JP2022114746A - air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner which can efficiently perform sterilization by using a substance having a sterilization action while suppressing the spread of viruses or the like in a room.SOLUTION: An air conditioner comprises a box body, a heat exchanger, a fan, a ventilation member, a generation unit, a feed water part, and a control part. At least one ventilation member can be arranged in a second closing position for covering at least a part of a blowout port which is released by a wind direction plate located in a first opening position, and can form a first blowout flow passage in which a wind sent by the fan is discharged to the outside through the ventilation port in the second closing position, and a second blowout flow passage which adjoins the first blowout flow passage without passing through the ventilation port, and in which the wind is discharged to the outside. The generation unit is arranged between the fan and the ventilation member, and generates an ion having a sterilization action, or a fine water droplet containing the ion. The feed water part feeds a water component to the generation unit. The control part controls operation states of the fan, the generation unit, the wind direction plate and the ventilation plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an air conditioner.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an air conditioner that emits air blown with negative ions, which are said to have a positive effect on the human body. Then, a technique was proposed in which negative ions are emitted over a wide area of the room by changing the direction of the blown air using a left-right direction louver that changes the direction in the left-right direction, making it difficult for the distribution of negative ions to be biased. there is

JP-A-2003-97816

However, in recent years, virus infection has become a serious problem, and when air is blown using a left-right direction looper or the like as in the conventional technology, there is a risk that the air will spread the virus into the room. In addition, when a substance (including ions, etc.) that can be expected to have a bactericidal action is sprayed, there is a problem that it may not reach the virus that has spread.

One example of the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can suppress the spread of viruses and the like in a room and efficiently eliminate bacteria using a substance with a bactericidal action.

An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a heat exchanger, a fan, a ventilation member, a generation unit, a water supply section, and a control section. The housing is provided with an internal ventilation path, a suction port that communicates the ventilation path with the outside, and an outlet that communicates the ventilation path with the outside. A heat exchanger is provided in the air passage. A fan is provided in the ventilation path and sends air from the suction port to the outlet port. At least one wind direction plate is movable between a first closed position covering at least part of the outlet and a first open position opening at least part of the outlet. At least one ventilation member can be arranged at a second closed position covering at least a part of the outlet opened by the wind direction plate located at the first open position, and at the second closed position having an inner surface facing the air passage and an outer surface facing the outside in the second closed position, at least one ventilation opening opening to the inner surface and the outer surface is provided, and in the second closed position, A first blowout flow path through which the air sent by the fan is discharged to the outside through the ventilation opening, and a first blowout flow path through which the air is discharged to the outside adjacent to the first blowout flow path without passing through the ventilation opening. It is possible to form a second blowout flow path. The generation unit is provided between the fan and the ventilation member, and generates ions having a sterilizing action or fine water droplets containing the ions. The water supply unit supplies water to the generation unit. The controller controls operating states of the fan, the generating unit, the wind direction plate, and the ventilation member.

The generation unit may also release OH radicals or hydrogen peroxide, for example.

Further, the water supply unit may be, for example, a drain pan that stores condensed water obtained during heat exchange from the heat exchanger.

Further, the water supply unit may be, for example, a water supply tank that receives external water from the outside of the housing.

It further comprises a detection sensor that detects a living body present in the room where the housing is installed. The state of operation with the member may be controlled.

Further, the control unit may be capable of switching between a first mode in which the air blown by the fan passes through the ventilation opening and a second mode in which the air does not pass through the ventilation opening, for example.

According to the air conditioning apparatus described above, for example, the air sent by the fan passes through the first blowout flow path through which the air is discharged to the outside through the ventilation opening, and the first blowout flow path passes through the first blowout flow path without passing through the ventilation opening. A second blowout flow path is formed adjacently and discharged to the outside. The discharged wind becomes a turbulent flow as a whole, and becomes a gentle wind current (so-called windless (registered trademark) wind). As a result, it becomes easier to suppress the diffusion of the virus or the like by the released wind current. In addition, ions having a bactericidal action or fine water droplets containing such ions can be easily carried to the vicinity of the source of the virus (for example, a virus-infected person) by the calm wind. As a result, it is possible to effectively eliminate viruses and the like.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the generation unit and the water supply unit included in the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the indoor unit during operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exemplary and schematic front view showing a part of the wind direction plate and the ventilation member of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ventilation member of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exemplary and schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exemplary and schematic diagram showing the state of the wind and the state of virus diffusion when the ventilation member is not moved to the closed position in the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the first embodiment. . FIG. 8 is an exemplary and schematic diagram showing the state of the air released and the state of virus diffusion when the ventilation member is operated to the closed position in the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the first embodiment. be. FIG. 9 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the operating state of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the ventilation member of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exemplary and schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the state of the wind discharged in the operating state of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. In this specification, basically, the vertically upward direction is defined as the upward direction, and the vertically downward direction is defined as the downward direction. In addition, in this specification, a component according to the embodiment and description of the component may be described with a plurality of expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions herein. Components may also be identified by names different from those herein. Also, components may be described in terms that differ from the terms used herein.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an indoor unit 11 of an air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 , the air conditioner 10 has an indoor unit 11 . The indoor unit 11 is arranged indoors of the building and is connected to an outdoor unit arranged outdoors via refrigerant pipes and electrical wiring. Note that the air conditioner 10 is not limited to this example.

The indoor unit 11 includes a housing 21, a heat exchanger 22, a fan 23, a filter 24, two wind direction plates 25, two ventilation members 26, and ions having a sterilizing action or fine water droplets containing the ions. It has a generation unit 100 for generating a water supply unit 102 and the like. The wind direction plate 25 and the ventilation member 26 may also be called louvers. Water supply unit 102 may also be referred to as a drain pan.

For convenience, the X, Y and Z axes are defined herein as indicated in the drawings. The X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is provided along the width of the indoor unit 11 . The Y-axis is provided along the depth of the indoor unit 11 . The Z axis is provided along the height of the indoor unit 11 .

Further, the X, Y and Z directions are defined herein. The X direction is a direction along the X axis and includes a +X direction indicated by an arrow on the X axis and a −X direction opposite to the arrow on the X axis. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis and includes a +Y direction indicated by an arrow on the Y axis and a −Y direction opposite to the arrow on the Y axis. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis and includes the +Z direction indicated by the Z axis arrow and the −Z direction opposite to the Z axis arrow. In this embodiment, the +Z direction is upward and the -Z direction is downward.

The housing 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the X direction. Note that the housing 21 may be formed in other shapes. The housing 21 is hung, for example, on a building wall or the like. The housing 21 has an upper surface 21a and a lower surface 21b. The upper surface 21a is provided at or near the upper end of the housing 21 and faces substantially upward. The lower surface 21b is provided at or near the lower end of the housing 21 and faces substantially downward.

The housing 21 is provided with a ventilation path 31 , an air inlet 32 and an air outlet 33 . The ventilation path 31 is provided inside the housing 21 . The suction port 32 opens to the upper surface 21a of the housing 21, for example. The blowout port 33 opens to the lower surface 21b of the housing 21, for example. The inlet 32 and the outlet 33 may open to other parts of the housing 21 .

The indoor unit 11 can pass air through the ventilation passage 31 . Wind is the flow of gas, such as air. The suction port 32 is provided at one end of the ventilation passage 31 and communicates the ventilation passage 31 with the outside of the indoor unit 11 . The outlet 33 is provided at the other end of the ventilation passage 31 and communicates the ventilation passage 31 with the outside of the indoor unit 11 . In other words, the ventilation path 31 is provided between the inlet 32 and the outlet 33 inside the housing 21 .

The heat exchanger 22 is provided in the ventilation passage 31 . The heat exchanger 22 has, for example, refrigerant pipes and a plurality of fins. The heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the surrounding gas in the ventilation passage 31 . Thereby, the heat exchanger 22 cools the air flowing through the air passage 31 during the cooling operation, and heats the air flowing through the air passage 31 during the heating operation.

