JP2013048866A - Air conditioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioning device, capable of preventing electrostatic charge by controlling generation of positively- and negatively-charged particles.SOLUTION: The air conditioning device includes: an electrostatic atomization unit 2 for generating negatively-charged water particles; and an air ion generation unit 3 for generating positive air ions. The air conditioning device continuously generates the negatively-charged water particles and releases air containing the negatively-charged water particles. The air conditioning device detects a charge amount in the air by a capturing unit 41 and a charge amount detection circuit 42, and generates the positive air ions when the amount of the negatively-charged water particles in the air reaches a certain level of amount. The air conditioning device measures the time of generating the positive air ions by a timer unit 54, and stops the generation of the positive air ions when the amount of the positive air ions in the air reaches a certain level of amount. Thus, the air conditioning device adjusts the amount of charged particles in the air to prevent the electrostatic charge.

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner that performs air conditioning by discharging charged particles into the air.

Conventionally, an air conditioner that purifies air by generating and releasing charged particles in the air has been used. As a method for generating charged particles, water is condensed on the tip of the discharge electrode, and a high voltage is applied to the tip of the discharge electrode, whereby electrostatic particles are discharged from the discharge electrode by electrostatic force between the counter electrodes. There is a method using the atomization phenomenon. As another method of generating charged particles, there is a method of generating air ions such as H ⁺ (H ₂ O) _m or O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _n by discharging in air. Here, m and n are arbitrary natural numbers. Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner that discharges negative charged water particles generated by an electrostatic atomization phenomenon into the air.

JP 2011-33293 A

  The air conditioner using charged particles includes an air conditioner that uses only one charged particle among positive and negative charged particles, and an air conditioner that uses both charged particles. In an air conditioner that uses only one charged particle, there is a problem that an object with which the released air collides is charged. In addition, in an air conditioner that uses both charged particles, when aiming at the effect of using the characteristics of one charged particle, a large number of one charged particle may be intentionally generated. Since charged particles become excessive, there is a problem in that charging is similarly generated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to control the generation of positive and negative charged particles, thereby suppressing the generation of charging. Is to provide.

  An air conditioner according to the present invention includes means for generating charged particles in the air. In the air conditioner that discharges air containing charged particles generated by the means, a first charged particle is generated. A charged particle generation unit, a second charged particle generation unit that generates negative charged particles, an acquisition unit that acquires a data amount corresponding to the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air, and the acquisition unit acquires And adjusting means for individually adjusting the generation amount of the charged particles in the first charged particle generation unit and the second charged particle generation unit according to the data amount.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the acquisition unit includes a unit that acquires a data amount corresponding to the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air, respectively, and the adjustment unit includes the first charging unit. Corresponding to the means for continuously generating charged particles in one of the particle generation unit and the second charged particle generation unit, and the amount of the charged particles in the air acquired by the acquisition unit Corresponding to means for causing the other charged particle generator to start generating charged particles when the amount of data reaches a predetermined starting set amount, and corresponding to the amount of charged particles in the air acquired by the acquiring means And a means for stopping the generation of charged particles in the other charged particle generator when the amount of data to be reached is a predetermined stop set amount.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the acquisition unit includes a unit that acquires a data amount corresponding to the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air, respectively, and the adjustment unit includes the first charging unit. Of the particle generation unit and the second charged particle generation unit, one charging particle generation unit stops generating charged particles and the other charged particle generation unit generates charged particles, and the acquisition unit acquires When the amount of data corresponding to the amount of the charged particles in the air reaches a predetermined first set amount, the other charged particle generator is caused to stop generating charged particles, A means for generating charged particles in the charged particle generating section, and a data amount corresponding to the amount of the charged particles in the air acquired by the acquiring means is a predetermined second set amount, Stops generation of charged particles in one charged particle generator , Characterized by having a means for generating a charged particle to the other charged particle generating unit.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the acquisition means measures the time when the first charged particle generator or the second charged particle generator generates charged particles, and the means measures the time. And means for acquiring the time as a data amount corresponding to the amount of the charged particles in the air.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the acquisition unit measures the number of times the first charged particle generation unit or the second charged particle generation unit generates charged particles, and the unit measures Means for acquiring the number of times as a data amount corresponding to the amount of the charged particles in the air.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the acquisition means includes: a collection means for collecting particles in the air; a detection means for detecting a charge amount of the particles collected by the collection means; and the detection means And a means for acquiring the detected charge amount as a data amount corresponding to the amount of positive or negative charged particles in the air.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the acquisition means includes: a collection means for collecting particles in the air; a detection means for detecting a charge amount of the particles collected by the collection means; and the detection means Means for acquiring the detected amount of charge as a data amount corresponding to a relative amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air, and the adjustment unit determines in advance that the data amount acquired by the acquisition unit is predetermined. It is characterized by having means for controlling the generation amount of charged particles in each of the first charged particle generating section and the second charged particle generating section so as to fall within the specified range.

