Static elimination device and control method for the static elimination device

Abstract

To provide a charge neutralizer configured so that careless changing of a parameter can be prevented.SOLUTION: A plurality of parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof for specifying a condition for executing charge neutralization operation is set in accordance with user control received by a button operation part 53. A lock mode is set for operation of changing the plurality of parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof. In the lock mode, a restriction is put on operation to the button operation part 53 that changes the plurality of parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof. By canceling the lock mode, operation to the button operation part 53 which changes each of the plurality of parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof is permitted (a normal mode). Therefore, a supervisor can appropriately set work for optimizing the plurality of parameters by executing the normal mode. On the other hand, the supervisor can restrict change of the parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof, by executing the lock mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11K

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for discharging ions generated by applying a voltage to an electrode to an object to eliminate static electricity from the object.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a so-called fan-type static eliminator. This static eliminator includes four discharge electrodes arranged in the circumferential direction along the inner wall of a circular vent, and a high-voltage power supply unit that supplies a voltage to each discharge electrode. The discharge electrodes generate corona discharge by the voltage supplied from the high-voltage power supply unit to generate ions. The ions thus generated are discharged toward the object by the wind generated by the fan.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] To reliably remove static electricity from an object using such a static elimination device, parameters such as those controlling the voltage applied to the discharge electrode and those specifying the fan's airflow must be optimized. Therefore, a system is typically implemented where a skilled operator optimizes these parameters at predetermined intervals. However, evaluation of the object after static elimination revealed cases where, despite the parameter settings, the object was still not sufficiently eliminated. Investigations into these cases revealed that one cause was inadequate changes made by inexperienced operators. Therefore, a technology was needed to prevent such inadequate changes to the static elimination device's parameters. In particular, it is difficult for humans to perceive changes in the static elimination device's parameters, making it essential to continuously maintain the optimized parameters. Consequently, such a technology is extremely important.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to prevent inadvertent changes to the parameters of a static eliminator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The static elimination device according to the present invention is a static elimination device that eliminates static electricity from an object by releasing ions to the object, and comprises: a corona discharge unit that generates corona discharge in response to the application of voltage; a voltage control unit that controls the voltage applied to the corona discharge unit; a fan that generates wind from the corona discharge unit toward the object; a display unit that displays a plurality of parameters that define the execution conditions for a static elimination operation in which the voltage applied to the corona discharge unit is controlled by the voltage control unit to generate corona discharge in the corona discharge unit while the fan generates wind; an operation unit that receives user input; and a parameter setting unit that sets a plurality of parameters in response to user input received by the operation unit, wherein the voltage control unit controls the voltage according to a voltage control parameter which is a parameter for controlling the voltage applied to the corona discharge unit, the fan generates an airflow according to an airflow parameter which is a parameter that specifies the airflow, and the parameter setting unit has a lock mode that fixes the target parameter by restricting operations on the operation unit that changes the target parameter among the plurality of parameters, and a normal mode that allows operations on the operation unit that change each of the plurality of parameters including the target parameter.

[0007] The control method for a static elimination device according to the present invention is a control method for a static elimination device that removes static electricity from an object by releasing ions to the object, and comprises the steps of: displaying a plurality of parameters that define the execution conditions for a static elimination operation in which a static discharge is generated by controlling the voltage applied to a corona discharge unit in which a corona discharge is generated in response to the application of a voltage, thereby generating a corona discharge and generating wind from a fan; setting a plurality of parameters in response to user operations received by an operation unit that receives user operations; executing a lock mode in which a target parameter is fixed by restricting operations to an operation unit that changes the target parameter among the plurality of parameters; and executing a normal mode in which operations to an operation unit that changes each of the plurality of parameters, including the target parameter.

[0008] In the present invention (static elimination device and control method for the static elimination device) configured as described above, multiple parameters that define the execution conditions for static elimination are set according to user operations received by the control unit. Furthermore, a normal mode and a locked mode are provided for operations that change multiple parameters. In normal mode, operations on the control unit that change each of the multiple parameters are permitted. Therefore, by executing normal mode, the administrator can appropriately perform setting work to optimize multiple parameters. On the other hand, in locked mode, operations on the control unit that change the target parameter among the multiple parameters are restricted. In other words, by executing locked mode, changes to the target parameter are restricted. In this way, it is possible to prevent unintentional changes to the parameters of the static elimination device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As described above, the present invention makes it possible to prevent unintentional changes to the parameters of the static elimination device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A front perspective view showing the external appearance of an example of a static elimination device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a rear view showing the internal configuration of an example of a static elimination device. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the details of the electrode unit controller. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a static elimination device. [Figure 5A] A diagram showing an example of parameters set in a static elimination device, presented in a table format. [Figure 5B] A diagram showing an example of monitoring targets in a static elimination device in tabular format. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of threshold event monitoring performed by the device control unit. [Figure 7] A timing chart schematically illustrating an example of an operation performed according to the flowchart in Figure 6. [Figure 8A]A diagram schematically showing an air volume monitor screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 8B] A diagram schematically showing a charge level monitor screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 8C] A diagram schematically showing an ion balance monitor screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 8D] A diagram schematically showing an all-event history screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 8E] A diagram schematically showing an error warning event history screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 8F] A diagram schematically showing a threshold event history screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 8G] A diagram showing a list of each screen belonging to the topmost hierarchy. [Figure 8H] A diagram schematically showing an event details screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 9A] A diagram schematically showing a setting menu screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 9B] A diagram schematically showing a basic setting screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 9C] A diagram schematically showing an ion balance setting screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 9D] A diagram schematically showing an ion balance setting screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 9E] A diagram schematically showing a setting menu screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 9F] A diagram schematically showing an FB sensor setting screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 9G] A diagram schematically showing an FB ion balance setting screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 9H] A diagram schematically showing an ion balance offset setting screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 10A] A diagram schematically showing a setting menu screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 10B]A schematic diagram showing the event extension settings screen displayed on the LCD screen. [Figure 10C] A schematic diagram showing the event waveform saving settings screen displayed on the LCD screen. [Figure 10D] A schematic diagram showing the ion balance waveform saving setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. [Figure 10E] A schematic diagram showing the event extension settings screen displayed on the LCD screen. [Figure 10F] A schematic diagram showing the event history saving settings screen displayed on the LCD screen. [Figure 10G] A schematic diagram showing the ion balance history saving settings screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. [Figure 10H] A schematic diagram showing the settings menu screen displayed on an LCD screen. [Figure 10I] A schematic diagram showing the settings menu screen displayed on an LCD screen. [Figure 10J] A schematic diagram showing the FB sensor settings screen displayed on the LCD screen. [Figure 10K] A schematic diagram showing the ion balance setting menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. [Figure 10L] A schematic diagram showing the ion balance threshold setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. [Figure 11A] This diagram shows an example of a basic settings screen displayed on an LCD screen. [Figure 11B] This diagram shows an example of a basic settings screen displayed on an LCD screen. [Figure 11C] A schematic diagram showing the eco mode setting screen displayed on the LCD screen. [Figure 11D] A schematic diagram showing the airflow monitor screen when Eco Mode is enabled. [Figure 11E] This diagram shows an example of a settings menu screen displayed on an LCD screen. [Figure 11F] A schematic diagram showing the password setting status display screen on an LCD display. [Figure 11G]A schematic diagram showing the password setting screen displayed on an LCD screen. [Figure 11H] A schematic diagram showing the first password entry screen displayed on the LCD screen. [Figure 11I] A schematic diagram showing the second password entry screen displayed on the LCD screen. [Figure 11J] A schematic diagram showing the password setting success screen displayed on the LCD screen. [Figure 11K] A schematic diagram showing the airflow monitor screen while the lock mode is enabled. [Figure 11L] A schematic diagram showing the password input screen displayed on an LCD screen. [Figure 11M] This is a schematic diagram showing the charge level monitor screen displayed on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 11N] A schematic diagram showing the password input screen displayed on an LCD screen. [Figure 12A] A flowchart illustrating an example of setting and controlling the lock mode. [Figure 12B] A flowchart showing an example of how to release the lock mode set by the setting control in Figure 12A. [Figure 13A] A schematic diagram showing the airflow monitor screen in the main unit's unlock restriction mode. [Figure 13B] A schematic diagram showing the ion balance threshold setting screen in the main unit's release restriction mode. [Figure 14] A schematic diagram showing a list of screens for each mode in which airflow parameters are locked. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Figure 1 is a front perspective view showing the external appearance of an example of a static elimination device according to the present invention, and Figure 2 is a rear view showing the internal configuration of the example static elimination device of Figure 1. In this specification, the horizontal direction X, the horizontal direction Y perpendicular to the X direction, and the vertical direction Z will be used as appropriate in the explanation. Furthermore, one side of the X direction will be appropriately referred to as the front side Xf, and the other side as the rear side Xb.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the static eliminator 1 is equipped with an electrode unit 2, and the electrode unit 2 has two unit frames 21 aligned in the X direction. Each unit frame 21 has a general shape in which a part of a ring centered on a virtual center line C (parallel to the X direction) is cut out when viewed from the rear in the X direction. Of the two unit frames 21, four electrode needles Nm are arranged in a circular pattern on the inner circumference of the front unit frame 21 Xf (the rear side in Figure 2), and four electrode needles Np are arranged in a circular pattern on the inner circumference of the rear unit frame 21 Xb (the front side in Figure 2). The four electrode needles Nm and the four electrode needles Np are offset from each other, and the electrode needles Nm and electrode needles Np are arranged alternately at equal angular pitches. Corona discharge occurs when a voltage is applied to the electrode needles Nm and electrode needles Np. As a result, negative ions and positive ions are generated.

[0013] The static elimination device 1 includes a fan 3 positioned on the front Xf of the electrode unit 2. The fan 3 generates airflow that flows through the air passage 31 inside each unit frame 21 toward the front Xf. The electrode needles Nm and Np of the electrode unit 2 are arranged to surround the air passage 31. Therefore, negative and positive ions generated by the application of voltage to the electrode needles Nm and Np are discharged from the static elimination device 1 toward the front Xf by the airflow through the air passage 31.

[0014] Furthermore, the static elimination device 1 includes a cleaning unit 4 for cleaning the electrode needles Nm and Np. The cleaning unit 4 has a cleaner shaft 41 that can rotate around a virtual center line C, and a brush is attached to the tip of the cleaner shaft 41. When the cleaner shaft 41 rotates, the brush at the tip of the cleaner shaft 41 comes into contact with the electrode needles Nm and Np, and any dirt adhering to the electrode needles Nm and Np is removed by the brush of the cleaner shaft 41.

