Fan, method of control, method of notification, and program

Abstract

To reduce inflow of dust without the need of installation of a dust-proof filter.SOLUTION: A fan includes: a blade provided with a conductor; voltage application means for charging the conductor; and drive means for rotating the blade.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fan, a control method, a notification method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An electronic device may be provided with a cooling fan and a dust filter. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method in which dust adhering to a cooling fan is removed by vibrating the cooling fan, and a brush is attached to a dust filter to scrape off dust adhering to the dust filter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-244165 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When dust adheres to the dust filter, it becomes necessary to clean or replace it. It is preferable to be able to reduce the inflow of dust without the need to provide a dust filter.

[0005] An example of an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a fan, a control method, a notification method, and a program that can solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a fan includes blades provided with a conductor, voltage application means for charging the conductor, and drive means for rotating the blades.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a control method includes a computer determining whether a magnitude of a voltage of a resistor connected in series with a conductor of a fan having a conductor on one side and an insulator covering the conductor on the other side, a voltage application means for charging the conductor, and a drive means for rotating the conductor is greater than a predetermined threshold, and if it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold, controlling the drive means to rotate the conductor so that the rotation direction of the conductor is such that air flows from the side of the conductor-free surface of the wing to the side of the wing where the conductor is provided, and controlling the voltage application means to stop applying voltage to the conductor.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a notification method includes a computer determining whether a magnitude of a voltage across a resistor connected in series with a conductor of a fan having blades with a conductor provided thereon, a voltage application means for charging the conductor, and a drive means for rotating the blades is greater than a predetermined threshold, and notifying the computer that it is time to clean the fan if it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage across the resistor is greater than the threshold.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a program causes a computer to execute the following steps: determine whether the magnitude of the voltage of a resistor connected in series with a conductor of a fan having a conductor on one side and an insulator covering the conductor on the other side, a voltage application means for charging the conductor, and a drive means for rotating the conductor; and, if it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold, control the drive means to rotate the conductor so that the direction of rotation of the conductor is such that air flows from the side of the conductor-free surface of the wing to the side of the wing where the conductor is provided, and control the voltage application means to stop applying voltage to the conductor.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the program causes a computer to determine whether the magnitude of the voltage of a resistor connected in series with a conductor of a fan having blades with a conductor provided thereon, a voltage application means for charging the conductor, and a drive means for rotating the blades is greater than a predetermined threshold, and if it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold, notify the computer that it is time to clean the fan. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inflow of dust can be reduced without the need for a dust filter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a fan configuration according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 2] 3A-3C illustrate examples of arrangements of first and second conductors on a wing according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of the positional relationship between conductors and insulators according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of arrangements of voltage application units and detection circuits on a wing according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a model of a circuit in which a microcomputer measures a voltage according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of the direction of airflow from a fan according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A-10D illustrate an example of a fan operation procedure according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A to 10D are diagrams illustrating an example of a procedure for operating a fan when dust adhering to blades is removed by wind power according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a fan configuration according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in a control method according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in a notification method according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates an example configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following describes embodiments of the present invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0014] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a fan according to at least one embodiment. In the configuration shown in Fig. 1, fan 10 includes blade portion 11, rotating shaft 12, drive portion 13, and control portion 14. Blade portion 11 includes blade 110, first conductor 121, second conductor 122, insulator 130, voltage application portion 140, and microcomputer 150. Microcomputer 150 includes determination portion 151 and output portion 152. The first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 are also collectively referred to as conductor 120.

[0015] Fan 10 generates wind by rotating blades 110. Fan 10 also charges conductor 120, causing dust in the air to adhere to blades 11 by electrostatic attraction, thereby reducing the amount of dust in the air that moves as wind. Fan 10 may be used as a cooling fan for a computer such as a personal computer (PC). However, the use of fan 10 is not limited to a specific purpose. Fan 10 can be used in a variety of situations where wind is used and where it is desirable to minimize dust in the wind. In the following, an example will be described in which the fan 10 is installed in a desktop computer. The computer in which the fan 10 is installed will also be simply referred to as a computer.