Fan 23 is provided in ventilation path 31 . The fan 23 rotates around the rotation axis Axf extending in the X direction to send air from the suction port 32 to the outlet 33 in the ventilation passage 31 . As a result, the indoor unit 11 sucks indoor air from the suction port 32 into the ventilation passage 31 and blows out the air (wind) in the ventilation passage 31 from the outlet 33 . Therefore, in this specification, the side of the ventilation passage 31 near the suction port 32 is called upstream, and the side near the blowout port 33 is called downstream.

Fan 23 is positioned downstream of heat exchanger 22 . Therefore, when the fan 23 generates wind, the air sucked from the suction port 32 passes through the fins of the heat exchanger 22 . Thereby, the air flowing through the ventilation path 31 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 22 . As described above, the fan 23 can be operated in the "forward direction" to flow air (wind) from the suction port 32 toward the discharge port 33, and in the "reverse direction operation" to flow air (wind) from the discharge port 33 toward the suction port 32. Directional operation" can be switched. In the forward direction operation, the indoor unit 11 is in normal operation (including disinfection operation and non-bacteria removal operation). Reverse operation is performed, for example, when cleaning the interior of the indoor unit 11 . Details of reverse operation and cleaning will be described later.

The filter 24 is provided at the suction port 32 or near the suction port 32 in the ventilation passage 31 . Filter 24 is located upstream of heat exchanger 22 . The filter 24 covers the suction port 32 from inside the housing 21 . The filter 24, for example, filters the air sucked from the suction port 32 and captures dust in the air.

The generating unit 100 is provided between the fan 23 and the ventilation member 26 . The generation unit 100 is a well-known unit that generates ions having a bactericidal action or fine water droplets containing these ions. In the case of the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) of the present embodiment, the OH radicals (hydrogen peroxide) generated inside the indoor unit 11 are released into the room from the outlet 33 on the wind of the fan 23. Eliminate viruses, etc. that may exist indoors.

The generating unit 100, as shown in FIG. 2, includes, for example, a pair of needle-like electrodes 100a, and is configured to generate corona discharge by applying a high voltage between the pair of electrodes 100a. Between the pair of electrodes 100a, an osmotic tube 100b is arranged that sucks up the water M (moisture content) of the water supply section 102 arranged near (for example, below) the generation unit 100 by, for example, osmotic pressure. The infiltration tube 100b is held by, for example, a bracket 100c that supports the generation unit 100 on the water supply section 102. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the air around the pair of electrodes 100 a is humidified by the water M in the water supply section 102 . By generating corona discharge in air humidified with water M, OH radicals (hydroxyl radicals) having a strong sterilizing effect are generated. Further, since a sufficient amount of water M exists around the electrode 100a, OH radicals are dissolved in water to generate hydrogen peroxide. OH radicals are generally easily oxidized and have a short life, but by using hydrogen peroxide, they are less likely to be oxidized and their life can be extended.

The hydrogen peroxide generated by the generation unit 100 is carried by the wind generated by the fan 23 and released to the outside (indoor) of the indoor unit 11 . In the hydrogen peroxide released from the indoor unit 11, positive ions (H ⁺ ) and negative ions (O ₂ ⁻ ) are combined on the surfaces of viruses and the like floating in the air, and part of the hydrogen peroxide returns to OH radicals. The OH radical, which has a strong oxidizing power, deprives the surface of the virus protein of hydrogen atoms (H) and deactivates (sterilizes) the virus. Note that the OH radicals bond with the hydrogen atoms (H) that have been taken away, and after the reaction, become water (H ₂ O) and return to the air. The details of how hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) is released into the room will be described later.

The water M in the water supply unit 102 can be condensed water obtained during heat exchange from the heat exchanger 22 when the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) is operated in the cooling mode. In this case, the water supply unit 102 is a drain pan. During the cooling operation, since condensed water is obtained, the generating unit 100 can efficiently generate OH radicals and hydrogen peroxide without supplying water from the outside. Since the air passing through the heat exchanger 22 is filtered by the filter 24 to remove dust and the like, it is possible to avoid clogging the permeation tube 100b. Further, when generating corona discharge in the generation unit 100, a small amount of ozone is generated. Ozone is also discharged to the outside (indoors) of the indoor unit 11 on the wind generated by the fan 23, and can be used for sterilization, deodorization, and the like.

A water supply tank 102 a is connected to the water supply section 102 . As described above, when the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) is operated in the cooling mode, condensed water is stably obtained, but when it is operated in the heating mode or the ventilation mode, condensed water It becomes difficult to get water. In this case, by receiving the external water Ma (for example, pure water or the like) from the outside of the housing 21 via the water supply tank 102a, the water M can be supplied from the water supply unit 102 even when the operation is performed in the heating mode or the ventilation mode. It can be supplied to the generation unit 100 . That is, even in the heating mode and the air blowing mode, the generation unit 100 can efficiently generate OH radicals and hydrogen peroxide. In another embodiment, the indoor unit 11 may be provided with a collecting device for collecting moisture in the air, supply the collected water to the water supply unit 102, and use it in the generation unit 100. good.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the indoor unit 11 during operation according to the first embodiment. The two wind direction plates 25 are provided at or near the outlet 33 . The wind direction plate 25 is positioned downstream of the fan 23 . The two wind direction plates 25 are, for example, arranged side by side substantially in the Y direction along the lower surface 21b.

Each of the two wind direction plates 25 is movable between a first closed position Pc1 shown in FIG. 1 and a first open position Po1 shown in FIG. The two wind direction plates 25 can individually move between the first closed position Pc1 and the first open position Po1.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the wind direction plate 25 positioned at the first closed position Pc1 partially covers the outlet 33 . When the two wind direction plates 25 are both positioned at the first closed position Pc1, the two wind direction plates 25 cover almost the entire area of the outlet 33. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the wind direction plate 25 positioned at the first open position Po1 partially opens the outlet 33. As shown in FIG. When the two wind direction plates 25 are both positioned at the first open position Po1, the two wind direction plates 25 open almost the entire area of the outlet 33 .

The first open position Po1 includes various positions where the wind direction plate 25 partially opens the outlet 33 . For example, the first open position Po1 includes a position where the wind deflector 25 faces substantially horizontally, a position where the wind deflector 25 faces downward, and a plurality of positions between these two positions, as shown in FIG. . That is, the wind direction plate 25 is rotatable between a position facing substantially horizontally and a position facing downward. The airflow direction plate 25 located at the first open position Po1 adjusts the vertical direction of the air discharged from the outlet 33 according to the orientation of the airflow direction plate 25 . That is, the airflow direction plate 25 is oriented substantially horizontally as shown in FIG. 3, so that the indoor unit 11 emits wind substantially horizontally. On the other hand, the wind direction plate 25 faces downward, so that the indoor unit 11 emits wind downward.

The indoor unit 11 may further include a horizontal wind direction plate that adjusts the horizontal direction of the wind discharged from the outlet 33 . The left/right wind direction plate is provided in the ventilation passage 31, for example. The indoor unit 11 can emit wind in the direction in which the left and right wind direction plates face.

The wind direction plate 25 is made of synthetic resin, for example. The wind deflector 25 may be made of other materials such as metal. Each of the two wind direction plates 25 has a shaft portion 41 and a plate portion 42 .

The shaft portion 41 is formed in a substantially columnar shape extending in the X direction. The shaft portion 41 is rotatably supported by the housing 21 around a rotation axis Axl extending in the X direction. Note that each of the wind direction plates 25 has an individual rotation axis Axl. The plate portion 42 protrudes from the shaft portion 41 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis Axl. The plate portion 42 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape extending in the X direction. By rotating the shaft portion 41 around the rotation axis Axl, the wind direction plate 25 can move between the first closed position Pc1 and the first open position Po1.

In the following description, the two wind deflectors 25 may be referred to individually as wind deflectors 25A and 25B. In other words, the two wind deflectors 25 include the wind deflector 25A and the wind deflector 25B. Note that descriptions common to the wind direction plates 25A and 25B are described as descriptions of the wind direction plate 25. FIG.