[0015] Furthermore, the static elimination device 1 has a housing 11 that houses the electrode unit 2, the fan 3, and the cleaning unit 4. The front surface Xf of the housing 11 is provided with a mesh section 12 composed of multiple slits, and negative and positive ions generated by the electrode unit 2 are released from the mesh section 12 to the front surface Xf. In addition, an operation panel 5 is provided on the front surface Xf of the housing 11.

[0016] This control panel 5 includes a power switch 51, a liquid crystal display 52, and a button operation section 53. The button operation section 53 is equipped with an up button 53u, a down button 53d, a left button 53l, a right button 53r, and an enter button 53c. The user can operate these by pressing the power switch 51, up button 53u, down button 53d, left button 53l, right button 53r, and enter button 53c with their fingers. The user can also visually confirm the contents displayed on the liquid crystal display 52.

[0017] Furthermore, the static elimination device 1 includes a power supply unit controller 6 (Figure 3) that controls the electrode unit 2. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the details of the electrode unit controller. The electrode unit controller 6 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61, a negative polarity high-voltage power supply 62 that generates a voltage Vm applied to the electrode needle Nm, and a positive polarity high-voltage power supply 63 that generates a voltage Vp applied to the electrode needle Np. The CPU 61 performs digital signal processing to control the negative polarity high-voltage power supply 62 and the positive polarity high-voltage power supply 63. This CPU 61 includes a high-voltage control unit 611 that controls the voltage Vp (high voltage) applied to the electrode needle Np, and a first balance control unit 612 that controls the balance (ion balance) between negative ions and positive ions generated by the application of voltages Vp and Vm to the electrode needles Np and Nm. Specifically, the CPU 61 configures the high-voltage control unit 611 and the first balance control unit 612 by executing a predetermined program.

[0018] The negative polarity high-voltage power supply 62 is a transformer having a primary circuit 621 and a secondary circuit 622. A voltage signal Vim is input to the primary circuit 621, and the secondary circuit 622 is electrically connected to each electrode needle Nm of the electrode unit 2. Then, a voltage Vm corresponding to the voltage signal Vim input to the primary circuit 621 is applied from the secondary circuit 622 to each electrode needle Nm.

[0019] The positive polarity high-voltage power supply 63 is a transformer having a primary circuit 631 and a secondary circuit 632. A voltage signal Vip is input to the primary circuit 631, and the secondary circuit 632 is electrically connected to each electrode needle Np of the electrode unit 2. Then, a voltage Vp corresponding to the voltage signal Vip input to the primary circuit 631 is applied from the secondary circuit 632 to each electrode needle Np.

[0020] Furthermore, the electrode unit controller 6 has a ground electrode Te short-circuited to earth E, and a low-response detection circuit 64 provided between the ground electrode Te and ground G. The low-response detection circuit 64 has a detection resistor R64 connecting the ground electrode Te and ground G. This detection resistor R64 is provided to detect the current Idl flowing from earth E to the static elimination device 1 via the ground electrode Te. In other words, if there is a difference in the amount of negative ions and positive ions released from the static elimination device 1, a charge corresponding to this difference flows from earth E to the ground electrode Te, and a current Idl due to this charge flows through the detection resistor R64. As a result, a voltage Vdl corresponding to the current Idl is generated at the detection point 641 between the detection resistor R64 and ground G. In this way, the low-response detection circuit 64 converts the current Idl due to the charge flowing from earth E into the housing 2 via the ground electrode Te into a voltage Vdl using the detection resistor R64. In other words, the low-response detection circuit 64 detects a voltage Vdl that indicates the ion balance of negative and positive ions generated by the static elimination device 1 and absorbed by the earth E.

[0021] Furthermore, the electrode unit controller 6 has a high-response detection circuit 65 provided between the front wire mesh 13 and the ground G. This front wire mesh 13 is positioned within the housing 11 between the fan 3 and the mesh section 12, and the wind W generated by the fan 3, which contains negative and positive ions, passes through the front wire mesh 13 before being released to the front Xf of the static eliminator 1. In response, the high-response detection circuit 65 has a detection resistor R65 that connects the front wire mesh 13 and the ground G. This detection resistor R65 is provided to detect the current Idh flowing from the front wire mesh 13 to the ground G. In other words, negative and positive ions generated around the electrode needles Nm and Np move with the wind W and reach the front wire mesh 13. Some of the negative and positive ions that reach the front wire mesh 13 are absorbed by the front wire mesh 13. Therefore, a charge corresponding to the difference in the amounts of negative and positive ions absorbed by the front mesh 13 flows from the front mesh 13 towards the ground G, and a current Idh due to this charge flows through the detection resistor R65. As a result, a voltage Vdh corresponding to the current Idh is generated at the detection point 651 between the detection resistor R65 and the front mesh 13. In this way, the high-response detection circuit 65 converts the current Idh due to the charge flowing from the front mesh 13 to the ground G into a voltage Vdh using the detection resistor R65. In other words, the high-response detection circuit 65 detects a voltage Vdh that indicates the ion balance of negative and positive ions generated by the static eliminator 1 and absorbed by the front mesh 13.

[0022] Here, the detection resistor R64 of the low-response detection circuit 64 is greater than the detection resistor R65 of the high-response detection circuit 65. Also, the capacitance of the earth E is greater than the capacitance of the front wire mesh 13. Therefore, the time constant of the high-response detection circuit 65 is smaller than the time constant of the low-response detection circuit 64. In other words, the response speed of the high-response detection circuit 65 is faster than the response speed of the low-response detection circuit 64. That is, the high-response detection circuit 65 detects high-frequency fluctuations in the ion balance, while the low-response detection circuit 64 detects low-frequency fluctuations that are lower than the high-frequency fluctuations in the ion balance.

[0023] The electrode unit controller 6 controls the ion balance by performing feedback control on the voltages Vm and Vp applied to the electrode needles Nm and Np, based on the fluctuations in ion balance detected by the low-response detection circuit 64 and the high-response detection circuit 65. Specifically, the electrode unit controller 6 has a second balance control unit 66 that controls the balance between negative and positive ions (ion balance) generated by the application of voltages Vp and Vm to the electrode needles Np and Nm in order to suppress fluctuations (wobble) in the ion balance, and feedback control is performed by this second balance control unit 66.

[0024] More specifically, the low-response detection circuit 64 outputs a voltage Vdl, which indicates fluctuations in ion balance at low frequencies, to the first balance control unit 612 of the CPU 61. The first balance control unit 612 holds a target voltage Vtl, which is a target value of the voltage Vdl, and generates a voltage signal Vs corresponding to the difference between the voltage Vdl and the target voltage Vtl, and outputs this voltage signal Vs to the second balance control unit 66. Incidentally, the target voltage Vtl is set to zero volts. In other words, the target state is when the amounts of negative ions and positive ions emitted from the static eliminator 1 are equal, and the charge flowing from earth E into the static eliminator 1 becomes zero.

[0025] Furthermore, the high-response detection circuit 65 outputs a voltage Vdh, which indicates fluctuations in the ion balance at high frequencies, to the second balance control unit 66. In response, the second balance control unit 66 holds a target voltage Vth, which is the target value of the voltage Vdh, and generates a voltage signal Vim, which is a control signal for feedback control of the voltage Vm according to the difference between the voltage Vdh and the target voltage Vth and the voltage signal Vs, and outputs the voltage signal Vim to the primary circuit 621 of the negative polarity high-voltage power supply 62. Incidentally, the target voltage Vth is not zero volts, but is set to a voltage that is shifted from zero by a predetermined offset voltage. In other words, there is a difference between the ease with which the front mesh 13 absorbs negative ions and the ease with which the front mesh 13 absorbs positive ions. Therefore, in the target state where equal amounts of negative ions and positive ions reach the front mesh 13, the current Idh is not zero, and the voltage Vdh is shifted by the offset voltage Vo (offset amount) relative to the ground G voltage (zero volts). Therefore, the target voltage Vth of the voltage Vdh is set to the offset voltage Vo. The offset voltage Vo is set in the second balance control unit 66 according to the voltage signal Vs, which reflects the change in the generation ratio of positive ions and negative ions due to changes in the state (wear, etc.) of the electrode needles Np and Nm.

[0026] In this way, feedback control is performed to converge the voltage Vdl toward the target voltage Vtl, and feedback control is performed to converge the voltage Vdh toward the target voltage Vth. In other words, feedback control is performed to converge the current Idl toward the target current Itl (=Vtl / R97), and feedback control is performed to converge the current Idh toward the target current Ith (=Vth / R95). The second balance control unit 66 that performs such control may be composed of an analog circuit such as an operational amplifier, or a digital circuit such as a processor.

[0027] Furthermore, the electrode unit controller 6 uses the rear wire mesh 14 to control the application of voltages Vp and Vm to the electrode needles Np and Nm, which are necessary and sufficient for the electrode needles Np and Nm to generate corona discharge. More specifically, the rear wire mesh 14 is provided on the rear Xb surface of the housing 11 and is located behind the electrode needles Nm and Np. Since this rear wire mesh 14 is short-circuited to ground G, any charge generated on the rear wire mesh 14 flows from the rear wire mesh 14 to ground G. Note that the manner in which the rear wire mesh 14 and ground G are electrically connected is not limited to a short circuit; they may also be connected via a resistor.

[0028] Specifically, a current Irn, corresponding to the charge generated by the corona discharge, flows from the rear wire mesh 14 to ground G along the circuit formed by the corona discharge between the electrode needle Nm and the rear wire mesh 14. Also, a current Irp, corresponding to the charge generated by the corona discharge, flows from the rear wire mesh 14 to ground G along the circuit formed by the corona discharge between the electrode needle Np and the rear wire mesh 14. In contrast, the secondary circuit 622 of the negative polarity high-voltage power supply 62 is connected to ground G, and the secondary circuit 632 of the positive polarity high-voltage power supply 63 is connected to ground G. Therefore, the current Ign, mainly current Irn that reaches ground G from the rear wire mesh 14, flows from ground G to the secondary circuit 622, and the current Igp, mainly current Irp that reaches ground G from the rear wire mesh 14, flows from ground G to the secondary circuit 632.

[0029] Furthermore, the electrode unit controller 6 has a discharge amount detection circuit 67 provided between the secondary circuit 632 of the positive polarity high-voltage power supply 63 and ground G. The discharge amount detection circuit 67 has a detection resistor R67 that connects this secondary circuit 632 and ground G. Therefore, the current Igp flowing from ground G to the secondary circuit 632 flows through the detection resistor R67. As a result, a voltage Vgp corresponding to the current Igp is generated at the detection point 671 between the detection resistor R67 and the secondary circuit 632. In this way, the discharge amount detection circuit 67 converts the current Igp flowing from the rear wire mesh 14 through ground G to the secondary circuit 632 of the positive polarity high-voltage power supply 63 into a voltage Vgp using the detection resistor R67. In other words, the discharge amount detection circuit 67 detects a voltage Vgp that indicates the amount of positive ions generated in response to the application of a voltage Vp to the electrode needle Np.