[0016] The blade portion 11 is a general term for the blade 110 and anything that is attached to the blade 110 and rotates together with the blade 110. The blade portion 11 can also be considered as the blade of the fan 10, and the blade 110 can also be considered as the main body of the blade. Rotation axis 12 is the axis about which wing 110 rotates. Driving unit 13 rotates rotating shaft 12 to rotate blade 110. Driving unit 13 may be configured using a motor. The driving unit 13 is an example of a driving means.

[0017] Control unit 14 controls the rotation of wings 110. For example, control unit 14 controls whether wings 110 rotate and the direction of rotation. Furthermore, control unit 14 may also control the application of voltage to conductor 120 by voltage application unit 140. Control unit 14 may be configured as a part of fan 10, or may be configured external to fan 10. For example, control unit 14 may be configured as a part of fan 10 using a microcomputer. Alternatively, control unit 14 may be configured as a switch provided on fan 10, and the rotation of blades 110 may be switched in response to a user's operation of the switch. Alternatively, if fan 10 is installed in a computer, the functions of control unit 14 may be executed using the functions of the computer.

[0018] As described above, the blades 110 are attached to the rotary shaft 12, and the blades 110 also rotate when the drive unit 13 rotates the rotary shaft 12. The blades 110 generate wind as they rotate. The number of blades 110 included in the fan 10 is not limited to a specific number. In the following, an example in which the fan 10 includes four blades 110 will be described, but the number is not limited to this.

[0019] Conductor 120 is provided on wing 110, and becomes charged by application of a voltage by voltage application unit 140, causing dust particles in the air to adhere to it. The following description will be given taking as an example a case where conductor 120 is provided on one surface of wing 110. Of the two surfaces of wing 110, the surface on which conductor 120 is provided will be referred to as the front surface, and the surface on which conductor 120 is not provided will be referred to as the back surface.

[0020] The insulator 130 is provided to cover the conductor 120 and suppresses current leakage from the conductor 120. However, the insulator 130 does not necessarily prevent current leakage from the conductor 120 completely. As described above, the voltage application unit 140 applies a voltage to the conductor 120 to charge it. The voltage application unit 140 is an example of a voltage application means.

[0021] The microcomputer 150 is used to detect and notify when it is time to clean the fan 10 due to the accumulation of dust on the blades 11. Furthermore, the microcomputer 150 may also function as the control unit . Determination unit 151 determines whether it is time to clean fan 10. As will be described later, determination unit 151 determines whether it is time to clean fan 10 by comparing the voltage measurement value at blade portion 11 with a predetermined threshold value. The determination unit 151 is an example of a determination means.

[0022] When the determining unit 151 determines that it is time to clean the fan 10, the output unit 152 outputs a notification to that effect. The output unit 152 corresponds to an example of an output means. The method of outputting the notification by output unit 152 is not limited to a specific method. For example, output unit 152 may wirelessly transmit a notification signal. Then, a computer equipped with fan 10 may receive the notification signal and display a message on a display indicating that it is time to clean fan 10. Alternatively, a buzzer may be provided on blade portion 11, and output unit 152 may sound the buzzer to notify the user that it is time to clean the fan.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of first conductors 121 and second conductors 122 on wing 110. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 2, comb-shaped first conductors 121 and second conductors 122 are arranged on the surface of each of the four blades 110 so as not to be electrically connected (ie, not to be in contact with each other).

[0024] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between conductor 120 and insulator 130. FIG. 3 shows an example of a cross section of wing 110 on the surface side. 3, a conductor 120 is provided on the surface of the wing 110, and an insulator 130 is provided to cover the conductor 120. This prevents current from leaking from the conductor 120.

[0025] To make it easier for dust to adhere to the conductor 120 due to the charge on the conductor 120, the insulator 130 is provided to be thin, for example, with a thickness of about several millimeters. The insulator 130 may cover the entire surface of the wing 110 or only the portion where the conductor 120 is located.

[0026] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of voltage application section 140 and detection circuit 160 on wing 110. FIG. 4 shows an example of the arrangement of each section on the underside of wing 110. 4, the voltage application unit 140 includes a battery 141, a boost circuit 142, and a switch 143. When the switch 143 is turned on, the boost circuit 142 boosts the voltage from the battery 141 and applies a high voltage to each of the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122.

