JP2013218852A - Charged particle generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charged particle generation device capable surely detecting the existence/absence of the generation of a charged particle.SOLUTION: A charged particle generator 3, a charged particle detector 4 and an air blower 2 for transmitting a charged particle to the outside are provided, and in a holding member (duct 14) for holding the charged particle generator 3, at least a portion located around a detection part of the charged particle detector 4 is antistatic. The charged particle detector 4 is held at a portion of the duct 14 for connecting an air outlet 10 for transmitting the charged particle to the outside and the air blower 2 while the detection part faces the inside of the duct 14. The charged particle generator 3 and the charged particle detector 4 are arranged oppositely, and are provided at a position where facing inner walls of the duct 14 approach to make an interval narrow.

Description

  The present invention relates to a charged particle generator having a function of detecting generated charged particles.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, air cleaning technology using an ion generator that cleans air in a living space by charging water molecules in the air with positive and / or negative ions has been actively used. For example, in an ion generator, an ion generator that generates positive ions and negative ions by charging water molecules in clean air in the middle of an internal air passage is disposed, and the clean air containing the generated ions is discharged to the outside. Released. Positive and negative ions released to the outside adhere to airborne particles in the living space and inactivate them, killing airborne bacteria and denatures odor components. As a result, the air in the living space is purified.

  A standard ion generator generates a positive ion and a negative ion by generating a corona discharge by applying a high-voltage AC driving voltage between a discharge electrode and an induction electrode. When the operation of the ion generator is prolonged, the discharge electrode is worn out by sputter evaporation accompanying corona discharge. Further, foreign substances such as chemical substances and dust are accumulated on the discharge electrode. In such a case, the discharge becomes unstable and the amount of ions generated decreases.

  In the ion generator described in Patent Document 1, an ion detector is provided to detect whether or not ions are generated. The ion detector faces the air passage, the ion generator is arranged on the upstream side in the air blowing direction, and the ion detector is arranged on the downstream side. When it is detected that no ions are generated, the user is notified by a lamp or a buzzer that the ion generator needs to be maintained.

  In Patent Document 2, the charge amount of an object irradiated with charged fine particle water generated for air purification is detected by a non-contact type charge amount detection unit, and the charge amount of the object is made constant based on the result. Thus, a charged particle generator for controlling the generation part of charged fine particle water is described.

JP 2007-114177 A JP 2010-62159 A

  In the ion generator described in Patent Document 1, the ion detector collects and detects either positive ions or negative ions. However, when positive ions or negative ions adhere to members around the location where the ion detector is installed and are charged to a positive potential or a negative potential, it is difficult to detect the ions with the ion detector. For example, when positive ions are detected, if the peripheral members of the ion detector are charged to a positive potential, the positive ions to be detected receive a repulsive force due to the Coulomb force from the peripheral members and are collected by the ion detector. I can't. Therefore, there is a possibility of erroneous detection that ions are not generated even though ions are sufficiently generated. Note that this problem similarly occurs when charged particles are detected in a generator such as charged fine particle water described in Patent Document 2.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a charged particle generator capable of reliably detecting the presence or absence of generation of charged particles.

  The charged particle generator according to the present invention includes a charged particle generator that generates charged particles, a charged particle detector that detects charged particles generated by the charged particle generator, and charged particles generated by the charged particle generator. In the charged particle generator including the blower for sending the air to the outside, a holding member for holding the charged particle detector is provided, and the holding member has at least a portion located around the detection portion of the charged particle detector. It is non-chargeable.

  In the present invention, the charged particles generated from the charged particle generator are sent to the outside by a blower, and the charged particles generated from the charged particle generator are detected by a charged particle detector held on a holding member. When detecting the charged particles, the portion of the holding member positioned around the detection portion of the charged particle detector is non-charged so that it is not charged and is detected by the charged particle detector generated from the charged particle generator. No electrostatic force such as repulsive force or attractive force is exerted on the charged particles moving toward the site.

The charged particle generator according to the present invention includes a blowout port for sending charged particles to the outside, and a duct connecting the blowout port and the blower, and a part of the duct includes the charged particle detector. The detection part is held in a state of facing inward.
In the present invention, a charged particle generator includes a charged particle detector that is held in a part of a duct that connects an air outlet for sending charged particles to the outside and a blower with a detection portion facing the inside of the duct. Charged particles generated from and discharged into the duct are detected.