[0030] The discharge amount detection circuit 67 outputs the detected voltage Vgp to the high voltage control unit 611 of the CPU 61. The high voltage control unit 611 holds the target voltage Vtp, which is the target value of the voltage Vgp, and generates a voltage signal Vip, which is a control signal for feedback control of the voltage Vp according to the difference between the voltage Vgp and the target voltage Vtp, and outputs the voltage signal Vip to the primary circuit 631 of the positive polarity high voltage power supply 63. This performs feedback control to converge the voltage Vgp toward the target voltage Vtp. As a result, an amount of positive ions corresponding to the target voltage Vtp is generated around the electrode needle Np. As described above, feedback control to balance the generation amounts of negative ions and positive ions is also performed by the second balance control unit 66, etc. Therefore, negative ions are generated around the electrode needle Nm to follow the positive ions generated around the electrode needle Np. As a result, an amount of negative ions corresponding to the target voltage Vtp is generated around the electrode needle Nm. This control system increases the voltage applied to the electrode needles Nm and Np as wear progresses, thereby maintaining a constant amount of negative and positive ions generated in response to corona discharge by the electrode needles Nm and Np.

[0031] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the static elimination device. As shown in Figure 4, in addition to the configuration described above, the static elimination device 1 further includes a sensor unit 71 and a communication unit 73. The sensor unit 71 has a temperature sensor 711 for detecting temperature, a humidity sensor 712 for detecting humidity, and an ion balance sensor 713 for detecting ion balance. This static elimination device 1 is used when positioned outside the housing 11. Therefore, the temperature sensor 711, humidity sensor 712, and ion balance sensor 713 can each detect the temperature, humidity, and ion balance in the vicinity of an object positioned outside the static elimination device 1. The communication unit 73 performs communication with external devices such as a management computer.

[0032] Furthermore, the static elimination device 1 includes a controller 8 that performs control of the static elimination device 1. The electrode unit controller 6 described above is included in the controller 8. The controller 8 also includes a fan control unit 81 that controls the fan 3, a cleaning control unit 82 that controls the cleaning unit 4, a power supply control unit 83 that controls the power supplied to the static elimination device 1, a display control unit 84 that controls the display by the liquid crystal display 52, an operation processing unit 85 that processes operations received by the button operation unit 53, a sensor output acquisition unit 86 that acquires the output from the sensor unit 71, a communication control unit 87 that controls communication by the communication unit 73, a device control unit 88, and a storage unit 89.

[0033] Fan 3 generates a predetermined amount of airflow by rotating at a rotational speed instructed by the fan control unit 81. Specifically, the fan control unit 81 transmits one airflow instruction from among several (seven levels) of airflow instructions indicating different airflows to fan 3, and fan 3 generates airflow corresponding to that instruction. The cleaning unit 4 rotates the cleaner shaft 41 in accordance with the instructions of the cleaning control unit 82 to clean the electrode needles Nm and Np. The power supply control unit 83 supplies or stops power to each part of the static elimination device 1 in accordance with the user operation received by the power switch 51.

[0034] The display control unit 84 displays a screen showing the status of the static elimination device 1 on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​The operation processing unit 85 performs control based on user operations on the button operation unit 53. In particular, the button operation unit 53 and the display control unit 84 work together to control the system so that the user can check the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 and perform operations corresponding to that screen using the button operation unit 53. Specifically, the operation processing unit 85 determines the instruction indicated by the operation based on the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 by the display control unit 84 and the operation received from the button operation unit 53. Such instructions include, for example, changing the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​If a screen change is instructed, the display control unit 84 changes the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 according to the instruction. Furthermore, as will be described later, such instructions include setting parameters for the static elimination device 1 and setting thresholds for monitoring events occurring in the static elimination device 1.

[0035] The sensor output acquisition unit 86 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 711, the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 712, and the ion balance detected by the ion balance sensor 713. The communication control unit 87 acquires instructions and other information received by the communication unit 73 from external devices.

[0036] Furthermore, the device control unit 88 comprehensively controls the electrode unit controller 6, fan control unit 81, cleaning control unit 82, power supply control unit 83, display control unit 84, operation processing unit 85, sensor output acquisition unit 86, and communication control unit 87 mentioned above. A specific example of the control of this device control unit 88 is as follows.

[0037] The device control unit 88 can cause the first balance control unit 612 of the electrode unit controller 6 to execute control based on the results of the ion balance sensor 713 of the sensor unit 71. In other words, the sensor unit 71 is detachable from the sensor output acquisition unit 86, and its use is at the user's discretion. If the sensor unit 71 is not connected to the sensor output acquisition unit 86, the electrode unit controller 6 executes the control described above using Figure 3. On the other hand, if the sensor unit 71 is connected to the sensor output acquisition unit 86, the first balance control unit 612 generates a voltage signal Vs based on the voltage value Vib, which indicates the ion balance detected by the ion balance sensor 713, instead of the voltage Vdl. Hereafter, the explanation will be based on the premise that the sensor unit 71 is connected to the sensor output acquisition unit 86.

[0038] Furthermore, in response to the instructions indicated by the operation of the button operation unit 53 determined by the operation processing unit 85 as described above, the device control unit 88 sets parameters and thresholds for event monitoring. In addition, the device control unit 88 monitors the target of monitoring in the static elimination device 1 and stores at least a portion of the results as monitoring data Dm in the storage unit 89.

[0039] Figure 5A is a table showing an example of parameters set in the static elimination device. In this example, multiple (3) parameters, including the airflow parameter Pw, the balance adjustment parameter Ptl, and the offset parameter Pof, are set by the device control unit 88 in response to operations on the button operation unit 53 received by the operation processing unit 85. The airflow parameter Pw is the airflow generated by the fan 3. The balance adjustment parameter Ptl is the target voltage Vtl held by the first balance control unit 612. When the sensor unit 71 is connected to the sensor output acquisition unit 86, the first balance control unit 612 generates a voltage signal Vs corresponding to the difference between the voltage value Vib output by the ion balance sensor 713 and the target voltage Vtl. Therefore, the balance between negative and positive ions generated by applying voltages Vm and Vp to the electrode needles Nm and Np is adjusted according to this balance adjustment parameter Ptl. The offset parameter Pof is the offset of the ion balance sensor 713. Specifically, this offset is an output offset set between the ion balance detected by the ion balance sensor 713 (i.e., the input to the ion balance sensor 713) and the voltage output by the ion balance sensor 713 according to that ion balance (i.e., the output to the ion balance sensor 713). In this way, these parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof define the execution conditions for the static elimination operation, in which the electrode unit controller 6 controls the voltages Vm and Vp applied to the electrode needles Nm and Np to generate corona discharge on the electrode needles Nm and Np while simultaneously generating airflow from the fan 3.

[0040] Figure 5B is a table showing an example of the monitoring targets in a static elimination device. In this example, temperature, humidity, ion balance, charge level, ion level, fan abnormality, and discharge abnormality are monitored by the device control unit 88. Temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 711. Humidity is detected by the humidity sensor 712. Ion balance is detected by the ion balance sensor 713. Charge level is the charge level of an object placed outside the housing 11 and is detected by the low-response detection circuit 64. In other words, the voltage Vdl detected by the detection resistor R64 of the low-response detection circuit 64 from the current Idl flowing from earth E to the static elimination device 1 represents the charge level. Ion level is the absolute amount of ions generated by the static elimination device 1 and is detected by the detection resistor R67. In other words, the voltage Vgp detected by the detection resistor R67 of the discharge amount detection circuit 67 from the current Igp flowing into the positive polarity high-voltage power supply 63 represents the ion level. Fan abnormality is an abnormality in the rotation speed of fan 3 and is detected by the fan control unit 81 which controls the rotation speed of fan 3. A discharge anomaly is an abnormality in the discharge occurring at the electrode needles Nm and Np, and is detected by the detection resistor R67. In other words, an abnormality in the voltage Vgp detected by the detection resistor R67 of the discharge amount detection circuit 67, which is the current Igp flowing into the positive polarity high-voltage power supply 63, indicates a discharge anomaly.

[0041] The device control unit 88 determines that various events (threshold events, alarm events, and error events) shown in Figure 5B have occurred if these monitored items fall outside the range indicated by a predetermined threshold during the static elimination operation, and controls the display control unit 84 to display an image indicating the occurrence of the event on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, the occurrence of a threshold event is determined based on a threshold set in response to a user operation to the button operation unit 53 received by the operation processing unit 85, and the monitored items for threshold events are temperature, humidity, ion balance, and charge level. Alarm events are determined based on a fixed threshold, and the monitored item for alarm events is the ion level. Error events are determined based on a fixed threshold, and the monitored items for error events are fan abnormalities and discharge abnormalities. The difference between alarm events and error events lies in whether or not the user's response is clear. In other words, alarm events are events where the user's response is clear, while error events are events where the user's response is not clear. For example, if an alarm event occurs, such as an abnormality in the ion level, the user can simply press the button on the button control unit 53 to instruct the cleaning unit to perform cleaning.

[0042] Furthermore, the device control unit 88 monitors threshold events in a particularly detailed manner (Figures 6 and 7). Here, Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of threshold event monitoring performed by the device control unit, and Figure 7 is a timing chart schematically showing an example of an operation performed according to the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0043] In step S101, the device control unit 88 starts acquiring data by sampling the detected value of the threshold event being monitored (the detected value by the detection means in Figure 5B) at a predetermined sampling period (e.g., 100 ms). The sampled data Dms (the "Sampling" column in Figure 7) acquired through this data acquisition is temporarily stored in the storage unit 89. In step S102, the device control unit 88 determines whether a predetermined statistical period Tm (e.g., 1 hour) has elapsed. If it is determined that this statistical period Tm has elapsed ("YES" in step S102), the device control unit 88 creates statistical data Dmt (the "Statistical Data Creation / Recording" column in Figure 7) from the multiple sampled data Dms acquired through data acquisition during the statistical period Tm, and records it in the storage unit 89 as monitoring data Dm. The statistical data Dmt may include, for example, the highest value, lowest value, average value (e.g., the average for the last minute of the statistical period Tm), or the most recent value (i.e., the last value of the statistical period Tm). This statistical data Dmt is created and recorded each time the statistical period Tm has elapsed. However, if the statistical period Tm includes a period of inactivity, such as 30 seconds from startup or 10 seconds from the resumption of static elimination operation, the sampling data Dms from the inactivity period may be excluded from the calculation of the statistical data Dmt for that statistical period Tm.

