JP4133538B2 - Ion generator and air conditioner using the same - Google Patents

Description

以上のメカニズムにより、上記正負イオンの放出により、浮遊菌等の不活化効果を得ることができる。
【００３９】
また、上記式（１）〜式（３）は、空気中の有害物質表面でも同様の作用を生じさせることができるため、活性種である過酸化水素（Ｈ₂Ｏ₂）または水酸基ラジカル（・ＯＨ）が、有害物質を酸化若しくは分解して、ホルムアルデヒドやアンモニアなどの化学物質を、二酸化炭素や、水、窒素などの無害な物質に変換することにより、実質的に無害化することが可能である。
【００４０】
したがって、ファンモータ２５を駆動して送風ファンを回すことにより、イオン発生素子２３によって発生させた正イオンと負イオンを本体外に送り出することができる。そして、これらの正イオンと負イオンの作用により空気中のカビや菌を不活化し、その増殖を抑制することができる。
【００４１】
その他、正イオンと負イオンには、コクサッキーウィルス、ポリオウィルス、などのウィルス類も不活化する働きがあり、これらウィルスの混入による汚染が防止できる。
【００４２】
また、正イオンと負イオンには、臭いの元となる分子を分解する働きがあることも確かめられており、空間の脱臭にも利用できる。
【００４３】
次に、図４のイオン発生装置２３の動作について説明する。
図８は、リレーＲＹＢがオフ状態におけるイオン発生装置の動作を説明するための動作波形図である。
【００４４】
図４、図８を参照して、リレーＲＹＢがオフ状態である場合には、正イオンおよび負イオンがほぼ同量発生し、浮遊する細菌を殺菌する効果が大きいモードである。このモードを、本明細書では、プラズマクラスタ発生モードと称する。
【００４５】
ノードＡＣ１には交流電源電圧１００Ｖが印加される。ノードＮ１では、抵抗Ｒ２およびダイオードＤ１を介してキャパシタＣ１に電荷が溜まることによりノードＮ１の電圧が上昇する。これに合わせてノードＮ２の電圧も上昇する。
【００４６】
時刻ｔ１において、ノードＮ２の電圧がサイダックＳＤのブレークオーバー電圧を超えると、サイダックＳＤが導通状態となり、キャパシタＣ１に溜まった電荷がトランスＴ１の１次側コイルＬ１を急激に流れる。
【００４７】
１次側コイルＬ１に電流が流れると、２次側コイルＬ２のインダクタンスと電極の容量で決まる共振周波数でノードＮ５、ノードＮ６が減衰振動をする。トランスの昇圧によって、２次側コイルＬ２の両端には強電界が発生し、電極パネル５６の放電電極１１３において放電が発生する。
【００４８】
ダイオードＤ１に電流が流れサイダックＳＤのブレークオーバー電圧を超えることによりキャパシタＣ１の電荷が放出されることが、時刻ｔ４までの間に繰返し発生する。図８では、時刻ｔ１および時刻ｔ３においてサイダックＳＤのブレークオーバーが起こっている。なお、時刻ｔ４〜ｔ５では、ダイオードＤ１の電圧が逆方向となるため、コイルＬ１には、電流が流れず、したがって電極パネル５６においても放電は発生しない。
【００４９】
この放電の周期は、抵抗Ｒ２およびキャパシタＣ１の時定数とサイダックＳＤのブレークオーバー電圧によって周期が定まり、ノードＡＣ１が電位が正となっている間におよそ２回ずつサイダックＳＤのブレークオーバーが発生する状態を図８に示している。
【００５０】
図９は、図８の時刻ｔ１〜ｔ２を拡大して示した波形図である。
図９を参照して、ノードＮ５とノードＮ６とは接地電位である０Ｖを中心に電圧が振れる。また、ノードＮ５とノードＮ６の電位はお互いに逆相となっている。このため、電極部の平均電圧はアース電位すなわち０Ｖとなり、電極パネルに当てられる風により正イオンと負イオンとがほぼ同数浴室の空気中に放出される。正負のイオンが同時に発生すると、これらの結合時の化学反応によって活性種である過酸化水素Ｈ₂Ｏ₂またはラジカル・ＯＨが生成する。このＨ₂Ｏ₂またはラジカル・ＯＨは、極めて強力な活性を示すので、これにより空気中の浮遊菌を除去することができる。
【００５１】
図１０は、リレーＲＹＢをオン状態としたときのイオン発生装置の動作を説明するための動作波形図である。
【００５２】
図４、図１０を参照して、リレーＲＹＢがオン状態では、負イオンが多く発生するモードとなる。このモードを本明細書では、マイナスイオン発生モードと呼ぶこととする。ノードＡＣ１，Ｎ１，Ｎ２の波形については、図８の場合と同様であるので説明は繰返さない。
