voltage generation units 61 and 62, a switching element SW3, and a high voltage supply Vo, as shown in FIG. 13. The high voltage supply Vo supplies a predetermined high voltage value (e.g. DC+5 kV). The first high voltage generation unit 61 applies the plus high voltage supplied by the high voltage supply Vo to the discharge electrode 5. The second high voltage generation unit 62 inverts the polarity of the plus high voltage supplied by the high voltage supply Vo, and generates minus high voltage (e.g. DC−5 kV), and applies this minus high voltage to the discharge electrode 5.

The switching element SW3 is switched by the control of the controller 200. When the switching element SW3 is switched to an “a” side, the high voltage supplied from the high voltage supply Vo is channeled to the first high voltage generation unit 61. If the switching element SW3 is switched to a “b” side, the high voltage supplied from the high voltage supply Vo is channeled to the second high voltage generation unit 62.

In the high voltage applying circuit 6, the high voltage supplied from the high voltage supply Vo is channeled to either the first high voltage generation unit 61 or the second high voltage generation unit 62, by switching of the switching element SW3. Therefore either the first high voltage generation unit 61 or the second high voltage generation unit is alternatively selected depending on whether the plus-charged corpuscle water MI or minus-charged corpuscle water MI is generated from the discharge electrode 5.

As FIG. 12 shows, the potential holding unit 4 has a voltage applying unit 40 and an electrode 41 for applying voltage with plus or minus polarity to the on-vehicle component 8 by the control performed by the controller 200. The voltage applying unit 40 has a first and second voltage generation units 400 and 401, a switching element SW4, and a voltage supply V1, for example, as shown in FIG. 14. The voltage supply V1 supplies predetermined voltage. The first voltage generation unit 400 applies plus voltage supplied from the voltage supply V1 to the electrode 41. The second voltage generation unit 401 inverts the polarity of the plus voltage supplied from the voltage supply V1 to generate minus voltage, and applies this minus voltage to the electrode 41.

If voltage with either plus polarity or minus polarity is applied to the electrode 41, this voltage is applied from the electrode 41 to the on-vehicle component 8. Therefore the passenger M in contact with the electrode 41 or the on-vehicle component 8 is minus- or plus-charged. The switching element SW4 is switched by the control of the controller 200. If the switching element SW4 is switched to a “c” side, the voltage supplied from the voltage supply V1 is channeled to the first voltage generation unit 400. If the switching element SW4 is switched to a “d” side, the voltage supplied from the voltage supply V1 is channeled to the second voltage generation unit 401.

The voltage applying unit 40 switches the switching element SW4, whereby the voltage supplied from the voltage supply V1 is channeled to either the first voltage generation unit 400 or the second voltage generation unit 401. Therefore use of the first voltage generation unit 400 or the second voltage generation unit 401 is alternatively selected depending on which, plus or minus voltage, is applied to the electrode 41.

The pressure sensor 18 is installed in the seat portion 11, for example, as mentioned above. The pressure sensor 18 detects the passenger M sitting in the seat portion 11 by detecting the pressure applied to the seat portion 11 when the passenger M sits in the seat portion 11. Then the pressure sensor 18 outputs a signal for notifying that the passenger M is sitting in the seat portion 11, to the controller 200.

The electrostatic atomizer driving switch SW1 is a switch for turning the driving of the electrostatic atomizer 3

ON/OFF. If this electrostatic atomizer driving switch SW1 is turned ON, the electrostatic atomizer 3 starts operation. The potential polarity selector switch SW2 is a switch for switching the polarity of the applied voltage by the potential holding unit 4. By operating this potential polarity selector switch SW2, the voltage applying unit 40 switches one polarity, plus or minus, to be applied to the electrode 41, to the other polarity.

The ignition key IG is a key for starting or stopping driving of the vehicle. If the vehicle is an automobile, an engine of the automobile starts if the ignition key IG is turned ON. The ON/OFF state of the ignition key IG is notified to the controller 200.