The charged particle generator according to the present invention is characterized in that the charged particle generator is disposed opposite to the charged particle detector.
In the present invention, the charged particle detector disposed opposite to the charged particle generator efficiently detects charged particles generated from the charged particle generator and discharged to the duct.

The charged particle generator according to the present invention is characterized in that the charged particle generator and the charged particle detector are provided at positions where the inner walls facing the duct approach each other and the interval is narrowed.
In the present invention, the charged particles generated from the charged particle generator and discharged to the duct by the charged particle detector disposed opposite to the charged particle generator at a position where the opposing inner walls of the duct approach and become narrower. Is detected more efficiently.

In the charged particle generator according to the present invention, the charged particle generator includes two charged particle generators that are arranged side by side in the direction intersecting the blowing direction of the duct and generate charged particles of different polarities. The charged particle detector collects charged particles generated by one of the charged particle generation units, and the collection electrode collects charged particles generated by the other of the charged particle generation units. A shielding body for preventing this is provided.
In the present invention, two charged particle generators that generate charged particles of different polarities are juxtaposed at intervals in a direction intersecting the air blowing direction of the duct, and charged particles generated by one of the two charged particle generators are Charged particles collected by the collecting electrode provided in the charged particle detector and generated by the other of the two charged particle generating portions are prevented from being collected by the collecting electrode by a shield provided in the charged particle detector. Can be removed. As a result, when two charged particles having different polarities are generated from the charged particle generator, only the charged particles having one polarity are collected by the collecting electrode, so that the charged particles can be detected with high accuracy. .

The charged particle generator according to the present invention is characterized in that the shield is a conductor facing the other of the charged particle generator.
In the present invention, the charged particles generated by the other of the two charged particle generating portions are efficiently absorbed by the opposing conductor and prevented from being collected by the collecting electrode.

The charged particle generator according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a determination means for determining whether or not the charged particles are generated based on a detection result of the charged particle detector.
In the present invention, the charged particles generated from the charged particle generator are detected by the charged particle detector, and whether or not charged particles are generated is determined based on the detection result of the charged particle detector. As a result, for example, various determination conditions can be set to sufficiently confirm that charged particles are not generated, and instructions such as operation stop and maintenance of the charged particle generator can be accurately performed.

In the charged particle generator according to the present invention, the determination unit determines whether or not the charged particles are generated based on a detection result of the charged particle detector in a state where the operation of the blower is stopped. And
In the present invention, charged particles generated from the charged particle generator in a state where the operation of the blower is stopped are detected by the charged particle detector, and whether or not charged particles are generated is determined based on the detection result of the charged particle detector. The For this reason, for example, when a charged particle generator and a charged particle detector are arranged close to each other, and the charged particles are generated and detected only for a short time, the generated charged particles are not blown away by blowing and are arranged close to each other. It can be detected by a charged particle detector.

The charged particle generator according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a notification means for notifying that maintenance of the charged particle generator is necessary when the determination means determines that no charged particles are generated. To do.
In the present invention, when it is determined that charged particles are not generated, it is informed that maintenance of the charged particle generator is necessary, so that maintenance is performed at an appropriate timing to return to a state where charged particles are generated. Can be made.

The charged particle generator according to the present invention is characterized in that the charged particles are air ions.
In the present invention, the charged particle generator generates charged particles by ionizing components in the air.

  According to the present invention, the charged particles generated from the charged particle generator are properly detected by the charged particle detector without receiving the electrostatic force accompanying the charging of the holding member located around the detection portion of the charged particle detector. Therefore, a charged particle generator capable of reliably detecting the presence or absence of generation of charged particles is provided.

It is sectional drawing of the ion generator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of an ion generator. It is sectional drawing which shows an ion generator and an ion detector. It is a front view of an ion detector. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of an ion generator. It is a time chart which shows the detection waveform of ion. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of ion generation. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of ion generation. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of ion generation. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of ion generation. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of ion generation. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of ion generation. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of ion generation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a charged particle generator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking an ion generator for generating ions in the air as an example. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of the ion generator, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an ion generator and an ion detector, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the ion generator, and FIG. 6 is a time chart showing ion detection waveforms.

  The ion generator has a main body case 1 having an outer shape in which a rectangular box is vertically erected, an ion generator 3 that generates ions inside the main body case 1, and a blower that sends out the generated ions to the outside. 2, an ion detector 4 for detecting generated ions, and a control unit 5 including a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 5 drives and controls the ion generator 3 and the blower 2, executes ion detection by the ion detector 4, and determines whether or not ions are generated.

