Ion blower

Abstract

To provide an ion blower efficiently supplying ions into a cabin of a vehicle while inhibiting an occupant from feeling discomfort.SOLUTION: An ion blower 10 is such one as to be arranged to a ceiling 3 of a cabin 2 of a vehicle 1, and includes: an ion generator 11 generating ions; a blower 12 blowing air A containing the ions to the cabin 2; and an ECU 16 controlling the blower 12 so as to send the air A preferentially toward a seat side in the cabin 2 when a temperature in the cabin 2 is within a prescribed range, and controlling the blower 12 so as to send the air A toward the side of the ceiling 3 not to the seat side of the cabin 2 when the temperature is not within the prescribed range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ion blower. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle air conditioning device that is attached to the ceiling of a vehicle having multiple seats, has an ion generating unit that generates ions, and is equipped with ion emitting means that emits the generated ions into the vehicle interior via an ion emitting unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-130994 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the vehicle air conditioning device of Patent Document 1 is not designed to control the release of ions based on the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, etc. Depending on the temperature inside the vehicle, the release of ions may make passengers feel uncomfortable, and there is room for improvement in the vehicle air conditioning device of Patent Document 1.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an ion blower that can efficiently supply ions into the interior of a vehicle while suppressing discomfort felt by passengers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An ion blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an ion blower placed on the ceiling of a vehicle interior, and includes an ion generator that generates ions, a blower that blows air containing the ions into the interior, and a control unit that controls the blower to blow the air preferentially toward the seat side of the interior when the temperature inside the interior is within a predetermined range, and controls the blower to blow the air toward the ceiling rather than the seat side of the interior when the temperature is not within the predetermined range.

[0007] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of the system, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program, and the recording medium. The recording medium may also be a non-transitory recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The ion blower of the present disclosure can efficiently supply ions into the interior of a vehicle while minimizing discomfort felt by passengers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle in which an ion blower according to an embodiment is disposed, viewed from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interior of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the left side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the ion blower of FIG. 1 as seen from the left side of the vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ion blower of FIG. 1 as seen from below the vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ion blower of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ion blower device of FIG. 1 to control the blower. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the ion blower device of FIG. 1 to control the blower. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ion blower of FIG. 1 to control an air conditioner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An ion blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an ion blower placed on the ceiling of a vehicle interior, and includes an ion generator that generates ions, a blower that blows air containing the ions into the interior, and a control unit that controls the blower to blow the air preferentially toward the seat side of the interior when the temperature inside the interior is within a predetermined range, and controls the blower to blow the air toward the ceiling rather than the seat side of the interior when the temperature is not within the predetermined range.

[0011] According to this, when the temperature inside the vehicle is at a temperature at which the occupants would feel uncomfortable if air containing ions were blown toward the seats, the air containing ions can be blown toward the ceiling, thereby efficiently supplying ions into the vehicle cabin while preventing the occupants from feeling uncomfortable.Furthermore, when the temperature inside the vehicle is at a temperature at which the occupants would not feel uncomfortable if air containing ions were blown toward the seats, the air containing ions can be blown toward the seats, thereby efficiently supplying ions into the vehicle cabin while preventing the occupants from feeling uncomfortable.

[0012] In addition, in an ion blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may determine the direction in which the air is blown based on the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat in the cabin, and control the blower to blow the air in the determined direction.

[0013] This allows the air containing ions to be blown toward the seats where the passengers are sitting, thereby more efficiently supplying ions into the interior of the vehicle while minimizing discomfort felt by the passengers.

[0014] The ion blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be disposed in a position different from the air conditioner of the vehicle.

[0015] This allows ion-containing air to be blown to locations that cannot be reached by air from the air conditioner, thereby enabling ions to be supplied more efficiently into the vehicle cabin.

[0016] In addition, in an ion blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may control the blower not to blow the air when the vehicle's air conditioner is in an outside air introduction mode, and may control the blower to blow the air when the vehicle's air conditioner is in an inside air circulation mode.

[0017] According to this, in the outside air introduction mode in which ions are more likely to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle than in the inside air circulation mode, it is possible to prevent the air containing ions from being blown in. Also, in the inside air circulation mode in which ions are less likely to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle than in the outside air introduction mode, it is possible to blow air containing ions in. Therefore, it is possible to more efficiently supply ions into the vehicle cabin.

[0018] In addition, in an ion blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may control the blower so that the volume of air blown when the vehicle's air conditioner is in an outside air introduction mode is greater than the volume of air blown when the vehicle's air conditioner is in an inside air circulation mode.

[0019] According to this, in the outside air introduction mode, in which ions are more likely to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle than in the inside air circulation mode, the air volume is increased compared to the inside air circulation mode, thereby preventing a decrease in the concentration of ions in the cabin. Also, in the inside air circulation mode, in which ions are less likely to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle than in the outside air introduction mode, the air volume is decreased compared to the outside air introduction mode, thereby reducing power consumption, etc. Therefore, ions can be supplied more efficiently into the cabin of the vehicle.

[0020] In addition, in an ion blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may determine the volume of air to blow the air based on the volume of air from the vehicle's air conditioner, and control the blower to blow the air at the determined volume of air.

[0021] This allows the volume of airflow containing ions to be increased or decreased based on the volume of airflow from the air conditioner, thereby enabling ions to be supplied more efficiently into the vehicle cabin.

[0022] In the ion blower according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may set an air conditioner of the vehicle to an outside air introduction mode when wipers of the vehicle are on.

[0023] This allows the system to switch to the outside air intake mode when the wipers are on, which is when it is likely to be raining, making it easier for moisture from outside the vehicle to be drawn into the vehicle cabin, creating a humidity environment in the cabin that is conducive to the generation of ions. As a result, ions can be supplied to the vehicle cabin more efficiently.