【００５３】
時刻ｔ１１においては、図８で説明した場合と同様にサイダックＳＤにブレークオーバーが発生し、コイルＬ１に電流が流れ、２次側のコイルＬ２に電圧が発生される。ノードＮ５、ノードＮ６には、トランスＴ１の２次側のインダクタンスと電極の容量で決まる共振周波数で減衰振動が発生する。
【００５４】
トランスの２次側は昇圧されており、強電界が発生し、電極パネル５６において放電が発生する。ただし、図８の場合と異なり、ノードＮ５が抵抗Ｒ１とダイオードＤ４とを介して接地電位に結合されているので、ノードＮ５の電位が接地電位すなわち０Ｖよりも高い電圧になると、抵抗Ｒ１を介してアースに電流が流れる。このため、図８で示した場合のノードＮ５の接地電位を超えた部分がクランプされ、その結果、減衰振動中はトランスの２次側のノードＮ５，Ｎ６のＤＣレベルが負電位となる。
【００５５】
図１１は、図１０の時刻ｔ１１〜ｔ１２を拡大した動作波形図である。
図１１では、０Ｖを超えた場合にノードＮ５の電位がクランプされる。このため、減衰振動の中心となるＤＣレベルは、負の電位となる。
【００５６】
このため、放電電極の平均電圧はマイナスとなり、放電で発生した正イオンは電極に引きつけられる。逆に、負イオンは電極と反発する。したがって正イオンよりも多い数の負イオンが、風により浴室の空気中に放出される。したがって、浴室内は負イオンが多い状態になり、人体をリラックスさせることができる。
【００５７】
図１２は、本発明の主たる効果を説明するための検討例の回路図である。
図１２を参照して、図４における抵抗Ｒ１が存在していない場合のイオン発生装置５２３について検討する。この場合においてもリレーＲＹＢをオフ状態にすれば電極パネル５６の放電電極のＤＣレベルがほぼ０ボルトとなり正イオンと負イオンはほぼ同数発生する。一方、リレーＲＹＢをオン状態とすると、図１０、図１１で説明した場合と同様に電極パネル５６の電極のＤＣレベルが負電位となるので、負イオンの方が多く発生する。
【００５８】
図１３は、検討例の電源への接続が入れ違えられた場合を示す回路図である。
図１３で示すように、本来接地側に接続されるべきノードＡＣ２が空調装置のイオン発生装置５２３から配電盤２０内のブレーカＣＢに接続する際に、配線が入換えて接続されてしまう場合も考えられる。家庭の交流ＡＣ１００Ｖは、２線のうち、どちらが電圧側でどちらが接地側か注意をしていないとわかりにくい場合が多いからである。
【００５９】
ノードＡＣ２が接地ノードではなく交流電源の電圧側に接続されていても、図１１のＤＣレベルが多少変動するだけであり、負イオンの発生は可能である。これは、図４のノードＮ５、Ｎ６間に発生する電圧が数ｋＶと高いので、このことから、図１１のＤＣレベルは０Ｖに対して十分負電位にシフトするからである。
【００６０】
しかしながら、図１３で示すように配線が入換えて接続されてしまった場合には、万一、結露や水しぶき等により放電電極と筐体７０との間に抵抗の小さい電流経路Ｐが形成されてしまうと、ノードＡＣ２が接地電位に対して負の電位となった瞬間に、接地されている筐体７０からノードＡＣ２を経由して交流電源５０に大きな漏洩電流ＩＬが流れてしまう。
【００６１】
そうすると、ブレーカＣＢによって電源が遮断され、イオン発生装置５２３は動作を停止してしまう。たとえば、イオン発生装置５２３に通風や加熱により結露や水しぶきを除去する手段が設けられていたとしても、ブレーカＣＢが落ちてしまえばこれを働かすこともできない。
【００６２】
図１４は、本発明のイオン発生装置の電源への接続が入れ違えられた場合を示す回路図である。
【００６３】
図１４に示すように、本発明では抵抗Ｒ１を設けてあるので、たとえノードＡＣ１とノードＡＣ２がブレーカＣＢに入違えて接続されてしまったとしても漏洩電流ＩＬ２を小さく抑えることができる。具体的には、抵抗Ｒ１の抵抗値を２２０ｋΩに設定することにより、漏洩電流の値を０．５ｍＡ以下に抑えることができる。この値は、人体が６０Ｈｚの交流電圧に感電した場合に感知できる限界の電流値が１ｍＡであることから、その半分の値である０．５ｍＡ以下になるように設定したものである。
【００６４】