  A removable cover 11 is provided on the back of the main body case 1, and a suction hole 11 a with a filter is formed in the cover 11. An intake chamber 13 having a suction port 12 facing the cover 11 is formed in the lower part on the back side of the main body case 1. The blower 2 is installed inside the intake chamber 13.

  The blower 2 is configured by a sirocco fan, and includes a cylindrical fan casing 20 attached to the main body case 1, a fan 21 rotatably mounted in the fan casing 20, and a fan motor 22 that rotates the fan 21. ing. An upward fan outlet 23 is formed in the upper portion of the fan casing 20.

  A blower outlet 10 having a louver 10 a is formed on the upper surface of the main body case 1, and a duct 14 that connects the fan blower outlet 23 and the blower outlet 10 of the blower 2 is provided. A vertical air passage 15 is formed inside the duct 14. The duct 14 is formed in a rectangular tube shape, the upper and lower portions have a large diameter, and the opposing wall portions approach each other in the intermediate portion, and the interval is narrowed. The lower end of the duct 14 communicates with the fan outlet 23, and the upper end of the duct 14 communicates with the outlet 10.

  The ion generator 3 and the ion detector 4 have an appropriate distance to the intermediate portion where the interval between the opposing wall portions of the duct 14 is the narrowest in a state facing the air passage 15 from the opening provided in the wall portion of the duct 14. It is installed oppositely. That is, the ion generator 3 and the ion detector 4 are provided in a space generated by narrowing the interval between the wall portions of the duct 14, whereby the space in the main body case 1 can be effectively utilized, Miniaturization is achieved.

  The ion generator 3 includes a discharge electrode 30 and an induction electrode 31, a high voltage generation circuit 35 that applies a high voltage between the discharge electrode 30 and the induction electrode 31, an ion generation unit 36 that includes these, and an ion generation unit. And a storage case 32 for storing 36. The discharge electrode 30 is a needle electrode, and the induction electrode 31 is formed in an annular shape and surrounds the discharge electrode 30 at a certain distance from the discharge electrode 30. A pair of the discharge electrode 30 and the induction electrode 31 is used as a set, and two sets of the discharge electrode 30 and the induction electrode 31 are provided on the left and right sides, and the two sets of electrodes 30 and 31 are mounted on the support substrate 33 with a space therebetween. A substrate 33 is housed in the ion generation unit 36. In the present embodiment, one discharge electrode 30 generates positive ions, and the other discharge electrode 30 generates negative ions.

The air sucked through the suction hole 11a and the suction port 12 by the blower 2 passes from the lower side to the upper side through the blower passage 15, and the air with positive and negative ions generated from the ion generator 3 passes through the blower outlet 10. It is blown out. In this embodiment, the positive ions are H ⁺ (H ₂ O) m (m is an arbitrary natural number), and the negative ions are O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) n (n is an arbitrary natural number). Adjustments are being made. By simultaneously releasing positive ions H ⁺ (H ₂ O) m and negative ions O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) n (n is an arbitrary natural number) into the air, the surface of bacteria or viruses floating in the air , Positive and negative ions attach and react chemically. Hydroxyl radicals (.OH) and hydrogen peroxide H ₂ O ₂ generated by the reaction at this time destroy the surfaces of the bacteria and viruses, the bacteria are sterilized, and the viruses are inactivated.

  Two through holes 34 are formed in the front surface of the ion generating unit 36, and the discharge electrode 30 faces each through hole 34. The discharge electrode 30 is located at the center of the through hole 34. The ion generation unit 36 is detachably attached to the housing case 32. On the front surface of the housing case 32, arch-shaped guard ribs 32 a that face the through holes 34 when the ion generation unit 36 is mounted are respectively provided. The guard rib 32 a straddles the through hole 34. Thereby, it can prevent that a user touches the discharge electrode 30 directly.