In the electrostatic atomizing apparatus for vehicle 2, which has the above mentioned functional modules, the controller 200 can perform one of the following 1) to 8) controls.

• • 1) When the electrostatic atomizer driving switch SW1 is turned ON, the controller 200 starts operation of the electrostatic atomizer 3. In this case, the controller 200 starts supplying driving power to the voltage holding unit 4. If the electrostatic atomizer driving switch SW1 is turned OFF, on the other hand, the controller 200 stops operation of the electrostatic atomizer 3. In this case, the controller 200 stops supplying driving power to the potential holding unit 4.
  • 2) By having the high voltage applying circuit 6 of the electrostatic atomizer 3 apply high voltage of which polarity is minus to the discharge electrode 5, the controller 200 generates the minus-charged corpuscle water MI from the discharge electrode 5. At this time, the controller 200 has the voltage applying unit 40 of the potential holding unit 4 apply the voltage of which polarity is plus to the on-vehicle component 8. On the other hand, the controller 200 has the high voltage applying circuit 6 of the electrostatic atomizer 3 apply the high voltage of which polarity is plus to the discharge electrode 5, so that the plus-charged corpuscle water MI is generated from the discharge electrode 5. At this time, the controller 200 has the voltage applying unit 40 of the potential holding unit 4 apply the voltage of which polarity is minus to the electrode 41.
  • 3) The controller 200 generates either the plus-charged corpuscle water MI or the minus-charged corpuscle water MI from the discharge electrode 5 by having the high voltage applying circuit 6 of the electrostatic atomizer 3 apply high voltage of which polarity is either plus or minus to the discharge electrode 5. At this time, the controller 200 has the potential holding unit 4 hold the potential of the on-vehicle component 8 at a potential of which polarity is the same as that of the charged corpuscle water MI generated from the discharge electrode 5 and at a potential lower than the potential of the charged corpuscle water MI.

This control of holding the potential of the on-vehicle component 8 at a potential of which polarity is the same as the charged corpuscle water MI generated from the discharge electrode 5 and which is lower than the potential of the charged corpuscle water MI, is implemented by the following control. In other words, this control is implemented by the controller 200 having the voltage applying unit 40 of the potential holding unit 4 apply a voltage of which potential is lower than the potential of the charged corpuscle water MI, to the on-vehicle component 8.

• • 4) If the potential polarity selector switch SW2 is operated, the controller 200 has the voltage applying unit 40 invert the polarity of the voltage applied to the on-vehicle component 8. For example, the polarity of the voltage is inverted by the controller 200 switching the switching element SW4 of the voltage applying unit 40 from the “c” side to the “d” side, or switching the switching element SW4 from the “d” side to the “c” side.
  • 5) If it is notified that the passenger M is sitting in the seat 11 by the pressure sensor 18, the controller 200 has the voltage applying unit 40 start applying voltage.
  • 6) If the pressure sensor 18 does not detect the arm rest portion 12 being housed in the housing portion 110, that is if the detection signal is not received from the pressure sensor 18, the controller 200 has the potential holding unit 4 apply voltage. On the other hand, if the pressure sensor 18 detects the armrest portion 12 being housed in the housing portion 110, that is if the detection signal is received from the pressure sensor 18, the controller 200 does not have the potential holding unit 4 start applying voltage.
  • 7) If it is notified that the ignition key IG is in the ON state, the controller 200 starts operation of the electrostatic atomizer 3. If it is notified that the ignition key IG is in the OFF state, the controller 200 stops operation of the electrostatic atomizer 3. For example, when the ignition key IG is in the ON state, the controller 200 supplies high voltage from the high voltage supply Vo. If the ignition key IG is in the OFF state, the controller 200 stops supplying high voltage from the high voltage supply Vo.
  • 8) When the plus-charged corpuscle water MI is generated from the electrostatic atomizer 3, the controller 200 controls such that the switching element SW3 of the high voltage generation circuit 6 positions at the “a” side. On the other hand, if minus-charged corpuscle water MI is generated from the electrostatic atomizer 3, the controller 200 controls such that the switching element SW3 of the high voltage generation circuit 6 positions at the “b” side.