  The air conditioner according to the present invention further includes a housing having the first charged particle generator and the second charged particle generator housed therein, and having a discharge port for discharging air containing charged particles, The collection means and the detection means are arranged outside the housing.

  In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the first charged particle generation unit is configured to generate positive air ions by corona discharge, and the second charged particle generation unit is negative due to an electrostatic atomization phenomenon. It is characterized in that the charged water particles are generated.

  In the present invention, the air conditioner that releases air containing positive and negative charged particles adjusts the amount of positive and negative charged particles generated based on the amount of charged particles in the air. The amount of charged particles in the air can be adjusted to balance the positive and negative charged particles in the air.

  In the present invention, the air conditioner determines the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air, and continuously generates one charged particle while the amount of one charged particle becomes a certain amount. The other charged particles are generated. Further, the air conditioner stops the generation of the other charged particles when the amount of the other charged particles reaches a certain amount. In this way, the air conditioner can adjust the amount of charged particles in the air.

  In the present invention, the air conditioner determines the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air, generates only one charged particle, and when the amount of one charged particle reaches a certain amount. The generation of one charged particle is stopped and the other charged particle is generated. In addition, when the amount of the other charged particle reaches a certain amount, the air conditioner stops the generation of the other charged particle and generates one charged particle. In this way, the air conditioner can adjust the amount of charged particles in the air.

  In the present invention, the air conditioner determines the amount of positive or negative charged particles in the air by measuring the number of times positive or negative charged particles are generated.

  In the present invention, the air conditioner determines the amount of positive or negative charged particles in the air by measuring the time during which positive or negative charged particles are generated.

  In the present invention, the air conditioner collects particles in the air and detects the charge amount of the collected particles to determine the amount of positive or negative charged particles in the air.

  In the present invention, the air conditioner detects the relative amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air, and the relative amount of the charged particles is within a certain range so that the balance of the charge in the air is not biased to one side. Thus, the amount of charged particles in the air is adjusted.

  In the present invention, the air conditioner includes a means for collecting the charged particles in the air and detecting the charge on the outside of the housing. Thereby, the amount of charged particles contained in the released air can be directly examined.

  In the present invention, the air conditioner cleans the air by generating negative charged water particles and positive air ions.

  In the present invention, since the air conditioner can adjust the amount of positive and negative charged particles to be discharged, the amount of charged particles in the discharged air can also be adjusted and adjusted. The present invention has an excellent effect, for example, it is possible to suppress charging of an object with which the air collides.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a typical sectional view of an air harmony device. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural part of the air conditioning apparatus arrange | positioned in a flow path. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of an electrostatic atomization part. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of an air ion generation part. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of an electric charge amount detection circuit. It is a characteristic view which shows the detection signal output from a charge amount detection circuit in the state in which the collection part is not charged. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing a detection signal output from the charge amount detection circuit during the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the internal structural example of a current detection part. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3. It is a characteristic view which shows the detection signal output from an electric current detection part during the operation | movement of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 4. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4. FIG.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. In FIG. 1, the back surface, side surface, and upper surface of an air conditioning apparatus are shown. The air conditioner is generally formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and includes a housing 11 whose upper surface is inclined. On the upper surface of the housing 11, a discharge port 12 for discharging air is formed. In addition, a suction port 13 for sucking air is formed on the back surface of the air conditioner. The air conditioner sucks air from the suction port 13, generates charged particles therein, and discharges air containing the generated charged particles from the discharge port 12. In the present embodiment, negative charged water particles are used as the negative charged particles, and positive air ions are used as the positive charged particles.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air conditioner. In FIG. 2, the figure which looked at the cross section of the air conditioning apparatus from the side surface side is shown, the right side of FIG. 2 is the back side of an air conditioning apparatus, and the left side is a front side. A cavity 17 connected to the suction port 13 is formed in the housing 11. The cavity 17 is formed from the suction port 13 toward the front side, and a dust collection filter 16 is disposed in the cavity 17. An air passage 14 is formed in the housing 11 in the vertical direction. The upper end of the flow path 14 is connected to the discharge port 12, and the cavity 17 is connected to the lower end portion of the flow path 14. A blower 15 is disposed at the lower end of the flow path 14. The blower 15 is a sirocco fan, for example. The blower 15 is configured to suck air from the cavity 17 and release the air to the flow path 14. By operating the blower 15, air outside the air conditioner is sucked into the air conditioner from the suction port 13, and the sucked air is discharged from the discharge port 12 to the outside of the air conditioner through the flow path 14. The Further, in the middle of the flow path 14 from the blower 15 to the discharge port 12, an electrostatic atomizing unit 2 that generates negative charged water particles by an electrostatic atomization phenomenon is disposed. The negative charged water particles generated by the electrostatic atomizer 2 are mixed with air, and the air containing the negative charged water particles is discharged from the discharge port 12. Negative charged water particles contained in the discharged air cleans the air outside the housing 11.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing components of the air conditioner arranged in the flow path 14. In FIG. 3, the figure which looked at the inside of the flow path 14 from the front side is shown. The upper end of the flow path 14 is connected to the discharge port 12, and the blower 15 is disposed at the lower end. In the middle of the flow path 14 from the blower 15 to the discharge port 12, an electrostatic atomizer 2 and an air ion generator 3 for generating positive air ions are arranged. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the electrostatic atomizer 2 and the air ion generator 3 are arranged in the horizontal direction, but the relative arrangement of the electrostatic atomizer 2 and the air ion generator 3 is as follows. Other arrangements may be used. Further, at a position closer to the discharge port 12 than the electrostatic atomization unit 2 and the air ion generation unit 3, a collection unit 41 that collects charged particles contained in the air flowing through the flow path 14 is disposed. .

