Patent Publication Number: US-2019192722-A1

Title: Ion generation device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an ion generating device. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     An ion generating device is mounted on various electric apparatuses, for various effects of ions generated by the ion generating device. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an air purifier which includes an ion generating device. 
     Further, in recent years, functions of electric apparatuses have been enhanced. Accordingly, an electric apparatus into which electronic control by a microcomputer or the like is introduced has become popular. For example, Patent Literature 2 discloses a dryer which has a build-in control section including a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The control section controls operations of a heater, an ion generating device, etc. Since highly-functional electric apparatuses contain a direct-current component part such as a microcomputer, there are some electric apparatuses whose power source is specified as a direct-current power source. Then, an ion generating device mounted on such an electric apparatus accordingly becomes an ion generating device whose power source is specified as a direct-current power source. 
     In contrast, common low-function electric apparatuses are simply configured so as to have a minimum function. Accordingly, such low-function electric apparatuses are made up of only alternate-current component parts. Then, an ion generating device mounted on such an electric apparatus accordingly becomes an ion generating device whose power source is specified as an alternate-current power source. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     [Patent Literature 1] PCT International Application Publication No. WO2015/049933 A1 (Publication. Date: Apr. 9, 2015) 
     [Patent Literature 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication,  Tokukai , No. 2013-111226 (Publication Date: Jun. 10, 2013) 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     Reduction in size of an electric apparatus requires reduction in size of an ion generating device which is to be mounted on the electric apparatus. In order to decrease the size of the ion generating device, it is necessary to reduce not only the size of a housing constituting the outer shape of the ion generating device but also the size of a substrate etc. which are to be built in the housing. On the substrate, a discharge electrode is mounted. Particularly in a case where both negative and positive ions are to be generated, a discharge electrode for generating positive ions and a discharge electrode for generating negative ions are mounted on the substrate. Reduction in size of the substrate results in a smaller interval between these discharge electrodes. 
     In an ion generating device whose size reduction is not taken into consideration, an interval between two discharge electrodes is large. Therefore, electronic component parts are provided between the two discharge electrodes, on a substrate. In an ion generating device, high voltage rectifier diodes are provided for respective discharge electrodes. The high voltage rectifier diodes rectify a high alternating-current voltage from a transformer and apply a positive high voltage and a negative high voltage to the two discharge electrodes, respectively. Though these diodes are relatively long, two such diodes can be provided in a linear arrangement in the interval that is large between the discharge electrodes. 
     However, in a case where an interval between the discharge electrodes is smaller due to reduction in size of the ion generating device, two diodes cannot be provided in a linear arrangement between the discharge electrodes. Accordingly, the diodes need to be provided in a non-linear arrangement or in parallel to each other. In such an arrangement, a voltage application line extending from the transformer is provided near (a tip of) a discharge electrode. Then, when a positive voltage rectified by a diode is applied to one of the discharge electrodes and a negative voltage rectified by another diode is applied to the other one of the discharge electrodes, an electric field weakens because these positive and negative voltages applied to the discharge electrodes are in phase with a voltage of a voltage application path. As a result, ions are not easily generated. 
     For example, diodes D 11  and D 12  are provided in parallel to each other in an area between a discharge electrode  401  for generating positive ions and a discharge electrode  402  for generating negative ions, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The diode D 11  rectifies an alternating-current voltage from a transformer  403  and applies a resultant positive voltage to the discharge electrode  401 . The diode D 12  rectifies the alternating-current voltage from the transformer  403  and applies a resultant negative voltage to the discharge electrode  402 . One end of a secondary coil of the transformer  403  is connected to an anode of the diode D 11  and a cathode of the diode D 12  via a wiring pattern  404  which is formed on a substrate. The other end of the secondary coil of the transformer  403  is connected to a counter electrode  405 . 
     In a configuration in which the diodes D 11  and D 12  are arranged as above, a wiring route between the wiring pattern  404  and the cathode of the diode D 12  comes near the discharge electrodes  401  and  402 . Accordingly, a smaller interval between the discharge electrodes  401  and  402  leads to a shorter distance L 401  between the wiring route and the discharge electrode  401  and a shorter distance L 402  between the wiring route and the discharge electrode  402 . This makes ion generation more difficult. 
     Further, in a case where highly-functional electric apparatuses as described above and common electric apparatuses are produced in the same production line, generally, alternate-current (AC) ion generating devices and direct-current (DC) ion generating devices are prepared in the production line, and an AC ion generating device is incorporated into an alternate-current (AC) electric apparatus and a DC ion generating device is incorporated into a direct-current (DC) electric apparatus. 
     In a case where in order to make component parts common to both AC electronic apparatuses and DC electronic apparatuses, identical housings are used for AC ion generating devices and DC ion generating devices, whether an ion generating device including such a housing is an AC ion generating device or a DC ion generating device cannot be identified from the appearance of the ion generating device. This may cause an AC ion generating device to be incorporated into a DC electric apparatus and/or a DC ion generating device into an AC electric apparatus. In such a case, when an electric apparatus is energized in an operation test, the ion generating device is damaged. On the basis of this result, it is first found that an ion generating device of a wrong power source specification is incorporated in that electric apparatus. 
     An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide an ion generating device which can suppress reduction in amount of ions generated and of which size reduction is possible. An object of another aspect of the present invention is to prevent an erroneous connection of a power source of a wrong specification to an ion generating device. 
     Solution to Problem 
     In order to solve the above problems, an ion generating device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: a positive electrode which generates positive ions; a negative electrode which generates negative ions; a transformer which outputs a high alternating-current voltage; a first diode which rectifies the high alternating-current voltage and applies a voltage thus rectified to the positive electrode; and a second diode which rectifies the high alternating-current voltage and applying a voltage thus rectified to the negative electrode, the first diode and the second diode being connected, on a substrate, to an output terminal of the transformer via a conductive body, the conductive body being formed in a region where the conductive body causes neither a decrease in strength of an electric field formed by the positive electrode nor a decrease in strength of an electric field formed by the negative electrode. 