The wind direction plate 25A is positioned between an upward end 33a of the outlet 33 and a downward end 33b of the outlet 33 in the Z direction. The wind direction plate 25B is positioned near the downward end 33b of the outlet 33 . The airflow direction plate 25A is closer to the upward end 33a of the outlet 33 than the airflow direction plate 25B. The airflow direction plate 25B is closer to the downward end 33b of the outlet 33 than the airflow direction plate 25A.

The airflow direction plates 25A and 25B positioned at the first open position Po1 partition the outlet 33 into two flow paths C1 and C2. The flow path C1 is part of the outlet 33 and is located between the wind direction plate 25A and the upward end 33a of the outlet 33 . The flow path C2 is part of the outlet 33 and is located between the wind direction plate 25A and the downward end 33b of the outlet 33 . In other words, the flow path C2 is positioned between the wind direction plate 25A and the wind direction plate 25B.

The wind direction plate 25A opens the channel C1 at the first open position Po1 and covers the channel C1 at the first closed position Pc1. The wind direction plate 25B opens the channel C2 at the first open position Po1 and covers the channel C2 at the first closed position Pc1.

The two ventilation members 26 are provided at or near the outlet 33 . The ventilation member 26 is positioned downstream of the fan 23 . The two ventilation members 26 are arranged side by side substantially in the Y direction, for example.

Each of the two ventilation members 26 is movable between a second closed position Pc2 indicated by a solid line in FIG. 3 and a second open position Po2 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. In other words, the ventilation member 26 can be arranged at the second closed position Pc2. Note that the two ventilation members 26 can individually move between the second closed position Pc2 and the second open position Po2.

In the following description, the two ventilation members 26 may be individually referred to as ventilation members 26A and 26B. In other words, the two ventilation members 26 include a ventilation member 26A and a ventilation member 26B. Note that descriptions common to the ventilation members 26A and 26B are described as descriptions of the ventilation member 26. FIG.

For example, the ventilation member 26A is positioned near the upward end 33a of the outlet 33 . The ventilation member 26B is positioned between an upward end 33a of the outlet 33 and a downward end 33b of the outlet 33 in the Z direction. The ventilation member 26A is closer to the upward end 33a of the outlet 33 than the ventilation member 26B. The ventilation member 26B is closer to the downward end 33b of the outlet 33 than the ventilation member 26A. Note that the positions of the ventilation members 26A and 26B are not limited to this example.

The ventilation member 26 located at the second closed position Pc2 covers a part of the outlet 33 opened by the wind direction plate 25 located at the first open position Po1. In this embodiment, the ventilation member 26A positioned at the second closed position Pc2 covers the flow path C1 opened by the airflow direction plate 25A positioned at the first open position Po1. Further, the ventilation member 26B positioned at the second closed position Pc2 covers the flow path C2 opened by the wind direction plate 25B positioned at the first open position Po1.

When the two ventilation members 26 are both positioned at the second closed position Pc2, the two ventilation members 26 cover all the flow paths C1 and C2. It should be noted that the two ventilation members 26 positioned at the second closed position Pc2 do not need to completely close the outlet 33 . For example, the outlet 33 may communicate with the interior of the room without being covered by the ventilation member 26 in the X direction, or the air may pass through the gap between the ventilation member 26 and the wind direction plate 25. . In the present embodiment, most of the flow paths C1 and C2 need only be covered with the ventilation members 26A and 26B when viewed in the direction of travel of the wind. Note that the manner in which the ventilation member 26 covers the outlet 33 is not limited to this example.

The ventilation member 26 positioned at the second open position Po2 opens a part of the outlet 33 opened by the wind direction plate 25 positioned at the first open position Po1. In this embodiment, the ventilation member 26A located at the second open position Po2 opens the flow path C1 opened by the wind direction plate 25A located at the first open position Po1. Furthermore, the ventilation member 26B located at the second open position Po2 opens the flow path C2 opened by the wind direction plate 25B located at the first open position Po1.

The ventilation member 26 is made of synthetic resin, for example. Ventilation member 26 may be made of other materials such as metal. Each of the two ventilation members 26 has a shaft portion 51 and a plate portion 52 .

The shaft portion 51 is formed in a substantially columnar shape extending in the X direction. The shaft portion 51 is rotatably supported by the housing 21 around a rotation axis Axc extending in the X direction. In addition, each of the plurality of ventilation members 26 has an individual rotation axis Axc. The plate portion 52 protrudes from the shaft portion 51 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis Axc. The plate portion 52 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape extending in the X direction. Rotation of the shaft portion 51 around the rotation axis Axc allows the ventilation member 26 to move between the second closed position Pc2 and the second open position Po2.

The shaft portion 51 of the ventilation member 26 is separated upward from the plate portion 42 of the wind direction plate 25 positioned at the first open position Po1. The plate portion 52 of the ventilation member 26 positioned at the second closed position Pc2 extends from the shaft portion 51 toward the plate portion 42 of the wind direction plate 25 .

The tip 52a of the plate portion 52 of the ventilation member 26 located at the second closed position Pc2 abuts on the plate portion 42 of the wind direction plate 25 or is arranged near the plate portion 42. As shown in FIG. As a result, the ventilation member 26 located at the second closed position Pc2 covers a part of the outlet 33 opened by the wind direction plate 25 located at the first open position Po1. The tip 52 a is the end of the plate portion 52 located on the opposite side of the shaft portion 51 .

The length of the plate portion 52 in the X direction is substantially equal to the length of the outlet 33 in the X direction. Thereby, the ventilation members 26A and 26B positioned at the second closed position Pc2 can cover most of the flow paths C1 and C2.

The length of the plate portion 52 in the direction in which the plate portion 52 protrudes from the shaft portion 51 is shorter than the maximum length of each of the flow paths C1 and C2 in the Z direction. This prevents the ventilation member 26 from interfering with the wind direction plate 25 when moving between the second closed position Pc2 and the second open position Po2.

The plate portion 52 has an inner surface 52b and an outer surface 52c. The inner surface 52b faces the air passage 31 in the second closed position Pc2. The outer surface 52c is located opposite the inner surface 52b. The outer surface 52c faces the outside of the indoor unit 11 at the second closed position Pc2.

When the two ventilation members 26 are both positioned at the second open position Po2, the two ventilation members 26 open substantially the entire area of the outlet 33 opened by the airflow direction plate 25 positioned at the first open position Po1. . Even if the two ventilation members 26 are positioned at the second open position Po2, when the airflow direction plate 25 is positioned at the first closed position Pc1, the flow paths C1 and C2 are covered with the corresponding airflow direction plate 25. .

As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation member 26A positioned at the second open position Po2 is accommodated in the recess 21c of the housing 21 provided near the blowout port 33. As shown in FIG. The depression 21 c is recessed from the inner surface 21 d of the housing 21 forming part of the ventilation passage 31 . The ventilation member 26A positioned at the second open position Po2 is accommodated in the recess 21c, and is suppressed from obstructing the wind flowing through the ventilation passage 31. As shown in FIG.

The ventilation member 26B is provided in the ventilation path 31 near the outlet 33 . The plate portion 52 of the ventilation member 26B positioned at the second open position Po2 extends in the direction along the flow of the air in the ventilation passage 31. As shown in FIG. As a result, the ventilation member 26</b>B positioned at the second open position Po<b>2 is prevented from obstructing the wind flowing through the ventilation passage 31 . The arrangement of the ventilation members 26A and 26B positioned at the second open position Po2 is not limited to the above example.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an exemplary and schematic configuration of a part of the wind direction plate 25 and the ventilation member 26 of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ventilation member 26 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4 , each ventilation member 26 is provided with a plurality of first ventilation holes 55 and a plurality of second ventilation holes 56 . In addition, one first ventilation port 55 and one second ventilation port 56 may be provided in each of the ventilation members 26 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the plurality of first ventilation holes 55 and the plurality of second ventilation holes 56 are through holes penetrating through the plate portion 52 . Therefore, the plurality of first ventilation holes 55 and the plurality of second ventilation holes 56 are opened to the inner surface 52b and the outer surface 52c of the plate portion 52, respectively.

