JP2017168229A - Ion generator and air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ion generator capable of detecting ions more efficiently than prior arts.SOLUTION: An ion generator (1) generates ions by causing electric discharge between a first discharge electrode (12a) and a second discharge electrode (12b), and a counter electrode (14). The ion generator (1) comprises a collecting electrode (55) for detecting discharge noise generated by the electric discharge. The counter electrode (14) is arranged so that its potential may be put in a floating state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ion generator that generates ions by causing discharge between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode facing the discharge electrode.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, ion generators that generate positive ions and negative ions have been used to purify indoor air, for example. This ion generator is provided in an electronic device (eg, home appliance) such as an air conditioner. For example, according to the air conditioner, air containing ions is sent out, and the air is purified by removing fine particles floating in the air in which the ions are sent out (eg, indoors) and suspended matters such as bacteria. be able to.

  In recent years, various ion generators have been proposed. For example, Patent Literatures 1 and 2 disclose ion generators (static elimination devices) for the purpose of facilitating confirmation of ion generation amount and ion balance.

  Various electronic devices equipped with an ion generator have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 3 discloses an air cleaner provided with a temperature / humidity sensor that detects temperature and humidity in air in addition to an ion sensor (ion detection device) that detects ions. Patent Documents 4 and 5 disclose a mist generator and a refrigerator that control the amount of ions generated according to the humidity value detected by a humidity sensor, respectively. Patent Document 6 discloses an ion sensor (ion amount generating device) for the purpose of improving the detection accuracy of the ion amount.

Japanese Patent No. 4840954 (released on December 21, 2011) Japanese Patent No. 5276691 (released on August 28, 2013) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-40675 (published March 2, 2015) JP 2014-202371 A (released on October 27, 2014) JP 2014-25643 A (published February 6, 2014) JP 2013-29385 A (published February 7, 2013)

  However, the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 6 described above are not sufficient for efficiently detecting ions.

  An object of the present invention is to realize an ion generator capable of detecting ions more efficiently than the conventional one based on a technical idea different from the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 to 6.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an ion generator according to one embodiment of the present invention generates an ion by generating a discharge between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode facing the discharge electrode. In addition, a detection electrode for detecting discharge noise generated by the discharge is provided, and the counter electrode is arranged so that the potential of the counter electrode is in a float state.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an ion generator according to one embodiment of the present invention provides an ion that generates ions by generating a discharge between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode facing the discharge electrode. The generator is provided with a detection electrode for detecting discharge noise caused by the discharge, and an insulator is provided on the surface of the detection electrode.

  The ion generator according to one aspect of the present invention produces an effect that ions can be detected more efficiently than in the past.

It is a circuit diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the ion generator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematically the structure of the collection electrode in the ion generator which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, and its periphery. It is a graph which shows the time change of the detection voltage output from the ion detection circuit in the ion generator which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, (a) It is a graph in the case of low humidity, (b) is normal humidity. (C) is a graph in the case of high humidity. It is a functional block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the flow of the process which determines the propriety of the automatic cleaning of the filter in the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the waveform of the voltage V2 in the ion generator which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, (a) is a figure in case a switching element is an OFF state, (b) is a state in which a switching element is ON It is a figure in the case of being. It is a figure which shows another example of the waveform of the voltage V2 in the ion generator which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, (a) is a figure in case a switching element is an OFF state, (b) is a figure in which a switching element is It is a figure in the case of an ON state. It is a circuit diagram which shows schematic structure of the periphery of the primary side wiring in another ion generator which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows schematic structure of the periphery of the memory | storage part of another ion generator concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an ion generator 1 of the present embodiment. In addition, about members, such as an air blower with which the ion generator 1 is equipped, a duct, and a louver, since it is the same as that of a well-known thing, description is abbreviate | omitted in this embodiment.

(Outline of the ion generator 1)
The ion generator 1 is an apparatus that generates ions by generating a discharge (eg, corona discharge) in a space between a discharge electrode described below and a counter electrode facing the discharge electrode.

  The ion generator 1 includes a housing 2 that accommodates each member described below. Further, the ion generator 1 includes a counter electrode 14, a control unit 40, an ion detection circuit 50 (ion detection unit), and a collection electrode 55 (detection electrode) outside the housing 2.

  The housing 2 accommodates the diodes D1, D3, and D4, the first discharge electrode 12a (discharge electrode), the second discharge electrode 12b (discharge electrode), the connector 15, the resistor 16, and the high voltage generation circuit 30. The connector 15 includes a first terminal 15a and a second terminal 15b.

  The first terminal 15a is connected to an AC power source (not shown) (eg, commercial power source) outside the ion generator 1. That is, the first terminal 15 a is an input terminal for inputting the input voltage V (potential difference between the first terminal 15 a and the second terminal 15 b) to the ion generator 1.

  The power line 18 is a wiring connected to the first terminal 15a. The power line 18 functions as a wiring for supplying power to the high voltage generation circuit 30. The first terminal 15a is connected to the high voltage generation circuit 30 via a diode D1 and a resistor 16 provided on the power line 18. Note that the input voltage V may be a low voltage (eg, 100 V).

  The second terminal 15b is connected to the ground (GND). That is, the second terminal 15b is a ground terminal for grounding the ion generator 1. The ground line 19 is a wiring connected to the second terminal 15b. The ground line 19 functions as a wiring for fixing the reference value (0 V) of the potential inside the ion generator 1.

  The resistor 16 is an element for adjusting the magnitude of the current (forward current) flowing from the first terminal 15 a to the high voltage generation circuit 30 in the power line 18. The diode D1 is an element for preventing a reverse current flow (inflow of current in the reverse direction) from the high voltage generation circuit 30 to the first terminal 15a.

  The high voltage generation circuit 30 is a circuit that generates a high voltage for performing the discharge. More specifically, the high voltage generation circuit 30 is a circuit that supplies a high voltage to the first discharge electrode 12a and the second discharge electrode 12b described below. That is, the high voltage generation circuit 30 is a circuit that converts the voltage E input to itself into a higher voltage.

  The high voltage generation circuit 30 includes a diode D2, a transformer 31, a capacitor 32, and switching elements 33 and 34. The capacitor 32 is an element for holding the voltage E, and is connected to the primary wiring 31 a of the transformer 31 through the switching element 33. The switching element 33 is an element that switches a conduction state between the capacitor 32 and the primary wiring 31a.

  In the present embodiment, only the case where the switching element 33 is in the ON (conducting) state is considered. That is, consider a case where the voltage V1 = E is applied to the primary wiring 31a. Details of the switching element 33 will be described in a third embodiment to be described later. The roles of the switching element 34 and the diode D2 are also described in the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, only the case where the switching element 34 is in the OFF (cut-off) state is considered.

  The transformer 31 converts (transforms) the voltage V1 (primary side voltage) applied (input) to the primary side wiring 31a into the voltage V2 (secondary side voltage), and outputs it to the secondary side wiring 31b. The transformer 31 of the present embodiment is a step-up transformer that converts the voltage V1 (low voltage) to a higher voltage V2 (high voltage). The transformer 31 is shielded (shielded) by a metal plate 35 (shielding member). The advantage of providing the metal plate 35 will be described later.

  The first discharge electrode 12 a and the second discharge electrode 12 b are rod-shaped electrodes arranged so as to face the counter electrode 14. The first discharge electrode 12a and the second discharge electrode 12b are preferably formed as needle-like electrodes. This is because when the tip of each discharge electrode is pointed (has a pointed portion), a discharge is easily generated between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode 14.