このようにすることにより、結露や水しぶきにより電流経路Ｐが形成されたとしても、ブレーカＣＢを遮断するほどの過大な電流が流れることがなく、人体にとっても危険な感電電流は流れず、人体に感知できるほどの感電電流が流れることもない。したがって、イオン発生装置２３の運転を中断せずに動作を継続させることができる。これにより、通風や加熱などにより水分が除去され電流経路Ｐが消失すれば良好にイオンを発生させることができる。
【００６５】
なお、本発明では、浴室に設置する浴室乾燥機を空調装置の具体例として説明したが、高湿度環境や水しぶきがかかるような過酷な環境において用いられるものであれば、他の空調装置に用いても効果がある。
【００６６】
今回開示された実施の形態はすべての点で例示であって制限的なものではないと考えられるべきである。本発明の範囲は上記した説明ではなくて特許請求の範囲によって示され、特許請求の範囲と均等の意味および範囲内でのすべての変更が含まれることが意図される。
【００６７】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、高湿度による結露や入浴中の水はねなどによっても、装置の運転を中断せずにイオンを発生させることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本発明の空調装置の制御ブロック図である。
【図２】 本発明の空調装置の主要部の斜視図である。
【図３】 空調装置の浴室への取付状態を示す模式図である。
【図４】 図１におけるイオン発生装置の構成を示した回路図である。
【図５】 図４における電極パネル５６の平面図である。
【図６】 図５のＶＩ−ＶＩ線おける電極パネル５６の断面図である。
【図７】 図５のＶＩＩ−ＶＩＩ線おける電極パネル５６の断面図である。
【図８】 リレーＲＹＢがオフ状態におけるイオン発生装置の動作を説明するための動作波形図である。
【図９】 図８の時刻ｔ１〜ｔ２を拡大して示した波形図である。
【図１０】 リレーＲＹＢをオン状態としたときのイオン発生装置の動作を説明するための動作波形図である。
【図１１】 図１０の時刻ｔ１１〜ｔ１２を拡大した動作波形図である。
【図１２】 本発明の主たる効果を説明するための検討例の回路図である。
【図１３】 検討例の電源への接続が入れ違えられた場合を示す回路図である。
【図１４】 本発明のイオン発生装置の電源への接続が入れ違えられた場合を示す回路図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 空調装置、４ 本体、６ 吸込口、７ 吹出口、１４ 人体センサ、１９コントローラ、２０ 配電盤、２３ イオン発生装置、２５ ファンモータ、３０ セラミックヒータ、３１ 湿度センサ、３２ 制御部、３３ タイマ、４８ ヒータ、５０ 交流電源、５２ パルス発生回路、５６ 電極パネル、５８モニタ回路、７０ 筐体、１１０ 誘電体基板、１１３ 放電電極、１１４ 誘導電極、１１５ 保護層、１１６，１１７ 電極接点、Ｃ１，Ｃ２ キャパシタ、ＣＢ ブレーカ、Ｄ１〜Ｄ５ ダイオード、Ｌ１〜Ｌ３ コイル、Ｒ１〜Ｒ３ 抵抗素子、ＲＹＢ リレー、ＳＤ サイダック、Ｔ１ トランス。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ion generator for generating ions in the air and an air conditioner including the ion generator.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, due to an increase in mutual income for couples, there is an increasing demand for drying laundry indoors at night and the like. In addition, since the inside of the bathroom is cold in the cold season such as winter, there is an increasing demand for keeping the bathroom before bathing. Conventionally, various bathroom air conditioners for drying, ventilating, or heating the inside of a bathroom have been proposed.