[0027] A positive voltage is applied to point P11, which penetrates wing 110 and is electrically connected to first conductor 121 on the surface. A negative voltage is applied to point P12, which penetrates wing 110 and is electrically connected to second conductor 122 on the surface. As a result, voltage application unit 140 applies a positive high voltage to first conductor 121 and a negative high voltage to second conductor 122.

[0028] The boost circuit 142 receives a DC voltage input from the battery 141 and outputs a high DC voltage. The boost circuit 142 may be configured using, for example, a blocking oscillator circuit and a Cockcroft-Walton circuit, but is not limited to this.

[0029] Detection circuit 160 is a circuit for detecting when it is time to clean fan 10. In detection circuit 160, resistor 161 is provided on a path along which voltage is applied from boost circuit 142 to first conductor 121. Determination unit 151 of microcomputer 150 measures the voltage of resistor 161 and compares it with a predetermined threshold. If determination unit 151 determines that the voltage of resistor 161 is smaller than the threshold, it determines that it is time to clean fan 10.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a model of a circuit in which the microcomputer 150 measures voltage. In the example of Fig. 5, resistor R1 and capacitor C1 correspond to the resistance and capacitance between points P11 and P12 in Fig. 4. Resistor R2 corresponds to resistor 161 in Fig. 4. When there is no dust on blade portion 11, first conductor 121 and second conductor 122 are almost completely insulated. Therefore, the resistor R1 portion is insulated, and the only capacitance is considered to be the capacitance of a capacitor formed by first conductor 121 and second conductor 122.

[0031] On the other hand, when dust accumulates on the wing portion 11, a current begins to flow through the accumulated dust, which decreases the resistance value of resistor R1 in the model of Figure 5 and increases the voltage across resistor R2, which is connected in series with resistor R1. 4, when dust accumulates on blade portion 11, the voltage of resistor 161 increases. Determination unit 151 of microcomputer 150 compares the measured voltage (voltage across both ends) of resistor 161 with a predetermined threshold. Determination unit 151 determines that it is time to clean fan 10 by determining that the voltage of resistor 161 is greater than the threshold.

[0032] All four blades 11 may have the same structure. Even if the amount of dust attached varies among blades 11, it is expected that determination unit 151 of blade 11 with the most dust attached will be able to detect when fan 10 needs to be cleaned. Alternatively, the microcomputer 150 may be provided on only some of the four blades 11. This allows the manufacturing cost of the fan 10 to be reduced.

[0033] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the direction of airflow from the fan 10. Fig. 6 shows an example of a cross section of the case 911 of a desktop personal computer when the fan 10 is installed in the air intake of the personal computer. The fan 10 is installed so that the surface of the blades 110 faces outward (towards the air intake).

[0034] Arrow a11 indicates the direction of airflow under normal circumstances. Under normal circumstances, air flows from the outside to the inside of housing 911. Air taken into housing 911 through the air intake is sucked into fan 10 from the surface side of blades 110. Because conductor 120 is electrically charged, dust in the air adheres to blades 11. As a result, air with reduced dust content is taken into housing 911.

[0035] Arrow a12 indicates the direction of airflow for removing dust adhering to blades 11 when fan 10 is cleaned. When dust adhering to blade portion 11 is removed by wind force, blade 110 is rotated in the opposite direction to the normal rotation direction to generate wind in the direction of arrow a12. Furthermore, by turning off switch 143 in Fig. 4, the application of voltage to conductor 120 by voltage application unit 140 is stopped, and the dust adsorption force of blade portion 11 is reduced.

[0036] As a result, it is expected that dust adhering to blade portion 11 will be discharged from housing 911 to the outside, or will fall outside fan 10 within housing 911. The rotation of the wing 110 that generates wind in the direction of the arrow a11 is also referred to as forward rotation. The rotation of the wing 110 that generates wind in the direction of the arrow a12 is also referred to as reverse rotation.