[0044] If step S103 is executed, or if it is determined in step S102 that the statistical period Tm has not elapsed ("NO" in step S102), the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the device control unit 88 determines whether the sampled data Dms has fallen outside the normal range indicated by the threshold. In other words, for the monitoring target of the threshold event, a lower threshold and an upper threshold are set, and the range between these thresholds is the normal range. If the sampled data Dms is within the normal range ("NO" in step S104), the process returns to step S102.

[0045] On the other hand, if the sampled data Dms is greater than the upper threshold, or if the sampled data Dms is less than the lower threshold, the device control unit 88 determines that the sampled data Dms has fallen outside the normal range and a threshold event has occurred ("YES" in step S104). Accordingly, in step S105, the device control unit 88 records the contents of the threshold event and the occurrence time tv (the "Waveform Data Recording" column in Figure 7) as monitoring data Dm in the storage unit 89. Furthermore, the device control unit 88 records waveform data Dmw, which shows the sampled data Dms acquired from the first time t1 before the occurrence time tv to the second time t2 after the occurrence time tv, as monitoring data Dm in the storage unit 89 (step S106). The time from the first time t1 to the occurrence time tv and the time from the occurrence time tv to the second time t2 are, for example, 30 seconds. Once steps S105 and S106 are completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0046] The various parameters, thresholds, and whether or not an event has occurred, as shown in Figure 5A, are displayed on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Next, we will explain how these are displayed on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Note that the displays on the liquid crystal display 52 shown below are performed by the control of the liquid crystal display 52 by the display control unit 84 in response to instructions from the device control unit 88.

[0047] Figure 8A schematically shows the airflow monitor screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The airflow monitor screen Sw has an execution status display unit 911. The execution status display unit 911 indicates the execution and stop of the static elimination operation, displaying "RUN" while the static elimination operation is running and "STOP" while the static elimination operation is stopped.

[0048] The airflow monitor screen Sw has a button operation display unit 912. In the state shown in Figure 8A, the button operation display unit 912 has a left button display unit 912l corresponding to the left button 53l, a right button display unit 912r corresponding to the right button 53r, and a select button display unit 912c ("Menu") corresponding to the select button 53c. The left button display unit 912l indicates that the operation of the left button 53l is enabled, the right button display unit 912r indicates that the operation of the right button 53r is enabled, and the select button display unit 912c indicates that the operation of the select button 53c is enabled.

[0049] The airflow monitor screen Sw has a cleaning method display unit 913. In other words, the cleaning method display unit 913 indicates that cleaning can be started by pressing the OK button 53c (the button corresponding to the "OK button" in Figure 8A) for 2 seconds. Therefore, when the operation processing unit 85 receives the operation of pressing the OK button 53c for 2 seconds while the airflow monitor screen Sw in Figure 8A is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, the cleaning control unit 82 starts cleaning by the cleaning unit 4.

[0050] Furthermore, the airflow monitor screen Sw has an airflow display unit 914 that shows the set airflow ("Air Vol. Level") of fan 3. This airflow display unit 914 has a numerical display unit 914n and a bar display unit 914b composed of seven bars of different lengths. The airflow display unit 914 shows the set airflow as a numerical value in seven stages from 1 to 7. The bar display unit 914b shows the number of bars corresponding to the set airflow by highlighting or the like.

[0051] Furthermore, the airflow monitor screen Sw has airflow adjustment button display units 915u and 915d. The airflow adjustment button display unit 915u corresponds to the upper button 53u and indicates that the airflow of fan 3 can be increased by operating the upper button 53u. The airflow adjustment button display unit 915d corresponds to the lower button 53d and indicates that the airflow of fan 3 can be decreased by operating the lower button 53d.

[0052] In other words, when the airflow monitor screen Sw is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the up button 53u, the device control unit 88 increases the setting value of the airflow parameter Pw by one level. Accordingly, the fan control unit 81 increases the airflow of fan 3 by one level. Also, when the airflow monitor screen Sw is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the down button 53d, the device control unit 88 decreases the setting value of the airflow parameter Pw by one level. Accordingly, the fan control unit 81 decreases the airflow of fan 3 by one level.

[0053] Figure 8B schematically shows the charge level monitor screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The charge level monitor screen Sc, like the airflow monitor screen Sw, has an execution status display unit 911 and a button operation display unit 912. In addition, the charge level monitor screen Sc has an airflow display unit 916 that displays the airflow of fan 3 ("FAN") as a numerical value, and an ion level display unit 917 that displays the ion level ("ION") as a percentage.

[0054] The charge level monitor screen Sc has an input terminal display unit 918 and an output terminal display unit 919. The input terminal display unit 918 has three bars corresponding to the three input terminals of the static elimination device 1, and the bar corresponding to the output terminal in use (the bar labeled "2" in the example of Figure 8B) is highlighted. The output terminal display unit 919 has three bars corresponding to the three output terminals of the static elimination device 1, and the bar corresponding to the output terminal in use (the bar labeled "2" in the example of Figure 8B) is highlighted. Each of the three input pins is assigned, for example, a "static elimination stop input" to stop the static elimination operation when an input is made, an "electrode needle cleaning start input" to start cleaning by the cleaning unit 4 when a trigger input is made, and an "event trigger input" to acquire waveform data Dmw when a trigger input is made. The waveform data Dmw can be acquired at a timing requested by the user by the event trigger input. The three output pins can be assigned, for example, to a "static elimination status output" that outputs the status of static elimination operation execution (RUN) and stop (STOP), an "error / alarm event output" that outputs the occurrence of at least one error event and / or alarm event, and a "threshold event output" that outputs the occurrence of a threshold event. These input and output pin assignments may be configured to be changeable by the user.

[0055] The charge level monitor screen Sc also has a charge level display unit 920 that displays the charge level. The charge level display unit 920 has a plurality of bars 921 arranged horizontally. Of the plurality of bars 921, the central bar 921 (the longest bar 921) indicates that the charge level is zero, the bars 921 to the right of the central bar 921 indicate that the charge level is positive, and the bars 921 to the left of the central bar 921 indicate that the charge level is negative. In other words, the charge level display unit 920 indicates the bar 921 corresponding to the charge level from among the plurality of bars 921 by highlighting or the like. Furthermore, the charge level display unit 920 also displays the lower threshold Tcl and upper threshold Tch of the charge level. In other words, as shown in Figure 5B, the charge level is one of the targets of threshold event monitoring, and these lower threshold Tcl and upper threshold Tch are thresholds set to detect the occurrence of threshold events. When the charge level falls outside the normal range from the lower threshold Tcl to the upper threshold Tch, a string such as "NOTICE" or "HI / LO" is displayed on the charge level monitor screen Sc, indicating that a threshold event has occurred with respect to the charge level, and the display method for "Charge Level" is changed (for example, the display color is changed to orange).

[0056] Figure 8C is a schematic diagram showing the ion balance monitor screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The ion balance monitor screen Si, like the charge level monitor screen Sc, has an execution status display unit 911, a button operation display unit 912, an input terminal display unit 918, and an output terminal display unit 919. In addition, the ion balance monitor screen Si has a temperature display unit 922 that displays the temperature numerically and a humidity display unit 923 that displays the humidity as a percentage.

[0057] Furthermore, the ion balance monitor screen Si has an ion balance display unit 924 that displays the ion balance. The ion balance display unit 924 numerically displays the voltage indicating the ion balance. In addition, the ion balance display unit 924 displays the lower threshold Til and upper threshold Tih of the ion balance. In other words, as shown in Figure 5B, the ion balance is one of the targets of threshold event monitoring, and these lower threshold Til and upper threshold Tih are thresholds set to detect the occurrence of threshold events. When the ion balance falls outside the normal range from the lower threshold Til to the upper threshold Tih, a string such as "NOTICE" or "HI / LO" indicating that a threshold event has occurred regarding the ion balance is displayed on the ion balance monitor screen Si, and the display mode of "Ion Balance" is changed (for example, the display color is changed to orange).

[0058] Figure 8D schematically shows the all-event history screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The all-event history screen Sea, like the charge level monitor screen Sc, has a button operation display unit 912. The all-event history screen Sea also has a time display unit 925 that displays the current time. Furthermore, the all-event history screen Sea has an event list display unit 926, which displays all events (threshold events, alarm events, error events) recorded in the monitoring data Dm in chronological order along with their occurrence time. In the event list display unit 926, the differences between threshold events, alarm events, and error events are indicated by different icons Et, Ea, and Ee. Here, icon Et indicates a threshold event, icon Ea indicates an alarm event, and icon Ee indicates an error event. Also, as shown in Figure 8D, there are events that do not have an icon.

[0059] Figure 8E schematically shows the error alarm event history screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The error alarm event history screen See, like the overall event history screen Sea, has a button operation display unit 912, a time display unit 925, and an event list display unit 926. However, in the event list display unit 926 of the error alarm event history screen See, only error events and alarm events are displayed, and threshold events and events without icons are not displayed.

[0060] Figure 8F schematically shows the threshold event history screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The threshold event history screen Set, like the all-event history screen Sea, has a button operation display unit 912, a time display unit 925, and an event list display unit 926. However, in the event list display unit 926 of the threshold event history screen Set, only threshold events are displayed, and error events, alarm events, and events without icons are not displayed.

[0061] The charge level monitor screen Sc shown in Figure 8B is the initial screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 when the static elimination device 1 is started. As described above, on this charge level monitor screen Sc, the airflow display unit 916, the ion level display unit 917, and the charge level display unit 920 display the targets for monitoring the static elimination operation of the static elimination device 1. In other words, once the static elimination device 1 is started, the user can monitor the static elimination operation of the static elimination device 1 without requiring any additional operation. In this example, the charge level monitor screen Sc is displayed on the influence display 52 first, but the airflow monitor screen Sw may also be the initial screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 when the static elimination device 1 is started. When this airflow monitor screen Sw is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, as described above, the airflow parameter Pw can be set by operating the upper button 53u and the lower button 53d on the button operation unit 53. In other words, if the airflow monitor screen Sw is displayed as the initial screen, when the static elimination device 1 is started, the airflow parameter Pw can be set quickly and the static elimination operation can be started.

