JP4728415B2 - Ion generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ion generator having a function of detecting generated ions.

  In recent years, a technique for purifying air in a living space by charging water molecules in the air with positive (plus) and / or negative (minus) ions has been actively used. For example, in an ion generator such as an air purifier, an ion generator that generates positive ions and negative ions is disposed in the middle of an internal air passage so that the generated ions are discharged together with air into an external space. It has become.

  Ions that charge water molecules in clean air inactivate suspended particles in the living space, kill suspended bacteria, and denature odor components. Therefore, the air in the entire living space is cleaned.

  A standard ion generator generates a corona discharge by applying a high-voltage alternating current drive voltage between a needle electrode and a counter electrode, or between a discharge electrode and a dielectric electrode, thereby generating positive ions and negative ions. Is generated.

  When the ion generator is operated for a long time, 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 it is inevitable that the amount of ions generated decreases.

  In the ion generator described in Patent Document 1, the presence or absence of ions is detected, and when it is detected that no ions are generated, the user is informed that the ion generator needs to be maintained. To do. Here, the ion generator is provided with an ion detector in order to detect whether or not ions are generated. An ion detector is provided so that it may face a ventilation path with an ion generator, an ion generator is arrange | positioned upstream with respect to the ventilation direction, and an ion detector is arrange | positioned downstream.

JP 2007-114177 A

  As described above, ion detectors are indispensable for ion generators. And an ion generator and an ion detector are arranged side by side along a ventilation direction in a ventilation path. By the way, in order to reduce the size of the ion generator, it is essential to reduce the size of the air passage. However, if the arrangement as described above is used, the air passage becomes longer, and the size reduction of the air passage is hindered.

  Further, positive ions and negative ions generated from the ion generator flow toward the ion detector in the lee by the wind from the blower. The ion detector collects and detects either positive ions or negative ions. However, since ions passing through the ion detector pass at a certain speed, it is difficult to capture the ions with the ion detector. for that reason. Even though ions are sufficiently generated, the ion detector may detect a small number of ions and erroneously detect that no ions are generated. In addition, the ion detector collects not only one ion but also the other ion, resulting in poor ion detection accuracy and erroneous detection.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an ion generation apparatus that can reliably detect the presence or absence of ion generation while reducing the size of the apparatus.

  The present invention includes an ion generator that generates ions and an ion detector that detects the generated ions, and an air passage for blowing out the generated ions from the air outlet is formed, with the air passage interposed therebetween. An ion generator and an ion detector are arranged to face each other.

An ion generator is disposed facing the air passage, and an ion detector is disposed relative to the ion generator so as to detect ions generated from the ion generator across the air passage. The ion generator and the ion detector are opposed to each other and are not arranged side by side along the blowing direction in the blowing path. For this reason, even if an ion detector is provided, the air passage does not become long.

  An ion generator and an ion detector are provided at the narrowest position of the air passage. The ions generated from the ion generator fill a narrow space in the air passage, so that a high concentration of ions reaches the ion detector and can be detected reliably.

  Wall facing the ion generator so that the ion generator is mounted on one wall facing the air flow path, the ion detector is mounted on the other wall, and the wall facing the ion generator does not hinder ion generation Is defined. If the wall of the air flow path facing the ion generator is too close, it will adversely affect the discharge at the ion generator. However, by setting this distance to an appropriate distance, the opposing walls do not adversely affect the discharge, and the ions are distributed at a high concentration even when detecting ions, so that the generated ions can be reliably detected. It can be detected.

  The ion generator has a pair of discharge electrodes arranged at intervals, and one of positive ions and negative ions is generated from one discharge electrode, and the other ion is the other discharge electrode. Arising from. The ion detector collects and detects either positive ions or negative ions, and a part of the ion detector's collection surface protects the other ions from being collected. Covered with The protector is provided to face the discharge electrode that generates the other ion. When the protector collects the other ion, the other ion is less likely to adhere to the collecting surface. On the collection surface, one ion is collected intensively.