[0037] Fan 10 may remove dust adhering to blades 11 by wind force in accordance with a user operation, or may do so automatically. For example, when determination unit 151 determines that it is time to clean fan 10, control unit 14 may control drive unit 13 and voltage application unit 140 to remove dust by wind force as described above. Alternatively, when determination unit 151 determines that it is time to clean fan 10 and control unit 14 determines that the personal computer is stopped, control unit 14 may control drive unit 13 and voltage application unit 140 to remove dust by wind force as described above.

[0038] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation procedure of the fan 10. For example, when the fan 10 detects that the power of the personal computer has been turned on, it starts the process of FIG. In the example of FIG. 7, the control unit 14 turns on the switch 143 of FIG. 4, causing the voltage application unit 140 to apply a voltage to the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 (step S11). Next, control unit 14 controls drive unit 13 to rotate blades 110 forward (step S12).

[0039] Next, the determination unit 151 measures the voltage across the resistor 161 in FIG. 4 (step S13). Then, the determining unit 151 determines whether the measured voltage is greater than a predetermined cleaning time detection threshold value (step S14).

[0040] If it is determined that the measured voltage is greater than the threshold value (step S14: YES), the output unit 152 outputs a notification that it is time to clean the fan 10 (step S15). The output unit 152 may wirelessly transmit a notification signal, and the personal computer that receives the notification signal may display a message that the fan 10 needs to be cleaned.

[0041] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether the personal computer is stopped or not (step S16). If the control unit 14 determines that the personal computer is not stopped (step S16: NO), the process returns to step S13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the personal computer is stopped (step S16: YES), control unit 14 controls drive unit 13 to stop the rotation of blade 110 (step S17).

[0042] Next, the control unit 14 turns off the switch 143 in FIG. 4 to stop the application of voltage from the voltage application unit 140 to the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 (step S18). After step S18, the fan 10 ends the process of FIG. On the other hand, if the determining unit 151 determines in step S14 that the measured voltage is equal to or lower than the threshold value (step S14: NO), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0043] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the procedure of operation of fan 10 when dust adhering to blade portion 11 is removed by wind power. Fan 10 performs the process of FIG. 8 when, for example, a user operation is performed to instruct cleaning of fan 10. In the process of FIG. 8, control unit 14 controls drive unit 13 to rotate wing 110 in the reverse direction (step S21).

[0044] 4 to stop the application of voltage from the voltage application unit 140 to the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 (step S22). If the switch 143 is originally turned off, the switch 143 is left in that state. Next, control unit 14 determines whether a user operation has been performed to instruct the end of cleaning of fan 10 (step S23). Alternatively, control unit 14 or determination unit 151 may determine whether a condition for ending cleaning of fan 10 is met, such as whether the voltage across resistor 161 is equal to or less than a predetermined cleaning end threshold.

[0045] If the control unit 14 determines that no instruction to end cleaning has been given (step S23: NO), the process returns to step S23. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines that an instruction to end cleaning has been issued (step S23: YES), the fan 10 ends the process of FIG. After the process of FIG. 8 is completed, if the personal computer is running, the fan 10 may perform the process of FIG.

[0046] As described above, conductor 120 is provided on wing 110. Voltage application unit 140 charges conductor 120. Driving unit 13 rotates wing 110. Fan 10 can electrostatically attract dust to conductor 120. This makes it possible to reduce the inflow of dust downstream of fan 10 without the need for a dust filter.

[0047] The wing 110 also includes a first conductor 121, which is a conductor 120 that is charged with a positive voltage, and a second conductor, which is the same conductor that is charged with a negative voltage. In the fan 10, the first conductor 121 and the second conductor 122 are charged with a positive voltage and a negative voltage, respectively, and therefore it is expected that dust can be electrostatically adsorbed efficiently.

[0048] Conductor 120 is provided on one surface of wing 110. Insulator 130 that covers conductor 120 is provided on that surface. According to fan 10, dust is likely to adhere to conductor 120 because conductor 120 is provided on the surface of blades 110. Furthermore, according to fan 10, insulator 130 covers conductor 120, which makes it possible to suppress (prevent or reduce) leakage of current from conductor 120.