  The counter electrode 14 is an electrode formed in a plate shape, and is opposed to each of the first discharge electrode 12a and the second discharge electrode 12b. In the ion generator 1, the numbers of discharge electrodes and counter electrodes are not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the first discharge electrode 12a, the second discharge electrode 12b (two discharge electrodes), and the counter electrode 14 (one counter electrode) in FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

  The first discharge electrode 12a is connected to the secondary wiring 31b via the diode D3. Here, the diode D3 is an element that passes only a negative component of the voltage V2 (that is, a voltage waveform in a portion where V2 <0V).

Accordingly, the first discharge electrode 12a functions as a discharge electrode that generates a predetermined type of negative ions by the discharge between the first discharge electrode 12a and the counter electrode 14. As an example, the negative ion may be O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _n (n is an arbitrary natural number). However, the type of negative ions is not limited to this.

  The second discharge electrode 12b is connected to the secondary wiring 31b via the diode D4. Here, the diode D4 is an element that passes only a positive component of the voltage V2 (that is, a voltage waveform in a portion where V2> 0V).

Accordingly, the second discharge electrode 12b functions as a discharge electrode that generates a predetermined type of positive ions by the discharge between the second discharge electrode 12b and the counter electrode 14. As an example, the positive ion may be H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _m (m is an arbitrary natural number). However, the type of positive ions is not limited to this.

  As described above, in the ion generator 1, (i) the first discharge electrode 12 a is a dedicated electrode for generating only negative ions, and (ii) the second discharge electrode 12 b is a dedicated electrode for generating only positive ions. , Each provided.

  Moreover, the control part 40 is a member which controls each part of the ion generator 1 comprehensively, for example, is a microprocessor (microcomputer). Specific operations of the control unit 40 will be described later. Note that the function of the control unit 40 may be realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The storage unit is a storage device that stores various programs executed by the control unit 40 and data used by the programs.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the ion generator 1, the counter electrode 14 is not grounded. That is, the counter electrode 14 is provided so that the potential of the counter electrode 14 is in a floated state. The advantage of not grounding the counter electrode 14 will be described later. Note that the potential of the counter electrode 14 being in a floating state means that the potential of the counter electrode 14 is not fixed at a constant level.

(Ion detection circuit 50 and collection electrode 55)
Subsequently, the ion detection circuit 50 and the collection electrode 55 will be described. The collection electrode 55 is an electrode for detecting noise (hereinafter referred to as discharge noise) generated by discharge between the discharge electrode (the first discharge electrode 12a or the second discharge electrode 12b) and the counter electrode 14. Although the collecting electrode 55 is disposed on the substrate 57 (see FIG. 2 described later), the substrate 57 is not shown in the present embodiment for simplicity.

  As an example, consider the case where the collecting electrode 55 is disposed in the vicinity of the second discharge electrode 12b as shown in FIG. Here, when a discharge is generated between the second discharge electrode 12 b and the counter electrode 14, discharge noise (non-uniform electric field) is generated in the vicinity of the second discharge electrode 12 b and the counter electrode 14.

  And since the collection electrode 55 is close to a discharge position, it is easy to receive to the influence of discharge noise. For this reason, a minute current (detection current, detection signal) is generated in the collection electrode 55 due to the influence of discharge noise. Therefore, it is possible to detect that a discharge has occurred between the second discharge electrode 12b and the counter electrode 14 by detecting the detection current. In other words, the ion generator 1 can detect that ions (positive ions) are generated.

  The ion detection circuit 50 is a member for detecting a detection current, and is connected to the collection electrode 55. The ion detection circuit 50 is an amplification circuit that converts the detection current output from the collection electrode 55 into a voltage and amplifies the voltage. Then, the ion detection circuit 50 gives the amplified voltage (detection voltage) to the control unit 40. This detection voltage may be referred to as a sensor output.

  By converting the detection current into the detection voltage by the ion detection circuit 50, calculation in the control unit 40 (calculation for calculating the amount of ions generated) becomes possible. Thus, the ion detection circuit 50 functions as an ion detection unit that detects ions generated in the ion generator 1.

  The controller 40 approximately calculates the amount of ions generated based on the value of the detection voltage supplied from the ion detection circuit 50. Generally, when the value of the detection voltage is large, it is considered that the amount of ions generated is large.

  Therefore, the control unit 40 may approximately calculate the amount of ions generated by performing a predetermined calculation on the value of the detection voltage. For example, the control unit 40 may calculate the ion generation amount based on an approximate function indicating a relationship between the detection voltage and the ion generation amount set in advance.

  It is known that discharge noise is noise having a relatively low frequency. In consideration of this point, the ion detection circuit 50 may be provided with an LPF (Low Pass Filter) that allows a low-frequency signal to pass therethrough but blocks a high-frequency signal. In this case, the ion detection circuit 50 can give the voltage that has passed through the LPF to the control unit 40 as the detection voltage. Thereby, it can prevent more reliably that another noise different from discharge noise has a bad influence on the detection result of discharge noise.

  In addition, the position where the collection electrode 55 is arrange | positioned is not limited to the thing of FIG. For example, the collection electrode 55 may be disposed in the vicinity of the first discharge electrode 12a. In this case, it is possible to detect that discharge has occurred between the first discharge electrode 12a and the counter electrode 14 by detecting the detection current. In other words, the ion generator 1 can detect that ions (negative ions) are generated.

  Further, the collecting electrode 55 may be disposed in the vicinity of the counter electrode 14. That is, it is preferable that the collection electrode 55 is disposed at a position that is easily affected by discharge noise so that a detection current having a detectable level is generated. In other words, the collecting electrode 55 is preferably disposed at a position where discharge noise can be detected more reliably.

(Effect of the ion generator 1)
By the way, in a general ion generator, when the ion detector is provided outside (in the vicinity) of the ion generator, it is necessary to consider an optimal arrangement of the ion detector. For this reason, the designer of the ion generator has taken a considerable amount of time to study the optimum arrangement of the ion detectors. In addition, since the position where the ion detector can be arranged is different for each product on which the ion generator is mounted, the designer of the ion generator has to perform the above examination for each product.

  In view of this, in some ion generators, the ion detector is provided inside the ion generator for the purpose of reducing the labor of the examination of the arrangement of the ion detector. However, in the conventional ion generator, when the ion detector is provided inside the ion generator, the counter electrode is grounded (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In general, in an ion generator, for example, due to aging, (i) when dirt is attached to the tip of a discharge electrode, or (ii) when the tip is worn, positive and negative discharged from each discharge electrode There is a case where the quantitative balance (in other words, the charge balance) of ions (charges) is lost.

  However, the inventor of the present application has found that there is a problem that it is difficult to suppress the disruption of charge balance in an ion generator (conventional ion generator) in which the counter electrode is grounded. The reason why it is difficult to suppress the collapse of the charge balance in the conventional ion generator is as follows, for example.

  (Reason): When the counter electrode is grounded, the potential of the counter electrode is fixed. Therefore, even when the charge balance is lost, the potential of the counter electrode remains constant without being affected by the charge balance. That is, the potential of the counter electrode does not change so as to prevent the charge balance from being lost. Therefore, once the charge balance is lost, the charge balance is further triggered by the charge balance being broken.

  On the other hand, the inventor of the present application has newly found that it is possible to suppress the collapse of the charge balance by setting the potential of the counter electrode to a floating state without grounding the counter electrode. More specifically, when the potential of the counter electrode is in a floating state, the inventor of the present application suppresses the breakdown of the charge balance even if the charge balance is lost. Found to change.