  According to the present invention, since the ion generator and the ion detector are arranged to face each other with the air passage interposed therebetween, the air passage is not lengthened and the air passage can be miniaturized. Moreover, since the ion generator and the ion detector are provided at the narrowest position of the air passage, they can be mounted using the space generated by narrowing the air passage, Miniaturization can be achieved. In addition, since the ion detector is positioned near the ions generated from the ion generator, the generated ions can be reliably detected.

Sectional view of the ion generator of the present invention Block diagram showing schematic configuration of ion generator Front view of ion generator Cross section of ion generator Front view of ion detector collection surface Diagram showing change in output voltage of ion detector Flowchart of determination by mode 1 Flow chart for determination in normal mode Flowchart of determination by mode 2 Flowchart of determination by mode 3 Flowchart of determination by mode 4 Flowchart of determination in mode 5 Operation flowchart of ion generator for each mode Blower operation flowchart for each mode

  The ion generator of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The ion generator includes an ion generator 1 that generates ions, a blower 2 for blowing out the generated ions, and an ion detector 3 that detects the generated ions. These are housed in the main body case 4. And the ion generator is provided with the control part 5 which drives and controls the ion generator 1 and the air blower 2, as shown in FIG. The control unit 5 composed of a microcomputer executes ion detection by the ion detector 3 and determines whether or not ions are generated.

  The blower outlet 10 is formed in the upper surface of the main body case 4, and the cover 11 is provided in the back surface of the main body case 4 so that attachment or detachment is possible. A suction port 12 with a filter is formed in the cover 11, and a suction port 13 is also formed in the lower part of the back surface of the main body case 4. The blower 2 is provided at the lower part of the main body case 4, and the duct 14 is provided between the blower 2 and the outlet 10. A blower passage 15 from the blower 2 toward the blower outlet 10 is formed, and the inside of the duct 14 is a blower passage 15.

  The duct 14 is formed in a rectangular tube shape, and the upper and lower sides are wide and the middle part is narrow. The outlet at the upper end of the duct 14 communicates with the air outlet 10. A louver 16 is detachably provided at the air outlet 10. The ion generator 1 and the ion detector 3 are provided in the duct 14 and face the air blowing path 15. The ion generator 1 and the ion detector 3 are located in an intermediate portion where the air passage 15 is the narrowest, and are arranged to face each other. That is, the ion generator 1 and the ion detector 3 are provided in a space generated by narrowing the width of the duct 14. Thereby, the space in the main body case 4 can be used effectively, and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size.

  The blower 2 communicates with the lower end of the duct 14. The blower 2 is a sirocco fan, a fan 21 is rotatably mounted in a fan casing 20, and the fan 21 is rotated by a fan motor 22. The fan casing 20 is attached to the main body case 4. A fan air outlet 23 is formed in the upper part of the fan casing 20, the fan air outlet 23 is connected to the inlet of the duct 14, and the fan air outlet 23 communicates with the air passage 15. The air sucked from the suction ports 12 and 13 by the blower 2 passes through the blower passage 15 from the lower side toward the upper side, and the air accompanied by the ions generated from the ion generator 1 is blown out from the blower outlet 10. The wind flows from the lower side to the upper side through the air blowing path 15, and this direction is the blowing direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ion generator 1 includes a discharge electrode 30 and an induction electrode 31, and a housing case 32 that houses them. 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. The discharge electrode 30 and the induction electrode 31 are provided in a pair on the left and right sides, arranged in the left-right direction orthogonal to the blowing direction, and two sets of the electrodes 30, 31 are mounted on the support substrate 33 with a space therebetween. One discharge electrode 30 is for generating positive ions, and the other discharge electrode 30 is for generating negative ions.

  A support substrate 33 on which the electrodes 30 and 31 are mounted is housed in a housing case 32. Two through holes 34 are formed in the front surface of the housing case 32, and the discharge electrode 30 faces the through hole 34. The discharge electrode 30 is located at the center of the through hole 34. Further, a high voltage generation circuit 35 for applying a high voltage to each discharge electrode 30 is provided and connected to the control unit 5. The discharge electrode 30, the induction electrode 31 and the high voltage generation circuit 35 are unitized, and the ion generation unit 36 is detachably mounted in the housing case 32. A pin connector 37 is provided on the front surface of the housing case 32 and is connected to the socket 38 on the main body case 4 side. 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.