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the electrostatic atomizer 2. The electrostatic atomizer 2 includes a protruding discharge electrode 21, and the discharge electrode 21 is in contact with the cooling side of the Peltier element 23. A heat radiating fin 24 is in contact with the heat radiating side of the Peltier element 23. On the tip side of the discharge electrode 21, an annular electrode 22 is disposed oppositely. The center of the annular electrode 22 is on the extension of the central axis of the discharge electrode 21. The discharge electrode 21 and the annular electrode 22 are insulated. The discharge electrode 21 is cooled by the Peltier element 23, and water vapor condenses and water is condensed on the tip of the discharge electrode 21. A voltage with the annular electrode 22 as a ground electrode and the discharge electrode 21 as a negative electrode is applied between the discharge electrode 21 and the annular electrode 22 with water condensing on the tip of the discharge electrode 21. By applying voltage, fine particles of water containing negative ions are ejected from the condensed water. This phenomenon is an electrostatic atomization phenomenon, and the fine particles of the ejected water are negatively charged charged water particles. In this way, in the electrostatic atomizer 2, negative charged water particles are generated at the tip of the discharge electrode 21. The generated negative charged water particles are released into the air flowing through the flow path 14. In the flow path 14, air containing negative charged water particles flows downstream of the electrostatic atomizer 2.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the air ion generator 3. The air ion generator 3 includes a needle-like discharge electrode 31 and an annular induction electrode 32 surrounding the discharge electrode 31. The induction electrode 32 is separated from the discharge electrode 31 by a certain distance, and the central axis of the discharge electrode 31 is the center of the induction electrode 32. The discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 32 are insulated. A voltage having the discharge electrode 31 as a positive electrode and the induction electrode 32 as a negative electrode is applied, and a corona discharge is generated between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 32. Corona discharge generates positive air ions around the tip of the discharge electrode 31. The generated positive air ions are released into the air flowing through the flow path 14. Downstream of the air ion generation unit 3, air containing positive air ions flows through the flow path 14.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. A voltage application circuit 52 that applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 21 and the annular electrode 22 is connected to the electrostatic atomizer 2. The voltage application circuit 52 supplies power to the Peltier element 23. The electrostatic atomizer 2 and the voltage application circuit 52 correspond to the second charged particle generator in the present invention. A voltage application circuit 53 that applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 32 is connected to the air ion generator 3. The air ion generator 3 and the voltage application circuit 53 correspond to the first charged particle generator in the present invention. The air conditioner includes a control unit 51 that controls the operation of the air conditioner, and the voltage application circuit 52 and the voltage application circuit 53 are connected to the control unit 51. The control part 51 is comprised including the calculating part which performs the calculation for controlling an air conditioning apparatus, and the memory | storage part which memorize | stores the data required for a calculation. A charge amount detection circuit 42 that detects the total charge amount of the charged particles collected by the collection unit 41 is connected to the collection unit 41. The charge amount detection circuit 42 is connected to the control unit 51. Further, the control unit 51 is connected to a time measuring unit 54 that measures time.

  FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an internal configuration example of the charge amount detection circuit 42. The collection part 41 is a metal electrode, and is formed by plating or the like. The charge amount detection circuit 42 includes an amplifier circuit 421 configured with an integrated circuit. The potential of the collection unit 41 is input to the input terminal of the amplifier circuit 421. When the collection part 41 is not charged to either positive or negative, a potential obtained by equally dividing a constant potential of 5 V is input. When the collection unit 41 is charged, a potential that varies according to the amount of charged electric charge is input. From the output terminal of the amplifier circuit 421, a potential difference from the ground terminal is output to the control unit 51 as a detection signal indicating the detected charge amount. The controller 51 receives the detection signal output from the charge amount detection circuit 42.

  FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram illustrating a detection signal output from the charge amount detection circuit 42 in a state where the collection unit 41 is not charged. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the intensity of the detection signal received by the control unit 51. The intensity of the detection signal is represented by a voltage, and this voltage corresponds to the potential difference between the output terminal of the amplifier circuit 421 and the ground terminal. In a state where neither the electrostatic atomization unit 2 nor the air ion generation unit 3 generates charged particles, charged particles do not adhere to the collection unit 41, and the charge amount in the collection unit 41 is zero. It is. In this state, the intensity of the detection signal output from the charge amount detection circuit 42 indicates an initial value of 2.5V. When the electrostatic atomizer 2 generates negative charged water particles, the negative charged water particles adhere to the collection unit 41, the collection unit 41 is negatively charged, and the potential of the collection unit 41 is negative. Change to the side. At this time, the intensity of the detection signal also changes to the negative side. In addition, when the air ion generation unit 3 generates positive air ions, the positive air ions adhere to the collection unit 41, the collection unit 41 is positively charged, and the potential of the collection unit 41 is positive. To change. At this time, the intensity of the detection signal also changes to the positive side.

  Next, the operation of the air conditioner will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. When the blower 15 sucks air from the cavity 17 and discharges it to the flow path 14, the air conditioner sucks air from the suction port 13 and discharges it from the discharge port 12. First, the control unit 51 turns on the charge amount detection circuit 42 (S11). Next, the controller 51 causes the electrostatic atomizer 2 and the voltage application circuit 52 to start generating negative charged water particles (S12). Thereafter, the voltage application circuit 52 supplies electric power to the Peltier element 23 and intermittently applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 21 and the annular electrode 22. The electrostatic atomizer 2 generates negative charged water particles intermittently.

  FIG. 10 is a characteristic diagram illustrating a detection signal output from the charge amount detection circuit 42 during the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. The charge amount detection circuit 42 outputs a detection signal, and the control unit 51 acquires the detection signal. The collection unit 41, the charge amount detection circuit 42, and the control unit 51 correspond to the first acquisition unit in the present invention. At the stage where the charge amount detection circuit 42 is turned on, the intensity of the detection signal indicates an initial value of 2.5V. After the generation of the negative charged water particles is started, the negative charged water particles adhere to the collecting unit 41 and are negatively charged, so that the intensity of the detection signal changes to the negative side. As the generation of negative charged water particles continues, the intensity of the detection signal continuously changes to the negative side. The amount of change in the intensity of the detection signal from the initial value to the negative side is a data amount corresponding to the amount of negatively charged particles contained in the air discharged from the air conditioner.

Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the change amount from the initial value of the intensity of the detection signal output from the charge amount detection circuit 42 to the negative side is equal to or greater than a predetermined change amount V ₁ ( S13). The change amount V ₁ from the initial value to the negative side corresponds to the first set amount in the present invention. The value of V ₁ is stored in the control unit 51 in advance. The value of V ₁ is the starting set amount in the present invention, and is, for example, 2.0V. Note that the air conditioner may have a form in which the intensity value of the detection signal is used instead of the change amount of the intensity of the detection signal as the data amount corresponding to the amount of the negatively charged particles contained in the air.

When the change amount from the initial value of the intensity of the detection signal to the negative side is less than V ₁ (S13: NO), the control unit 51 repeats the determination of the change amount of the intensity of the detection signal. When the amount of change from the initial value of the intensity of the detection signal to the negative side is V ₁ or more (S13: YES), the controller 51 turns off the charge amount detection circuit 42 (S14). When the amount of change from the initial value of the intensity of the detection signal to the negative side becomes V ₁ or more, negative charged particles are excessively contained in the air discharged from the air conditioner due to the generation of negative charged water particles. It is in the state. At this time, the object with which the air discharged from the air conditioner collides is negatively charged. As shown in FIG. 10, when the amount of change from the initial value of the intensity of the detection signal to the negative side becomes V ₁ , the charge amount detection circuit 42 is turned off, and the intensity of the detection signal becomes zero. In FIG. 10, the time until the amount of change from the initial value of the intensity of the detection signal to the negative side becomes V ₁ is indicated by t ₁ .

