Description

ION GENERATING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an ion generating apparatus for a vehicle.

Background Art

It has been known that minus ions have the effect of relaxing a human mind, making hair lustrous and smooth, and moisturizing skin by direct contact. Plus ions have a disinfecting effect.

It is also known that a minus ion generator is installed in the ceiling of a vehicle, such as an automobile, and emits minus ions into the interior of the vehicle, as shown in Patent Document 1.

The potential [electric potential] of a passenger in a vehicle, on the other hand, who is electrically insulated from outside the vehicle, is not determined. Therefore, when minus ions are emitted from an ion generator into the interior of the vehicle according to the prior art, if the passenger is plus-charged, then electric charges on the human body and

clothes of the passenger are neutralized by the minus ions that contact the human body and clothes, then the passenger becomes minus charged. In this state, the passenger and the minus ions generated from the ion generator become the husame polarity, so the minus ions generated by the ion generator are repelled from the passenger. Because of this, the generated minus ions are not attracted to or absorbed by the passenger, and a relaxing effect on the passenger or an effect to smooth the hair or moisturize the skin by the minus ions cannot be continuously expressed.

In the same way, if the passenger is minus-charged when plus ions are emitted from the ion generated into the interior of the vehicle, electric charges on the human body and clothes are neutralized by the ions that contact the human body and clothes, and then the passenger becomes plus-charged. In this state, the passenger and the plus ions generated from the ion generator become the same polarity, so the plus ions generated by the ion generator are repelled from the passenger. Because of this, electric charged corpuscle water containing many plus ions are not attracted to or absorbed by the passenger, and the disinfecting effect on viruses and germs adhering to the body and clothes of the passenger by the plus ions cannot be continuously expressed.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-220827

Disclosure of the Invention

With the foregoing in view, it is an object of the present invention to provide an ion generating apparatus for a vehicle which can continuously exhibit a relaxing effect, the effect of making hair lustrous and smooth, and the effect of moisturizing the skin of passengers in the vehicle, or can continuously exhibit a disinfecting effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram depicting an embodiment of a vehicle having an ion generating apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention;

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

Fig. 3 is a diagram depicting how the ions of the above mentioned vehicle are continuously attracted to and absorbed by a human body, which is an object;

Fig. 4 is a diagram depicting an example when the potential holding unit is installed in a seat belt portion of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a diagram depicting a general configuration of a vehicle in which the potential holding unit is installed in the seat portion of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a diagram depicting a general configuration of the above mentioned seat portion;

Figs. 7A and 7B are diagrams depicting an example when the potential holding unit is installed in an arm rest portion of the present invention, where Fig. 7A is a perspective view depicting an example when the armrest is fallen, and Fig. 7B is a perspective view depicting an example when the armrest portion is up;

Figs. 8A and 8B are diagrams depicting an example when an ion generator is installed in a headrest portion of the present invention, where Fig. 8A is a perspective view and Fig. 8B is a side view;

Figs. 9A and 9B are diagrams depicting an example when the ion generator is disposed in a back of the seat of the present invention, where Fig. 9A is a perspective view and Fig. 9B is a side view;

Figs. 1OA and 1OB are diagrams depicting an example when an emitting outlet of an ion generator is connected to an air duct of an air conditioner for a vehicle according to the present invention, where Fig. 1OA shows a general configuration, and Fig. 1OB is a diagram depicting how ions

are emitted from the outlet of the air duct attracted to and absorbed by the human body in contact with the steering wheel portion;

Fig. 11 is a block diagram depicting an example of functional modules of the ion generating apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a block diagram depicting an example of functional modules of a high voltage generation circuit installed in the ion generator; and

Fig. 13 is a block diagram depicting an example of functional modules of a voltage applying portion installed in the potential holding unit.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

Fig. 1 is a diagram depicting a vehicle 1, an automobile in this case, and an ion generating apparatus for a vehicle 2 is installed in the vehicle 1.