     In order to solve the above problems, an ion generating device in accordance with another aspect of the present invention includes: a housing including (i) a main body on which electrodes are mounted and (ii) a connector to which a power source for applying voltage to the electrodes is connected, the housing having a power source specification identification section which allows for identification of a power source specification of the ion generating device, 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     An aspect of the present invention advantageously makes it possible to provide an ion generating device which can suppress reduction in amount of ions generated and of which size reduction is possible. Further, another aspect of the present invention advantageously makes it possible to prevent an erroneous connection of a power source of a wrong specification to an ion generating device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       (a) of  FIG. 1  is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a dryer equipped with an ion generating device in accordance with each embodiment of the present invention, and (b) of  FIG. 1  is another vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the dryer. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an appearance of an ion generating device in accordance with any one of Embodiments 1 to 3 of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of an electric system of the ion generating device in accordance with Embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 4  is a view illustrating an arrangement example of diodes in the ion generating device illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
       (a) of  FIG. 5  is a view illustrating another arrangement example of diodes in the ion generating device illustrated in  FIG. 3 , and (b) of  FIG. 5  is a view illustrating still another arrangement example of diodes in the ion generating device illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an ion generating device in accordance with a Variation of Embodiment 1. 
       (a) of  FIG. 7  is a plan view illustrating a housing of the ion generating device in accordance with Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and (b) of  FIG. 7  is a plan view illustrating another housing of the ion generating device in accordance with Embodiment 2. 
       (a) of  FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating a housing of the ion generating device inn accordance with Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and (b) of  FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating another housing of the ion generating device in accordance with Embodiment 2. 
       (a) of  FIG. 9  is a plan view illustrating a housing of the ion generating device in accordance with Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and (b) of  FIG. 9  is a plan view illustrating another housing of the ion generating device in accordance with Embodiment 2. 
       (a) to (c) of  FIG. 10  is a view illustrating respective shapes of connectors of the ion generating device in accordance with Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational view illustrating a configuration of the ion generating device in accordance with Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the ion generating device illustrated in  FIG. 11  is being pulled out from a tray. 
         FIG. 13  is a view illustrating a state in which the ion generating device illustrated in  FIG. 11  is provided in an air path of an electric apparatus. 
         FIG. 14  is a view illustrating an arrangement of diodes in a conventional ion generating device. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     [Dryer] 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the following will discuss a dryer incorporating an ion generating device  10  ( 10 A) in accordance with any of Embodiments 1 to 3 of the present invention. (a) of  FIG. 1  is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a dryer equipped with an ion generating device in accordance with each embodiment of the present invention. (b) of  FIG. 1  is another vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the dryer. 
     As illustrated in (a) and (b) of  FIG. 1 , a dryer  100  includes a casing  101 . The casing  101  includes a main body cylinder portion  102  and a handle portion  103 . From the handle portion  103 , a power supply cable  104  is drawn. 
     The main body cylinder portion  102  is provided, at one end thereof, an inlet  102   a  for drawing in air and, at the other end thereof, an outlet  102   b  for blowing out the air. The main body cylinder portion  102  is provided with an air blowing fan  105 , a motor  106 , a heater unit  107 , and an ion generating device  10  in an area from the inlet  102   a  to the outlet  102   b  inside the main body cylinder portion  102 . The motor  106  causes the air blowing fan  105  to rotate. When the air blowing fan  105  rotates, an air flow from the inlet  102   a  to the outlet  102   b  is produced and heat generated by the heater unit  107  is sent as hot air toward the outlet  102   b.    
     Further, the main body cylinder portion  102  is provided therein a heat-insulating sleeve  108  from the motor  106  to the outlet  102   b . The heat-insulating sleeve  108  forms a path for wind generated by the air blowing fan  105 , in other words, an air path. 
     In the vicinity of the outlet  102   b , the ion generating device  10  is provided between the main body cylinder portion  102  and the heat-insulating sleeve  108 . The ion generating device  10  includes a discharge electrode  1  (positive electrode) for generating positive ions and a discharge electrode  2  (negative electrode) for generating negative ions. The discharge electrodes  1  and  2  are exposed to the outside of the ion generating device  10  such that tips of the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  reach inside the heat-insulating sleeve  108  as illustrated in (b) of  FIG. 1 . The ion generating device  10  generates ions inside the heat-insulating sleeve  108  and spreads the ions in a flow of air passing inside the heat-insulating sleeve  108 . 
     Further, the main body cylinder portion  102  is provided therein with a circuit substrate  109  in the vicinity of a portion where the main body cylinder portion  102  and the handle portion  103  are joined to each other. In a case where the dryer  100  is a common dryer, a motor driving circuit is mounted on the circuit substrate  109 . The motor driving circuit drives the motor  106 . The motor driving circuit controls a rate of rotation of the motor  106  so as to change an air volume sent by the air blowing fan  105  in accordance with the strength of hot wind which strength is changed by operating a switch  110  (described later). The power supply cable  104  supplies an alternate current power. The alternating-current power is directly supplied to the motor  106 , the heater unit  107  and the ion generating device  10  from the power supply cable  104 . In contrast, in a case where the dryer  100  is a highly-functional dryer, a power source of the dryer  100  is specified as a direct-current power source. Therefore, on the circuit substrate  109 , a motor driving circuit, an AC/DC converter, a control circuit, etc. are mounted. The AC/DC converter converts, into a direct-current power, an alternating-current power supplied via the power supply cable  104 , and then supplies the direct-current power to the control circuit and to the ion generating device  10 . The control circuit includes a CPU etc., and controls respective operations of the motor  106 , the heater unit  107 , and the ion generating device  10 . 
     The handle portion  103  is provided with the switch  110 . The switch  110  is provided so as to switch on/off the power source and to change the strength of the hot wind. 
     Note that an electric apparatus on which the ion generating device  10  is mounted is not limited to the dryer  100 , and can be another electric apparatus. 
     Embodiment 1 
     The following description will discuss an embodiment of the present invention with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 6 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an appearance of an ion generating device  10  in accordance with Embodiment 1.  FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of an electric system of the ion generating device  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the ion generating device  10  includes a housing  11  which is made of a resin material. The housing  11  includes a main body portion  20  which in whole forms a rectangular box shape, and a connector  112 . The main body portion  20  has two side surfaces  111  which are opposed to each other and which are along the longest side of three sides of the main body portion  20 . These side surfaces  111  are each provided with a step  111   a  along a long-side direction of the side surfaces  111 . The connector  112  is provided on one of side surfaces along the second shortest side of the three sides of the housing  11 . The connector  112  is joined to a connector (not illustrated) which is connected to a power supply cable. The connector  112  is provided therein with pins  5  and  6 . 