  The housing case 32 is detachable from the main body case 4. An insertion port 39 is formed on the back surface of the main body case 4, and the housing case 32 is inserted and removed from the insertion port 39 in a state where the cover 11 is removed. When the storage case 32 is inserted into the insertion port 39, the storage case 32 is mounted by the claws formed in the storage case 32 being caught by the elastic cutout formed in the main body case 4. When the generation window 40 is formed on the wall on the back side of the duct 14 and the storage case 32 is attached, the storage case 32 is fitted into the generation window 40. The front surface of the housing case 32 is exposed to the air blowing path 15.

  On the front surface of the housing case 32, arch-shaped guard ribs 41 are provided for the respective through holes 34. The guard rib 41 straddles the through hole 34. Thereby, it can prevent that a user touches the discharge electrode 30 directly. When the ion generator 1 is attached to the main body case 4, the guard rib 41 protrudes into the air blowing path 15 and is arranged in parallel with the air blowing direction.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 3, the left and right guard ribs 41 have different positions with respect to the through hole 34. In the blower 2, since the suction direction and the blowout direction are different, the air blown out from the blower 2 is shifted in the left-right direction, and the wind toward one of the discharge electrodes 30 increases, and the generated positive ions and negative ions The ion balance of ions is broken. Therefore, the guard rib 41 on the side where the wind increases is positioned closer to the center, and the guard rib 41 on the side where the wind is lower is positioned closer to the outside. As a result, on the wind increasing side, the guard rib 41 blocks a part of the wind passing through the front of the through hole 34, thereby reducing the influence of the deviation of the wind and maintaining the left and right ion balance.

  When the user strongly pulls out the housing case 32 from the main body case 4, the notch is deformed, the claws are removed, and the housing case 32 is taken out from the main body case 4. The storage case 32 can be opened and closed, and the ion generation unit 36 can be taken out by opening the storage case 32. Thus, the ion generator 1 can be handled as a cartridge. For example, when the ion generator 1 reaches the end of its life, it may be replaced with a new cartridge. If the old cartridge is disassembled and the ion generation unit 1 is maintained, the cartridge can be regenerated and can be reused.

  The ion detector 3 includes a collection body 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. As shown in FIG. 5, the conductive collection body 42 is a collection electrode 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 collector 42 and the ion detection circuit 43 are electrically connected within the substrate 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. For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-114177, the ion detection circuit 43 includes a rectifying diode, a p-MOS type FET, and the like. The ion detector 3 detects either positive ions or negative ions. When the collector 42 collects one of the generated ions, the potential of the collector 42 increases. The potential increases according to the amount of ions collected. The ion detection circuit 43 A / D-converts the output voltage corresponding to this potential and outputs it to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 makes a determination regarding the generation of ions based on the input value from the ion detector 3.

  The ion detector 3 is provided in the air passage 15. That is, the circuit board 44 is fitted into the detection window 45 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 is opposed to the front surface of the ion generator 3 with the air passage 15 interposed therebetween. And the collection body 42 is offset and arrange | positioned to the one side of the left-right direction. The collector 42 is positioned in front of the discharge electrode 30 that generates one ion, and is not positioned in front of the other discharge electrode 30. Thereby, the collector 42 can collect one ion intensively.

  Positive ions and negative ions are generated from the ion generator 1. The ion detector 3 may collect not only one ion to be collected but also the other ion. In order to prevent this collection, the ion detector 3 is provided with a protector 46. The protective plate 46 made of a metal plate is provided on the front surface of the circuit board 44 so as to cover a part thereof. The protector 46 is disposed to face the other discharge electrode 30 that generates ions having a polarity opposite to that of the ions to be collected. The collector 42 and the protector 46 are electrically insulated. Ions generated from the other discharge electrode 30 are collected by the protector 46, ions directed to the collector 42 are reduced, and ions of opposite polarity can be prevented from being collected by the collector 42.