The controller 200 performs one of the above controls 1) to 8). Thereby each processing described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 11 is implemented.

The above mentioned embodiments primarily include aspects of the invention having the following configuration.

The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention is an electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle that is mounted in a vehicle and purifies a vehicle interior, comprising: an electrostatic atomizer comprising an electrode that generates an electric field when high voltage is applied thereto in a state where water is being supplied, to thereby turn the water into charged corpuscle water in the form of mist which is charged in either plus or minus, a water supply unit that supplies water to the electrode, and an emission outlet that emits the charged corpuscle water into the vehicle interior; and a potential holding unit that is installed in an on-vehicle component which a passenger contacts, and is used for holding a potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger in contact with the on-vehicle component.

According to this configuration, the potential holding unit is installed in the on-vehicle component which the passenger contacts, so the potential of the body and clothes of the passenger are held at the potential at which the charged corpuscle water generated from the electrostatic atomizer is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger. Because of this, a lot of charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes of the passenger. Therefore by the nanometer sized charged corpuscle water containing radicals, odors, allergen substances, viruses and germs that adhere to the body and clothes of the passenger can be decomposed, inactivated, or decreased continuously.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that the electrostatic atomizer has a configuration to generate either plus-charged corpuscle water or minus-charged corpuscle water as the charged corpuscle water, and a controller is further provided that causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential of which polarity is minus when the plus-charged corpuscle water is generated by the electrostatic atomizer, and causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential of which polarity is plus when the minus-charged corpuscle water is generated by the electrostatic atomizer.

According to this configuration, the potential of the on-vehicle component is held in the minus potential when the plus-charged corpuscle water is generated from the electrostatic atomizer. When the minus-charged corpuscle water is generated from the electrostatic atomizer, on the other hand, the potential of the on-vehicle component is held in the plus potential. This means that the polarity of the potential of the on-vehicle component becomes the opposite of the polarity of the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer. Therefore electric force lines are generated from the electrostatic atomizer to the on-vehicle component. Since the potential of the passenger becomes the same as the potential of the on-vehicle component when the passenger contacts the on-vehicle component, electric force lines are generated from the electrostatic atomizer to the passenger. As a result, a lot of charged corpuscle water moves to the passenger side, and the effect of the charged corpuscle water on the human body can be exhibited efficiently.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that the electrostatic has a configuration to generate either plus-charged corpuscle water or minus-charged corpuscle water as the charged corpuscle water, and a controller is further provided that causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the on-vehicle component to have the same polarity as either the plus-charged corpuscle water or the minus-charged corpuscle water, and to be a potential lower than the potential of the charged corpuscle water.

According to this configuration, even if the potential of the passenger in contact with the on-vehicle component has a same polarity as the charged corpuscle water, the charged corpuscle water can be continuously attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes of the passenger, without switching the polarity of the voltage applied by the potential holding unit.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that the electrostatic atomizer further comprises a first high voltage generation unit that applies plus high voltage to the electrode and a second high voltage generation unit that applies minus high voltage to the electrode as a high voltage applying circuit for applying the high voltage to the electrode, and a controller is further provided that alternatively switches the high voltage generation unit for applying the high voltage to the electrode between the first high voltage generation unit and the second high voltage generation unit depending on whether the electrode is had generate a plus-charged corpuscle water or a minus-charged corpuscle water as the charged corpuscle water.

According to this configuration, the first high voltage generation unit which generates the plus high voltage and the second high voltage generation unit which generates the minus high voltage are alternatively switched by the controller, whereby either plus or minus high voltage can be applied to the electrode. Therefore either plus or minus high voltage can be applied to the electrode merely by installing an element to alternatively switch the first high voltage generation unit and the second high voltage generation unit, based on control by the controller. Hence the configuration to alternatively apply either plus or minus high voltage to the electrode can be simplified.