  The housing case 32 is detachable from the main body case 1. An insertion port 17 is formed on the back surface of the main body case 1, and the housing case 32 can be inserted and removed from the insertion port 17 in a state where the cover 11 is removed. When the storage case 32 is inserted into the insertion port 17, a claw (not shown) formed in the storage case 32 is caught by an elastic notch (not shown) formed in the main body case 1, whereby the storage case 32. Is installed. A pin connector 37 is provided on the lower front surface of the housing case 32 and is connected to the socket 38 on the main body case 1 side when mounted. A drive signal is input from the control unit 5 to the high voltage generation circuit 35 through the pin connector 37, and a DC power supply or an AC power supply is supplied. When the ion generation window 14a is formed on the back wall of the duct 14 and the storage case 32 is attached, the storage case 32 is fitted into the ion generation window 14a. Two through-holes 34 and arch-shaped guard ribs 10a in the front surface of the housing case 32 are exposed to the air passage 15, and the guard ribs 10 a are arranged in parallel with the air blowing direction in the air passage 15.

  When the housing case 32 is strongly pulled out from the main body case 1, the notch is deformed, the claws are removed, and the housing case 32 is taken out from the main body case 1. The storage case 32 is configured to be openable and closable, and the ion generation unit 36 can be taken out by opening the storage case 32. Thus, the ion generator 3 can be handled as a cartridge. For example, when the ion generator 3 reaches the end of its life, the storage case 32 may be opened and replaced with a new ion generation unit 36. If the old ion generation unit 36 is removed and a new ion generation unit 36 is installed, the cartridge can be regenerated and can be reused.

  The ion detector 4 includes a collection electrode 42 that collects the generated ions, and an ion detection circuit 43 that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the collected ions to the control unit 5. The collecting electrode 42 is provided on the front surface of the circuit board 44 and is formed of a copper tape. An ion detection circuit 43 is mounted on the back surface of the circuit board 44. The collection electrode 42 and the ion detection circuit 43 are electrically connected within the circuit board 44, and the ion detection circuit 43 is connected to the control unit 5 via a lead wire.

  The ion detection circuit 43 is a well-known one, and includes, for example, a rectifying diode, a p-MOS type FET, and the like as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-114177. The ion detector 4 detects either positive ions or negative ions. Which ion is detected is determined by the circuit configuration of the ion detection circuit. Generally, in order to detect positive ions, the collection electrode 42 is set to a negative potential or a zero potential. Conversely, in order to detect negative ions, the collection electrode 42 is set to a positive potential or a zero potential.

  For example, when the collecting electrode 42 collects positive ions out of both generated ions, the potential of the collecting electrode 42 rises from the initial potential. The potential increases according to the amount of ions collected. Conversely, when the collecting electrode 42 collects negative ions of the generated both ions, the potential of the collecting electrode 42 decreases from the initial potential. The ion detection circuit 43 performs A / D conversion on the output voltage corresponding to the change in potential and outputs the converted output voltage to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 determines whether or not ions are generated based on the input value from the ion detector 4.

  The ion detector 4 is provided in a state in which the collecting electrode 42 is exposed in the air passage 15. That is, the circuit board 44 is fitted into the ion detection window 14 b formed on the front wall of the duct 14, the front surface of the circuit board 44 is exposed to the air passage 15, and the front surface of the ion generator 3 and the air passage 15 are connected. Oppositely arranged with a sandwich. The collecting electrode 42 is arranged on one side in the left-right direction, and is located at a position facing one discharge electrode 30 that generates ions to be detected, and is not placed at the position facing the other discharge electrode 30. Thereby, the collection electrode 42 can collect one ion intensively, and can improve the accuracy of ion detection. Furthermore, since the guard ribs 32a are arranged so as to be displaced from the center of the discharge electrode 30, the generation and diffusion of ions are not disturbed, and the collection electrode 42 can reliably collect the generated ions.

  The ion detector 4 may collect not only one ion to be collected but also the other ion, and a conductor 46 is provided to prevent this ion collection. The conductor 46 is made of a metal plate, is provided on the front surface of the circuit board 44 so as to cover a part thereof, and the other discharge electrode 30 that generates ions having a polarity opposite to that of the ions collected by the collection electrode 42. It is arrange | positioned facing. The collecting electrode 42 and the conductor 46 are electrically insulated. Since the ions generated from the other discharge electrode 30 are collected by the conductor 46, the amount of ions having the opposite polarity toward the collection electrode 42 is reduced, and the ions having the opposite polarity are collected by the collection electrode 42. I can prevent that.