[0062] Furthermore, when the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the left button 53l while the charge level monitor screen Sc in Figure 8B is displayed, the display control unit 84 switches the display on the liquid crystal display 52 from the charge level monitor screen Sc in Figure 8B to the airflow monitor screen Sw in Figure 8A. When the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the right button 53r while the charge level monitor screen Sc in Figure 8B is displayed, the display control unit 84 switches the display on the liquid crystal display 52 from the charge level monitor screen Sc in Figure 8B to the ion balance monitor screen Si in Figure 8C. When the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the right button 53r while the ion balance monitor screen Si in Figure 8C is displayed, the display control unit 84 switches the display on the liquid crystal display 52 from the ion balance monitor screen Si in Figure 8C to the all event history screen Sea in Figure 8D. When the operation processing unit 85 receives a press of the right button 53r while the all-event history screen Sea (Figure 8D) is displayed, the display control unit 84 switches the display on the liquid crystal display 52 from the all-event history screen Sea (Figure 8D) to the error alarm event history screen See (Figure 8E). When the operation processing unit 85 receives a press of the right button 53r while the error alarm event history screen See (Figure 8E) is displayed, the display control unit 84 switches the display on the liquid crystal display 52 from the error alarm event history screen See (Figure 8E) to the threshold event history screen Set (Figure 8F). In other words, the airflow monitor screen Sw, charge level monitor screen Sc, ion balance monitor screen Si, all-event history screen Sea, error alarm event history screen See, and threshold event history screen Set (Figures 8A to 8F) are all located at the same level (highest level). For the user of the static eliminator 1, the frequency of checking the static elimination operation of the static eliminator 1 is higher than the frequency of setting the parameters that define the execution conditions for the static elimination operation of the static eliminator 1.Therefore, by including the airflow monitor screen Sw, charge level monitor screen Sc, and ion balance monitor screen Si, which allow users to check the static elimination operation of the static elimination device 1 at the time of display, as well as the all-event history screen Sea, error alarm event history screen See, and threshold event history screen Set, which allow users to check the past static elimination operations of the static elimination device 1, in the same hierarchy, the number of steps required for the user to switch between each screen can be reduced. Furthermore, by including each screen in the highest level hierarchy that is easily accessible to the user, the number of steps required for the user to access the screens in that hierarchy can be reduced. As a result, the user can easily perform the task of checking frequently performed static elimination operations. In addition, as mentioned above, among the multiple parameters that define the execution conditions of the static elimination operation, the setting of the airflow parameter Pw can be performed by operating the airflow monitor screen Sw, which is included in the highest level hierarchy. This is because the airflow parameter Pw is set more frequently by the user of the static elimination device 1 compared to other parameters.

[0063] As described above, the screens shown in Figure 8G belong to the highest level. Here, Figure 8G is a diagram that lists the screens belonging to the highest level. Specifically, the airflow monitor screen Sw, the charge level monitor screen Sc, the ion balance monitor screen Si, the all event history screen Sea, the error alarm event history screen See, and the threshold event history screen Set belong to the highest level. In addition, the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 is switched according to the operation of the right button 53r or the left button 53l, as shown by the arrows in Figure 8G.

[0064] Furthermore, when the liquid crystal display 52 is displaying the full event history screen Sea, the error alarm event history screen See, or the threshold event history screen Set (as shown in Figures 8D to 8F), the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the up button 53u, and the display control unit 84 switches the event selected in the event list display unit 926 (the highlighted event) to the upper event in the list. When the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the down button 53d, the display control unit 84 switches the event selected in the event list display unit 926 (the highlighted event) to the lower event in the list. In this way, a selection change operation can be performed to switch the selected event from among the multiple events displayed in the event list display unit 926. Furthermore, when an event is selected from the event list display unit 926 of the all event history screen Sea, the error alarm event history screen See, or the threshold event history screen Set (Figures 8D to 8F), and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the confirmation button display unit 912c (the button corresponding to "Detail" in Figures 8D to 8F), the display control unit 84 displays an event details screen showing the details of that event.

[0065] Figure 8H schematically shows the event details screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The event details screen Sed, like the all-event history screen Sea, has a button operation display unit 912. Furthermore, the event details screen Sed has an event details display unit 927 that displays the details of the event. In the example in Figure 8H, the event details display unit 927 shows the time the event occurred and the content of the event (an alarm for ion level). Also, when the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the confirmation button display unit 912c while the event details screen Sed is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, the display control unit 84 switches the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 to the screen that was displayed before the event details screen Sed (for example, the error alarm event history screen See) (i.e., returns to the previous screen).

[0066] As described above, among the multiple parameters (Figure 5A) that define the execution conditions for static elimination, the airflow parameter Pw can be set by operating the airflow monitor screen Sw, which is included in the highest level hierarchy. Next, we will explain how to set the balance adjustment parameter Ptl and the offset parameter Pof, which are the other parameters besides the airflow parameter Pw.

[0067] When the liquid crystal display 52 is displaying either the airflow monitor screen Sw, the charge level monitor screen Sc, or the ion balance monitor screen Si, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the setting menu screen Ssm (Figure 9A). Figure 9A is a schematic diagram showing the setting menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The setting menu screen Ssm has a button operation display unit 912. In the state shown in Figure 9A, the button operation display unit 912 has a lower button display unit 912d corresponding to the lower button 53d, an upper button display unit 912u corresponding to the upper button 53u, and a OK button display unit 912c ("OK") corresponding to the OK button 53c.

[0068] Furthermore, the settings menu screen Ssm has a settings menu list display section 928. The settings menu list display section 928 displays various settings menus in a list format. Also, similar to the selection change operation described above, the setting menu selected by highlighting in the settings menu list display section 928 can be switched by operating the up button 53u or the down button 53d.

[0069] When a setting menu ("A: Basic Setting") is selected in the setting menu list display section 928 of the setting menu screen Ssm, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the basic setting screen Ssb (Figure 9B) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 9B is a schematic diagram showing the basic setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The basic setting screen Ssb in Figure 9B has a button operation display section 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the basic setting screen Ssb has a basic setting list display section 929. In the basic setting list display section 929, various basic settings are displayed in list format. Also, similar to the selection change operation described above, the basic setting selected by highlighting in the basic setting list display section 929 can be switched by operating the up button 53u or the down button 53d.

[0070] As shown in Figure 9B, when a setting menu ("Ion Balance Adjustment") is selected in the basic setting list display unit 929, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the confirmation button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the ion balance setting screen Ssi (Figure 9C) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 9C is a schematic diagram showing the ion balance setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0071] The ion balance setting screen Ssi in Figure 9C has a button operation display section 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the ion balance setting screen Ssi has a balance adjustment parameter display section 930 that displays the balance adjustment parameter Ptl. The balance adjustment parameter display section 930 has a numerical display section 930n that represents the balance adjustment parameter Ptl numerically, and a mark display section 930h that indicates the position of the balance adjustment parameter Ptl in the horizontal direction at the mark 930m.

[0072] Then, when the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the up button 53u while the ion balance setting screen Ssi is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, the device control unit 88 increases the setting value of the balance adjustment parameter Ptl by one level. Also, when the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the down button 53d while the ion balance setting screen Ssi is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, the device control unit 88 decreases the setting value of the balance adjustment parameter Ptl by one level. Accordingly, the display of the ion balance setting screen Ssi changes as shown in Figure 9D. Here, Figure 9D is a schematic diagram showing the ion balance setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. Also, when the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the confirm button display unit 912c while the ion balance setting screen Ssi is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, the display control unit 84 returns the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 to the previous screen, i.e., the basic setting screen Ssb.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9E, when a setting menu ("B: FB Sensor") is selected in the setting menu list display unit 928 of the setting menu screen Ssm, and the operation processing unit 85 accepts the operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the FB sensor setting screen Ssf (Figure 9F) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 9E is a schematic diagram showing the setting menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display, and Figure 9F is a schematic diagram showing the FB sensor setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. Here, the FB sensor refers to the sensor unit 71. Therefore, in addition to the settings related to the ion balance sensor 713, settings related to the temperature sensor 711 and the humidity sensor 712 may also be displayed.

[0074] The FB sensor setting screen Ssf in Figure 9F has a button operation display section 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the FB sensor setting screen Ssf has an FB setting list display section 931. The FB setting list display section 931 displays various FB settings in a list format. Also, similar to the selection change operation described above, the FB setting selected by highlighting in the FB setting list display section 931 can be switched by operating the up button 53u or the down button 53d.

[0075] As shown in Figure 9F, when an FB setting menu ("Ion Balance") is selected in the FB setting list display unit 931, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the FB ion balance setting screen Ssfi (Figure 9G) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 9G is a schematic diagram showing the FB ion balance setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0076] The FB ion balance setting screen Ssfi in Figure 9G has a button operation display section 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the FB ion balance setting screen Ssfi has an FB ion balance setting list display section 932. The FB ion balance setting list display section 932 displays various FB ion balance settings in a list format. Also, similar to the selection change operation described above, the FB ion balance setting selected by highlighting in the FB ion balance setting list display section 932 can be switched by operating the upper button 53u or the lower button 53d.

[0077] As shown in Figure 9G, when an FB setting menu ("Ion Balance Offset") is selected in the FB ion balance setting list display unit 932, and the operation processing unit 85 accepts the operation of the confirmation button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the ion balance offset setting screen Ssff (Figure 9H) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 9H is a schematic diagram showing the ion balance offset setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0078] The ion balance offset setting screen Ssff in Figure 9H has a button operation display unit 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the ion balance offset setting screen Ssff has an ion balance offset display unit 933 that displays the voltage of the ion balance offset (i.e., the offset parameter Pof) numerically.

[0079] Then, when the ion balance offset setting screen Ssff is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the up button 53u, the device control unit 88 increases the setting value of the offset parameter Pof by one step (for example, 1V). Also, when the ion balance offset setting screen Ssff is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the down button 53d, the device control unit 88 decreases the setting value of the offset parameter Pof by one step (for example, 0.1V). Also, when the ion balance offset setting screen Ssff is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the confirm button display unit 912c, the display control unit 84 returns the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 to the previous screen, i.e., the FB ion balance setting screen Ssfi.

[0080] The above describes how to set the balance adjustment parameter Ptl and the offset parameter Pof. As mentioned above, the threshold values ​​for the threshold events shown in Figure 5B are set by the user. Furthermore, the user can set the behavior associated with the occurrence of threshold events (such as saving waveform data Dmw). Next, we will explain how to set these threshold values.

[0081] Figure 10A schematically shows the setting menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. As shown in Figure 10A, when a setting menu ("E: Advance Setting") is selected in the setting menu list display unit 928 of the setting menu screen Ssm, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the event extension setting screen Se1 (Figure 10B) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 10B schematically shows the event extension setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The event extension setting screen Se1 in Figure 10B has a button operation display unit 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the event extension setting screen Se1 has an extension setting display unit 934. In the extension setting display unit 934, various extension settings are displayed in list format. Also, similar to the selection change operation described above, the extension setting selected by highlighting in the extension setting display unit 934 can be switched by operating the up button 53u or the down button 53d.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10B, in the extended setting display unit 934, one extended setting When "Event Waveform Setting" is selected, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the event waveform saving setting screen Se2 (Figure 10C) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 10C is a schematic diagram showing the event waveform saving setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0083] The event waveform saving setting screen Se2 in Figure 10C has a button operation display unit 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the event waveform saving setting screen Se2 has a save setting display unit 935. The save setting display unit 935 displays a list of save settings indicating events for which various waveform data Dmw can be saved. Also, similar to the selection change operation described above, the save setting selected by highlighting in the save setting display unit 935 can be switched by operating the up button 53u or the down button 53d. In the save setting display unit 935 in Figure 10C, it is indicated that the waveform data Dmw for the ion balance threshold event is not saved ("Ion Balance Exceeded: OFF"), and the waveform data Dmw for the charge level threshold event is saved ("Charge Level Exceeded: ON").

