Air conditioner

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner capable of sending ions into a room.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

A conventional air conditioner capable of delivering ions is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-23777. According to the publication, a high-voltage AC charge is applied to the discharge needle to generate positive and negative ions, and the sedative action of the negative ions sent out into the room eliminates the feeling of frustration and improves work efficiency. You can do it.

【0003】

Further, in recent years, with the increasing density and sealing of the residential environment, it is required to remove airborne bacteria harmful to the human body. For this reason, an air purifier that sends positive ions and negative ions indoors and sterilizes airborne bacteria with active species generated by both ions has been put into practical use.

【0004】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

According to the above-mentioned air conditioner and air purifier, an ion generator is placed in the air passage that sends air into the room to generate ions, so that the air flow collides with the ion generator and turbulence is generated. , The ventilation efficiency decreases. Further, in the above air conditioner, dew may be formed on the electrodes of the ion generator or a short circuit may occur during the cooling operation. Therefore, the first blower that sends out air adjusted to a desired temperature, humidity or cleanliness (hereinafter referred to as "adjusted air") and the second blower that sends out ions on the blower path of the first blower are used. It is conceivable to avoid these problems by providing.

【0005】

However, according to the above-mentioned air conditioner equipped with the first and second blowers, the second blower only needs to be able to send ions to the blower path of the first blower, so that when the first blower is stopped, the ions are near the outlet. Accumulate in. At this time, since ozone is generated along with the generation of ions, the ozone concentration becomes high near the outlet, which may cause harm to the human body.

【0006】

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of sterilizing airborne bacteria and optimizing the ozone concentration.

【0007】

[ Means for solving problems ]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is generated by a first blower that blows air whose temperature or humidity is adjusted into a room, an ion generator that generates positive ions and negative ions, and the ion generator. An air conditioner equipped with a second blower that sends ions into a room is characterized in that the ion generator is stopped when the first blower is stopped.

【0008】

According to this configuration, air whose temperature and humidity are adjusted by the operation of the first blower is sent out into the room, and a predetermined amount of positive ions and negative ions are sent out into the room by the operation of the second blower. Then, positive ions and negative ions aggregate to surround airborne bacteria such as microorganisms contained in the indoor air, generate active species such as hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide, and sterilize the airborne bacteria. When the operation of the first blower is stopped, by stopping the ion generator, ions and ozone are not generated, and an increase in the ozone concentration near the outlet is prevented.

【0009】

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the air conditioner having the above configuration, the second blower is stopped when the first blower is stopped. According to this configuration, when the first blower is stopped, the ion generator and the second blower are stopped.

【0010】

Further, in the present invention, a first blower that blows air whose temperature or humidity is adjusted indoors, an ion generator that generates positive ions and negative ions, and ions generated by the ion generator are sent indoors. An air conditioner equipped with a second blower is characterized in that the amount of ions generated by the ion generator when the first blower is stopped is reduced as compared with the operation of the first blower.

【0011】

According to this configuration, air whose temperature and humidity are adjusted by the operation of the first blower is sent out into the room, and a predetermined amount of positive ions and negative ions are sent out into the room by the operation of the second blower. Then, positive ions and negative ions aggregate to surround airborne bacteria such as microorganisms contained in the indoor air, generate active species such as hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide, and sterilize the airborne bacteria. When the operation of the first blower is stopped, the amount of ions and ozone generated is limited by the low output operation of the ion generator, and the ozone concentration sent into the room is properly maintained.

【0012】

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the air conditioner having the above configuration, the first blower is stopped at the start of the cooling operation or the heating operation. According to this configuration, the temperature of the heat exchanger is high at the start of the cooling operation, and the first blower is stopped to prevent the high temperature air from being sent out. At this time, the ion generator is stopped or operated at a low output to prevent the ozone concentration near the outlet from rising. Also, at the start of the heating operation, the temperature of the heat exchanger is low and the first blower is stopped to prevent the sending of low temperature air.

【0013】

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the air conditioner having the above configuration, the first blower is stopped when the set temperature is reached during the heating operation. According to this configuration, when the set temperature of the heating operation is reached, the compressor and the first blower are stopped to prevent the room temperature from rising. At this time, the ion generator is stopped or operated at a low output to prevent an increase in the ozone concentration near the outlet.