[0024] Furthermore, in an ion blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the control unit controls the blower to blow the air preferentially toward the seating side of the room, the control unit may control the blower so that the volume of air blown after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the blowing of the air toward the seating side of the room began is smaller than the volume of air blown before the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0025] According to this, by increasing the airflow rate before the predetermined period has elapsed compared to after the predetermined period has elapsed, more ions can be supplied than after the predetermined period has elapsed. Also, by decreasing the airflow rate after the predetermined period has elapsed compared to before the predetermined period has elapsed, power consumption and the like can be reduced compared to before the predetermined period has elapsed. Therefore, ions can be supplied more efficiently into the vehicle cabin.

[0026] In addition, an ion blower according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a control selection receiving unit that receives a selection of whether or not to have the control unit control the blower so that the volume of air blown after the predetermined period has elapsed is smaller than the volume of air blown before the predetermined period has elapsed.

[0027] This allows the user to select whether or not to control the blower so that the volume of air blown after a predetermined period of time has elapsed is smaller than the volume of air blown before the predetermined period of time has elapsed, depending on the state of the vehicle, etc., thereby enabling ions to be supplied more efficiently into the vehicle cabin.

[0028] The ion blowing device according to an aspect of the present disclosure may further include a generation selection receiving unit that receives a selection of whether or not to cause the ion generator to generate the ions.

[0029] According to this, whether or not to cause the ion generator to generate ions can be selected depending on the state of the vehicle, etc., and therefore, unnecessary generation of ions can be suppressed.

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in independent claims are described as optional components. Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Furthermore, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0032] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 in which an ion blower 10 according to an embodiment is disposed, viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interior 2 of the vehicle 1 of FIG. 1, viewed from the left side. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the ion blower 10 of FIG. 1, viewed from the left side of the vehicle 1. FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the ceiling 3 of the interior 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ion blower 10 of FIG. 1, viewed from below the vehicle 1. The configuration of the ion blower 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0033] 1 and 2, vehicle 1 has seats in interior 2. In this embodiment, vehicle 1 has the following seats: a driver's seat 4a, a passenger seat 4b, a right rear seat 4c, and a left rear seat 4d.

[0034] The ion blower 10 is a device that blows air A containing ions (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The ion blower 10 is disposed on the ceiling 3 of the interior 2. In this embodiment, the ion blower 10 is provided on an overhead console and is located forward of the driver's seat 4a and passenger seat 4b in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1 (the positive side of the X-axis direction in FIG. 1, etc.) and in the center of the vehicle 1 in the lateral direction of the vehicle 1 (the Y-axis direction in FIG. 1, etc.). As will be described in detail later, the ion blower 10 can blow air A toward the front seats (driver's seat 4a and passenger seat 4b) (see arrow A1 in FIG. 2), toward the rear seats (right-side rear seat 4c and left-side rear seat 4d) (see arrow A2 in FIG. 2), or toward the ceiling 3 from the seats (see arrow A3 in FIG. 2).

[0035] 3 and 4, the ion blower 10 includes an ion generator 11 and a blower 12. The blower 12 has a motor 13.

[0036] The ion generator 11 generates ions. For example, the ion generator 11 generates ions by applying a high voltage to moisture in the air.

[0037] The blower 12 blows air A containing ions generated by the ion generator 11 into the interior 2. The blower 12 can blow air A toward the seats or toward the ceiling 3 from the seats. Specifically, the blower 12 can blow air A toward the front seats (driver's seat 4a and passenger seat 4b) (see arrow A1 in FIG. 2), toward the rear seats (right rear seat 4c and left rear seat 4d) (see arrow A2 in FIG. 2), or toward the ceiling 3 from the seats (see arrow A3 in FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the blower 12 can be opened and closed in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 (the Z-axis direction in FIG. 1, etc.), and the blowing direction can be changed by opening and closing the blower 12. The larger the opening angle B, the more air can be blown downward (toward the negative Z-axis direction in FIG. 1, etc.), and the smaller the opening angle B, the more air can be blown upward (toward the positive Z-axis direction in FIG. 1, etc.). By closing the blower 12, it is possible to prevent the air A from being blown into the room 2.

[0038] Motor 13 opens and closes the air outlet of blower 12. For example, when motor 13 rotates in one direction, blower 12 rotates in a direction that opens the air outlet of blower 12, and when motor 13 rotates in the other direction, blower 12 rotates in a direction that closes the air outlet of blower 12.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ion blower 10 of Fig. 1. The functional configuration of the ion blower 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle 1 further includes a detection unit 5, an air conditioner 6, and wipers .

[0041] The detection unit 5 has a temperature sensor 5a and an interior camera 5b. The temperature sensor 5a is a sensor for detecting the temperature of the interior space 2. The temperature of the interior space 2 is obtained by the temperature sensor 5a. The interior camera 5b is a camera for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat in the interior space 2. The interior camera 5b photographs the interior space 2 so as to determine the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat, namely the driver's seat 4a, the passenger seat 4b, the right rear seat 4c, and the left rear seat 4d. The interior camera 5b obtains an image of the interior space 2. At least one of the temperature sensor 5a and the interior camera 5b may be built into the ion blower 10.

[0042] The air conditioner 6 has a heating function and a cooling function. The air conditioner 6 can be switched between an outside air introduction mode and an inside air circulation mode. The outside air introduction mode is a mode for introducing outside air, which is air outside the vehicle 1, into the interior 2. The inside air circulation mode is a mode for making it more difficult to introduce outside air into the interior 2 than in the outside air introduction mode, and for circulating inside air, which is air inside the interior 2. The air outlets of the air conditioner 6 are provided on the dashboard and / or ceiling 3 of the vehicle 1, etc.