[0084] As shown in Figure 10C, when a save setting (for example, "Ion Balance Exceeded: OFF") is selected in the save setting display unit 935, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the ion balance waveform save setting screen Se3 (Figure 10D) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 10D is a schematic diagram showing the ion balance waveform save setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0085] The ion balance waveform saving setting screen Se3 in Figure 10D has a button operation display unit 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the ion balance waveform saving setting screen Se3 has an ON / OFF display unit 936. The ON / OFF display unit 936 displays ON and OFF settings for waveform saving in a list format. Also, similar to the selection change operation described above, the one selected by highlighting in the ON / OFF display unit 936 can be switched by operating the up button 53u or the down button 53d. Furthermore, when the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation from the confirm button display unit 912c while the ion balance waveform saving setting screen Se3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, the display control unit 84 returns the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 to the screen two screens prior, namely the event extension setting screen Se1.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10E, when a setting menu ("Event History Setting") is selected in the extended setting display unit 934 of the event extended setting screen Se1, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the event history save setting screen Se4 (Figure 10F) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 10E is a schematic diagram showing the event extended setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display, and Figure 10F is a schematic diagram showing the event history save setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0087] The event history saving settings screen Se4 in Figure 10F has a button operation display section 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the event history saving settings screen Se4 has a save setting display section 937. In the save setting display section 937, save settings indicating various events are displayed in a list format. Also, similar to the selection change operation described above, the save setting selected by highlighting in the save setting display section 937 can be switched by operating the up button 53u or the down button 53d. In the save setting display section 937 in Figure 10F, it is shown that the history of ion balance threshold events is not saved ("Ion Balance Exceeded: OFF"), and the history of charge level threshold events is saved ("Charge Level Exceeded: ON").

[0088] As shown in Figure 10F, when a saved setting (for example, "Ion Balance Exceeded: OFF") is selected in the saved setting display unit 937, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the confirmation button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the ion balance history saved setting screen Se5 (Figure 10G) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 10G is a schematic diagram showing the ion balance history saved setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0089] The ion balance history saving setting screen Se5 in Figure 10G has a button operation display unit 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the ion balance history saving setting screen Se5 has an ON / OFF display unit 938. The ON / OFF display unit 938 displays the history saving ON setting and OFF setting in a list format. Also, similar to the selection change operation described above, the one selected by the highlighting display on the ON / OFF display unit 938 can be switched by operating the up button 53u or the down button 53d. Furthermore, when the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the confirmation button display unit 912c while the ion balance history saving setting screen Se5 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, the display control unit 84 returns the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 to the screen two screens prior, namely the event extension setting screen Se1.

[0090] Figures 10H and 10I schematically show the setting menu screens displayed on the liquid crystal display. As shown in Figure 10I, when a setting menu ("B:FB Sensor") is selected in the setting menu list display unit 928 of the setting menu screen Ssm, and the operation processing unit 85 receives the operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the FB sensor setting screen Ssf (Figure 10J) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 10J schematically shows the FB sensor setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. As shown in Figure 10J, when a setting menu ("Ion Balance") is selected in the FB setting list display unit 931, and the operation processing unit 85 receives the operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the ion balance setting menu screen Se6 (Figure 10K) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 10K schematically shows the ion balance setting menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0091] The ion balance setting menu screen Se6 in Figure 10K has a button operation display unit 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the ion balance setting menu screen Se6 has an ion balance setting display unit 939. The ion balance setting display unit 939 displays various ion balance settings in a list format. Also, similar to the selection change operation described above, the ion balance setting selected by highlighting on the ion balance setting display unit 939 can be switched by operating the upper button 53u or the lower button 53d.

[0092] As shown in Figure 10K, when the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the confirmation button 53c while an ion balance setting ("Ion Balance Threshold") is selected in the ion balance setting display unit 939, the display control unit 84 displays the ion balance threshold setting screen Se7 (Figure 10L) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 10L is a schematic diagram showing the ion balance threshold setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0093] The ion balance threshold setting screen Se7 in Figure 10L has a button operation display unit 912, similar to the setting menu screen Ssm described above. Furthermore, the ion balance threshold setting screen Se7 has a threshold display unit 940 that displays the ion balance threshold as a numerical value (voltage).

[0094] Then, when the ion balance threshold setting screen Se7 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the up button 53u, the device control unit 88 increases the ion balance threshold setting value by one step (for example, 1V). Also, when the ion balance threshold setting screen Se7 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation on the down button 53d, the device control unit 88 decreases the ion balance threshold setting value by one step.

[0095] Incidentally, parameters such as the airflow parameter Pw, the balance adjustment parameter Ptl, and the offset parameter Pof can be locked to prevent them from being inadvertently changed by on-site workers. This point will be explained next.

[0096] Figures 11A and 11B show examples of basic setting screens displayed on the liquid crystal display. As shown in Figure 11B, when a setting menu ("Eco-Mode") is selected in the basic setting list display unit 929, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the eco-mode setting screen Sl1 (Figure 11C) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 11C is a schematic diagram showing the eco-mode setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The eco-mode setting screen Sl1 has a button operation display unit 912 and an ON / OFF selection screen 941. On this ON / OFF selection screen 941, ON and OFF are displayed, and by performing the selection change operation as described above, one of ON or OFF can be highlighted and selected.

[0097] As shown in Figure 11C, when ON is selected on the ON / OFF selection screen 941 and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the OK button 53c (in other words, when it receives an instruction to set eco mode), the device control unit 88 sets the airflow parameter Pw to the minimum (level 1) and fixes the airflow parameter Pw (eco mode). As a result, the airflow parameter Pw is fixed to the minimum unless eco mode is canceled (OFF). That is, eco mode continues until OFF is selected on the eco mode setting screen Sl1 and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the OK button 53c (in other words, when it receives an instruction to cancel eco mode). Furthermore, eco mode will not be canceled unless the operation processing unit 85 receives a user operation on the ON / OFF display screen 941, which is different from the airflow monitor screen Sw (Figure 8A) for changing the setting of the airflow parameter Pw, particularly an operation to select OFF. Also, as shown in Figure 11D, an icon Ae indicating that eco mode is set will be displayed on the airflow monitor screen Sw. Here, Figure 11D schematically shows the airflow monitor screen when eco mode is enabled. As shown in the airflow monitor screen Sw in Figure 11D, when eco mode is enabled, the value of the airflow parameter Pw shown by the numerical display unit 914n of the airflow display unit 914 becomes "1", and only one bar is shown by highlighting in the bar display unit 914b of the airflow display unit 914. In addition, the airflow adjustment button displays 915u and 915d that were displayed on the airflow monitor screen Sw before eco mode was enabled disappear from the airflow monitor screen Sw after eco mode is enabled, indicating that changes to the airflow parameter Pw are restricted (in other words, disabled).

[0098] Figure 11E is a diagram showing an example of a settings menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. As shown in Figure 11E, when a setting menu ("F:Password") is selected in the settings menu list display unit 928 of the settings menu screen Ssm, and the operation processing unit 85 accepts the operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the password setting status display screen Slp (Figure 11F) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 11F is a schematic diagram showing the password setting status display screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The password setting status display screen Slp has a button operation display unit 912 and a password setting status display unit 942, and is provided for setting a password to execute lock mode. In this example, the password setting status display unit 942 indicates that no password has been set ("Password Setting: OFF").

[0099] As shown in Figure 11F, when the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the OK button 53c while the password status display screen 942 is showing an item ("Password Setting: OFF"), the display control unit 84 displays the password setting screen Slo (Figure 11G) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 11G is a schematic diagram showing the password setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The password setting screen Slo has a button operation display unit 912 and an ON / OFF selection screen 9421. On this ON / OFF selection screen 9421, ON and OFF are displayed, and by performing the selection change operation as described above, one of ON or OFF can be highlighted and selected. For example, when ON is selected on the ON / OFF selection screen 9421, and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the OK button 53c, the display control unit 84 displays the password input screen Sle (Figures 11H and 11I) on the liquid crystal display 52. Here, Figure 11H schematically shows the first password input screen displayed on the liquid crystal display, and Figure 11I schematically shows the second password input screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. This password input screen Sle has a button operation display unit 912 and a password input unit 943. When the operation processing unit 85 receives the user's password input to the button operation unit 53 and the operation of the confirmation button display unit 912c, the password is entered into the password input unit 943. When the password entered into the password input unit 943 on the first password input screen Sle (Figure 11H) matches the password entered into the password input unit 943 on the second password input screen Sle (Figure 11I), the password setting success screen Sls (Figure 11J) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 11J schematically shows the password setting success screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The password setting success screen Sls includes a button operation display unit 912, a confirmation button display unit 912c, and a success result display unit 944, where the success result display unit 944 displays that the password setting was successful.

[0100] With this password setting, the airflow parameter Pw, balance adjustment parameter Ptl, and offset parameter Pof are fixed to the values ​​set at the time the password was set, and changes to these parameters are restricted (lock mode). Specifically, while lock mode is enabled, even if the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the up button 53u or down button 53d to change the airflow parameter Pw while the airflow monitor screen Sw is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, the device control unit 88 restricts the change of the airflow parameter Pw in response to that operation (i.e., it ignores the operation and does not change the airflow parameter Pw). Also, while lock mode is enabled, even if the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the up button 53u or down button 53d to change the balance adjustment parameter Ptl while the ion balance setting screen Ssi is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, the device control unit 88 restricts the change of the balance adjustment parameter Ptl in response to that operation (i.e., it ignores the operation and does not change the balance adjustment parameter Ptl). Furthermore, while the lock mode is set, even if the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation of the up button 53u or down button 53d to change the offset parameter Pof while the ion balance offset setting screen Ssff is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52, the device control unit 88 restricts the change of the offset parameter Pof in response to that operation (i.e., it ignores the operation and does not change the offset parameter Pof). Also, as shown in Figure 11K, an icon Al indicating that the lock mode is set is displayed on the airflow monitor screen Sw. Here, Figure 11K is a schematic diagram showing the airflow monitor screen while the lock mode is set. Similarly, while the lock mode is set, the icon Al is displayed on the charge level monitor screen Sc and the ion balance monitor screen Si. In this embodiment, changes to the airflow parameter Pw, the balance adjustment parameter Ptl, and the offset parameter Pof are restricted, but in addition to these, certain operations may be ignored. In lock mode, for example, operations to instruct cleaning, operations to instruct the start and stop of static elimination operations, or operations to change network settings may be ignored.