[0003]
Further, there is also known one that has negative ion generating means built in and blows air containing negative ions into the bathroom. Negative ions are said to have the effect of stabilizing the mind and enhancing the function of the respiratory organs.
[0004]
On the other hand, in a hot and humid space such as a bathroom, it is easy to become unsanitary, and there is a problem that molds grow on tiles and ceilings. Therefore, it is conceivable to prevent mold from adhering to the tile or ceiling by simultaneously generating positive ions and negative ions and killing mold spores floating in the air.
[0005]
However, positive ions are said to give stress to humans. For this reason, when positive ions and negative ions are generated, the effect of relaxing humans with negative ions during bathing is reduced.
[0006]
For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose ion generators that switch the operation mode according to the purpose of use. In this device, when you want to get a relaxing effect, set the operation mode to generate a lot of negative ions, and when you want to get sterilization and bactericidal effect, switch to the operation mode that generates almost the same amount of positive ions and negative ions. An ion generator that can perform the above is disclosed.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-100419
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-216933 [0009]
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-319472
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, if you set the mode to generate a lot of negative ions during bathing, and set the mode to generate positive and negative ions after bathing, you can get a relaxing effect during bathing and suppress mold generation before and after bathing. It becomes possible. However, in a situation where the water is hot and humid and splashes such as a shower are scattered like a bathroom, water droplets may adhere to the discharge surface. In addition, since a large amount of steam rises in the bathroom before and after bathing and the moisture is filled, condensation tends to occur on the discharge surface. When the discharge surface gets wet due to water droplets or condensation, problems such as a fault of the ion generator due to electric leakage or short-circuiting, or a breaker of the switchboard dropping and stopping the operation of the device arise.
[0011]
An object of this invention is to provide the ion generator which can generate | occur | produce ion favorably, and an air conditioner provided with the same, without a driving | operation stopping by electrical leakage in a hot and humid environment.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In summary, the present invention is an ion generation device including a pulse generation circuit that receives an AC voltage applied between first and second power supply input nodes and generates a pulse signal. The first resistance element and the first diode connected in series between the power supply input node and the first internal node are connected between the first internal node and the second power supply input node. A capacitor, a second diode connected between the first internal node and the second power input node, and a second diode connected in parallel between the second internal node and the second power input node; The first diode is connected such that the direction from the first power input node toward the first internal node is a forward direction, and the second diode is the second power input. The first from the node And the third diode is connected so that the direction from the second power supply input node to the second internal node is the forward direction, and the first internal node is connected to the first internal node. A transformer for generating a voltage between the third and fourth internal nodes in response to a current flowing from the first to the second internal node, an electrode panel connected between the third and fourth internal nodes for generating ions by discharge, The semiconductor device further includes a second resistance element, a fourth diode, and a switch connected in series between the fourth internal node and the second power supply input node.
[0016]
Preferably, the current limiting means includes a resistance element connected on the path.
More preferably, the resistance element has a resistance value corresponding to a leakage current of 0.5 mA or less.
[0017]
When the other situation of this invention is followed, it is an air conditioner, Comprising: The ion generator which concerns on this invention is included.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to the present invention. Although a bathroom dryer is shown as a specific example of the air conditioner, the present invention is widely applicable to air conditioners in general.
[0021]
Referring to FIG. 1, a control unit 32 composed of a microcomputer is connected to the switchboard 20 and is supplied with power, so that the rotational speed of the fan motor 25, the positions of the dampers 9, 47, the ceramic heater 30, the heater 48, and the ion The energization to the generator 23 is controlled. Therefore, various operation modes are realized by individually controlling these operations based on the operation of the controller 19. Further, the humidity is measured by the humidity sensor 31, the presence of a person in the bathroom is detected by the human body sensor 14, and these pieces of information are transmitted to the control unit 32. The control unit 32 has a built-in timer 33 for measuring time, and the user can switch between an on timer that turns on power at a predetermined time and a turn off timer that turns off the power.
[0022]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the air conditioner of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the air conditioner is attached to the bathroom.