【0014】

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the air conditioner having the above configuration, the first blower is stopped at the time of defrosting during the heating operation. According to this configuration, when the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted during the heating operation, the heat cycle of the air conditioner defrosts the outdoor heat exchanger on the high temperature side and the indoor heat exchanger on the low temperature side. It is said. Therefore, the first blower is stopped to prevent the sending of low temperature air. At this time, the ion generator is stopped or operated at a low output to prevent an increase in the ozone concentration near the outlet.

【0015】

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the air conditioner having the above configuration, the first blower is stopped when the compressor is stopped during the dehumidifying operation. According to this configuration, the room temperature drops during the dehumidifying operation, and when the set temperature is reached, the compressor and the first blower are stopped to prevent the room temperature from dropping and humidification due to the evaporation of the drain. At this time, the ion generator is stopped or operated at a low output to prevent an increase in the ozone concentration near the outlet.

【0016】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit of the air conditioner of one embodiment. In the indoor unit 1, the front surface of the housing 2 is covered with the front panel 3. A suction port 5 is formed in the front panel 3 so that indoor air can be sucked in.

【0017】

Below the front panel 3, an outlet 4 for sending temperature-controlled air into the room is formed. On the right side of the outlet 4, a light receiving unit 7 that receives an optical signal transmitted from a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as remote controller) 8 that instructs the operation of the air conditioner is provided.

【0018】

The front panel 3 is supported so as to be openable and closable, and when the front panel 3 is opened, FIG. 2 shows the filter 9 and the housing 2 facing the suction port 5 by the filter guide 29 (see FIG. 3). 10 is installed. Filters 9 and 10 are detachably provided and can be removed and cleaned by opening the front panel 3.

【0019】

The filter 9 is formed by notching a part so as not to cover the display panel 6 arranged substantially in the center of the housing 2. The display panel 6 displays the operating state of the air conditioner and is visible through the display window 6a provided on the front panel 3. The substantially central portion of the filters 9 and 10 is provided with air-clearing filters 11 and 12, respectively, which collect finer dust and the like and remove odors in the air.

【0020】

FIG. 3 shows a side sectional view of the indoor unit 1. Inside the indoor unit 1, a heat exchanger 25 faces the filter guide 29 and is arranged so as to surround the first blower 26 on three sides. In the figure of the first blower 26, an air passage 34 through which air flows is formed below, and an outlet 4 is opened facing the room. The outlet 4 is provided with a horizontal louver 28 that changes the direction of the air flow in the vertical direction, and a vertical louver 27 that changes the direction of the air flow in the left-right direction is provided inside the horizontal louver 28.

【0021】

When indoor air is sucked from the upper suction port 32 and the suction port 5 by driving the first blower 26, heat is exchanged by the heat exchanger 25. Then, the temperature-controlled regulated air flows through the air passage 34 and is sent out from the outlet 4 as shown by the arrow A.

【0022】

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a thermal cycle of the air conditioner of the present embodiment. The heat exchanger 25 arranged in the indoor unit 1 is connected to the compressor 42 via a four-way switching valve 44 in the outdoor unit 40. One end of the outdoor heat exchanger 41 is connected to the compressor 42 via a four-way switching valve 44, and the other end is connected to the heat exchanger 25 via an expansion valve 43. Reference numeral 45 denotes an outdoor blower that releases or takes in heat from the outside.

【0023】

The high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 42 releases heat in the heat exchanger 25 and condenses. The condensed and liquefied refrigerant is decompressed by the expansion valve 43 and then vaporized by the outdoor heat exchanger 41 to take away the heat of vaporization and return to the compressor 42. As a result, the indoor heating operation is performed.

【0024】

When the four-way switching valve 44 is switched, the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 42 releases heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 41 and condenses. The refrigerant liquefied by condensation is decompressed by the expansion valve 43 and then vaporized by the heat exchanger 25 to take away the heat of vaporization and return to the compressor 42. As a result, indoor cooling operation is performed. Further, by cooling the indoor air with the heat exchanger 25 by the same heat cycle, it is possible to perform a dehumidifying operation in which the moisture in the air is condensed and dehumidified.