Next, the control unit 51 causes the air ion generation unit 3 and the voltage application circuit 53 to start generating positive air ions (S15). The voltage application circuit 53 applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 32, and the air ion generator 3 generates air ions. Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not a predetermined time t ₂ has elapsed since the start of generation of positive air ions based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 54 (S16). . The time t ₂ that has elapsed since the start of generation of positive air ions corresponds to the stop set amount in the present invention. The value of t ₂ is stored in the control unit 51 in advance. For example, the value of t ₁ is 10 seconds and the value of t ₂ is 5 seconds. When the time t ₂ has not yet elapsed since the start of generation of positive air ions (S16: NO), the control unit 51 repeats the determination of the elapsed time. When time t ₂ has elapsed since the start of generation of positive air ions (S16: YES), the control unit 51 stops the generation of positive air ions in the air ion generation unit 3 and the voltage application circuit 53. (S17). Specifically, the control unit 51 causes the voltage application circuit 53 to stop applying the voltage. Next, the controller 51 turns on the charge amount detection circuit 42 (S18).

As shown in FIG. 10, since the charge amount detection circuit 42 is off during the time t ₂ after the change amount of the detection signal intensity from the initial value to the negative side becomes equal to or higher than V ₁ , the detection is performed. The signal strength is zero. The air ion generation unit 3 and the voltage application circuit 53 are configured to generate more positive air ions than the negative charged water particles generated by the electrostatic atomization unit 2 per unit time. During time t ₂ , positive air ions are generated in addition to negative charged water particles, so that positive charged particles increase in the air discharged from the air conditioner, and negative charged particles are excessive. The condition gradually disappears. The time elapsed after the amount of change from the initial value of the detection signal intensity to the negative side becomes equal to or greater than V ₁ is a data amount corresponding to the amount of positive charged particles contained in the air discharged from the air conditioner. is there. The value of the time t ₂ is determined in advance as the time until the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air discharged from the air conditioner becomes equal. When the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air discharged from the air conditioner after time t ₂ has become equal, the charge on the object colliding with the air discharged from the air conditioner is eliminated. As shown in FIG. 10, immediately after the charge amount detection circuit 42 is turned on after the elapse of time t ₂ , the intensity of the detection signal changes from the initial value of 2.5 V to the positive side. Since the generation of positive air ions has stopped, the intensity of the detection signal immediately returns to the initial value and changes again to the negative side.

  Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not to end the process (S19). In step S <b> 19, for example, the control unit 51 determines to end the process when an instruction to end the process is input by the user operating an operation unit (not shown). Further, for example, the control unit 51 determines to end the process when the end time designated in advance is reached. When it determines with not complete | finishing a process yet (S19: NO), the control part 51 returns a process to step S13. When it determines with complete | finishing a process (S19: YES), the control part 51 is the air blower 15, the electrostatic atomization part 2, the voltage application circuit 52, the air ion generation part 3, the voltage application circuit 53, and the charge amount detection circuit 42. Each part of the air conditioner, such as, is stopped, and the process is terminated.

  As described in detail above, the air conditioner releases air containing negative charged water particles, and generates positive air ions when the amount of negative charged particles in the air reaches a certain amount, Release air containing negative charged water particles and positive air ions. The air conditioner stops generating positive air ions when the amount of positive charged particles in the air reaches a certain amount. Thereby, the air conditioning apparatus can adjust the amount of charged particles in the air to be discharged so that the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air becomes equal. Therefore, the air conditioner can suppress charging of an object with which the released air collides.

  In the present embodiment, the negatively charged water particles are continuously generated and positive air ions are generated as necessary. However, the air conditioner continuously generates positive air ions. The negatively charged water particles may be generated if necessary. Also in this embodiment, by performing the same processing, the amount of charged particles in the released air can be adjusted, and it is possible to suppress charging of an object colliding with the released air.

In the above embodiment, the amount of data corresponding to the amount of negatively charged particles is the amount of change from the initial value of the intensity of the detection signal from the charge amount detection circuit 42 to the negative side. Although the form using elapsed time as the amount of data corresponding to the amount of particles has been shown, the air conditioner may have other forms. For example, the air conditioner may use a time that has elapsed since the detection signal from the charge amount detection circuit 42 started to change from the initial value to the negative side as the data amount corresponding to the amount of negative charged particles. In the case of this form, the control unit 51 performs a process of determining whether or not a predetermined time t ₁ has elapsed since the detection signal started to change from the initial value to the negative side in step S13. Further, for example, the air conditioner may use a change amount from the initial value of the intensity of the detection signal from the charge amount detection circuit 42 to the positive side as the data amount corresponding to the amount of positive charged particles. In this embodiment, the control unit 51 does not turn off the charge amount detection circuit 42 in step S14. In step S <b> 16, the control unit 51 performs a process of determining whether or not the amount of change from the initial value to the positive side due to a change in the intensity of the detection signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Further, the air conditioner may have a form in which the intensity value of the detection signal is used as the data amount corresponding to the amount of positive charged particles contained in the air.