[0043] The wiper 7 wipes away rainwater and the like adhering to the front windshield (windshield) or rear windshield of the vehicle 1 .

[0044] The ion blower 10 is disposed in a different position from the air conditioner 6. That is, the positions of the air outlets of the blower 12 and the like are different from the positions of the air outlets of the air conditioner 6. The ion blower 10 does not have a heating function or a cooling function. The ion blower 10 further includes a generation selection button 14, a control selection button 15, and an ECU 16. The blower 12 has a right fan 12a and a left fan 12b. The right fan 12a blows air A toward the right side of the center of the interior 2 in the left-right direction of the vehicle 1. The left fan 12b blows air A toward the left side of the center of the interior 2 in the left-right direction of the vehicle 1.

[0045] The generation selection button 14 is an example of a generation selection receiving unit that receives a selection of whether or not to cause the ion generator 11 to generate ions. By pressing the generation selection button 14, a passenger can select whether or not to cause the ion generator 11 to generate ions. For example, when the generation selection button 14 is pressed in a state in which the ion generator 11 has been selected to generate ions, the ion generator 11 is switched to a state in which it does not generate ions. On the other hand, when the selection has been made in which the ion generator 11 does not generate ions, the ion generator 11 is switched to a state in which it does generate ions. When the selection has been made in which the ion generator 11 has been selected to generate ions, the ion generator 11 generates ions. On the other hand, when the selection has been made in which the ion generator 11 does not generate ions, the ion generator 11 does not generate ions.

[0046] Control selection button 15 is an example of a control selection receiving unit that receives a selection of whether or not to have ECU 16 control blower 12 so that the air volume of air A blown after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of blowing air A toward the seat side of interior 2 is smaller than the air volume of air A blown before the predetermined period of time has elapsed. By pressing control selection button 15, the passenger can select whether or not to have ECU 16 control blower 12 in this manner. For example, when control selection is made in this manner, pressing control selection button 15 switches to a state where control is not made. Conversely, when control selection is made in this manner, pressing control selection button 15 switches to a state where control is made. When control selection is made in this manner, ECU 16 controls blower 12 so that the air volume of air A blown after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of blowing air A toward the seat side of interior 2 is smaller than the air volume of air A blown before the predetermined period of time has elapsed. On the other hand, when it is selected not to perform such control, ECU 16 controls blower 12 so that the volume of air blown after a predetermined period has elapsed since air A began to be blown toward the seat side of interior 2 is not smaller than the volume of air blown before the predetermined period has elapsed.

[0047] The ECU 16 is an example of a control unit that controls the blower 12. When the temperature of the interior 2 is within a predetermined range, the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 to preferentially blow air A toward the seat side of the interior 2. That is, when the temperature of the interior 2 is within a predetermined range, the blower 12 preferentially blows air A toward the seat side of the interior 2. In this embodiment, blowing air toward the seat side includes blowing air toward the front seat side (at least one of the driver's seat 4a side and the passenger seat 4b side) and blowing air toward the rear seat side (at least one of the right rear seat 4c side and the left rear seat 4d side). Furthermore, preferentially blowing air toward the seat side includes not only a case where air is always blown toward the seat side, but also a case where air is blown toward the seat side and toward the ceiling 3 from the seat side for a longer period of time than toward the ceiling 3. Specifically, preferentially blowing air toward the seat side includes alternately blowing air toward the seat side for a certain period of time and blowing air toward the ceiling 3 rather than the seat side for a period shorter than the certain period. Blowing air toward the ceiling 3 rather than the seat side means blowing air toward a side closer to the ceiling 3 than the seat side. In this embodiment, blowing air toward the ceiling 3 rather than the seat side means blowing air toward the ceiling 3 (upward) rather than toward the rear seats (right rear seat 4c and left rear seat 4d). For example, the predetermined range is a room temperature range, or a temperature range (for example, 20°C to 30°C) that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the occupant when blown air A hits the occupant, and may be set in advance by the occupant or may be stored in advance by ECU 16.

[0048] When ECU 16 controls blower 12 to preferentially blow air A toward the seat side, ECU 16 controls blower 12 so that the volume of air blown by air A after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since blowing air A toward the seat side is started is smaller than the volume of air blown by air A before the predetermined period of time has elapsed. In other words, blower 12 reduces the volume of air blown by air A after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since blowing air A toward the seat side is started, so that the volume of air blown by air A is smaller than the volume of air blown by air before the predetermined period of time has elapsed. For example, the predetermined period of time is set in advance by the passenger or the like.

[0049] When the temperature in the interior 2 is not within a predetermined range, the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 to blow the air A toward the ceiling 3 rather than the seat side of the interior 2. In other words, when the temperature in the interior 2 is not within a predetermined range, the blower 12 blows the air A toward the ceiling 3 rather than the seat side of the interior 2. In this embodiment, when the temperature in the interior 2 is not within a predetermined range, the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 to blow the air A toward the ceiling 3 rather than the rear seats (right rear seat 4c and left rear seat 4d).

[0050] The ECU 16 determines the direction in which to blow air A based on the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat in the interior 2, and controls the blower 12 to blow air A in the determined direction. The ECU 16 determines the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat from an image captured by the interior camera 5b. For example, the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 to blow air A toward the seat where the occupant is sitting. For example, when occupants are sitting in the front seats (at least one of the driver's seat 4a and the passenger seat 4b) and the rear seats (at least one of the right-side rear seat 4c and the left-side rear seat 4d), the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 to alternately blow air toward the front seats and toward the rear seats.