【0025】

In FIG. 3, drain pans 30 and 31 for collecting drain generated during heat exchange are arranged below the heat exchanger 25. The drain pans 30 and 31 are attached to the housing 2, and the drain pan 30 forms a space between the heat exchanger 25 and the filter guide 29. An ion delivery unit 50 is installed in the space.

【0026】

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the details of the ion delivery unit 50, and shows a front view of the exhaust port 62 from the inside of the ion delivery unit 50. In the ion delivery unit 50, casings 60a and 61a covering the ion generator 60 for generating ions and the second blower 61, respectively, are integrated with screws or the like. The second blower 61 sucks air from the intake port 77 through the filter 63 by driving the motor 61b and sends it out to the openings 76 of the casings 60a and 61a.

【0027】

A support plate 57 having a through hole 78 formed therein is provided on the inner surface of the casing 60a, and a mounting hole 58 is provided on the end surface thereof. Insulating packings 68 and 69 provided at both ends of the ion generator 60 are mounted on the support plate 57 and the mounting hole 58 to support the ion generator 60. An exhaust port 62 is opened on the peripheral surface of the casing 60a, and air passing through the ventilation port 76 is sent out from the exhaust port 62 together with the ions generated by the ion generator 60 through the through hole 78. ..

【0028】

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ion generator 60. A cylindrical dielectric 65 is sandwiched between the insulating packings 68 and 69. An inner electrode 66 and an outer electrode 67 are arranged inside and outside the dielectric 65, respectively. Lead wires 70 and 71 connected to a high-voltage circuit (not shown) are welded to the inner electrode 66 and the outer electrode 67, respectively, and the inner electrode 66 is grounded.

【0029】

When a high-voltage AC voltage is applied between the inner electrode 66 and the outer electrode 67, it is mainly H when the applied voltage is a positive voltage due to corona discharge.⁺(H₂O)_nPositive ions consisting of are generated, mainly O in the case of negative voltage₂^-(H₂O)_mNegative ions consisting of are generated. H⁺(H₂O)_nAnd O₂^-(H₂O)_mAggregates on the surface of airborne bacteria such as microorganisms and surrounds the airborne bacteria such as microorganisms. Then, as shown in equations (1) to (3), the active species [ OH] (hydroxyl radical) and H are produced by collision.₂O₂(Hydrogen peroxide) is generated on the surface of microorganisms to sterilize airborne bacteria.

【0030】

H⁺(H₂O)_n+ O₂^-(H₂O)_m OH + 1 / 2O₂+ (n + m) H₂O (1) H⁺(H₂O)_n+ H⁺(H₂O)_n'+ O₂^-(H₂O)_m+ O₂^-(H₂O)_m' 2 OH + O₂+ (n + n'+ m + m') H₂O (2) H⁺(H₂O)_n+ H⁺(H₂O)_n'+ O₂^-(H₂O)_m+ O₂^-(H₂O)_m' H₂O₂+ O₂+ (n + n'+ m + m') H₂O (3) [0031]

In FIG. 3, a part of the air sucked from the upper suction port 32 and the suction port 5 by the drive of the first blower 26 is sucked by the second blower 61 into the ion sending unit 50 as shown by the arrow B. Then, the ions are sent out together with the ions from the exhaust port 62 (see FIG. 5) of the ion sending unit 50, and merge with the adjusting air through the opening 33 provided in the drain pan 30. As a result, ions and regulated air are sent out from the outlet 4 into the room.

【0032】

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an electric circuit of the air conditioner of the present embodiment. The control circuit 80, the first and second blowers 26 and 61, the four-way switching valve 44, the compressor 42, the outdoor blower 45 and the ion generator 60 are connected in parallel to the power plug 81 connected to the AC power supply. The applied voltage of the ion generator 60 can be changed by the power supply device 91. In addition, relay switches 82 to 90 are connected to each of the above electrical components.