  The size of the collection body 42 is larger than the size of the protection body 46. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the arrangement of the collector 42 is determined so as to face the discharge electrode 30 on the left side in the drawing. That is, the ion detector 3 is disposed closer to the one discharge electrode 30 that generates ions to be collected than the ion generator 1. By doing in this way, more desired ions can be collected and the accuracy of ion detection can be improved. Furthermore, since the guard rib 41 is arranged so as to be shifted from the center of the discharge electrode 30, the generation and diffusion of ions are not disturbed, and the collector 42 can reliably collect the generated ions.

  Here, the interval between the ion generator 1 and the ion detector 3 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, the ions spread toward the opposite ion detector 3, and high-concentration ions are distributed in a dome shape around the tip of the discharge electrode 30. If the wall of the duct 14 or the ion detector 3 facing the tip of the discharge electrode 30 is too close, a discharge occurs between the discharge electrode 30 and the discharge electrode 30. The discharge becomes unstable and the discharge does not continue. Therefore, the distance from the front surface of the ion generator 1 to the front surface of the ion detector 3 is set to a predetermined distance, for example, 10 mm or more so that the wall of the duct 14 and the ion detector 3 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 the ion having the highest concentration immediately after generation exists between the ion generator 1 and the ion detector 3, the generation of ions can be accurately detected.

  An operation panel 50 is provided on the upper surface of the main body case 4, and the operation panel 50 includes an operation unit 51 having an operation switch and the like and a display unit 52. When the operation switch is operated, the control unit 5 drives the ion generator 1 and the blower 2 and operates the display unit 52 to display that it is in operation. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 53 denotes a rewritable nonvolatile storage element such as an EEPROM, which stores information related to the ion generator 1.

  When the ion generator is operated, positive ions are generated from one discharge electrode 30 of the ion generator 1 and negative ions are generated from the other discharge electrode 30. The generated ions are conveyed to the wind blown from below by the blower 2 and blown out from the blower outlet 10. The released ions decompose and remove floating fungi and viruses in the air.

  When the ion generator is used for a long period of time, the discharge electrode 30 deteriorates, or dust adheres to each of the electrodes 30 and 31, resulting in unstable discharge. The generated ions are reduced and the above effect cannot be obtained. Therefore, the control unit 5 of the ion generating apparatus accumulates the operation time, and when the total operation time reaches a replacement notice time, for example, 17500 hours, performs a display prompting replacement of the ion generator 1. Although the operation is continued after that, when the total operation time reaches an exchange time, for example, 19000 hours, the control unit 5 determines that the ion generator 1 has reached the end of its life, stops the operation, and notifies the exchange. To do.

  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 1 may reach the end of its life before the above time has elapsed. When the ion generator 1 reaches the end of its life, the amount of ions generated is reduced or ions are not generated. The ion detector 3 detects the generation of ions, and the control unit 5 determines the presence or absence of ion generation based on the input value from the ion generator 1. And if the control part 5 determines with no generation | occurrence | production of ion, it will stop a driving | operation and will display so that the ion generator 1 may be replaced | exchanged.

  When executing the ion detection, the controller 5 turns on the ion generator 1 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 3 detects ions. The output voltage from the ion detector 3 at this time is shown in FIG. Since ions are generated when the ion generator 1 is on, the output voltage rises and saturates to a constant voltage. When the ion generator 1 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 3 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. The threshold value is 0.5V. This value is based on the output voltage from the ion detector 3 when the ion generator 1 is turned on and 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.

  The determination of ion generation is first performed at the start of operation. During operation, determination is performed 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 performs determination 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 is stopped.

  When the operation is started as described above, the control unit 5 determines whether to generate ions a plurality of times. First, at the start of operation, the control unit 5 performs determination according to mode 1. As shown in FIG. 7, in mode 1, the ion determination time is set to 2 seconds, which is the minimum time, and the control unit 5 stops the blower 2 and turns on the ion generator 1 for 1 second / off for 1 second. Detection is performed, and the presence or absence of ion generation is determined based on the sensor input. Then, after the determination is completed, the control unit 5 drives the blower 2.

  Thus, at the start of operation, the blower 2 is not driven, and only the ion generator 1 is driven, so that the generated ions are not caused to flow between the ion generator 1 and the ion detector 3 without being blown by the wind. Fill the narrow space. That is, since the ion generator 1 and the ion detector 3 are disposed to face each other, the generated ions reach the ion detector 3 without driving the blower. The ion detector 3 can reliably collect the generated ions. Therefore, if ions are generated, they are always collected, so that an erroneous determination that no ions are generated can be prevented. Moreover, since the ion determination time is short, the blower 2 is driven immediately, and the user does not feel uncomfortable in driving.