The plurality of first ventilation holes 55 and the plurality of second ventilation holes 56 are arranged alternately in the arrangement direction Dp. Therefore, the first ventilation port 55 and the second ventilation port 56 are provided side by side in the arrangement direction Dp. The arrangement direction Dp is an example of a first direction, and is a direction along the outer surface 52 c of the plate portion 52 .

In this embodiment, the arrangement direction Dp is substantially equal to the direction in which the plate portion 52 extends from the shaft portion 51 . Also, when the ventilation member 26 is positioned at the second closed position Pc2, the arrangement direction Dp is substantially equal to the Z direction. Note that the arrangement direction Dp is not limited to this example, and may be another direction such as the X direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first ventilation port 55 is, for example, a substantially rectangular slit extending in the X direction. The X direction is an example of a second direction, and is a direction along the outer surface 52c of the plate portion 52 and intersecting the arrangement direction Dp. It should be noted that the first vent 55 may be a hole having a circular, square, triangular, or other cross-sectional shape. The plurality of first ventilation holes 55 are arranged in the arrangement direction Dp.

The second vent 56 is a hole with a circular cross section. It should be noted that the second vent 56 may be a hole having a square, triangular, or other shaped cross-section. In the present embodiment, the cross section of the first ventilation port 55 and the second ventilation port 56 is perpendicular to the direction in which the first ventilation port 55 and the second ventilation port 56 pass through the plate portion 52 .

The plurality of second ventilation holes 56 are arranged in the X direction. In other words, the plurality of second ventilation holes 56 are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. Therefore, the plurality of second ventilation ports 56 form a row 58 of the plurality of second ventilation ports 56 aligned in the X direction. A plurality of rows 58 are arranged in the arrangement direction Dp on the plate portion 52 . The plurality of second ventilation holes 56 may be arranged in a grid pattern or in a zigzag pattern.

In this embodiment, a plurality of slit-shaped first ventilation holes 55 and rows 58 of second ventilation holes 56 are alternately arranged in the arrangement direction Dp. Therefore, the plurality of first ventilation ports 55 and the plurality of second ventilation ports 56 form a row 59 of the first ventilation ports 55 and the second ventilation ports 56 aligned in the arrangement direction Dp.

The first ventilation openings 55 are arranged at both ends of a row 59 of the first ventilation openings 55 and the second ventilation openings 56 aligned in the arrangement direction Dp. Therefore, the plurality of second ventilation ports 56 are located between two of the plurality of first ventilation ports 55 in the arrangement direction Dp. In addition, in the ventilation member 26 of the first modification of the first embodiment, a second ventilation opening is provided at the end of the row 59 of the first ventilation openings 55 and the second ventilation openings 56 aligned in the arrangement direction Dp. A port 56 may be positioned. In this case, the plurality of first ventilation holes 55 are positioned between two of the plurality of second ventilation holes 56 in the arrangement direction Dp.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the cross-section of each of the second vents 56 is smaller than the cross-section of each of the first vents 55 . Also, the total cross section of the plurality of second ventilation holes 56 included in each of the plurality of rows 58 is smaller than the cross section of one of the plurality of first ventilation holes 55 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , each of the plurality of first vents 55 has an enlarged portion 61 and a straight portion 62 . The enlarged portion 61 and the straight portion 62 are each part of the first vent 55 . The enlarged portion 61 and the straight portion 62 are continuous in the thickness direction from the inner surface 52b of the plate portion 52 toward the outer surface 52c.

The enlarged portion 61 is a portion that opens to the outer surface 52c of the plate portion 52 and whose cross section is enlarged as it approaches the outer surface 52c. In other words, the enlarged portion 61 is a portion whose cross section decreases from the outer surface 52c toward the inner surface 52b. Further, the enlarged portion 61 approaches the adjacent second ventilation port 56 as it approaches the outer surface 52c.

The straight portion 62 opens to the inner surface 52b and is connected to the enlarged portion 61 . The straight portion 62 is a portion having a constant cross-sectional size between the inner surface 52b and the enlarged portion 61 . The cross-sectional size of the straight portion 62 is substantially equal to the cross-sectional size of the enlarged portion 61 at its smallest portion.

The diameter of the largest portion of the enlarged portion 61 is set to 3 to 5 mm, for example. Furthermore, the diameter of the smallest portion of the enlarged portion 61 and the diameter of the straight portion 62 are set to, for example, 50 to 90% of the diameter of the largest portion of the enlarged portion 61 . Note that the size of the first ventilation port 55 is not limited to this example.

Each of the plurality of second vents 56 also has an enlarged portion 65 and a straight portion 66 . The enlarged portion 65 and the straight portion 66 are each part of the second vent 56 . The enlarged portion 65 and the straight portion 66 are continuous in the thickness direction from the inner surface 52b of the plate portion 52 toward the outer surface 52c.

The expanded portion 65 is a portion that opens to the outer surface 52c of the plate portion 52 and whose cross section expands as it approaches the outer surface 52c. In other words, the enlarged portion 65 is a portion whose cross section decreases from the outer surface 52c toward the inner surface 52b. Also, the enlarged portion 65 approaches the adjacent first ventilation port 55 as it approaches the outer surface 52c.

The straight portion 66 opens to the inner surface 52 b and is connected to the enlarged portion 65 . The straight portion 66 is a portion having a constant cross-sectional size between the inner surface 52b and the enlarged portion 65 . The cross-sectional size of the straight portion 66 is approximately equal to the cross-sectional size of the enlarged portion 65 at its smallest portion.

It should be noted that in another modification of the first embodiment, the first vent 55 may have a reduced portion instead of the straight portion 62 . The reduced portion opens to the inner surface 52 b of the plate portion 52 and is connected to the enlarged portion 61 . The reduced portion is a portion whose cross section is reduced as it approaches the enlarged portion 61 . Also, the second vent 56 may have a reduced portion instead of the straight portion 62 . The reduced portion opens to the inner surface 52 b of the plate portion 52 and is connected to the enlarged portion 65 . The reduced portion is a portion whose cross section is reduced as it approaches the expanded portion 65 .

The first ventilation port 55 and the second ventilation port 56 are not limited to these examples. For example, the first vent 55 may have one of an enlarged portion 61, a straight portion 62, and a reduced portion. Similarly, the second vent 56 may have one of an enlarged portion 65, a straight portion 66, and a reduced portion.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary and schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the indoor unit 11 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the indoor unit 11 includes a control device 80 (control unit), a first drive circuit 81, a second drive circuit 82, a third drive circuit 83, a fan motor 84, It has two vane motors 85, 86 and two switching motors 87, 88 and so on. Indoor unit 11 further includes OH radical generation control circuit 89 , generation unit 100 , notification unit 90 , human sensor 91 , water level sensor 92 , oxygen concentration sensor 93 , and receiver 94 .

Control device 80, first drive circuit 81, second drive circuit 82, third drive circuit 83, fan motor 84, wind direction plate motors 85, 86, switching motors 87, 88, OH radical generation control circuit 89, notification The section 90 , the generation unit 100 , the human sensor 91 , the water level sensor 92 , the oxygen concentration sensor 93 and the receiver 94 are accommodated in the housing 21 .

The control device 80 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and flash memory. Note that the control device 80 is not limited to this example.

The controller 80 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 by the processor reading and executing the program from the storage device. The control device 80 is connected to, for example, a first drive circuit 81, a second drive circuit 82, a third drive circuit 83, an OH radical generation control circuit 89, a notification section 90 and a receiver 94. The control device 80 also receives detection results from various sensors such as the human sensor 91, the water level sensor 92, the oxygen concentration sensor 93, and the like.