[0051] For example, when blowing air toward the driver's seat 4a side and when blowing air toward the right rear seat 4c side, the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 so that the right fan 12a blows air A. When blowing air toward the passenger's seat 4b side and when blowing air toward the left rear seat 4d side, the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 so that the left fan 12b blows air A.

[0052] The ECU 16 controls the blower 12 so as not to blow air A when the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode, and controls the blower 12 so as to blow air A when the air conditioner 6 is in the inside air circulation mode. In other words, when the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode, air A is not blown into the room 2, and when the air conditioner 6 is in the inside air circulation mode, air A is blown into the room 2.

[0053] Instead of controlling the blower 12 in this manner, the ECU 16 may control the blower 12 so that the volume of air A blown when the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode is greater than the volume of air A blown when the air conditioner 6 is in the inside air circulation mode. In other words, when the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode, the volume of air A blown by the blower 12 may be greater than when the air conditioner 6 is in the inside air circulation mode.

[0054] When the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode, the passenger or the like may be able to select whether or not the blower 12 blows air A, or it may be possible to select only one of them.

[0055] ECU 16 determines the volume of air to blow air A based on the volume of air from air conditioner 6, and controls blower 12 to blow air A at the determined volume of air. For example, ECU 16 controls blower 12 so that the volume of air to blow air A increases as the volume of air from air conditioner 6 increases.

[0056] When the wipers 7 are in the on state, the ECU 16 sets the air conditioner 6 to the outside air introduction mode.

[0057] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ion blower 10 of Fig. 1 to control the blower 12. Fig. 7 is a flowchart continuing from Fig. 6. An example of the operation of the ion blower 10 to control the blower 12 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

[0058] Here, a case will be described in which ECU 16 controls blower 12 so as not to blow air A when air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode, and controls blower 12 so as to blow air A when air conditioner 6 is in the inside air circulation mode. Also, a case will be described in which generation selection button 14 is used to select ion generator 11 to generate ions, and control selection button 15 is used to select ECU 16 to control blower 12 so that the air volume of air A blown toward the seat side of interior 2 after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of blowing air A toward the seat side is smaller than the air volume of air A blown before the predetermined period has elapsed.

[0059] 6, the ECU 16 determines whether the air conditioner 6 is on or not (step S1). For example, if the switch of the air conditioner 6 is on, the ECU 16 determines that the air conditioner 6 is on, and if the switch of the air conditioner 6 is off, the ECU 16 determines that the air conditioner 6 is not on.

[0060] If the air conditioner 6 is on (Yes in step S1), the ECU 16 determines whether the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode (step S2). For example, the ECU 16 determines whether the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode based on a switch for switching between the outside air introduction mode and the inside air circulation mode. Note that if the air conditioner 6 is not in the outside air introduction mode, it is in the inside air circulation mode.

[0061] If the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode (Yes in step S2), the ECU 16 turns off the ion generator 11 (step S3). If the ion generator 11 is already in the off state, the ECU 16 maintains the off state.

[0062] If the air conditioner 6 is not on (No in step S1), the ECU 16 turns on the ion generator 11 (step S4). If the air conditioner 6 is not in the outside air introduction mode (No in step S2), the ECU 16 turns on the ion generator 11 (step S4). If the ion generator 11 is already on, the ECU 16 maintains the on state.

[0063] The ECU 16 acquires the temperature of the interior 2 of the vehicle 1 (step S5), and determines whether the temperature of the interior 2 of the vehicle 1 is within a predetermined range (step S6). The ECU 16 acquires the temperature of the interior 2 from the temperature sensor 5a, and determines whether the temperature is within the predetermined range.

[0064] If the temperature of the interior 2 of the vehicle 1 is not within the predetermined range (No in step S6), the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 to blow the air A toward the ceiling 3 (step S7). For example, the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 to blow the air A in the direction indicated by the arrow A3 in FIG. 2.

[0065] If the temperature of the interior 2 of the vehicle 1 is within a predetermined range (Yes in step S6), the ECU 16 obtains the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat (step S8), and determines the direction to blow the air A based on the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat (step S9). The ECU 16 obtains an image captured by the interior camera 5b and determines the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat from the image. For example, the ECU 16 determines that if a occupant is sitting in the driver's seat 4a, the air A should be blown toward the driver's seat 4a; if a occupant is sitting in the passenger seat 4b, the air A should be blown toward the passenger seat 4b; if a occupant is sitting in the right rear seat 4c, the air A should be blown toward the right rear seat 4c; and if a occupant is sitting in the left rear seat 4d, the air A should be blown toward the left rear seat 4d. In addition, when no passenger is sitting in each seat, ECU 16 determines that air A should be blown toward the front seats (driver's seat 4a and passenger seat 4b) and rear seats (right rear seat 4c and left rear seat 4d).

[0066] The ECU 16 controls the blower 12 to preferentially blow air A toward the seat side (step S10). The ECU 16 controls the blower 12 to blow air A in the direction determined in step S9. For example, when a passenger is seated only in the front seat among the front and rear seats, the ECU 16 determines to blow air toward the front seat side, and controls the blower 12 to alternately blow air A in the directions indicated by arrows A1 and A3 in FIG. 2. In this case, the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 to preferentially blow air in the direction indicated by arrow A1 over the direction indicated by arrow A3. Furthermore, when a passenger is seated only in the rear seat among the front and rear seats, the ECU 16 determines to blow air toward the rear seat side, and controls the blower 12 to alternately blow air A in the directions indicated by arrows A2 and A3 in FIG. 2. In this case, ECU 16 controls blower 12 to blow air preferentially in the direction indicated by arrow A2 over the direction indicated by arrow A3. Furthermore, when passengers are seated in the front seats and the rear seats, ECU 16 determines to blow air toward the front seats and the rear seats, and controls blower 12 to blow air A alternately in the directions indicated by arrow A1 and arrow A2 in Fig. 2. In this case, ECU 16 may preferentially blow air in one of the directions indicated by arrow A1 and arrow A2 over the other, or may blow air in both directions equally (for example, for the same period).