  Therefore, according to the ion generator 1 of the present embodiment, even when the ion detector (ion detector circuit 50) is provided inside the ion generator, it is possible to suppress the collapse of the charge balance. . In addition, since the ion detector can be provided inside the ion generator, there is no need to study the optimum arrangement of the ion detector.

  A shielding member (electromagnetic shield) may be provided around the ion generator in order to prevent electromagnetic noise emitted from the ion generator from leaking out of the ion generator. The inventor of the present application has further found that, when the shielding member is provided, the advantage that the decrease in the amount of ions generated is suitably suppressed by setting the potential of the counter electrode to a floating state.

  In the conventional ion generator, the shielding member is generally grounded. The inventor of the present application has shown that the amount of ions generated decreases when the counter electrode is grounded (when the potential of the counter electrode is fixed) while the shielding member is grounded. It was confirmed.

  As described above, according to the ion generator 1, it is possible to achieve both simplification of the design of the ion generator and improvement of the reliability of the ion generator. Thus, according to the ion generator 1, it becomes possible to detect an ion more efficiently than before.

  Moreover, in the ion generator 1, the ion generator can be miniaturized by providing the ion detector inside the ion generator. Thereby, the collection electrode 55 can also be reduced in size. Moreover, since the amplification factor of the voltage signal in the ion detection circuit 50 (or the offset voltage in the ion detection circuit 50) can be reduced with the downsizing of the collecting electrode 55, the ion detection circuit 50 can be downsized. You can also.

(Advantages of providing the metal plate 35)
As described above, the ion generator 1 detects the generation of ions by detecting discharge noise generated on the secondary side of the transformer 31. Therefore, in order to improve the accuracy of ion detection, it is preferable to reduce as much as possible the influence of noise other than discharge noise on the detection result of the discharge noise.

  By the way, the transformer 31 is a member which generates a considerably large electromagnetic noise during operation among electrical members provided in the ion generator 1. In view of this point, it is particularly preferable to reduce the influence of electromagnetic noise generated from the transformer 31 (more specifically, the primary side wiring 31a and the secondary side wiring 31b of the transformer 31).

  Therefore, in the ion generator 1, a metal plate 35 is provided as a shielding member (shielding member) that shields the electromagnetic noise. That is, the transformer 31 is shielded by the metal plate 35. As an example, the metal plate 35 may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape surrounding the transformer 31.

  However, the metal plate 35 should just surround the circumference | surroundings of the transformer 31, and the external shape of the said metal plate 35 is not specifically limited. The material of the metal plate 35 is not particularly limited as long as it can shield electromagnetic noise (electromagnetic waves). For example, the material of the metal plate 35 may be iron or aluminum.

  By providing the metal plate 35, it is possible to prevent electromagnetic noise emitted from the transformer 31 from leaking outside the metal plate 35. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the influence of the electromagnetic noise on the detection result of the discharge noise (noise generated in the vicinity of the first discharge electrode 12a or the second discharge electrode 12b on the secondary side of the transformer 31). it can. In particular, since the influence of electromagnetic noise generated on the primary side of the transformer 31 on the detection result of the discharge noise can be reduced, it is possible to improve ion detection accuracy.

[Embodiment 2]
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In addition, the ion generator of this embodiment is called the ion generator 1a for distinction with the ion generator 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG.

(Ion generator 1a)
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the collection electrode 55 and its periphery in the ion generator 1a. In FIG. 2, for the sake of simplicity, illustration of the wiring that connects the collection electrode 55 and the ion detection circuit 50 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the collecting electrode 55 is disposed on the surface of the substrate 57 that supports the collecting electrode 55. In this respect, the ion generator 1a is the same as the ion generator 1 of the first embodiment. Note that at least a part of the wiring for connecting the collection electrode 55 and the ion detection circuit 50 may be formed inside the substrate 57. The substrate 57 may be referred to as a sensor substrate.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the ion generator 1 a, an insulator 56 is provided on the surface of the collecting electrode 55. In this respect, the ion generator 1a is different from the ion generator 1 of the first embodiment.

  More specifically, the insulator 56 is provided on the facing surface 55 f of the collecting electrode 55. Here, the facing surface 55 f is a surface on the opposite side of the surface of the collecting electrode 55 from the surface supported by the substrate 57.

  Note that the material of the insulator 56 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the insulator 56 be easily arranged on the facing surface 55f. For example, the insulator 56 is preferably a sheet-like member formed of a material such as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin.

  Further, in order to further facilitate the arrangement on the facing surface 55f, it is more preferable that the insulator 56 has a certain degree of tackiness (instantaneous adhesiveness). In other words, the insulator 56 is more preferably an adhesive tape that can be attached to the facing surface 55f.

  The insulator 56 also functions as a protective member that prevents moisture or dirt from adhering to the facing surface 55f. Accordingly, the provision of the insulator 56 can also provide an advantage that the deterioration of the collecting electrode 55 due to the adhesion of moisture or dirt can be suppressed.

(Relation between insulator 56 and humidity)
Next, the relationship between the insulator 56 and the humidity of the air around the ion generator 1a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a graph showing temporal changes in the detection voltage (sensor output) output from the ion detection circuit 50. More specifically, in FIG. 3, (a) is a graph when the humidity is low (hereinafter also referred to as low humidity), and (b) is a graph when the humidity is moderate (hereinafter, normal humidity). (C) is a graph in the case where the humidity is high (hereinafter also referred to as high humidity).

  In the graph of FIG. 3, the horizontal axis is time, and the vertical axis is the value of detected voltage (voltage value). In this embodiment, as an example, “low humidity” refers to a humidity of about 20% or less, “normal humidity” refers to a humidity of about 50%, and “high humidity” refers to a humidity of about 80% or more. means. However, these numerical values are merely examples, and numerical values other than these are the humidity threshold values (first threshold value H1 and later described) for distinguishing between the “low humidity”, “normal humidity”, and “high humidity” states. It may be used as the second threshold value H2).

(About (a) of FIG. 3)
In addition, the graph of (a) of FIG. 3 is corresponded also when the insulator 56 is not provided (namely, the case of the ion generator 1 of Embodiment 1). First, an overview of the temporal change in the detection voltage in the above-described ion generator 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case where positive ions are detected by the ion detection circuit 50 will be described as an example.

  First, in the ion detection circuit 50, a voltage of 1.6 V is set as an offset voltage (reference voltage) of the detection voltage. The ion detection circuit 50 is designed so that the detection voltage gradually decreases as the positive ions increase when the generation of positive ions is started in the ion generator 1.

  As a result, when a certain amount of time has elapsed from the start of positive ion generation, the detection voltage decreases to 0V. For this reason, the ion detection circuit 50 can determine that positive ions are generated (detect positive ions) when the detection voltage becomes 0V. In the ion generator 1, the ion detection circuit 50 is designed so that the detection voltage is reset (returns to the reference voltage of 1.6 V) at a predetermined time period (for example, 1 second).

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3A, during the period in which ions are generated (from time 0 to time T1) (hereinafter also referred to as ion generation period), the detected voltage is “1. 6V "→" 0V "→ (the same applies hereafter). In FIG. 3, for the sake of simplicity, the detection voltage is reduced to 0V, and the detection voltage is reset at the same time. However, the detection voltage is reset to 0V at the timing when the detection voltage is reset. It does not have to be at the same time.