  Further, the air conditioner may have a form in which the detection signal output from the charge amount detection circuit 42 is used as a data amount corresponding to the relative amount of positive and negative charged particles in the released air. In this embodiment, the control unit 51 uses a technique such as PID control based on the intensity of the detection signal so as to keep the intensity of the detection signal output from the charge amount detection circuit 42 within a predetermined range. And controlling the time for generating positive air ions. In this embodiment, the air conditioner can adjust the net amount of charge in the released air and suppress charging of an object that the released air collides with.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a mode in which positive air ions are used as positive charged particles and negative charged water particles are used as negative charged particles has been described. However, the air conditioner is in other modes. May be. For example, the air conditioner may be configured to use positive charged water particles as positive charged particles and negative air ions as negative charged particles. Further, for example, the air conditioner may use a form in which positive air ions are used as positive charged particles and negative air ions are used as negative charged particles. Further, for example, the air conditioner may use a form in which positive charged water particles are used as positive charged particles and negative charged water particles are used as negative charged particles.

(Embodiment 2)
In Embodiment 2, the air conditioning apparatus shows a form in which negative charged water particles and positive air ions are generated alternately. The internal configuration of the air conditioner is the same as that of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2. The air conditioner sucks air from the suction port 13 and discharges it from the discharge port 12 by the blower 15. First, the control unit 51 turns on the charge amount detection circuit 42 (S21). Next, the control unit 51 causes the electrostatic atomization unit 2 and the voltage application circuit 52 to start generating negative charged water particles in a state where generation of positive air ions is stopped (S22). Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the change amount from the initial value of the intensity of the detection signal output from the charge amount detection circuit 42 to the negative side is equal to or greater than a predetermined change amount V ₁ ( S23). The value of V ₁ is the first set amount in the present invention.

When the change amount from the initial value of the intensity of the detection signal to the negative side is less than V ₁ (S23: NO), the control unit 51 repeats the determination of the change amount of the intensity of the detection signal. When the amount of change from the initial value of the intensity of the detection signal to the negative side is V ₁ or more (S23: YES), the controller 51 turns off the charge amount detection circuit 42 (S24). Next, the control unit 51 causes the electrostatic atomization unit 2 and the voltage application circuit 52 to stop generating negative charged water particles, and causes the air ion generation unit 3 and the voltage application circuit 53 to generate positive air ions. Start (S25). Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not a predetermined time t ₂ has elapsed since the start of generation of positive air ions based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 54 (S26). . The value of t ₂ corresponds to the second set amount in the present invention. When the time t ₂ has not yet elapsed since the start of generation of positive air ions (S26: NO), the control unit 51 repeats the determination of the elapsed time. When the time t ₂ has elapsed since the start of generation of positive air ions (S26: YES), the control unit 51 causes the air ion generation unit 3 and the voltage application circuit 53 to stop generating positive air ions. Then, the electrostatic atomizer 2 and the voltage application circuit 52 are started to generate negative charged water particles (S27). Next, the controller 51 turns on the charge amount detection circuit 42 (S28).

  Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not to end the processing (S29). When it determines with not complete | finishing a process yet (S29: NO), the control part 51 returns a process to step S23. When it determines with complete | finishing a process (S29: YES), the control part 51 is the air blower 15, the electrostatic atomization part 2, the voltage application circuit 52, the air ion generation part 3, the voltage application circuit 53, and the charge amount detection circuit 42. Each part of the air conditioner, such as, is stopped, and the process is terminated.