  When the control unit 5 determines in the mode 1 that ions are generated, the control unit 5 shifts to a normal mode in which the determination of ion generation is not performed. The control unit 5 checks whether the error counter is 0. When the occurrence of ions is detected, the error counter is reset to zero.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the normal mode, the operation is performed for a predetermined time, for example, 3 hours, without determining the generation of ions. When 3 hours have elapsed, the control unit 5 performs the determination in mode 2. As shown in FIG. 9, in mode 2, the ion determination time is set longer, and while the blower 2 is driven, the ion generator 1 is turned on for 10 seconds / 10 seconds and the ion determination time is 1 minute. Then, ion detection is performed to determine whether or not ions are generated. Although it is turned on and off three times per minute, it may be judged once based on the difference between the maximum input value and the minimum input value per minute, or the maximum input per one on / off. A total of three determinations may be made based on the difference between the value and the minimum input value.

  Further, when it is determined in mode 1 that no ions are generated, the control unit 5 performs determination in mode 2 as the next determination. At this time, the start of mode 2 is performed immediately after the determination in mode 1. Alternatively, it may be performed after about several seconds.

  If the controller 5 determines in the mode 2 that ions are generated, the controller 5 resets the error counter and executes the normal mode. After the elapse of 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, the control unit 5 performs the determination in the mode 3 immediately or within a short time. As shown in FIG. 10, in mode 3, the ion determination time is set to be short, and while the blower 2 is driven, the ion generator 1 is turned on for 1 second / off for 1 second, and the ion determination time for 10 seconds. Then, ion detection is performed to determine whether or not ions are generated. 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 control unit 5 determines in the mode 3 that ions are generated, the control unit 5 resets the error counter and executes the normal mode. After the elapse of 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, the controller 5 checks whether the error counter is less than a predetermined number of times, for example, less than 60 times. When the error counter is less than 60 times, the control unit 5 increments the error counter by one. When the error counter is less than 60 times, the control unit 5 executes the normal mode, and performs the determination in mode 2 after 3 hours. The predetermined number of error counters may be set as appropriate.

  When the error counter is 60 times or more, the control unit 5 performs the determination in mode 4. As shown in FIG. 11, in mode 4, the ion determination time is set longer, the blower 2 is stopped, the ion generator 1 is turned on for 10 seconds / 10 seconds, and the ion determination time is 1 minute. Then, ion detection is performed, and whether or not ions are generated is determined in the same manner as described above. If the controller 5 determines in the mode 4 that ions are generated, the controller 5 resets the error counter and executes the normal mode. After the elapse of 3 hours, the control unit 5 performs the determination in the mode 2 again. When the control unit 5 determines in the mode 4 that no ions are generated, the control unit 5 performs the determination in the mode 5 immediately or in a short time.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in mode 5, the ion determination time is set short, the blower 2 is stopped, the ion generator 1 is turned on for 1 second / off for 1 second, and the ion determination time for 10 seconds. Then, ion detection is performed to determine whether or not ions are generated. If the control unit 5 determines in the mode 5 that ions are generated, the control unit 5 resets the error counter and executes the normal mode. After the elapse of 3 hours, the control unit 5 performs the determination in the mode 2 again. When the control unit 5 determines in the mode 5 that no ions are generated, it determines that an ion generation error has occurred. Then, the control unit 5 immediately stops all loads, stops the operation, and operates the display unit 52 to display an error.