  The ion detection circuit 50 can also detect negative ions. Specifically, the ion detection circuit 50 is designed so that the detection voltage gradually increases with the increase of negative ions when generation of negative ions is started. As a result, the detection voltage increases to 3.2 V (twice the offset voltage) after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of negative ion generation. For this reason, the ion detection circuit 50 can determine that negative ions are generated (detect negative ions) when the detection voltage becomes 3.2V.

  In FIG. 3 (a), the detection voltage remains constant at 1.6V during the period in which the generation of ions is stopped (between time T1 and time T2) (hereinafter also referred to as ion stop period). is there. Even if the detection voltage decreases from 1.6 V, the amount of decrease is negligible. As described above, when the insulator 56 is not provided (or even when the insulator 56 is provided and the humidity is low), the detection voltage is substantially constant during the ion stop period.

(About (b) and (c) of FIG. 3)
Referring to (b) and (c) of FIG. 3, the time change of the detection voltage during the ion generation period is the same as (a) of FIG. 3, but the time change of the detection voltage during the ion stop period is as follows. It is understood that this is very different from FIG.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, in the case of normal humidity, the offset voltage once reset to 1.6 V is reset next (that is, for 1 second in the ion stop period). ), The detection voltage is reduced to some extent (by ΔV). Here, the decrease amount of the detection voltage in FIG. 3B is expressed as ΔV = ΔVb. This ΔVb is, for example, about 0.3V.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, even in the case of normal humidity, the detection voltage decreases until the offset voltage once reset to 1.6 V is reset next in the ion stop period. Yes. Here, in order to distinguish from FIG. 3B, the amount of decrease in the detected voltage in FIG. 3C is expressed as ΔV = ΔVc. This ΔVc is larger than the above ΔVb, for example, about 1.0V.

  Thus, the higher the humidity around the ion generator 1a (peripheral air), the greater the amount of decrease in the detection voltage during the positive ion generation stop period. Similarly, during the negative ion generation stop period, the amount of increase in the detection voltage increases as the humidity increases. Thus, in the ion generator 1a, the amount of change in the detection voltage during the ion stop period increases as the humidity increases. Such a change in the detection voltage is realized by providing the insulator 56.

  That is, when the insulator 56 is provided, even when the generation of ions by the ion generator 1a is stopped, a certain amount of the surface of the insulator 56 is affected by the influence of the capacitance of the insulator 56. Charge is retained. For this reason, even during the ion stop period, the detection voltage changes due to the influence of the charges.

Here, the capacitance C of the insulator 56 is expressed by the following equation (1).
C = ε ₀ × ε _s × S / d (1)
Represented by Note that ε ₀ is the dielectric constant of vacuum, ε _s is the relative dielectric constant of the insulator 56, S is the surface area of the insulator 56 (the area of the surface where electric charges are held), and d is the insulator 56. Is the thickness.

By the way, it is known that water has a very high relative dielectric constant (in other words, dielectric constant) compared to air. Specifically, the dielectric constant of air is ε _s ≒ 1.000586, the dielectric constant of water is epsilon _s ≒ 80.

  Here, since the amount of moisture contained in the air increases as the humidity around the ion generator 1 a increases, moisture tends to adhere to the surface of the insulator 56. Therefore, as the humidity increases, the capacitance of the insulator 56 (in other words, the relative dielectric constant) increases. As a result, as the capacitance increases, the amount of charge held on the surface of the insulator 56 also increases.

  Therefore, the amount of change in the detection voltage when the generation of ions is stopped varies with the humidity (in other words, the amount of charge held on the surface of the insulator 56). For example, when the humidity is low, as shown in FIG. 3A, the change amount of the detection voltage is almost zero. In the case of normal humidity, as shown in FIG. 3B, the amount of change in the detected voltage is a large value (ΔVb≈0.3 V) to some extent. In the case of high humidity, as shown in (c) of FIG. 3, the change amount of the detection voltage becomes a larger value (ΔVc≈1.0 V).

(Effect of ion generator 1a)
In the conventional ion generator, the humidity sensor for detecting humidity is provided as a member (hardware element) separate from the ion detector (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 5). Accordingly, the provision of the humidity sensor increases the size of the ion generator and increases the manufacturing cost of the ion generator.

  However, according to the ion generator 1a of the present embodiment, by providing the insulator 56 on the surface of the collecting electrode 55, the approximate value of the humidity is based on the amount of change in the detected voltage when the generation of ions is stopped. Can be estimated (calculated). In other words, an estimated value of humidity (hereinafter also referred to as an estimated humidity value) can be calculated based on a temporal change in the detected current output from the collection electrode 55 when the generation of ions is stopped.

  In consideration of this point, in the ion generator 1a, the controller 40 may be provided with a function of estimating (calculating) the humidity value. Further, the control unit 40 may be provided with a function for determining the humidity state. As an example, the control unit 40 (more specifically, the humidity estimation unit 41 in FIG. 4 to be described later) determines whether the humidity is “low humidity”, “normal humidity”, based on the value of ΔVb (or ΔVc) described above. Alternatively, it may be determined whether the humidity is “high humidity”.

  For example, the control unit 40 sets (i) “low humidity” (humidity = 20%) when Vb <0.3V, and (ii) “normal” when 0.3V ≦ Vb <1.0V. Humidity (humidity = 50%), (iii) When Vb ≧ 1.0V, the humidity state may be determined (or the estimated humidity value is calculated) as “high humidity” (humidity = 80%). . The determination threshold (voltage threshold) may be set as appropriate by the designer of the ion generator 1a.

  Thus, in the ion generator 1a, the output (detection voltage) of the ion detector can be used as a signal value for calculating the estimated humidity value. That is, an approximate value of humidity can be detected (estimated) without providing a humidity sensor as a member separate from the ion detector.

  Therefore, according to the ion generator 1a, it is possible to reduce the size of the ion generator having a humidity detection function as compared with the conventional one. Moreover, the manufacturing cost of the ion generator can be reduced. Thus, according to the ion generator 1a, it becomes possible to detect ions more efficiently than in the past.

(Application example of humidity detection by ion generator 1a)
Moreover, as above-mentioned, an ion generator may be provided in electronic devices, such as an air conditioner. Hereafter, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the application example at the time of providing the ion generator 1a of this embodiment in an air conditioner is described.

  Note that the air conditioner 100 according to the present embodiment only needs to adjust at least one of the objects to be adjusted, such as the indoor temperature, humidity, or air cleanliness. It is included in the category of the harmony machine 100.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the air conditioner 100 including the ion generator 1a of the present embodiment. The air conditioner 100 includes a filter (not shown) that collects dust from the air that the air conditioner 100 sucks into itself. As shown in FIG. 4, the air conditioner 100 includes an ion generator 1 a, an input receiving unit 101, a filter cleaning unit 102, and an operation time measuring unit 103.

  Moreover, the control part 40 of the ion generator 1a is provided with the humidity estimation part 41 and the filter cleaning determination part 42 (cleaning control part). As described above, the humidity estimation unit 41 changes the detection voltage output from the ion detection circuit 50 over time during the ion stop period (in other words, the detection current (detection signal) output from the collection electrode 55). Based on the change in time).

  The input receiving unit 101 is a member that receives (detects) a user input to the air conditioner 100. The input receiving unit 101 may be a button provided on the air conditioner 100 itself, or may be a button provided on a remote control that gives an input signal by radio to the air conditioner 100. By performing an input operation on the input receiving unit 101, the user can operate the filter cleaning unit 102 described below to clean the filter.