[0067] ECU 16 acquires the air volume of air conditioner 6 (step S11), determines the air volume at which air A is to be blown based on the air volume of air conditioner 6 (step S12), and controls blower 12 to blow air A at the determined air volume (step S13). For example, if the air volume of air conditioner 6 can be switched between five levels, ECU 16 determines the air volume at which air A is to be blown such that the air volume at which air A is blown increases as the air volume increases.

[0068] The ECU 16 determines whether or not the blower 12 has been controlled so as to preferentially blow the air A toward the seat side (step S14). That is, the ECU 16 determines whether or not step S10 has been performed.

[0069] When ECU 16 controls blower 12 so as to preferentially blow air A toward the seat side (Yes in step S14), ECU 16 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of blowing air (step S15).

[0070] If the predetermined period has not elapsed since the start of air blowing (No in step S15), the ECU 16 again determines whether or not the predetermined period has elapsed since the start of air blowing (step S15).

[0071] When a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of air blowing (Yes in step S15), ECU 16 controls blower 12 so that the volume of air A blown is smaller than that before the predetermined period elapsed (step S16). For example, if air A was blown at a certain volume immediately before the predetermined period elapsed, ECU 16 blows air A at a volume smaller than the certain volume immediately after the predetermined period elapses. The predetermined period may be set by the passenger or the like as described above, or may be stored in advance by ECU 16 as a period (for example, five minutes) during which air A becomes effective for the passenger when the passenger first gets in the vehicle.

[0072] 6 and 7. Furthermore, for example, when the generation selection button 14 is used to select not to generate ions in the ion generator 11, the ECU 16 does not perform steps S1 to S4, and the ion generator 11 is turned off. Therefore, air that does not contain ions is blown into the interior 2 instead of air A that contains ions. Furthermore, when the control selection button 15 is used to select not to cause the ECU 16 to control the blower 12 so that the air volume of air A blown toward the seat side of the interior 2 after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of blowing air A toward the seat side is smaller than the air volume of air A blown before the predetermined period has elapsed, that is, when the ECU 16 is selected to control the blower 12 so that the air volume of air A blown toward the seat side of the interior 2 after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of blowing air A toward the seat side is not smaller than the air volume of air A blown before the predetermined period has elapsed, the ECU 16 does not perform steps S14 to S16.

[0073] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the ion blower 10 of Fig. 1 to control the blower 12. Fig. 9 is a flowchart continuing from Fig. 8. Another example of the operation of the ion blower 10 to control the blower 12 will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9.

[0074] Here, a case will be described in which ECU 16 controls blower 12 so that the air volume of air A blown when air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode is greater than the air volume of air A blown when air conditioner 6 is in the inside air circulation mode. Also, a case will be described in which generation selection button 14 is used to select ion generator 11 to generate ions, and control selection button 15 is used to select ECU 16 to control blower 12 so that the air volume of air A blown after a predetermined period has elapsed since air A began to be blown toward the seats in interior 2 is smaller than the air volume of air A blown before the predetermined period has elapsed.

[0075] 8 and 9, the operation differs from that shown in Figures 6 and 7 mainly in that ECU 16 does not perform steps S1 to S3, but performs steps S21 to S25 instead of steps S11 to S13. The following will mainly describe the differences from the operation shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0076] After controlling the blower 12 to blow air A (step S7 or S10), the ECU 16 determines whether the air conditioner 6 is on (step S21).

[0077] If the air conditioner 6 is on (Yes in step S21), the ECU 16 obtains the air volume of the air conditioner 6 (step S22), and determines whether the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode (step S23).

[0078] When the air conditioner 6 is not in the on state (No in step S21), the ECU 16 determines the air volume at which the air A is blown so that it is smaller than that in the outside air introduction mode (step S24). Furthermore, when the air conditioner 6 is not in the outside air introduction mode (No in step S23), the ECU 16 determines the air volume at which the air A is blown so that it is smaller than that in the outside air introduction mode (step S24). That is, the ECU 16 determines the air volume at which the air A is blown so that the air volume at which the air A is blown when the air conditioner 6 is not in the on state (when the air conditioner 6 is in the off state) is smaller than the air volume at which the air conditioner 6 is blown in the outside air introduction mode. Furthermore, the ECU 16 determines the air volume at which the air A is blown so that the air volume at which the air A is blown when the air conditioner 6 is in the inside air circulation mode is smaller than the air volume at which the air conditioner 6 is blown in the outside air introduction mode. For example, if the air volume of the air conditioner 6 can be switched between five levels, the ECU 16 determines the air volume at which the air A is blown so that the lower the air volume level, the smaller the air volume at which the air A is blown.

[0079] When the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode (Yes in step S23), the ECU 16 determines the air volume at which the air A is blown so that it is larger than that in the inside air circulation mode (step S25). That is, the ECU 16 determines the air volume at which the air A is blown so that the air volume at which the air conditioner 6 blows the air A when it is in the outside air introduction mode is larger than the air volume at which the air conditioner 6 blows the air A when it is in the inside air circulation mode. For example, when the air volume of the air conditioner 6 can be switched between five levels, the ECU 16 determines the air volume at which the air A is blown so that the air volume at which the air A is blown increases as the air volume level increases.

[0080] The ECU 16 controls the blower 12 so as to blow the air A at the determined air volume (step S13).