     The housing  11  contains a discharge control circuit substrate  12 , a transformer  13 , and a high voltage circuit substrate  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in the ion generating device  10 , a power input section  121  and a discharge control circuit  122  are mounted on the discharge control circuit substrate  12 , and a high voltage control circuit  141 , discharge electrodes  1  and  2  and induction electrodes  3  and  4  are mounted on the high voltage circuit substrate  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  are needle-like electrodes whose tips are sharp-pointed. The discharge electrodes  1  and  2  are provided so as to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. 
     Note that the induction electrodes  3  and  4  may not be mounted on the high voltage circuit substrate  14 , and may be mounted on another substrate. 
     In a case where the power source of the ion generating device  10  is specified as a direct-current power source, the power input section  121  is a portion at which a direct-current voltage from the connector  112  is inputted to the discharge control circuit substrate  12 . The power input section  121  includes terminals T 1  and T 2 . The terminal T 1  is connected to the pin  5  of the connector  112  and the terminal T 2  is connected to the pin  6  of the connector  112 . 
     The discharge control circuit  122  is a circuit which drives the transformer  13  by (i) converting, into an alternating-current voltage at a predetermined frequency, the direct-current voltage having been thus inputted from the connector  112  and (ii) then applying the alternating-current voltage to a primary coil  13   a  of the transformer  13 . The discharge control circuit  122  is connected to the primary coil  13   a  (low voltage side) of the transformer  13 . 
     Note that in a case where the power source of the ion generating device  10  is specified as an alternating-current power source, an alternating-current voltage can be inputted to the connector  112  (power input section  121 ). In such a case, the discharge control circuit  122  has, for example, a current-limiting resistor for limiting an input current, a rectifying circuit, and a switching circuit. 
     The high voltage control circuit  141  includes a diode D 1  (first diode) and a diode  2  (second diode). The high voltage control circuit  141  is a circuit which, after rectifying a high alternating-current voltage which is to be subsequently outputted from one of terminals (output terminals) of a secondary coil  13   b  (high voltage side) of the transformer  13 , applies a positive voltage to the discharge electrode  1  and a negative voltage to the discharge electrode  2 . The diodes D 1  and D 2  are high voltage rectifier diodes and have the same length. 
     To one terminal of the high voltage control circuit  141 , an anode of the diode D 1  and a cathode of the diode D 2  are connected. Meanwhile, a cathode of the diode D 1  is connected to the discharge electrode  1  and an anode of the diode D 2  is connected to the discharge electrode  2 . Both of the induction electrodes  3  and  4  are connected to the other one of the output terminals of the transformer  13 . The induction electrode  3  is provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode  1 , and the induction electrode  4  is provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode  2 . 
     Next, the following will discuss an arrangement of the diodes D 1  and D 2  on the high voltage circuit substrate  14 .  FIG. 4  is a view illustrating an arrangement example of the diodes D 1  and D 2 . (a) of  FIG. 5  is a view illustrating another arrangement example of the diodes D 1  and D 2 , and (b) of FIG.  5  is a view illustrating still another arrangement example of the diodes D 1  and D 2 . 
     On the high voltage circuit substrate  14 , a wiring pattern  14   a  and soldering patterns  14   b  and  14   c  are formed as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The wiring pattern  14   a  is provided so as to connect the one of the terminals of the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13  to both of the anode of the diode D 1  and the cathode of the diode D 2 . The soldering pattern  14   b  is a punctate part at which an end of an anode lead of the diode D 1  and an end of a cathode lead of the diode D 2  are connected to one end of the wiring pattern  14   a . The soldering pattern  14   c  is a punctate part at which the one of terminals (leads) of the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13  is soldered to the other end of the wiring pattern  14   a.    
     The diodes D 1  and D 2  are arranged to incline with respect to a straight line LN connecting between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . In this arrangement, the diodes D 1  and D 2  are provided so as to be connected to the soldering pattern  14   b  such that the diodes D 1  and D 2  form the shape of the letter V. Further, an angle θ made between the diodes D 1  and D 2  is most preferably 90° at the soldering pattern  14   b .    
     The discharge electrodes  1  and  2  each form an electric field which extends around from a tip of the discharge electrode  1  or  2 . Since these electric fields of opposite polarities affect each other between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 , an electric field between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  is intensified. On the other hand, in a case where another electric field (in this case, electric field caused by a potential of the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13 ) different from the electric fields formed by the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  exist in an area between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 , the electric field by the discharge electrode  1  or the electric field by the discharge electrode  2  is momentarily weakened. 
     In contrast, in the arrangement example illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the electric field between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  is not weakened. This is because there is no conductive body whose potential is the same as that of the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13 , in a region where the conductive body might weaken the electric field between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . Further, the diodes D 1  and D 2  are inclined with respect to the straight line LN as in the arrangement example illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this arrangement, the soldering pattern  14   b  is a conductive body closest to the discharge electrode  1 , which conductive body has the same potential as the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13  and which conductive body is connected to the diode D 1 . Therefore, it can be ensured that a distance L 1  between the discharge electrode  1  and the soldering pattern  14   b  is substantially the same as the length of the diode D 1 . In addition, in the arrangement, the wiring pattern  14   a  is a conductive body closest to the discharge electrode  2 , which conductive body has the same potential as the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13  and which conductive body is connected to the diode D 2 . Therefore, a distance L 2  between the discharge electrode  2  and the wiring pattern  14   a  can be ensured. This makes it possible to prevent influence of a conductive body having the same potential as the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13  to the electric field between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . 
     As a result, the electric field formed by the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  is prevented from weakening. This makes it possible to suppress reduction in amount of ions generated by the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . Further, it is also possible to shorten the distance between the straight line LN and the soldering pattern  14   b . This makes it possible to prevent an increase in width of the high voltage circuit substrate  14 . 