  The filter cleaning unit 102 is a member that cleans the filter. The filter cleaning unit 102 may be a drive mechanism including a brush that scrapes off dust collected by the filter. The dust scraped off by the brush is accommodated in a dust box (not shown) provided inside the air conditioner 100. Since the filter can be prevented from being clogged with dust by cleaning the filter with the filter cleaning unit 102, the ventilation performance of the air conditioner 100 can be maintained.

  In order to maintain the ventilation performance of the air conditioner 100, it is preferable that the filter cleaning unit 102 is periodically operated to automatically clean the filter even when there is no input operation by the user. As described below, the filter cleaning determination unit 42 determines whether the filter cleaning unit 102 can automatically clean the filter.

  The operation time measuring unit 103 is a member that measures a cumulative value (hereinafter also simply referred to as operation time) of the operation time of the air conditioner 100 after the filter cleaning unit 102 is cleaned. The operation time measuring unit 103 may be a known timer, for example.

  The filter cleaning determination unit 42 is a member that controls the operation of the filter cleaning unit 102. In addition, the filter cleaning determination unit 42 has a function of determining whether the filter cleaning unit 102 can automatically clean the filter. That is, the filter cleaning determination unit 42 may be understood as a member that controls an operation (automatic cleaning operation) for automatically cleaning the filter.

  In addition, in FIG. 4, although the structure provided in the control part 40 of the ion generator 1a is illustrated for the humidity estimation part 41 and the filter cleaning determination part 42, these function parts are the air conditioner 100's. It may be provided in a control unit (not shown).

(Flow of processing for determining whether automatic filter cleaning is possible)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processes S <b> 1 to S <b> 8 for determining whether automatic cleaning of the filter in the air conditioner 100 is possible. Hereinafter, the flow of the processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the input receiving unit 101 detects whether a filter cleaning instruction (input instruction) is given to the air conditioner 100 by the user (processing S1). When the filter cleaning instruction by the user is detected (YES in S1), the filter cleaning determination unit 42 operates the filter cleaning unit 102 to clean the filter (processing S7). When the cleaning of the filter is completed, the control unit 40 gives a command to the operation time measurement unit 103, resets the measurement value (cumulative value) of the operation time of the air conditioner 100, and returns it to 0 (processing S8). Thereby, the cleaning operation of the filter is completed.

  On the other hand, when the input receiving unit 101 does not detect the filter cleaning instruction by the user (NO in S1), the control unit 40 determines whether the air conditioner 100 is in operation (processing S2). When the air conditioner 100 is operating (YES in S2), the control unit 40 gives a command to the operation time measurement unit 103 to measure (accumulate) the operation time of the air conditioner 100. (Process S3), the process proceeds to Process S4 described below. Even when the air conditioner 100 is not operating (NO in S2), the process proceeds to the process S4.

  Subsequently, the filter cleaning determination unit 42 determines whether or not the operation time of the air conditioner 100 is less than a predetermined time (for example, 720 hours) (processing S4). That is, if the operating time of the air conditioner 100 is t and the predetermined time is Tm, the filter cleaning determination unit 42 determines whether or not t <Tm. Note that Tm is not limited to 720 hours, and may be set as appropriate by the designer of the air conditioner 100. Tm may be a time interval that is preferable for periodic automatic cleaning of the filter.

  When the operation time of the air conditioner 100 is equal to or longer than Tm (NO in step S4), the filter cleaning determination unit 42 determines that the humidity estimation value calculated by the humidity estimation unit 41 is the first threshold (eg, 80%). ) Is determined (process S5). That is, if the estimated humidity value is h (hereinafter simply referred to as humidity h) and the first threshold value is H1, the filter cleaning determination unit 42 determines whether h> H1.

  Subsequently, when the humidity h is equal to or lower than the first threshold value H1 (NO in S5), the filter cleaning determination unit 42 determines whether or not the humidity h is lower than the second threshold value (for example, 20%). (Processing S6). That is, when the second threshold value is H2, the filter cleaning determination unit 42 determines whether or not h <H2.

  Note that the first threshold H1 in the process S5 is not limited to 80%. The first threshold value H1 may be a lower limit value of humidity corresponding to “high humidity” and a value in the vicinity thereof. Further, the second threshold value H2 in the process S6 is not limited to 20%. The second threshold value H2 may be an upper limit value of humidity corresponding to “low humidity” and a value in the vicinity thereof. Therefore, the first threshold value H1 and the second threshold value H2 may be appropriately set by the designer of the air conditioner 100. However, the first threshold value H1 needs to be set larger than the second threshold value H2.

  If humidity h is equal to or higher than second threshold value H2 (NO in S6), the process proceeds to process S7, and the same process as described above is performed. That is, the filter cleaning determination unit 42 performs the filter cleaning only when the humidity h is equal to or lower than the first threshold H1 and equal to or higher than the second threshold H2 when the operation time of the air conditioner 100 is equal to or longer than Tm. The unit 102 is operated to automatically clean the filter.

  If (i) the operating time of the air conditioner 100 is less than Tm (YES in process S4), (ii) the humidity h exceeds the first threshold value H1 (YES in process S5), or ( iii) When the humidity h is lower than the second threshold value H2 (YES in process S6), the process returns to the above-described process S2 and the same process is repeated.

(Effect of the air conditioner 100)
By the way, in the conventional air conditioner, it is general that the filter is automatically cleaned when the operation time becomes a predetermined time or more regardless of the ambient humidity. However, when the surrounding humidity is high (in the case of high humidity) or low (in the case of low humidity), there arises a problem that the cleaning efficiency of the filter is lowered.

  For example, in the case of high humidity, dust adheres to the filter due to the influence of moisture in the air, making it difficult to efficiently clean the filter. On the other hand, when the humidity is low, static electricity is likely to be generated when the filter is cleaned, and dust adheres to the filter again due to the influence of the static electricity. In addition, dust is attached to the brush due to the influence of the static electricity, and it is difficult to drop the dust attached to the brush into the dust box. For this reason, it becomes difficult to clean the filter efficiently.

  In consideration of this point, even when the operation time becomes a predetermined time or more, when the humidity is high or low, the filter cleaning efficiency is low, so the filter is not automatically cleaned (postponed). It is preferable. That is, it is preferable to perform automatic cleaning of the filter only in a situation where the cleaning efficiency of the filter is high (in the case of normal humidity).

  Therefore, in the air conditioner 100, a filter cleaning determination unit 42 is provided to control automatic filter cleaning according to humidity. More specifically, the filter cleaning determination unit 42 determines that the estimated humidity value (the above-described humidity h) calculated by the humidity estimation unit 41 is (i) even when the operation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. ) If the first threshold value H1 is exceeded, or (ii) if it is below the second threshold value H2 (where H2 <H1), the air conditioner 100 does not perform automatic filter cleaning. .

  That is, the air conditioner 100 is configured to perform automatic cleaning of the filter only in a humidity (normal humidity) range where the filter cleaning efficiency is high. For this reason, it becomes possible to perform automatic cleaning of a filter more efficiently than before. In addition, as described above, in the ion generator 1a, it is not necessary to provide the humidity sensor as a separate member from the ion detection unit, and thus the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner 100 can be reduced.

[Embodiment 3]
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. In the present embodiment, first, the switching element 33, the switching element 34, and the diode D2 in the ion generator 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again.

(Switching element 33, switching element 34, and diode D2)
The switching element 33 is a voltage control type switching element. Specifically, the switching element 33 conducts the electric circuit when the voltage E1 (voltage between terminals of the capacitor 32) in FIG. 1 is higher than a predetermined voltage (for example, 80V), and the voltage E1 is higher than the predetermined voltage. If the voltage is too low, the circuit is cut off.