  As described above, the control unit 5 controls the driving of the blower 2 and the ion generator 1 in accordance with the mode to be executed during operation including the time of determination of ion generation. As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 5 determines a mode to be executed when controlling the high voltage generation circuit 35 of the ion generator 1. In the normal mode, modes 1, 3, and 5, the high voltage generation circuit 35 is driven and controlled with 1 second on / 1 second off. The control unit 5 switches the 1-second flag to 0 or 1 every second, and when the 1-second flag is 1, outputs an ON signal to the high voltage generation circuit 35 to generate ions. When the 1-second flag is 0, an off signal is output to the high voltage generation circuit 35, and ions are not generated. In modes 2 and 4, the high voltage generation circuit 35 is driven and controlled for 10 seconds on / 10 seconds off. The controller 5 switches the 10-second flag to 0 or 1 every 10 seconds, and when the 10-second flag is 1, outputs an ON signal to the high voltage generation circuit 35 to generate ions. When the 10-second flag is 0, an off signal is output to the high voltage generation circuit 35, and ions are not generated.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 5 determines a mode to be executed when controlling the blower 2. In modes 1, 4, and 5, the control unit 5 outputs an off signal to the fan motor 22 and stops the blower 2. In the normal mode and modes 2 and 3, the control unit 5 outputs an ON signal to the fan motor 22 to operate the blower 2.

  As described above, when determining whether or not ions are generated, by stopping the blower 2 even during operation, if ions are generated, ions are not blown out, so that ions are reliably detected. can do. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate an erroneous determination that ions are not generated. In addition, by detecting the generation of ions at the start of operation, it is possible to quickly detect an abnormality, and by performing subsequent detection, the abnormality can be confirmed and the determination accuracy can be improved.

  By the way, if an ion generation error occurs in the ion generator, the ion generator cannot be operated. The user removes the ion generator 1 from the main body case 4 and installs a new ion generator 1. Since the old ion generator 1 can be disassembled, the ion generator 1 can be regenerated and used by removing the ion generation unit 36 and performing maintenance such as cleaning of the discharge electrode 30.

  Therefore, a storage element 53 is provided in the ion generation unit 36 of the ion generator 1. The storage element 53 stores maintenance information such as identification information and the number of times of recycling. An information processing apparatus such as a personal computer writes the information in the storage element 53 and reads the information. Then, when the regenerated ion generator 1 is attached to the main body case 4, the control unit 5 determines the suitability of the ion generator 1. That is, the control unit 5 reads identification information from the storage element 53 of the ion generator 1. Identification information of a plurality of usable ion generators 1 is registered in advance in the memory, and the control unit 5 collates the read identification information with the registered identification information. If the identification information matches, the control unit 5 recognizes that the ion generator 1 is normal and allows the operation of the ion generator 1. When the identification information does not match, it is determined that the product is not a genuine product, and the operation of the ion generator 1 is prohibited. As a result, only a genuine product of the ion generator 1 can be used, and a poor imitation product can be eliminated, and the function of the ion generator can be maintained.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, many corrections and changes can be added to the said embodiment within the scope of the present invention. An IC tag may be used as a memory element provided in the ion generator.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ion generator 2 Blower 3 Ion detector 4 Main body case 5 Control part 10 Outlet 14 Duct 15 Air flow path 20 Fan casing 21 Fan 22 Fan motor 30 Discharge electrode 31 Dielectric electrode 32 Housing case 34 Through-hole 35 High voltage generation circuit 41 Guard rib 42 Collector 43 Ion detection circuit 46 Protective body

Claims (5)

An ion generator for generating ions, an ion detector for detecting the generated ions, the generated ions are air flow passage formation for blown to the outside from the air outlet, the ion generating facing the air passage An ion generator, wherein the ion detector is disposed relative to the ion generator so as to be able to detect ions generated from the ion generator across the air passage . The ion generator according to claim 1 , further comprising a blower that blows air in the air passage, wherein the blower is stopped when the ion detector detects ions. Wall facing the ion generator so that the ion generator is mounted on one wall facing the air flow path, the ion detector is mounted on the other wall, and the wall facing the ion generator does not hinder ion generation The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein an interval between the first and second electrodes is defined. The ion generator has a pair of discharge electrodes arranged at intervals, and one of positive ions and negative ions is generated from one discharge electrode, and the other ion is the other discharge electrode. The ion detector collects and detects any one of positive ions and negative ions, and a part of the collection surface of the ion detector prevents collection of the other ions. The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the ion generator is covered with a protective body. The ion generator according to claim 4, wherein the protector is provided to face the discharge electrode that generates the other ion.

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