     Alternatively, the diodes D 1  and D 2  may be arranged as illustrated in (a) or (b) of  FIG. 5 . 
     As illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 5 , the diodes D 1  and D 2  are arranged to be perpendicular to a straight line LN, and also to be parallel to each other. An end of an anode lead of the diode D 1  and an end of a cathode lead of the diode D 2  are connected to respective ends of a linear soldering pattern  14   c . The soldering pattern  14   c  is a part which is formed on the high voltage circuit substrate  14  so as to be parallel to a straight line LN and at which the anode lead of the diode D 1  and the cathode lead of the diode D 2  are soldered to one end of a wiring pattern  14   a . In this arrangement, the diodes D 1  and D 2  are connected to the wiring pattern  14   c  so as to form the shape of the letter U with the wiring pattern  14   c . Meanwhile, there is no conductive body whose potential is the same as that of the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13 , between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . 
     In this arrangement example, as with the arrangement example illustrated in  FIG. 4 , there is no conductive body whose potential is the same as that of the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13 , between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . Therefore, an electric field between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  is not weakened in this arrangement example illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 5 . Further, in this arrangement example, the diodes D 1  and D 2  are arranged to be perpendicular to the straight line LN. Therefore, the soldering pattern  14   c  is a conductive body closest to the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 , which conductive body has the same potential as the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13  and which conductive body is connected to the diode D 1 . Accordingly, it can be ensured that a distance L 11  between the discharge electrode  1  and the soldering pattern  14   c  is substantially the same as the length of the diode D 1  and a distance L 11  between the discharge electrode  2  and the soldering pattern  14   c  is substantially the same as the length of the diode D 2 . This makes it possible to prevent influence of a conductive body having the same potential as the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13  to the electric field between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  in this arrangement example more than in the arrangement example illustrated in  FIG. 4 . As a result, the electric field formed by the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  is prevented from weakening. This makes it possible to suppress reduction in amount of ions generated by the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . 
     Note that the high voltage circuit substrate  14  in the arrangement example illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 5  has a larger width than that in the arrangement example illustrated in  FIG. 4 , since the diodes D 1  and D 2  are arranged to be perpendicular to the straight line LN in this arrangement example. 
     In an arrangement illustrated in (b) of  FIG. 5 , the diode D 1  is arranged to be perpendicular to a straight line LN and the diode D 2  is arranged to be parallel to the straight line LN. An end of an anode lead of the diode D 1  and an end of a cathode lead of the diode D 2  are connected to a soldering pattern  14   d . Further, an end of an anode lead of the diode D 2  is connected to the discharge electrode  2  via a wiring pattern (different from a wiring pattern  14   a  described below) which is formed on a high voltage circuit substrate  14 . The soldering pattern  14   d  is a punctate part which is formed on the high voltage circuit substrate  14  and at which the anode lead of the diode D 1  and the cathode lead of the diode D 2  are soldered to one end of the wiring pattern  14   a . In this arrangement, the diodes D 1  and D 2  are provided so as to be connected to the soldering pattern  14   d  such that the diodes D 1  and D 2  form the shape of the letter L. Meanwhile, there is no conductive body whose potential is the same as that of the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13 , between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . 
     In this arrangement example, the diode D 1  is arranged to be perpendicular to the straight line LN. Therefore, the soldering pattern  14   d  is a conductive body closest to the discharge electrode  1 , which conductive body has the same potential as the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13  and which conductive body is connected to the diode D 1  Therefore, it can be ensured that a distance L 21  between the discharge electrode  1  and the soldering pattern  14   d  is substantially the same as the length of the diode D 1 . Further, on the assumption that the straight line LN is a first side of a right triangle, a line whose length is equal to the total length of the diode D 1  is a second side of the right triangle, and the first and second sides together make a right angle, it can be ensured that a distance L 22  between the discharge electrode  2  and the soldering pattern  14   d  is substantially the same as the length of a third side of that right triangle. The distance L 22  is longer than the distance L 21 . 
     In this arrangement example, as with the arrangement example illustrated in  FIG. 4 , there is no conductive body whose potential is the same as that of the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13 , between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . Therefore, an electric field formed by the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  is not weakened in this arrangement example illustrated in (b) of  FIG. 5 . Further, in this arrangement example, as with the arrangement example illustrated in FIG. (b) of  FIG. 5 , it is possible to have a longer distance between each of the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  and a conductive body whose potential is the same as that of the secondary coil  13   b  of the transformer  13 . This makes it possible to prevent influence of such a conductive body to the electric field. As a result, the electric field formed by the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  is prevented from weakening. This makes it possible to suppress reduction in amount of ions generated by the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . 
     Note that the high voltage circuit substrate  14  in the above arrangement example illustrated in (b) of  FIG. 5  also has a larger width than that in the arrangement example illustrated in  FIG. 4 , since the diode D 1  is arranged to be perpendicular to the straight line LN in this arrangement example. 
     Here, the following will discuss a distance between the wiring pattern  14   a  and the soldering pattern  14   b  which are illustrated in  FIG. 4  and a distance between the wiring pattern  14   a  and the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . 
     In the ion generating device  10 , the distance between the wiring pattern  14   a  and the soldering pattern  14   b  in the arrangement example illustrated in  FIG. 4  is longer in a portion where the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  are provided, as compared to a distance between a wiring pattern and a soldering pattern in a conventional arrangement example illustrated in  FIG. 14 . Further, in the ion generating device  10 , the distance between the wiring pattern  14   a  and each of the tips of the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  in the arrangement example illustrated in  FIG. 4  is longer in a portion where the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  are provided, as compared to a distance between each of tips of the discharge electrodes  401  and  402  and a wiring pattern  14   a  and a soldering pattern in the conventional arrangement example illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
     &lt;Variation&gt; 
     The following description will discuss a Variation of Embodiment 1.  FIG. 6  is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an ion generating device inn accordance with the present Variation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , an ion generating device  10 A in accordance with the present Embodiment is larger in thickness (depth) in a direction in which discharge electrodes  1  and  2  extend, as compared to the ion generating device  10  described above. Further, in the ion generating device  10 A, a discharge control circuit substrate  12  is provided so as to be predetermined distance, in the direction in which the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  extend. Furthermore, the discharge control circuit substrate  12  and the high voltage circuit substrate  14  are connected with an intermediate substrate  15 . The intermediate substrate  15  is provided so as to be perpendicular to the high voltage circuit substrate  14 . 