  Through the above processing, also in the present embodiment, the air conditioner can adjust the amount of charged particles in the air to be released so that the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air becomes equal. This makes it possible to suppress charging of an object with which the released air collides. The order in which the air conditioner generates negative charged water particles and positive air ions may be reversed. Further, the air conditioner may be configured to use positive charged water particles and negative air ions. Moreover, the form using positive and negative charged water particles may be sufficient as an air conditioning apparatus, and the form using positive and negative air ion may be sufficient as it.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3. Between the electrostatic atomizer 2 and the voltage application circuit 52, a current detector 55 that detects a current that flows when the electrostatic atomizer 2 generates negative charged water particles is provided. The current detection unit 55 is connected to the control unit 51. Other configurations of the air conditioner are the same as those of the first embodiment, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the current detection unit 55. The current detection unit 55 includes an amplifier circuit 551 configured with an integrated circuit. A resistor is provided in the middle of the power line for applying a voltage between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 32 of the electrostatic atomizer 2 from the voltage application circuit 52, and both ends of the resistor are positive of the amplifier circuit 551. It is connected to the input terminal and the negative input terminal. A current corresponding to a current that flows when the voltage application circuit 52 applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 32 is input to the amplifier circuit 551. The output terminal of the amplifier circuit 551 is connected to the control unit 51, and a current corresponding to the current applied by the voltage application circuit 52 between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 32 is detected as a detection signal to the control unit 51. Is output. The control unit 51 receives the detection signal output from the current detection unit 55.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processes executed by the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3. The air conditioner sucks air from the suction port 13 and discharges it from the discharge port 12 by the blower 15. The controller 51 causes the electrostatic atomizer 2 and the voltage application circuit 52 to start generating negative charged water particles (S31). Thereafter, the voltage application circuit 52 supplies electric power to the Peltier element 23 and intermittently applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 21 and the annular electrode 22. The electrostatic atomizer 2 generates negative charged water particles intermittently. After step S31, the control unit 51 performs a process of counting the number of times that negative charged water particles are generated in the electrostatic atomization unit 2 based on the detection signal output from the current detection unit 55.

FIG. 15 is a characteristic diagram illustrating a detection signal output from the current detection unit 55 during the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the intensity of the detection signal received by the control unit 51. The intensity of the detection signal is represented by a current, and this current corresponds to a current applied by the voltage application circuit 52 between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 32. When the voltage application circuit 52 applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 32, a negative current is obtained as a detection signal. When negative charged water particles are generated, a discharge is generated between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 32, and a large current flows instantaneously. The control unit 51 stores a lower limit value I ₁ of an absolute value of a large current determined in advance to detect a large current. For example, the value of I ₁ is 500 μA. When the absolute value of the detection signal exceeds I ₁ , a discharge occurs between the discharge electrode 31 and the induction electrode 32, a large current flows, and negative charged water particles are generated. That is, every time negative charged water particles are generated, the absolute value of the detection signal instantaneously exceeds I ₁ . The control unit 51 counts the number of times that negative charged water particles are generated by counting the number of times that the absolute value of the received detection signal exceeds I ₁ .

Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the number of times that the negative charged water particles are generated is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (S32). When the count of the number of times that negative charged water particles are generated does not reach the threshold value (S32: NO), the control unit 51 continues counting. When the count of the number of times negative charged water particles are generated is equal to or greater than the threshold (S32: YES), the control unit 51 causes the air ion generation unit 3 and the voltage application circuit 53 to generate positive air ions. Start (S33). Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not a predetermined time t ₂ has elapsed since the start of generation of positive air ions based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 54 (S34). . If positive still time t ₂ from the start of generation of air ions has not elapsed (S34: NO), the control unit 51 repeats the determination of the elapsed time. When the time t ₂ has elapsed since the start of the generation of positive air ions (S34: YES), the control unit 51 stops the generation of positive air ions in the air ion generation unit 3 and the voltage application circuit 53. (S35).

  Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not to end the processing (S36). When it determines with not complete | finishing a process yet (S36: NO), the control part 51 returns a process to step S32, and performs the process which counts the frequency | count that the negative charged water particle generate | occur | produced after step S36. When it determines with complete | finishing a process (S36: YES), the control part 51 is the air blower 15, the electrostatic atomization part 2, the voltage application circuit 52, the air ion generation part 3, the voltage application circuit 53, and the charge amount detection circuit 42. Each part of the air conditioner, such as, is stopped, and the process is terminated.

  As described above in detail, also in this embodiment, the air conditioner adjusts the amount of charged particles in the air to be discharged so that the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air becomes equal. Can do. Therefore, the air conditioner can suppress charging of an object with which the released air collides.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4. The air conditioner includes a remote controller 4 outside the housing 11. The remote controller 4 is used for inputting an instruction to start or stop the process by a user operation. The structure of the housing 11 and the structure of each part of the air conditioner housed in the housing 11 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4. The remote controller 4 includes a collection unit 41 and a charge amount detection circuit 42. The functions of the collection unit 41 and the charge amount detection circuit 42 are the same as in the first embodiment, and the charge amount detection circuit 42 outputs a detection signal indicating the total charge amount of the charged particles collected by the collection unit 41. To do. The charge amount detection circuit 42 is connected to a transmission / reception unit 43 that transmits and receives signals wirelessly. The transmission / reception unit 43 transmits the detection signal output from the charge amount detection circuit 42 to the outside of the remote controller 4. A transmission / reception unit 56 that transmits and receives signals wirelessly is connected to the control unit 51 provided inside the housing 11. The transmission / reception unit 56 receives the detection signal transmitted from the remote controller 4 and inputs it to the control unit 51. The control unit 51 executes the same process as in the first embodiment according to the input detection signal.