[0023]
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, air conditioner 1 includes a main body 4 mounted inside the opening of the ceiling plate, and a panel 5 attached to the main body 4 so as to be positioned below the ceiling plate. The opening of the ceiling plate is formed so that the panel 5 is positioned on the bathtub 12 inside the bathroom 11. The panel 5 is provided with a human body sensor 14 for detecting the presence of a person. In the center of the panel 5, a suction port 6 and a blower port 7, which are slit-like vent holes having different widths, are formed. The ion generator 23 in FIG. 1 is provided inside the main body 4 and is disposed in the vicinity of the air outlet 7.
[0024]
An inspection hole 15 and a lid 16 are provided in the ceiling plate located above the washing place next to the bathtub 12. A gap 18 serving as a ventilation hole is formed in the door 17. A controller 19 and a switchboard 20 of the air conditioner 1 are arranged on the outer wall surface of the bathroom 11, and the controller 19 and the switchboard 20 are connected to the air conditioner 1 by power lines and control lines. The main body 4 is connected to the exhaust ducts 21 and 22 so that the air in the bathroom 11 sucked in the main body 4 can be exhausted outdoors.
[0025]
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the ion generator in FIG.
Referring to FIG. 4, ion generator 23 has a pulse generation circuit 52 that receives AC voltage AC100V between nodes AC1 and AC2 and generates a pulse signal described later between nodes N1 and N2. , A transformer T1 that generates a voltage between nodes N5 and N6 and between nodes N3 and N4 in response to a current flowing from node N1 to N2, and an electrode panel that is connected between nodes N5 and N6 and generates ions by discharge 56,
Ion generator 23 further includes a resistance element R1, a diode D4, and a relay RYB connected in series between node N5 and node AC2. The relay RYB connects a current path from the node N5 to the node AC2 when a current flows between the monitoring ground terminal M-GND and the terminal RELAY.
[0026]
One of the major features of the present invention is that by providing the resistance element R1, the effects described later with reference to FIGS.
[0027]
Transformer T1 includes a coil L1 connected between nodes N1 and N2, a coil L2 connected between nodes N5 and N6, and a coil L3 connected between nodes N3 and N4. The coil L1 is a primary side coil, and a voltage is induced in the coil L2 and the coil L3 when a current flows through the primary side coil.
[0028]
The electrode panel 56 includes an electrode contact 116 and a discharge electrode 113 having a grid shape.
[0029]
Pulse generation circuit 52 includes resistance element R2 and diode D1 connected in series between nodes AC1 and N1, capacitor C1 connected between nodes N1 and AC2, node N1 and node AC2. And a diode D3 and a Sidac SD connected in parallel between the node N2 and the node AC2.
[0030]
Sidac SD is an element that conducts when the voltage at both ends exceeds a predetermined breakover voltage. This breakover voltage is preferably 80 V, for example.
[0031]
Diode D1 is connected such that the direction from node AC1 toward node N1 is the forward direction. Diode D2 is connected such that the direction from node AC2 toward node N1 is the forward direction. Diode D3 is connected such that the direction from node AC2 toward node N2 is the forward direction.
[0032]
The node N3 of the coil L3 is connected to the monitoring terminal MONITOR, and the node N4 is connected to the monitoring ground terminal M-GND. The monitoring ground terminal is separated from the ground terminal of the AC power supply AC100V. By connecting the monitor circuit 58 between the terminal MONITOR and the terminal M-GND, whether or not the ion generator 23 is operating normally depending on whether or not the voltage range of the node N7 of the monitor circuit 58 is within a predetermined range. It can be determined whether or not.
[0033]
The monitor circuit 58 includes a capacitor C2 and a resistor R3 connected in parallel between the terminal M-GND and the node N7, and a diode D5 connected so that the direction from the monitor terminal MONITOR toward the node N7 is the forward direction. including.
[0034]
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the electrode panel 56 in FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode panel 56 taken along the line VI-VI in FIG.
[0035]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode panel 56 taken along the line VII-VII in FIG.
Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, electrode panel 56 has a grid-like discharge on one surface of dielectric substrate 110 formed by integrating lower plate 111 and upper plate 112 laminated in the thickness direction. An electrode 113 is formed. A planar induction electrode 114 is embedded between the lower plate 111 and the upper plate 112 so as to face the discharge electrode 113. Further, a protective layer made of a dielectric is provided on the discharge electrode 113, and the discharge electrode 113 is covered with the protective layer 115.