The ion generating apparatus for vehicle 2 has an ion generator 3, a potential holding unit 4, and a controller 200 (see Fig. 11) . Detailed configuration of the ion generator 3, potential unit 4 and controller 200 will be described herein

below .

The ion generator 3 generates air ions (minus air ions or plus air ions) by Corona discharge. The ion generator 3 has a needle electrode 5, a high voltage applying circuit 6 for applying high voltage to the needle electrode 5, and an emission outlet 19 for emitting ions, generated by applying high voltage to the needle electrode 5, into the interior Ia of the vehicle (see Fig. 11) .

In the case of generating minus air ions (hereafter minus ions), DC-5kV is applied to the needle electrode 5, and in the case of generating plus air ions (hereafter plus ions) , DC+5kV is applied to the needle electrode 5, for example.

The ion generator 3 having the above configuration emits ions in the interior Ia of the vehicle. This ion generator 3 is operated by turing a switch (e.g. ion generator driving switch SWl shown in Fig. 11) ON. An example of the switch to turn the ion generator 3 ON or OFF is a switch that turns ON by turning an ignition key IG of the vehicle 1 ON (see Fig. 11) , and turns OFF by turning an ignition key IG OFF. A switch which is independently operated manually from the operation of the ignition key IG may be used instead.

Fig. 1 shows an example when the ion generator 3 is installed in a ceiling portion 13 of the vehicle 1.

The potential holding unit 4 is installed in an on-

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

The potential at which ions are continually attracted to and absorbed by the passenger in contact with the on-vehicle component 8 can be a follow up potential, for example. That is, a potential at which the polarity is the opposite of the polarity of the ions. Or a potential of which polarity is the same as that of the ions, and which is lower than the potential of the ions, may be used.

The potential holding unit 4 turns ON in conjunction with ON of the switch (e.g. ion generator driving switch SWl) of the ion generator 3, so as to apply a predetermined voltage. Needless to say, a switch which turns the potential holding unit 4 ON or OFF manually, independently from the switch (e.g. ion generator driving switch SWl) of the ion generator 3, may be installed.

For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the potential holding

unit 4 is constructed so that the potential holding unit 4 generates plus voltage, in the case of having the needle electrode 5 generate minus ions by having the high voltage applying unit 6 apply a minus high voltage to the needle electrode 5. Although not illustrated, the potential holding unit 4 is also constructed so that the potential holding unit 4 applies minus voltage, in the case of having the needle electrode 5 generate ions having plus charges (plus ions) by having the high voltage applying unit 6 apply a plus high voltage to the needle electrode 5.

As a result, the potential of the body and clothes of passenger M is held to be a potential which is opposite that of the charges generated by the ion generator 3 when the passenger M contacts the on-vehicle component 8 having the potential holding unit 4.

Generating ions by the ion generator 3 is not limited to generating only one of minus ions and plus ions. For example, the generation of minus ions or the generation of plus ions may be selected by installing two high voltage generation units 61 and 62, that is, a high voltage generation unit which applies minus high voltage (second high voltage generation unit 62 shown in Fig. 12), and a high voltage generation unit which applies plus high voltage (first high voltage generation unit 61 shown in Fig. 12), as the high voltage applying circuit 6.

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

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

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show an example when the ion generator 3 is installed in the ceiling 13 of the vehicle 1, and the potential holding unit 4 is installed in the steering wheel portion 9, which is an on-vehicle component 8. When a DC-5kV high voltage is applied to the needle electrode 5 by the high voltage applying circuit 6, Corona discharge is generated in the needle electrode 5, and minus-charged minus ions are generated.

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

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

If plus ions are generated by the ion generator 3, on the other hand, the potential holding unit 4, installed in the steering wheel portion 9, applies the minus voltage to the steering wheel portion 9, so if the passenger (driver) M holds the steering wheel portion 9, the body and clothes of passenger M are minus-charged. Therefore electric force lines are generated from the ion generator 3 to the passenger M side, and generated plus ions move to the passenger M side along the electric force lines, and are attracted to the human body and

clothes. As a result, the plus ions are absorbed by the human body and clothes.