【0033】

When an instruction is sent to the control circuit 80 by operating the remote controller 8 (see FIG. 1), the relay switches 85 to 90 are switched by the control of the control circuit 80 to control the operation of each electrical component. Further, a temperature sensor 92 for detecting the temperature of the heat exchanger 25 (see FIG. 2) is connected to the control circuit 80.

【0034】

The remote controller 8 can switch between heating / cooling / dehumidifying, set the room temperature, and switch the air volume. For example, when "heating" is selected, the relay switch 88 is opened and the four-way switching valve 44 is switched to the heating side. Then, the relay switches 89 and 90 are closed, the compressor 42 and the outdoor blower 45 are driven, and the heating operation is started.

【0035】

Since the temperature of the heat exchanger 25 is low at the start of the heating operation, cold air is sent into the room when the first blower 26 is driven. Therefore, the relay switch 85 is opened and the driving of the first blower 26 is stopped.

【0036】

When the temperature sensor 92 detects that the heat exchanger 25 has reached a predetermined temperature, the relay switch 85 is closed and the first blower 26 sends out the air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger 25 into the room. As a result, the heated air is sent out into the room.

【0037】

At the same time, the relay switch 87 is closed to generate positive and negative ions from the ion generator 60, and the relay switch 86 is closed to send positive and negative ions into the room. As a result, airborne bacteria in the room are sterilized. In addition, indoor air containing positive ions and negative ions flows into the indoor unit 1 from the suction port 5 and the upper suction port 32 (both refer to FIG. 3), and sterilizes the airborne bacteria inside the indoor unit 1. Do.

【0038】

It should be noted that the heat exchanger 25 may generate a small amount of ions before reaching a predetermined temperature and send them out into the room. That is, the relay switch 87 is closed, and the power supply device 91 is controlled by the control circuit 80 to reduce the applied voltage of the ion generator 60 from, for example, 4 kV to 3.5 kV. Then, by closing the relay switch 86 and operating the second blower 61, a small amount of ions are sent out into the room.

【0039】

In this way, a small amount of cold air is sent out from the outlet 4, but the airborne bacteria in the room can be sterilized from the start of the heating operation, and the sterilization ability can be improved. Further, since the amount of ions generated is small, it is possible to prevent an increase in the concentration of ozone generated at the same time as the ions, and it is possible to obtain an air conditioner that is safe for the human body.

【0040】

The amount of ions generated by the ion generator 60 can also be controlled by the on / off switching time of the relay switch 87. For example, the amount of ions generated can be reduced by intermittently driving the ion generator 60 by repeating on and off for 5 seconds.

【0041】

When the room reaches the set temperature, the relay switches 89 and 90 are opened to stop the compressor 42 and the outdoor blower 45. At the same time, the relay switches 85 and 86 are opened to stop the first and second blowers 26 and 61. Further, the relay switch 87 is opened to stop the generation of ions by the ion generator 60. This prevents an increase in the ozone concentration near the outlet 4.

【0042】

At this time, the ion generator 60 may generate a small amount of ions and send them out into the room. That is, in the same manner as described above, the relay switch 87 is closed and the power supply device 91 is controlled by the control circuit 80 to reduce the applied voltage of the ion generator 60 from, for example, 4 kV to 3.5 kV. Then, by closing the relay switch 86 and operating the second blower 61, a small amount of ions are sent out into the room.

【0043】

By doing so, it is possible to prevent an increase in ozone concentration and sterilize airborne bacteria in the room even when the heating operation is stopped, and it is possible to improve the sterilization ability. After that, when the indoor temperature becomes lower than the set temperature, the compressor 42, the outdoor blower 45, the first and second blowers 26, 61 and the ion generator 60 are driven to perform the heating operation.

【0044】

The first blower 26 is also stopped at the start of the cooling operation in the same manner as described above. At this time, by stopping the second blower 61 and the ion generator 60, it is possible to prevent an increase in the ozone concentration in the vicinity of the outlet 4. Further, by reducing the ions generated from the ion generator 60 and operating the second blower 61, it is possible to prevent an increase in ozone concentration and sterilize airborne bacteria in the room.

【0045】

When the outdoor heat exchanger 41 (see FIG. 4) is detected by the detector (not shown) during the heating operation, the relay switch 88 is closed and the four-way switching valve 44 is on the cooling side. As a result, the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 41 rises to perform a defrosting operation for defrosting.