[0081] 8 and 9 repeatedly. Furthermore, for example, when the generation selection button 14 is used to select not to generate ions in the ion generator 11, the ECU 16 does not perform step S4, and the ion generator 11 is turned off. Therefore, air that does not contain ions is blown into the interior 2 instead of air A that contains ions. Furthermore, when the control selection button 15 is used to select not to cause the ECU 16 to control the blower 12 so that the air volume of air A blown toward the seat side of the interior 2 after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of blowing air A toward the seat side of the interior 2 is smaller than the air volume of air A blown before the predetermined period has elapsed, that is, when the ECU 16 is selected to control the blower 12 so that the air volume of air A blown toward the seat side of the interior 2 after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of blowing air A toward the seat side of the interior 2 is not smaller than the air volume of air A blown before the predetermined period has elapsed, the ECU 16 does not perform steps S14 to S16.

[0082] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ion blower 10 of Fig. 1 to control the air conditioner 6. With reference to Fig. 10, an example of the operation of the ion blower 10 to control the air conditioner 6 will be described. The operation shown in Fig. 10 is performed when the wiper 7 is in the on state.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 10, the ECU 16 determines whether the air conditioner 6 is on or not (step S31).

[0084] If the air conditioner 6 is not on (No in step S31), the ECU 16 turns on the air conditioner 6 (step S32). For example, the ECU 16 turns on the air conditioner 6 by transmitting a control signal or the like for turning on the air conditioner 6 to the air conditioner 6.

[0085] If the air conditioner 6 is on (Yes in step S31), the ECU 16 determines whether the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode (step S33). If the air conditioner 6 is on (step S32), the ECU 16 determines whether the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode (step S33).

[0086] If the air conditioner 6 is not in the outside air introduction mode (No in step S33), the ECU 16 transitions the air conditioner 6 to the outside air introduction mode (step S34). For example, the ECU 16 transitions the air conditioner 6 to the outside air introduction mode by transmitting a control signal or the like to the air conditioner 6 to transition the air conditioner 6 to the outside air introduction mode.

[0087] When the air conditioner 6 is in the outside air introduction mode (Yes in step S33), the ECU 16 determines whether or not the first period has elapsed (step S35). When the air conditioner 6 has transitioned to the outside air introduction mode (step S34), the ECU 16 determines whether or not the first period has elapsed (step S35). For example, the first period is set in advance by the passenger or the like.

[0088] If the first period has not elapsed (No in step S35), the ECU 16 again determines whether the first period has elapsed (step S35).

[0089] If the first period has elapsed (Yes in step S35), the ECU 16 transitions the air conditioner 6 to the recirculation mode (step S36). For example, the ECU 16 transitions the air conditioner 6 to the recirculation mode by transmitting a control signal or the like to the air conditioner 6 to transition the air conditioner 6 to the recirculation mode.

[0090] The ECU 16 determines whether the second period has elapsed (step S37). For example, the second period is set in advance by the rider or the like. The second period may be longer than the first period, shorter than the first period, or the same as the first period.

[0091] If the second period has not elapsed (No in step S37), the ECU 16 again determines whether the second period has elapsed (step S37).

[0092] If the second period has elapsed (Yes in step S37), the ECU 16 causes the air conditioner 6 to transition to the outside air introduction mode (step S34).

[0093] In this manner, the ECU 16 periodically switches the air conditioner 6 between the outside air introduction mode and the inside air circulation mode while the wipers 7 are in the on state.

[0094] The ion blower 10 according to this embodiment is an ion blower placed on the ceiling 3 of the interior 2 of the vehicle 1, and includes an ion generator 11 that generates ions, a blower 12 that blows air A containing ions into the interior 2, and an ECU 16 that controls the blower 12 to blow the air A preferentially toward the seat side of the interior 2 when the temperature inside the interior 2 is within a predetermined range, and controls the blower 12 to blow the air A toward the ceiling 3 side rather than the seat side of the interior 2 when the temperature is not within the predetermined range.

[0095] According to this, when the temperature of the interior room 2 is such that the passengers would feel uncomfortable if the air A containing ions were blown toward the seats, the air A containing ions can be blown toward the ceiling 3, thereby making it possible to efficiently supply ions to the interior room 2 of the vehicle 1 while preventing the passengers from feeling uncomfortable. Also, when the temperature of the interior room 2 is such that the air A containing ions is not likely to feel uncomfortable if it is blown toward the seats, the air A containing ions can be blown toward the seats, making it possible to efficiently supply ions to the interior room 2 of the vehicle 1 while preventing the passengers from feeling uncomfortable.

[0096] In addition, in the ion blower 10 according to this embodiment, the ECU 16 determines the direction in which to blow the air A based on the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat in the interior 2, and controls the blower 12 to blow the air A in the determined direction.

[0097] This allows the air A containing ions to be blown toward the seats where the passengers are sitting, thereby more efficiently supplying ions to the interior 2 of the vehicle 1 while minimizing discomfort felt by the passengers.

[0098] Moreover, the ion blower 10 according to this embodiment is disposed at a position different from the air conditioner 6 of the vehicle 1.

[0099] This allows the air A containing ions to be blown to positions that cannot be reached by the air from the air conditioner 6, so that ions can be supplied to the interior 2 of the vehicle 1 more efficiently.

[0100] In addition, in the ion blower 10 according to this embodiment, the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 so as not to blow air A when the air conditioner 6 of the vehicle 1 is in the outside air introduction mode, and controls the blower 12 so as to blow air A when the air conditioner 6 of the vehicle 1 is in the inside air circulation mode.

[0101] According to this, in the outside air introduction mode in which ions are more likely to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle 1 than in the inside air circulation mode, it is possible to prevent the air A containing ions from being blown. Also, in the inside air circulation mode in which ions are less likely to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle 1 than in the outside air introduction mode, it is possible to blow the air A containing ions. Therefore, it is possible to supply ions to the interior 2 of the vehicle 1 more efficiently.