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

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

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

If the ions generated by the ion generator 3 are minus

ions at this time, minus ions are continuously attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes of the passenger M. Therefore the relaxing effect, the effect of making hair lustrous and smooth, and the effect of moisturizing skin can be continuously exhibited while in the vehicle.

When the ion generator 3 is positioned on the ceiling portion 13, as shown in Fig. 1, if the ion generator 3 is positioned to be closest to the hair portion, out of each portion of the body, of the passenger M sitting in the seat portion 11, then minus ions are intensively attracted to and absorbed by the hair. This further increases the effect to make the hair lustrous and smooth.

If the ions generated by the ion generator 3 are plus ions, the disinfecting effect on viruses and germs adhering to the human body and clothes, by the plus ions absorbed by the body and clothes of the passenger M, is continuously exhibited while in the vehicle.

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

Fig. 4 shows an example when the potential holding unit 4

is installed in a seat belt 10, which is an on-vehicle component 8.

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

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

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show examples when the potential holding unit 4 is installed in a seat portion 11, which is an on-vehicle component 8. In this embodiment, the body and

clothes of the passenger M are charged while the passenger M is in the vehicle, by the passenger M setting in the seat portion 11, and the passenger M is continuously held in a predetermined potential. Therefore ions are efficiently attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes continuously. In this example, even if a passenger can not fastened a seat belt 10, such as a pregnant woman or an individual with heart problems, the ions are continuously attracted to and absorbed by this passenger by the passenger sitting in the seat portion 11.

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

In the case of the example when the potential holding unit 4 is installed in the seat portion 11, if the ion generator 3 and the potential holding unit 4 are turned ON when a passenger M is not sitting in the seat portion 11, ions are continuously attracted to and absorbed by the seat portion

11. Therefore, odors, allergens, viruses and germs adhering to the seat portion can be continuously decomposed, deactivated or suppressed.

Fig. 7 shows an example when the potential holding unit 4 is installed in an armrest portion 12, which is an on-vehicle component 8.

In this embodiment, the body and clothes of the passenger M is charged and is continuously held in a predetermined potential when the passenger M rests their arm on the armrest portion 12. Therefore ions are attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes with certainty. In this case, ions could be absorbed and attached not to the driver, but to other passengers resting their arms on the armrest portions 12 intensively.

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

12 .

If the potential holding unit 4 is installed in the armrest portion 12 like this, and if the arm rest portion 12 can be freely moving between an upright state and a fallen state, then it may be constructed such that voltage is not applied by the potential holding unit 4 when the armrest portion 12 is had be in the upright state and housed in a housing portion 110, as shown in Fig. 7B, and voltage is applied by the potential holding unit 4 when the armrest portion 12 is had be in the fallen state and used, as shown in Fig. 7A. Necessary ions can be effectively attracted and adhered to the passenger M intensively when necessary.

Turning the voltage supply ON/OFF by the potential holding unit 4 depending on whether the armrest portion 12 is in the upright state or the fallen state is implemented by the following configuration, for example. In other words, a pressure sensor 18 is installed in a housing portion 110 for housing the armrest portion 12. If the pressure sensor 18 does not detect that the armrest portion 12 is not housed in the housing portion 110, as shown in Fig. 7A, the voltage holding unit 4 is controlled to apply the voltage.

If the pressure sensor 18 detects that the armrest portion 12 is housed in the housing portion 110, as shown in Fig. 7B, on the other hand, the potential holding unit 4 is

controlled to stop applying voltage. By the above configuration, ON/OFF of applying voltage by the potential holding unit 4 depending on whether the armrest portion 12 is in the upright state or the fallen state is implemented.