[0049] Furthermore, the driving unit 13 switches the rotation direction of the blades 110 . When feather 110 is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the surface of feather 110 on which conductor 120 is provided (front surface) to the side of the surface of feather 110 on which conductor 120 is not provided (back surface) of feather 110, voltage application unit 140 charges conductor 120. Furthermore, when feather 110 is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the surface of feather 110 on which conductor 120 is not provided to the side of the surface of feather 110 on which conductor 120 is provided, voltage application unit 140 switches between applying and not applying voltage to conductor 120 so as to release the charge on conductor 120.

[0050] According to fan 10, when blades 110 are rotating so that air flows from the front side to the back side of blades 110, dust can be attached to blade portions 11 by charging conductor 120, thereby reducing the inflow of dust downstream of fan 10. Furthermore, according to fan 10, when blades 110 are rotating so that air flows from the back side to the front side of blades 110, dust attached to blade portions 11 can be removed by wind force by releasing the charge on conductor 120.

[0051] Furthermore, the determining unit 151 determines whether the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor 161 connected in series with the conductor 120 is greater than a predetermined threshold value. When it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of resistor 161 is greater than the threshold value, drive unit 13 rotates blade 110 so that the rotation direction of blade 110 is a direction in which wind flows from the back side of blade 110 to the front side.

[0052] With fan 10, it is possible to detect when it is time to clean fan 10 by simply comparing the measured voltage value with a threshold value. Then, by rotating blades 110 in the reverse direction and releasing the charge on conductor 120 as described above, dust adhering to blades 11 can be removed by wind force.

[0053] Furthermore, the determining unit 151 determines whether the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor 161 connected in series with the conductor 120 is greater than a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor 161 is greater than the threshold value, the output unit 152 outputs a notification that it is time to clean the fan 10. According to the fan 10, it is possible to detect when it is time to clean the fan 10 by simply comparing the measured voltage value with a threshold value, and to notify the user that it is time to clean the fan 10.

[0054] Second Embodiment 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of a fan configuration according to at least one embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, fan 610 includes blades 611, conductors 612, a voltage application unit 613, and a drive unit 614.

[0055] In this configuration, conductor 612 is provided on wing 611. Voltage application unit 613 charges conductor 612. Driving unit 614 rotates wing 611. The voltage application unit 613 is an example of a voltage application means, and the drive unit 614 is an example of a drive means.

[0056] Fan 610 can electrostatically attract dust to conductor 612. This makes it possible to reduce the inflow of dust downstream of fan 610 without the need for a dust filter.

[0057] Third Embodiment 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in a control method according to at least one embodiment. The control method illustrated in FIG. 10 includes making a determination (step S611) and performing a control (step S612).

[0058] In making the judgment (step S611), the computer judges whether the magnitude of the voltage of a resistor connected in series with a conductor of a fan having a blade with a conductor on one side and an insulator covering the conductor on the other side, a voltage application means for charging the conductor, and a drive means for rotating the blade is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0059] In performing control (step S612), if the computer determines that the magnitude of the resistor voltage is greater than the threshold value, it controls the drive means to rotate the blades so that the direction of rotation of the blades is such that wind flows from the side of the blade surface where no conductor is provided to the side of the blade surface where the conductor is provided, and controls the voltage application means to stop applying voltage to the conductor.

[0060] The control method shown in Fig. 10 makes it possible to detect when to clean the fan by simply comparing the measured voltage with a threshold value. Furthermore, by rotating the blades in the above-mentioned direction and discharging the charge on the conductor, dust adhering to the conductor can be removed by wind power.

[0061] <Fourth embodiment> 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in a notification method according to at least one embodiment. The notification method illustrated in FIG. 11 includes making a determination (step S621) and making a notification (step S622).

[0062] In making the judgment (step S621), the computer judges whether the magnitude of the voltage of a resistor connected in series with a conductor of a fan having blades with a conductor, a voltage application means for charging the conductor, and a driving means for rotating the blades is greater than a predetermined threshold value. In the step of notifying (step S622), if it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value, a notification is given that it is time to clean the fan.

[0063] According to the notification method shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to detect when it is time to clean the fan by a simple process of comparing the measured voltage value with a threshold value, and to notify the user that it is time to clean the fan.

[0064] FIG. 12 illustrates an example configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, a computer 700 includes a CPU 710, a main memory device 720, an auxiliary memory device 730, an interface 740, and a non-volatile recording medium 750.