A first drive circuit 81 is a drive circuit for a fan motor 84 . The fan motor 84 rotates the fan 23 around the rotation axis Axf. The control device 80 controls the first drive circuit 81 to control the forward rotation of the fan motor 84 and the fan 23 (control to release air from the air outlet 33) or reverse control (to control the rotation of air generated inside the indoor unit 11). control for supplying hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) generated in the unit 100).

A second drive circuit 82 is a drive circuit for two wind vane motors 85 and 86 . The wind direction plate motors 85 and 86 rotate the corresponding wind direction plate 25 around the rotation axis Axl. In this embodiment, the wind direction plate motor 85 rotates the wind direction plate 25A around the rotation axis Axl of the wind direction plate 25A. The wind direction plate motor 86 rotates the wind direction plate 25B around the rotation axis Axl of the wind direction plate 25B. By controlling the second drive circuit 82, the control device 80 controls the vane motors 85, 86 and the vanes 25A, 25B.

A third drive circuit 83 is a drive circuit for two switching motors 87 and 88 . The switching motors 87 and 88 rotate the corresponding ventilation member 26 around the rotation axis Axc. In this embodiment, the switching motor 87 rotationally drives the ventilation member 26A around the rotation axis Axc of the ventilation member 26A. The switching motor 88 rotates the ventilation member 26B around the rotation axis Axc of the ventilation member 26B. The control device 80 controls the switching motors 87 and 88 and the ventilation members 26A and 26B by controlling the third drive circuit 83 .

When the OH radical generation control circuit 89 executes sterilization, for example, when an operation signal for selecting the sterilization mode is received in the control device 80, or when a preset sterilization timing has come, Drive the generating unit 100 . That is, a high voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes 100a of the generation unit 100 to generate OH radicals by corona discharge. As described above, the generated OH radicals are soluble in the water supplied through the permeation tube 100b and become hydrogen peroxide.

Further, detection results from various sensors are sequentially input to the control device 80, and the control device 80 reflects the input detection results in each control.

The human sensor 91 is provided on the surface of the housing 21 of the indoor unit 11 at a position facing the room, and detects, for example, the presence or absence of a person in the room where the indoor unit 11 is installed, and the state of the person. The human sensor 91 includes, for example, an infrared camera, a microphone, a temperature sensor, and the like. The control device 80 detects the presence or absence of a person in the room by well-known image analysis processing, for example, using an image captured by a camera. Further, the control device 80 detects whether or not a person in the room is sneezing or coughing, for example, based on the indoor sound collected by the microphone. In this case, it is possible to identify a person who is sneezing, coughing, etc., by combining the analysis result using the image acquired by the camera. Further, the control device 80 may measure the detected human body temperature based on the detection result of the temperature sensor. By detecting the presence or absence of humans, the presence or absence of sneezing or coughing, the presence or absence of fever, etc., using the human detection sensor 91, viruses to be sterilized using OH radicals and virus sources (infected persons) are detected in the room. Existence or non-existence can be detected with high accuracy.

It should be noted that the human sensor 91 can also detect creatures other than humans, such as pets. In this case, for example, deodorization using OH radicals can be performed. The details of the sterilization (or deodorization) treatment for living things such as humans and pets will be described later.

Further, the control device 80 acquires the detection result of the water level in the water supply unit 102 detected by the water level sensor 92 . As described above, in order to generate OH radicals (hydrogen peroxide) in the generation unit 100, it is necessary to supply water M stably. The water level sensor 92 is arranged in the tank of the water supply unit 102 (for example, near the permeation pipe 100b) and the water M stored in the water supply unit 102 (condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 22 or supplied from the water supply tank 102a, The water level of the external water Ma) supplied to the generation unit 100 (presence or absence of water M) is detected. Based on the amount of water M present in the water supply unit 102, the control device 80 can perform operation control of the indoor unit 11, request for water supply to the water supply tank 102a, and the like via the notification unit 90. can. The water level sensor 92 may be arranged in the water supply tank 102a in addition to the generation unit 100. FIG. By providing the water level sensor 92 in the water supply tank 102a, water supply to the water supply tank 102a is promoted before the water M in the generation unit 100 is exhausted, and the problem that the water M cannot be supplied to the generation unit 100 can be avoided.

Further, the oxygen concentration sensor 93 is provided on the surface of the housing 21 of the indoor unit 11 at a position facing the room. The control device 80 acquires the detection result of the oxygen concentration in the room where the indoor unit 11 is installed, which is detected by the oxygen concentration sensor 93 . One way to reduce the risk of virus infection is to avoid crowded conditions, so-called "crowding", and to frequently ventilate. By detecting the oxygen concentration in the room with the oxygen concentration sensor 93, the control device 80 detects whether the room is in a "dense" state, that is, whether many people are present in the room and consume oxygen. To detect. When the oxygen concentration in the room falls below the lower limit of the oxygen concentration set in advance, the control device 80 considers the room to be in a “dense” state, and issues an audio warning (announcement) from the speaker included in the notification unit 90. ). Further, the control device 80 may use a display device provided on the surface of the housing 21 of the indoor unit 11 to turn on a warning light or display a warning message. The content of the warning is a message indicating that the space is "closed", a message urging ventilation, or the like. In this way, the control device 80 performs notification (warning) control, which contributes to reducing the risk of viral infection in addition to sterilization by the hydrogen peroxide (OH radical) generated by the generation unit 100. be able to. In addition, when the oxygen concentration returns to the predetermined value or higher, the notification (warning) is canceled. In this case, the operation of the indoor unit 11 may be returned to normal operation (non-sterilization operation), or the sterilization operation may be continued.

In another embodiment, instead of the oxygen concentration sensor 93, a sensor that detects the concentration of carbon dioxide may be provided. effect can be obtained. Note that the oxygen concentration sensor 93 and the carbon dioxide concentration sensor may also be referred to as ventilation sensors.

As described above, the reporting unit 90 may output messages related to “denseness” and “ventilation” as well as messages urging “water supply” based on the detection result of the water level sensor 92 .

The receiving device 94 receives radio signals such as electromagnetic waves or infrared rays from the remote controller 94a, for example. The control device 80 acquires the instruction signal from the remote controller 94 a from the receiving device 94 . Note that the control device 80 outputs a message having the same content as the content of the notification (warning) output to the notification unit 90, and a terminal (for example, a smartphone or the like) carried by the user of the remote controller 94a or the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11). to notify (warn) the user.

An example of the air blowing operation of the indoor unit 11 will be described below. Note that the operation of the indoor unit 11 is not limited to the following examples. The indoor unit 11 of this embodiment can be operated in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the indoor unit 11 supplies wind closer to the natural wind into the room. In the second mode, the indoor unit 11 supplies air to the room that tends to make the user feel cold or warm. The indoor unit 11 can be operated in the first mode and the second mode during both the cooling operation and the heating operation.

In the first mode, the control device 80 controls the second drive circuit 82 to place the wind direction vanes 25A and 25B at the first open position Po1. Furthermore, the control device 80 controls the third drive circuit 83 to arrange the ventilation members 26A and 26B at the second closed position Pc2.

For example, the control device 80 controls the second drive circuit 82 to rotate the wind direction vanes 25A and 25B around the rotation axis Axl. As a result, the wind direction plates 25A and 25B move to the first open position Po1 to open the outlet 33. As shown in FIG.

The control device 80 arranges the airflow direction plates 25A, 25B such that the size of the flow paths C1, C2 in the Z direction is longer than the length of the plate portion 52 of the ventilation member 26 in the arrangement direction Dp. For example, the control device 80 arranges the wind direction plates 25A and 25B such that the direction plates 25A and 25B extend substantially downward. In this state, the control device 80 drives the third drive circuit 83 to rotate the ventilation members 26A and 26B around the rotation axis Axc. As a result, the ventilation members 26A and 26B move to the second closed position Pc2. Since the size of the flow paths C1 and C2 in the Z direction is longer than the length of the plate portion 52 in the arrangement direction Dp, the ventilation member 26 is prevented from interfering with the airflow direction plate 25 .