[0102] In addition, in the ion blower 10 according to this embodiment, the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 so that the volume of air A blown when the air conditioner 6 of the vehicle 1 is in the outside air introduction mode is greater than the volume of air A blown when the air conditioner 6 of the vehicle 1 is in the inside air circulation mode.

[0103] According to this, in the outside air introduction mode in which ions are more likely to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle 1 than in the inside air circulation mode, the air volume is made larger than in the inside air circulation mode, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the concentration of ions in the interior 2. Also, in the inside air circulation mode in which ions are less likely to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle 1 than in the outside air introduction mode, it is possible to suppress power consumption, etc. Therefore, it is possible to supply ions to the interior 2 of the vehicle 1 more efficiently.

[0104] Furthermore, in the ion blower 10 according to this embodiment, the ECU 16 determines the volume of air to blow the air A based on the volume of air from the air conditioner 6 of the vehicle 1, and controls the blower 12 to blow the air A at the determined volume of air.

[0105] This allows the volume of airflow of the ion-containing air A to be increased or decreased based on the volume of airflow from the air conditioner 6, thereby enabling ions to be supplied to the interior 2 of the vehicle 1 more efficiently.

[0106] Furthermore, in the ion blower 10 according to this embodiment, the ECU 16 sets the air conditioner 6 of the vehicle 1 to an outside air introduction mode when the wipers 7 of the vehicle 1 are in an on state.

[0107] This allows the outside air introduction mode to be set when the wipers 7 are on, when it is likely that it is raining, making it easier for moisture outside the vehicle 1 to be introduced into the interior 2 of the vehicle 1, creating a humidity environment in the interior 2 that is conducive to the generation of ions. Therefore, ions can be supplied to the interior 2 of the vehicle 1 more efficiently.

[0108] Furthermore, in the ion blower 10 according to this embodiment, when the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 to preferentially blow air A toward the seat side of the room 2, the ECU 16 controls the blower 12 so that the volume of air blown after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the blowing of air A toward the seat side of the room 2 began is smaller than the volume of air blown before the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0109] According to this, by increasing the airflow rate before the predetermined period has elapsed compared to after the predetermined period has elapsed, more ions can be supplied than after the predetermined period has elapsed. Also, by decreasing the airflow rate after the predetermined period has elapsed compared to before the predetermined period has elapsed, power consumption and the like can be reduced compared to before the predetermined period has elapsed. Therefore, ions can be supplied more efficiently into the interior 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0110] In addition, the ion blower 10 according to this embodiment is provided with a control selection button 15 that accepts a selection as to whether or not to have the ECU 16 control the blower 12 so that the volume of air A blown after a predetermined period of time has elapsed is smaller than the volume of air A blown before the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0111] This allows a selection to be made as to whether or not to control the blower 12 so that the volume of air A blown after a predetermined period of time has elapsed is smaller than the volume of air A blown before the predetermined period of time has elapsed, depending on the state of the vehicle 1, thereby enabling ions to be supplied more efficiently to the interior 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0112] The ion blower 10 according to this embodiment also includes a generation selection button 14 that accepts a selection as to whether or not the ion generator 11 is to generate ions.

[0113] This allows selection of whether or not to cause the ion generator 11 to generate ions depending on the state of the vehicle 1, etc., and therefore makes it possible to prevent unnecessary generation of ions, etc.

[0114] (Other embodiments, etc.) Although the ion blower device according to one or more aspects has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, modifications that would occur to those skilled in the art may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the ECU 16 determines the direction in which the air A is blown based on the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat. However, this is not limiting. The control unit may determine the direction in which the ion-containing air is blown without being based on the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat. For example, when the temperature inside the vehicle is within a predetermined range, the control unit may control the blower to alternately blow ion-containing air toward the front seats (driver's seat and passenger seat) and blow ion-containing air toward the rear seats (right rear seat and left rear seat). Furthermore, in a vehicle with no rear seats but a driver's seat and a passenger seat, when the temperature inside the vehicle is within a predetermined range, the control unit may control the blower to alternately blow ion-containing air toward the seats (driver's seat and passenger seat) and blow ion-containing air toward the ceiling rather than the seats (driver's seat and passenger seat).

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the blower 12 includes the right fan 12a and the left fan 12b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The blower may include a single fan instead of multiple fans. In this case, for example, the control unit may blow air containing ions toward the area between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, thereby blowing air containing ions toward the front seats (driver's seat and passenger seat). Similarly, the control unit may blow air containing ions toward the area between the right rear seat and the left rear seat, thereby blowing air containing ions toward the rear seats (right rear seat and left rear seat). The fan may be rotatable left and right, or a mechanism for changing the direction of air blown by the fan may be provided.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, the ECU 16 determines the air volume at which the air A is blown based on the air volume of the air conditioner 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit may determine the air volume at which the ion-containing air is blown, without being based on the air volume of the air conditioner. For example, the control unit may control the blower to blow the ion-containing air at a predetermined constant air volume, regardless of the air volume of the air conditioner. Furthermore, for example, the control unit may control the blower to change the air volume at which the ion-containing air is blown between the seat side and the ceiling side.

[0118] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Here, the software that realizes the devices and the like of the above-described embodiments is a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in the flowcharts shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

[0119] The following cases are also included in this disclosure:

[0120] (1) Each of the above devices is specifically a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, hard disk unit, display unit, keyboard, mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or hard disk unit. Each device achieves its function when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program. Here, a computer program is composed of a combination of multiple instruction codes that indicate commands to a computer to achieve a predetermined function.

[0121] (2) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be configured as a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components on a single chip, and specifically, is a computer system configured to include a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. The system LSI achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program.