[0065] One or more of the control unit 14 and the microcomputer 150, or a part thereof, may be implemented in the computer 700. In this case, the operation of each of the above-described processing units is stored in the auxiliary storage device 730 in the form of a program. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program. The CPU 710 also allocates storage areas in the main storage device 720 corresponding to each of the above-described storage units in accordance with the program. Communication between each device and other devices is performed by an interface 740 having a communication function and performing communication under the control of the CPU 710. The interface 740 also has a port for a nonvolatile storage medium 750, and reads information from the nonvolatile storage medium 750 and writes information to the nonvolatile storage medium 750.

[0066] When the control unit 14 is implemented in the computer 700, its operation is stored in the form of a program in the auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0067] Furthermore, the CPU 710 allocates a storage area in the main storage device 720 for the control unit 14 to perform processing in accordance with the program. When the control unit 14 communicates with another device, the interface 740 has a communication function and operates under the control of the CPU 710. When the control unit 14 interacts with a user, the interface 740 has an input device and an output device, and presents information to the user via the output device under the control of the CPU 710 and receives user operations via the input device.

[0068] When the microcomputer 150 is implemented in the computer 700, its operation is stored in the form of a program in the auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0069] Furthermore, the CPU 710 allocates a storage area in the main memory device 720 for the microcomputer 150 to perform processing in accordance with the program. When the microcomputer 150 communicates with other devices, the interface 740 has a communication function and operates under the control of the CPU 710. When the microcomputer 150 interacts with a user, the interface 740 has an input device and an output device, and presents information to the user via the output device under the control of the CPU 710 and receives user operations via the input device.

[0070] One or more of the above-described programs may be recorded on nonvolatile recording medium 750. In this case, interface 740 may read the programs from nonvolatile recording medium 750. CPU 710 may then directly execute the programs read by interface 740, or may temporarily store the programs in main storage device 720 or auxiliary storage device 730 and then execute them.

[0071] Note that the processing of each part may be performed by recording a program for executing all or part of the processing performed by the control unit 14 and the microcomputer 150 on a computer-readable recording medium, and having the computer system read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Note that the "computer system" here includes the OS (Operating System) and hardware such as peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs (Read Only Memory), and CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The program may be one that realizes part of the aforementioned functions, or may be one that can realize the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0072] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0073] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0074] (Appendix 1) a wing provided with a conductor; voltage application means for charging the conductor; a driving means for rotating the blade; A fan equipped with

[0075] (Appendix 2) The wing has a first conductor that is the conductor charged with a positive voltage and a second conductor that is the conductor charged with a negative voltage. 2. The fan of claim 1, comprising:

[0076] (Appendix 3) the conductor is provided on one surface of the wing, An insulator covering the conductor is provided on the surface. A fan as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0077] (Appendix 4) The driving means switches the rotation direction of the blades, the voltage application means charges the conductor when the blade is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the blade surface on which the conductor is provided to the side of the blade surface on which the conductor is not provided, and switches between applying and not applying a voltage to the conductor so as to release the charge of the conductor when the blade is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the blade surface on which the conductor is not provided to the side of the blade surface on which the conductor is provided; Fans as described in Appendix 3.

[0078] (Appendix 5) a determining means for determining whether or not the magnitude of the voltage of a resistor connected in series with the conductor is greater than a predetermined threshold value; When it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value, the driving means rotates the blades so that the rotation direction of the blades is a rotation direction in which air flows from a surface of the blade on which the conductor is not provided to a surface of the blade on which the conductor is provided. Fans as described in Appendix 4.