The control device 80 further controls the second drive circuit 82 to bring the wind direction plates 25A and 25B closer to the tips 52a of the plate portions 52 of the ventilation members 26A and 26B. As a result, the gaps between the ventilation members 26A, 26B and the wind direction plates 25A, 25B are narrowed, and the ventilation members 26A, 26B cover most of the flow paths C1, C2.

Further, the control device 80 controls the first drive circuit 81 to cause the fan 23 to blow air from the suction port 32 to the blowout port 33 . The fan 23 may start blowing air after the ventilation member 26 moves to the second closed position Pc2, or the ventilation member 26 may move to the second closed position Pc2 while the fan 23 is blowing air. You may

The wind sent by the fan 23 passes through the ventilation passage 31 and reaches the outlet 33 . The outlet 33 is covered with the ventilation member 26 positioned at the second closed position Pc2. Therefore, the air blown by the fan 23 is discharged to the outside of the indoor unit 11 through the first ventilation port 55 and the second ventilation port 56 of the ventilation member 26 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , part of the wind sent by the fan 23 is discharged to the outside of the indoor unit 11 from the first ventilation port 55 as the first wind W1. The cross section of the first ventilation port 55 is set larger than the cross section of the second ventilation port 56 . Therefore, the flow velocity of the first wind W1 becomes relatively slow. In this embodiment, the first wind W1 is discharged to the outside of the indoor unit 11 as a laminar flow.

On the other hand, another part of the wind sent by the fan 23 is discharged to the outside of the indoor unit 11 from the second ventilation port 56 as the second wind W2. The cross section of the second ventilation port 56 is set smaller than the cross section of the first ventilation port 55 . Therefore, the flow velocity of the second wind W2 becomes relatively fast. In the present embodiment, the second wind W2 is released to the outside of the indoor unit 11 as a laminar flow, and then transitions to a turbulent flow. The second wind W2 transitions to turbulence more easily than the first wind W1. The second wind W2 may be discharged to the outside of the indoor unit 11 as a turbulent flow.

For example, the second wind W2 is a jet stream blown out from the second ventilation port 56 . The jet stream has a high flow velocity and entrains the surrounding air to stir the air inside the jet stream. In addition, the jet stream tends to become turbulent and generate vortices.

The first vents 55 and the second vents 56 are arranged alternately and adjacent to each other. Therefore, the first wind W1 emitted from the first ventilation port 55 and the second wind W2 emitted from the second ventilation port 56 flow side by side.

The second wind W2 draws in the first wind W1 because of its high flow velocity. Thereby, the first wind W1 hits the second wind W2. In addition, the second wind W2 that has transitioned to a turbulent flow is diffused and hits the first wind W1 that flows adjacent to the second wind W2. Thus, the first wind W1 and the second wind W2 having different flow velocities and states (laminar flow or turbulent flow) blow side by side and hit each other. That is, the first wind W1 that has passed through the first ventilation port 55 and the second wind W2 that has passed through the second ventilation port 56 interfere with each other.

Furthermore, the first vent 55 has an enlarged portion 61 . Therefore, part of the first wind W1 emitted from the first ventilation port 55 is directed toward the second wind W2 emitted from the second ventilation port 56 adjacent to the first ventilation port 55. flow. This makes it easier for the first wind W1 to hit the second wind W2.

Similarly, second vent 56 has an enlarged portion 65 . Therefore, part of the second wind W2 emitted from the second ventilation port 56 is directed toward the first wind W1 emitted from the first ventilation port 55 adjacent to the second ventilation port 56. flow. This makes it easier for the second wind W2 to hit the first wind W1.

When the first wind W1 and the second wind W2 hit each other, for example, the clusters of the first wind W1 and the second wind W2 are broken, and the turbulent second wind W2 becomes the first wind. Carried by wind W1. The 1st wind W1 and the 2nd wind W2 produce such various interactions, and generate the turbulent flow Ws which diffuses widely. The turbulent flow Ws is closer to the natural wind (so-called calm wind) than the wind immediately after being discharged from the outlet 33 .

In general, turbulent flow progresses in one direction macroscopically, but microscopically, the motion directions of fine particles of the fluid in the turbulent flow become disordered, resulting in greater energy loss than laminar flow. For this reason, turbulent wind tends to attenuate and disappears into the atmosphere in a shorter distance than laminar wind. However, the turbulent flow Ws generated in the first mode is more difficult to attenuate than simple turbulent flow because, for example, the laminar first wind W1 propels the turbulent second wind W2. For this reason, the turbulent flow Ws tends to reach a farther distance from the indoor unit 11 than, for example, the second wind W2 alone that transitions to turbulent flow.

On the other hand, in the second mode, the control device 80 controls the second drive circuit 82 to place the wind direction vanes 25A and 25B at the first open position Po1. Furthermore, the control device 80 controls the third drive circuit 83 to arrange the ventilation members 26A and 26B at the second open position Po2.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, in an initial state in which the air conditioner 10 is not in operation, the ventilation member 26 is arranged at the second open position Po2. Therefore, when the air conditioner 10 starts operating in the second mode from the initial state, the control device 80 keeps the ventilation member 26 at the second open position Po2.

Further, the control device 80 controls the first drive circuit 81 to cause the fan 23 to blow air from the suction port 32 to the blowout port 33 . The wind sent by the fan 23 passes through the ventilation path 31 and is discharged to the outside of the indoor unit 11 from the outlet 33 . Since the ventilation member 26 is positioned at the second open position Po2, the air sent by the fan 23 does not pass through the first ventilation port 55 and the second ventilation port 56, and flows from the air outlet 33 to the indoor unit 11. Directly released to the outside. Note that part of the air blown by the fan 23 may pass through the first ventilation port 55 or the second ventilation port 56 .

The wind discharged from the outlet 33 in the second mode has a narrower flow range and a faster flow velocity than the turbulent flow Ws generated in the first mode. When the wind hits the user, the user tends to feel colder or warmer. For example, the wind has a high velocity and hits the user locally, thereby making the user feel colder or warmer. On the other hand, if the wind hits the user, the user may feel uncomfortable.

The turbulent flow Ws generated in the first mode is closer to natural wind than the wind emitted from the outlet 33 in the second mode. In general, users are less likely to feel discomfort from winds that are close to natural winds. Therefore, in the first mode, the air conditioner 10 generates a turbulent flow Ws that makes it difficult for the user to feel uncomfortable, and in the second mode, blows air that makes the user feel cold or warm.

The controller 80 can switch operation between a first mode and a second mode. For example, the control device 80 switches between the first mode and the second mode based on an instruction signal from the remote controller 89a. The control device 80 is not limited to this example, and the control device 80 switches between the first mode and the second mode based on various conditions such as the number of users in the room, their positions or characteristics, the temperature in the room, and the time of day. can be switched automatically.

FIG. 7 shows the flow of the wind W (laminar flow) when the indoor unit 11 is driven in the above-described second mode and the person H seated on the chair C at a predetermined distance, for example, 2 m from the indoor unit 11. However, it is a schematic diagram showing an example of the flight state of droplets when coughing. On the other hand, FIG. 8 shows the flow of the wind (turbulent flow Ws) when the indoor unit 11 is driven in the above-described first mode and the seated on the chair C at a predetermined distance, for example, 2 m from the indoor unit 11. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a flying state of droplets when a person H coughs.