[0101] Furthermore, when the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation to change the airflow parameter Pw, the balance adjustment parameter Ptl, or the offset parameter Pof, as described above, that is, an operation to press the up button 53u or the down button 53d, the display control unit 84 displays the password input screen Sle (Figure 11L) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 11L is a schematic diagram showing the password input screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. The password input screen Slu in Figure 11L has a button operation display unit 912 and a password input unit 945. When the operation processing unit 85 receives a password input from the user to the button operation unit 53 and an operation to the confirm button display unit 912c, the password is entered into the password input unit 943. When the correct password is entered into the password input unit 945 of the password input screen Slu, the device control unit 88 temporarily releases the lock mode, and the display control unit 84 displays the airflow monitor screen Sw on the liquid crystal display 52. While the lock mode is temporarily deactivated, the icon Al may be displayed in a grayed-out state or as an icon indicating an unlocked lock. This allows you to change and set the airflow parameter Pw by operating the airflow monitor screen Sw. However, if you transition from the airflow monitor screen Sw to another screen, the lock mode will be set again.

[0102] Furthermore, even in lock mode, there is no restriction on changing the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 between the screens of the highest level described above. Therefore, when the airflow monitor screen Sw is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation from the button operation unit 53r, the display control unit 84 displays the charge level monitor screen Sc (Figure 11M) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 11M is a schematic diagram showing the charge level monitor screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. However, when the charge level monitor screen Sc is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52 and the operation processing unit 85 receives an operation from the OK button 53c to change the screen of the liquid crystal display 52 to the setting menu screen Ssm, the device control unit 88 and the display control unit 84 display the password input screen Sle (Figure 11N) on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Here, Figure 11N is a schematic diagram showing the password input screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. Furthermore, when the correct password is entered into the password input screen Sle in Figure 11N, the device control unit 88 temporarily releases the lock mode, and the display control unit 84 displays the setting menu screen Ssm on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​When the operation processing unit 85 receives a user operation to change the display on the liquid crystal display 52 from the setting menu screen Ssm to the password setting screen Slo (Figure 11G), the password setting screen Slo is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​Furthermore, when the operation processing unit 85 receives a user operation to press the OK button 53c while OFF is selected on the password setting screen Slo in the ON / OFF display screen 941 of the password setting screen Slo, the password input screen Slu, similar to Figure 11N, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 52. ​​When the correct password is entered into the password input section 945 of this password input screen Slu, the lock mode can be completely released. Consequently, the display of icon Al disappears. Thus, the lock mode will not be released unless the operation processing unit 85 receives a user operation, particularly a password input operation, on the password input screen Slu, which is different from the screens Sw, Ssi, and Ssff (Figures 8A, 9C, and 9H) used to change the settings of each parameter Pw, Ptl, and Pof.

[0103] In the embodiment described above, multiple parameters (airflow parameter Pw, balance adjustment parameter Ptl, and offset parameter Pof) that define the execution conditions for static elimination are set according to user operations received by the button operation unit 53. A lock mode is also provided for operations that change the multiple parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof. In this lock mode, operations on the button operation unit 53 that change the multiple parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof are restricted. By releasing the lock mode, operations on the button operation unit 53 that change each of the multiple parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof are permitted (normal mode). Therefore, by executing the normal mode, the administrator can appropriately perform setting work to optimize the multiple parameters. On the other hand, by executing the lock mode, the administrator can restrict changes to the parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof. In this way, it is possible to prevent unintentional changes to the parameters of the static elimination device 1.

[0104] Furthermore, changes to the balance adjustment parameter Ptl and offset parameter Pof (voltage control parameters) used to control the voltages Vm and Vp applied to the electrode needles Nm and Np are restricted by the lock mode. In such a configuration, it is possible to prevent unintentional changes to the balance adjustment parameter Ptl and offset parameter Pof.

[0105] Furthermore, changes to the airflow parameter Pw, which specifies the airflow of fan 3, are restricted by the lock mode. In other words, there have been cases where workers at sites where the static eliminator 1 is used have found the airflow from fan 3 uncomfortable and changed the airflow parameter Pw to reduce the airflow. By configuring the system as described above, it is possible to prevent the airflow parameter Pw from being changed unintentionally.

[0106] Furthermore, in response to operations on the button operation unit 53 for the airflow parameter Pw, the device control unit 88 (parameter setting unit) changes the airflow parameter Pw among several (7 levels) airflow values. Moreover, the device control unit 88 has an eco mode that fixes the airflow parameter Pw to the smallest airflow value (level 1) among the multiple airflow values ​​(levels 1 to 7) and restricts operations on the button operation unit 53 for changing the airflow parameter Pw. In other words, the static elimination device 1 consumes a lot of energy due to the fan 3. In contrast, by executing the eco mode, the energy consumption by the fan 3 can be reduced, thereby reducing the environmental burden generated by the static elimination device 1. Note that while the eco mode is running, in addition to reducing the energy consumption by the fan 3, energy consumption by screen brightness, etc., may also be reduced.

[0107] Incidentally, instructions to the device control unit 88 to execute the lock mode can be given not only by operating the button operation unit 53 as described above, but also from an external device via the communication unit 73. This point will be explained in detail using Figures 12A and 12B. Figure 12A is a flowchart showing an example of setting control for the lock mode, and Figure 12B is a flowchart showing an example of how to release the lock mode set by the setting control in Figure 12A. The flowcharts in Figures 12A and 12B are executed by the control of the device control unit 88.

[0108] In step S201 of Figure 12A, the device control unit 88 checks whether an instruction to execute lock mode has been input. Specifically, when the operation processing unit 85 receives an instruction to execute lock mode in response to the execution of an operation indicating an instruction to execute lock mode on the button operation unit 53, the device control unit 88 determines that an instruction to execute lock mode has been input ("YES" in step S201) and proceeds to step S202.

[0109] Alternatively, when the communication unit 73 receives an instruction to execute lock mode from an external device, and the communication control unit 87 accepts the instruction to execute lock mode, the device control unit 88 determines that an instruction to execute lock mode has been input (YES in step S201) and proceeds to step S202. Here, the instruction to execute lock mode from the external device includes both a password-based instruction (password instruction) and a non-password-based instruction (non-password instruction). In other words, the external device has an application installed for instructing the execution of lock mode. When a password is entered into this application in the same manner as described above, the external device sends a password instruction to the communication unit 73. On the other hand, when an operation for a non-password instruction provided in the application is performed, the external device sends a non-password instruction to the communication unit 73. Then, either the password instruction or the non-password instruction is received by the communication control unit 87 via the communication unit 73.

[0110] In step S202, the device control unit 88 determines whether the execution instruction confirmed in step S201 was input from an external device. If the operation processing unit 85 receives an execution instruction for lock mode (if "NO" is the answer in step S202), the device control unit 88 proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if the communication control unit 87 receives an execution instruction for lock mode (password instruction / no password instruction) from an external device (if "YES" is the answer in step S202), the device control unit 88 determines whether the execution instruction is a password instruction (step S204). If the communication control unit 87 receives a password instruction from an external device (if "YES" is the answer in step S204), the device control unit 88 proceeds to step S203.

[0111] In step S203, the device control unit 88 determines whether the password input received by the operation processing unit 85 or the communication control unit 87 was successful, in the same manner as described above. If the password input is successful (if "YES" is obtained in step S203), the device control unit 88 executes the lock mode using the main unit unlockable mode (step S205). Here, the main unit unlockable mode is a mode in which the lock mode is released (in other words, permitted) in response to an operation on the button operation unit 53 received by the operation processing unit 85, in the same manner as described above. Accordingly, the display control unit 84 displays icon Al on the liquid crystal display 52, as shown in Figure 11K or Figure 11M, indicating that the lock mode is set.

[0112] On the other hand, if the communication control unit 87 receives a no-password instruction from an external device (if the answer is "NO" in step S204), the device control unit 88 executes the lock mode using the main unit unlock restriction mode (step S206). Here, the main unit unlock restriction mode is a mode that restricts (in other words, prohibits) the unlocking of the lock mode in response to an operation on the button operation unit 53 received by the operation processing unit 85, in the same manner as described above.

[0113] Accordingly, the display control unit 84 displays either the airflow monitor screen Sw (Figure 13A) or the ion balance threshold setting screen Se7 (Figure 13B) indicating that the lock mode is being executed by the main unit release restriction mode. Here, Figure 13A schematically shows the airflow monitor screen in the main unit release restriction mode, and Figure 13B schematically shows the ion balance threshold setting screen in the main unit release restriction mode. Icon Al is not displayed on either the airflow monitor screen Sw in Figure 13A or the ion balance threshold setting screen Se7 in Figure 13B. Furthermore, as can be seen from the comparison between Figure 11K, which shows the airflow monitor screen Sw in the main unit releaseable mode, and Figure 13A, in the airflow monitor screen Sw of Figure 13A, the OK button display unit 912c is off, indicating that operation of the OK button 53c is disabled, and the airflow adjustment button display units 915u and 915d are also off, indicating that operation to set the airflow parameter Pw is disabled on the airflow monitor screen Sw of Figure 13A. Furthermore, the cleaning method display unit 913 is off, indicating that the cleaning process is restricted. Also, as can be seen from the comparison between Figure 11M and Figure 13B, which show the ion balance threshold setting screen Se7 in the main unit unlockable mode, the confirmation button display unit 912c is off in the ion balance threshold setting screen Se7 in Figure 13B, indicating that the operation of the confirmation button 53c is disabled.

[0114] In step S301 of Figure 12B, the device control unit 88 checks whether or not a command to release the lock mode has been input. Specifically, when the operation processing unit 85 receives a command to release the lock mode in response to the execution of an operation indicating a command to release the lock mode on the button operation unit 53, the device control unit 88 determines that a command to release the lock mode has been input ("YES" in step S301) and proceeds to step S302. Alternatively, when the communication unit 73 receives a command to release the lock mode from an external device and the communication control unit 87 receives the command to release the lock mode, the device control unit 88 determines that a command to release the lock mode has been input ("YES" in step S301) and proceeds to step S302. Here, the command to release the lock mode from an external device is executed by an operation on the application described above.

[0115] In step S302, the device control unit 88 determines whether the currently running lock mode is set to the main unit unlockable mode. If the currently running lock mode is set to the main unit unlockable mode (if the answer in step S302 is "YES"), the device control unit 88 determines whether the password received by the operation processing unit 85 or the communication control unit 87 is correct, in the same manner as described above (step S303). If the password is correct (if the answer in step S303 is "YES"), the device control unit 88 releases the lock mode (step S304).