  The interval between the ion generator 3 and the ion detector 4 is defined as a predetermined distance. Ions are generated from the discharge electrode 30 by corona discharge between the discharge electrode 30 and the dielectric electrode 31. At this time, ions spread toward the opposite ion detector 4 and high-concentration ions are distributed in a dome shape with the tip of the discharge electrode 30 as the center. If the wall of the duct 14 or the ion detector 4 facing the tip of the discharge electrode 30 is too close, a discharge is generated between the discharge electrode 30 and the discharge electrode 30. Therefore, the distance from the front surface of the ion generator 3 to the front surface of the ion detector 4 is set to a predetermined distance, for example, 10 mm or more so that the wall of the duct 14 and the ion detector 4 do not inhibit the ion generation. The narrowest interval of the duct 14 is set according to this distance. By defining in this way, ions can be stably generated. In addition, since ions with a high concentration exist between the ion generator 3 and the ion detector 4, the generation of ions can be accurately detected.

  An operation panel 50 is provided on the upper surface of the main body case 1, and the operation panel 50 includes an operation unit 51 having a driving switch and a display unit 52. When the operation switch is operated, the control unit 5 drives the ion generator 3 and the blower 2 and operates the display unit 52 to display that it is in operation. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 53 denotes a rewritable nonvolatile storage element such as an EEPROM, which stores information on the ion generator 3.

  When executing the ion detection, the controller 5 turns on the ion generator 3 for a predetermined time, and then turns it off for the same time. This on / off is repeated for a preset ion determination time. During this time, the ion detector 4 detects ions. An example of the output voltage from the ion detector 4 at this time is shown in FIG. Since ions are generated when the ion generator 3 is on, the output voltage rises and saturates to a constant voltage. When the ion generator 3 is off, no ions are generated, so the output voltage is almost 0V.

  An input value corresponding to the output voltage from the ion detector 4 is input to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 calculates the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the input values detected during the ion determination time, determines whether this difference is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and determines whether or not ions are generated. . The control unit 5 determines that ions are generated when the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is equal to or greater than the threshold value. When the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is less than the threshold value, it is determined that no ions are generated. In the present embodiment, the threshold value is 0.5V. This value is based on the output voltage from the ion detector 4 when the ion generator 3 is turned on / off at the number of discharges when the ion concentration is halved with respect to the ion concentration at the standard number of discharges per unit time. Is set.

  When the ion generator is used for a long period of time, the discharge electrode 30 deteriorates or dust adheres, the discharge becomes unstable, the generated ions decrease, and the air cleaning effect cannot be obtained. . Therefore, the control unit 5 adds up the operation time, and when the total operation time reaches a replacement notice time, for example, 17500 hours, displays a display prompting the replacement of the ion generator 3. Although the operation is continued after that, when the total operation time reaches an exchange time, for example, 19000 hours, the controller 5 determines that the ion generator 3 has reached the end of its life, and should stop the operation and replace it. Notify that the state has been reached.

  However, depending on the environment in which the ion generator is used, dust, moisture, oil mist, etc. may adhere to the discharge electrode 30 and the ion generator 3 may reach the end of its life before the above time has elapsed. When the ion generator 3 reaches the end of its life, the amount of ions generated decreases or ions are no longer generated. As described above, the ion detector 4 detects the generation of ions, and the control unit 5 determines whether or not ions are generated based on the input value from the ion detector 4. And if the control part 5 determines with no generation | occurrence | production of ion, it will stop operation | movement and will display so that the ion generator 3 may be replaced | exchanged.

  Depending on the operating environment of the ion generator, an ion generation error may occur. This is because when the duct 14 that is a peripheral structure of the ion detector 4 is strongly charged, ions having the same polarity as the charged potential of the duct 14 are repelled, and the ions are difficult to adhere to the ion detector 4. . For example, when positive ions are detected by the ion detector 4, the duct 14 is not charged to either a positive potential or a negative potential immediately after the operation of the ion generator is started, and is generated from the ion generator 3. Positive ions and negative ions are diffused and filled in the space between the ion detector 4. As for the ions attached to the ion detector 4, positive ions are collected by the collecting electrode 42, and negative ions are collected by the conductor 46, but ions attached to the inner wall surface of the duct 14 other than the ion detector 4. Will charge the wall to a positive or negative potential.