     On the intermediate substrate  15 , diodes D 1  and D 2  are mounted. Further, on the intermediate substrate  15 , soldering patterns  15   a  to  15   d  are formed. The soldering pattern  15   a  is a punctate part at which an end of an anode lead of the diode D 1  is soldered to one end of the above-described wiring pattern  14   a . The soldering pattern  15   a  is provided on a discharge control circuit substrate  12  side. The soldering pattern  15   b  is a punctate part at which an end of a cathode lead of the diode D 2  is soldered to one end of the wiring pattern  14   a . The soldering pattern  15   b  is provided on the discharge control circuit substrate  12  side. The soldering pattern  15   c  is a punctate part at which an end of a cathode lead of the diode D 1  is soldered to a wiring pattern (not illustrated) on the high voltage circuit substrate  14  which wiring pattern is drawn from the discharge electrode  1 . The soldering pattern  15   c  is provided on a high voltage circuit substrate  14  side. The soldering pattern  15   d  is a punctate part at which an end of an anode lead of the diode D 2  is soldered to a wiring pattern (not illustrated) on the high voltage circuit substrate  14  which wiring pattern is drawn from the discharge electrode  2 . The soldering pattern  15   d  is provided on the high voltage circuit substrate  14  side. 
     In the ion generating device  10  configured as above, there is no conductive body whose potential is the same as that of a secondary coil of a transformer  13 , between the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 . Further, in the ion generating device  10 , the diodes D 1  and D 2  are mounted on the intermediate substrate  15  and the soldering patterns  15   a  and  15   b  are provided below the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  in  FIG. 6 . As compared to the arrangement examples illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the soldering patterns  15   a  and  15   b , which have the same potential as the secondary coil of the transformer  13 , are farther from the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  (particularly from tips of the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 ) in the ion generating device  10 A. 
     This makes it possible to further suppress reduction in amount of ions generated by the discharge electrodes  1  and  2 , as compared to the arrangement examples illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In addition, since the diodes D 1  and D 2  are not mounted on the high voltage circuit substrate  14 , it is possible to decrease the width of the high voltage circuit substrate  14 . 
     Note that though the intermediate substrate  15  is provided so as to be perpendicular to the high voltage circuit substrate  14  (surface on which the discharge electrodes  1  and  2  are mounted) in the present Variation, the intermediate substrate  15  can be arranged so as to incline with respect to the high voltage circuit substrate  14 . 
     Embodiment 2 
     Next, the following will discuss Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with reference to  FIGS. 7 to 10 . Note that, for convenience of explanation, identical reference numerals are given to members which have respective functions identical with those described in Embodiment 1, and descriptions of the respective members are omitted. 
     (a) of  FIG. 7  is a plan view illustrating a housing  11 A of an ion generating device  10  in accordance with Embodiment 2. (b) of  FIG. 7  is a plan view illustrating another housing  11 B of the ion generating device  10 . (a) of  FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating a housing  11 C of the ion generating device  10  in accordance with Embodiment 2. (b) of  FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating another housing  11 D of the ion generating device  10 . (a) of  FIG. 9  is a plan view illustrating a housing  11 E of the ion generating device  10  in accordance with Embodiment 2. (b) of  FIG. 9  is a plan view illustrating another housing  11 F of the ion generating device  10 . (a) to (c) of  FIG. 10  is a view illustrating respective shapes of connectors  112 G to  112 I of the ion generating device  10  in accordance with Embodiment 2. 
     The housing  11 A is a housing which is included in the ion generating device  10  that is an AC device, and has a connector  112 A as illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 7 . The connector  112 A is formed so as to be depressed inward in the housing  11 A. The connector  112 A is provided with pins  5  and  6 . A connector (hereinafter, referred to as an AC connector) (not illustrated) of an AC power supply cable wired from the circuit substrate  109  of the above-described dryer  100  is shaped so as to fit in the connector  112 A. 
     In contrast, the housing  11 B is a housing which is included in the ion generating device  10  that is a DC device, and has a connector  112 B as illustrated in (b) of  FIG. 7 . Further, the housing  11 B is shaped so as to have the same shape and the same size as the housing  11 A. The connector  112 B is formed so as to protrude outside the housing  11 B and have a cavity inside the connector  112 B. In this cavity, the pins  5  and  6  are provided. A connector (hereinafter, referred to as an DC connector) (not illustrated) of a DC power supply cable wired from the circuit substrate  109  of the above-described dryer  100  is shaped so as to fit to the connector  112 B outside the connector  112 B. 
     In this way, with regard to the housing  11 A that is an AC housing and the housing  11 B that is a DC housing, the shape of the connector  112 A is different from the shape of the connector  112 B and accordingly, the shape of the AC connector of the power supply cable is different from the shape of the DC connector of the power supply cable. Therefore, the shape of the connector  112 A and the shape of the connector  112  make it possible to distinguish between respective power source specifications corresponding to the connectors  112 A and  112 B. As a result, the DC power supply cable cannot be connected to the connector  112 A and the AC power supply cable cannot be connected to the connector  112 B. This makes it possible to easily identify the power source specification of the ion generating device  10 . Consequently, it is possible to prevent an erroneous connection of a power source to the ion generating device  10 . 
     Further, the housing  11 C is a housing which is included in the ion generating device  10  that is an AC device, and has a connector  112 C as illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 8 . The connector  112 C is provided with pins  5  and  6  such that a distance between the pins  5  and  6  is a distance Lac. Correspondingly, two holes (not illustrated) into which the pins  5  and  6  are to be fit, respectively, are provided in the AC connector such that a distance between the two holes is also the distance Lac. 
     In contrast, the housing  11 D is a housing which is included in the ion generating device  10  that is a DC device, and has a connector  112 D. Further, the housing  11 D is shaped so as to have the same shape and the same size as the housing  11 C. The connector  112 D is provided with pins  5  and  6  such that a distance between the pins  5  and  6  is a distance Ldc. Correspondingly, two holes (not illustrated) into which the pins  5  and  6  are to be fit, respectively, are provided in the DC connector such that a distance between the two holes is also the distance Ldc. 