In the above configuration, it is desirable that a steering wheel is installed in the vehicle interior as the on-vehicle component, and the on-vehicle component in which the potential holding unit is installed is the steering wheel portion.

According to this configuration, the potential of the body and clothes of the driver can be held at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water generated by an electrostatic atomizer is attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes while the driver is holding the steering wheel portion and driving. Therefore the charged corpuscle water can be continuously attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes efficiently. By this, the charged corpuscle water can be attracted to and absorbed by the driver intensively.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that a seat belt is installed in the vehicle interior as the on-vehicle component, and the on-vehicle component in which the potential holding unit is installed is the seat belt.

According to this configuration, not only for the driver, but for other passengers as well, the potential of the human body and clothes of the passenger can be continuously held at the potential at which the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer is attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes, by fastening the seat belt, while in the vehicle. Therefore the charged corpuscle water can be continuously attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes efficiently.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that a seat portion is installed in the vehicle interior as the on-vehicle component, and the on-vehicle component in which the potential holding unit is installed is the seat portion.

According to this configuration, the potential of the body and clothes of the passenger can be continuously held at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer is attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes, by the passenger sitting in the seat portion. Therefore the charged corpuscle water can be attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes efficiently. In particular, even if a passenger cannot fasten a seat belt, such as an individual with a heart problem or a pregnant woman, the charged corpuscle water can be continuously attracted to and absorbed by this passenger efficiently.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that a seat portion, in which the potential holding unit and a pressure sensor for detecting the passenger sitting on a seat are installed, is installed in the vehicle interior as the on-vehicle components, and a controller is further provided that causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the seat at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger sitting on the seat, when the pressure sensor detects the passenger sitting on the seat.

According to this configuration, the potential of the seat portion on which the passenger is sitting can be held at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger sitting in the seat portion only when the passenger is sitting in the seat portion.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that an armrest portion is installed in the vehicle interior as the on-vehicle component, and the on-vehicle component in which the potential holding unit is installed is the armrest portion.

According to this configuration, the potential of the human body and clothes can be continuously held at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer is attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes by the passenger resting their arm on the armrest portion. Therefore the charged corpuscle water can be attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes efficiently. Since the charged corpuscle water can be attracted to and absorbed by the passengers whose arm rested on the armrest portion, the charged corpuscle water can be attracted to and absorbed by not only the driver but also the passenger(not the driver), intensively.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that an armrest portion used by the passenger in a fallen state is installed in the vehicle interior as the on-vehicle component, and the electrostatic atomizing apparatus further comprises a controller which causes the potential holding unit to stop holding the potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed be the passenger when the armrest portion is in an upright state, and causes the potential holding unit to start holding the potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger when the armrest is in the fallen state.

According to this configuration, when the passenger makes the armrest portion be a fallen state and uses the armrest portion, the potential of the body and clothes of the passenger can be held at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer are attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes. Therefore the charged corpuscle water can be effectively attracted to and absorbed by the appropriate passengers intensively when necessary.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that a ceiling portion is further installed in the vehicle interior, and the electrostatic atomizer is installed in the ceiling portion.

According to this configuration, the charged corpuscle water is attracted to and absorbed by the hair intensively from an area above the hair. Therefore the effect of making the hair lustrous and smooth can be further increased.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that a headrest portion is further installed in the vehicle interior, and the electrostatic atomizer is installed in the headrest portion.

According to this configuration, the charged corpuscle water is efficiently attracted to and absorbed by the hair of the passenger from an area very close to the hair. Therefore the effect of making the hair lustrous and smooth can be continuously exhibited while the passenger is in the vehicle.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that an air conditioner for a vehicle, which sends air that is heat-exchanged by an evaporator into the vehicle interior, is further installed in the vehicle interior, the electrostatic atomizer is installed outside an air duct constituting an air path for sending the heat-exchanged air into the vehicle interior, and the emission outlet of the electrostatic atomizer is installed in the air path constituted by the air duct.