The embodiment in Fig. 1 shows an example when the ion generator 3 is installed in the ceiling portion 13, but an embodiment is not limited to this.

Figs. 8A and 8B show an example when the ion generator 3 is installed in the headrest portion 14, and ions are emitted from the top face side of the headrest portion 14. If the ion generator 3 is installed in the headrest portion 14, ions are effectively attracted to and absorbed by the hair of the passenger M from the area very close to the hair of the passenger M.

The ion generator 3 may be installed in the back portion 30 of the seat, as shown in Figs. 9A and 9B. In this case, ions are effectively emitted from the back portion 30 of the seat, which is located very close to the body and clothes. Therefore ions can be efficiently attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes.

Figs. 1OA and 1OB show another embodiment. Fig. 1OA shows an air conditioner for a vehicle 15. In air duct 17 of the air conditioner for a vehicle 15, a blower 32, a filter 33 and an evaporator 34 are installed in an area from an inlet 31

at the edge of the upstream side from an outlet 16 at the edge of the downstream side. The present embodiment shows an example in which the ion generator 3 is disposed outside the air duct 17, and the ion emission outlet 19 of the ion generator 3 is connected to the air duct 17.

According to the present embodiment, ions emitted from the emission outlet 19 are carried by the air flow of the air- conditioned air discharged from the outlet 16. Therefore diffusion of the ions into the interior Ia of the vehicle improves, and ions are attracted and adhered to the entire body of the passenger M. Fig. 1OB shows an example when the ions discharged from the outlet 16 are attracted and adhered to the human body holding the steering wheel portion 9. Fig. 1OB is an example when the ions discharged from the outlet 16 are attracted and adhered to the arms Ml.

The ions also reach the passenger M in the back seat, and are attracted to and absorbed by the passenger M in the back seat.

The emission outlet 19 may be connected to a portion of the middle of the air duct 17. The emission outlet 19 may also be connected to a portion near the outlet 16 at the edge of the downstream side of the air duct 17, as shown in Fig. 1OA.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment

described above, the potential holding unit 4 generates plus voltage when the ion generator 3 generates minus ions, and the potential holding unit 4 generates minus voltage when the ion generator 3 generates plus ions. However, the potential holding unit 4 may hold the potential of the passenger M in a polarity the same as the charges of the ions generated by the ion generator 3, and at a level lower than the potential of the ions.

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

In each of the above embodiment, the body and clothes are charged while the passenger M is in the vehicle, if the potential holding unit 4 holds the potential such that the emitted ions are continuously attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes. Therefore static electricity, which is still on the body and clothes of the passenger M, causes discomfort when the passenger M exits the vehicle. For this reason, the potential holding unit 4 removes charges on the body and clothes of the passenger M by changing the polarity

of the voltage which is applied by the potential holding unit 4 when the passenger M exits the vehicle. For example, a switch to change the polarity of the voltage to be applied by the potential holding unit 4 (e.g. potential polarity selector switch SW2 shown in Fig. 11) is installed, and the body and clothes of the passenger M, which are plus- or minus-charged, are neutralized by operating the switch just before the passenger M exits the vehicle, switching the polarity of the voltage applied by the potential holding unit 4, whereby static electricity is prevented.

As Fig. 6 shows, a pressure sensor 18 may be installed in the seat portion 11, so that the control unit controls the potential holding unit 4 to start applying voltage when the pressure sensor 18 detects the passenger M sitting in the seat portion 11. An example of the control unit is the controller 200 shown in Fig. 11.

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

Fig. 11 is a block diagram depicting an example of the

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

The ion generating apparatus for a vehicle 2 shown in Fig. 11 has a controller 200, ion generator 3, potential holding unit 4, pressure sensor 18, ion generator driving switch SWl, and potential polarity selector switch SW2.