     The distance Lac between the pins  5  and  6  provided in the connector  112 C is longer than the distance Ldc between the pins  5  and  6  provided in the connector  112 D. Since an alternating-current power supply voltage is higher than a direct-current power supply voltage, the distance Lac is arranged to be longer than the distance Ldc so that a sufficient withstand voltage will be ensured. As a result, the DC power supply cable cannot be connected to the connector  1120  and the AC power supply cable cannot be connected to the connector  112 D. Consequently, it is possible to prevent an erroneous connection of a power source to the ion generating device  10 . 
     In examples illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in molding the housings  11 A to  11 D, a mold for molding a main body of a housing is shared by the housings  11 A to  11 D regardless of whether the specification is an AC specification or a DC specification, and different molds are used for molding the connectors  112 A to  112 D depending on whether the specification of a connector to be molded is the AC specification or the DC specification. This makes it possible to reduce mold cost. Therefore, it is possible to reduce cost of the ion generating device  10 . 
     Further, the housing  11 E is a housing which is included in the ion generating device  10  that is an AC device, and has a connector  112 E as illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 9 . The connector  112 E is formed so as to protrude outside the housing  11 E and have a cavity inside the connector  112 E. In this cavity, pins  5  and  6  are provided. The housing  11 E is provided with a power source specification indicating section  7  (power source specification identification section, display) in the vicinity of the connector  112 E. In the power source specification indicating section  7 , the letters “AC”, which indicate that the power source specification is the AC specification, are printed. 
     In contrast, the housing  11 F is a housing which is included in the ion generating device  10  that is a DC device, and has a connector  112 F as illustrated in (b) of  FIG. 9 . The connector  112 E is formed so as to protrude outside the housing  11 E and have a cavity inside the connector  112 F. In this cavity, pins  5  and  6  are provided. The connector  112 F is arranged such that the shape of the connector  112 F is the same as the shape of the connector  112 E and that a distance between the pins  5  and  6  in the connector  112 F is also the same as that in the connector  112 E. Therefore, the DC connector to be connected to the connector  112 F also has the same shape as the AC connector to be connected to the connector  112 E. However, the housing  11 F is provided with a power source specification indicating section  8  (power source specification identification section, display) in the vicinity of the connector  112 F. In the power source specification indicating section  8 , the letters “DC”, which indicate that the power source specification is the DC specification, are printed. 
     In this way, the housing  11 E is provided with the power source specification indicating section  7  which indicates that the power source specification is the AC specification, whereas the housing  11 F is provided with the power source specification indicating section  8  which indicates that the power source specification is the DC specification. This allows a worker in an assembly line to identify whether an ion generating device  10  is an AC device or a DC device, by checking an indication of the power source specification indicating section  7  or  8 , when the worker installs the ion generating device  10  in a dryer  100 . As a result, it is possible to prevent an erroneous connection of a power source to the ion generating device  10 . Further, the housings  11 E and  11 F have the same shape and the same size (the connectors  112 E and  112 F of the housings  11 E and  11 F also have the same shape and the same size). Therefore, it is possible to use one mold for molding both the housings  11 E and  11 F. This makes it possible to further reduce cost required for molds and consequently to reduce the cost of the ion generating device  10 . 
     Note that in the power source specification indicating sections  7  and  8 , the indication is not limited to letters and can be a sign, a pattern, or the like which allows for distinction between the AC specification and the DC specification. Further, in the power source specification indicating sections  7  and  8 , letters or the like can be engraved other than printed. 
     Further, a housing  11  of the ion generating device  10  that is an AC device can have a connector  112 G as illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 10 , whereas the housing  11  of the ion generating device  10  that is a DC device can have a connector  112 H as illustrated in (b) of  FIG. 10 . The connector  112 G has a rectangular shape when viewed from a tip side of the pins  5  and  6  and a projection  9   a  is formed on a wall surface along a long side of this rectangular shape. In an AC connector which is to be fit in the connector  112 G, a depressed portion is formed. The projection  9   a  is to be fit in this depressed portion of the AC connector. In contrast, the connector  112 H has a rectangular shape when viewed from a tip side of the pins  5  and  6  and a projection  9   b  is formed between the pins  5  and  6 . In a DC connector which is to be fit into the connector  112 H, a depressed portion is formed. The projection  9   b  is to be fit into this depressed portion of the DC connector. 
     Because positions of the projections  9   a  and  9   b  are different from each other as described above, the DC power supply cable cannot be connected to the connector  112 G and the AC power supply cable cannot be connected to the connector  112 H. As a result, it is possible to prevent an erroneous connection of a power source to the ion generating device  10 . 
     Note that the projections  9   a  and  9   b  can be arranged to have the same or different shapes and the same or different sizes. Alternatively, projections can be provided at identical positions so as to have different shapes depending on respective power source specifications. 
     It is also possible to arrange such that the housing  11  of the ion generating device  10  that is an AC device has the connector  112 H whereas the housing  11  of the ion generating device  10  that is a DC device has the connector  112 G. 
     Alternatively, the housing  11  of the ion generating device  10  that is an AC device can have a connector  112 I as illustrated in (c) of  FIG. 10 . The connector  112 I has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from a tip side of the pins  5  and  6 . Then, a corresponding AC connector which is to be fit in the connector  112 G also has a trapezoidal shape. 
     In contrast, the housing  11  of the ion generating device  10  that is a DC device can have a connector which has a rectangular shape when viewed from a tip side of the pins  5  and  6  (rectangular connector), as illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 8 . Then, a corresponding DC connector which is to be fit in the rectangular connector also has a rectangular shape. 
     Since the connector  112 I has a structure whose outer shape is different from that of the above-described rectangular connector, the DC power supply cable cannot be connected to the connector  112 I and the AC power supply cable cannot be connected to the rectangular connector. As a result, it is possible to prevent an erroneous connection of a power source to the ion generating device  10 . 
     Note that it is also possible to arrange such that the housing  11  of the ion generating device  10  that is an AC device has the rectangular connector whereas the housing  11  of the ion generating device  10  that is a DC device has the connector  112 I. 