According to this configuration, the diffusion of the charged corpuscle water in the vehicle interior improves, and the charged corpuscle water can be attracted to and absorbed by the entire body of the passenger. The charged corpuscle water carried by the air flow reaches even a passenger sitting in the back seat, so the charged corpuscle water can be attracted to and absorbed by this passenger as well.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that a backrest portion is further installed in the vehicle interior, and the electrostatic atomizer is installed in the backrest portion.

According to this configuration, the charged corpuscles are emitted to the body and clothes from the backrest portion positioned very close to the passenger, so the charged corpuscles are efficiently attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that the vehicle further comprises an ignition key which is turned ON/OFF to start or stop driving of the vehicle, and the electrostatic atomizer starts or stops operation, in conjunction with the ON/OFF operation of the ignition key.

According to this configuration, the operation of the electrostatic atomizer is started or stopped in conjunction with the ON/OFF operation of the ignition key of the vehicle. Therefore the charged corpuscle water is continuously generated while driving the vehicle. If the vehicle is not driven, on the other hand, the charged corpuscle water is not generated. Hence the charged corpuscle can be generated in the vehicle interior only when required by the passenger.

It is preferable that the above configuration further comprises a potential polarity selector switch that alternatively switches a potential held in the on-vehicle component between a potential of which polarity is minus and a potential of which polarity is plus.

According to this configuration, the passenger operates the potential polarity selector switch such that when the passenger is in the vehicle, the potential of the passenger has a polarity in which emitted charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes, and when the passenger exit the vehicle, the polarity of the potential of the passenger can be changed so that the passenger is not charged, whereby static electricity can be prevented.

It is preferable that the above configuration further comprises a power switch to be turned ON/OFF to start or stop operation of the electrostatic atomizer, and a controller to start or stop supply of a drive power to the potential holding unit in conjunction with the ON/OFF operation of the power switch.

According to this configuration, if the passenger starts operation of the electrostatic atomizer alone, the potential holding unit always starts driving. If the passenger stops operation of the electrostatic atomizer alone, the potential holding unit always stops driving. Therefore the passenger is free from the troublesome operation of turning the power of both the electrostatic atomizer and the potential holding unit ON/OFF.

It is preferable that the above configuration further comprises a counter electrode which is installed to face the electrode.

According to this configuration, an electric field is generated from the electrode to the counter electrode when high voltage is applied between the electrode and the counter electrode. Therefore Coulomb's force is applied to the water which positions at the tip of the electrode, and has electric charges, in the direction toward the counter electrode. Because of this Coulomb's force, water positioned at the tip of the electrode is attracted toward the counter electrode, and a Taylor cone toward the counter electrode is generated. This Taylor cone grows in the direction toward the counter electrode, by the electric field from the electrode to the counter electrode, and then eventually scatters and splashes to the counter electrode as charged corpuscles. Therefore charged corpuscles can be generated directionally toward the counter electrode.

It is preferable that the above configuration further comprises a ring-shaped counter electrode having a hole as the emission outlet, and the counter electrode is installed to face the electrode.

According to this configuration, the emission outlet positions on the path where the charged corpuscle water splashes (path from the tip of the electrode to the counter electrode). Therefore the charged corpuscle water can be efficiently emitted.

In the above mentioned embodiment, it is preferable that the electrode is tapered in a direction from the root to the tip, and is a discharge electrode that generates discharge at the tip when the high voltage is applied thereto in a state where the water is not being supplied.

According to the present configuration, when high voltage is applied to the electrode in a state where water is not being supplied, a Corona discharge is generated at the tip of the electrode. Therefore either plus ions or minus ions is generated at the tip of the electrode by the Corona discharge generated from the start of applying high voltage to the electrode to the start of supplying water. Hence the effect of plus ions or minus ions on the human body and clothes is implemented from the start of applying high voltage to the electrode to the start of supplying water.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. An electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle that purifies a vehicle interior, comprising:

an electrostatic atomizer comprising an electrode that generates an electric field when high voltage is applied thereto in a state where water is being supplied, to thereby turn the water into charged corpuscle water in the form of mist which is charged in either plus or minus, a water supply unit that supplies water to the electrode, and an emission outlet that emits the charged corpuscle water into the vehicle interior; and

a potential holding unit that is used for holding a potential of an on-vehicle component which a passenger contacts at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger in contact with the on-vehicle component, and

a controller that causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the on-vehicle component at (1) a potential of which polarity is the opposite of the polarity of the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer, or (2) a potential of which polarity is the same as the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer and which is lower than the potential of the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer.

22. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the electrostatic atomizer has a configuration to generate either plus-charged corpuscle water or minus-charged corpuscle water as the charged corpuscle water, wherein

the controller causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential of which polarity is minus when the plus-charged corpuscle water is generated by the electrostatic atomizer, and causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential of which polarity is plus when the minus-charged corpuscle water is generated by the electrostatic atomizer.

23. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the electrostatic atomizer has a configuration to generate either plus-charged corpuscle water or minus-charged corpuscle water as the charged corpuscle water, wherein

the controller causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the on-vehicle component, the potential of which polarity is the same as the polarity of either the plus-charged corpuscle water or the minus-charged corpuscle water and which is lower than the potential of the charged corpuscle water.

24. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the electrostatic atomizer further comprises a first high voltage generation unit that applies plus high voltage to the electrode and a second high voltage generation unit that applies minus high voltage to the electrode as a high voltage applying circuit for applying the high voltage to the electrode, wherein

the controller alternatively switches the high voltage generation unit for applying the high voltage to the electrode between the first high voltage generation unit and the second high voltage generation unit depending on whether the electrode generates a plus-charged corpuscle water or a minus-charged corpuscle water as the charged corpuscle water.

25. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the potential holding unit is installed in a steering wheel which is installed in the vehicle interior.

26. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the potential holding unit is installed in a seat belt which is installed in the vehicle interior.

27. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the potential holding unit is installed in a sear portion which is installed in the vehicle interior.

28. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the potential holding unit is installed in a seat portion, in which a pressure sensor for detecting the passenger sitting on a seat, which is installed in the vehicle interior, wherein

the controller causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the seat at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger sitting on the seat, when the pressure sensor detects the passenger sitting on the seat.

29. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the potential holding unit is installed in an armrest portion which is installed in the vehicle interior.

30. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the potential holding unit is installed in an armrest portion which is installed in the vehicle interior and is used by the passenger in a fallen state, wherein the controller causes the potential holding unit to stop holding the potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed be the passenger when the armrest portion is in an upright state, and causes the potential holding unit to start holding the potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential at which the charged corpuscle water is continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger when the armrest is in the fallen state.

31. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the ion generator is installed in a ceiling portion which is installed in the vehicle interior.

32. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the ion generator is installed in a headrest portion which is installed in the vehicle interior.

33. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the electrostatic atomizer is installed outside an air duct for sending the heat-exchanged air by an evaporator of air conditioner for a vehicle which is installed in the vehicle interior, and

the emission outlet of the electrostatic atomizer is connected to the air duct.

34. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the electrostatic atomizer is installed in a backrest in the vehicle interior.

35. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the electrostatic atomizer starts or stops operation, in conjunction with the ON/OFF operation of the ignition key to start or stop driving of the vehicle.

36. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, further comprising a potential polarity selector switch that alternatively switches a potential held in the on-vehicle component between a potential of which polarity is minus and a potential of which polarity is plus.

37. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, further comprising a power switch to be turned ON/OFF to start or stop operation of the electrostatic atomizer, wherein

the controller starts or stops supply of a drive power to the potential holding unit in conjunction with the ON/OFF operation of the power switch.

38. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, further comprising a counter electrode which is installed to face the electrode.

39. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, further comprising a ring-shaped counter electrode having a hole as the emission outlet, and

the counter electrode is installed to face the electrode.

40. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that

the electrode is tapered in a direction from the root to the tip thereof, and

is a discharge electrode that generates discharge at the tip when the high voltage is applied thereto in a state where the water is not being supplied.