[0079] (Appendix 6) a determining means for determining whether the magnitude of the voltage across a resistor connected in series with the conductor is greater than a predetermined threshold; an output means for outputting a notification that it is time to clean the fan when it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value; 5. The fan of claim 1, further comprising:

[0080] (Appendix 7) The computer a fan including blades each having a conductor on one side thereof and an insulator covering the conductor on the other side thereof, voltage application means for charging the conductor, and drive means for rotating the blades, determining whether or not the magnitude of the voltage across a resistor connected in series with the conductor is greater than a predetermined threshold value; When it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value, the drive means is controlled to rotate the blades in a direction in which wind flows from the surface of the blade on which the conductor is not provided to the surface of the blade on which the conductor is provided, and the voltage application means is controlled to stop application of voltage to the conductor. A control method comprising:

[0081] (Appendix 8) The wing has a first conductor that is the conductor charged with a positive voltage and a second conductor that is the conductor charged with a negative voltage. 8. The control method of claim 7, comprising:

[0082] (Appendix 9) the conductor is provided on one surface of the wing, An insulator covering the conductor is provided on the surface. 9. The control method according to claim 7 or 8.

[0083] (Appendix 10) The computer controlling the driving means so as to switch the rotation direction of the blades; The voltage application means controls the voltage application means to charge the conductor when the blade is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the blade surface where the conductor is provided to the side of the blade surface where the conductor is not provided, and to switch between applying and not applying a voltage to the conductor so as to release the charge of the conductor when the blade is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the blade surface where the conductor is not provided to the side of the blade surface where the conductor is provided. Including, 10. The control method of claim 9.

[0084] (Appendix 11) The computer a fan including blades provided with conductors, voltage application means for charging the conductors, and drive means for rotating the blades, determining whether or not the magnitude of a voltage across a resistor connected in series with the conductors is greater than a predetermined threshold value; If it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value, a notification is given that it is time to clean the fan. Notification methods, including:

[0085] (Appendix 12) The wing has a first conductor that is the conductor charged with a positive voltage and a second conductor that is the conductor charged with a negative voltage. 12. The notification method of claim 11, comprising:

[0086] (Appendix 13) the conductor is provided on one surface of the wing, An insulator covering the conductor is provided on the surface. Notification methods described in Appendix 11 or Appendix 12.

[0087] (Appendix 14) The computer controlling the driving means so as to switch the rotation direction of the blades; The voltage application means controls the voltage application means to charge the conductor when the wing is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the wing surface where the conductor is provided to the side of the wing surface where the conductor is not provided, and to switch between applying and not applying a voltage to the conductor so as to release the charge of the conductor when the wing is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the wing surface where the conductor is not provided to the side of the wing surface where the conductor is provided. Including, Notification methods as set out in Appendix 13.

[0088] (Appendix 15) On the computer, a fan including a blade having a conductor on one side and an insulator covering the conductor on the other side, a voltage application means for charging the conductor, and a drive means for rotating the blade, determining whether or not the magnitude of a voltage across a resistor connected in series with the conductor is greater than a predetermined threshold value; When it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value, controlling the drive means to rotate the blades so that the rotation direction of the blades is a direction in which wind flows from a surface of the blade on which the conductor is not provided to a surface of the blade on which the conductor is provided, and controlling the voltage application means to stop application of voltage to the conductor; A program that executes the following.

[0089] (Appendix 16) The wing has a first conductor that is the conductor charged with a positive voltage and a second conductor that is the conductor charged with a negative voltage. 16. The program of claim 15, comprising:

[0090] (Appendix 17) the conductor is provided on one surface of the wing, An insulator covering the conductor is provided on the surface. 17. The program according to claim 15 or 16.

[0091] (Appendix 18) The program causes the computer to: controlling the driving means so as to switch the rotation direction of the blades; The voltage application means controls the voltage application means to charge the conductor when the blade is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the blade surface where the conductor is provided to the side of the blade surface where the conductor is not provided, and to switch between applying and not applying a voltage to the conductor so as to release the charge of the conductor when the blade is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the blade surface where the conductor is not provided to the side of the blade surface where the conductor is provided. To make it happen, 17. The program described in Appendix 17.

[0092] (Appendix 19) On the computer, a fan including a blade provided with a conductor, a voltage application means for charging the conductor, and a drive means for rotating the blade; determining whether or not the magnitude of a voltage across a resistor connected in series with the conductor is greater than a predetermined threshold value; If it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value, notifying that it is time to clean the fan; A program that executes the following.

[0093] (Appendix 20) The wing includes a first conductor, which is the conductor charged with a positive voltage, and a nineteenth conductor, which is the conductor charged with a negative voltage. 19. The program of claim 18, comprising:

[0094] (Appendix 21) the conductor is provided on one surface of the wing, An insulator covering the conductor is provided on the surface. 19. The program of claim 20.