     Further, in order to distinguish between the AC specification and the DC specification, one of the above-described differences in connector shape, in distance between pins, and in display of letters or the like can be used or some or all of the above-described differences can be used in combination. By using such differences in combination, it is possible to more reliably prevent an erroneous connection of a power source. 
     Embodiment 3 
     Next, the following will discuss Embodiment 3 of the present invention, with reference to  FIGS. 2, and 11 to 13 . Note that, for convenience of explanation, identical reference numerals are given to members which have respective functions identical with those described in Embodiment 1 or 2, and descriptions of the respective members are omitted. 
       FIG. 11  is an elevational view illustrating a configuration of an ion generating device  10  in accordance with Embodiment 3.  FIG. 11  illustrates a side surface of the ion generating device  10 , which side surface is on an opposite side of a side surface where a connector  112  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is provided.  FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the ion generating device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 11  is being pulled out from a tray.  FIG. 13  is a view illustrating a state in which the ion generating device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 11  is provided in an air path  301  of an electric apparatus. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 11 , each side surface  111 , which is along the longest side of three sides of the housing  11 , is provided with a step  111   a  which is formed so as to extend along a long-side direction of the side surface  111 . The width of the step  111   a  is, for example, 0.2 mm, and can be in a range of some hundred micrometers. 
     A general ion generating device often has a housing whose structure is simple and whose surface is flat. Though a relatively large ion generating device can be held by an entire hand, an ion generating device having a smaller housing needs to be pinched with fingertips when handled. Particularly, when the housing has a flat surface, the ion generating device is slippery and difficult to pinch. 
     Further, an ion generating device which utilizes electric discharge has discharge electrodes which are designed to protrude from the housing. The discharge electrodes are often sharp-pointed and easily damaged. In light of this, in a conventional ion generating device, for example, a housing is provided with a discharge electrode protecting section at positions lateral to the discharge electrodes, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1. The discharge electrode protecting section is intended to protect the discharge electrodes and to prevent a discharge electrode(s) from being touched. 
     However, since such a discharge electrode protecting section is provided at lateral side portions of the housing, the discharge electrode protecting section hinders size reduction of the ion generating device. Further, the discharge electrode protecting section not only makes the structure of the housing more complex but also hinders electric discharge. 
     In contrast, the ion generating device  10  in accordance with Embodiment 3 is not provided with the discharge electrode protecting section. Further, the ion generating device  10  has the above-described steps  111   a . Since fingers are easily hooked on the steps  111   a , the steps  111   a  prevent the ion generating device  10  pinched with fingers from being dropped. 
     For example, when the ion generating device  10  is carried, a plurality of ion generating devices  10  is contained in a tray  200  as (partially) illustrated in  FIG. 12 . In the tray  200 , a plurality of depressed sections  201  is provided in the tray  200  (only one depressed section  201  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 ). In each of the depressed sections  201 , the ion generating device  10  is fit so as not to easily slip out of the depressed section  201 . When the ion generating device  10  is pulled out from the tray  200 , fingers are put in a groove  202  of the tray  200  and the ion generating device  10  is pinched on both sides with the fingers. At this time, the ion generating device  10  can be firmly held with the fingers hooked on the steps  111   a . Accordingly, the fingers do not slip on the ion generating device  10  against holding force of the depressed section  201  of the tray  200 , and the ion generating device  10  can be easily pulled out from the tray  200 . Therefore, it is possible to easily prevent the ion generating device  10  from being slipped from the fingers and dropped, when the ion generating device  10  is pulled out from the tray  200 . 
     Further, since the ion generating device  10  does not have a discharge electrode protecting section, the ion generating device  10  has a reduced size. This makes it possible to easily incorporate the ion generating device  10  in a compact electric apparatus. For example, a hair iron or the like has a narrower air path than the above-described dryer  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , since the ion generating device  10  can be put in a narrow air path  301 , the ion generating device  10  can be provided in a hair iron or the like. 
     In contrast, in a case where discharge electrode protecting sections  113  are provided at respective lateral side portions of the housing  11 , the discharge electrode protecting sections  113  cannot be contained within the air path  301 . Accordingly, in order to contain the discharge electrode protecting sections  113  in the air path  301 , an air path  302  which is wider than the air path  301  is required. This disadvantageously causes an electric apparatus to have a larger size. 
     As described above, since the ion generating device  10  in accordance with Embodiment 3 has the step  111   a , it is possible not only to easily prevent the ion generating device  10  from being dropped during handling of the ion generating device  10  but also to easily reduce the size of the ion generating device  10 . 
     [Recap] 
     An ion generating device in accordance with Aspect 1 of the present invention includes: a positive electrode (discharge electrode  1 ) which generates positive ions; negative electrode (discharge electrode  2 ) which generates negative ions; a transformer  13  which outputs a high alternating-current voltage; a first diode (diode D 1 ) which rectifies the high alternating-current voltage and applies a voltage thus rectified to the positive electrode; and a second diode (diode D 2 ) which rectifies the high alternating-current voltage and applying a voltage thus rectified to the negative electrode, the first diode and the second diode being connected, on a substrate (high voltage circuit substrate  14 ), to an output terminal of the transformer  13  via a conductive body (wiring pattern  14   a  and soldering patterns  14   b  to  14   d ), the conductive body being formed in a region where the conductive body causes neither a decrease in strength of an electric field formed by the positive electrode nor a decrease in strength of an electric field formed by the negative electrode. 
     In the above configuration, the conductive body whose potential equals to that of the output terminal of the transformer is formed in a region where the conductive body does not weaken the electric fields. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the electric fields from weakening due to influence of the conductive body. This makes it possible to suppress reduction in amount of ions generated by the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Further, the first diode and the second diode are appropriately arranged in accordance with the position of the conductive body. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the ion generating device. 
     An ion generating device in accordance with Aspect 2 of the present invention can be arranged such that: in Aspect 1, the first diode and the second diode are provided so as to incline with respect to a straight line connecting between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. 
     In the above configuration, the conductive body is placed far from the positive electrode and the negative electrode. This can reduce influence of the conductive body to the electric fields and also can reduce the width of the substrate on which the first diode and the second diode are mounted. 