As shown in FIG. 7, when laminar wind (wind with a narrow flow range and high velocity) hits the human H in the second mode, the droplets S discharged from the human H are caused by the laminar wind W , is more likely to be diffused behind the person H. In such a case, even if the hydrogen peroxide (OH radical) generated by the generation unit 100 is put in a laminar flow and discharged into the room, it may not be possible to sufficiently eliminate the virus that has spread. In addition, when hydrogen peroxide is blown by laminar wind with a high flow velocity, the hydrogen peroxide tends to dry during the flight. In other words, it is easy to return to OH radicals and easily disappear before the virus is sterilized.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, in the first mode, when the turbulent flow Ws (the wind that is easily attenuated and easily assimilated into the atmosphere and disappears in a shorter distance than the laminar wind) hits the human H, the turbulent The current Ws is less likely to diffuse or move backward the droplets S discharged from the person H like a laminar wind. In such a case, the hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) generated by the generating unit 100 can be transported, for example, so as to rain down on the surroundings of the human being H. In other words, it is possible to effectively eliminate viruses. In addition, since the flow velocity is easily attenuated, it becomes difficult for the hydrogen peroxide to dry during flight, making it possible to extend the life of the hydrogen peroxide. can be done for a longer time than

As described above, when the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) of the present embodiment performs the sterilization operation, basically, the ventilation member 26 is positioned at the closed position Pc2, and the wind generated by the fan 23 is By sending out as a turbulent flow Ws and carrying the hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) generated by the generating unit 100, it is possible to prolong the life of the OH radicals and perform effective sterilization.

For example, the control device 80 detects the person H who is sneezing or coughing and detects the position based on the detection result obtained through the human sensor 91 . The control device 80 positions the ventilation members 26A and 26B at the closed position Pc2 via the third drive circuit 83, controls the wind direction plates 25A and 25B via the second drive circuit 82, and controls the generation unit. The hydrogen peroxide (OH radical) generated by 100 reaches the detected person H by the wind generated by the fan 23 on the turbulent flow Ws. Also, at this time, by controlling the left and right wind direction plates together, it is possible to more accurately deliver the turbulent flow Ws to a position where many viruses to be sterilized are likely to exist. By using such a turbulent flow Ws (no wind) to release hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) as shown in FIG. 8, effective sterilization can be performed. It is desirable that this sterilization process be performed for a certain period of time using an internal timer or the like included in the control device 80. FIG. Also, the sterilization process may be performed continuously for a period of time requested by the user or the like using the remote controller 94a.

When the human sensor 91 detects the position of the human being H in the room, the strength of the fan 23 and the angle of the opening position of the wind direction plate 25 are adjusted to remove the hydrogen peroxide (OH radical) generated by the generation unit 100. You may adjust the position which the turbulent flow Ws put on reaches. Further, when the detected human H is far from the indoor unit 11 by a predetermined distance or more, that is, when it exists outside the reachable range of the turbulent flow Ws, hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) is blown in the second mode (normal ventilation mode). You may make it reach. In other words, the first mode in which the air sent by the fan 23 passes through the ventilation member 26 and the second mode in which the air does not pass through the ventilation member 26 may be switched according to the position of the sterilization target. In this case, since the life of hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) may be shortened, the generation efficiency of hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) in the generation unit 100 is increased to generate more hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals). It may be released.

Also, as is well known, OH radicals exert a deodorizing effect against various odors. Therefore, for example, the remote controller 94a stores the position of the pet toilet installed indoors and the position where the pet frequently visits, and the hydrogen peroxide generated by the generating unit 100 ( OH radicals) are carried by the wind generated by the fan 23 on the turbulent flow Ws, and deodorizing treatment can be performed periodically, for example. Also, the position of the pet may be detected using the human sensor 91 . In addition, when the position of the pet is not detected or cannot be detected, the air deflector 25 and the left and right air deflectors are continuously driven, and the turbulent flow Ws carries hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) throughout the room (wide range) and extinguishes it. You may make it perform an odor processing.

In addition, based on the detection result of the human sensor 91, if the body temperature of the human H present in the room is, for example, 37.5° C. or higher, the control device 80 causes the turbulent flow Ws to reach the target human H. , sterilization treatment with hydrogen peroxide (OH radical) may be performed for a certain period of time. Also, at this time, the control device 80 may provide a message or the like via the notification unit 90 indicating that the body temperature is higher than the average temperature and caution is required. At the same time, ventilation or the like may be encouraged. As a result, in addition to sterilization, it is possible to contribute to calling attention to people suspected of being infected with the virus, reducing the risk of infection to other people in the same room, and the like.

Further, the control device 80 may perform schedule control so that the sterilization operation is performed periodically. For example, the generation unit 100, the wind direction plate 25, and the left and right direction plates are moved every hour so that the wind generated by the fan 23 reaches as a turbulent flow Ws, and the entire room is disinfected. good.

Note that when performing the sterilization process for the entire room, for example, based on the detection result of the human sensor 91, the control device 80 confirms that there is no human H in the room (for example, when the person H is absent for one hour or longer). case) may be automatically performed.

Further, the control device 80 detects, for example, based on the detection result of the water level sensor 92 that the water M (external water Ma) in the water supply unit 102 (water supply tank 102a) is insufficient (below a predetermined lower limit). ) can be detected, if the room is unoccupied, cooling operation is temporarily performed even in winter, etc., condensed water is generated, and hydrogen peroxide (OH radical) can be stably generated. . If the room is dry and condensed water is not generated even if the cooling operation is performed, the sterilization operation is stopped and the notifying unit 90 notifies the user to supply water. Also, when the cooling operation is performed in winter or the like, even if a person H or the like can be confirmed in the room, the cooling operation may be performed by notifying in advance that the cooling operation will be temporarily performed for sterilization.

By the way, OH radicals have an effect of suppressing static electricity, suppressing dryness of hair, tightening of cuticles, and the like. In other words, the indoor unit 11 can be used in the "hair care mode" by blowing air containing hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) to the hair. In this case, it is possible to make the hair easily manageable and easy to style. In addition, by using a turbulent flow Ws (no wind) in the hair care mode, it is possible to apply hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) to a wide range of the user's head, and to prevent dryness of the eyes. It is possible to reduce discomfort such as being hit by a strong wind, and to perform good hair care.

Thus, in the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) of the present embodiment, the wind sent by the fan 23 is converted into the turbulent flow Ws of the first mode (so-called calm wind) passing through the ventilation member 26. The hydrogen peroxide (OH radical) generated by the generating unit 100 is released into the room. As a result, efficient sterilization can be achieved using a substance (for example, hydrogen peroxide (OH radical), etc.) that can be expected to have a sterilizing effect while suppressing the spread of viruses and the like in the room.

Note that the control device 80 may perform disinfection cleaning inside the indoor unit 11 (air conditioner 10). As described above, for example, when the fan 23 rotates in the forward direction, indoor air enters the housing 21 through the suction port 32 . As a result, if a virus exists around the suction port 32 , the virus may enter the inside of the housing 21 . In addition, since the water M stored in the water supply unit 102 and the like exists in the housing 21, mold and the like may occur in the air passage 31 and the like. In such a case, the control device 80 operates the fan 23 in the reverse direction to suck air from the blowout port 33 side and carry the hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) generated by the generation unit 100 to the suction port 32 side. , disinfects and cleans the inside of the housing 21 (ventilation path 31). This sterilization cleaning process may be performed automatically on a regular basis, or may be appropriately performed according to the user's request.

(Second embodiment)
9 to 11 are exemplary and schematic diagrams showing the structure of the second embodiment of the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11).

The configuration of the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) shown in FIG. 9 is basically the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. It differs in that it is arranged only on the channel C1 side of the two channels C1 and C2. 3 and 9, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The ventilation member 26 arranged in the flow path C1 of the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) according to the second embodiment is a part in which only a plurality of second ventilation holes 56 are arranged, as shown in FIG. be. The ventilation member 26 in which only the second ventilation holes 56 are arranged is called a ventilation member 26C. That is, the ventilation member 26C does not have the first ventilation holes 55 that exist in the ventilation members 26A and 26B. Like the ventilation member 26A and the ventilation member 26B, the ventilation member 26C is supported by the shaft portion 51, the switching motor is controlled by the third drive circuit 83, and the second closed position Pc2 and the second open position Po2 are selected. can be moved between Then, when the movement is to the second closed position Pc2, as shown in FIG. Change. Therefore, the first wind W1 (laminar flow) is not formed in the ventilation member 26C.