  As described above, when positive ions are detected, the collecting electrode 42 is disposed so as to face the discharge electrode 30 that generates positive ions. Therefore, the wall surface of the duct 14 near the collecting electrode 42 is positive. Easily charged to potential. Therefore, positive ions and negative ions generated immediately after this are affected by the positive potential of the wall surface of the charged duct 14. Positive ions receive a repulsive force from the wall surface near the collecting electrode 42 of the ion detector 4 and are difficult to adhere to the collecting electrode 42. For this reason, it is determined that the output value of the ion detector 4 is lowered and the amount of ions is reduced. On the other hand, since the negative ions are absorbed by the inner wall of the duct 14 charged to a positive potential, the amount of ions delivered to the outside of the ion generator is reduced.

  In order to avoid such a situation, in the present embodiment, metal plating is applied to the inner surface of the duct 14. By covering the inner surface of the duct 14 with a conductive substance, a local charging phenomenon is less likely to occur, and specific ions are not repelled or adsorbed. The method for antistatic treatment of the inner surface of the duct 14 is not limited to metal plating, and the same effect can be obtained by metal foil sticking or metal film deposition. The antistatic treatment on the inner surface of the duct 14 is most preferably performed on the entire surface, but at least the duct located around the detection site of the ion detector 4 (the circuit board 44 provided with the collection electrode 42 and the conductor 46). Even if it is only a part, a considerable effect can be expected.

  When a duct formed by resin molding is used, a simple method of preventing charging by applying an antistatic agent or an antistatic coating to the inner wall surface is also possible. In this case as well, an antistatic agent or an antistatic paint is applied only to the inner wall surface around at least the detection portion of the ion detector 4 (the circuit board 44 provided with the collecting electrode 42 and the conductor 46). Also good. Since many antistatic agents and conductive resins have already been put into practical use, they can be easily used. Furthermore, it is also preferable to form the duct 14 with a conductive material, and a method by sheet metal molding or conductive resin molding is possible.

  Table 1 shows the result of verifying the influence of charging when the ion generator 3 and the ion detector 4 are juxtaposed in the vicinity of the wall. The ion concentration (pieces / cc) is obtained in advance by obtaining the correlation between the output voltage of the ion detector 4 and the ion concentration and converting from the actual output voltage of the ion detector 4. Wall surface static electricity (kV) is measured with a commercially available non-contact voltage measuring instrument. A polycarbonate sheet was used as a material that is easily charged.

  If the wall substrate is a material that is difficult to be charged or if the wall substrate is a material that is easy to be charged, but the antistatic treatment is applied, the amount of static electricity on the wall surface is reduced in both tests, and the ion detector 4 The ion concentration can be detected. If the wall surface substrate is a material that is easily charged and is not subjected to antistatic treatment, the amount of static electricity on the wall surface increases and the ion detector 4 cannot measure the ion concentration. In addition, there is variation in the adhesion of ions to the wall, and when positively charged, negative ions cannot be measured, and the detected amount of positive ions is reduced. When negatively charged, both positive and negative ions cannot be measured.

  Next, the ion generation determination process by the control unit 5 will be described. Determination of ion generation is first performed at the start of operation of the ion generator. During operation, the determination of ion generation is performed a plurality of times at a predetermined timing. When the control unit 5 determines that the generation of ions is not performed a predetermined number of times, the control unit 5 determines again and finally determines whether or not an ion generation error has occurred. If it is determined that an ion generation error has occurred, the operation of the ion generator is stopped. Specific processing will be described below. 7 to 13 are flowcharts showing the ion generation determination process.

  At the start of operation, the mode 1 determination is performed. In mode 1 (FIG. 7), the ion determination time is the minimum time of 2 seconds, and the controller 5 stops the blower 2 and turns on the ion generator 3 for 1 second / off for 1 second (FIG. 7). 13) is executed to detect ions (steps S1 to S3). After the ion detection is completed, the controller 5 drives the blower 2 (step S4), and determines whether or not ions are generated based on the sensor input (step S5).

  By driving only the ion generator 3 without driving the blower 2 at the start of operation, the generated ions are not flowed by the wind, but in a narrow space between the ion generator 3 and the ion detector 4. To charge. That is, since the ion generator 3 and the ion detector 4 are arranged to face each other, the generated ions reach the ion detector 4 without driving the blower 2. Since the ion determination time is short, the blower 2 is driven immediately, and the user does not feel uncomfortable in driving.

  When the controller 5 determines in the mode 1 that the generation of ions is present (step S5: YES), the control unit 5 shifts to a normal mode in which the determination of the generation of ions is not performed (FIG. 8), and resets the error counter to 0 (step). S6-S7).