The controller 200 is, for example, a microprocessor enclosing a memory. The controller 200 comprehensively controls the ion generating apparatus for a vehicle 2 according to a control program, which is provided in advance. The ion generator 3 has a needle electrode 5 and a high voltage applying circuit 6. The needle electrode 5 generates either plus ions or minus ions by receiving high voltage applied and discharging.

The high voltage applying circuit 6 applies high voltage having one polarity, either plus or minus, to the needle electrode 5 by the control performed by the controller 200. The high voltage applying circuit 6 has first and second high voltage generation units 61 and 62, switching element SW3, and

a high voltage supply Vo, as shown in Fig. 12. The high voltage supply Vo supplies a predetermined voltage value (e.g. DC+5kV) of high voltage. The first high voltage generation unit 61 applies plus high voltage supplied by the high voltage supply Vo to the needle electrode 5. The second high voltage generation unit 62 inverts the polarity of the plus high voltage supplied by the high voltage supply Vo, and generates minus high voltage (e.g. DC-5kV) , and applies this minus high voltage to the needle electrode 5.

The switching element SW3 is switched by the control of the controller 200. When the switching element SW3 is switched to a "a" side, the high voltage supplied from the high voltage supply Vo is channeled to the first high voltage generation unit 61. On the other hand, when the switching element SW3 is switched to a "b" side, the high voltage supplied from the high voltage supply Vo is channeled to the second high voltage generation unit 61.

In the high voltage applying circuit 6, the high voltage supplied from the high voltage supply Vo is channeled to either the first high voltage generation unit 61 or the second high voltage generation unit 62 by switching the switching element SW3. Therefore the first high voltage generation unit 61 or the second high voltage generation unit 62 is alternatively selected depending on which, the needle electrode 5 is had generate plus ions or minus ions.

As Fig. 11 shows, the potential holding unit 4 has a voltage applying unit 40 and an electrode 41 for applying voltage with plus or minus polarity to the on-vehicle component 8 by the control performed by the controller 200. The voltage applying unit 40 has a first and second voltage generation units 400 and 401, a switching element SW4, and a voltage supply Vl, for example, as shown in Fig. 13. The voltage supply Vl supplies predetermined voltage. The first voltage generation unit 400 applies plus voltage supplied from the voltage supply Vl to the electrode 41. The second voltage generation unit 401 inverts the polarity of the plus voltage supplied from the voltage supply Vl to generate minus voltage, and applies this minus voltage to the electrode 41.

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

In the voltage applying unit 40, the voltage supplied from the voltage supply Vo is channeled to either the first voltage generation unit 400 or the second voltage generation unit 401 by switching the switching element SW4. Therefore the first voltage generation unit 400 or the second voltage generation unit 401 is alternatively selected depending on which, the electrode 41 is had apply plus or minus voltage.

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

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

The ignition key IG is a key for starting or stopping

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

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

1) When the ion generator driving switch SWl is turned ON, the controller 200 starts operation of the ion generator 3. In this case, the controller 200 starts supplying driving power to the voltage holding unit 4. If the ion generator driving switch SWl is turned OFF, on the other hand, the controller 200 stops operation of the ion generator 3. In this case, the controller 200 stops supplying driving power to the voltage holding unit 4.

2) By having the high voltage applying circuit 6 of the ion generator 3 apply high voltage of which polarity is minus to the needle electrode 5, the controller 200 generates minus ions from the needle electrode 5. At this time, the controller 200 has the voltage applying unit 40 of the potential holding unit 4 apply the voltage of which polarity is plus to the electrode 41. On the other hand, the controller 200 has the high voltage applying circuit 6 of the ion generator 3 apply the high voltage of which polarity is

plus to the needle electrode 5, so that plus ions are generated from the needle electrode 5. At this time, the controller 200 has the voltage applying unit 40 of the potential holding unit 4 apply voltage of which polarity is minus to the electrode 41.