  That is, the switching element 33 is a member provided for applying a voltage V = E1 that is somewhat high to the primary wiring 31a. The switching element 33 may be, for example, a thyristor (more specifically, a triac).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the switching element 34 and the diode D2 are connected in series. The switching element 34 and the diode D2 are connected to the capacitor 32 in parallel. The switching element 34 is configured to be able to be switched ON / OFF by the control unit 40. Note that the type of the switching element 34 is not particularly limited.

  First, consider the case where the switching element 34 is in the ON state (the same case as in the first embodiment described above). Here, it is assumed that the switching element 33 is in an ON state. In this case, since the voltages V1 and V2 described above are AC voltages having the same amplitude in the positive and negative directions, positive ions and negative ions can be generated as described above.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of the voltage V2 when the switching element 34 is in the OFF state. As shown in FIG. 6A, the voltage V2 is an alternating voltage that has substantially the same amplitude in both positive and negative directions and oscillates in a damped manner. Here, the positive amplitude means a voltage value from 0 V to a peak value in a wave (pulse) having a positive peak value. The negative amplitude means a voltage value from 0 V to the peak value in a wave having a negative peak value.

  FIG. 6A illustrates a case where the polarity of the first wave (first pulse) of the damped oscillation is negative (−) (the same applies to FIG. 6B described later). Accordingly, in FIG. 6A, the polarity of the second wave (the wave following the first wave) is positive (+). Thereafter, the polarity (+, −) is reversed for each wave (the same applies to FIG. 6B described later).

  Here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that discharge can be generated if the magnitude (absolute value) of the voltage V2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (eg, 1 kV) (hereinafter referred to as a discharge voltage). . According to FIG. 6A, the first wave and the third wave have negative amplitudes whose absolute values are larger than the discharge voltage. Therefore, negative ions can be generated by the first wave and the third wave. Similarly, positive ions can be generated by the second wave and the fourth wave.

  Next, consider a case where the control unit 40 switches the switching element 34 to the ON state. Here, it is assumed that the switching element 33 is in an ON state. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of the waveform of the voltage V2 when the switching element 34 is in the ON state.

  Referring to FIG. 6B, the voltage V2 is an alternating voltage that oscillates damped, but the positive amplitude is smaller than the negative amplitude. That is, when the switching element 34 is turned on, a waveform of the voltage V2 different from that in FIG. 6A is obtained.

  The reason is that when the switching element 34 is in the ON state, an electric circuit that connects the resistor 16 and the ground line 19 is formed if the diode D2 is in the ON state. Thereby, the magnitude of the current I1 flowing into the primary wiring 31a is considerably reduced. For this reason, the degree of induction of the voltage V2 by the current I1 is reduced, and the magnitude of the voltage V2 is reduced.

  Therefore, if the timing at which the diode D2 is turned on (timing at which the forward voltage E is applied to the diode D2) is appropriately adjusted, as shown in FIG. 6B, only the positive amplitude of the voltage V2 is obtained. Can be reduced.

  That is, the peak value (absolute value) of the second wave can be made smaller than the discharge voltage. According to FIG. 6B, it is understood that negative ions can be generated by the first wave and the third wave, but no positive ions are generated by the second wave and the fourth wave. In this way, by adjusting the magnitude of the current I1 flowing through the primary wiring 31a, the waveform of the voltage V2 is changed so that (i) only negative ions are generated and (ii) positive ions are not generated. Can be made.

  As described above, when the polarity of the first wave is negative, the ion generator 1 generates both positive ions and negative ions (in the case of FIG. 6A) (first mode). ) And a mode in which only negative ions are generated (in the case of (b) in FIG. 6), two ion generation modes (second mode) can be realized.

  In addition, when the polarity of the first wave is positive, it is possible to realize a mode (third mode) that generates only positive ions in addition to the first mode described above. (A) of FIG. 7 is a figure which shows the waveform of the voltage V2 in case the switching element 34 is an OFF state, when the amplitude of a 1st wave is positive. According to the waveform of the voltage V2 in FIG. 7A, the first mode can be realized as in FIG.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a waveform of the voltage V2 when the switching element 34 is in the ON state when the polarity of the first wave is positive. According to FIG. 7B, it is understood that positive ions can be generated by the first wave and the third wave, but no negative ions are generated by the second wave and the fourth wave. That is, according to the waveform of the voltage V2 in FIG. 7B, the third mode can be realized.

  Thus, in the ion generator 1, by controlling ON / OFF of the switching element 34 provided on the primary side (low voltage side) of the transformer 31, in addition to the first mode, (i) the second mode, Alternatively, (ii) the ion generation mode in at least one of the third modes can be realized. That is, a plurality of ion generation modes can be switched.

  On the other hand, in the conventional ion generator, in order to switch a plurality of ion generation modes, a switching element is generally provided on the high voltage side of the transformer. For this reason, since it is necessary to use a high voltage | pressure-resistant switching element, the said switching element becomes a large sized thing. For this reason, there existed a problem that an ion generator enlarged. Moreover, since the said switching element is expensive, there also existed a problem that the manufacturing cost of an ion generator increased.

  Further, in the conventional ion generator, in order to facilitate the configuration of a circuit for switching a plurality of ion generation modes, two transformers (a dedicated transformer for generating positive ions and a dedicated transformer for generating negative ions are used. In some cases, a transformer was installed. However, since the transformer is a considerably large part among the electric parts of the ion generator, there is a problem that the ion generator is enlarged by providing two transformers.

  On the other hand, in the ion generator 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of ion generation modes can be switched by providing the switching element 34 on the low voltage side of the transformer 31. The number of transformers 31 may be one. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the ion generator and reduce the manufacturing cost of the ion generator.

(Configuration for switching the polarity of the first wave)
It is also possible to switch the polarity of the first wave of the voltage V2. Next, a configuration for switching the polarity of the first wave of the voltage V2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration around the primary wiring 31a in an ion generator different from the ion generator 1. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the metal plate 35 is not shown for simplicity.

  Here, in order to distinguish from the ion generator 1, the ion generator of FIG. 8 is called the ion generator 1b. The ion generator 1b has a configuration in which switching elements 39a and 39b are added to the ion generator 1. The switching of the connection state of the switching elements 39a and 39b may be controlled by the control unit 40.

  The switching element 39a connects the node Na to either the node N1 or the node N2. Here, the node Na is a node connected to one end of the primary side wiring 31a, the node N1 is a node connected to the power line 18, and the node N2 is a node connected to the ground line 19.

  Further, the switching element 39b connects the node Nb to either the node N3 or the node N4. Here, the node Nb is a node connected to the other end of the primary side wiring 31a, the node N3 is a node connected to the ground line 19, and the node N4 is a node connected to the power line 18.

  As an example, consider a case where the polarity of the first wave of the voltage V2 is negative when the node Na is connected to the node N1 and the node Nb is connected to the node N3. In this case, the polarity of the voltage V1 can be reversed positively by switching the connection states of the switching elements 39a and 39b and connecting the node Na to the node N2 and the node Nb to the node N4.

  As a result, with the reversal of the polarity of the voltage V1, the polarity of the voltage V2 is also reversed. That is, the polarity of the second wave of the voltage V2 can be switched to positive. As described above, the polarity of the first wave of the voltage V2 can be switched by the switching elements 39a and 39b in accordance with the switching of the connection state of the nodes Na and Nb of the primary wiring 31a. Therefore, according to the ion generator 1b, it is possible to switch the three ion generation modes from the first mode to the third mode described above.

