An electrostatic atomizer (100) includes: a spray electrode (1); a reference electrode (2); a current control section (24) for controlling a value of a current flowing through the reference electrode (2); and a voltage application section (22) for applying a voltage across the spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2), based on the value of the current controlled by the current control section (24), the reference electrode (2) having a tip whose shape has a specific curvature radius.

An electrostatic atomizer (100) includes: a spray electrode (1); a reference electrode (2); a current control section (24) for controlling a value of a current flowing through the reference electrode (2); and a voltage application section (22) for applying a voltage across the spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2), based on the value of the current controlled by the current control section (24), the reference electrode (2) having a tip whose shape has a specific curvature radius.

A process of creating an aerosol includes coating at least one of a pair of counter-rotating, adjacent rollers with a fluid, the pair of counter-rotating rollers defining a nip therebetween, rotating the counter-rotating rollers to cause the fluid to be drawn into an upstream side of the nip, causing fluid filaments of the fluid to form on a downstream side of the nip, the fluid filaments stretching between respective surfaces of the pair of counter-rotating rollers and breaking into droplets on the downstream side of the nip, and harvesting the droplets at the downstream side of the nip.

An electrode device includes a discharge electrode and a counter electrode, and discharges when a voltage is applied across the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. The discharge electrode is a columnar electrode having a discharge portion on its front end. The counter electrode faces the discharge portion. The counter electrode has a peripheral electrode portion and a projecting electrode portion. The peripheral electrode portion is disposed to surround an axis of the discharge electrode. The projecting electrode portion projects from a part of the peripheral electrode portion toward the axis of the discharge electrode. A distance from the peripheral electrode portion to the discharge portion is shorter than a distance from the projecting electrode portion to the discharge portion.

An electrode device includes a discharge electrode and a counter electrode, and discharges when a voltage is applied across the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. The discharge electrode is a columnar electrode having a discharge portion on its front end. The counter electrode faces the discharge portion. The counter electrode has a peripheral electrode portion and a projecting electrode portion. The peripheral electrode portion is disposed to surround an axis of the discharge electrode. The projecting electrode portion projects from a part of the peripheral electrode portion toward the axis of the discharge electrode. A distance from the peripheral electrode portion to the discharge portion is shorter than a distance from the projecting electrode portion to the discharge portion.

A fine water particle release device includes: a case formed in a cylindrical shape having both ends opened; a fine water particle generating element accommodated in the case and generating uncharged fine water particles; an air blowing member operating to allow air to flow into the case from one end and allow the air flowing into the case to be released from the other end; a discharge element including first and second electrodes separated from each other, the discharge element causing discharge in a discharge space between the first and second electrodes by applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes, and being disposed such that the fine water particles pass through the discharge space together with the air; and a control device controlling the discharge and a generated moisture amount generated in the fine water particle generating element.

An electrostatic atomizing apparatus includes a main body portion, a container, a first air flow path, a second air flow path, an electrostatic atomization unit, and an air flow generation unit. The container is detachable from the main body portion, is capable of storing a liquid, and includes a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole. The first air flow path includes a first end that includes an air suction port, and a second end that connects to the first ventilation hole. The second air flow path includes a third end that connects to the second ventilation hole, and a fourth end that includes an air exhaust port. The electrostatic atomization unit is disposed on the second air flow path. The air flow generation unit generates an air flow that causes air to flow through the first air flow path, through the container, and through the second air flow path.

The liquid container according to the present disclosure is a liquid container to be detachably attached to the main body portion of an apparatus. The liquid container includes a container main body, a ventilation hole, and a lid. The container main body includes an upper portion, a bottom portion, and side portions connecting the upper portion and the bottom portion. The container main body is capable of storing a liquid. The ventilation hole penetrates the upper portion of the container main body. The lid is disposed on an inner side of the container main body and, when the liquid is stored in the container main body, is capable of closing or opening the ventilation hole according to a change in a surface of the liquid. The lid includes a fulcrum positioned closer to the side portion of the container main body than to the ventilation hole. The lid is pivotable around the fulcrum with respect to the ventilation hole.

Discharge device includes discharge electrode, voltage application circuit, and current limiting element. Discharge electrode is disposed to face counter electrode, and retains liquid. Voltage application circuit is electrically connected to discharge electrode and counter electrode with discharge electrode as a ground side. Voltage application circuit generates discharge between discharge electrode and counter electrode by applying a voltage between discharge electrode and counter electrode. Current limiting element is electrically connected to a side of discharge electrode opposite to counter electrode. Current limiting element limits a current flowing to discharge electrode.

Discharge device includes discharge electrode, voltage application circuit, and current limiting element. Discharge electrode is disposed to face counter electrode, and retains liquid. Voltage application circuit is electrically connected to discharge electrode and counter electrode with discharge electrode as a ground side. Voltage application circuit generates discharge between discharge electrode and counter electrode by applying a voltage between discharge electrode and counter electrode. Current limiting element is electrically connected to a side of discharge electrode opposite to counter electrode. Current limiting element limits a current flowing to discharge electrode.