  Also in the present embodiment, the control unit 51 executes the same processing as in the first embodiment in accordance with the detection signal from the remote controller 4, so that the air conditioner is capable of adding positive and negative charged particles in the air. Can be adjusted so that the amount of charged particles in the air to be discharged can be adjusted. Since the collection unit 41 exists outside the housing 11, the collection unit 41 collects charged particles contained in the air discharged from the discharge port 12. For this reason, the air conditioning apparatus can detect the amount of charge contained in the air outside the housing 11 and can adjust the amount of charged particles to adjust the amount of charge contained in the air outside the housing 11. Therefore, the air conditioner can more effectively suppress charging of an object that collides with air released to the outside of the housing 11.

  In addition, in the above Embodiments 1-4, although the air conditioning apparatus showed the example which took the form of the air cleaner, the air conditioning apparatus of this invention is not limited to an air cleaner, Other forms may be used. For example, the air conditioner may be an air conditioner or a humidifier. Further, for example, the air conditioner may be in a form incorporated in another electric device such as a refrigerator.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Housing 12 Release port 13 Inlet port 14 Flow path 15 Blower 2 Electrostatic atomization part 3 Air ion generation part 4 Remote controller 41 Collection part 42 Charge amount detection circuit 43 Transmission / reception part 51 Control part 52, 53 Voltage application circuit 54 Timekeeping section 55 Current detection section 56 Transmission / reception section

Claims (9)

In an air conditioner comprising a means for generating charged particles in the air, and discharging air containing the charged particles generated by the means,
A first charged particle generator that generates positive charged particles;
A second charged particle generator that generates negative charged particles;
An acquisition means for acquiring a data amount corresponding to the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air;
Adjusting means for individually adjusting the generation amount of the charged particles in the first charged particle generation unit and the second charged particle generation unit according to the amount of data acquired by the acquisition unit. Air conditioner. The acquisition means includes
Means for respectively acquiring data amounts corresponding to the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air;
The adjusting means includes
Means for continuously generating charged particles in one of the first charged particle generator and the second charged particle generator;
Means for causing the other charged particle generator to start generating charged particles when the amount of data corresponding to the amount of the charged particles in the air acquired by the acquiring means reaches a predetermined start set amount; ,
Means for causing the other charged particle generator to stop the generation of charged particles when the amount of data corresponding to the amount of the charged particles in the air acquired by the acquiring means becomes a predetermined stop set amount. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: The acquisition means includes
Means for respectively acquiring data amounts corresponding to the amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air;
The adjusting means includes
Means for stopping the generation of charged particles in one charged particle generating unit and generating charged particles in the other charged particle generating unit among the first charged particle generating unit and the second charged particle generating unit;
When the amount of data corresponding to the amount of charged particles in the air acquired by the acquisition unit reaches a predetermined first set amount, generation of charged particles is stopped in the other charged particle generator. And means for generating charged particles in the one charged particle generator,
When the amount of data corresponding to the amount of the charged particles in the air acquired by the acquiring unit reaches a predetermined second set amount, generation of charged particles is stopped in the one charged particle generating unit. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising means for generating charged particles in the other charged particle generator. The acquisition means includes
Means for measuring the time when the first charged particle generator or the second charged particle generator generates charged particles;
The air conditioner according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising means for acquiring the time measured by the means as a data amount corresponding to the amount of the charged particles in the air. The acquisition means includes
Means for measuring the number of times that the first charged particle generator or the second charged particle generator has generated charged particles;
The air conditioner according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising means for acquiring the number of times measured by the means as a data amount corresponding to the amount of the charged particles in the air. The acquisition means includes
A collecting means for collecting particles in the air;
Detecting means for detecting the charge amount of the particles collected by the collecting means;
The air conditioner according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising means for acquiring the charge amount detected by the detection means as a data amount corresponding to the amount of positive or negative charged particles in the air. . The acquisition means includes
A collecting means for collecting particles in the air;
Detecting means for detecting the charge amount of the particles collected by the collecting means;
Means for acquiring the charge amount detected by the detection means as a data amount corresponding to a relative amount of positive and negative charged particles in the air;
The adjusting means includes
The generation amount of charged particles in each of the first charged particle generation unit and the second charged particle generation unit is controlled so that the data amount acquired by the acquisition unit falls within a predetermined range. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising means. The first charged particle generation unit and the second charged particle generation unit are housed inside, further comprising a housing having a discharge port for discharging air containing charged particles,
The air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the collecting means and the detecting means are arranged outside the housing. The first charged particle generator is configured to generate positive air ions by corona discharge,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second charged particle generation unit is configured to generate negative charged water particles by an electrostatic atomization phenomenon.

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