  In addition, by controlling the switching frequency of the switching elements 39a and 39b by the control unit 40, it is possible to control the number of generations of positive ions and negative ions in the ion generator 1b. In other words, in the ion generator 1b, by providing the switching elements 39a and 39b, the generation amount of each of positive ions and negative ions can be adjusted.

(Another configuration for detecting ions in the ion generator)
Moreover, in the ion generator which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention, discharge (in other words, generation | occurrence | production of ion) is detectable by the structure different from the above-mentioned ion generator 1 * 1a * 1b. Next, the configuration will be described with reference to FIG. Here, in order to distinguish from the above-described ion generators 1, 1 a, 1 b, the ion generator of FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating a schematic configuration around the storage unit 95 of the ion generator 1c. The storage unit 95 is the same as the storage unit (not shown) described in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a case where the storage unit 95 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) will be described as an example. However, the type of the storage unit 95 is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the ion generator 1c, the storage unit 95 and the control unit 40 are connected by a first signal line 96a and a second signal line 96b, respectively. As an example, the first signal line 96a is an SDA (Serial Data Line), and the second signal line 96b is an SCL (Serial Clock Line, clock signal line).

  However, the types of signal lines connecting the storage unit 95 and the control unit 40 are not limited to these. Further, the signal line only needs to be connected to the control unit 40. That is, the signal line may be a signal line that connects the control unit 40 to a member other than the storage unit 95.

  In the ion generator 1c, the signal line is provided so as to be easily affected by discharge noise. For example, the first signal line 96a is provided so that at least a part of the first signal line 96a is positioned in the vicinity of the first discharge electrode 12a. Accordingly, the first signal line 96a is easily affected by discharge noise (discharge noise when negative ions are generated) generated in the first discharge electrode 12a.

  The second signal line 96b is provided so that at least a part of the second signal line 96b is positioned in the vicinity of the second discharge electrode 12b. Accordingly, the second signal line 96b is easily affected by discharge noise (discharge noise when positive ions are generated) generated in the second discharge electrode 12b.

  Thus, by providing the signal line near the discharge electrode, when discharge noise occurs (when ions are generated), the discharge noise causes pulse noise (hereinafter referred to as signal noise). Is induced).

(First configuration example)
By the way, the microprocessor is generally provided with an event counter (pulse counting unit) that counts the number of input signals (pulse signals) having a predetermined intensity. Therefore, as described below, the control unit 40 is provided with a pulse counting unit, and the presence or absence of discharge can be detected based on the number of pulses of signal noise counted by the pulse counting unit.

  First, when the ion generator 1c performs normal discharge for generating ions (hereinafter, normal discharge), the amplitude of the voltage V2 is sufficiently large. In the case of normal discharge, the intensity of discharge noise is sufficiently large, and the number of signal noise pulses also increases. Therefore, for example, when the number of signal noise pulses counted by the pulse counting unit is larger than a predetermined number, the control unit 40 may determine that normal discharge has occurred.

  Moreover, in the ion generator 1c, when the discharge is stopped in order to stop the generation of ions, the intensity of the discharge noise becomes zero. For this reason, the number of signal noise pulses is also zero. Therefore, for example, when the number of signal noise pulses counted by the pulse counting unit is 0, the control unit 40 may determine that no discharge has occurred.

  Further, when the amplitude value of the voltage V2 becomes smaller than that in the normal discharge due to some abnormality, a discharge having a smaller intensity than the normal discharge (hereinafter, abnormal discharge) occurs. In the case of abnormal discharge, the number of ions generated is smaller than that in normal discharge.

  In the case of abnormal discharge, the intensity of the discharge noise is smaller than that in the case of normal discharge, so the number of signal noise pulses is also reduced. Therefore, for example, when the number of signal noise pulses counted by the pulse counting unit is (i) greater than 0 and (ii) not more than the predetermined number, the control unit 40 detects abnormal discharge. You may determine that it has occurred.

(Second configuration example)
Further, in order to facilitate calculation, a microprocessor is generally provided with an AD conversion unit that performs AD (Analog-Digital) conversion on an input signal. Therefore, as described below, an AD conversion unit is provided in the control unit 40, and it is also possible to detect the presence or absence of discharge based on a result (AD conversion value) obtained by converting signal noise that is an analog signal by the AD conversion unit. it can.

  First, in the case of the normal discharge described above, since the intensity of signal noise is large, the AD conversion value also becomes large. Therefore, for example, when the AD conversion value is larger than a predetermined value, the control unit 40 may determine that normal discharge has occurred.

  When the discharge is stopped, the signal noise intensity is also zero. Therefore, for example, when the AD conversion value is 0, the control unit 40 may determine that no discharge has occurred.

  In the case of abnormal discharge, the intensity of signal noise is less than in the case of normal discharge. Therefore, for example, the control unit 40 may determine that an abnormal discharge has occurred when the AD conversion value is (i) larger than 0 and (ii) not more than the predetermined value. .

(Effect of ion generator 1c)
According to the ion generator 1c, discharge can be detected using noise (signal noise) generated in a signal line for connecting the control unit 40 to another member. That is, discharge (in other words, ions) can be detected without providing the ion detection circuit 50 and the collection electrode 55.

  By the way, in the above-mentioned ion generator 1, in order to detect ion suitably, the collection electrode 55 is used as the air path of the ion generator 1 (the ions generated inside the ion generator 1 are converted into the ion generator 1). It is conceivable that it is provided in the vicinity of a ventilation path for sending out the outside of the air. However, the member provided in the vicinity of the air passage is easily affected by the wind or the external environment and tends to deteriorate. For this reason, the collection electrode 55 may deteriorate, and the ion detection performance in the ion detection circuit 50 may deteriorate.

  However, according to the ion generator 1c, since it is not necessary to provide the collection electrode 55 in the air passage, it is possible to avoid a decrease in ion detection performance due to the deterioration of the collection electrode 55. Therefore, the reliability of ion detection can be improved.

  Moreover, since the collection electrode 55 does not exist in the air passage of the ion generator 1c, ions generated inside the ion generator 1c are more efficiently delivered to the outside of the ion generator 1. You can also. That is, since the decrease in the amount of ions due to the presence of the collecting electrode 55 can be prevented, there is also an advantage that the ion generation efficiency is improved.

  As described above, in the ion generator 1c, the first signal line 96a is provided so as to be easily affected by the discharge noise generated in the first discharge electrode 12a. Therefore, negative ions can be detected based on the signal noise generated on the first signal line 96a. Similarly, positive ions can be detected based on signal noise generated on the second signal line 96b. That is, positive and negative ions can be detected.

  The signal line that is the target for generating signal noise may be a signal line that is newly added to the ion generator, but is more preferably a signal line that is provided in advance in the ion generator. . This is because, by using a signal line provided in advance in the ion generator, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of changing the design of the ion generator.

  For example, in a general ion generator, when discharge occurs (when ions are generated), signals are not input / output to / from SDA and SCL in order to prevent communication abnormality between the control unit 40 and the storage unit 95. That is, SDA and SCL are signal lines that are not used when a discharge occurs.

  Therefore, the inventor of the present application has newly conceived a technical idea that the SDA and SCL are further used as signal lines for generating signal noise during a period when the SDA and SCL are not used (when a discharge occurs). did. As a result, in the ion generator 1c, SDA and SCL are used as the first signal line 96a and the second signal line 96b, respectively, for the purpose of reducing the effort of changing the design of the ion generator. .

[Example of software implementation]
The control blocks (particularly the control unit 40) of the ion generators 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be a CPU (Central Processing). Unit) and may be realized by software.