【0046】

At this time, since the heat exchanger 25 (see Fig. 2) is on the low temperature side, the relay switches 85 and 86 are opened to prevent the cold air from being sent into the room, and the ventilation by the first and second blowers 26 and 61 is stopped. .. At the same time, the relay switch 87 is opened to stop the generation of ions by the ion generator 60. As a result, an increase in the ozone concentration near the outlet 4 is prevented.

【0047】

In the same manner as described above, a small amount of ions may be generated indoors by the ion generator 60 and the second blower 61 is operated. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an increase in ozone concentration and sterilize airborne bacteria in the room even during the defrosting operation, and it is possible to improve the sterilization ability.

【0048】

When the dehumidifying operation is instructed by the remote controller 8, the relay switch 88 closes and the four-way switching valve 44 is switched to the cooling side. Then, the relay switches 89 and 90 are closed, the compressor 42 and the outdoor blower 45 are driven, and the dehumidifying operation is started. Since the dehumidifying operation involves cooling the heat exchanger 25, the relay switches 89 and 90 are opened when the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature, and the compressor 42 and the outdoor blower 45 are stopped.

【0049】

Then, in order to prevent the condensed water condensed by the heat exchanger 25 from being evaporated again by the air blown by the first blower 26 and humidifying the air sent out from the outlet 4, the relay switch 85 is opened. 1 Blower 26 is stopped. At the same time, the relay switches 86 and 87 are opened to stop the second blower 61 and the ion generator 60. As a result, an increase in ozone concentration near the outlet 4 is prevented.

【0050】

At this time, the ion generator 60 may generate a small amount of ions and send them out into the room. That is, in the same manner as described above, the relay switch 87 is closed and the power supply device 91 is controlled by the control circuit 80 to reduce the applied voltage of the ion generator 60 from, for example, 4 kV to 3.5 kV. Then, by closing the relay switch 86 and operating the second blower 61, a small amount of ions are sent out into the room. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in ozone concentration and sterilize airborne bacteria in the room even when the compressor 42 is stopped, and it is possible to improve the sterilization ability.

【0051】

In this embodiment, an air conditioner that performs air conditioning and dehumidification has been described, but a dehumidifier that dehumidifies indoor air, a humidifier that humidifies indoor air, or a humidifier that collects dust in the air to produce clean air. The same effect can be obtained with the same configuration for other air conditioners such as the air purifier to be sent.

【0052】

[Effect of the invention]

According to the present invention, by stopping the operation of the ion generator when the first blower is stopped, such as when the air conditioning operation is started, when the set temperature of the heating operation or dehumidification operation is reached, or when dehumidification is performed, the operation of the ion generator is stopped. It is possible to prevent an increase in ion concentration and ozone concentration and obtain an air conditioner that is safe for the human body.

【0053】

Further, according to the present invention, when the first blower is stopped at the start of the heating / cooling operation, at the set temperature of the heating operation or the dehumidifying operation, at the time of dehumidification, etc., a small amount of ions generated from the ion generator is sent indoors. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an increase in the ion concentration and ozone concentration in the vicinity of the outlet, and to sterilize airborne bacteria in the room by using positive ions and negative ions.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of embodiment of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the front cover of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 3]

It is sectional drawing which shows the inside of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 4]

It is a circuit diagram which shows the thermal cycle of the air conditioner of embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 5]

It is sectional drawing which shows the ion delivery unit of the air conditioner of embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 6]

It is sectional drawing which shows the ion generator of the air conditioner of embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 7]

It is a circuit diagram which shows the electric circuit of the air conditioner of embodiment of this invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Indoor unit 2 housing 3 Front cover 4 outlet 5 suction port 8 remote control 25 heat exchanger 26 1st blower 30 drain pan 40 outdoor unit 41 Outdoor heat exchanger 42 compressor 43 Expansion valve 44 four-way switching valve 50 Ion delivery unit 60 2nd blower 62 outlet 65 Dielectric 66 Inner electrode 67 External electrode 68, 69 Insulated packing 70, 71 lead wire