  When it is determined in the mode 1 that no ions are generated (step S5: NO), the control unit 5 performs the determination in the mode 2 as the next determination (step S8). At this time, mode 2 may be started immediately after determination in mode 1 or after a few seconds have passed.

  In the normal mode, the air blower 2 is driven without performing the ion generation determination, and the cluster high-voltage output process (FIG. 13) for turning on the ion generator 3 for 1 second / off for 1 second is executed, for a predetermined time, for example, 3 Operation is performed for a time (steps S11 to S13). When 3 hours have elapsed, the control unit 5 performs the determination in mode 2 (step S14).

  In mode 2 (FIG. 9), the ion determination time is set to a longer one minute, and the cluster high-pressure output process (FIG. 13) is executed to turn on the ion generator 3 for 10 seconds / 10 seconds while driving the blower 2 (FIG. 13). Then, ion detection is performed (steps S21 to S23). Next, it is determined whether or not ions are generated (step S24). The ion generator 3 is turned on and off three times per minute, but may be determined once based on the difference between the maximum input value and the minimum input value in one minute, or may be turned on and off once. A total of three determinations may be made based on the difference between the maximum and minimum input values.

  When the controller 5 determines in the mode 2 that ions are generated (step S24: YES), the controller 5 shifts to the normal mode and resets the error counter (steps S25 to S26). In the normal mode, after 3 hours, the control unit 5 performs the determination in the mode 2 again.

  When the control unit 5 determines in the mode 2 that no ions are generated (step S24: NO), the control unit 5 shifts to the mode 3 immediately or within a short time (step S27).

  In mode 3 (FIG. 10), the ion determination time is set to a short time (10 seconds), and the cluster high voltage output process (FIG. 13) for turning on the ion generator 3 for 1 second / off for 1 second while driving the blower 2 is performed. This is executed to detect ions (steps S31 to S33). Next, it is determined whether or not ions are generated (step S34). Similarly to the above, the control unit 5 performs one determination based on the difference between the maximum input value and the minimum input value for 10 seconds, or the maximum input value and the minimum input value for each ON / OFF. A total of five determinations are made based on the difference.

  When the controller 5 determines in the mode 3 that ions are generated (step S34: YES), the controller 5 shifts to the normal mode and resets the error counter (steps S35 to S36). In the normal mode, after 3 hours, the control unit 5 performs the determination in the mode 2 again.

  When the controller 5 determines in the mode 3 that no ions are generated (step S34: NO), the controller 5 checks whether the error counter is less than a predetermined number of times, for example, less than 60 times (step S37). When the error counter is less than 60 times (step S37: YES), the control unit 5 increments the error counter by one and shifts to the normal mode (steps S38 to S39). In the normal mode, the determination in mode 2 is performed after 3 hours. The predetermined number of error counters may be set as appropriate. When the error counter is 60 times or more (step S37: NO), the control unit 5 performs the determination in mode 4 (step S40).

  In mode 4 (FIG. 11), the ion determination time is set to be longer (1 minute), the blower 2 is stopped, and the cluster high-pressure output process (FIG. 13) is performed to turn on the ion generator 3 for 10 seconds / 10 seconds. The ion detection is performed during the ion determination time of 1 minute (steps S51 to S53). Next, the presence or absence of ion generation is determined in the same manner as described above (step S54). If the controller 5 determines in the mode 4 that ions are generated (step S54: YES), the controller 5 shifts to the normal mode and resets the error counter (steps S55 to S56). In the normal mode, after 3 hours, the control unit 5 performs the determination in the mode 2 again. When it is determined in the mode 4 that no ions are generated (step S54: NO), the control unit 5 performs the determination in the mode 5 immediately or within a short time (step S57).

  In mode 5 (FIG. 12), the ion determination time is set to a short time (10 seconds), the blower 2 is stopped, and the cluster high voltage output process (FIG. 13) is performed to turn on the ion generator 3 for 1 second / off for 1 second. The ion detection is performed during the ion determination time of 10 seconds (steps S61 to S63). Next, it is determined whether or not ions are generated (step S64). When the controller 5 determines in the mode 5 that ions are generated (step S64: YES), the controller 5 shifts to the normal mode and resets the error counter (steps S65 to S66). In the normal mode, after 3 hours, the control unit 5 performs the determination in the mode 2 again.