[0095] (Appendix 22) The program causes the computer to: controlling the driving means so as to switch the rotation direction of the blades; The voltage application means controls the voltage application means to charge the conductor when the wing is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the wing surface where the conductor is provided to the side of the wing surface where the conductor is not provided, and to switch between applying and not applying a voltage to the conductor so as to release the charge of the conductor when the wing is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the wing surface where the conductor is not provided to the side of the wing surface where the conductor is provided. To make it happen, 21. The program described in Appendix 21. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10,610 Fan 11 Wings 12 Rotation axis 13,614 Drive unit 14 Control Unit 110,611 birds 120, 612 conductors 121 First Conductor 122 Second Conductor 130 Insulator 140, 613 Voltage application section 141 Batteries 142 Boost circuit 143 Switch 150 microcomputers 151 Judgment section 152 Output section 160 Detection circuit 161 Resistance

Claims

1. a wing provided with a conductor; voltage application means for charging the conductor; a driving means for rotating the blade; A fan equipped with

2. The wing includes a first conductor that is the conductor charged with a positive voltage and a second conductor that is the conductor charged with a negative voltage. The fan of claim 1 , comprising:

3. the conductor is provided on one surface of the wing, An insulator covering the conductor is provided on the surface. The fan according to claim 1 .

4. The driving means switches the rotation direction of the blades, the voltage application means charges the conductor when the blade is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the blade surface on which the conductor is provided to the side of the blade surface on which the conductor is not provided, and switches between applying and not applying a voltage to the conductor so as to release the charge of the conductor when the blade is rotating so that wind flows from the side of the blade surface on which the conductor is not provided to the side of the blade surface on which the conductor is provided; The fan according to claim 3 .

5. a determining means for determining whether or not the magnitude of the voltage of a resistor connected in series with the conductor is greater than a predetermined threshold value; When it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value, the driving means rotates the blades so that the rotation direction of the blades is a rotation direction in which air flows from a surface of the blade on which the conductor is not provided to a surface of the blade on which the conductor is provided. The fan according to claim 4.

6. a determining means for determining whether the magnitude of the voltage across a resistor connected in series with the conductor is greater than a predetermined threshold; an output means for outputting a notification that it is time to clean the fan when it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value; The fan of claim 1 , comprising:

7. The computer a fan including blades each having a conductor on one side thereof and an insulator covering the conductor on the other side thereof, voltage application means for charging the conductor, and drive means for rotating the blades, determining whether or not the magnitude of the voltage across a resistor connected in series with the conductor is greater than a predetermined threshold value; When it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value, the drive means is controlled to rotate the blades in a direction in which wind flows from the surface of the blade on which the conductor is not provided to the surface of the blade on which the conductor is provided, and the voltage application means is controlled to stop application of voltage to the conductor. A control method comprising:

8. The computer a fan including blades provided with conductors, voltage application means for charging the conductors, and drive means for rotating the blades, determining whether or not the magnitude of a voltage across a resistor connected in series with the conductors is greater than a predetermined threshold value; If it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value, a notification is given that it is time to clean the fan. Notification methods, including:

9. On the computer, a fan including a blade having a conductor on one side and an insulator covering the conductor on the other side, a voltage application means for charging the conductor, and a drive means for rotating the blade, determining whether or not the magnitude of a voltage across a resistor connected in series with the conductor is greater than a predetermined threshold value; When it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value, controlling the drive means to rotate the blades so that the rotation direction of the blades is a direction in which wind flows from a surface of the blade on which the conductor is not provided to a surface of the blade on which the conductor is provided, and controlling the voltage application means to stop application of voltage to the conductor; A program that executes the following.

10. On the computer, a fan including a blade provided with a conductor, a voltage application means for charging the conductor, and a drive means for rotating the blade; determining whether or not the magnitude of a voltage across a resistor connected in series with the conductor is greater than a predetermined threshold value; If it is determined that the magnitude of the voltage of the resistor is greater than the threshold value, notifying that it is time to clean the fan; A program that executes the following.

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