[0036]
The discharge electrode 113 is connected to the node N5 by an electrode contact 116 that penetrates the upper plate 112 and the lower plate 111, and is given a potential. In addition, the induction electrode 114 is connected to the node N6 by an electrode contact 117 penetrating the lower plate 111, and given a potential.
[0037]
Here, the principle of removing floating bacteria as well as the principle of ion generation will be described.
By applying a boosted alternating high voltage between the electrodes of the electrode panel, oxygen or moisture in the air is ionized by receiving energy by ionization, and H ₃ O ⁺ (H ₂ O) _n (n is 0 or arbitrary And natural ions) and O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _m (m is 0 or any natural number) are generated, and these are released into the space by a fan or the like. These H ₃ O ⁺ (H ₂ O) _n and O ₂ ⁻ (H ₂ O) _m adhere to the surface of the floating bacteria and chemically react to generate H ₂ O ₂ or .OH as an active species. Since H ₂ O ₂ or .OH exhibits a very strong activity, they can surround and inactivate airborne bacteria in the air. Here, .OH is one kind of active species, and represents radical OH.
[0038]
Positive and negative ions chemically react as shown in the following formulas (1) to (3) on the cell surface of the floating bacteria to form active species such as hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) or hydroxyl radical (.OH). Is generated. Here, in Formula (1)-Formula (3), m, m ', n, and n' are 0 or arbitrary natural numbers. Thereby, floating bacteria are destroyed by the action of decomposing active species. Therefore, airborne bacteria in the air can be inactivated and removed efficiently.

By the above mechanism, the inactivation effect of airborne bacteria can be obtained by the release of the positive and negative ions.
[0039]
In addition, since the above formulas (1) to (3) can produce the same action even on the surface of harmful substances in the air, hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) or hydroxyl radical (. OH) can oxidize or decompose harmful substances and convert chemical substances such as formaldehyde and ammonia into harmless substances such as carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen, thereby making them virtually harmless. is there.
[0040]
Therefore, by driving the fan motor 25 and rotating the blower fan, positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generating element 23 can be sent out of the main body. And by the action of these positive ions and negative ions, it is possible to inactivate mold and fungi in the air and suppress their growth.
[0041]
In addition, positive ions and negative ions have a function to inactivate viruses such as Coxsackie virus and polio virus, and can prevent contamination due to contamination of these viruses.
[0042]
In addition, it has been confirmed that positive ions and negative ions have a function of decomposing molecules that cause odors, and can be used to deodorize spaces.
[0043]
Next, the operation of the ion generator 23 in FIG. 4 will be described.
FIG. 8 is an operation waveform diagram for explaining the operation of the ion generator when the relay RYB is in the OFF state.
[0044]
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 8, when relay RYB is in the off state, almost the same amount of positive ions and negative ions are generated, and this mode has a great effect of sterilizing floating bacteria. This mode is referred to as a plasma cluster generation mode in this specification.
[0045]
An AC power supply voltage of 100 V is applied to the node AC1. At node N1, the voltage at node N1 rises due to the accumulation of charge in capacitor C1 via resistor R2 and diode D1. In accordance with this, the voltage at the node N2 also rises.
[0046]
At time t1, when the voltage at the node N2 exceeds the breakover voltage of the Sidac SD, the Sidac SD becomes conductive, and the charge accumulated in the capacitor C1 flows through the primary coil L1 of the transformer T1 abruptly.
[0047]
When a current flows through the primary coil L1, the nodes N5 and N6 oscillate at a resonance frequency determined by the inductance of the secondary coil L2 and the capacitance of the electrodes. Due to the boosting of the transformer, a strong electric field is generated at both ends of the secondary coil L2, and discharge is generated at the discharge electrode 113 of the electrode panel 56.
[0048]
It is repeatedly generated until time t4 that a current flows through the diode D1 and exceeds the breakover voltage of the Sidac SD, thereby discharging the capacitor C1. In FIG. 8, the breakover of Sidac SD occurs at time t1 and time t3. At times t4 to t5, since the voltage of the diode D1 is in the reverse direction, no current flows through the coil L1, and therefore no discharge occurs in the electrode panel 56.
[0049]
The period of this discharge is determined by the time constant of the resistor R2 and the capacitor C1 and the breakover voltage of the Sidac SD, and the breakover of the Sidac SD occurs approximately twice each while the potential of the node AC1 is positive. The state is shown in FIG.