  If it is determined in mode 5 that no ions are generated (step S64: NO), the controller 5 determines that an ion generation error has occurred (step S67). Then, the control unit 5 immediately stops all loads and stops the operation (step S68), and operates the display unit 52 to display an ion generation error (step S69).

  As described above, the control unit 5 controls the driving of the blower 2 and the ion generator 3 according to the mode to be executed during operation including the time of determination of ion generation. As shown in FIG. 13, the cluster high-voltage output process for controlling the driving of the ion generator 3 determines the mode to be executed (step S71), and in the normal mode, modes 1, 3, and 5 (step S71: YES). The high voltage generation circuit 35 is driven and controlled with 1 second on / 1 second off. The controller 5 switches the 1-second flag to 0 or 1 every second (steps S72 to S75), determines the value of the 1-second flag (step S76), and when the 1-second flag is 1 (step S76: (YES), an ON signal is output to the high voltage generation circuit 35 (step S77), and ions are generated. When the 1-second flag is 0 (step S76: NO), an off signal is output to the high voltage generation circuit 35 (step S78), and ions are not generated.

  When the mode executed in the cluster high-voltage output process is mode 2 or 4 (step S71: NO), the high voltage generation circuit 35 is driven and controlled with 10 seconds on / 10 seconds off. The controller 5 switches the 10-second flag to 0 or 1 every 10 seconds (steps S79 to S82), determines the value of the 10-second flag (step S83), and when the 10-second flag is 1 (step S83: YES), an ON signal is output to the high voltage generation circuit 35 (step S84), and ions are generated. When the 10-second flag is 0 (step S83: NO), an off signal is output to the high voltage generation circuit 35 (step S85), and ions are not generated.

  In the above embodiment, the ion generator 3 is described as generating positive ions and negative ions combined with moisture in the air, but the ion generator 3 is either positive ions or negative ions. May be generated. Further, instead of the ion generator 3 that generates air ions, an electrostatic atomizer that generates charged fine particle water generated by generating a water film on the discharge electrode as the charged particles may be used. The same effect can be expected if the fine particles to be delivered are charged.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner equipped with a charged particle generator such as an electrostatic atomizer that generates an ion generator or charged fine particle water, and a charged particle detector that detects charged particles generated by the charged particle generator. It can be used effectively for air blowers.

2 Blower 3 Ion generator (charged particle generator)
30 Discharge electrode (charged particle generator)
31 Induction electrode (charged particle generator)
4 Ion detector (charged particle detector)
42 Collection electrode 46 Conductor (shield)
5 Control unit (determination means)
52 Display section (notification means)
10 Air outlet 14 Duct (holding member)

Claims (10)

A charged particle generator that generates charged particles, a charged particle detector that detects charged particles generated by the charged particle generator, and a blower that sends out the charged particles generated by the charged particle generator to the outside. In the charged particle generator,
A charged particle generator, comprising: a holding member for holding the charged particle detector, wherein at least a portion of the holding member located around the detection portion of the charged particle detector is non-chargeable. A blower outlet for sending charged particles to the outside, and a duct connecting the blower outlet and the blower,
2. The charged particle generator according to claim 1, wherein a part of the duct holds the charged particle detector in a state where a detection portion faces inward.   The charged particle generator according to claim 2, wherein the charged particle generator is disposed opposite to the charged particle detector.   The charged particle generator according to claim 3, wherein the charged particle generator and the charged particle detector are provided at positions where the inner walls facing the duct approach each other and the interval is narrowed. The charged particle generator has two charged particle generators that are arranged side by side in a direction crossing the blowing direction of the duct and generate charged particles of different polarities,
The charged particle detector collects charged particles generated by one of the charged particle generation units, and the collection electrode collects charged particles generated by the other of the charged particle generation units. The charged particle generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a shielding body for preventing the charged particle.   The charged particle generator according to claim 5, wherein the shield is a conductor facing the other of the charged particle generator.   The charged particle generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not the charged particles are generated based on a detection result of the charged particle detector.   The charged particle according to claim 7, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the charged particle is generated based on a detection result of the charged particle detector in a state where the operation of the blower is stopped. Generator.   The charging device according to claim 7, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that maintenance of the charged particle generator is necessary when the determination unit determines that charged particles are not generated. Particle generator.   The charged particle generator according to claim 1, wherein the charged particles are air ions.

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