3) The controller 200 generates either plus ions or minus ions (hereafter called "ions") from the needle electrode 5 by having the high voltage applying circuit 6 of the ion generator 3 apply high voltage of which polarity is either plus or minus to the needle electrode 5. At this time, the controller 200 has the potential holding unit 4 hold the potential of the on-vehicle component 8 at a potential of which polarity is the same as that of the ions generated from the needle electrode 5 and at a potential lower than the potential of the ions.

This control of holding the potential of the on-vehicle component 8 at a potential of which polarity is the same as the ions generated from the needle electrode 5 and which is lower than the potential of the ions, is implemented by the following control. In other words, this control is implemented by the controller 200 having the voltage applying unit 40 of the potential holding unit 4 apply a voltage of which potential is lower than the potential of the ions to the electrode 41.

4) If the potential polarity selector switch SW2 is operated, the controller 200 has the voltage holding unit 4 invert the polarity of the voltage being applied to the on-vehicle component 8. For example, the polarity of the voltage is inverted by the controller 200 switching the switching element SW4 of the voltage applying unit 40 from the "c" side to the "d" side.

5) If the passenger M sitting in the seat 11 is notified by the pressure sensor 18, the controller 200 has the voltage applying unit 40 start applying voltage.

6) If the pressure sensor 18 does not detect the arm rest portion 12 being housed in the housing portion 110, that is if the detection signal is not received from the pressure sensor 18, the controller 200 has the potential holding unit 4 apply voltage. On the other hand, if the pressure sensor 18 detects the armrest portion 12 being housed in the housing portion 110, that is if the detection signal is received from the pressure sensor 18, the controller 200 does not have the potential holding unit 4 start applying voltage.

7) If the ignition key IG in the ON state is notified, the controller 200 starts operation of the ion generator 3. If the ignition key IG in the OFF state is notified, the controller 200 stops operation of the ion generator 3. For example, when the ignition key IG is in the ON state, the

controller 200 supplies high voltage from the high voltage supply Vo. If the ignition key IG is in the OFF state, the controller 200 stops supplying high voltage from the high voltage supply Vo.

8) When plus ions are generated from the ion generator 3, the controller 200 controls such that the switching element SW3 of the high voltage generation circuit 6 positions at the "a" side. On the other hand, if minus ions are generated from the ion generator 3, the controller 200 controls such that the switching element SW3 of the high voltage generation circuit 6 positions at the "b" side.

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

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

The ■ ion generating apparatus for a vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention is an ion generating apparatus for a vehicle that is mounted in a vehicle and purifies a vehicle interior, comprising: an ion generator comprising a needle electrode that discharges and generates ions when high voltage is applied thereto, and an emission outlet that emits the ions generated by the needle electrode into the vehicle interior; and a potential holding unit that

is installed in an on-vehicle component which a passenger contacts, and is used for holding a potential of the on- vehicle component at a potential at which the ions are continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger in contact with the on-vehicle component.

According to this configuration, the potential holding unit is installed in the on-vehicle component which the passenger contacts, so the potential of the body and clothes of the passenger are held at the potential at which the ions generated from the ion generator are continuously attracted to and absorbed by the passenger. Because of this, many ions are continuously attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes of the passenger. Therefore if the generated ions are minus ions, the relaxing effect, the effect of making hair lustrous and smooth, and the effect of moisturizing skin are continuously exhibited by the minus ions absorbed by the body and clothes of the passenger, while the passenger is in the vehicle. If the generated ions are plus ions, the disinfecting effect on viruses and germs adhering to the human body and clothes is continuously exhibited by the plus ions absorbed by the body and clothes of the passenger, while the passenger is in the vehicle.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that the ion generator has a configuration to generate either plus ions or minus ions as the ions, and a controller is further provided

that causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential of which polarity- is minus when the plus ions are generated by the ion generator, and causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the on-vehicle component at a potential of which polarity is plus when the minus ions are generated by the ion generator.