[0050]
FIG. 9 is an enlarged waveform diagram showing times t1 to t2 in FIG.
Referring to FIG. 9, the voltage of node N5 and node N6 swings around 0 V that is the ground potential. Further, the potentials of the node N5 and the node N6 are opposite to each other. For this reason, the average voltage of the electrode portion becomes the ground potential, that is, 0 V, and almost the same number of positive ions and negative ions are released into the air in the bathroom by the wind applied to the electrode panel. When positive and negative ions are generated at the same time, hydrogen peroxide H ₂ O ₂ or radicals OH, which are active species, are generated by a chemical reaction during the bonding. Since this H ₂ O ₂ or radical • OH exhibits extremely strong activity, it is possible to remove suspended bacteria in the air.
[0051]
FIG. 10 is an operation waveform diagram for explaining the operation of the ion generator when relay RYB is turned on.
[0052]
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 10, when relay RYB is on, a mode in which many negative ions are generated is set. In this specification, this mode is referred to as a negative ion generation mode. Since the waveforms at nodes AC1, N1, and N2 are the same as those in FIG. 8, description thereof will not be repeated.
[0053]
At time t11, as in the case described with reference to FIG. 8, a breakover occurs in Sidac SD, a current flows in coil L1, and a voltage is generated in secondary coil L2. At nodes N5 and N6, a damped oscillation is generated at a resonance frequency determined by the inductance on the secondary side of the transformer T1 and the capacitance of the electrode.
[0054]
The secondary side of the transformer is boosted, a strong electric field is generated, and a discharge is generated in the electrode panel 56. However, unlike the case of FIG. 8, since the node N5 is coupled to the ground potential via the resistor R1 and the diode D4, if the potential of the node N5 becomes a ground potential, that is, a voltage higher than 0V, the node N5 Current flows to ground. Therefore, the portion exceeding the ground potential of the node N5 in the case shown in FIG. 8 is clamped, and as a result, the DC levels of the nodes N5 and N6 on the secondary side of the transformer become a negative potential during the damped oscillation.
[0055]
FIG. 11 is an operation waveform diagram obtained by enlarging the times t11 to t12 in FIG.
In FIG. 11, when the voltage exceeds 0V, the potential of the node N5 is clamped. For this reason, the DC level that becomes the center of the damped oscillation is a negative potential.
[0056]
For this reason, the average voltage of the discharge electrode becomes negative, and positive ions generated by the discharge are attracted to the electrode. Conversely, negative ions repel the electrodes. Therefore, more negative ions than positive ions are released into the bathroom air by the wind. Therefore, the bathroom is in a state where there are many negative ions, and the human body can be relaxed.
[0057]
FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a study example for explaining the main effect of the present invention.
With reference to FIG. 12, the ion generator 523 in case the resistance R1 in FIG. 4 does not exist is examined. Even in this case, if the relay RYB is turned off, the DC level of the discharge electrode of the electrode panel 56 becomes approximately 0 volts, and approximately the same number of positive ions and negative ions are generated. On the other hand, when the relay RYB is turned on, the DC level of the electrode of the electrode panel 56 becomes a negative potential as in the case described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, and thus more negative ions are generated.
[0058]
FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating a case where the connection to the power source of the study example is reversed.
As shown in FIG. 13, when the node AC2 that should originally be connected to the ground side is connected from the ion generator 523 of the air conditioner to the breaker CB in the switchboard 20, the wiring may be switched and connected. It is done. This is because home AC 100V is often difficult to understand unless attention is paid to which of the two wires is on the voltage side and which is on the ground side.
[0059]
Even if the node AC2 is connected to the voltage side of the AC power supply instead of the ground node, the DC level in FIG. 11 only slightly varies, and negative ions can be generated. This is because the voltage generated between the nodes N5 and N6 in FIG. 4 is as high as several kV, and therefore the DC level in FIG. 11 is sufficiently shifted to a negative potential with respect to 0V.
[0060]
However, if the wiring is switched and connected as shown in FIG. 13, a current path P having a low resistance is formed between the discharge electrode and the housing 70 due to condensation or spraying. As a result, a large leakage current IL flows from the grounded casing 70 to the AC power supply 50 via the node AC2 at the moment when the node AC2 becomes a negative potential with respect to the ground potential.