[0122] (3) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be configured as an IC card or a standalone module that can be attached to each device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-mentioned ultra-multifunctional LSI. The IC card or module achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates according to a computer program. The IC card or module may be tamper-resistant.

[0123] (4) The present disclosure may be embodied as the methods described above, a computer program for implementing these methods on a computer, or a digital signal comprising the computer program.

[0124] The present disclosure may also be the computer program or the digital signal recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be the digital signal recorded on such a recording medium.

[0125] Furthermore, the present disclosure may also be applied to transmitting the computer program or the digital signal via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

[0126] The present disclosure may also be a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores the computer program, and the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program.

[0127] The program or the digital signal may also be implemented by another independent computer system by recording it on the recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring it via the network or the like.

[0128] (5) The above embodiments and other embodiments may be combined.

[0129] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments and the like discloses the following techniques.

[0130] (Technology 1) An ion blower device disposed on a ceiling of a vehicle interior, an ion generator that generates ions; a blower that blows the air containing the ions into the room; a control unit that controls the blower so as to preferentially blow the air toward the seat side in the room when the temperature in the room is within a predetermined range, and controls the blower so as to blow the air toward the ceiling side rather than the seat side in the room when the temperature is not within the predetermined range. Ion blower.

[0131] (Technology 2) The control unit determines a direction in which the air is to be blown based on the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat in the interior, and controls the blower to blow the air in the determined direction. The ion blower according to claim 1.

[0132] (Technology 3) Located at a position different from the vehicle's air conditioner, The ion blower according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

[0133] (Technology 4) The control unit controls the blower not to blow the air when the air conditioner of the vehicle is in an outside air introduction mode, and controls the blower to blow the air when the air conditioner of the vehicle is in an inside air circulation mode. The ion blower according to claim 3.

[0134] (Technology 5) the control unit controls the blower so that an air volume of the air blown when the air conditioner of the vehicle is in an outside air introduction mode is larger than an air volume of the air blown when the air conditioner of the vehicle is in an inside air circulation mode. The ion blower according to claim 3.

[0135] (Technology 6) The control unit determines an air volume to blow the air based on an air volume of an air conditioner of the vehicle, and controls the blower to blow the air at the determined air volume. 6. An ion blower according to any one of techniques 3 to 5.

[0136] (Technology 7) the control unit sets the air conditioner of the vehicle to an outside air introduction mode when the wipers of the vehicle are on. 7. The ion blower according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

[0137] (Technology 8) When the control unit controls the blower to preferentially blow the air toward the seat side in the room, the control unit controls the blower so that an air volume of the air blown after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the blowing of the air toward the seat side in the room started is smaller than an air volume of the air blown before the predetermined period of time has elapsed. 8. An ion blower according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0138] (Technology 9) a control selection receiving unit that receives a selection of whether to cause the control unit to control the blower so that the air volume to be blown after the predetermined period has elapsed is smaller than the air volume to be blown before the predetermined period has elapsed, The ion blower according to claim 8.

[0139] (Technology 10) a generation selection receiving unit that receives a selection of whether or not to cause the ion generator to generate the ions; The ion blower according to any one of the first to ninth aspects. [Industrial Applicability]

[0140] The present disclosure can be used in devices that supply ions to the interior of a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1 vehicle 2 indoors 3. Ceiling 4a Driver's seat 4b passenger seat 4c Right rear seat 4d left rear seat 5. Detection unit 5a Temperature sensor 5b Indoor camera 6. Air Conditioning 7 wiper 10 Ion blower 11 Ion generator 12 Blower 12a Right Fan 12b Left fan 13 Motor 14 Occurrence selection button 15 Control selection button 16 ECU A. Air B angle

Claims

1. An ion blower device disposed on a ceiling of a vehicle interior, an ion generator that generates ions; a blower that blows the air containing the ions into the room; a control unit that controls the blower so as to preferentially blow the air toward the seat side in the room when the temperature in the room is within a predetermined range, and controls the blower so as to blow the air toward the ceiling side rather than the seat side in the room when the temperature is not within the predetermined range. Ion blower.

2. The control unit determines a direction in which the air is to be blown based on the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat in the interior, and controls the blower to blow the air in the determined direction. The ion blower according to claim 1 .

3. Located at a position different from the vehicle's air conditioner, The ion blower according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit controls the blower not to blow the air when the air conditioner of the vehicle is in an outside air introduction mode, and controls the blower to blow the air when the air conditioner of the vehicle is in an inside air circulation mode. The ion blower according to claim 3 .

5. the control unit controls the blower so that an air volume of the air blown when the air conditioner of the vehicle is in an outside air introduction mode is larger than an air volume of the air blown when the air conditioner of the vehicle is in an inside air circulation mode. The ion blower according to claim 3 .

6. The control unit determines an air volume to blow the air based on an air volume of an air conditioner of the vehicle, and controls the blower to blow the air at the determined air volume. The ion blower according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. the control unit sets the air conditioner of the vehicle to an outside air introduction mode when the wipers of the vehicle are on. The ion blower according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

8. When the control unit controls the blower to preferentially blow the air toward the seat side in the room, the control unit controls the blower so that an air volume of the air blown after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the blowing of the air toward the seat side in the room started is smaller than an air volume of the air blown before the predetermined period of time has elapsed. The ion blower according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. a control selection receiving unit that receives a selection of whether to cause the control unit to control the blower so that the air volume to be blown after the predetermined period has elapsed is smaller than the air volume to be blown before the predetermined period has elapsed, The ion blower according to claim 8.

10. a generation selection receiving unit that receives a selection of whether or not to cause the ion generator to generate the ions; The ion blower according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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