On the other hand, the ventilation member 26C is not provided at the outlet 33 that forms the flow path C2. That is, the wind discharged from the flow path C2 becomes the first wind W1a (laminar flow) that does not pass through the ventilation member 26C (the second ventilation port 56). As a result, the wind (second wind W2a) passing through the ventilation member 26C (the second ventilation port 56) provided in the flow path C1 and the flow path in which the ventilation member 26C (the second ventilation port 56) is not provided The wind (first wind W1a) that has passed through C2 is formed adjacently. In this case, as described with respect to the ventilation member 26A (ventilation member 26B) shown in the first embodiment, the second wind W2a has a high flow velocity and therefore draws in the first wind W1a. Thereby, the first wind W1a hits the second wind W2a. Further, the second wind W2a that has transitioned to turbulent flow is diffused and hits the first wind W1a that flows adjacent to the second wind W2a. Thus, the first wind W1a and the second wind W2a having different flow velocities and states (laminar flow or turbulent flow) blow side by side and hit each other. That is, the first wind W1a that does not pass through the ventilation member 26C (the second ventilation port 56) and the second wind W2a that has passed through the ventilation member 26C (the second ventilation port 56) interfere with each other.

When the first wind W1a and the second wind W2a hit each other, for example, clumps of the first wind W1a and the second wind W2a are broken, and the turbulent second wind W2a becomes the first wind. Carried by the wind W1a. The 1st wind W1a and the 2nd wind W2a produce such various interactions, and generate the turbulent flow Ws which diffuses widely. As a result, the turbulent flow Ws emitted from the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) in the second embodiment is emitted from the outlet 33 as in the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) in the first embodiment. The state is closer to the natural wind (so-called calm wind) than the wind immediately after being released. In this case, the ventilation member 26C needs to be formed only in one of the two flow paths C1 and C2, so that the number of parts can be reduced, the configuration of the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) can be simplified, and the cost can be reduced. can contribute. In addition, the ventilation member 26C has a simple structure including only the second ventilation holes 56, which contributes to cost reduction and strength improvement of the ventilation member 26C.

In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the ventilation member 26 includes at least one of the outlets 33 opened by the airflow direction plate 25 positioned at the first open position Po1. It can be placed in a second closed position Pc2 covering the part. Then, at the second closed position Pc2, the air blown by the fan 23 passes through the second ventilation port 56 and is discharged to the outside through the first blow-out passage, In addition, a second blowout channel can be formed adjacent to the first blowout channel and discharged to the outside. As described above, the flow velocity of the wind passing through the second ventilation port 56 and the flow speed of the wind not passing through the second ventilation port 56 are different from each other. Since the winds with different flow velocities are lined up, the first wind and the second wind may flow outside the air conditioner 10 due to various factors such as the difference in flow velocity and the difference in the ease of transition to turbulence. They hit each other and generate a turbulent flow Ws that spreads over a wide area. The turbulent flow Ws is closer to natural wind (no wind) than the wind emitted from the outlet 33 without passing through the second ventilation port 56 . Therefore, the air-conditioning apparatus 10 of the present embodiment makes it possible to make the wind blowing on the user closer to the natural wind, thereby reducing the user's discomfort. Then, the hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) generated by the generating unit 100 is carried by the discharged wind that is close to the natural wind (no wind feeling). As a result, it is possible to efficiently eliminate bacteria by using hydrogen peroxide and OH radicals, which are expected to have a bactericidal action, while suppressing the spread of viruses and the like in the room.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the water supply unit 102 may be a drain pan that stores condensed water obtained from the heat exchanger 22 during heat exchange. When the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) is in cooling operation, the condensed water generated by heat exchange is stored and used when generating hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) in the generating unit 100. FIG. As a result, it is possible to stably generate hydrogen peroxide (OH radical) without receiving water supply from the outside, and to effectively perform sterilization treatment in the room.

Further, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the water supply unit 102 may be a water supply tank 102 a that receives external water from the outside of the housing 21 . In this case, water M can be supplied to the water supply unit 102 even when the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) is operated in a mode other than the cooling mode, that is, even when the heat exchanger 22 does not generate condensed water. As a result, it is possible to stably generate hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) in the generation unit 100 even during heating operation, air blowing operation, etc., other than cooling operation, and to effectively perform sterilization treatment in the room. .

Further, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 10 (indoor unit 11) includes a detection sensor (human A sensitive sensor 91) may be provided. Then, the control device 80 may control the operation states of the fan 23, the generation unit 100, the wind direction plate 25, and the ventilation member 26 based on the detection result of the detection sensor (human sensor 91). In other words, it is possible to carry the hydrogen peroxide (OH radical) generated by the generation unit 100 to the detected organism (for example, human H) by the calm wind, and to effectively perform the sterilization process.

Further, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the control device 80 of the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 11) controls the flow of the air sent by the fan 23 through the second ventilation port 56. It may be possible to switch between the mode and a second mode that does not pass through the second vent 56 . Adjustment of the flying range of hydrogen peroxide (OH radicals) generated in the generation unit 100 by enabling switching between a ventilation mode that passes through the second ventilation port 56 and a ventilation mode that does not pass through the second ventilation port 56 becomes easier, and it becomes possible to carry out efficient and effective sterilization treatment.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, for example, the explanation was given assuming the air conditioner 10 for housing, but the configuration of the present embodiment can be similarly applied to various air conditioners 10. is. For example, the configuration of the present embodiment can be applied to commercial air conditioners and air conditioners installed in vehicles, aircraft, ships, etc., and similar effects can be obtained.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The above embodiments are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Air conditioner, 11... Indoor unit, 21... Housing, 22... Heat exchanger, 23... Fan, 25, 25A, 25B... Wind direction plate, 26, 26A, 26B, 26C... Ventilation member, 31... Ventilation path , 32... Suction port, 33... Blowout port, 55... First ventilation port, 56... Second ventilation port, 80... Control device, 89... OH radical generation control circuit, 90... Reporting unit, 91... Human sensor , 92... Water level sensor, 93... Oxygen concentration sensor, 100... Generation unit, 102... Water supply unit, 102a... Water supply tank.

Claims (6)

a housing provided with an internal ventilation path, an intake port that communicates the ventilation path with the outside, and an outlet that communicates the ventilation path with the outside;
a heat exchanger provided in the air passage;
a fan provided in the air passage for blowing air from the inlet to the outlet;
at least one wind direction plate movable between a first closed position covering at least part of the air outlet and a first open position opening at least part of the air outlet;
an inner surface that can be arranged at a second closed position covering at least a portion of the outlet opened by the wind direction plate positioned at the first open position, and facing the air passage in the second closed position; and an outer surface facing outward in the second closed position, and at least one air vent opening to the inner surface and the outer surface and being fed by the fan in the second closed position. A first blowout flow path through which air is discharged to the outside through the ventilation opening, and a second blowout flow path through which the wind is discharged outside adjacent to the first blowout flow path without passing through the ventilation opening. at least one ventilation member capable of forming a
a generation unit provided between the fan and the ventilation member for generating ions having a sterilizing action or fine water droplets containing the ions;
a water supply unit that supplies water to the generation unit;
a control unit that controls operating states of the fan, the generating unit, the wind direction plate, and the ventilation member;
An air conditioner comprising The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit releases OH radicals or hydrogen peroxide. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water supply unit is a drain pan that stores condensed water obtained from the heat exchanger during heat exchange. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water supply unit is a water supply tank that receives external water from the outside of the housing. Further comprising a detection sensor that detects living things present in the room where the housing is installed,
5. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit controls operating states of the fan, the generation unit, the wind direction plate, and the ventilation member based on the detection result of the detection sensor. air conditioner. 6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is capable of switching between a first mode in which air blown by the fan passes through the ventilation opening and a second mode in which the air does not pass through the ventilation opening. The air conditioner according to any one of items 1 and 2.

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