[0061]
If it does so, a power supply will be interrupted | blocked by the breaker CB and the ion generator 523 will stop operation | movement. For example, even if the ion generator 523 is provided with means for removing dew condensation or splashing by ventilation or heating, it cannot be used if the breaker CB falls.
[0062]
FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing a case where the connection of the ion generator of the present invention to the power source is reversed.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 14, since the resistor R1 is provided in the present invention, the leakage current IL2 can be suppressed even if the node AC1 and the node AC2 are misconnected and connected to the breaker CB. Specifically, the leakage current value can be suppressed to 0.5 mA or less by setting the resistance value of the resistor R1 to 220 kΩ. This value is set to be 0.5 mA or less, which is a half value, since the limit current value that can be sensed when the human body is shocked by an AC voltage of 60 Hz is 1 mA.
[0064]
By doing so, even if the current path P is formed due to condensation or splashing, an excessive current that interrupts the breaker CB does not flow, and a dangerous electric current does not flow to the human body. There is no appreciable electric current flow. Therefore, the operation can be continued without interrupting the operation of the ion generator 23. Thereby, if moisture is removed by ventilation or heating and the current path P disappears, ions can be generated satisfactorily.
[0065]
In addition, in this invention, although the bathroom dryer installed in a bathroom was demonstrated as a specific example of an air conditioner, if it is used in the severe environment where a high humidity environment and a splash apply, it will be used for other air conditioners. Even if it is effective.
[0066]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, ions can be generated without interrupting the operation of the apparatus even by condensation due to high humidity or splashing of water during bathing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the air conditioner of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a state in which the air conditioner is attached to the bathroom.
4 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the ion generator in FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is a plan view of an electrode panel 56 in FIG. 4. FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode panel 56 taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 5;
7 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode panel 56 taken along the line VII-VII in FIG.
FIG. 8 is an operation waveform diagram for explaining the operation of the ion generator when the relay RYB is in an off state.
9 is an enlarged waveform diagram showing times t1 to t2 in FIG.
FIG. 10 is an operation waveform diagram for explaining the operation of the ion generator when the relay RYB is turned on.
11 is an operation waveform diagram obtained by enlarging the times t11 to t12 in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a study example for explaining the main effect of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a case where connection to the power source of the examination example is mistaken;
FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing a case where the connection of the ion generator of the present invention to the power source is reversed.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioner, 4 Main body, 6 Air inlet, 7 Air outlet, 14 Human body sensor, 19 Controller, 20 Switchboard, 23 Ion generator, 25 Fan motor, 30 Ceramic heater, 31 Humidity sensor, 32 Control part, 33 Timer, 48 Heater, 50 AC power supply, 52 Pulse generation circuit, 56 Electrode panel, 58 Monitor circuit, 70 Housing, 110 Dielectric substrate, 113 Discharge electrode, 114 Induction electrode, 115 Protective layer, 116,117 Electrode contact, C1, C2 capacitor , CB breaker, D1-D5 diode, L1-L3 coil, R1-R3 resistance element, RYB relay, SD Sidac, T1 transformer.

Claims (4)

A pulse generation circuit that receives an alternating voltage applied between the first and second power supply input nodes and generates a pulse signal;
The pulse generation circuit includes a first resistance element and a first diode connected in series between the first power supply input node and a first internal node;
A capacitor connected between the first internal node and the second power input node;
A second diode connected between the first internal node and the second power input node;
A third diode and a sideac connected in parallel between the second internal node and the second power input node;
The first diode is connected so that a direction from the first power supply input node toward the first internal node is a forward direction, and the second diode is connected from the second power supply input node to the first power supply node. The third diode is connected so that the direction from the second power input node to the second internal node is the forward direction, and the direction toward the one internal node is the forward direction;
A transformer for generating a voltage between the third and fourth internal nodes in response to a current flowing from the first internal node to the second internal node;
An electrode panel connected between the third and fourth internal nodes to generate ions by discharge;
An ion generator, further comprising: a second resistance element, a fourth diode, and a switch connected in series between the fourth internal node and the second power supply input node. The ion generator according to claim 1, wherein the current limiting unit includes a resistance element connected on the path. The resistive element is a resistance leakage current equivalent to or less 0.5 mA, the ion generating device according to claim 1 or 2. An air conditioner including the ion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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