[0116] If the currently running lock mode is set by the main unit release restriction mode (if "NO" is answered in step S302), the device control unit 88 determines whether the communication control unit 87 has received a lock mode release instruction from an external device, as confirmed in step S301 (step S305). If the operation processing unit 85 has received the release instruction (if "NO" is answered in step S305), the device control unit 88 ignores the lock mode release instruction. On the other hand, if the communication control unit 87 has received the release instruction (if "YES" is answered in step S305), the device control unit 88 releases the lock mode (step S304).

[0117] In this example, the device control unit 88, in response to a main unit lock instruction received by the button operation unit 53 instructing the execution of the lock mode and an external lock instruction from an external device located outside the static eliminator 1, executes the lock mode in the parameter setting unit, thereby restricting changes to the parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof (steps S205, S206). In this configuration, the static eliminator 1 can be ordered to execute the lock mode from both the static eliminator 1 and the external device, improving convenience for the administrator. As a lock mode that can be ordered from the external device, a mode in which all operations on the button operation unit 53 are ignored, that is, a mode in which the static eliminator 1 cannot release the lock mode (main unit release restriction mode), may also be set.

[0118] In this case, the device control unit 88 can execute control such that, when it has entered lock mode due to an external lock instruction from an external device, it will release the lock mode upon a release instruction from the external device, but will not release the lock mode upon a release instruction to the button operation unit 53 (step S206). This allows the administrator to restrict on-site workers from releasing the lock mode by operating the button operation unit 53 by having the device control unit 88 enter lock mode due to an external lock instruction from an external device. As a result, unintentional changes to the parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof of the static eliminator 1 can be more reliably prevented.

[0119] Incidentally, even if there is no change in the parameters Pw, Ptl, and Pof that define the operating conditions of the static elimination device 1, there remains a possibility that the static elimination of the target object may be insufficient. For example, environmental factors such as the worker changing the position of the static elimination device 1, fluctuations in the temperature and humidity around the static elimination device 1, or the placement of highly charged objects near the static elimination device 1 can be contributing factors. However, when it is discovered retrospectively that the static elimination of the target object was insufficient, it is difficult to determine what environmental factors were the cause.

[0120] In contrast, in the above embodiment, the monitoring target (environmental index value) shown in Figure 5B, which is related to the execution environment of the static elimination operation, is monitored by the device control unit 88 (environmental monitoring unit). The monitoring data Dm, which is the result of the monitoring by the device control unit 88, is stored in the storage unit 89 (monitoring result storage unit). In this configuration, the administrator can analyze the factors that affected the static elimination of the target object by referring to the monitoring data Dm stored in the storage unit 89.

[0121] Furthermore, the device control unit 88 calculates statistical data Dmt (statistical quantity) of the sampling data Dms for a predetermined statistical period Tm for each statistical period Tm and stores it in the storage unit 89 as monitoring data Dm. With this configuration, the administrator can efficiently analyze the factors that affected the static discharge of the target object by referring to the statistical data Dmt.

[0122] Furthermore, the device control unit 88 monitors for the occurrence of abnormalities based on the sampling data Dms, and when it confirms the occurrence of an abnormality (event), it stores the time tv of the abnormality along with the type of abnormality as monitoring data Dm in the storage unit 89. With this configuration, the administrator can easily grasp any abnormalities that occur during static discharge of the target object.

[0123] Furthermore, the device control unit 88 acquires sampling data Dms at a predetermined sampling period and monitors for any abnormalities in the sampling data Dms. When it confirms the occurrence of an abnormality, it stores waveform data Dmw, which represents the sampling data Dms acquired from the first time point T1 (before the abnormality occurrence time tv) to the second time point T2 (after the abnormality occurrence time tv), as monitoring data Dm in the storage unit 89, along with the type of abnormality. In this configuration, the administrator can analyze in detail the cause of the abnormality that occurred in the object by referring to the waveform data Dmw.

[0124] Furthermore, as described above, there are three modes for locking the airflow parameter Pw: Eco Mode, Lock Mode via Main Unit Release Mode, and Lock Mode via Main Unit Release Restriction Mode. In addition, a screen corresponding to each mode is provided (Figure 14). Here, Figure 14 is a schematic list showing the screens for each mode that locks the airflow parameter. Details of the airflow monitor screen Sw in Eco Mode, Lock Mode via Main Unit Release Mode, and Lock Mode via Main Unit Release Restriction Mode are as described above.

[0125] As described above, in this embodiment, the static elimination device 1 corresponds to an example of the "static elimination device" of the present invention, the liquid crystal display 52 corresponds to an example of the "display unit" of the present invention, the button operation unit 53 corresponds to an example of the "operation unit" of the present invention, the electrode needles Nm and Np correspond to an example of the "corona discharge unit" of the present invention, the fan 3 corresponds to an example of the "fan" of the present invention, the electrode unit controller 6 corresponds to an example of the "voltage control unit" of the present invention, the device control unit 88 corresponds to an example of the "parameter setting unit" and "environmental monitoring unit" of the present invention, the storage unit 89 corresponds to an example of the "monitoring result storage unit" of the present invention, the airflow parameter Pw, balun The balance adjustment parameter Ptl and the offset parameter Pof correspond to examples of the "multiple parameters" and "target parameters" of the present invention, the balance adjustment parameter Ptl and the offset parameter Pof correspond to examples of the "voltage control parameters" of the present invention, the sampling data Dms for each monitored target shown in Figure 5B corresponds to an example of the "environmental index value" of the present invention, the statistical target period Tm corresponds to an example of the "target period" of the present invention, the occurrence time tv corresponds to an example of the "occurrence time" of the present invention, the first time T1 corresponds to an example of the "first time" of the present invention, and the second time T2 corresponds to an example of the "second time" of the present invention.

[0126] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made to those described above without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is not necessary to make all of the airflow parameter Pw, balance adjustment parameter Ptl, and offset parameter Pof "target parameters" that are fixed by the lock mode. Therefore, the airflow parameter Pw may be excluded from the target parameters and configured to be changeable from the airflow monitor screen Sw while the lock mode is set.

[0127] The specific examples of items to be monitored shown in Figure 5B are not limited to those listed above. Therefore, other items may be included in the monitoring targets, or some of the above items may be excluded from the monitoring targets. [Industrial applicability]

[0128] This invention is applicable to all technologies that discharge ions generated by applying a voltage to an electrode onto an object to remove static electricity from that object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1...Static eliminator 52… LCD display 53... Button operation section (operation section) Nm... Electrode needle (corona discharge part) Np... Electrode needle (corona discharge part) Fan 3... Fan 6… Electrode unit controller (voltage control unit) 88...Device control unit (parameter setting unit, environmental monitoring unit) 89...Storage unit (monitoring result storage unit) Pw...Airflow parameter Ptl... Balance adjustment parameter (voltage control parameter) Pof…Offset parameter (voltage control parameter) DMS…Sampling data (environmental indicator values) Tm...Statistical period (target period) TV...Time of occurrence T1…1st time T2…Second time

Claims

1. A static elimination device that discharges ions onto an object to remove static electricity from the object, A corona discharge section in which corona discharge occurs in response to the application of voltage, A voltage control unit that controls the voltage applied to the corona discharge section, A fan that generates airflow from the corona discharge section toward the object, A display unit that displays a plurality of parameters defining the execution conditions for a static elimination operation in which the voltage applied to the corona discharge unit by the voltage control unit generates the corona discharge unit and the fan generates the wind, An operating unit that receives user input, A parameter setting unit sets the plurality of parameters in response to user operations received by the operation unit, Equipped with, The voltage control unit controls the voltage according to the voltage control parameter, which is a parameter for controlling the voltage applied to the corona discharge unit. The fan generates the airflow corresponding to the airflow parameter, which is the parameter that specifies the airflow rate of the wind. The static eliminator has a parameter setting unit that has a lock mode which fixes the target parameter by restricting operations on the operation unit which changes the target parameter among the plurality of parameters, and a normal mode which allows operations on the operation unit which changes each of the plurality of parameters including the target parameter.

2. The voltage control parameter is the target parameter, The static elimination device according to claim 1, wherein in the lock mode, the voltage control parameter is fixed by restricting operations on the operation unit that changes the voltage control parameter.

3. The aforementioned airflow parameter is the aforementioned target parameter, The static elimination device according to claim 1, wherein in the lock mode, the airflow parameter is fixed by restricting operations on the operating unit that changes the airflow parameter.

4. In response to an operation on the control unit for the airflow parameter, the parameter setting unit changes the airflow parameter between a plurality of airflow values. The static elimination device according to claim 1, wherein the parameter setting unit further has an eco mode that fixes the airflow parameter to the smallest airflow value among the plurality of airflow values ​​and restricts operations on the operation unit that changes the airflow parameter.

5. The static elimination device according to claim 1, wherein the parameter setting unit executes the lock mode in response to a main unit lock instruction received by the operation unit that instructs the execution of the lock mode and an external lock instruction from an external device provided outside the static elimination device that instructs the execution of the lock mode.

6. The static elimination device according to claim 5, wherein the parameter setting unit, when executing the lock mode by the external lock instruction, releases the lock mode in response to a release instruction from the external device, but does not release the lock mode in response to a release instruction to the operation unit.

7. An environmental monitoring unit that monitors environmental indicator values ​​related to the execution environment of the static elimination operation, The environmental monitoring unit stores the results of monitoring the environmental indicator values, The static elimination device according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. The static elimination device according to claim 7, wherein the environmental monitoring unit calculates statistical amounts of the environmental indicator values ​​for a predetermined target period for each target period and stores them in the monitoring result storage unit.

9. The static elimination device according to claim 7, wherein the environmental monitoring unit monitors for the occurrence of an abnormality based on the environmental index value, and when it confirms the occurrence of an abnormality, it stores the time of occurrence of the abnormality along with the type of abnormality in the monitoring result storage unit.

10. The static elimination device according to claim 7, wherein the environmental monitoring unit acquires the environmental index value at a predetermined sampling period and monitors for any abnormalities in the environmental index value, and when it confirms the occurrence of an abnormality, it stores waveform data showing the environmental index value acquired from a first time point before the time of occurrence of the abnormality to a second time point after the time of occurrence of the abnormality in the monitoring result storage unit, along with the type of abnormality.

11. A control method for a static elimination device that discharges ions onto an object to remove static electricity from the object, A step of displaying a plurality of parameters that define the execution conditions for a static elimination operation in which a static discharge is generated by controlling the voltage applied to a corona discharge section in response to the application of voltage, thereby generating the corona discharge and simultaneously generating airflow from a fan. A step of setting the plurality of parameters in accordance with the user operation received by the operation unit that receives user operations, A step of executing a lock mode in which the target parameter is fixed by restricting operations on the operation unit that changes the target parameter among the plurality of parameters, The steps include: executing a normal mode which allows operations on the operation unit that change each of the multiple parameters, including the target parameter; A control method for a static elimination device, comprising the above.

Images