     An ion generating device in accordance with Aspect 3 of the present invention can be arranged such that: in Aspect 1, at least one of the first diode and the second diode is provided so as to be perpendicular to a straight line connecting between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. 
     In the above configuration, the conductive body is placed farther from the positive electrode and the negative electrode, as compared to Aspect 2. This make is possible to further reduce influence of the conductive body to the electric fields. 
     An ion generating device in accordance with Aspect 4 of the present invention can be arranged such that: in Aspect 1, the substrate is provided so as to be perpendicular to or incline with respect to a surface on which the positive electrode and the negative electrode are mounted. 
     In the above configuration, the conductive body can be placed farther from the positive electrode and the negative electrode. This makes it possible to further reduce influence of the conductive body to the electric fields. 
     An ion generating device in accordance with Aspect 5 of the present invention can be arranged to further include, in any of Aspects 1 to 4, a housing  11  on which the positive electrode, the negative electrode, the transformer  13 , the first diode, and the second diode are mounted, the housing being provided with a step  111   a  on each of two side surfaces  111  of the housing  11  which side surfaces  111  are opposed to each other. 
     With the above configuration, even in a case where the size of the housing is reduced in accordance with size reduction of the ion generating device, fingers can be easily hooked on the housing. Accordingly, even when the ion generating device is pinched with fingers, the ion generating device is riot easily dropped. Further, since the ion generating device is not easily dropped, it is possible to avoid damage to the positive electrode and the negative electrode due to dropping of the ion generating device. This eliminates the need for a structure for protection of the positive electrode and the negative electrode in the ion generating device. This makes it possible to easily reduce the size of the ion generating device. 
     An ion generating device in accordance with Aspect 6 of the present invention includes: a housing  11  including (i) a main body  20  on which electrodes (discharge electrodes  1  and  2 ) are mounted and (ii) a connector  112  to which a power source for applying voltage to the electrodes is connected, the housing  11  having a power source specification identification section (connectors  112 A to  112 I, power source specification indicating sections  7  and  8 , and projections  9   a  and  9   b ) which allows for identification of a power source specification of the ion generating device. 
     With the above configuration, even in a case where the housing is formed so as to have an identical shape and an identical size regardless of a power source specification of the ion generating device, the power source specification of the ion generating device can be identified by the power source specification identification section. This makes it possible to prevent an erroneous connection of a power source to the ion generating device. 
     An ion generating device in accordance with Aspect 7 of the present invention can be arranged such that: in Aspect 6, the power source specification identification section is the connector  112  (connectors  112 A and  112 B) which is formed into a shape associated with the power source specification. 
     With the above configuration, the power source specification of the ion generating device can be identified by difference in the shape of the connector. Due to the difference, the connector of the ion generating device cannot be connected with a power supply cable whose power source specification is different from that of the ion generating device. Accordingly, an erroneous connection of a power source to the ion generating device can be prevented. 
     An ion generating device in accordance with Aspect 8 of the present invention can be arranged such that: in Aspect 6, the power source specification identification section is an interval between two pins  5  and  6  which are provided in the connector  112  so as to be spaced apart from each other by a distance associated with the power source specification. 
     With the above configuration, the power source specification of the ion generating device can be identified by difference in the interval between the pins of the connector. Due to the difference, the connector of the ion generating device cannot be connected with a power supply cable whose power source specification is different from that of the ion generating device. Accordingly an erroneous connection of a power source to the ion generating device can be prevented. 
     An ion generating device in accordance with Aspect 9 of the present invention can be arranged such that: in Aspect 6, the power source specification identification section is a display associated with the power source specification. 
     With the above configuration, the power source specification of the ion generating device can be identified by the difference in the display associated with the power source specification. This makes it possible to visually check the power source specification of the ion generating device. This makes it possible to prevent an erroneous connection of a power source to the ion generating device. 
     An ion generating device in accordance with Aspect 10 of the present invention can be arranged such that: in Aspect 6, the power source specification identification section is a projection  9   a ,  9   b , which has a shape associated with the power source specification, which is provided at a position associated with the power source specification, or which has a shape associated with the power source specification and also is provided at a position associated with the power source specification. 
     With the above configuration, the power source specification of the ion generating device can be identified by difference in at least one of the shape of the projection and the position of the projection. Due to the difference, the connector of the ion generating device cannot be connected with a power supply cable whose power source specification is different from that of the ion generating device. Accordingly, an erroneous connection of a power source to the ion generating device can be prevented. 
     An ion generating device in accordance with Aspect 11 of the present invention can be arranged such that: in any one of Aspects 6 to 9, the housing  11  is provided with a step  111   a  on each of two side surfaces  111  of the housing  11  which side surfaces  111  are opposed to each other. 
     With the above configuration, even in a case where the size of the housing is reduced in accordance with size reduction of the ion generating device, fingers can be easily hooked on the housing. Accordingly, even when the ion generating device is pinched with fingers, the ion generating device is not easily dropped. Further, since the ion generating device is not easily dropped, it is possible to avoid damage to the positive electrode and the negative electrode due to dropping of the ion generating device. This eliminates the need for a structure for protection of the positive electrode and the negative electrode in the ion generating device. This makes it possible to easily reduce the size of the ion generating device. [Supplemental Remarks] 
     The present invention is riot limited to the embodiments, but can be altered by a skilled person in the art within the scope of the claims. The present invention also encompasses, in its technical scope, any embodiment derived by combining technical means disclosed in differing embodiments. Further, it is possible to form a new technical feature by combining the technical means disclosed in the respective embodiments. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       1  discharge electrode (positive electrode) 
       2  discharge electrode (negative electrode) 
       7 ,  8  power source specification indicating section (power source specification identification section, display) 
       9   a ,  9   b  projection (power source specification identification section) 
       10 ,  10 A ion generating device 
       11 ,  11 A to  11 F housing 
       13  transformer 
       14  high voltage circuit substrate (substrate) 
       14   a  wiring pattern (conductive body) 
       14   b  to  14   d  soldering pattern (conductive body) 
       15  intermediate substrate (substrate) 
       20  main body 
       111  side surface 
       111   a  step 
       112 A to  112 I connector (power source specification identification section) 
     D 1  diode (first diode) 
     D 2  diode (second diode) 
     LN straight line