According to this configuration, the potential of the on- vehicle component is held at the minus potential when plus ions are generated from the ion generator. When minus ions are generated from the ion generator, on the other hand, the potential of the on-vehicle component is held at the plus potential. This means that the polarity of the potential of the on-vehicle component becomes the polarity opposite to the polarity of the potential of the ions generated by the ion generator. Therefore electric force lines are generated from the ion generator to the on-vehicle component. Since the potential of the passenger becomes the same as the potential of the on-vehicle component when the passenger contacts the on-vehicle component, electric force lines are generated from the ion generator to the passenger. As a result, many ions move to the passenger side, and the effect of the ions on the human body can be exhibited with certainty.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that the ion generator has a configuration to generate either plus ions or minus ions as the ions, and a controller is further provided

that causes the potential holding unit to hold the potential of the on-vehicle component to have the same polarity as either the plus ions or the minus ions, and to be a potential lower than the potential of either the plus ions or the minus ions .

According to this configuration, even if the potential of the passenger M in contact with the on-vehicle component has a same polarity as the ions, the ions can be continuously attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes of the passenger M, without switching the polarity.

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

According to this configuration, the first high voltage generation unit which generates the plus high voltage and the

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

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

According to this configuration, the potential of the body and clothes of the passenger (driver) can be held at a potential at which the ions generated from the ion generator are attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes while the driver is holding the steering wheel portion and driving. Therefore the ions can be continuously attracted to and absorbed by the human bodies and clothes with certainty. By this, ions can be attracted to and absorbed by the driver intensively.

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

According to this configuration, not only for the driver but for other passenger as well, the potential of the body and clothes of the passenger M can be continuously held at the potential at which ions generated by the ion generator are attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes, by fastening the seat belt, while in the vehicle. Therefore ions can be continuously attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes with certainty.

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

According to this configuration, the potential of the body and clothes of the passenger can be continuously held at a potential at which ions generated by the ion generator are attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes, by the passenger sitting in the seat portion. Therefore ions can be attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes with certainty. In particular, even if a passenger cannot fasten a seat belt, such as an individual with a heart problem or a

woman who is pregnant, the ions can be continuously attracted to and absorbed by this passenger with certainty.

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

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

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

According to this configuration, the potential of the human body and clothes can be continuously held at a potential at which ions generated by the ion generator are attracted to

and absorbed by the human body and clothes by the passenger resting their arm on the armrest portion. Therefore the ions can be attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes with certainty. Since ions can be attracted to and absorbed by the body and clothes of the passenger whose arm rested on the armrest portion, ions can be attracted to and absorbed by only the passenger intensively, not the driver.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that an armrest portion used by the passenger in a fallen state is installed in the vehicle interior as the on-vehicle component, and a controller is further provided that stops operation of the potential holding unit when the armrest portion is in the upright state and performs operation of the potential holding unit when the armrest portion is in a fallen state.

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

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

and the ion generator is installed in the ceiling portion.

According to this configuration, ions are attracted to and absorbed by the hair intensively from the area above. Therefore the effect of making the hair lustrous and smooth further increases.

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

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

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

According to this configuration, the diffusion of ions in the vehicle interior improves, and ions can be attracted to and absorbed by the entire body of the passenger. The ions

carried by the air flow reaches even to a passenger sitting in the back seat, so the ions can be attracted to and absorbed even by this passenger.

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

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

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

According to this configuration, when the passenger is in the vehicle, the potential of the passenger has a polarity in which emitted ions are continuously attracted to and absorbed by the human body and clothes, and when the passenger exits

the vehicle, the polarity of the potential of the passenger can be changed, so that the passenger is not charged, whereby the static electricity can be prevented.

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

According to this configuration, when the passenger starts operation of the ion generator alone, the potential holding unit always starts driving. On the other hand, when a passenger stops operation of the ion generator alone, the potential holding unit always stops driving. Therefore the passenger is free from the troublesome operation of turning ON/OFF the power of both the ion generator and the potential holding unit.