  In the latter case, the ion generators 1, 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c have a CPU that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function, and the program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by a computer (or CPU). A ROM (Read Only Memory) or a storage device (these are referred to as “recording media”), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program, and the like are provided. And the objective of this invention is achieved when a computer (or CPU) reads the said program from the said recording medium and runs it. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary]
The ion generator (1) according to the first aspect of the present invention generates ions between the discharge electrode (for example, the first discharge electrode 12a) and the counter electrode (14) facing the discharge electrode, thereby generating ions. The ion generation device includes a detection electrode (collection electrode 55) for detecting discharge noise generated by the discharge, and the counter electrode has a potential of the counter electrode in a float state. Is arranged.

  As described above, in some ion generators, for the purpose of facilitating the design of the ion generator, an ion detector that detects the generation of ions (in other words, discharge) is provided inside the ion generator. It was provided. In such an ion generator, the counter electrode is grounded.

  However, the inventors of the present application have found that in such an ion generator, the counter electrode is grounded, which causes a problem that the balance (charge balance) of ions generated in the ion generator tends to be lost. It was.

  On the other hand, the inventors of the present application have found that the charge balance can be prevented from being lost by setting the potential of the counter electrode to a floating state (not grounding the counter electrode). Therefore, according to the above configuration, an ion detection unit (for example, the ion detection circuit 50 in FIG. 1) that detects ions based on an output signal output from the detection electrode is provided inside the ion generator. However, it is possible to suppress the collapse of the charge balance.

  That is, it becomes possible to achieve both the simplification of the design of the ion generator and the improvement of the reliability of the ion generator. Thus, according to the ion generator which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention, there exists an effect that it becomes possible to detect ion more efficiently than before.

  In the ion generator according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the aspect 1, it is preferable that the detection electrode is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge electrode or the counter electrode.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect that it becomes possible to detect discharge noise more reliably by a detection electrode.

  The ion generator which concerns on aspect 3 of this invention is the said aspect 1 or 2, The transformer (31) which transforms the voltage input into the primary side wiring (31a), and outputs it to a secondary side wiring (31b) in the said aspect 1 or 2 Further, the secondary wiring is connected to the discharge electrode, and the transformer is shielded by a shielding member (metal plate 35) that prevents leakage of electromagnetic noise generated during operation of the transformer. It is preferable.

  As described above, a transformer is a member that generates a considerably large electromagnetic noise during operation (during transformation) among electrical members provided in an ion generator. So, according to said structure, it can prevent leaking out the electromagnetic noise emitted from a transformer outside the shielding member.

  Further, considering that discharge noise is noise generated on the secondary side of the transformer, it can be said that it is particularly preferable to reduce the influence of noise generated on the primary side of the transformer. So, according to said structure, the influence which the electromagnetic noise generate | occur | produced in the primary side of a transformer has on the detection result of discharge noise can be reduced. Thus, by providing a shielding member, there is an effect that discharge noise can be detected more reliably.

  The ion generator which concerns on aspect 4 of this invention is an ion generator which produces | generates an ion by producing discharge between a discharge electrode and the counter electrode which opposes the said discharge electrode, Comprising: The discharge produced by the said discharge A detection electrode for detecting noise is provided, and an insulator (56) is provided on the surface of the detection electrode.

  As described above, in some ion generators, the humidity sensor for detecting the ambient humidity is provided as a member (hardware element) separate from the ion detector. Therefore, there is a problem that the ion generator is increased in size by providing the humidity sensor.

  On the other hand, as described above, when an insulator is provided on the surface of the detection electrode, the higher the ambient humidity, the easier the moisture adheres to the surface of the insulator, so the capacitance of the insulator increases. To do. For this reason, the higher the humidity, the greater the amount of change in the detection signal when ion generation is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to estimate an approximate value of the humidity based on the temporal change of the detection signal when the ion generation is stopped.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, in the ion generation device, it is not necessary to provide the humidity sensor as a separate member from the ion detection unit. Therefore, the ion generation device having the humidity detection function is made smaller than before. be able to. Thus, according to the ion generator which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention, there exists an effect that it becomes possible to detect ion more efficiently than before.

An air conditioner (100) according to Aspect 5 of the present invention is an air conditioner including the ion generator according to Aspect 4, wherein the ion generation by the ion generator is stopped during the period. A humidity estimation unit (41) that calculates a humidity estimated value that is an estimated value of the humidity around the ion generating device based on a temporal change in a detection signal output from the detection electrode;
A cleaning control unit (filter cleaning determination unit 42) for controlling the automatic cleaning operation of the filter of the air conditioner, wherein the cleaning control unit is configured such that the estimated humidity value is (i) a first threshold value. When it exceeds, or (ii) when it is less than the 2nd threshold value which is a threshold value smaller than the said 1st threshold value, it is preferable to control an air conditioner so that the said automatic cleaning is not started.

  As described above, in the conventional air conditioner, it is common that the automatic cleaning of the filter is performed when the operation time becomes a predetermined time or more regardless of the ambient humidity. However, when the ambient humidity is high or low, there arises a problem that the cleaning efficiency of the filter is lowered.

On the other hand, according to the above configuration, in the cleaning control unit, the humidity estimation value calculated by the humidity estimation unit exceeds (i) the first threshold (eg, humidity 80%, humidity corresponding to high humidity). Or (ii) below a second threshold (eg humidity 20%, humidity corresponding to low humidity)
Even when the operation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the air conditioner is not allowed to start automatic cleaning of the filter.

  Therefore, according to the air conditioner which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention, automatic cleaning of a filter can be performed only within the range of humidity (normal humidity) with high cleaning efficiency of a filter. For this reason, there exists an effect that it becomes possible to perform automatic cleaning of a filter more efficiently than before.

[Additional Notes]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

1, 1a, 1b, 1c Ion generator 12a First discharge electrode (discharge electrode)
12b Second discharge electrode (discharge electrode)
14 Counter electrode 31a Primary side wiring 31b Secondary side wiring 35 Metal plate (shielding member)
41 Humidity estimation unit 42 Filter cleaning determination unit (cleaning control unit)
55 Collection electrode (detection electrode)
100 air conditioner

Claims (5)

An ion generator that generates ions by generating a discharge between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode facing the discharge electrode,
It has a detection electrode for detecting discharge noise caused by the discharge,
The ion generator, wherein the counter electrode is arranged so that a potential of the counter electrode is in a float state.   The ion generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection electrode is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge electrode or the counter electrode. A transformer that transforms the voltage input to the primary side wiring and outputs it to the secondary side wiring;
The secondary side wiring is connected to the discharge electrode,
The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the transformer is shielded by a shielding member that prevents leakage of electromagnetic noise generated during operation of the transformer. An ion generator that generates ions by generating a discharge between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode facing the discharge electrode,
It has a detection electrode for detecting discharge noise caused by the discharge,
An ion generator, wherein an insulator is provided on a surface of the detection electrode. An air conditioner comprising the ion generator according to claim 4,
Based on a temporal change in the detection signal output from the detection electrode during a period in which the generation of the ions by the ion generation device is stopped, a humidity estimation value that is an estimation value of the humidity around the ion generation device A humidity estimation unit for calculating
A cleaning control unit that controls the automatic cleaning operation of the filter of the air conditioner,
The cleaning control unit, when the humidity estimated value exceeds (i) a first threshold, or (ii) a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, An air conditioner that controls the air conditioner so as not to perform the automatic cleaning.

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